Erica M. Michaliga of Zen Day Spa’s dreams were shattered when a coma led her to sell Atmosphere a year and a half ago.

After going to Florida for a series of treatments, Michaliga returned to Wilkes-Barre and opened Zen Day Spa one month ago.

“I feel as though it is my calling to be in the spa industry because there are numerous reasons why people, especially in today’s society, need massage therapy and body work,” she said.

Michaliga said there are physical, mental and emotional benefits to massage and skin therapy.

Experts estimate that 80 percent to 90 percent of disease is stress-related. We are forgetting how to relax, and that is understandable in today’s society.

Massage is a perfect elixir to provide an integration of the mind and body.

Massage therapy releases endorphins, relaxes and softens overused muscles, increases circulation of the blood and lymph systems, which improve the skin, our largest organ; increases circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs; relieves migraine pain and decreases the need for medication. Expectant mothers also receive benefits of having massage therapy, as studies have shown it assists with shorter labor and decreased pain associated with child birth.

Michaliga believes in massage, skin and body therapy.

“If I didn’t, I would have never returned to the valley and opened a day spa. I believe that too many medications are being prescribed for illnesses that can be prevented or cured with massage therapy,” she said.