Tired of the same old soothe? Give your relaxation regimen a refresher with Shiatsu massage. Like many traditional Chinese medicinal therapies, Zen Shiatsu sessions address the body's Qi, or life energy, by targeting specific points on the body with both massage and full-body supported stretching (don't worry, your masseuse takes care of all the hard work). A good option for blushing types, Shiatsu massages take place with patrons fully-clothed and lying on a thick mat on the floor or seated in a chair.

Opened in 1988, Zen Shiatsu is Chicago's longest-running Shiatsu massage center, offering training programs for aspiring therapists and acupuncture, healing herb therapies and several weekly yoga classes. Treatments take place in a warmly lit, sparsely-decorated studio that will immediately send your mind to the quieter side.

A member of AOBTA (American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia), Zen Shiatsu offers a two-year, 600-hour certification program for aspiring bodyworkers. Those looking to learn the practice without the certificate can benefit from Do-It-Yourself Shiatsu, a five-hour course where you'll learn techniques to relax your friend/partner, or the 30-hour Beginning Zen Shiatsu course, which takes students much deeper into the understanding of Zen Shiatsu.

Classes: Though the focus is on having someone else work your body, Zen Shiatsu acknowledges that for true wellness, students must take matters into their own hands. Its short but finely tuned list of classes includes yoga, Anusara yoga, Tai Chi and meditation, and the instructors are lifelong holistic health devotees. For most classes, drop-in admission is $16, but you'll receive discounts with the Basic Package (10 classes for $140) or the uber-committed Member Package (50 classes for $600).

Extras: On Tuesday nights, advanced students can practice their massage techniques while the instructors supervise. Sign up to be a student's guinea pig and get a 45-minute massage treatment for only $30.

Centerstage Reviewer: Julia Steinberger