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! :)

Precious Peeling

PRECIOUS PEELING

It’s that time of the month when my skin mysteriously breaks out. You would think that at my age I would have gone past acne and other skin imperfections associated with puberty.  Unfortunately, that is not the case. My cheeks have a tendency to turn red due to dryness and excessive peeling leaving my skin blotchy and flushed. Sometimes, the unlikely combination of oily and dry skin results to pimple formation that leaves unsightly scars.  I have tried various remedies to address this problem. Topical ointments usually work but I don’t want to be dependent on those because those contain small traces of steroids. So I was on the hunt for the elusive cure to this persistent problem.

Unlikely Solution

The answer came up unexpectedly during a recent get-together. I had a reunion with some of my College friends whom I haven’t met for years, some even way back when I was in school. It was refreshing to see some of them looking the same as they had years ago, even with minimal make-up! I was intrigued to know what their secrets are to maintaining their youthful-looking skin and two of them gushed over their love of Diamond Peel. They swore that it was their constant visit to their dermatologist to avail of this service that helped improve the appearance of their skin (I clearly remember one of them having acne problems).  I have heard of this procedure but I never seriously considered it till that fateful reunion.

I had my concerns at the onset because my cheeks were peeling on its own and this was causing my sensitive skin to form red blotchy patches like a “Raggedy Ann” doll with silly red dots on the cheeks. So, as always, I researched online and found out more about Diamond Peel.  I learned that it was an effective, safe, painless and non-irritating procedure. There will be no unsightly redness or peeling right after the treatment. This is exactly what I was looking for to hopefully address this recurring problem.

Prepping the Skin

Body Tune has derma clinics in selected branches namely SM Megamall, Mall of Asia, Market Market, SM City The Block and Annex North Edsa, SM City Fairview and SM City Pampanga. I visited one of the nearby branches and was led to the derma clinic at the back where I was asked to lie down the bed. The derma assistant, Rebecca, wrapped my head with a soft hair band to clear my face of stray hairs. Then she prepped my face for the peeling process.

To remove stubborn dirt and make-up, she cleansed my face with a facial scrub. The feel of the small granules while she was massaging my face was totally relaxing. She explained that the exfoliating properties of the scrub sloughs off dead skin cells and deep cleans the pores. Then she gently scrubbed my face with a small brush to loosen excess dirt. Afterwards, my face was briefly covered with a warm compress to open the pores and the small towel was used to wipe my face clean.

Then she applied a mild facial cleanser which she massaged all over my face. Facial massages have a number of benefits aside from muscle relaxation, it also improves circulation which brings nutrients and oxygen to the skin. Gently kneading and scrubbing the face also increases production of collagen and elastin as well as reduce puffiness. Stimulating the facial muscles opens pores so after the massage, Rebecca used a brush to loosen the dirt particles.

Warm compress was applied to my face once again to relax my skin before beginning the peeling process.

The Magic Wand

The derma assistant gently brushed a diamond tipped wand-like device over my skin. It felt soothing and it was totally painless. I just felt a slight tugging whenever the device touched my skin. Diamond Peel is a gentle microdermabrasion treatment that rejuvenates the skin. A layer of diamond dust is released to the surface of the skin and then vacuumed away to exfoliate dead skin cells on the top most layer to reveal fresh looking skin underneath.  Stripping away the outermost layer promotes the growth of healthy new skin cells and leaves a smoother skin texture. As a result, this procedure reduces the appearance of age spots, fine lines, wrinkles and acne scars. “Vacuuming” the skin also helps in removing whiteheads and this aided the facialist in the next procedure.

Clearing the pores

I am not a fan of pricking but this routine cosmetic procedure is necessary to ensure that the face remains clean and pimple-free. Blackheads, whiteheads and other dirt particles irritate the skin and causes inflammation. Pricking is essential to reach stubborn dirt that lodges itself deep inside the pores. The saying, “No pain, no gain” comes to mind. Having reaped the benefits of this procedure, I simply brushed aside the slight stinging sensation because the end result is definitely worth it.

