Lifestyles of the Rich and the Famous: Massage

*Good Charlotte

So I got a massage today. It. Was. Amazing. As you would expect, I'm sure. Kara and I weren't ready to stop celebrating our birthdays, so yesterday I made an appointment for a couple's massage, which just means that you get to be in the same room during the experience. This is my second massage (my sister and I had one when I first moved out to Phoenix), but it was Kara's first...she said she'll be back in the not-so-distant future.

We went to Massage Heights in Cary in Crossroads shopping center. It's in the same parking lot as Ruby Tuesday and Footaction. They have a special introductory rate: $39.99 for an hour massage, including a free Aromatherapy elevation. They have several elevations to heighten your experience, including Hot Stone Therapy, a Peppermint Foot Scrub, and a Hot Towel Cold Stone Face Massage.

So we got there and were greeted with soft music and plush chairs, where we filled out our paperwork (specifying any injuries, target areas, etc. that we might have). To our surprise, the lady behind the counter informed us that they were also offering a complimentary Mojito Foot Scrub today and asked did we want one? Of course, we said yes! What do you think?

After a moment, our massage therapists came to get us. We walked down a dimly lit hallway to the couple's room, again discussed our target and sensitive areas, and picked out our aromatherapy oil. I picked the coconut that came with the foot scrub package, and Kara got the lavendar for relaxation. The therapists gave us a brief orientation and left us to "undress to our comfort level" and get under the sheets on the heated tables. It was so comfortable and I just love that face pillow. Kara and I briefly discussed wanting to have one at home before we both fell silent and let the soft piano and guitar mix take over.

The next hour was complete heaven. If you've never had a full-body Swedish massage, you need to get one. And the foot scrub was a great addition. Not only are my muscles all relaxed now, but my skin is so soft.

When we checked out, we were offered a summer membership special (that we are both still considering) and a coupon for an additional massage at the introductory rate. My therapist recommends that I get a massage once a month for the tension in my back, but Kara's told her she needs one once a week for the next three months! Being a cop is stressful business.

Upon leaving, we decided that we needed to do something cultural and zen, so I popped Mozart into my car's cd player and we wandered around Barnes & Noble for a little while. She's already gone back home to Rocky Mount, but I'm sitting here contemplating how I can prolong my zen day. I think I'll go pick up some candles, bath salts, and the ingredients for a "crispy drink." Then I'll read in the bathtub with a mask and perhaps watch an old movie on TCM. You know, you should really try it.

"Breathe. Energize. Relax. Get back to yourself again." -Massage Heights