It's hard to justify spending hundreds of dollars on a few hours of pleasure, even it improves your mental and physical health. But, thanks to Spa Week, you can pamper yourself - while helping cancer victims.

Last year women in New York City had the chance to receive luxury spa treatments for the bargain basement price of $50. News spread quickly to women in other cities, and this year 135 spas in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Chicago, and Boston are participating in Spa Week.

The $50 deals run from October 17 to 23.

The response at the Piaf Salon and Day Spa in Washington, D.C. has been so huge, they've extended the number of days they're offering discounted services.

Salon and Spa Director Chantal Attias says they'll offer $50 facials, massages and haircuts from October 15 through 26. The salon is also selling skin care products at a discount.

"Spa Week relates to our tagline mind, body, soul," Attias said. "A Piaf salon experience is about leaving your daily grind behind you and making a choice to create a positive impact on your whole self."

Proceeds raised from Spa Week will benefit Cancer and Careers, a non-profit organizaion for working women with cancer.

There's a list of all the participating spas and their offerings at Spa Week.

The deals are great for those of us who just want to relax, but they are even better for those who use spa services as treatment.

A German study found that well-being improved significantly during spa therapy, but the physical results don't last long. Although fatigue and levels of pain reached pre spa levels after 12 months, moods and health satisfaction remained improved.

Despite evidence that spa treatments do cut back on days missed from work, researchers found the costs outweighed the benefits.

Spa Week's $50 deals help balance out the difference.

One thing to remember next week: Tip on the value of the service, not the $50 deal.

© 2006 mydna.com