I love beijing massage because, after a really good one, you leave feeling lighter, taller, brighter and - it's not an exaggeration to say - like a different person. However, enduring a bad massage is a most frustrating experience.
Most body treatments cost a great deal of money, and if you spend the hour you're meant to be letting go of all your stresses and strains feeling cross that your therapist is stroking you, rather than putting your muscles through their paces, it's a total waste of your time and money.
I had endured many frustrating massages until I met Mia Robbins, of Balance Bodyworks in London, who is something of a miracle worker.
I favour strong massages and if you do, too, pay this lady a visit.
Offering several different types of massage - remedial, sports, pre and post-natal work, trigger point and aromatherapy - she's sure to have something to hit the spot, whether you like a pummelling or something more gentle.
And as every massage is tailor-made for each patient, Mia can concentrate on whatever injury, ache or pain is plaguing you that day.
So if you're in need of something relaxing, try out her aromatherapy treatment which incorporates lymphatic drainage, acupressure and Swedish massage techniques.
2010年1月11日星期一
2010年1月10日星期日
Spa association working on guidelines for operators
The Spa Association Singapore (SAS) has come up with plans for more protection for stranded customers.
It said on Thursday it will act as a "discussion outlet" for any member spa facing financial difficulties.
And if need be, it will allow clients to complete their packages at other participating member spas, should a troubled spa member close down.
13-year-old St Gregory's Spa will now take over the space in Pan Pacific Hotel - previously occupied by Wellness Village, which shut down overnight.
St Gregory's said the spa association is also in discussions with CaseTrust on guidelines to ensure customer protection.
But it said consumers should also do their homework.
"Basically you need to do a background check to establish how long they have been in the market and look at the background, the management team - who is the person behind the spa. I think that should be sufficient," said Wee Wei Ling, COO of St Gregory's Spa, and executive committee member of Spa Association Singapore.
It said on Thursday it will act as a "discussion outlet" for any member spa facing financial difficulties.
And if need be, it will allow clients to complete their packages at other participating member spas, should a troubled spa member close down.
13-year-old St Gregory's Spa will now take over the space in Pan Pacific Hotel - previously occupied by Wellness Village, which shut down overnight.
St Gregory's said the spa association is also in discussions with CaseTrust on guidelines to ensure customer protection.
But it said consumers should also do their homework.
"Basically you need to do a background check to establish how long they have been in the market and look at the background, the management team - who is the person behind the spa. I think that should be sufficient," said Wee Wei Ling, COO of St Gregory's Spa, and executive committee member of Spa Association Singapore.
2010年1月7日星期四
Massage parlour goes up in flames
Firefighters battled a blaze at a massage parlour in central Auckland this afternoon.
Staff were evacuated after the fire broke out on the second floor of the building in Fort Street, at 1.50pm.
A total of 10 fire crews fought to bring the blaze under control but nobody was injured and ambulance crews were not requested, northern fire communications shift manager Colin Underdown said.
He said the massage parlour was extensively damaged by fire and a ground floor internet cafe and restaurant suffered water damage.
The cause of the fire was still being investigated.
Staff were evacuated after the fire broke out on the second floor of the building in Fort Street, at 1.50pm.
A total of 10 fire crews fought to bring the blaze under control but nobody was injured and ambulance crews were not requested, northern fire communications shift manager Colin Underdown said.
He said the massage parlour was extensively damaged by fire and a ground floor internet cafe and restaurant suffered water damage.
The cause of the fire was still being investigated.
2010年1月6日星期三
Graphite Design Announces The Champions Tour Player of The Year Plays
Graphite Design, maker of some of the most widely played premium shafts on the PGA TOUR, announced today that the Champions Tour Player of the Year/Jack Nicklaus Trophy recipient uses Graphite Design Purple Ice shafts in his driver and three wood.
“This is a very well deserved award for this Champions Tour Player,” said Mr. Tak Yamada, VP of Sales & Marketing, Graphite Design. “He was selected for the prestigious Player of the Year award by his fellow competitors on the Champions Tour. He’s had an outstanding year and we’re very pleased that he is using our shafts.”
