Known as the unofficial capital of Silicon Valley, San Jose has no shortage of high-tech, highly-competitive jobs. So it’s pretty surprising that the city landed on CNN Money’s list of the [“10 Least Stressed Out Cities”](http://money.cnn.com/gallery/pf/2014/06/25/least-stressed-out-cities/9.html). The publication credited factors such as good pay and good weather for the zen-like state of the city, but we think at least some credit should go to the San Jose massage therapists dutifully kneading away the cares of the dot-com generation.

1. Orchid Bloom Spa

Downtown

A trip to Orchid Bloom Spa is a bit like an ultra-relaxing trip around the globe. Staff reach for organic products from Hungary and Thailand for use during treatments, which include everything from a Balinese massage with rosemary steam to an herbal-infused Thai massage. The complimentary strawberry beverages keep the vacation-like vibe going.

2. Roman Paradigm Massage & Therapy

Central San Jose

Raindrop therapy. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. Cross-fiber friction. As a client, it’s hard to understand what all these terms mean. That’s why the team at Roman Paradigm Massage & Therapy describes treatments in terms of intent, rather than technique. Services includes stress-reducing relaxation massages, along with sports-therapy massages for athletes or those suffering from injuries.

3. Astounding Massage Management

Central San Jose

Astounding Massage Management’s treatments are less about pampering and more about helping bodies heal. Myofascial-release, deep-tissue, and trigger-point therapy are just a few of the techniques therapists use to relieve pain and discomfort stemming from conditions that include shoulder impingements, carpal tunnel, and scoliosis.

4. TrioSpa

Central San Jose

Here, rich wood accents and soft lighting help clients relax even before their massage has begun. Staff members not only employ classic bodywork techniques, but less common methods, such as shiatsu, trigger point, and craniosacral therapy. And, for those who can’t make it in, they’ll even travel to clients to deliver prenatal and reflexology massages, among other services.

5. Day Dreams Massage Therapy

Shasta Hanchette Park

Soft music, warming blankets, and hypo-allergenic massage creams are just a few of the touches that make a massage at Day Dreams so enjoyable. But it’s the therapists who truly make for an unforgettable experience: each boasts at least 15 years of experience and draws on a variety of techniques, including deep-tissue, Swedish, and hot stone massage.

6. Black Tigers Day Spa

Edge

There are only a few massages at the menu at this candle-lit day spa, but really, one is all you need. The signature body massage combines styles such as Swedish, lomi-lomi, ashiatsu, and Thai massage into one indulgent experience designed to energize the body and melt tension.

7. Back N Balance

Blossom Valley

Tuina, a form of ancient Chinese massage therapy that reduces pain and stress, is one of Back N Balance’s specialities. But those who spend all day on their feet may be drawn to its other specialty: reflexology. Clients choose from a dozen foot-massage stations, where practitioners get to work kneading reflex points on the feet to help relieve tension and pain throughout the body.

8. The Bodywell

Cory

Trying to schedule a massage around a busy work schedule can be stressful–which sort of defeats the purpose of scheduling it to begin with. To help make the process easier, The Bodywell offers nighttime and weekend appointments for busy-types. Once there, they can enjoy Swedish massages mde extra-indulgent by the addition of hot towels and lavender massage cream, or really treat themselves with an intense four-handed massage.

9. Heartfelt Massage Therapy

San Jose

When it comes to pre- and post-natal massage, Michelle Yiu didn’t write the book—but she was trained by the person who did. A notable prenatal massage author taught the certified massage therapist everything she knows, which she now uses to bring relief to new and expecting moms. Not expecting? She also offers relaxation massages and hot stone treatments.