A luxurious massage chair

As technology advances we have seen many perks and luxuries enter our homes
and daily lives. One such perk is the massage chair, and it is making
ripples in the professional and private worlds alike.

These aren’t just simple chairs though, and the average person may feel
overwhelmed. Fortunately this guide is here to help you understand what it
is, why you should want it, and if it can be part of your lifestyle.

What exactly is a massage chair?
A massage chair is normally a fold up chair that sits inside your current
chair. It provides various message types ranging from shiatsu to Swedish
with built in heating depending on brand name, model, and category. This can
be very relaxing and can release tension built up in the day.

What is the average massage chair made out of?
The average massage chair is made out of leather, fabric, or polyurethane.
Leather is most common for high end models as it fits in with most furniture
types. Although it is very comfortable it is often the most expensive type
of chair.

Just how do they work?
Current massage chairs that are available for purchase are designed to
target key points in your body. Pressure applied to these points in the form
of pushing, rubbing, circular massage, and deep kneading are just some of
the settings available.

Most chairs have some form of control interface whether it be a control
panel or a remote. This allows you to set the strength, depth, type, and
length of the massage. You can even turn heat functions on or off provided
your chair has them. This can make for a very relaxing and enjoyable
massage.

Are there benefits to owning a massage chair?
There are many benefits to owning one of these chairs. A massage can give
you a great deal of relaxation, and even some pleasure on those days that
you need a good back rub. This can relieve stress, tension, anxiety, and
just generally brighten your mood. Plus when you lower your stress level
your blood pressure drops as well, so it’s a win win situation.

Another benefit is that you don’t have to pay to use a chair outside the
initial investment. Traditional massage parlors will charge you an arm and a
leg for their services. Owning a chair allows you to get a massage whenever
you want for free without having to drive to a parlor. Plus you don’t have
to search the city for a reputable therapist, just go to your favorite chair
and enjoy.

Massage chairs also put pressure where you need it most. Sometimes people
just don’t know the right spot to hit. Many mid range and high end models
allow you to specify which areas to stimulate. This control allows you to
get the relief you need when and where you need it.

As our world moves towards high speed technology we often find that we are
neglecting ourselves. This can lead to stress and tension which is bad for
personal health. Owning a personal massage chair can help combat these ill
begotten symptoms of our modern world. It can also give you reason to look
forward to coming home from work on a hard day.

Our reader, Dr. Alan Weidner, contributed this article. Dr. Alan Weidner graduated summa cum laude from Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, class of 1991. His website, www.massage-chair-relief.com offers Panasonic, Omega, Inada, Human Touch, iJoy, and Sanyo massage chairs.

Er… is the spa industry really going downhill or has the Singapore press started a bad press campaign against the spa industry? This must be the 3rd newspaper article in less than a week about bad spa experiences in Singapore.

Do you have similar horror stories about spa experiences in other countries? Please share with us if you have come across spa bad experience, cheating cases or bad service in spas in Singapore and other countries as well.