Graphite Design’s Tour AD brand of shafts accounts for over 50% of all Graphite Design shafts used on professional Tours in the United States. The company's Tour AD logo is featured on all of Graphite Design's PGA Tour-proven shafts to specifically promote "Accuracy and Distance" and these key competitive advantages are helping professional and amateur golfers optimize their games after switching to Graphite Design shafts.
Graphite Design International manufactures the highest quality shafts in the world for Pure Distance and Perfect Accuracy. Graphite Design shafts can be seen in play by the best professional players on the PGA, Nationwide, Champions, Japan, European and LPGA tours. Graphite Design shafts reinforced its dominance on the Japan Tour, where it has claimed 163 consecutive graphite wood shaft brand counts -- an unprecedented streak which dates to 2003. On the PGA Tour, Graphite Design shafts have helped professionals earn 65 victories since 2004 and millions of dollars in prize money. A total of 18 US distributors and 14 international distributors supply Graphite Design shafts to over 1000 custom fitters around the world.
“This is a very well deserved award for this Champions Tour Player,” said Mr. Tak Yamada, VP of Sales & Marketing, Graphite Design. “He was selected for the prestigious Player of the Year award by his fellow competitors on the Champions Tour. He’s had an outstanding year and we’re very pleased that he is using our shafts.”
Graphite Design’s Tour AD brand of shafts accounts for over 50% of all Graphite Design shafts used on professional Tours in the United States. The company's Tour AD logo is featured on all of Graphite Design's PGA Tour-proven shafts to specifically promote "Accuracy and Distance" and these key competitive advantages are helping professional and amateur golfers optimize their games after switching to Graphite Design shafts.
Graphite Design International manufactures the highest quality shafts in the world for Pure Distance and Perfect Accuracy. Graphite Design shafts can be seen in play by the best professional players on the PGA, Nationwide, Champions, Japan, European and LPGA tours. Graphite Design shafts reinforced its dominance on the Japan Tour, where it has claimed 163 consecutive graphite wood shaft brand counts -- an unprecedented streak which dates to 2003. On the PGA Tour, Graphite Design shafts have helped professionals earn 65 victories since 2004 and millions of dollars in prize money. A total of 18 US distributors and 14 international distributors supply Graphite Design shafts to over 1000 custom fitters around the world.
2010年1月5日星期二
Fit to be tried: Shiatsu massage
ONE of the first problems Dolores Smith faced when she set up her shiatsu practice was the name.
Most of us have never heard of shiatsu. "Is it a dog parlour?" one Dubliner asked about her first advertisement.
"So to make things simple, now I just advertise it as massage therapy, because that's easier for people to understand," says Ms Smith, who has run her thriving home-based practice for more than 10 years.
So what is shiatsu? "Bless you," is what my Da quipped when I told him I was checking it out. Jokes aside, shiatsu is an ancient Japanese craft that was developed around 530 BC. Literally translated, it means finger pressure.
Shiatsu helps ease all manner of aches and pains, and targets particular problems such as insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome or back strain.
Traditionally, this hands-on therapy is done on a mat or on the floor, but Ms Smith has adjusted her methods to suit herself and her clients, and she uses a specially designed massage bed.
The session starts with a question-and-answer session to find out about clients' lifestyle, stress levels and diet.
The treatment is not abstract but targeted, she says. "I was drawn to shiatsu because it aims to fix particular problems -- more than standard massage, which gives a general sense of well-being but might not help with some complaints," says Ms Smith, who studied her craft for three years before qualifying.
Lying face down as instructed, I find it surprisingly relaxing as Ms Smith uses gentle but firm pressure with her thumbs and palms, pushing up and lifting off instead of the usual continual kneading of a standard massage. The feet aren't overlooked, with the same lifting and pressure applied from heel to toe.
The session takes an hour, and about half-way through the cerebral knots dissolve, along with the physical tension.
"Shiatsu works to relax the nervous system and promote self-healing, and it's very specific," says Dolores.
The session finishes with me on my back as the shiatsu treatment gently rotates my shoulder joints and then moves up to dissolve neck pain with deft, firm strokes.
In general it's a blissful experience, and Ms Smith says she targets acupressure points to help increase energy, blood-flow and improve digestion.
