This new year resolve to get massaged.

If you think of massage as a luxury you can afford neither the time nor money for, you might be surprised to learn of the many benefits it can have to your mental and physical health.

Once thought of as a perk for the pampered, it has become a hands-on a favourite for stressed-out office workers, recreational athletes, and wellness enthusiasts, popping up in health clinics, shopping malls and even corporate suites.

According to John Yates, Ph.D., author of a "Physicians Guide to Therapeutic Massage'', massage can benefit such conditions as muscle spasm and pain, spinal curvature, soreness related to injury and stress, TMJ, tension related respiratory disorders such as asthma and emphysema and headaches.

Headaches are often caused by overly-tense muscles in the neck, shoulders and lower back. Even contracted abdominal muscles can trigger headaches -- a common complaint in women with menstrual difficulties.

Instead of taking aspirin to suppress the body's warning signal, in this case a headache, massage would help to release the constricted muscles. Massage can also help reduce swelling, correct posture, improve body motion, and facilitate the elimination of toxins from the body to promote a rapid recovery from illness.

Other studies show that massage can be used to help treat cardiovascular, neurological and gynecological disorders.

Massage Technician Michelle Robinson suggests receiving a massage at least once a month if you are in good health: "Massage gets the blood and energy flowing to prevent stagnation. It can be compared to a car tune up. Some of us don't even exercise and in this day and age, how many of us take time out for ourselves?'' Michelle -- who is also an accountant -- said she likes to balance her life.

"I love my massage work as it allows me to be more creative and help people,'' she said.

Michelle likes to make her clients as comfortable as possible. Gentle but firm pressure is applied and if you are shy you can be treated over your clothing.

A good massage can also be relaxing or stimulating, depending on your needs and moods. After a massage, many people feel very relaxed, experiencing freedom from aches and pains that build up from months of tension or repetitive activity. It is also common to experience an increase in energy that can last for days after.

Michelle -- who is trained in Eastern and Western massage -- has studied Tui Na (pronounced twee na) at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and finds in eastern culture massage is viewed more medicinally as a treatment facility rather than a luxury.

It is considered as the Chinese equivalent of physical therapy. Tui Na is an ancient healing art developed in Asia over 5000 years ago.

It is a combination of acupressure and massage.The therapist works with the same points used in acupuncture, but stimulates these points with their finger rather than inserting needles.

Tui Na Massage is also recommended along with other traditional Chinese treatment methods such as herbs and Chi Kung exercise in the Yellow Emperors Classic of Internal Medicine (1200 B.C.).

Currently Tui Na massage is being taught in the Traditional Medicine Colleges of China. It is still considered as a major treatment method for soft tissue damage, joint and tendon diseases and internal disorders.

For best results in Tui Na massage, it is required that the therapist practice Chi Kung exercises in order to increase energy flow to the hands and Tai Chi to develop structural alignment, endurance and adequate physical strength to properly apply the hand techniques.

Michelle, who has studied Tai Chi and Chi Kung exercise with Bermudian Sifu Reginald Cann and with world renowned international Master Mantak Chia, also feels it is important that the massage therapists be in top health themselves to truly help their clients.

Camilla MacPherson is the co-owner of Nature's Chi alternative health store.

TUI NA TUNE-UP Tui Na Tune-up Wear shoes! Michelle does not recommend the Island style of going barefoot as dampness can be drawn up through the acupressure point kidney on the bottom of the foot, causing arthritis.

Michelle also reminds us that we do our own healing and she simply assists.

Michelle can be contacted at Energy Exchange. International Center, Bermudiana Road, 237-2347.

There are many other great massage therapists in Bermuda, go ahead and take some time out to see for yourself.

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