Spa Week

Leave it to Shizuka Spa to make bird poo facials look actually holistic

Living in New York can be a nail-biting experience. Luckily, over 150 local spas are participating in Spa Week. What can this mean for you, weary urbanite? Well, from April 13-19, you can melt away city stress for only $50! Here’s a look at some top treatments for the Big Apple problems.

Problem: Strapholder shoulder syndrome
Solution: Therapeutic massage and posture analysis
Where: The Kaiser Back Institute (450 Seventh Ave. 10th Floor, 212-279-2002 )
The posture masters over The Kaiser Back Institute will teach you how to sit on those plastic subway seats and why you shouldn’t schlep your stuff during your morning commute on one shoulder. The treatment blends information for how to keep your back and neck pain free, coupled with a relaxing massage. After 50 minutes, you'll walk out refreshed and with a whole new game plan. 

Problem: Cubicle cramps
Solution: Thai yoga massage
Where: Erika Bloom Pilates Plus (795 Madison Avenue, Second Floor, 212-288-3410)
If your body feels beat up, but you don’t exactly feel like exercising, this hour-long Thai-style massage will make your joints feel sufficiently stretched. Before your session, hang out at the Madison Avenue studio with a cup of soothing green tea. Often described as "yoga for lazy people," you’ll feel sufficiently prepared to slog through this city after sitting at your desk for eight-plus hours.
 
Problem: Last-minute job interview
Solution: Geisha facial
Where: Shizuka (7 W. 51st St., sixth floor, 212-644-7400)
While your future employer won’t glance at your toes, it’s a good bet that your face will be fair game. So if you’re still trying to slough off the winter’s dead skin cells, squeeze in an hour to try out the Japanese-style facial, which uses disinfected Nightingale bird droppings (Uguisu no Fun), to brighten skin. A bit gross, but the treatment gets rave reviews.

Problem: Painful heels around town
Solution: Foot detox and reflexology
Where: Yelo (315 W. 57th St., 212-245-8235)
Known for its futuristic sleeping chairs, the salon is offering some targeted pampering for tired and trampled feet. Spend 30 minutes in a relaxing foot soak, and then enjoy a 15-minute foot reflexology session as you dose off in the chair. Perfect, especially if your boss made you run around Midtown all day.

Problem: Freelancer tax anxiety
Solution: Manicure and pedicure with scrub
Where: The Mezzanine Spa (62 Crosby St.,212-431-7654)
If you owe back taxes, there’s not much you can do. But you can soften the blow by getting pampered on a budget. So pick out some bright colors and spend some time away from your 1099 form at this Soho spa.