Philippine Massage & Spa

Is the rainy season hindering your visit to the spa?  Fret no more.  Pick up the phone and dial for home service now.  Check out the new home service directory here.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Service area is normally limited to their vicinity.  If you happen to be located outside their service areas, they may charge extra.  So choose one that covers your location, unless you’ve enjoyed their service before and don’t mind the extra charge.
• Combination massage may vary.  It is advised to inquire what types of massage they include for their “combo”.
• Don’t forget to specify if you prefer a masseur (male massage therapist) or a masseuse (female massage therapist).
• If you need change, advise them ahead of time.  You do not want to be troubled with having to produce the exact amount right after your massage just because your therapist did not bring change!

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General Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massage is a specialty massage technique that uses smooth, warmed basalt (volcano rock). It is said to be a deeply relaxing form of massage, and the heat from the rocks is said to help release muscle tension. Before the massage begins, the therapist warms the rocks in warm water. The technique uses the same basic strokes as a Swedish massage; however, basalt stones are substituted for the use of fingers. As the stones cool, the massage therapist replaces them with warm stones. Additionally, the massage therapist may lay warm stones on you as a means of increasing the flow of energy in your body.  Read more…

Source: Ezine @rticles

What Is Swedish Massage? 

Swedish massage is the most commonly offered and best known type of massage. It was developed by a Swedish physiologist, Henri Peter Ling at the University of Stockholm in 1812. It uses a firm but gentle pressure to improve the circulation, ease muscle aches and tension, improve flexibility and create relaxation.

Swedish massage employs five different movements:

* long, gliding strokes

* kneading of individual muscles

* friction

* hacking or tapping

* vibration

The therapist generally uses massage oil to facilitate making long, smooth strokes over the body. Swedish massage is done with the person covered by a sheet, a technique called “draping”. One part of the body uncovered, massaged, and then covered up before moving on to another part of the body.

Swedish massage is the foundation for other types of Western massage, including sports, deep tissue and aromatherapy

Source: About.com

Hilot (/hee-lot/) is an ancient Filipino art of healing, commonly used today to relax stressed muscles. Masahista (Hilot practitioners) as well as arbularyos are usually cheaper alternatives to medical doctors in the Philippines, especially in very deep rural areas. Hilot employ chiropractic manipulation and massage for the diagnosis and treatment of musculoligamentous and musculoskeletal ailments. They also have been known to reset dislocated and sprained joints such as the knee, ankle, fingers and metacarpal bones. Hilot tend to be chiropractors while arbularyos tend to be herbalists. Midwives are also called hilots.

Source: Wikipedia

Professional Massage Training

(100-Hours w/ Certificate)

BodyOptions Spa & Fitness Services

(member: Tri-Star Pacific International Learning System)

19th Floor Suite 1919 Cityland-10 Tower-2, HV dela Costa corner Valero St., (near RCBC Plaza, Ayala Avenue
corner Buendia) Salcedo Village, Bel-Air, Makati City, Philippines

Other Programs: (FREE CD / VCD)

Western Massage Package1.Swedish Massage 2.Slimming (Anti-Cellulite) Massage 3.Hawaiian (Lomi-Lomi) Massage 4.Body Scrub & Wraps

Oriental Massage Package1.Xiamen Reflexology 2.Traditional Thai-Yoga Massage 3.Shiatsu Therapy 4.Filipino (Pinoy Hilot) Massage

Exotic Massage Package1.Aromatherapy Massage 2.Ayurvedic (Indian) Massage 3. Ventuza (Korean) Massage 4.Hot Stone Massage

Clinical Massage Package1.Pediatric (Infant) Massage 2.Geriatric (Elderly) Massage 3.Pregnancy Massage 4.Canadian Athletic Massage

(+632) 817-9617 / (+632) 8938909 / (0919) 5664440Visit http://bodyoptions.googlepages.com NOW for FREE Reflexology Training w/ certificate!

I have just added a directory of massage and spa places in Metro Manila.  I gathered these from the Internet and will be adding more from other sources.  Just click the Philippine Massage & Spa - Directory link under Pages in the sidebar.

If you’ve been to these places, your comments and input are very welcome.  Share your experience by signing up now.  Register here.

Way back in 2001, I was feeling a little bit out of shape doing sedentary work in the office in front of the computer the whole day Monday to Friday with the centralized aircon at full blast.  I hardly exercised, so my joints started to get rusty and I started to feel tight knots all over.

Everyday, I passed by this clinic along F.B. Harrison advertising reflexology treatment.  I knew that reflexology was supposed to relieve, if not cure, ailments.  I thought it was about time I should give it a try.

I didn’t know what to expect when I entered the clinic.  My impression of reflexology was painful pressures on the hand and foot as one saw on television.   It turned out that the treatment they were offering was a therapeutic combination of massage that went with the reflexology.  It would include accupressure, swedish and shiatsu massage.  I should have been enlightened to know what treatment I would be receiving.  The problem was, I have not had any massage all my life!  Nevertheless, I was optimistic that something beneficial would come out of the session.

The clinic had a no-frills setup.  One should not look for the mood and ambiance of a spa.  As the sign outside states, JCV Reflexology Clinic and Training Center.  The facility was unpretentious and straighforward.

The treatment room was a simple cubicle that had no designs nor decorations.  It had a massage bed in the middle.  Lights dimmed.  I was instructed to rid myself of my garments and lie facing down on the massage bed.  A small rectangular cloth was provided to cover myself after lying down.  The treatment involved the use of massage oil.  There were stroking, kneading, and pinching.  Pressure was medium to hard depending on the part of the body and the type of treatment being applied.  The therapist told me where he felt the knots on my back and kneaded away to “break” them up.  The treatment was indeed a combination as I found myself langoring in long relaxing strokes one moment and then tensing up in another on kneads and pinches that went with the reflexology and accupressure part.  Overall, it was mostly relaxing.  Although I felt sore in some parts for a few days, I pleasantly felt energized.  My muscles loosened up and I felt my blood flowing freely all throughout my body.

It was explained to me that the painful part of the treatment would go away as I undergo some more treatments.  Indeed, after a few more visits to the clinic, the painful part went away.  Every treatment became a rewarding treat.  I found a way to counter the effects of office life.  I was hooked!

Until now, I still go for the treatment.  You can find them at

JCV Reflexology Clinic and Training Center

2208 F.B. Harrison St., Pasay City

831-3891

Share your massage experience on this site.  Register here.