The holidays are history. Winter`s gloomy grip is taking its toll on your energy and image. It`s time to escape the blahs and fill a prescription for some revitalizing pampering.
Step 1: Call your best friend (or friends) and invite her (them) over for a Saturday afternoon of rejuvenation. Step 2: Call a massage therapist to provide a professional`s skilled touch to your ministering mission.
House calls
Massage therapists in many areas make house calls, and that may be just about the best news your aching body could get. To find a practitioner, contact the American Association of Massage Therapy (312-761-2682), which certifies therapists. Or, consult area health clubs, spas, hospitals or even your doctor to find a qualified therapist.
Your search is likely to yield someone like Diane Urbanski, director of the professional clinic at the Chicago School of Massage Therapy
(312-477-9444). Urbanski loves house calls. ”When I`m invited to do a small group in someone`s home, I have a great time too, especially when there are first-timers I can introduce to massage,” she says.
If you round up some pals-four, including yourself-Urbanski can give each of you a half-hour massage covering the face, head, neck and back for $25 each. (The association estimates that costs nationwide range from $50 to $100 per hour. But many traveling therapists often will discount their fees for group bookings.)
Three techniques
Urbanski, who brings her own table and other supplies, uses three types of massage-Swedish, neuro-muscular therapy and the Reiki technique. The Swedish style is what most people envision when they think of massage, and what many of us try to to with the sweeping, rubbing motions that seem to come naturally when we`re called upon for a back rub. Relaxation is the goal: The second technique, neuro-muscular massage, works toward that end, too. It targets the areas where the muscles connnect with the bones because if you get those points to relax, the rest of the muscle relaxes more easily, Urbanski says.
She describes the Reiki technique as a kind of strategic laying-on of hands. For example, she will place her whole hand, with no pressure or motion, across the eyebrows, then the cheeks, neck and shoulders. ”Most people are asleep after five minutes of that,” she says.
She says the combination of massage techniques are relaxing, nourishing and therapeutic to body and mind. The massaging literally works out your body`s kinks, while the overall experience of having someone focus on your needs can enhance your feeling of well-being.
And since you`re on a sybaritic roll, why not plan for a few other pampering perks?
One option is a special bath. A half-cup of powdered milk in a tubful of warm water is an age-old skin softener, or you could try an appealing and moisturizing herbal oil, or botanical preparation from a specialty store such as Crabtree & Evelyn, the Body Shop or H20 Plus. A loofah, bath pillow, plenty of fluffy towels, a scented candle tubside and a book complete the soothing scenario.
A treat for feet
If a full soak doesn`t suit you, how about treating your feet to a bath in warm, sudsy water. Afterward, slather on a moisturizer, such as the Body Shop`s Peppermint Foot Lotion.
Now could also be a good time to tend to your hair. Apply a moisturing hair mask to deep-condition. One home preparation to try: a beaten egg white blended with a half cup of plain yogurt. Pat on just-washed hair, and rinse after 10 minutes.
Don`t neglect your face. How about a deep-cleansing and moisturizing steam? Have friends bring their own home recipes and ingredients. Or opt for a prepared formulation, such as Scarborough & Co.`s Facial Sauna Herbs, to provide an aromatic way to stimulate your skin. Boil water and place in a large bowl. Stir in herbs and keep face about 10 inches from the water`s surface while you inhale the scent and let the steam moisten your skin. For maximum benefits, drape a towl over your head and the bowl to trap more steam. Mellow mood
Throughout the afternoon, don`t forget to keep the mood mellow with soothing music, and have on hand plenty of healthy snacks and refreshing beverages-mineral water with citrus slices is a good choice.
What will you gain from your afternoon of pampering? Overall, you and your body will feel better-fortified to face the remainder of winter.
Urbanski says that the massage also can help you tune in to your body.
”I see people begin to develop an awareness of what`s happening inside their bodies,” she says, which is the first step in improving their ability to fully relax.
Where to buy
Natori bathrobe, $120, Cuddl Duds camisole, $21.99, and floral leggings, $21.99, and Charles Goodnight floral boxers, $14, all from Lord & Taylor. Ralph Lauren chambray shirt, $70, from Marshall Field`s. Towels from Marshall Field`s, Sassparell, 900 N. Michigan Ave., Private Lives, and Bloomingdale`s. Bath, skin and beauty products from the Body Shop, H2o Plus, Elements, 738 N. Wells St., and Crabtree & Evelyn. flowers from The Secret Garden, 915 W. Belmont Ave.
