At-home spa treatments

AT-HOME SPA

While not everyone can afford to treat themselves to a day at the spa, there are some things you can do at home to pamper yourself. Here are some suggestions:

Soak in a hot bath. Light candles or use aromatherapy to help set the mood and ease you into relaxation.

Give yourself a facial. Spa products, and plenty of discount-store offerings, make it easy to do. First, remove your makeup and gently cleanse your face using some soft brushes or sponges. Apply an exfoliating mask or peel, then finish with moisturizer. Wrapping your face and neck in a warm towel also will make you feel relaxed.

Ask a spouse to give you a massage. Some simple massage techniques, like neck rubs or foot massages, can be done at home.

Massage therapy has long been touted for its health benefits, but before you sign up for an appointment, ensure that the massage therapist is licensed.

Here's a list of area locations that offer massage:Caring Touch Center, 243-9933

Don Miles offers a variety of standard Swedish massage and myofascial release. He is available for appointments at the Conscious Healing Institute in Cape Girardeau, 106 S. Farrar, Suite 101, from noon to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday. Limited Saturday appointments are available. Classic Design/Kabelle, 334-2906

Massage therapists are available after 5:30 p.m. weekdays and all day on Saturdays. Swedish and deep tissue massage is available. Elan Day Spa, 334-4700

Varieties include Swedish, back, neck and shoulder massage, aromatherapy, sports massage, prenatal massage, seated chair massage and stone therapy.Eugene's Total Care Salon and Spa, 334-3893

The salon offers therapeutic and relaxation massage. Therapists are available from 8 a.m. 9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday. Therapist is available on call from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Karing Touch, 450-4144 or 204-1300

Karen Kibby offers a variety of massage options, from Swedish to aromatherapy and prenatal, as well as hot-stone massages. She also offers half-hour hand and foot massage. "After you do massage for a while, you can incorporate different techniques," she said.

She also offers facials. Call for appointment times, usually scheduled Tuesday through Saturday. Chiropractic Associates, 243-8164

Tina Menard offers neuro-muscular massage, which is a scientific approach to massage that relieves the muscle tension and then relaxes the nerves. She also does Russian massage. She is available for appointments on Tuesday in Jackson and Monday and Wednesday in Cape Girardeau. Massage therapists for relaxation are available five days a week.Monarch Center, 334-8329

Vickie Parker-Thomas operated the center, where she offers deep tissue and Swedish massage sessions in half-hour increments up to 90-minute sessions. She also offers spa treatments and facials and is in the process of adding spa room that would allow her to add wraps and spa glow treatments.Universal Health and Fitness Center, 335-3355

Therapists' schedules vary. Call the center for information or to schedule appointments.

-- From staff reports