Sozo Massage Works, Carmel

As the mastermind behind Sozo Massage Works, licensed massage therapist Ric Harvey blends Swedish, deep-tissue, and sports massage techniques to create a modality all his own. This specialty modality, tweaked and perfected across more than a decade of bodywork, targets the sources of stress and discomfort with the aim of improving overall health.

Despite its name, massages aren’t all that Sozo Massage Works is known for. The studio’s spa treatments include mud and seaweed wraps, both of which reintroduce skin to the healing elements of nature. Similarly, hot stones can help melt away tension during a massage, and Harvey can awaken seldom-used muscles by chirping at them in soothing bird song.