My boss, Beth Solomon, raves about Meridian Health & Relaxation where she's been going for "quick and reasonably priced massages." I liked the sound of "reasonably priced," and Beth S. is really into body maintenance, so what could be wrong with investing $15 for 15 minutes to give it a try?
Meridian Health is tucked away in a corner of the second floor of The Shops at Georgetown 
Park. They specialize in acupressure, which is basically acupuncture without the needles. Another thing, you keep your clothes on, and you don't have your own room-you're just in a big room with other customers.
I'm not going to lie; communication at this shop (in English, Chinese, or mime) is difficult. Luckily, I speak Chinese, but if you don't, communication is mostly non-verbal. You have to point to your aches and pains and tap the wall chart to indicate how long of a massage you want. Once that is settled, your masseur ushers you to an empty table, gestures for you to lie down, and works away.
This is not the lap of luxury. Canned music, often a mall-oriented 80s rock sountrack, wafts into the clinic, interrupting your bliss. The staff, still practicing habits seen on the Mainland, may clear their throats and even expectorate. Loudly.
But they're still great massage therapists who can do wonders on stiffness, soreness, and stress.
"People come in with pain in back or neck. After treatment, much better," said my masseur. In addition to reducing pain, the massage "promotes blood circulation and loosens muscles."
Regular customer Brad McKee said he discovered Meridian Health by accident while stopping in at the DMV downstairs. He was suffering from joint pain, and found that regular massages eased his pain. McKee frequents Meridian Health because in addition to being affordable, "it doesn't involve getting oiled or listening to Enya and crashing waves."
Brian Cusick, another customer, drives down from Mount Pleasant because the massages are very relaxing, "It's a departure from the world. You just drift away."
I must admit, after my massage, the pain from my morning workout quickly vanished. In fact, next time, I might try for 30 minutes. So when you need to "drift away" -- or you want to hear the real voices and "natural" sounds of mainland China -- consider stopping in at Meridian Health for a relaxing, but no-frills rub down. At $1 per minute or $50 per hour, it can be a regular part of a low-budget wellness routine.
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