by Cheryl Leschasin
Northern News Services

NNSL (Apr 25/97) - Hippocrates said in the fifth century, "Anyone wishing to study medicine must first master the art of massage."

Gone are the days when the word "massage" was synonymous with back-rub. Nowadays, massage can refer to scalp, neck, swedish, deep tissue, sport, foot, facial and of course, relaxation amongst a host of others.

Feeling a bit tense? Have a few sore muscles? Have you ever considered therapeutic massage as an option?

Plenty of Yellowknifers have taken the plunge and received at least a relaxation massage. For those that have experienced it, there's no turning back.

"It's a great form of relaxation. I go about every six weeks," said Kim Wylie, a regular client at Northern Therapeutic Massage.

There are some of us, however, who have never enjoyed the benefits of massage -- or have we?

Claudette Fehr, manager of Elite Hair Design said they give a three to five minute massage to all their customers, but don't expect it to be a back rub.

"We try to give a scalp massage to all our clients. It helps them relax," said Fehr. Unfortunately, it doesn't always work that way.

"One time I started to give a man a scalp massage and he jumped up in his chair and said 'What are you doing?'" said Fehr, adding that since that day she has hesitations about giving men the treatment.

Why are stylists giving scalp massages? Isabelle Wilson, stylist and massage specialist at Elite Hair Design, said scalp massages are great for the lymphatic system and blood system, not to mention it relaxes the customer.

"It can also help to lessen the severity of baldness and psoriasis," said Wilson.

"You try to always keep your hand on the scalp," said Wilson. "Follow from temple to mane in a circular motion twice. Then you do from the forehead to the top of the neck."

Sound good? The establishment also offers half-hour depth scalp massages for a reasonable rate.

Although enjoying a surge in popularity in the latter half of this century, massage is by no means a new procedure.

Ancient Chinese manuscripts document the history of massage to at least 4,000 years ago. Prior to that, human instinct led people to rub sore, aching muscles.