Meridian Health & Relaxation: A Restorative Georgetown Treasure

So, the Caribbean isn't happening for you this week, or maybe not this month, either. You feel a little tired and stressed -- two weeks of food, parties, fun. What to do? Try Meridian Health & Relaxation on Wisconsin Avenue just below Reservoir Road. Its a massage find -- whole body as well as foot reflexology. 

A thirty minute massage costs $25. 

I go often and haven't had a bad experience. I like that it's walk-in, affordable, and no fuss, and as few minutes or as many minutes as I want -- from 15 to an hour and on up, plus specific foot massage and reflexology. After years of stripped naked massage I find I don't mind clothing-on at all. Maybe that's because we're doing accupressure and working on muscle intersections. Whatever. It works.

The therapists all are Chinese and male. Some speak English well enough but it's not really essential. The fact of the mild language barrier adds to the tranquility of the place. There's not a lot of talking. There's recorded instrumental music playing, sometimes, but it's discreet. On a bright day, sunshine streams in the back windows. Hit the table and the world slips away.

It is open from 10am to 8pm every day of the week except Sunday, when it is open from noon to 6pm. They take credit cards. The patrons are from all over, all ages, equal numbers of men and women. 

This is one way to get through winter.