In the meantime, here’s the ‘horror’ story from a spa-goer in Singapore…

Burnt by slimming treatment

By Amanda Yong YOU often hear of slimming treatments claiming to “burn stubborn fat” off your tummy. One housewife tried doing just that in an unusual beauty treatment – and got burnt. Madam Li Mei Gui, 35, is now left with horrific scars on her back, one as big as a two-dollar note. The Singapore permanent resident from Malaysia was enticed by a local spa’s promise of a “fat-burning treatment” that claimed to reduce the fat on her belly. She visited the spa in Ang Mo Kio and tried out the procedure on 28 Oct. We are not naming the spa for legal reasons. Her son, 9, and daughter, 7, were at school. Her husband was at work and didn’t know she would be going for the treatment. “I didn’t tell him because I thought it was just a small matter,” she said in Mandarin. But it was no small matter. During the procedure, Madam Li lay on her front in one of the spa’s treatment rooms. Her lower back and waist were left exposed for the treatment. The therapist placed a towel on her waist and poured an alcoholic fluid on the towel. The procedure was to have been carried out on her back and her front, but it could not be ascertained which treatment came first. All Madam Li could remember was turning back and seeing the therapist light up the towel, which started to burn. “I was so scared when I saw the fire (on the towel). I wanted to ask her what she was doing, but it was too late,” she said. Within a few seconds, the fire on the towel had spread to her bare skin. She felt a sharp burning sensation on her back and screamed in pain. Realising that Madam Li was on fire, the therapist immediately threw a wet towel onto her back, dousing the flames. She also put ice cubes on the burnt area to soothe the pain. Madam Li was so traumatised and in such pain that she left the spa without raising a fuss. “I was in so much pain that I just couldn’t say a word. That half an hour (of treatment) was so painful that I just wanted to get out (of the spa) as soon as possible,” she said. Huge burn marks When she arrived home, she showed her husband her injuries. Her husband, a 40-year-old pastry chef, who wished to be known only as Mr Chen, told Shin Min Daily News that he saw angry blisters, “some long and some round” on his wife’s back. There were also huge burn marks, one as long as 20cm. Read the rest of the article here: http://www.asiaone.com/Health/Women%2527s%2BMatters/Story/A1Story20091118-180699.html Story credit: www.asiaone.com

Wed, Nov 18, 2009

my paper

Protect spa customers from dodgy sales tactics

IN AUGUST, I signed up for a package from a well-established spa and visited the spa thrice for facials.

During a visit, I was persuaded to add services to my package.

Although I rejected the offer, the staff member was insistent and offered me a lower rate, which I also turned down.

She then returned with her manager.

It was harder to refuse and I relented.

After my facial, the manager sat me down for half an hour, going through the profiles of customers who had signed up for packages worth several thousand dollars each.

For someone who had just started work, the amount was too high.

Also, did sharing other customers’ information with me constitute a breach of confidentiality? While it is fine for spa workers to recommend products and services to customers, they should stop once their offer is rejected.

My friends have also experienced such hard-sell tactics at other reputable spas.

Shouldn’t these businesses understand that people visit spas so they can relax?

The thought of having to face sales pitches during a treatment is a source of stress. Consumers have to be firm and not let spas push products down our throats, as it is our money that we are parting with.

More awareness needs to be raised about unethical sales tactics practised by spas.

Could more be done to protect consumers’ interests in such instances?

Ms Khoo Shu Hui

If you are a regular spa goer, I’m sure you had been approached many times to sign up for spa packages or spa membership at the spa you are patronising.

It can get irritating. Especially if they hard-sell. One goes to a spa to enjoy and relax and not listen to some pushy ‘membership consultant’. Other than being irritated, should you even consider such packages?

Many spas will tell you that membership or packages will save you money at the end of the day. You may also enjoy preferential treatment. Maybe even receive birthday cards/cakes.

Well, personally, I’ll never sign up for a spa package. No matter how attractive the terms are. My main reasons are:

1. A spa is a very human-based business. A good spa today may be a bad spa tomorrow simply because therapists skills deteriorate or service quality drop. Without a package to lock you in, one simply look for the next good spa and move on.

2. You normally pay upfront for a spa membership or package. This can start at a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. The moment you sign on the dotted line, you are at the mercy of the spa.

Some spas are known to spend all their effort in recruiting members and then treat members badly. Some oversell their slot availability. Some go bust and keep your money. Check out what happen when spas go bad…

Has Wellness Village Spa left its customers in the lurch?
By Alicia Wong, TODAY | Posted: 10 November 2009 0704 hrs

SINGAPORE: For over four years, it operated at the Pan Pacific Singapore hotel. But over the course of a day, the Wellness Village Spa left customers and the hotel in the lurch when it suddenly shut down, disconnecting its phone lines.

At its Pagoda Street outlet in Chinatown, the premises were empty, with the doors wide open when MediaCorp visited on Monday. Neighbouring shop owners said they saw movers shifting equipment and furniture on Sunday afternoon. In the quiet of the night, the same scene was seemingly repeated at the Pan Pacific outlet.

A nearby shop owner said the spa began retrenching workers last month. He noticed remaining staff packing up late last week, and believes that customers were told it was “fully booked” to keep them from coming down.

This was certainly the experience for one customer.

