Ichiban, in Japanese, means “number one.” In Westlake, though, it is also the name of a luxurious day spa and salon owned by Harry Caito, Kathleen Caito and Nakanishi Strauss. Starting out in a humble century home in 1989, Ichiban relocated to the current 7,000-square-foot modern pamper space in 1993. This “number-one” spa is equipped to indulge the human senses in every way, from head to toe, with treatments that range from the standard (hair styling, waxing and pedicures) to the luxurious (facials and body treatments).

   At Ichiban, specialty treatments abound. For example, the Total Body Enzyme treatment combines enzymes, proteins and amino acids to exfoliate and release toxins to encourage tighter and brighter skin. The Honey Body Polish is a rejuvenating, anti-aging treatment, which combines honey, almonds and essential oils and is followed by a thermal wrap. These and other body treatments and massages range from $65 to $85.

   On my visit, I experienced their Paraffin Body treatment from Reese Ryba, LMT. This treatment came highly recommended on this cold day. After experiencing its warming, moisturizing treatment I learned why. Reese first applied a moisturizer to my entire body. She then brushed on paraffin wax and then dipped tissues in the paraffin and applied them to my body. Finally, she wrapped me in a plastic thermal blanket so I could relax while the warmth penetrated my body. It is true – this is the perfect treatment for a cold day! I experienced deep relaxation as the heat penetrated my body, and afterwards, my skin had a healthy shine and a soft feel.

   Warm and glowing, I continued my treatment with a Thai massage, a specialty style of massage offered by Ichiban. The history of this type of massage can be traced back to ancient Thailand, where it is still in use as a healing art. Mark Oskay, LMT, also a massage therapist at Ichiban, noted, “All the children in Thailand learn Thai massage so they can take care of their elders. I do it the way they did it in ancient times, 3,000 years ago.”

Thai massage is a series of passive and assisted deep, yoga-like stretches combined with acupressure point massage. The massage therapist follows the natural energy lines of the body, which are referred to as “Sen” lines in Thailand. With over 100 positions incorporated in the basic massage and almost 1,000 positions in the advanced routine, every muscle in the body gets attention. “It's much like couples yoga,” explained Mark.

   As I lay upon a floor mat, dressed in loose clothing, Mark began the session with an ancient Thai prayer, requesting to use his own body as a filter for healing. Beginning with my feet, Mark veritably danced around my body as he skillfully folded and pulled my body into different positions. It was an intimate, yet professional and therapeutic experience. Following the massage, I felt limber, as well as energized and relaxed. I highly recommend Mark Oskay, whose skills are highly refined and his personality and presence a delight. I appreciated his patient explanation of every aspect of this complex massage.

   I then moved on for my facial. My selection was the basic Danné Enzyme Facial, a one-and-a-half-hour treatment designed to freshen and tighten the skin with a combination of enzymes, proteins and amino acids mixed especially for me to exfoliate, replenish nutrients and moisturize my complexion. This clinical facial is intended to have a positive impact on blemishes. Aesthetician Ramona Desmone noted, “Danné products are gentle on the skin because they are made out of botanicals. They improve the health of the skin by bringing it back to a natural pH, which lessens breakouts. They also exfoliate to freshen the skin.”

   Ramona began by cleansing my skin with a product infused with essential oils of citrus and lavender, which calm the skin. She then applied a mask to clear my pores and dissolve excessive natural oils. The mask, which is tailored to individual skin types, was then activated by a steam treatment. Removing the first mask, Ramona applied a potent, therapeutic second mask, which had the aroma of cinnamon. She followed this with a cool enzyme mask to tighten, firm and absorb the dead exterior skin. Bringing blood and oxygen to the skin's surface, this mask has a detoxifying effect. This wonderful treatment ended with an arm, hand and face massage with a hydrating seaweed-based lotion.

   Each of the three masks Ramona used on me had different therapeutic benefits and each was unique to my facial repertoire. Her massage was fabulous, her knowledge was impressive, and her demeanor was professional and positive. My sen-sitive skin felt soft and smooth, and it looked bright and vibrant when she was done. While I highly recommend this treatment, some of the other options look intriguing as well. For example, Ichiban offers a Problem Skin Therapy facial for people with sensitive skin, as well as a firming and rejuvenating Vitamin C Booster facial. The facial prices range from $45 for a basic cleansing to $90 for their most advanced one.

   Ichiban is an interesting and beautiful spa and salon offering a diverse selection of treatments that include everything from the ordinary to the exotic. Their employees are warm and welcoming, as well as extremely knowledgeable. I exuberantly recommend spending a day, or even half of one, at Ichiban.

Ichiban is located at 23550 Center Ridge Road in Westlake. They can be reached by calling (440) 356-9988. For information about spa packages and couples massages, visit their website at www.ichibansalon.com.

Photos by Bob Perkoski, www.Perkoski.com.