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!