The healing table: massages not only feel good, they are good for you too. Read this before booking your appointment.(HOLISTIC HOOKUP)

Are you stiff, sore or stressed out? Whether it's a sports injury that's getting you down or workplace tension, a massage may be the cure for what ails you.

Massages are more popular than ever: More than 20 percent of Americans had one during the past year. They feel divine, and nothing is more relaxing--two good reasons to get one. But beyond those obvious benefits, a massage provides real therapeutic value, including stress reduction and pain relief.

A massage produces feel-good endorphins, increases circulation and lowers blood pressure, according to the January 2005 issue of the Mayo Clinic Health Letter. It can also soothe chronic back pain and increase energy, flexibility and range of motion. "Massage helps move lactic acid and toxins out of the muscles and ultimately out of the body," says massage therapist Stephanie Lakhani, owner of Breathe Wellness Spa in Boise, Idaho. "It improves flexibility, reduces muscle aches and plays an important role in overall wellness."

Now that you're convinced that you actually need a massage (as if you had to be persuaded!), do a little homework before you book an appointment. First, look around the spa or salon--the facilities should be spotless, and linens should be fresh. Also find out about the therapist's training, certification and experience (you can do a lot of this online). Here are some questions to ask and the answers you're looking for:

* Where did you train? How many hours of training did you complete?

Ideally, you want a graduate of a program accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (a list of accredited programs and institutions is at www.comta.org). The American Massage Therapy Association suggests 500 hours of training as the generally accepted minimum.

* Does your state license massage therapists? If it does, are you licensed?