Ms Elaine Ong had been trying to make an appointment, but the spa kept telling her that it was fully booked.

The “first hint of trouble” came last Thursday when she called the Pan Pacific outlet and an employee told her only two therapists were being employed, said Ms Ong who is in her 30s.

As she has recently signed up for a $600 package, Ms Ong said she was a “bit alarmed”.

At Pan Pacific on Monday, a hotel employee told guests the spa had closed without informing anyone. Dutch businessman Laros, 39, who had been peering through the spa’s glass door, said the hotel’s reception pointed him to the spa for a massage when he checked in.

The hotel told MediaCorp the spa “leases and operates the premises independently”.

It “sincerely regrets any inconvenience experienced” and is now re-directing guests to nearby spa facilities. It will “continue to attempt” to contact Wellness Village Spa, it added.

Checks with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority showed that Wellness Village was incoporated in June 2004 and is still a “live company”. Permanent resident Lia Meyrina is listed as its director. MediaCorp could not reach the company.

Wellness Village Spa and Fitness, a limited liability partnership with Ms Lia and a Mr Christopher Tan Khee Howe listed as partners, was struck off in September. It was registered in 2007.

Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) executive director Seah Seng Choon was “not surprised” by the spa’s actions.

“Don’t be fooled by the location. Spas are generally small businesses, unless they have an international chain … Consumers have to be careful when transacting with them,” said Mr Seah.

Since last year, CASE has received five complaints, including unsatisfactory services and difficulty in scheduling sessions, against Wellness Village. Four were made this year, with the latest complaint in October. CASE is trying to contact the company.

Article credit: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1017097/1/.html

Asia’s Best Spa Resorts and Massage Therapy Review

Top spas industry blogs

I’m honoured that The Daily Reviewer has selected my blog to be showcased. Why do I consider it an honour? Well, using The Daily Reviewer own words, here’s why:

The Daily Reviewer selects only the world’s top blogs (and RSS feeds). We sift through thousands of blogs daily to present you the world’s best writers. The blogs that we include are authoritative on their respective niche topics and are widely read. To be included in The Daily Reviewer is a mark of excellence.

Thanks to Daily Review, thanks to my readers and thanks to your comments, I shall continue to write articles and reviews you’ll enjoy. Please feel free to write to me anytime!

I badly wanted to give Eucalyptus Spa a top 5-star ranking but had to stop short… read on and find out why they missed out on the last star…

I found out about Eucalyptus Spa off one of the regular mass emails I get for spas and massages services. They were promoting a couple spa package called Energise Me! which consists of a 30 minutes Honey & Sesame Body Scrub and a 60 minutes Energizing Massage at a special S$188 (US$110) price for two people.

Eucalyptus Spa is located in one of the colonial pre-war conservation shophouse at Craig Road which is just off Tanjong Pagar near the CBD outer zone. The spa occupy the second and third levels of the shophouse and you need to climb up a flight of steep steps.

Two smiling heads popped out on the second level to welcome us as we climb the flight of steps. We entered the main door which leads to a reception area. The entire spa was done up in the decor typical of Singapore in the 1950-60s with scent in the air and spa music in the background.

We were served with ginger lemongrass tea and a cold towel infused with peppermint and eucalyptus to freshen up. A soft spoken lady manning the reception (my therapist) reconfirmed our packages and gave us the option to choose our preferred type of body scrubs. I chose the Ginger Tangerine Scrub blended with rice grains and my partner chose the Honey & Sesame Body Scrub.

The therapist explained about the ingredients of the different type of scrubs and went on to describe the characteristic of the mixed Balinese and Egyptian Sports Massage we will be getting. We were very surprised that she had the initiative to explain to us without us even asking! She later apologised that one of the shower room was out of order and so asked if we could do our body scrub at different times and we agreed.

I was directed to a small pebble sink to wash my feet with running water. The massage treatment room was designed for a couple’s massage with a curtain to provide some privacy where necessary. The hour-long massage treatment was fantastic and this was the first I ever had with an Egyptian massage as it alternates between deep tissue kneads and the smooth strokes of the Balinese massage.

We came out of the massage very well rejuvenated and refreshed. The skills, service and quality of massage has certainly been impressive.

