San Francisco - March 21, 2006

Feet First

Aroma-reflexology at Lavande Nail Spa

Your face gets so much attention. Brows waxed, skin exfoliated, wrinkles injected, lips plumped.

So how come you feel like total crap?

Time to get to the bottom of things — with Lavande’s aroma-reflexology treatment.

Plop yourself down in the reclining chair and prop up your feet. Relaxation starts when a silky eye pillow blocks out the rest of the world. Next, the aesthetician begins 60 minutes of Chinese-influenced reflexology.

Lavender lotion (to refresh and relax the skin) is used while acupressure is applied to your dogs. Each pressure point affects a certain body part, and the result is restored energy flow, improved circulation, less tension, soothing of the mind (yes, really), and increased immunity.

Of course, such results don’t come without a little pang here and there.

But it beats Botox any day.

Lavande Nail Spa, 113 Carl Street, at Cole Street (415-566-5333); 2139b Polk Street, between Vallejo and Broadway Streets (415-931-7389 or lavandenailspa.com).