Can massage really have a medical benefit?

Marilyn McClain Jones is at Harris Methodist Hospital taking care of herself.

"I think I'm doing something for my overall health," she says.

She lies on a reflexology bed for a deep foot massage ancient Asians and Egyptians believed strengthen and correct the body.

Harris provides holistic treatments at its Healing Arts Center.

"It all works together. A person may be having conventional treatment for an ailment but this just adds to that to help the body heal itself," says Vicki Germer, reflexologist.

Marilyn always coordinates her mammogram and yearly check-up here with something extra for herself.

"I'm gonna be at the hospital and that's gonna take 45 minutes to an hour, and while I'm parked, I can have a massage," she says.

But she finds other reasons to visit, such as a special old-age aromatherapy for her allergies.

"[It] smells good. Oh, I can feel my lungs opening up, all the way down to my throat," she says, as she receives treatment.

She leaves with some oil and a promise to come back for a full body massage.

What some may call pampering is Marilyn's idea of prevention.

"Maybe getting a pedicure is a frivolous thing but this is more of a whole body care I think," she says.

E-mail mjepson@wfaa.com.