Free massages are being given to students and faculty in the University Union this week before final examinations.

Mellow Me Out, a salon located in the Union, is providing free back massages by a certified massage therapist from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

“The massages are helpful,” said Stefanie Corbett, senior psychology major. “I think it’s a great way to relax before the finals week.”

This is the third year that Mellow Me Out has been offering free massages before the final examination week.

“It’s a nice way for students to get an extra pick-me-up before the finals,” said Jamie Gordon, cosmetologist at the salon. “Hopefully the massages are helping them focus.”

The free massages in the Union are about five minutes long, and they are being offered on a first come, first served basis.

In addition to the free massages this week, students are guaranteed three free 15-minute massages from the salon every semester.

Gordon said it is important for students to get massages in stressful situations because massages are meant to calm people down.

“We do free massages because we hope to help students relive some stress and we could get some extra advertising,” Gordon said. “And to let more know that we are here.”

There were about 10 people getting massages in the first hour of service Tuesday.

“I think students are enjoying them,” said Orlando Rhinehard, certified massage therapist who works at the salon. “It’s helping them before the big test, so I hope they get massages this week.”

Along with massages, Mellow Me Out salon offers facials, waxing and hair styling on campus for students and faculty.

The students who got the massages agreed that it is an effective way to prepare themselves for a week full of exams.

“The free massages are great,” said Sandeep Ball, freshman business major. “I’m stressed out for finals, so this helped me feel relaxed and refreshed.”

Corbett also gets the three free massages during the semester to help her deal with the daily grind.

“It’s free, so other students should definitely take advantage of it,” she said. “I know it will help them.”

Miyu Kataoka can be reached at [email protected].