A Little Bit of Paradise: Sundance Therapies

At the ripe old age of 40-something, I am running out of “firsts” in my life. These days my “firsts” are reserved for my three children — ages 5, 7 and 9. However, when I was presented with an offer of a free massage, I couldn't refuse!

I’ve never had a massage. Those who know me wouldn't be surprised.  I rarely sit still; some would call my hyperactive. I'm also very cheap; I like to call it frugality.

So, faced with the prospect of free massage, combined with the fact that it would be a work assignment, I couldn't say no, or could I? 

Ironically, I didn’t want to say yes. A massage never really appealed to me. I couldn’t imagine going somewhere for an hour and doing nothing. Add to that the fact that I don’t want a stranger, or even a friend, rubbing my body, it was actually harder to say yes then some would think.

So it was with some trepidation that I agreed. However, I did enjoy bragging to my husband about my “job." Also, it was nice to have an excuse to stick him with the kids ... “Honey, I have to go to work.”

When I entered , a yoga and pilates studio with a full offering of massages, I was transported to a different time and place, a time when I had time, and a place where I would go just for me. 

For those who have never had a massage, let me clue you in: You don’t have to take off all your clothes. I was relieved not to find those little hand-towels you see in the movies. Instead, the bed had a full set of sheets and blankets for me to cozy under. On a practical note, I wouldn’t wear nice clothes, because you will be covered with oil when it is over and, remember, there were no hand towels.

That bed was so comfortable that I could have fallen asleep before  massage therapist Karen Cordeiro even came in the room. When she returned, she asked, “How are you feeling?” The last time someone asked me that I was in the delivery room birthing my son. Come to think of it, that was the last time I laid down!

The massage itself was very relaxing. If you are like me and you don’t relish the idea of a stranger massaging your body, rest assured, it was more clinical than intimate. The massage was extremely enjoyable and I left the Sundance Salon a more relaxed, centered woman. Maybe a little too relaxed; good thing my husband was home to feed the kids.

Sundance has five different massage treatment rooms, including one room that accommodates two tables, perfect for couples massage. In addition to aromatheraphy massage, Sundance offers crania-sacral massage, hot-stone massage (better in winter), reflexology, Reiki and specialized massages for the elderly, pregnant women and those with cancer.