BOSTON -- A local massage and acupuncture group says despite the bad economy, business has increased in the last year.

NewsCenter 5's Heather Unruh reported Tuesday on the boom in business.

During stressful economic times, we could all use a relaxing massage. But can people really afford it?

"Acupuncture is up over 40 percent," said Todd Forman, a registered physical therapist and manager of Integrative Therapeutics, of Natick, Mass. "Massage has grown probably 20 percent."

Forman said even though all of his patients pay for alternative therapies on their own, his business has increased since last year.

"So whether or not people are consciously concerned about the economy, everybody tends to come in her with an individual story," he said.

Barbara Klaskin, of Natick, Mass., was laid off last November. Despite her financial situation, she continues to pay out of pocket for massage and acupuncture.

"If I don't continue with that, my body doesn't feel really well at all," Klaskin said.

And as she revs up a new job search, she said the therapies will help more than ever.

"I think it will keep me a little more relaxed help me deal with the stress," she said.