Massage draws on diverse traditions from around the world and a universal desire to receive a pat on the back. Feel rewarded with today’s Groupon: for $55, you get a 90-minute Bua Thai Wellness massage at Bua Thai Wellness Center in San Mateo (a $110 value).

The massage therapists at Bua Thai Wellness Center realign bodies while banishing tension with a combination of traditional Thai and therapeutic massage techniques. During 90-minute sessions, fully clothed clients recline on a large, cushioned floor mat as the therapist enlists traditional Thai massage’s rhythmic, yoga-like stretches to lengthen and loosen muscles. Experienced fingers also dole out therapeutic massage techniques while kneading feet, legs, and hips before soothing soreness in backs and shoulders. As clients’ cares wind away, therapists may use hands, elbows, feet, and knees to release bodies’ tension or to take their rock-paper-scissors games up a notch.

Gold curtains flank the soft mats on which clients drift into deep relaxation. In the common areas, wall hangings and paintings deck gold walls as a reclining statue nods and listens idly to patrons’ chitchat.

Though Bua Thai Wellness Center sometimes offers a discounted rate, today's Groupon still offers the best available discount.