Now, let me tell you why they deserve a 5-star:

1. Greeted as soon as we climbed the stairs… this is rare in Singapore
2. Plenty of soft smiles and greetings
3. Full explanations of the scrubs and massage we’ll be getting, without us asking, a rarity anywhere in the world
4. Shower head facing away… so that we do not get splashed!
5. Keeping the price at S$188 even though it was a mailing error and the price should be S$228
6. Singaporean bosses and Singaporean therapists… yet, world class attitude, service and quality

Unfortunately, I could not give them the last star because:

1. We could hear every motorbike, car or lorry passing by the road outside while having the massage because of poor soundproofing of the treatment room
2. The shower and massage room were separate… and we had to walk through the reception area in our bathrobe to get from one to the other

I badly wanted to give them a 5-star rating, the highest I would have given any spa in all my reviews in the last couple of years… so near and yet so far.

This spa is just a short 10 minutes walk from my home and I really thought I could make this my ‘bookmarked’ spa place. However, despite all the great service, great treatment and great location…. having a massage and hearing every zooming vehicle at the same time just cannot be anyone’s cup of tea!

I have no choice but to withdraw the last star very reluctantly! Nevertheless, this is still a superb 4-star spa boutique and if you ever wanted great service and try the deep kneads of combined Egyptian/Balinese massage after a tiring or stressful day… this is your place. You have my personal recommendation for this spa… as long as you do not mind the traffic!

Location of Eucalyptus Spa@Craig Road 43A Craig Rd Singapore 089681
Size: Small spa with 2 private massage and facial treatment rooms. Showers not available en-suite.
Facilities: None
Friendliness: Polite and knowledgeable Singaporean staff. One of the best available locally.
Pricing: Starts from US$65 for a facial, wrap or bath. US$55 for Body massage. Various spa and beauty packages available and starts from US$100.

My day job include evaluating business systems, looking into intelligent business processes and recommending software and automated procedures to enhance productivity. My ‘night job’ includes visiting and reviewing spas and I sometimes wonder if I will ever mix them up!

Sometimes, I wish that I do.

From my day job professional point of view, I find that spa business operators, big or small, are seldom productive.

Call them too early or too late in the day and they are closed. Scheduling an appointment is so difficult because they need to flip their large appointment books back and forth to find you the right slots.  They don’t bother to tell you if they are running special promotions. The worst part is, sometimes I get my appointments mixed up because the receptionist forgot to update their appointment books! Oh…the frustrations on dealing with spa operators!

Why can’t spa operators simply invest in productive software like BookingCalendar.com? Now, this is a nifty online software that all spa and massage operators should have because it makes mundane and tedious tasks seem so easy! The clients benefits because the software allows:

1. Spa clients to make their own online booking, 24 hrs by 7 days!
2. Automated email appointment reminders to clients
3. Easy change of appointments
4. Online purchase of spa products, gift vouchers and spa packages

The spa operator benefits because the software allows them to:

1. Track room and resource usage
2. Schedule masseurs appointment slots automatically
3. Keeps track of sales and accounts
4. Send promotions and offers to clients automatically

Spa customers book their appointments online directly

I mean, this software is not even expensive,  just a mere US$50 a month if you have less than 1,000 bookings a month. Hey, that’s so much cheaper than hiring a receptionist just to handle appointments and this ‘online appointment receptionist’ works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. No rest, no off days, no sick leaves!

Spa operators should check this software out today, especially since this software house is offering a 30 days obligation free trial. Business owners who are not into IT or internet will also feel comfortable because the software house offers free online support till your software is up and running on the internet.

This web-based software is not only suitable for spa operators but clinics, gyms, photo studios, hair salons, dance studios, dentists, dog groomers, acupuncturists will certainly find this software useful too especially if their business revolve around a lot of interaction with clients to fix or arrange appointment slots. What’s more, today’s young and busy consumers will want to work with businesses that can offer them convenience of planning and paying for their consuming needs over the internet.

Hey, if I am still wearing my day time professional hat, I will certainly recommend all spa owners to invest in this software too…. after all, it makes my night time job of booking spa appointment slots so much easier!

