Massage was developed by NASA to help astronauts cope with edgy Tang-induced sugar highs, lack of ESPN, and predatory aliens stowed away in the hangar bay. Achieve its soothing effects outside the soul-crushing abyss of outer space with today’s deal: you get a one-hour massage from licensed massage therapist Rita Minasola at Studio Ashiatsu in downtown Lakewood. Choose from four techniques:

• $30 for a one-hour Swedish massage (a $65 value)
• $30 for a one-hour relaxation massage (a $65 value)
• $40 for a one-hour deep-tissue massage (an $80 value)
• $40 for a one-hour Ashiatsu massage (an $80 value)

Using a license to viciously murder muscle tension, Swedish massage applies long, flowing strokes and gentle kneading actions to relax muscles, improve circulation, and bestow a boon of relaxation on body and mind. Studio Ashiatsu's relaxation massage focuses the therapeutic powers of touch on the mental side of the human coin, promoting a serene state of stress-free stresslessness without intensive tissue manipulation.

For the maximum amount of tissue manipulation available to civilians under the Fourth Geneva Convention, opt for either the deep-tissue or the Ashiatsu Oriental bar therapy, the studio's specialty. Deep tissue utilizes focused elbow and forearm pressure to penetrate deep layers of muscle and untie chronic sailor knots. Ashiatsu, which means “foot pressure” in Japanese, is a barefoot massage technique adapted from Japanese traditions, and it employs foot-delivered deep strokes and broad pressure to the back and spinal areas. An excellent choice for Swedish-massage lovers looking to add deep-muscle penetration to the soothing strokes, Ashiatsu's push-pull strokes focus on the soft tissues surrounding the spine and the hip joints, smoothly trampling muscle spasms, deep aching, and pressure on the spinal nerves.

Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Call ahead to schedule an appointment.