Massage in West Hartford

The trained technicians at West Hartford Pain & Wellness Center help patients slim down and combat cellulite with a variety of treatments. They take advantage of technology such as the Lapex 2000 LipoLaser, which is designed to rid bodies of subdermal stores of glycerol, water, and toxins. Newly smooth-skinned patrons walk from treatment rooms after body-contouring wraps, which may also shrink circumferences. Chatter drifts from rooms where nutritional counselors discuss rules for a healthy diet low in saturated fats and unstated rules at plastic-fruit museums. Following all treatments, weight-loss professionals work closely with each client to design a custom weight-loss program with meal plans, workouts, and supplements based on body type and hormonal imbalances.

At Elements, you don't need spelunking gear and bat repellant to be considered a "caver." The staff applies the term to those who regularly visit its artificial salt cave—a grotto lined with pink Himalayan salt and lounge chairs. The salt dispenses particles into the air that potentially soothe the skin and combat respiratory ailments, such as congestion and asthma. And, by mimicking a natural cave, the room falls in line with the spa's eco-friendly motif. This focus on the environment pervades all of their treatments, paying homage to the elements of earth, water, wood, metal, and fire.

A wet room, complete with a vichy shower and soaking tub, best embody the "water" aspect, whereas skin and massage services incorporate the remainder of the elements. Aestheticians light up complexions with products from Naturopathica Holistic Skin Care, applying extracts of alpine willow, rosemary, and chamomile to fight the signs of acne and rosacea. Massage therapists, meanwhile, customize their kneads to the unique aches of each client. They might untie muscular knots with help from Mexican beach stones, or conduct an ashiatsu massage with their bare feet, the best tools for conducting deep-tissue work behind jackhammers set to "gentle."

You won't find fluffy robes or soft slippers at A Matter of Touch. That's because founder C.J. Johnson is more concerned with effectively relieving pain and muscle tension than with creating a spa ambience. A licensed massage therapist, Johnson consults with clients to discuss their individual needs before setting to work with deep-tissue kneads or soothing Swedish strokes. In addition to dissipating pain, the customized treatments can improve circulation and relieve anxiety.

As someone who has always been in touch with the intangible elements of health, Tara Cornish is well suited to a career in reflexology and energy. She brings that gestalt mindset to bear when kneading pressure points on the hands and feet in an effort to address depression and anxiety or bolster the function of individual organs. Training in reiki, a form of gentle-touch therapy, prepares her to combat a range of maladies by channeling energy said by practitioners to run through the body and universe. Tara also serves as a doula, or labor helper, to expectant mothers, coaching them through the birthing process and explaining why every baby has to be named Cranston.

Vera Reed, a licensed massage therapist, is the wellness equivalent of a one-stop shop. In addition to mastering shiatsu, lymphatic drainage, energy balancing, reflexology, and other techniques over the past decade, she’s dived into dietary and herbal studies. This makes it possible for her to provide holistic treatments for the whole body, rather than just one system or two really small toes.

In addition to caring for her patients with organic products, Vera and the staff of Body Nutrients also take care of the planet. Their efforts have resulted in the offset of nearly 2,000,000 pounds of CO2, over 16,000 pounds of waste kept from landfills, and the planting of over 1,000 trees.

Apricot Blossom Therapeutic Massage’s licensed, experienced therapist melds soothing scents with muscle-mollifying techniques, specializing in the profundity of deep-tissue massage. During each one-hour session, guests are wafted into clouds of fragrant bliss as muscular tension is tamed with long, therapeutic strokes, essential-oil blends, and reverse psychology. The studio’s atmosphere remains peaceful and centering and adheres to aesthetically pleasing style.