Bored and tired of visiting typical spas in hotels, shopping malls and office buildings? Looking for something that is both different and interesting, brings you back to mother nature and rub off a bit of colonial Singapore -  all at the same time?

Yes indeed, The Lush Spa is uniquely situated in the Singapore Polo Club where time seem to have sat still since colonial days in Singapore and rich locals and expatriates come to the club for their daily horse rides and to sip tea in open verandas.

Located off Thomson and Balestier Road and just across the former Police Training Academy, the Singapore Polo Club is now a private social club that offers it’s members and the public a little different from the typical country club by incorporating horse-riding, polo games and equestrian training into it’s scope of activities.

The Lush Spa is located on the 2nd floor of the clubhouse with a bird eye view of the lush green polo riding field.  The reception area of the spa is decorated with spa products and a small seating area on the side.

My hubby and I were met and escorted by our therapists to a large couple’s room, with two massage beds, a jacuzzi and a steam/shower bath. The spa room was large and has very high ceiling with windows all round.

Large and airy couple’s room -
note the lush jungle just outside the windows

You can literally look out to the primary jungle that came almost to the edge of the windows and hear crickets and birds throughout our massage session. When heavy rain started towards the middle of our massage session, the pitter/patter of rain on the high ceiling added to the rustic and cosy mood of the room and we thought we were back in exotic Bali!

We began with a floral foot bath and followed by their famous Lush Signature treatment. For this treatment, olive oil was used to massage our body.

After 45mins of a full body massage, I was so reluctant to get up. My masseur softly whispered to me that my treatment was over and would wait for me at the relaxation corner to have my cup of tea.

Couple’s Hot Tub -
why must spas always have a large clock to remind you of time?

While we were enjoying our tea, the spa owner approached to ask for feedback. As it was raining heavily, we were unable to leave the Spa, hence we sat back, read the magazines and waited for the rain to stop.

The spa owner informed us that this Spa started originally by offering only mobile massage services to corporate offices. Their mobile massage popularity grew and hence they they decided to open a permanent spa boutique. Not only do they provide mobile massages services, they also organize spa retreats and spa parties for corporate offices and personal social parties alike.

The small but comfortable rest area

Would I come back? Yes, if I want to smell and feel mother nature all round me when I have a spa session. This is literally the only place in Singapore where a signboard cordon off certain part of a carpark beside a primary jungle and it reads – “Do not park here – Falling durians”! How more rustic can you get in urban Singapore?

My only concern is that prices are a little higher than typical similar spa boutiques and they do not seem to tie-up with any credit card companies for any promotions or discount. However, the spa owner was nice to offer us a 15% discount when we asked for one! So, although there may not be any typical credit card offers, do remember to ask for a discount directly at the cashier!

Note: While located in a private club, members of the public may visit the spa and the various F&B outlets in the club without restrictions.

Location of The Blush Spa @ Singapore Polo Club, 80 Mount Pleasant Road S(298334)

Size: Small size spa with all private rooms. Hydro-massage bath and jacuzzi available in some of the rooms.
Facilities: Small toilet and rest area
Friendliness: Polite staff and good massage therapists.
Pricing: Starts from US$40 for a facial, wrap or bath. US$80 for Body massage. Various spa and beauty packages available and starts from US$120.

Like many countries, spas in 5-star hotels in China has gone upmarket as well. Gone are the days when mainland China spas are dodgy, performed only Chinese TuiNas or has poor service attitude.

Many of the 5-star and resort hotels in the big cities are competing to bring in the best spas and many are marketing their in-house hotel spa as a key attraction. I stayed 2 nights in Crowne Plaza Hotel in Xiamen, China and was able to use the fitness centre, swimming pool and spa to great satisfaction.

Crowne Plaza, Xiamen at night

The Crowne Plaza is an international hotel chain that tends to cater to business traveler than the leisure traveler. Even then, 5-star business hotel tends to provide a good swimming pool, fitness centre and a spa because even business travellers would want these facilities as a minumum in a good business hotel. The Crowne Plaza is less than 6 months old as of this date and is centrally located in Jiahe Rd in Xiamen, China. Because it is so new, the fitness centre, swimming pool and spa are relatively devoid of people and I enjoyed great individual attention when I was there.