My shoulder pain is lessened after the session, but not gone and Ms Smith says it would take a few treatments to banish the problem.
Shiatsu is widely available in Japan and it's becoming more common in Ireland, but if you're looking for a good shiatsu therapist, check they are qualified and have experience.
Most of us have never heard of shiatsu. "Is it a dog parlour?" one Dubliner asked about her first advertisement.
"So to make things simple, now I just advertise it as massage therapy, because that's easier for people to understand," says Ms Smith, who has run her thriving home-based practice for more than 10 years.
So what is shiatsu? "Bless you," is what my Da quipped when I told him I was checking it out. Jokes aside, shiatsu is an ancient Japanese craft that was developed around 530 BC. Literally translated, it means finger pressure.
Shiatsu helps ease all manner of aches and pains, and targets particular problems such as insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome or back strain.
Traditionally, this hands-on therapy is done on a mat or on the floor, but Ms Smith has adjusted her methods to suit herself and her clients, and she uses a specially designed massage bed.
The session starts with a question-and-answer session to find out about clients' lifestyle, stress levels and diet.
The treatment is not abstract but targeted, she says. "I was drawn to shiatsu because it aims to fix particular problems -- more than standard massage, which gives a general sense of well-being but might not help with some complaints," says Ms Smith, who studied her craft for three years before qualifying.
Lying face down as instructed, I find it surprisingly relaxing as Ms Smith uses gentle but firm pressure with her thumbs and palms, pushing up and lifting off instead of the usual continual kneading of a standard massage. The feet aren't overlooked, with the same lifting and pressure applied from heel to toe.
The session takes an hour, and about half-way through the cerebral knots dissolve, along with the physical tension.
"Shiatsu works to relax the nervous system and promote self-healing, and it's very specific," says Dolores.
The session finishes with me on my back as the shiatsu treatment gently rotates my shoulder joints and then moves up to dissolve neck pain with deft, firm strokes.
In general it's a blissful experience, and Ms Smith says she targets acupressure points to help increase energy, blood-flow and improve digestion.
My shoulder pain is lessened after the session, but not gone and Ms Smith says it would take a few treatments to banish the problem.
Shiatsu is widely available in Japan and it's becoming more common in Ireland, but if you're looking for a good shiatsu therapist, check they are qualified and have experience.
2010年1月4日星期一
Spa Treatments Cashing in on Swine Flu
At a time when people are cutting back on luxuries, spas have taken in Japan tour — but they’ve been able to hold on to business by tapping in on the season’s most contagious trend: swine-flu hysteria. To that end, spas have upped the ante, supplementing their usual services with therapies marketed with the promise of warding off winter diseases with a little homeopathic pampering.
Of course, facialists and masseuses are not doctors, and their care is preventative at best. To that end, treatments involve words like “detoxifying” and “immune boosting.” The high-end Townhouse Spa, for instance, is offering three different flu-fighters on its menu, with facials and massages starting at $165. The facials make use of bee propolis, thought to have antibacterial effects, and the massage employs gua shua, an Eastern herb used to strengthen the immune system. Or you can go for the herbal detox, where they’ll heat your body to create, as Townhouse owner Jamie Ahn explains it, a “fever-like condition” (before you even get sick!), which kick-starts the immune system. Elsewhere, Graceful Services is offering a 90-minute “Immune Booster” package, employing both acupuncture and lymphatic drainage ($100). Salon Ishi will massage your scalp with special Japanese water which, with a pH of 12.5, is said to kill bacteria ($85). Even Equinox is tapping into the germ-phobic zeitgeist: The fitness club’s 74th Street spa is offering a vitamin-infused facial and sinus-clearing steam.
The marketing tactic seems to be working. “Our immune treatments are outselling the standard massages and facials right now,” says Ahn. Meanwhile, over at Dorit Baxter, a flu-fighting massage ($118) has been on the menu for years — but only now is it gaining in popularity. “In the past, we would have one person a month come in for this,’” says manager Yaffa Rabe. “Now, there is such a fear of swine flu that we have a couple of people asking for this every day.”
