PHILCARE EVENT HELD AT PROCTER AND GAMBLE (MAKATI OFFICE)

Happening today at the Makati office of P&G! We are offering FREE back massage as well as 30% OFF on ALL our spa services!

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!

JOIN OUR I LOVE BT PROMO FROM AUGUST 12-18, 2013 TO GET 30% OFF ON THIS SERVICE - HAND AND FOOT PARAFFIN!

CLICK THIS LINK TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS PROMO - https://www.facebook.com/bodytunetraditionalthaimassage 

JOIN NOW!

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! :)

JOIN OUR I LOVE BT PROMO FROM AUGUST 5-11, 2013 TO GET 30% OFF ON THIS SERVICE PACKAGE - MANI/PEDI WITH FOOT SPA!

CLICK THIS LINK TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS PROMO - https://www.facebook.com/bodytunetraditionalthaimassage 

JOIN NOW!

Testimonial

A satisfied customer visited our SM Fairview branch and documented her massage experience! She sent us a link to her blog. Please click this link to know more -  http://irishhandprints.blogspot.com :)

Testimonial

S-Ann Ch'i, is a biomedical scientist, product designer and philanthropist. She is involved in science research programs, does research work on poverty and supports medical missions and other charitable activities.

She recently visited our Megamall branch and sent us this article for her upcoming blog on beauty and wellness.

A whole new way to get stoned!

Spas have been my little sanctuary whenever I wish to get away from the nerve racking pace of life. Finding your personal space in this day and age is not as easy as you may think, and a place that offers the soul it’s much needed stillness and tranquility is I feel an absolute essential part of living a full and happy existence.

 I’ve been visiting spas for over a decade now, and what I’ve learned is that the whole approach, not only during the treatment that you have chosen to pamper yourself with, but the entire experience, from the moment you walk in has an accumulative effect on the overall perking up of oneself!

An important aspect of any spa is the human touch, no matter how well equipped the facility may be, It’s always the staff that bring the experience home.  

One Saturday, while running around the mall shopping, I had that familiar itch to go treat myself to another dose of concentrated self-love! 

I’ve seen their signage before, but this was the first time I entered this day spa named “Body tune”, and after all the discord I’ve been feeling with a busy week, a little tuning was exactly what I needed.

Immediately, my senses were met by a sweet fragrance in the air, the whole atmosphere was uplifting, and the receptionist was warm, cheerful and knowledgeable!  After going over the menu, I opted for their Volcanic stone massage, here is where I get a bit nerdy, they use aphanitic igneous stones which are excellent thermal insulators, and when I felt their soothing warmth on my back, I wanted to swoon!  The smooth black stones melted all the tension out of my body, and the therapist’s trained hands as they glided over me, knew exactly what amount of pressure I needed, and where. 

As I left “Body tune” that day, I felt completely relaxed! Rest assured, I’ll definitely be popping in again, to sample their other treatments! 

Thanks Ms. Ch'i for trying our service! It was a pleasure serving you :)

Testimonial

Testimonial 

Ann Margarette Narvaez is a college senior taking up electronics engineering. She and her boyfriend  availed of the Couple's Room at our SM North Edsa branch.

She sent us the following private message in our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bodytunetraditionalthaimassage after availing of the service:

hi! we finally had a spa at your branch in SM North EDSA! We totally enjoyed it and my boyfriend really a relaxing time! We tried out the sauna and the swedish massage. Thank You Body Tune! Maybe next time I'll try a another type of massage because I prefer something a bit more harder than swedish :)

Then she sent us a link to her blog where she wrote an article about her experience. Kindly click this link to view her article - http://pinkresistors.blogspot.com .

Thanks Ann for the wonderful review and we look forward to serving you again! :)

Unwinding for Two

UNWINDING FOR TWO

My husband, a filmmaker, came home late one night dead tired and physically drained after 3 consecutive days of shooting a documentary. His schedule has been erratic lately because he is juggling two projects and both require a big chunk of his time. So, on that particular night, he was complaining of pain on his lower back and legs plus a throbbing headache. I felt sorry for him and decided that we spend quality time together in the spa by availing of the Couple's Room. Use of the Couple's Room includes a full body massage, aroma facial massage and scalp treatment for two. 

Embraced by heat

When he finally had two days off from his busy schedule, I booked us a room right away at Body Tune in Market! Market!. Once there, we were warmly greeted by the receptionist and she ushered us into one of the dimly-lit rooms. The room is sparse except for two massage tables and two separate lockers to secure our belongings. She gave us fresh towels, soap, keys to the locker, robes and loose shorts. After changing, we were led to the restroom at the back where the sauna room is located. We were given the option to shower first before the sauna but we opted to bathe after the sauna instead. The therapist gave us iced tea to sip while inside the room.

All four corners of the sauna room are lined with thick slabs of wood and it can comfortably fit 2 people. There is a box in one corner containing heated coal and a big bowl of water. When we grew accustomed to the heat, my husband scooped water from the container using a ladle and poured it to the live coal for it to release more heat. The initial wave of intense but bearable heat caught me by surprise but, the longer we stayed there, the more I got used to the warmth. It also helped that we were sipping the cold tea.

Hanging on the wood-covered wall beside me is a sand timer indicating the time spent inside. Next to this is a set of guidelines on the use of the room. It showed the various ways you can position yourself in the cubicle – you can sit on the wooden bench or you can use it as a shelf to prop your leg up. I also learned that you can only stay inside for a maximum of 15 minutes at a time. Before showering, you also have to rest for a few minutes outside of the cubicle to allow your body to acclimatize to the room temperature.