The swimming pool was a relative small one and one can only do 20meters laps. However, ample sunshades and deck chairs were provided for one to enjoy a tan and a swim. I also used the gym which was a little small and lack the full range of fitness machines although it had the necessary running, cycling, sit-up machines and a full range of loose weights.

The Gym

The changing room also had a full complement of sauna, steam and hot pool and the facility attendant was very attentive and was always around with a fresh towel. Once I had finished using the facilities and changed up, I went over to the Touch Spa located on the same level. The Touch Spa is a local Chinese spa chain that models itself after the top luxurious spa chain in various parts of the world. Due to it’s upmarket image and service, it is now the residential spa facility in Sofitel, Sheraton and Crowne Plaza chain of hotels in China.

The Touch Spa in Xiamen is nicely decorated in traditional Balinese concept and has 11 single and 1 couple rooms done up nicely. All rooms come with toilet, shower and rest areas. Some rooms even come with a hot pool.

The service attitude in the spa is top-rate and service staff would give a slight bow and greet you whenever they pass by you. The spa offers all traditional forms of massage including aromatherapy, Thai, Chinese Tui Na, foot reflexology as well as a host of facial and body treatments.

There is also a rest area that has comfortable sofas and soft music for you to relax after a massage session. One good extra mark for this spa is that you can choose to relax in this room as long as you want. Because the spa is still relatively new, there are not many customers and I had the entire rest lounge to myself.

Prices tend to be a bit high by China’s standards. As an example, a aromatherapy massage for 60 minutes would easily cost US$80 not including a 15% service tax added to the price. As a guest of the hotel, you are entitled to a 25% discount which is effectively only 10% given the 15% tax.

Will I return? Well, if I am busy with work and cannot hunt for a good spa, then I’m prepared to pay for the upmarket price. As much as it is expensive by China’s standard, the prices offered are still competitive when you compared with major cities such as Hong Kong, Beijing or Singapore.

Pix credit: http://www.ichotelsgroup.com

Location of The Touch Spa @ Crowne Plaza Hotel Paragon, Xiamen, China No.199 Jiahe Road, Xiamen 361012, China

Size: Upmarket, luxurious Mid size spa with all private rooms. Hydro-massage bath and jacuzzi available in some of the rooms.
Facilities: 11 single and 1 couple luxurious massage rooms. One area dedicated for foot massage and the other for rest.
Friendliness: Polite staff and good massage therapists.
Pricing: Starts from US$40 for a facial, wrap or bath. US$60 for Body massage. Various spa and beauty packages available and starts from US$120.

Busy urban people all over the world practise Yoga today. Many people see it as a therapeutic exercise that strengthen the body and relaxes the mind.  Much research and articles has been written about how Yoga brings about wonderful benefits to busy people and Yoga classes are the top exercise routine in many fitness studios.

I practise Hartha Yoga regularly too. I know there are various forms of Yoga but Hartha Yoga suits me fine and I’ve been too busy to explore other forms of Yoga. Imagine my surprise when I read about Facial Yoga. This certainly sound interesting…

A wrinkled face is not a good look but as the years catch up with you, short of going under the knife there’s no way to avoid it.

Or at least there wasn’t, until a new set of facial exercises called face yoga promised to turn back the clock, returning your face to its smooth, youthful prime, without a scalpel in sight.

Face yoga has already won devotees among the forever-young-looking celebrity crowd, with Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston said to be big fans. It’s the brainchild of New York yoga teacher Annelise Hagen, who teaches it at the swanky New York Health & Racquet Club.

You can read an article and see pictures about Facial Yoga at this website

Facial Yoga is also known as Happy Face Yoga because many of the facial postures in Facial Yoga revolve around different kind of smiles. I guess smiling always make one looks younger and fresher and perhaps that’s why Facial Yoga exercises tends to smile a lot.

You can check out some of Facial Yoga videos below. If you practise Yoga in a studio, you may want to ask your Yoga instructor the next time you see him or her about Facial Yoga!

Source of quotation: http://www.dailymail.co.uk