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Gail Hunter carries out a back massage

REIKI, reflexology and hot stones were terms that meant practically nothing to me so when I was invited to try some alternative health therapies at a new men's salon I thought I'd give it a go.

Previously a traditional male walk-in barber's, Mason's hairdressers of Westbourne has upped sticks and moved closer to the action at the other end of town.

With bigger premises, not only can owner Jacqui provide more cuts, but there is also room for natural therapist Gail Hunter.

Aussie girl Gail is the lady with the magic hands. And elbows.

Offering a full range of massage, she also excels in alternative therapies such as reiki, reflexology and hot stones.

First up was a Swedish massage, which quickly ironed out any tension in my back and neck using flowing hand movements.

Gail also used her elbows to get stuck in and get that bit deeper into the tissues - no pain, no gain!

Having relaxed me to the point of snooziness, I was then jerked back to life with a bit of Thai massage.

My legs were folded into all manner of patterns and eased this way and that - a weird sensation at the time, but you can really feel the extra looseness afterwards.

Gail then began to brandish her hot stones - volcanic rocks that apparently help centre your body's energies.

They certainly feel great smoothing warmly across your skin, the heat helping to relax you even further.

I heartily recommend this one.

I felt a similar sensation from the Reiki - where energy is channelled to certain areas, aiming to balance the body.

Certainly I could feel the heat working on my back and shoulders.

Finally I got a little taster of reflexology, where Gail showed me how to read the extraordinary map' that is our feet.

Each area of the foot corresponds to an area of the body and, as someone still feeling the residual effects of the London Marathon, I really could feel the difference in certain places.

An hour or so later, I flopped back out in to the streets of Westbourne feeling like a new man.

The other great thing about Mason's is that unlike many places that offer therapies such as this, it is affordable.

Half an hour's massage, reiki or reflexology starts at just 20 quid - worth every penny if the stresses and strains of the world are starting to wear you down.

All this, and Sky Sports News on a giant plasma screen in the main salon.

Guys, you may have just found heaven!

Mason's is at 97A Poole Road. Ring 01202 765567.

7:00pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

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