In these stressful times, who couldn’t use a massage? But, because many see it as a luxury, they forgo what could actually benefit their health and help them through the challenging times.Ashlan Clinic owner Glenn Robinson said everyone from young to old can benefit from massage therapy.He has moved from Bermudiana Road to a new location in Cedarpark Centre on Cedar Avenue and changed his company’s name from MindBody Wellness to Ashlan Clinic. Mr Robinson, who has been in business 20 years here as a certified massage therapist and neuromuscular therapist, has also expanded his services to include yoga, by Todd Crews, and a certified life coach, Shyvonne Dickinson.In addition, he is doing more on-site corporate massage events, an increasingly popular service where companies hire Ashlan to do on-the-job massage therapy employees to reduce workplace stress and increase productivity.He brings a special massage chair and uses a private space such as a boardroom for the staff massages.While Mr Robinson has long provided massage therapy services to many of the Island’s premier athletes and people with sports injuries, he said his practice was also geared to non-athletes.He pointed out that massage therapy was one of the oldest methods of healing.“Massage therapy refers to a comprehensive health management strategy focusing on various techniques to positively affect the soft tissues and joints of the body,” he said.“Massage techniques most commonly include pressure and compression, kneading, frictioning, and mobilising to improve the health and condition of the muscles, tendons, skin, fascia or connective tissue of the body.”He said The “Physician’s Guide to Therapeutic Massage” showed that massage can decrease pain, improve range of motion, improve mood, reduce stress, aid in the circulation of blood and lymph flow, reduce muscle and joint soreness, and improve sleep. Studies have shown it can also boost the body’s own natural cellular immune response, decreasing pain by pumping up the body’s levels of endorphins and decreasing the blood levels of cortisol which is a hormone related to stress.He said his clients include people with ailments such as high blood pressure, back pain, and even diseases such as Parkinson’s.Mr Robinson said he began his business in a recession, back in 1992, and has certainly seen a drop off in clients today as people cut back on what they consider to be luxuries.However, he said, “I always say, take care of yourself first. The tighter you are the greater the pressure on the body. I want all of Bermuda to recognise the benefits of massage therapy. We offer an outlet to get reconnected with your mind and body and put you in a better state of health.”Types of massages Ashlan offers include prenatal massage, neuromuscular therapy, deep tissue therapy, sports massage therapy, myofascial release, Swedish massage, lymphatic drainage.Some local insurers offer reimbursement coverage for Therapeutic Massage Services. A referral from a doctor or chiropractor is required for reimbursement to occur.Ashlan’s rates for 30 and 60 minutes massage therapy are $90 and $145.