The reality that spring has crept up on us is enough to get many people thinking about health and wellness. What better time of year to embark on the road to a healthier lifestyle than the season of rebirth?

With so many different avenues on the road to good health, many people often forget the need to find time to de-stress, relax, and spoil yourself in some good quality “me” time. One of the best ways to do this is to venture into a local spa, such as Skin and Bones Spa on Church Street in Little Silver, and indulge in a relaxing massage, facial or reflexology.

Stepping into Skin and Bones Spa, one immediately feels relaxed and comfortable. There is a warm, gentle aura in the air, and the smiling staff is efficient and professional. It is a small, intimate spa where the employees feel more like family than co-workers. Their main priority is to ensure that each person who steps in the door receives personalized attention.

Michelle Rene' Brown, who has been practicing massage since 2003, says she loves working as a massage therapist at Skin and Bones because she has been able to help so many people.

 “It’s all about the client,” Brown said. “When you enter this place, I let you know that this is your massage, and I’m going to customize it to your individual needs. I want you to leave your stress at the door.”

“Leaving their stress at the door” is exactly why many people have been drawn to massage in recent years. Although massage may have earned a reputation as a luxury, it has a surprising amount of advantageous health benefits.

Recent studies have shown that massage is helpful for stress relief, muscle pain, anxiety, and depression.  A study conducted by the University of Miami-School of Medicine Touch Research Institute revealed that massage is also helpful in lowering blood pressure, eliminating migraines, and improving alertness.

This type of relief is why people choose to keep coming back, Brown explained. “I’ve had many clients tell me that our regular massage sessions have helped them manage stress, improve their flexibility and even help keep their weight in check.”

There are a variety of types of massages to choose from as well, making it easy to customize one for individual needs. The most common massage is called a Swedish massage, and it is a relaxing, gentle massage that uses kneading and circular motion all over the body. 

For those with more severe pain or lots of tension, there is deep tissue massage, which is a more targeted massage aimed to hit the deeper layers of muscle and tissue. 

In a hot stone massage, smooth stones are heated and placed at various points on the body to help relax and rejuvenate the muscles.  There is even prenatal massage; a specialized version of massage for those who are expecting.

And what about those who are shy or feel body conscious about disrobing for a massage? Fear not, Brown said.  “We are extremely discreet and hold the client’s comfort level as our biggest priority."

If that’s still not enough to convince you, you could always opt for a fully clothed chair massage, which focus mainly on the neck and shoulders, or reflexology, which uses pressure points on the feet and legs to relieve tension. 

The spa also offers a variety of facials to help overall skin health. Barbara Olsen, a skin specialist at Skin and Bones who has been practicing since 1993, says facials can be customized to anyone’s special needs. “Those with sensitive skin don’t have to worry,” she says, “We can customize the treatment for people with pigmentation problems or chronic problems such as rosacea.”

Facials also help boost self esteem while reducing stress.  Olsen loves that her job lets her help people boost their self image almost instantaneously. “When you leave here, your skin will be glowing,” she says. “It’s impossible not to be smiling.”

To find out about the myriad amount of services that Skin and Bones has to offer, give them a call at 732-530-5030 or visit them on Facebook.