By Louise Bolger
sun staff writer

If you feel like your life is on information overload, you’re not alone. As wonderful as the computer age is, constant availability can be a little daunting. One of the best ways to reclaim your life is to get a massage, and not just any massage, but one that will help you attain balance and energy.

Judy and Melissa Rup are both mother and daughter and Nationally Board Certified and licensed massage therapists. Judy was a registered nurse for more than 20 years and has been a massage therapist for five. They are both graduates of the Sarasota School of Massage Therapy, and are trained in conventional massage like deep tissue and Swedish as well as traditional Thai massage.

The Rups are excited about their new program of Thai massage, and are anxious to explain how it differs from most people’s conception of massage therapy. Similar to yoga, Thai massage incorporates stretching and breathing as a means to regain balance in the flow of energy. This is achieved through application of compression to energy lines and points.

Clients dress in loose, relaxed clothing and recline on a thick comfortable floor mat rather than a table. The therapist and gravity do most of the work for you, as your body is gently stretched bringing back the flow of energy into muscles, ligaments, joints and connective tissue. All areas of the body are positively affected including the nervous, digestive and respiratory systems. Thai massage is especially good to help manage arthritis and improve range of motion, therefore, benefiting many older people.

Judy and Melissa Rup will come to your home for a massage, Thai or traditional, or meet you at Island Chiropractic on Anna Maria. Starting on February 21st, they will be conducting Thai Tuesdays at Island Chiropractic devoting the day to Thai massage. Treatment can be either one hour for $65 or one and a half for $85. Call either Rup for an appointment.

Techno jargon has a phrase which describes a way to reclaim your time – "life hacking." But I can guarantee, you won’t need to "hack" your life if you get a massage, it’s one of those little things you can do to keep the body flowing and the mind silent.