No doubt homeopathic guru Dr. Andrew Weil would champion this stuff, but what good will it actually do?
According to Dr. Jeff Morrissey, a family practitioner with a 5th Avenue office, most of these therapies are actually beneficial. “There is no question that these treatments will protect against winter illnesses, even the flu and swine flu,” he says, citing in particular lymph drainage or treatments that employ natural substances known to have immune-boosting properties. “However I wouldn’t recommend them once a person has the flu.” Too little, too late, as it were.
So preparation, even if it errs on the indulgent side, is key. Pratima Day Spa knows that any one treatment probably won’t do you any good, however. That’s why they suggest you come in three days in a row for their ayurvedic sinus-clearing ($190 for three sessions). Better safe than sorry, after all.
Of course, facialists and masseuses are not doctors, and their care is preventative at best. To that end, treatments involve words like “detoxifying” and “immune boosting.” The high-end Townhouse Spa, for instance, is offering three different flu-fighters on its menu, with facials and massages starting at $165. The facials make use of bee propolis, thought to have antibacterial effects, and the massage employs gua shua, an Eastern herb used to strengthen the immune system. Or you can go for the herbal detox, where they’ll heat your body to create, as Townhouse owner Jamie Ahn explains it, a “fever-like condition” (before you even get sick!), which kick-starts the immune system. Elsewhere, Graceful Services is offering a 90-minute “Immune Booster” package, employing both acupuncture and lymphatic drainage ($100). Salon Ishi will massage your scalp with special Japanese water which, with a pH of 12.5, is said to kill bacteria ($85). Even Equinox is tapping into the germ-phobic zeitgeist: The fitness club’s 74th Street spa is offering a vitamin-infused facial and sinus-clearing steam.
The marketing tactic seems to be working. “Our immune treatments are outselling the standard massages and facials right now,” says Ahn. Meanwhile, over at Dorit Baxter, a flu-fighting massage ($118) has been on the menu for years — but only now is it gaining in popularity. “In the past, we would have one person a month come in for this,’” says manager Yaffa Rabe. “Now, there is such a fear of swine flu that we have a couple of people asking for this every day.”
No doubt homeopathic guru Dr. Andrew Weil would champion this stuff, but what good will it actually do?
According to Dr. Jeff Morrissey, a family practitioner with a 5th Avenue office, most of these therapies are actually beneficial. “There is no question that these treatments will protect against winter illnesses, even the flu and swine flu,” he says, citing in particular lymph drainage or treatments that employ natural substances known to have immune-boosting properties. “However I wouldn’t recommend them once a person has the flu.” Too little, too late, as it were.
So preparation, even if it errs on the indulgent side, is key. Pratima Day Spa knows that any one treatment probably won’t do you any good, however. That’s why they suggest you come in three days in a row for their ayurvedic sinus-clearing ($190 for three sessions). Better safe than sorry, after all.
2010年1月3日星期日
Home spa offers salon luxury at low prices
A beauty therapist has opened a home spa offering treatments at a fraction of the cost charged by salons.
Kwan Saetang-Smith, who is also a masseuse, says there is no reason for spas to charge high prices for something that uses "only oils and physical touch".
The 37-year-old opened her Tai Home Spa five months ago and offers treatments from just $15 - making it one of, if not the, most reasonably priced salon in Bermuda.
Mrs. Saetang-Smith said: "Some of my clients have problems that mean it can be difficult for them to walk or get around because of the pain.
"They have so much pain that can be stopped easily with massage.
"But here it is so expensive and I don't know why - the equipment we use is not expensive.
"In Asia we don't charge very much and some people come three times a week for a massage."
And don't think for a second the low price means a lower quality treatment.
Mrs. Saetang-Smith has more than seven years experience working in spas in Bermuda and Thailand.
Her treatments are relaxing and physically healing.
I enjoyed a 60-minute spa pedicure complete with reflexology, so can attest to the quality of service.
Mrs. Saetang-Smith said: "One woman came in with back pain so bad she could not move her neck.
"It was the first time she had ever been for a massage. Every time I touched her she would flinch.
"After she calmed down she fell asleep for about five minutes and when she woke she couldn't stop crying.
