By ZUHAILA SEDEK

MALAYSIA - WHO wouldn't love an hour or two of massage after a hectic week? We all do.

Massages were predominantly used in villages to ease body pain or to restore health in women who had given birth.

But city folk are enjoying them immensely now.

Some women consider massages a necessity as they are said to be good for blood circulation. Some go for slimming massages hoping to shed a kilo or two.

It is difficult to say "No" to massages, but there are times when you should.

Jireh Physiotherapy Centre physiotherapist Susie George and Bangsar Chiropractic Centre chiropractor Dr Twink Lim both agree that massages are good for those who don't have serious health problems.

"Massages are more relief than anything else. It's a way for your body to relax and improve blood circulation," said George, 67.

"However, it is important that a masseur knows the human anatomy," warned George.

A massage may relieve stress or stiff muscles but it is not a cure for illnesses.

"A massage can be dangerous if it's for a wrong purpose.I have had patients with badly torn ligaments from massages. You do not go for a massage when you have a swelling. Consult your doctor first," George said.

Commenting on slimming massages, George is not sure whether they work.

She, however, raised her concerns about deep tissue massages.

"Our tissues are very thin and sensitive. If they are manipulated in the wrong way by a masseur, then it can cause damage. However, I do recommend therapeutic massages," she added.

Lim said: "Physiotherapy and chiropractic treatments are different from massages. The practitioners have knowledge of the human anatomy but masseurs only need brief training to provide their services."

Massages, she said, are more a "feel-good-thing".

"Though there are many techniques, go to credible massage therapists who are experienced," said Lim, who is Malaysia's first female chiropractor.

» Next: A brief guide to the various types of massages