Encased in Wax

ENCASED IN WAX

A week after my hand and foot indulgence, I went back to try the HAND AND FOOT PARAFFIN. I have always been curious about this procedure ever since it was first introduced in the spa.

I read about it and learned that this procedure is a soothing treatment that deeply moisturizes and softens skin. Paraffin wax also has curative benefits and is infact a common option in heat therapy for people with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases including muscle, tendon and ligament ailments. The heat helps to increase blood flow and relax the muscles, which can help relieve muscle discomfort and pain. It also increases skin elasticity improving mobility of extremities. With all these benefits, how can I not do this procedure? Especially since I twisted my ankle a few weeks ago limiting its mobility.

As usual, I visited Body Tune in Market! Market! and sat on one of the big couches in the Foot Area. But, before I could settle down, the therapist asked me to change from jeans to shorts. So I wore the shorts she gave me since my lower leg  (area below the knees) will be soaked in wax.

Skinny dipping

Vilma, the therapist, rubbed a warm towel on my left arm then she asked me to gently lower my hand on the tub filled with warm paraffin wax. I was hesitant at first because I was anticipating the heat. I remember as a child I refuse to hold a lighted candle for fear of wax accidentally dripping on my hand. And there I was, voluntarily dipping my hand and leg on a tub of hot wax! But this type of wax has a paraffin oil component making it a soft wax with a low melting point. So it is safe to use because the temperature needed to melt it will not cause burning or blistering.

The liquid wax was as warm as anticipated but the therapist told me that I can lift my hand anytime it feels a little too hot. I did that a couple of times while making sure that my hand stays flat with my fingers close to each other. While I was doing this, Vilma used a brush to apply liquid wax on my lower arm (below the elbows).  Soon my arm and hand were covered in pink wax. The therapist quickly covered my arm in plastic to help retain the heat and covered my hand with a big white glove.  By the time my hand was covered, the heat has dissipated and the warmth felt good.

Afterwards, the tub was lowered to the floor so I can easily dip my foot in warm wax. I dipped and lifted my foot a few times until it was thoroughly covered in wax. Then, using a brush, Vilma coated my legs below the knees with liquefied wax. Then my legs were immediately covered with cling wrap and I was made to wear a foot sock.

Sealing in the moisture

My legs were propped in a footstool and covered in towel to help retain the heat.

I was left to soak in the warmth and the moisturizing benefits of this treatment for a few glorious minutes.

As the wax hardens, the paraffin’s natural oils softens the skin and the heat opens the pores allowing the curative benefits of this treatment to do its magic. The heat increases blood flow in the area improving circulation and rejuvenating the skin.

Peeling the mask

After 20 minutes, Vilma removed the huge gloves and socks then rolled the plastic wrap downwards together with the soft wax. When the cooled wax is pulled from the skin, it removes dead skin cells leaving behind smooth, clear skin.

Paraffin wax treatment is beneficial for those with dry, cracked hands and feet. Paraffin is an excellent moisturizer because it leaves a light waterproof film over the skin to retain the natural oils produced by the body.

After peeling off the wax, Vilma rubbed a warm towel over my arms and legs to remove any remaining wax.

Remember my sore ankle? Soon after the mask was removed, I immediately rotated my left foot and was pleasantly surprised when I was able to do so easily without the pain and discomfort I felt before the session.

I cured my childhood fear of hot wax and gained so much more in return. Dipping my hand and foot in wax was definitely worth it! I will not hesitate to do this again!

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Hand and Foot Indulgence

HAND AND FOOT INDULGENCE

My sister-in-law and her husband are regular clients of a home service massage outlet. Almost every week they avail of a full body massage or a mani/pedi. Out of curiosity, I tried their services. But instead of a full body massage, I opted for a MANI/PEDI AND FOOT SPA.

I understand the lure of home service. It costs less and it’s very convenient since you’re in the comfort of your home. But, quality-wise, I would rather visit a regular spa.  The polish was not properly applied. It was too thick and uneven. There were also tiny hairs and visible bubbles.  When I had the foot spa, the therapist was not very gentle and seemed in a hurry to finish. She also buffed the sides of my foot where the skin was thin, causing it to break. Suffice it to say that I was not very pleased with the experience.

So, as usual, I visited our branch in Market! Market! for a soothing afternoon of mani/pedi and foot spa. I was escorted to the foot area and was asked to sit in one of the bulky cushioned seats with enough pillows to make me sleep and a foot stool to rest my weary feet.

Soaking my sole

Vilma, the therapist, asked me to soak my feet in a foot bath filled with warm water and soap for about 10 minutes. This is to ensure that my skin will be soft enough to exfoliate and clean.  The mild vibration from the bath is great at relaxing the muscles, tendons and ligaments in the feet.  After patting my feet dry, she rubbed her fingers on my sole to check for any calluses. She used a special blade to remove the thick layer of skin. It was surprisingly soothing considering that she was using a tool with a blade inside.  It felt like she was simply buffing my soles. Next she used a giant file to rub the bottom of my feet and she did this for a good 15-20 minutes until my soles were soft like a baby’s bottom.

Then she applied peppermint foot scrub to further remove dead skin cells on the whole foot while lightly massaging it. The peppermint felt cool and refreshing! After  my feet were thoroughly cleaned and exfoliated, I wanted to cap it with a nice, brilliant polish!

Coloring the tips

Weng, the nail attendant, placed a basket filled with nail polish of various shades and asked me to choose one. I usually opt for lighter shades like beige or tan but, I was feeling a bit adventurous, so I chose a reddish brown shade. It was a regular mani and pedi but, for the first time, I didn’t feel uncomfortable during the whole process.

I have a confession to make- I’m a late bloomer when it comes to beautifying my tips. I’m not comfortable with people filing, buffing and cleaning my nails. So, it came as a surprise that I actually enjoyed it mainly because Weng was cordial and, having been with Body Tune for years, knows exactly what she is doing. She is gentle unlike the home service therapist and very efficient. It didn’t take long for her to finish the job but she passed with flying colors!

The OC in me looked at the nails closely to check for any imperfections. It was flawless!  The nail polish was cleanly applied and it was just the right consistency (not too thick or thin). There were no annoying and unflattering bubbles, stray hairs or stray polish on my skin. It was the same for my pedicure but, since I had an appointment and had to leave right away, Weng applied a fast-drying solution to make sure that the polish stays in place.  

So happy with the finished product! :)

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