Apr 15, 2008 12:06 am US/Eastern
Spa's Unique Massages Please The Body & Mind
MIAMI BEACH (CBS4) ―
Ancient traditions and new age philosophies are colliding at a South Florida spa.
Whether you need to relax your muscles or your mind a pair of new unique massages being offered at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel on South Beach may be just the thing you are looking for.
On a recent trip to the Ritz-Carlton Spa on South Beach, Stacey Edwards said she's ready to relax and willing to let someone walk all over her.
Edwards has selected the spa's ashiatsu massage, which offers a fresh take on ancient Asian barefoot massage that's been around for hundreds of years.
The massage therapist uses her weight while hanging from bamboo wood bars to work out tension in the back.
"It's good for lower back pain, it's good for, we have a lot with stiff necks," said massage therapist Diaylis Gonzalez.
The treatment is also good for stretching, improved circulation and relaxation from toes to fingertips.
"You get to experience something new, but old at the same time," said Gonzalez.
"The shiastsu massage was very unique, it was very relaxing. It sort of took over completely. It wasn't just where you normally get massages," said Edwards.
Those looking for a unique experience inspired by the heavens above may want to try out the spa's astro balance massage.
"The first thing we'll need is your birth date," said Jeff Erik Wallace, massage therapist
This therapy is designed around your astrological sign and its corresponding element.
"That's a good place to start to reinforce the element you were born with, a way of kind of connecting with your essential nature," said Wallace.
Spa customers are given the choice of going with their element - fire, water, earth or air - or they can choose an opposite element to bring balance in your life.
"I'll be using orange oil during this massage, which is warming, relates to the fire element," said Wallace.
Each sign rules a different part of the body. Edwards, a fire sign, sees some coincidences.
"Right when I told him what my sign was, which is a Leo, he mentioned that was a fire sign, and that was focused on the spine, and considering that's where all my problems are, that was funny to hear," said Edwards.
Regardless of whether spa patrons are in the mood for something old or something new, Edwards said they'll definitely leave relaxed.
"Overall it created a personal experience for me, it wasn't just a standard Swedish massage it was something that was unique to my problems," said Edwards.
Both the aashiatsu massage, which is about 75 minutes long, and the astro balance massage, which takes about 80 minutes, cost around $200 per session.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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