"The pain was gone and we had released endorphins into her body. She was so happy."
Mrs. Saetang-Smith said client satisfaction is the most rewarding part of her work.
She added: "When my clients feel better, that is worth more than money."
Mrs. Saetang-Smith has built up an extensive client base by word of mouth.
Business is going so well she is considering building another room.
The one she uses as a spa is decorated with art, statues and tapestries from Thailand and China, which add to the ambience.
There is an adjoining bathroom where clients can wash off oils and creams.
Mrs. Saetang-Smith, a mother of two, enjoys working from home as she can dictate her own schedule and set aside "lots of family time".
Her most popular treatment is her luxury facial, which uses pulsating light to improve skin quality and mini vacuums to extract blackheads and pimples.
She said: "The facials use all organic products. They are 100 per cent natural.
"With many spas you have to ask specifically for all the different treatments, which all add to the price.
"But I don't see the point in doing a facial that is less than perfect so everything is included."
Other treatments include a Thai herbal ball compress body massage at $65 and a head, shoulders and back stress relief massage at $50.
A 60-minute luxury facial, head, hand and feet massage is $75, while traditional Thai massage is $65.
Ear candling is $50, massage therapy during and after pregnancy is $65, a manicure is $35, a pedicure $45, eyelash tinting is $15 and eyebrow tinting $20.
Mrs. Saetang-Smith said: "A lot of clients are very stressed so I teach meditation when giving a massage.
"In Thailand a lot of people meditate. It makes them calmer and they will have better memory."
Kwan Saetang-Smith, who is also a masseuse, says there is no reason for spas to charge high prices for something that uses "only oils and physical touch".
The 37-year-old opened her Tai Home Spa five months ago and offers treatments from just $15 - making it one of, if not the, most reasonably priced salon in Bermuda.
Mrs. Saetang-Smith said: "Some of my clients have problems that mean it can be difficult for them to walk or get around because of the pain.
"They have so much pain that can be stopped easily with massage.
"But here it is so expensive and I don't know why - the equipment we use is not expensive.
"In Asia we don't charge very much and some people come three times a week for a massage."
And don't think for a second the low price means a lower quality treatment.
Mrs. Saetang-Smith has more than seven years experience working in spas in Bermuda and Thailand.
Her treatments are relaxing and physically healing.
I enjoyed a 60-minute spa pedicure complete with reflexology, so can attest to the quality of service.
Mrs. Saetang-Smith said: "One woman came in with back pain so bad she could not move her neck.
"It was the first time she had ever been for a massage. Every time I touched her she would flinch.
"After she calmed down she fell asleep for about five minutes and when she woke she couldn't stop crying.
"The pain was gone and we had released endorphins into her body. She was so happy."
Mrs. Saetang-Smith said client satisfaction is the most rewarding part of her work.
She added: "When my clients feel better, that is worth more than money."
Mrs. Saetang-Smith has built up an extensive client base by word of mouth.
Business is going so well she is considering building another room.
The one she uses as a spa is decorated with art, statues and tapestries from Thailand and China, which add to the ambience.
There is an adjoining bathroom where clients can wash off oils and creams.
Mrs. Saetang-Smith, a mother of two, enjoys working from home as she can dictate her own schedule and set aside "lots of family time".
Her most popular treatment is her luxury facial, which uses pulsating light to improve skin quality and mini vacuums to extract blackheads and pimples.
She said: "The facials use all organic products. They are 100 per cent natural.
"With many spas you have to ask specifically for all the different treatments, which all add to the price.
"But I don't see the point in doing a facial that is less than perfect so everything is included."
Other treatments include a Thai herbal ball compress body massage at $65 and a head, shoulders and back stress relief massage at $50.
A 60-minute luxury facial, head, hand and feet massage is $75, while traditional Thai massage is $65.
Ear candling is $50, massage therapy during and after pregnancy is $65, a manicure is $35, a pedicure $45, eyelash tinting is $15 and eyebrow tinting $20.
Mrs. Saetang-Smith said: "A lot of clients are very stressed so I teach meditation when giving a massage.
"In Thailand a lot of people meditate. It makes them calmer and they will have better memory."
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