Star Treatment: The Marriage of Figaro

Mozart's famous opera, "The Marriage of Figaro," involves games of seduction and love almost forsaken. Of course, this comedy ends happily with all forgiven, but not without chronicling alluring temptation. The opera inspired Just Calm Down Spa owner Tara Oolie to create The Marriage of Figaro Massage (60 minutes/$155), a treatment that captures love's enveloping nature.

This ode to romance is based on an oil blend that marries the invigorating essence of fig with rich and comforting essence of chocolate. Fig oil works as a mood enhancer to promote an uplifted state of mind, while chocolate oil serves as an antioxidant and contains caffeine to enhance circulation. "As the client's mind and muscles are being rejuvenated, we can do deeper work without them feeling any pain," Oolie says.

Act 1 of Mozart's opera involves discussion of a marriage bed, so Oolie wanted the treatment to incorporate the soothing sensation of a waterbed. A therapist places a series of pillows that hold water across the massage table before each treatment. "You can massage and manipulate them, so they feel like one long pillow," Oolie says. "When you lie on the table, it feels like you're floating on a raft in a warm pool of water."

This treatment is especially appealing during fall and winter months, when clients seek comfort and warmth.

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THE PROTOCOL

1. The therapist uses effleurage to apply the chocolate and fig oil on the client's back.

2. The therapist places moist heat packs on the back and legs.

3. She massages the legs using deep tissue technique.

4. The therapist guides the client through a light hip range of motion and stretches.

5. She replaces the heat packs on the client's legs and begins deep tissue work on the back muscles.

6. The client turns face up, and the therapist repeats the massage technique on the arms and legs.

7. The treatment ends with a therapeutic, light scalp massage.

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