Destination: Relaxation
Fusion Lifespa

When I booked my appointment for a Mayan abdominal massage at Fusion, a friend, looking very confused, asked, "Isn't the stomach hands-off for massage?"

That's what I thought, too. There was only one way to find out.

I decided not to do any research before going so I could learn all about it from expert massage therapist Michelle Hansen, who gave me the back story on the ancient massage technique, created by indigenous shamans, that relieves energy and fluid blockages of the circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems through gentle manipulation of the abdominal area.

In addition to helping relieve issues related to those body systems, the massage technique is believed (and used) to treat a variety of women and men's health issues, from infertility and gastro-intestinal problems to impotence and an enlarged prostate. Michelle herself has seen amazing effects—the result can be immediate—and recommends the technique for most anyone; if nothing else it will help your body operate on a more complete, healthier level.

Being one to have the occasional ticklish belly, I was a little worried that I'd spend much of my time laughing, but much like foot reflexology, the pressure is enough to quell most people's ticklish tendencies. The abdominal portion of the massage (there are also relaxation and lymphatic portions) is relatively short and completely painless. It's like a gentle kneading, lengthening the ligaments and relaxing the super-tight muscles to increase blood flow. I found it deeply relaxing, and nearly fell asleep a few times in the aptly named relaxation room, complete with a fireplace and leather chaise lounges.

I wasn't the only one giving in to a higher sense of peace, as owner and esthetician Donna Duffy came out to tell me that it'd be just a minute for my facial, as her last client fell asleep on the bed! I totally understood.

Once it was time, Donna analyzed my skin to see what kind of facial would best suit me. She chose a cooling, moisturizing European Fusion facial that included products from her own line, Fusion Signature Organics, as well as a traditional French herbal tonic and soothing cream that left my skin feeling completely refreshed and not irritated in the least—truly a facial first for me. The facial, which emphasizes deep pore cleansing, also included Fusion's Triple Exfoliation, a gentle and organic alternative (think goat cheese!) to micro-dermabrasion.

The afternoon ended on a bright note, too—no, I was not going to fall asleep again—with a pampering shoulder, neck and foot massage.
18142 Minnetonka Blvd., Deephaven; 952.345.3335; fusionlifespa.com

- Written by: Erin Madsen for Lake Minnetonka Magazine, January 2010