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Centrally located, near the Solano Superior Courthouse, Body Rhythms is an oasis of relaxation. Lovely stenciled walls of ivy and flowers surround a comfortable and safe, sunny waiting room. Two private massage rooms also display lovely pastoral murals painted by local Vallejo artist Nancy Razes. Body Rhythms has been in Vallejo for six years, and is expanding. No wonder, because Dominga, the owner, gives an incredible massage. Coming from New York City, and before that, Puerto Rico, she infuses Body Rhythms with an authenticity that does not seem froufrou, as you?d imagine some spas to be. A little bit of clanging and noise is heard once in a while, but, being from the Big Apple myself, I?m used to that. Dominga and I also had lots of great NYC-type conversations (you know, the kind on a grocery line or in the bank, that native New Yorkers are always up for!) to catch up on, both during and after the massage. She mentioned that she?s not normally chatty during a massage, but I?ll elicit that intimate back-East connection whenever I can.

I indulged in the pleasure of Dominga?s Deep Swedish Massage that began with the potent fragrance of lavender and eucalyptus and warmed up my insides. She then turned her attention to some of the comfort zones in my body, and then to a few neglected ones. Her medium-touch helped me realize that besides my perennial upper-back tension, I?ve been storing tension in my calves for decades, ever since experiencing painful leg cramps as a child. Since then, I?ve been afraid to confidently flex my legs, for fear of bringing on a spasm, and, I never knew that I was blocking energy like this. Opening these energy knots is one of the goals of massage, with the result of making the recipient feel more flexible and light. I?m not sure why other masseuses have never pointed this out to me, and athough I swaggered a little when I got home, my legs feel great now, and I have a new area of body awareness.

Dominga, and soon, her new partner, Michael, who will become a certified CMT in a few months, provide Deep Tissue/Sports, Hot Stone Therapy, Oriental Bar, (with walking on your upper and lower back) Reiki, and Reflexology massages and therapies as well. Half- and full-hour massages range from $40 – $85 per hour. If you work nearby and would like a quick refresher, I suggest a chair massage for a $10. This ten minute treat is the perfect lunch-time pick-me-up. Alternatively, grab the controls of the mechanically dexterous, ?Massage Chair,? a recliner with chops, and set it to your specs: pat, rub, or roll, soft, medium, hard, and more. It’s $7 for 10 minutes (and much less filing than a sandwich!), $10 for 15 minutes, or $20 for half an hour.

So, when you feel the good vibrations emanating from Tuolomne Street, they could be coming from a valued local business: Body Rhythms. I heartily recommend a visit, and when you go, tell Dominga that Momi says hi!

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