by Grace Wilson
When you’re on a limited budget and can only afford one spa treatment, how do you choose? Nobody wants to waste money on expensive spa services they didn’t enjoy, least of all those with modest incomes.

Well, unless you’re someone who loves all kinds of touch and is never disappointed no matter what the spa service (consider yourself lucky if you are), it’s going to depend. Each of us is a completely different person from week-to-week with ever-changing wants, needs and moods. To have the best spa experience you need to understand your present state of being. Just because you enjoyed the bone-crushing deep-tissue massage you had last time doesn’t mean it’s going to suit your fancy on your next visit. You have to be clear about where you are to know what is going to best satisfy your needs.

Start by asking yourself two questions:

How do I feel physically? (Some possible answers: achy, sore, tired, vibrant, energetic, lethargic, exhausted, drained, wired, over-caffeinated, drowsy, tight, flexible, etc.)

How do I feel emotionally? (More possible answers: happy, excited, nervous, anxious, worried, weepy, needy, scared, tense, calm, intense, angry, irritated, elated, frisky, lucid, cloudy, muddled, mischievous, silly, sarcastic, etc.)

Mind and Body

Mind/body, mind/body, mind/body … you have to consider them both. If I were to focus solely on my physical state when booking an appointment (perhaps an achy/sore body from an over-zealous workout), I might instinctively lean toward something deep and clinical in nature. But by not considering that I was also feeling nervous and worried about an upcoming event, I’d be setting myself up for a treatment that I couldn’t enjoy because it wouldn’t be addressing my emotional needs. I’d feel uncomfortable, my therapist would feel uncomfortable, and to top it off I’d be upset that I wasted my time and money on something that did not serve me.

Once you figure yourself out, the selection process is much easier. Use your intuition. Ask yourself, “What would feel really good right now?” and then browse through this list of some of the most common spa treatments. Any one of them can make you feel fabulous under the right circumstances:

• Facials
• Pedicures/manicures/scalp treatments
• Swedish/Esalen massage
• Thai massage
• Deep tissue/myofascial release
• Energy work
• Body scrubs and wraps

Now take a look at the following statements. Do you resonate with any of them? If so, you might like to follow my personal recommendations for treatments that will satisfy your state of being and keep your budget in check:

I just want a little love, a little compassion, some tenderness.
If you feel like you definitely want muscle work, go for the Swedish/Esalen massage. The long, flowing strokes are very nurturing. Deep tissue would be a little too “medical.” If you’d rather not be touched as much, get energy work. Many spas now offer treatments that combine the two (massage + energy work).

I want someone to take care of me.
I’d probably go for a facial. Lots of delicious pampering, and I just love face/neck/shoulder massages. Also consider pedicures, manicures and body scrubs.

I don’t want to make any decisions. I want someone else to be in control.
Thai massage. Without question. You won’t be able to control anything even if you try.

I want to feel like a princess.
Scrubs, wraps, facials, manicures/pedicures or scalp treatments. Any one of these will leave you feeling spoiled and extremely well-tended.

I’ve got nothing to give anyone. I’m completely spent.
You should probably shy away from facials, manis/pedis, scalp treatments, or anything too girlie. For me, when I’m feeling like this, it’s because I’ve been giving too much of myself and I need to re-fill my own coffers. Nine times out of ten I’d go for a Swedish/Esalen massage -– the cure-all of the spa world! But if I’m super-depleted, miserable and no fun to be around, then I probably need energy work.

My body is worn out.
In order from lightest to deepest in terms of muscle work: body wrap, Swedish/Esalen massage, Thai massage, or deep-tissue. This would depend on your personal preference in the moment.

I’d love a good rub down; something yummy that feels really good.
Swedish/Esalen massage. Nothing beats an hour of oily massage. (Go ahead and be a little forward when you call to make your reservation: ask for the best therapist!)

I’d love a good beating.
Who hasn’t felt like this before? When you do, go for deep tissue/myofascial release. If you have an adventurous spirit, seek out a Korean Body Scrub. You will not be disappointed!

If you can, pick a spa that has a steam room, sauna, whirlpool or other free amenities when you’re on a tight budget. I can easily get in an extra hour of self-pampering just by lounging around on my own, using all the nice bath/shower products, conditioning my hair, etc. So even if all I had was a 30-minute salt scrub, I still walk out of the spa a couple hours later feeling fresh, clean and gorgeous.