Escape to a Spa

Parenthood is the toughest job one could ever love and occasionally mothers need to be able to have a moment to themselves. It's not hard to imagine that in the course of the week—or day, even—mothers have plenty of “Calgon, take me away” moments.

What better way for some relaxation than getting a massage? Maybe a mom can ask her spouse or significant other to massage away some of the stress that builds up inside her, but she could also make an appointment for one at .

In an advertisement for Euodia featured in one of the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce’s Community Link issues, the words “Revive,” “Renew” and “Relax” are used. Sounds like the perfect way for a mother to spend her time without the children; so this week's great escape is to the spa.

Euodia Salon & Day Spa has been around for two years and offers a variety of services including hair, makeup, manicures/pedicures and massages.

Leland Raymond, the general manager of Euodia, said that the frequency of massages a person should have depends on the individual, but he recommends once a month.

For the mother who can only take a moment away for herself, Euodia offers what they call the Power Massage, a 25-minute massage that costs $35.

“It’s just a shorter massage where we focus on the back, neck and shoulders, where most people carry the majority of their stress. It’s nice for a quick pick-me-up,” said Raymond. “For the client who needs more work or are looking for full relaxation, I would recommend one of the full-length services.”

One such service is the Swedish Relaxation Massage. For 55 minutes, the cost of the massage is $80; for 85 minutes, it is $110. Raymond explains that this would be a nice massage for mothers because it releases the tensions in the muscles, but uses a longer, more fluid stroke so it is a more relaxing experience, as opposed to a deep tissue massage, generally used to work knots out.

He does recommend the Deep Tissue Massage for the mothers who are really physically active. For a 30-minute massage, the cost is $55; for 50 minutes, the cost is $85.

“Both the Swedish and Deep Tissue, more so the Deep Tissue, really gets into the lymphatic system and drains that system so it can flush the toxins out of your body,” he said. “The toxins build up, especially when you are stressed. When those toxins build up, it affects your hair, your skin, your energy–all the things that are important to a busy mom.”

Another massage Euodia offers is the Hot Stone Massage and is priced the same as the Swedish Massage.

“It’s a very lovely experience, very relaxing, very centering,” said Raymond, explaining that it helps re-align the chakras, or energy centers in the body.

“When you’re feeling out of balance in your life in whatever way – that may be financial or business or family or organization, whatever that may be—a lot of the times, it’s a matter of your chakras kind of being imbalanced or clogged,” he said.

As Euodia’s Web site describes, warm stones are used to “release tension from your muscles.”

Incidentally, there is a massage offered for mothers-to-be that Raymond said is very good for the mother's system and for the baby. He explained that expectant mothers need to be very careful about getting a massage and should wait until after the first trimester is complete before coming in for a massage.

“We do require a doctor’s note approving this–most doctors are (supportive), unless there’s some challenge with the pregnancy. But it’s a very peaceful and nurturing massage to help relieve the discomfort,” Raymond said.

A 50-minute Motherhood Massage costs $70. For 80 minutes, it costs $90.

For a limited time, Euodia is offering $20 off massages in its Serene Spa for first-time clients.

Euodia Salon & Day Spa is at 142 W. Los Angeles Ave. To make an appointment or for more information, call 805-530-3871 or visit the Web site.