After pricking, a toner is applied to bring the skin’s pH (acidity) back to normal. Toners help our skin retain a certain amount of oil to stay waterproof and resistant to infection.  Too little oil will lead to dry skin resulting in wrinkles while too much oil will result to oily and acne-prone skin. Thus, toners are important to help our skin resist harmful bacteria.

Then Rebecca dabbed tiny amounts of a topical antibiotic to the pricked pimples to hasten the healing process. To smoothen out the skin even more and prevent dryness, she applied liberal amounts of facial moisturizer. Then I felt the welcome relief of a metal device called the Cold Hammer. The flat end of this hand held device was gently massaged around my face concentrating on my cheeks, forehead and even my eye area. This cold treatment closes the pores and reduce puffiness.

Final Advice

After the procedure, the derma assistant asked me not to put-on make-up. I obliged. I was used to walking in the mall ‘au naturel’ because this is also the advice I got after my 24K Gold Facial treatment. My face was squeaky clean and had a natural pinkish glow from the treatment. I definitely didn’t want to cover that up with a layer of foundation and powder that will again clog my pores.

I was also told to avoid direct sunlight and to wear sunblock since my skin was still sensitive from the procedure. When my skin starts to peel, I just had to put on moisturizer to prevent dryness. I didn’t actually notice the peeling but when my skin felt itchy and dry, I followed her advice and dabbed some moisturizer.

A week after, my skin looked and felt smoother and my pores were smaller. Remember my red, “Raggedy Ann” patch on the cheek? I don’t have it anymore. For that, I am thankful. I am very pleased with the result of Diamond Peeling. So much that me and my college friend have just booked our next appointment at the spa. 

Age-old Remedy to Golden Skin

THE AGE-OLD REMEDY TO GOLDEN SKIN

I was playing “I Spy” with my 10 year old son when he stared at me and with a naughty grin on his face said, “I spy the Philippine Islands!”.  I looked around to check if there’s a map lying around the room. But he started giggling and pointed to my left cheek. Puzzled, I looked in the mirror and I realized what he was pointing to - tiny sun spots on my cheeks forming shapes of various “islands”. I had to laugh, he does have a sense of humor, but deep inside I knew it was no laughing matter.  

Sun spots, wrinkles and sagging skin are all signs of aging. I’m in my 40’s so I knew that this was part of the normal “wear-and-tear” of a life well-lived.  But it is also a sign that I need to take better care of my skin. Sun spots mean that I fail to regularly apply sun block on my face leaving brown pigmentation or melanin deposits. Wrinkles mean that I have to religiously put on moisturizer as part of my morning and nightly ritual. Sagging skin is another matter altogether. Gravity is at work here but, fortunately, we live in an age where nothing is impossible.

Surviving the test of time

The skincare industry have flaunted their gravity-defying techniques to counter aging, in countless ways, some through surgery. But, I am not that hardcore. I’m okay with the conservative approach to beautifying myself.  So conservative in fact, that I opted to try an age-old technique that dates back to the time of Cleopatra. 

Through my research I learned that gold masks have been used since ancient times.  Cleopatra used to cover her face with gold powder every night to retain her youthful looking skin. The queen during the Ch’ing dynasty used a gold massage roller on her face every day. In Ancient Rome, gold salves were commonly used to treat skin problems. The benefits of gold facials have even been recognized by the ancient healing art of Ayurveda. The use of gold masks has been practiced throughout history because of its curative and anti-aging properties.

The fact that this method has been around for centuries means that it works. So, off I went to our Megamall branch to try this ancient remedy to flawless skin.  Our derma clinic offers a modern twist to this age-old remedy called the 24K Gold Facial.

