After visiting John Wang, owner of Energy Touch Foot Massage and Reflexology, an old question came to mind: Which would you rather have, money or a massage?

In my experience, massage provides a benefit I value more than money: the feeling that all is right with the world, that I want for nothing.

On the other hand, with an endless supply of money, I could hire a masseuse to follow me around all day. In fact, the cost of massage is the only thing that separates me from having them uber-frequently. But today, my life has changed!

In the Village Center at Marguerite and La Paz, between CVS Drugs and Stein Mart, is a store window that reads: Foot Reflexology Massage $25/hour.

The shop is called Energy Touch.

John Wang is one of the owners. Since long before he moved from China to the United States more than seven years ago, he has been a die-hard fan of John Denver. In fact, Denver's name is written on Wang's white shirt in the area where a name badge is typically worn.

Wang can recite the name of every single John Denver hit. I asked if there was a favorite.

"All of them," he said. "Country Road,' 'Shanghai Breeze,' 'Back Home Again,' 'Eagles and Horses,' 'Rocky Mountain High,' 'Sunshine on My Shoulders' .....”

"OK," I interrupt, laughing. "You're a big fan."

Wang laments that his English isn’t yet what he wants it to be. In China, he learned German to further his career in the hotel business as an interpreter. Later, he worked as an interpreter at the Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It was there, interpreting for German students, that he was intrigued by observing the health benefits of massage and a variety of other techniques meant to achieve balance in body and mind.

Wang followed through on his dream to move to the United States and become a business owner. But when he arrived, he still hadn't decided what business to own.

He quickly noticed that Americans enjoy luxury. He saw it in the cars we drive, the houses we purchase, and in the personal services we frequent, such as hair, nails and massage. John decided to open a massage shop as they are commonly run in China: in an open room with rows of massage chairs, with no disrobing except for socks and shoes.

In exploring Southern California, he liked Mission Viejo and researched spas and other massage services offered in the community. He found none offering the model he had in mind. Almost two years ago, Energy Touch opened its doors in the heart of Mission Viejo.

On the day of our interview, I walked in the door, finding myself in a reception area with three large, soft red chairs. Peeking behind the black screen that separated the reception area from the massage space, I saw a dimly lit open area with rows of comfy-looking chairs and ottomans. It was 11:30 a.m., and a few customers in various stages of their massages appeared serene.

The environment looked clean, and all I could hear was relaxing Chinese music played softly in the background, and intermittent sounds of hands softly pounding skin, signaling when a massage is close to its conclusion. I always dread that part.

I learned that the massage extends to legs, arms, shoulders, upper back and neck. Wang explained that two-thirds of the hour is spent on the feet and the rest of the time on other areas of the body.

There are no appointments; it's a walk-in service only. Staffers are male and female, and none of them speak English except for a few words specific to massage such as "softer," "shoulder," "upper back."

It's very convenient to get a massage in on even the busiest of days. The business is open seven days a week, opening at 10 a.m. and closing around 9 p.m. when the staff take its last customer. It's recommended to wear shorts or loose pants that can be rolled up above the knees.

You already know that the one-hour massage costs $25. I saved this for last: After 6 p.m., it's only $20. $20! If I can't yet fulfill my dream for a daily massage, this certainly brings me closer.

If every time you come in you notice the same older middle-aged woman receiving a massage and in another world, it will probably be me.

• Address: 25280 Marguerite Pkwy., Unit B-1, Mission Viejo
• Phone: 949-460-8888