If you’re stressed out or suffering from a backache, what you need is a masseur. Someone like Konstantin Zakharov, a handsome 37-year-old man who has been practicing massage for 15 years to become a master of 26 different massage techniques.

I stumbled upon him by accident. After complaining of back pain they all said "Go to Zakharov!" And so I found myself lying naked, looking up with alarm and excitement as the masseur prepared to rub me with hot oil.

"You aren’t afraid, are you?" he asked solicitously. "Men and women fall into two categories: fearless and nervous. I hope you’re from the first."

I closed my eyes pretending to be relaxed and intrepid. Contrary to my expectations, Zakharov gave me a very tender and nice introduction into the world of massage: Long sweeping movements reached from my spine to my buttocks and down my legs to my feet without a break. Staccato chops slapped and kneaded each muscle and limb. The elbow, the fist, the palm – every joint had a job to do. The sheer variety of movement was amazing.

"You have pain here and here," said Zakharov, his thumb locating my aching muscles with precision. "You are sitting, five or six hours a day?"

"Eight or nine," I muttered. But Zakharov couldn’t imagine anyone spending more than a couple of hours a day in an office.

"The purpose of this is to touch aching muscles and nerve points," he explained, giving me his hot oil treatment.

Zakharov has a range of treatments, some of which last for several weeks. "Most women are constantly unhappy with their bodies complaining of some physical defect. They are up to the minute when it comes to losing weight. But during the weight-loss process, the muscles inevitably become flabby. Only regular massage programs can help restore your muscles and achieve visible results within weeks. People in the West are well aware of the positive effects of massage. There, if you’re really well off, you’ll have your own lawyer, doctor, personal chef, and masseur. In recent years, the popularity of massage has gone up in Moscow to cater to the alternative healthcare needs of more people. Unfortunately, there are so many charlatans in this business, that people are sometimes afraid of massage treatments."

A vigorous hour and a half later I climbed to my feet, kneaded and pounded, but renewed and relaxed, feeling much better.

"Are there people who don’t need massage at all?" I asked still dripping with herb-scented oil.

"I doubt it. You’ve got to understand that massage is akin to a set of exercises," Zakharov said as he finished his job. But it’s up to you to decide whether you need them or not…" •

To set up an appointment with masseur Konstantin Zakharov, you can contact him at 729-3375 or 8-905-714-4601.