Ahhhhh..... Last week, I took advantage of a free babysitter and scheduled a massage and mini-facial at Ergo Aveda Salon & Spa in Northfield. it was a chakra balancing massage - where you pick an aromatherapy oil that relates to one of the 8 chakras. I picked living with intention, which smells like balsam and fir and eucalyptus.

It was lovely.

But more than just a frivolous leisure activity, massage is something I am learning to think about differently. It's becoming part of my exercise plan, my monthly routine, my physical therapy.

Serious runners know massage is sometimes the only way to unkink muscles. Yogis know it's an important part of their practice. For me, it's an important way to relax the muscles where I hold all my tension and stress (shoulders).

Then the facial. I'm reaching that certain age where a skin care regimen becomes important. I've never been one to give much thought to skincare: put on some moisturizer with sunscreen, and I'm good to go.

I've written about the dangers of phthalates and other chemicals in your skincare products: your skin is your largest organ and it absorbs everything you put on it. Aveda products are the original all-natural but effective skincare line. Ergo Aveda Spa follows that philosophy.


Do you get regular facials and/or massages?