There's nothing mysterious or esoteric about feeling the best that you can feel. Combining a wholesome and nutritious diet with regular exercise is a good beginning. Then make a habit of consulting the practitioners at Dharma Studios, Calgary's foremost centre for culturally inspired body treatments.

Situated in the beautiful and historic Lorraine Building (620 12th Avenue S.W.), Dharma Studios is proud of its outstanding team of trained therapists. They offer you a broad range of effective stress-busting and life-enhancing techniques, from traditional Swedish massage through Reflexology, Shiatsu, Sotai, Reiki, Ayurveda, Thai massage and even LaStone therapy.

Dharma Studios co-founders Tonja Berg and Andrea Leonard have attracted a truly remarkable staff of dedicated specialists. And they extend a cordial invitation for you to stop by and acquaint yourself with these unique talents and ultra-efficient treatment methods. Many are Asian in origin and remain an essential component of the wellness regime of countless millions around the world.

There's no better place to start than with an introduction to Michaella Rezanoff and Annita Phagoo. Both are certified experts in the art of soothing weary muscles and calming hyperactive minds, relying on different therapeutic strategies to take your mind and body to a better place.

Annita Phagoo, left, and Michaella Rezanoff have joined the team of professionals at Dharma Studios.

A certified Reflexologist, Michaella is a multi-talented practitioner who's an expert at releasing what she smilingly refers to as "happy hormones". Among her specialties are Shiatsu, (also known as acupressure), and Japanese-style acupuncture.

Michaella describes Shiatsu as the application of finger and palm pressure along the body's meridians (energy pathways). Without the use of oils, the nervous system is relaxed, releasing hormones and body chemicals necessary to heal aching, stiff muscles and body fatigue, and for balancing specific body/mind ailments caused by daily stresses.

For those unfamiliar with the |joys of Reflexology, Michaella describes this wonderful foot massage treatment as a means to positively stimulate the nervous system assisting the body to unlock tension, release toxins, normalize body functions, boost energy and circulation.

"The bottom of the foot is a mini-map of our body, outlining organs, glands and limbs," she explains. "The hands-on treatments are what people look for. Many of us don't get enough touch in our lives, especially in the feet - they're a real key to health."

Japanese-style acupuncture, meanwhile is an ideal treatment for acute and chronic pain, back tension, neck and shoulder stiffness, headaches as well as a host of female issues, to name a few.

Sore from another long day at the office or from that recreational squash game? Feeling tired and stressed from the rigours of life?

Lay back and relax as Annita Phagoo brings the wisdom of the ages to cure your modern ailments. Thai massage, a thousand-year-old treatment, is designed to alleviate muscle tension while increasing strength and flexibility. Trained at the Wat Po Traditional Medical School in Bangkok, Annita applies varied pressure to key points of the body using thumbs, palms, and feet to allow free flow of energy through the body.

"It's definitely a unique experience. I love when people come in for the first time. I tell them to relax and breathe and let me go to work," she says with a grin. In just one session, Annita loosens knotted muscles while stretching the legs and lower back, the most overworked parts of the body.

"My increased flexibility is really showing on the golf course," exclaims Brendan, a new client. "I'm hitting the ball 10 to 15 yards longer and don't feel as sore afterwards."

Regular sessions of Thai massage also provide a terrific performance enhancement for everyone from marathon runners to old-timers' hockey players. "It's not just about relaxation," she says. "Thai massage is energizing. Your muscles are relaxed, but you're also discovering new sources of energy."

With detoxifying steam room and many other amenities, Dharma Studios has established a hospitable and super-friendly environment, designed to reassure first-time visitors while returning clients make themselves at home.

For information, to book an appointment, or to purchase gift certificates (great for employee incentives/rewards!), call 403.508.9921. Stop by and say hello at Dharma Studios #104, 620 12th Ave S.W. and visit the website at www.dharmastudios.ca.