One of the first things visitors to Mazatlán do after arriving in town is make an appointment for a massage. It has usually been a year since their last holiday and finally it´s time to relax. To get themselves in the mood, a good massage to work out the stress-induced knots is exactly what the doctor ordered. Patty Reyes and Rossy Tapia of International Massage know just how their clients feel. Whether you’re an athlete, office worker, plant manager or heavy equipment operator, they know which of the seven massage therapies they offer will leave you feeling invigorated and ready to start your holiday in earnest. “We love our work,” said Patty, a graduate of massage institutes in Phoenix and Palm Springs. “Everyone should have a massage once a week. It energizes, helps people think better and have a happier outlook on life.” Their clients consist of all nationalities, she explained, and they come back every year. The most requested massage is the Swedish. “It´s a light, total

body massage,” said Patty, “which is very, very relaxing.” “Each therapy targets a different area,” explained Rossy. “For instance, foot reflexology helps internal organs. The deep tissue massage is generally for athletes who put a lot of stress on their bodies. Shiatsu involves pressure points and stretching. Accupressure is done on the back.” For those suffering from total body stress, Rossy´s professional opinion is that the craniosacral massage of the head, neck and spine is the most effective in releasing stress. Between them, Patty and Rossy have 25 years of massage therapy experience and attend continuing education seminars to keep up-to-date with new techniques. They opened their successful business at their current location five years ago offering one-hour massages in a quiet, comfortable atmosphere. Both are Maz-atlecans, and mothers, and both wholeheartedly believe in the benefits of massage therapy. “We like our work,” said Patty, “because it helps people. That makes us happy.”