ometimes a pedicure is just a pedicure. And sometimes, as is the case at the Exhale Spa in New York City, it morphs into a full-blown treatment.

When I turned up for my appointment at Exhale's Central Park South location, my ankles and feet were swollen, an unfortunate side effect of some necessary medication. And, they ached. I almost called to re-schedule, but changed my mind: I needed the therapeutic boost of some pampering. And pampering-plus was what I got.

My esthetician, Theani, started off with a warm therapeutic foot soak infused with organic salt. It felt just lovely, as did the soothing foot and leg massage. The best part, however, was the warm paraffin wrap, which had a marvelous detoxifying effect on both ankles and feet. The detox, I was told, comes from Arizona red rock clay, Romanian green silt and black iron oxide. In addition, the paraffin contains eleven vitamins, as well as the mineral selenium, which provides powerful antioxidants and nutrients.

By the time Theani started to work on my cuticles and nails, my aches were gone. And by the time my toenails were being painted with a soft cream shade of polish, I felt one hundred percent better. The toenails looked terrific÷and the swelling had almost completely subsided. I was more than ready to hit the city streets!

After my polish was dry, I picked up a hint on avoiding the smudging I often get after I put on stockings and shoes: wrap the toes in cling wrap first. The plastic wrap felt kind of funny, but when I got home, the polish was still picture perfect.

If I'd had more time, I would have tried one of Exhale's many face and body treatments. The facial menu is comprehensive, ranging from the customized basic facial to topical peels and cool laser therapy. The body menu is equally comprehensive and includes such interesting options as cupping, the ancient Chinese practice that warms and promotes the flow of Qi and blood.

The 12,000-square-foot spa provides a quiet retreat from the hustle of the city. In addition to a nail bar and pedicure alcove it has 16 therapy rooms, a boutique featuring yoga wear and skincare products and two studios designed for yoga and Core Fusion® (a combination of Pilates, yoga and core-conditioning).