After 10 minutes, my husband went to the men’s room while I stayed at the ladies room to take a shower. The cold water was a welcome relief because I was already soaked in sweat. After bathing, we went back to the room to begin the relaxing session.

 Holistic Approach

We were asked to lie face down on the massage table then we were asked what our massage preference
was. Choices were Holistic, Swedish or Shiatsu. Holistic is an ancient method of healing that clears the lymphatic drainage system and releases toxins from the body. It is a light form of massage with a little stretching at the end. Swedish uses a variety of techniques specifically designed to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood to increase oxygen and release toxins from the muscles. While Shiatsu which is a dry massage uses finger and palm pressure, stretches and other massage techniques for relaxation and to ease muscle pain, nausea, anxiety and depression. My husband chose Holistic but with stronger pressure. He wanted the combination of a deep muscle massage with the soothing stretch at the end.

My therapist, Rose, was courteous enough to ask if I was comfortable with the pressure she was administering. I wanted to fully experience and utilize the lymphatic drainage benefits of this type of massage so I said yes. After that I realized that I should have settled for the lighter version since I am more used to this approach.

Relaxing from the neck down

The therapist first applied pressure on my back, buttocks and legs by pressing those areas with her knuckles. I read that this is usually done to physically and psychologically prepare the client for the massage. Then she rubbed oil on my legs while massaging it. I literally felt the tension being eased out as she pressed every aching muscle especially when she kneaded my foot. She pressed the soles and stretched each toe. Then she gently twisted my ankle and rotated my foot to facilitate better circulation. 

  

Next was the buttocks. Massaging this mostly ignored body part eases muscle and joint pain around the lower back. This also helps reduce fat deposits, unpleasant cellulite appearance and firms butt muscles.

Then the therapist moved to my back paying close attention to my shoulder blades. Perhaps she felt the tension in that area. I did feel a little pain when she pressed and kneaded the muscles there. I soon realized that it is that part of my body where I store the most tension whenever I am stressed. When muscles are tense, we deprive it of sufficient oxygen creating blockages that can eventually lead to pain and discomfort. I should start moving or rotating my shoulders more when I’m emotionally overwhelmed to help ease the tension.

Then she concentrated on my arms. Those were given the same kind of attention as my foot. My palms were also pressed and each finger stretched. My hands were also moved in a circular manner to remove any stiffness that can clog proper circulation. She stretched my arms and folded it at the back till my fingers touched my lower shoulder blades. This surprisingly felt soothing.  Our hands and feet take a beating everyday so it is fitting that these two body parts receive ample care.

After thoroughly pampering my whole back, the therapist asked me to turn so I was facing her. And the whole procedure was done again to drain my body of toxins from my legs up to my shoulders. But this time my belly, upper chest and neck were gently rubbed as well.

Head Massage

By the time the therapist reached my head, I was feeling drowsy. Using the balls of her fingers, the therapist, massaged my scalp to ease the tension around this area. Massaging the scalp has the same benefits as a body massage, it increases the production of certain chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin. These are known mood alleviators improving our emotional state by reducing stress, producing feelings of euphoria and calmness. This affects not only our mood but our sleep patterns and appetite as well. It is also known to relieve pain by improving circulation and removing muscle tension. This type of massage is helpful for those who are suffering from migraine and headache including stiff neck since head massage also includes the neck and shoulders.

About face

The most sleep-inducing procedure was the Aroma Facial Massage. I was close to actually falling asleep when Rose started massaging my face. The face is full of nerves and pleasure points so facial massage can greatly improve one’s mood. This also helps to relax tight and drawn muscles, relieve sinus congestion and improve circulation.

She lightly massaged my forehead, the area around my eyes, nose, cheeks and chin using a balancing oil to facilitate a smooth massage routine. Stimulating facial skin improves oxygen circulation bringing a soft pinkish glow to the cheeks.

Night cap

When the whole procedure regretfully came to an end, my husband and I were surprised that the massage took almost 2 hours to finish. We barely noticed the time especially my husband who drifted in and out of sleep.

Before changing back to our street clothes, the therapist asked us what beverage we wanted and I was given a cup of tea while my husband had coffee. We decided to go home right away to rest. Our plans of capping the night with a sumptuous meal in a fine dining establishment was put on hold because we would rather relax and call it a night.

My husband was humming a tune while driving home and he didn’t even complain about the pain in his back and legs.  We both slept soundly which is unusual for him because he is an insomniac. He woke up early the next day refreshed and ready to face another challenging day. 

I finally found the solution to his insomnia and bouts with extreme fatigue. Availing of the Couple's Room is truly worth it. Thanks Body Tune!

Testimonial

Testimonial 

Jamie Fournier is a freelance events host, radio show host for Biyahe at Gimik, blogger, painter, and an instructional designer for a multinational banking corporation. 

She visited our Market! Market! branch and graciously gave us the following review: 

"I never really knew what to expect when I decided to go to Body Tune Spa. See, the thing is I've never really been a fan of massages. I mean I would go get a massage every now and then but I wasn't the type who would rave about it nor look for it.

That all changed after my Balinese massage at Body Tune though. First of all, their area is amazing. From the busy surroundings of Market Market, I never would have guessed that I would be transported to such a relaxing set of rooms, the scent of a far away place, and most importantly a wonderful staff.

After 5 minutes of the massage, I didn't even notice that I fell asleep. Something that never happened before whenever I get one. I woke up after everything was done and my body felt brand new!

Body Tune has completely changed my outlook of massages. What's great is they have branches everywhere and the prices are oh so adorable. 

I can't wait for my next massage!" 

Many thanks Jamie! :)