Rain Drop Ritual, $135, at Studio 2000 Salon & Day Spa
The Premise: The Rain Drop Ritual isn’t hydrotherapy; it’s aromatherapy. According to Dr. Gary Young, who founded a company that makes essential oils, the Lakota Sioux of the Dakotas believed witnessing the Northern Lights is a spiritual experience, and when Canada closed the border, they created the Rain Drop Ritual to replicate the purification effect by applying certain essential oils in an exact order. Young modified the process into a detox incorporating gentle Thai reflexology, a foot treatment that purports to realign a person’s energy fields.
The Process: While I lay on a thickly cushioned bed, massage therapist Andrew O’Neal dotted aromatic oils on my feet, tapped my soles, and rubbed in the oil down to the very tip of each piggy. Scents of spruce, wintergreen, and herbs enveloped me, and a jolt of energy shot through my body toward the end. He repeated the process on my back, alternating between firm massage and wispy strokes. A slow, deep neck rub capped the treatment. During the procedure, O’Neal was more than happy to explain the benefits of each oil.
The Vibe: The spa makes the most of its location in the historic Circle Tower building. In the womb-like relaxation room, you’ll spend a few minutes before the session admiring the rich Art Deco tilework. Treatment rooms are done up in standard Zen.
The Result: It’s always soothing to lie in a dark room and get a good rubdown—though the Rain Drop Ritual isn’t billed as a massage, it involves thorough kneading. It’s hard to tell if the detox worked, but the next day was Thanksgiving, and I avoided a food coma all weekend.
Before You Go: Give yourself a quick pedicure.
Wish We’d Known: The treatment doesn’t involve the legs. I left my yoga pants on, and O’Neal wouldn’t have been the wiser about any stubble.
Bonus Tip: The salon half of Studio 2000 often offers complimentary blowouts and cuts by apprentice stylists. Ask about available freebies when you schedule.
Try This: If you’re curious about the relaxing benefits of aromatherapy—and your feet aren’t too ticklish.
55 Monument Circle, 317-687-0010, studio2000spa.com
