Therapies 5 - 11
Reiki
What it's for: Relieving stress, reducing pain and enhancing general well-being by channelling universal life energy into your body
What happens: Hands are placed on or held above the (fully clothed) body for several minutes in each place
You'll feel: Relaxed; emotionally calmed
Cost: $50 to $75 for 45 to 60 minutes
Thai (Nuad Bo-Rarn)
What it's for: Newly discovered in the West but more than 2,500 years old in its homeland, it improves the movement range of the body
What happens: Dressed in loose clothing, your body is gently rocked into various easy postures; some pressure-point therapy is included
You'll feel: A workoutlike stretch; invigoration and calm
Cost: 100 to $300 for 90 minutes to three hours
Cranio-sacral
What it's for: Boosts the immune system; helps with migraine, emotional disturbances and neck and back injuries
What happens: Gentle pressure applied to skull and vertebrae (while clothed) to release fluid blockages
You'll feel: Relaxed -- you may fall asleep -- or emotionally released and talkative
Cost: $35 to $65 for 30 to 60 minutes
Watsu
What it's for: Similar benefits as Shiatsu, with additional muscle relaxation and movement range
What happens: Rhythmic stretching; pressure and massage administered in a pool
You'll feel: Extremely relaxed and emotional -- some people say the experience is "trippy"
Cost: $85 to $150 for 60 to 75 minutes
Trigger point
What it's for: Therapeutic relief for chronic pain or muscle cramps, including jaw, neck, hip and back problems
What happens: Tense seven to 10 seconds of pressure on spots where tension is stored; cold packs and sprays may be used
You'll feel: Pressure will hurt, but the pain relief is usually immediate
Cost: $50 to $80 for 45 to 90 minutes
Deep tissue
What it's for: Release of emotions and traumas; physical release of toxins; targeting of a specific muscle condition
What happens: Thorough version of therapeutic Swedish massage with firm strokes
You'll feel: Sore and emotionally drained but also healed
Cost: $50 to $80 for 45 to 90 minutes
Chair
What it's for: Short relaxation break from ordinary routine; often given at the office by a travelling therapist
What happens: Massage of neck, head, back and shoulders while sitting in a special supportive chair
You'll feel: Your stress and anxiety melting away
Cost: $20 to $40 for 15 to 30 minutes
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