Human touch can be a powerful catalyst for producing reactions.

When touch takes the form of therapeutic massage, really good things can start to happen - and we're not just talking about physical pleasure.

There are many medically-proven head-to-toe health benefits from massage.
• Promotes relaxation and decreases stress
• Fosters better sleep, concentration and healing
• Relieves pain
• Improves circulation and lymph flow
• Increases energy and flexibility

Fortunately, therapeutic massage is offered at numerous SCV spas and salons - each with its own signature milieu and pampering style. You're sure to find your comfort zone among this set.

European Ambience
Amid lush European ambience, Infinity MedSpa (259-8100) offers a tempting variety of relaxation, deep tissue, sports massage, pregnancy, shiatsu, reflexology and hot stone techniques.

"Our massage therapists are noted experts in their field and have extensive experience in both relaxation techniques as well as in advanced medical massage techniques," says Infinity MedSpa owner Tim Malan.

Infinity specializes in giving clients custom massage experiences and blends techniques to effectively treat each individual, Malan noted.

"We also offer a unique massage membership program that saves our clients a lot of money," he stated. "For $55 per month, you can have a one-hour massage every month! This is a savings of $30... and you can cancel at any time."

Another Infinity massage program bonus: members receive discounts on products, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and laser treatments.

"Whether you're looking to go on a one-hour mini-vacation or you have chronic pain, our massage therapists are here to help," Malan said.

Award-winning Rub
Karen Maleck-Whiteley, who co-owns Balance Point Spa (252-0650) with her husband Brian Whiteley (an esteemed licensed massage therapist) hails Balance Point as offering the very best in massage and other spa and alternative therapies.

"MASSAGE promotes healthy skin, increases circulation, reduces anxiety and fatigue, removes toxins within muscles, reconnects mind, body, and spirit, and stimulates a more positive self-image."

"Each client receives a customized massage generally based on Swedish massage, but including deeper work where needed, and sometimes stretching," said Maleck-Whiteley, a certified hypnotherapist, coach, speaker and author.

She proudly adds: "We were recently voted best Swedish, shiatsu, therapeutic, pregnancy, and stone massage in SCV, in The Signal reader's poll. I was also voted 'Best Hypnotherapy.'"

Maleck-Whitely also informs readers that the greatest benefits of massage are achieved when you receive massage on a regular basis - and from a therapist whose methods work for you.

"You may try out several excellent therapists in order to find the one that is best for you," she advises. "If one is not for you, simply try another. You deserve the benefits massage brings to your life."

Massage Envy
Featured on Best Deals L.A., and with more than 40 massage therapists "on hand," Massage Envy (259-0878) offers all types of massage, including Swedish, deep tissue, sports, reflexology, pre-natal and hot stone.

"With over 800 locations nationwide, Massage Envy is the leader in providing therapeutic massage," says SCV Massage Envy owner Erika Rice.

Massage Envy also offers a wellness program, Rice said.

"This affords our clients unlimited massages at the reduced rate of only $49, which is a 50 percent savings," she stated. "Our clients love to come in and get pampered on a regular basis. Many have told us it is the highlight of their week and refer their friends and family."

Massage Envy conscientiously stands by its motto of "convenient, professional and affordable," Rice emphasized.

Luxe Retreat
A luxurious retreat, Novilo provides a wide range of hair and spa services. Its nurturing massage treatments include Swedish, life stone therapy, deep tissue/sports massage, pregnancy and reflexology.

Nona Postchy, who co-owns Novilo Salon and Spa (253-2233) with Niloo Amanat, recommends massage for improving total wellbeing.

"Massage promotes healthy skin, increases circulation, reduces anxiety and fatigue, removes toxins within muscles, reconnects mind, body, and spirit, and stimulates a more positive self-image," Postchy said.

Novilo's customer satisfaction focus includes providing au courant indulgence and quality services at savings-savvy prices, she adds.

"Besides our current ad, our specials include Novilo's signature one-hour massage for $65, which has a regular price of $80, and that runs only through October," Postchy said.

Your Feet will Thank You
As its name suggests, Bellagio (260-3759 or 260-3889) offers an opulence of quality services, including Swedish, deep tissue and foot massage.

With competitive prices and guaranteed workmanship, Bellagio's current foot massage special is 30 minutes for only $20 - that's a half-hour of podiatric nirvana! (Did you know that foot massage is an excellent means for de-stressing and comes with far less calories and wear on the liver than a glass of wine? It can even help with decreasing stress, nausea, fatigue, pain and blood pressure!)

Salon and spa co-owner Hoa Vo invites massage-minded community members to come have their tootsies treated.

"We at Bellagio strive to do the very best job and welcome everyone to try our services," Hoa Vo said.

While massage has been practiced for thousands of years, its true value has become far more popular in recent times. This boom is due to Baby Boomers who have passionately embraced the now-known health and relaxation benefits of massage.

Judging by the high traffic in and out of our valley's therapeutic massage salons, it's evident that Boomers have been passing that information on to their progeny.

(Memo to SCV families: The holidays are coming! Wouldn't you like to find a gift certificate for a marvelous massage in your stocking?)

Which Massage is Right for You?
Chair Massage: Done while you're seated and fully clothed. Usually involves a relaxing massage of neck, shoulders, back, arms and hands.

Custom Massage: Client chooses the style(s), amount of pressure and area to be worked on.

Pregnancy: Massage that can promote relaxation and help with body changes and aches/pains associated with pregnancy.

Reflexology: Ancient technique of using thumbs and fingers on reflexes in the hands and feet which correspond to organs, glands and all body parts. Done to relieve stress and muscle tension, unblock energy pathways, promote healing, health and concentration, etc.

Reiki: Japanese method of working with "life-force energy" through practitioner's hands being applied on or near the client's body. Believed to produce energy, stress-reduction, relaxation and healing.

Relaxation: A classic, energizing European massage; stimulates circulatory and nervous systems, eases muscle tension, increases flexibility and relaxation.

Shiatsu: Meaning "finger pressure" in Japanese, it uses varied, rhythmic pressure on certain precise (acupressure) points of the body to improve flow of the body's vital energy, called "chi."

Swedish: Most common massage mode, this relieves muscle tension and offers pain relief through soft, long, kneading strokes, and light, rhythmic, tapping strokes on top of muscles.

Sports Massage: Primarily for athletes in training or post-event/maintenance. Focuses on muscles relevant to particular athletic activity. Encourages relaxation, increases flexibility and helps heal strains.

Therapeutic (deep tissue): Uses vigorous massage strokes to warm and relax muscles. Concentrated pressure is applied to specific areas to relieve physical stress. Great after a workout or for injuries or conditions causing discomfort or restriction.

Warm/Hot Stone Therapy: Uses heated (smooth) river stones that are placed over certain areas of the body. The stones may be used as massage tools or for promoting relaxation and comfort.