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In her native Israel, Ettia Tal was a recognized celebrity, noted stage performer, and singer with her own TV show. But after successfully treating her own uterine tumor using her "gift of touch," Tal borrowed $25,000 from an acquaintance, completed extensive training in Japan, and opened her modest Upper West Side day spa in 1987. Translucent white paneling and potted bamboo give Far East flair to the narrow reception area and corner nail station, but the sea foam tile, randomly colored towels, and dated magazine posters in the two small treatment rooms show the spa’s grass roots. From acupressure facials to herbal body wraps and deep-tissue massages, the idea here is to achieve whole body harmony; holistic, ancient practices are performed alongside modern-day services like post-plastic surgery massages. You may hear abbreviated screams or gasps as the owner performs one of her intense cranio-sacral or shiatsu massages—she swears she is only reacting to the stress leaving your body, like something akin to a spa exorcism. — Molly Noonan