Hands on! Ordering up the right massage can be more vexing than getting a plain cup of coffee at Starbucks. Here's the rundown on rubdowns

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TYPE      WHAT IT IS                WHAT IT DOES

Swedish   The most common           Improves circulation
          form of massage, it       and helps you relax. If
          involves light, fast      you just want to zone
          movement along            out for an hour, this is
          the muscle surface.       the massage for you.

Deep      Similar to Swedish        Relieves aches and
Tissue    but more intense,         soreness. Ideal if you
          reaching much             want to relax yet have
          deeper into your          nagging injuries such
          muscles and joints.       as lower back pain.

Shiatsu   A form of Japanese        Improves energy flow
          healing hitting           and eliminates stress,
          pressure points similar   Try it if you're curious
          to those used in          about acupuncture but
          acupuncture.              scared of needles.

Thai      Imagine lying on a        Enhances flexibil-
          mat while a thera-        ity. Rather than being
          pist stretches key        relaxing, Thai massage
          joints, such as the       is more like a strenuous
          shoulders and hips.       yoga session.

Hot       Just like it sounds:      Good for anyone
Stone     Therapists rub            who's touch-sensitive
          smooth, flat,             or doesn't enjoy the
          heated stones all         kneading motion of
          over your body.           regular massage.

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