The Lowdown on Rubdowns : A relaxing therapeutic massage can offer a break from seasonal stress.

Halloween candy and costumes have been swept from shelves to make way for dancing Santas and holiday goodies.

And even though the weather tells you it’s still summer, the calendar says it’s November and you have only so many days to shop, clean, cook and make yourself crazy in the name of tradition.

But there is still time to pamper yourself before holiday madness blows in. One way we have found to ease the seasonal stress--or just about any stress--is with a good massage.

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At the In Touch Massage and Day Spa in Thousand Oaks, licensed massage therapists are required by the city to have 1,000 hours of experience.

That is more than many cities-- Agoura Hills, for instance, requires 200 hours, said massage therapist Rebecca Guinn.

Massages at the spa cost $35 for 30 minutes, $60 for an hour and $85 for 1 1/2 hours, she said.

For an extra $25, a client has a choice of adding either a scalp treatment, a sinus treatment or a reflexology--or foot--massage. An herbal body wrap or honey steam wrap can also be added for $25.

Those with a lot of in-laws coming over for Thanksgiving might want to take advantage of the 10% discount available for three or more treatments. Those who do not belong to the Spectrum Club must purchase a $10 guest pass for each visit.

“When choosing a massage therapist, the most important thing is finding someone with experience you can communicate with,” Guinn said.

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Ventura massage therapist Michelle Kemick agrees that communication is important between a massage therapist and a client.

Kemick, who works at the office of chiropractor Angela Sutter, offers a combination of massage techniques including deep tissue and Swedish.

“You need to find someone you’re comfortable with so you can tell them your needs,” Kemick said.

Getting a massage definitely can improve your health, she said.

“Massages are good for stress reduction and muscle relaxation,” Kemick said.

A 60-minute massage costs $60.

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Finding the person you are comfortable with should be done with the same care one would use in choosing a doctor or hairdresser.

That is because a bad massage can sometimes do great harm, said Amanda Spiva, associate director of Thousand Oaks Healing Art Institute.

Someone rubbing the wrong way on limbs can damage blood vessels and a vigorous rub to the wrong place on a neck has been blamed for some strokes, she said.

“The best way to find a good massage therapist is by referral from someone you trust,” Spiva said. “You want someone to work ‘with’ you not ‘on’ you.”

At the Healing Art Institute, those interested in becoming massage therapists may take classes toward certification, Spiva said.

Students are required to practice giving massages, so the school offers an hour massage for $20.

Teachers also offer advice to students on how to avoid those who want more than a legal massage.

Advice includes employing absolute professionalism in answering the phone, where they give the massages and in every aspect of their business, she said.

The school rents out rooms to massage therapists so they have a safe place to build up a client base.

It is a relaxed clinical environment with showers and privacy. Spiva’s Labrador retriever roams the premises, which includes potted plants, caged birds and aquariums.

“We get weirdos calling all the time,” Spiva said. “An experienced massage therapist knows instantly who to stay away from. I’m especially good at this. I’m like Xena of the airwaves.”

Nancy Needham can be reached by e-mail at nancy.needham@reporters.net.