The Preparation

I had to start with a clean face.  The derma assistant, Minnie, rubbed a mild liquid soap on my face. She gently massaged every part of my face using the soap to remove the sticky combination of make-up, sweat and pollution. The facial massage was surprisingly relaxing. Had she done that longer I would have dozed off but, after a few precious minutes, I felt a slightly rough implement on my cheek. It’s a small brush used to loosen excess dirt that might be clogging my pores.  She brushed my forehead, nose, cheeks and chin to make sure that she gets all the stubborn dirt out.

 Next is the steamer. Steam relaxes the pores – opening it and exposing the stubborn dirt and other skin impurities hiding between the crevices of the skin. Then I heard the sound of a small motor. A pencil thin tool with a suction cup at the end was used to vacuum off the loosened dirt including the exposed blackheads and whiteheads. Afterwards, she wiped my face with warm water using a soft facial sponge.  

Next step was scrubbing.  A facial scrub was applied to my face. Once again, Minnie massaged it across my face to exfoliate it by sloughing off dead skin cells. She kneaded my face exactly the same way she did with the soap. Then she repeated the whole process once again – brushing, vacuuming and cleansing.

Then came the tricky part – pricking. She beamed a strong white light on my face to help her see clearly.   I had to brace myself for this. The last time I had a facial was years ago so I was not used to this procedure. True enough, a few seconds into the pricking, I felt a stinging sensation on my nose. A blackhead or whitehead is stuck too deep into the pores that a slight pinch of the tool is not enough. It seems that there was a concentration of impurities in my nose and chin. Thankfully, she didn’t take long. Either I only had few blackheads/ whiteheads or she felt sorry for me every time she saw me wincing. I think it’s the latter. 

Beneath the Golden Mask

Then came the part I was looking forward to – the gold mask. The assistant mixed gold powder with water in a small bowl. Using a fine brush, she mixed the two until it became a golden white paste. Then she applied the cold, sticky solution to my face using the brush, avoiding my eyes and lips. The assistant left the room for a few minutes to allow the solution to harden while I was lying in the clinic bed.   The paste was cool and slightly runny at first.  But I felt my skin tightening as the minutes passed. Then it became so firm that I could hardly move my face. In fact, my phone rang and I couldn’t even answer it because my face was so stiff. I felt like Cleopatra beneath her golden mask.

So what does it do exactly? Masks offer a deeper kind of cleansing because our skin is in close contact with the mask for at least 10- 15 minutes. That length of time gives our skin the added benefit of absorbing all the revitalizing and healing properties of the mask. Gold masks in particular are known to increase cell renewal and is effective in fighting off damaging free radicals, preventing premature skin aging.

Gold masks also reduce the appearance of sun-damaged skin and age spots.  It also has anti-inflammatory properties. The properties of gold help to slow down collagen depletion and the breakdown of elastin. This firms the skin by tightening it thereby reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

After about 15 minutes, the assistant arrived to remove the taut solution. I thought she was going to peel it off but instead she used cold water and soft sponge to gently remove it. Then she applied moisturizer while briefly massaging my face. Next she used a small hammer-like contraption with a flat rounded base aptly named the “Cold Hammer”. She rubbed the cold metal all over the face to help close the pores. 

 Natural Glow

Minnie told me to avoid using make-up for a few hours to allow the skin to breath. I was hesitant to do this at first because I had errands to do in the mall and I had a date with my husband. But, I reminded myself that he has seen me at my worst so it really doesn’t matter. So I left the spa ‘au naturel’ without a hint of make-up! But the look on my husband’s face when he saw me was priceless. He said that there was a certain glow to my skin. I looked radiant and rested. Maybe I should schedule another visit soon.  The assistant told me that the effects of a gold mask lasts longer (up to 2 weeks) compared to other facial masks.  If I do this often enough, the tiny islands on my face will slowly fade till there will be nothing left for my son to spy.

Body Tune derma clinics are located at the following braches - SM Megamall, Mall of Asia, Market Market, SM City The Block and Annex North Edsa, SM City Fairview and SM City Pampanga.