Foot Fetish: Ashiatsu and Mojito Spa Treatment

Crystalline Healing Spa aspires to be "heaven on earth" for their clientele, and with their new digs (a cozy boutique space just above John O'Groats in West LA), they are closer to realizing that dream.

Crystalline's owner Cedar Martyn is one of a few Angelenos certified in the trademarked technique known as Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy, wherein a therapist hangs from bars in the ceiling and uses her feet to massage the client. Rest assured that this isn't just someone walking on your back; we're talking Swedish strokes, expertly applied. And she can even adjust the pressure to your liking, from a gentle touch to putting the strength of her whole body into it. Using her feet also allows her to work harder and longer, or on bigger, stronger people, without becoming exhausted.

Before our treatment, Cedar offered us a drink. Well, sort of. She treated us to a Mojito Spa Treatment, placing our feet in a warm mineral bath with fresh-cut limes and oranges, and lime and peppermint essential oils. After a long soak, she brought us to the massage table, sanitized her feet and began the Ashiatsu. We were amazed at the precision her tootsies were capable of, especially when she dug in to the sore spots under our shoulder blades. We knew she had to be moving all over the table as well as jumping numerous times from the table to the floor, but she was as quiet and agile as a mouse. She completed the treatment with the second half of our Mojito, a lime zest and citrus oil sugar scrub that left our feet and calves smooth, soft and energized.

Note: Parking is very tricky in the area, so be sure to visit the Directions link on the business website to get the inside scoop.

Review originally published 9/20/2007.