Aaduri Healing Arts, LLC, Baltimore

Though the West has only recently realized the real benefits of bodywork, skin care and energy work, the team of practitioners at Aaduri Healing Arts have been witnessing them firsthand for years. They're so passionate about these benefits that many of them alter their techniques to suit those for whom traditional massage may be inappropriate, but who often need it the most. Pregnancy and postpartum massages, for instance, relieve the joint pain and muscle tension of childbirth while using belly-safe positions, and sessions for cancer patients and deaf clients call on unique, personalized approaches that help break through any obstacles to relaxation. For traditional clients, the therapists call on a retinue of modalities to ease tension, from classic Swedish massage to specialty techniques such as myofascial release.