Local Chinese Girl (Kelly’s Spa @ Guillemard Rd) April 6, 2009

It was formerly known as Kelly Wellness Massage but had since changed its name to simply Kelly’s Spa. The location is at a quiet shopping centre some distance away from Paya Lebar MRT. And the owner is quite particular about making appointments in advance.

The emphasis of this outlet is that their masseuse is local Chinese girls and not of those from China.

Upon making my appointment through the phone, I arrived pretty much on the dot. A local Chinese girl greeted me and shortly without striking up much of a conversation, we proceeded on to a good hard massage. The strength used was quite solid and hand techniques used were firm on the body. This is suitable for those who like it hard especially the part when she grinds her knuckles on your back.

When should you get massage? March 27, 2009

Q1. Should I get my massage therapy in the morning, afternoon, or evening? I don’t want to fall asleep at work, but I’d like to feel better during the day.

A1. A lot of people are concerned about this one, but you shouldn’t worry. Massage Therapy is relaxing and some people do fall asleep during the session, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to be sleepy afterward. In fact many people feel more energized as well as relaxed after their massage therapy session. Still, no matter what time of day you get your massage you’ll probably sleep better when you do finally go to bed. So, get your massage therapy when it’s convenient for you.

Q2. Should I get my massage therapy before my muscular pain starts, or should I wait until it really hurts before I get massage therapy?

A2. It might be much better to get massage therapy to prevent muscular pain or prevent a recurrence of muscular pain. Some Massage Therapists and clients believe that waiting until you’re experiencing moderate pain allows them to find the source more easily; however, this is seldom true. Get help early.

Q3. Should I get massage therapy before, during, or after a workout or sporting event?

A3. Yes. There are specialised massage therapy techniques that are designed to assist you in your fitness and athletic endeavors. Sports Massage is often broken down into pre-event, inter-event, and post-event techniques to improve performance and aid in recovery. If you don’t have access to massage therapy during each phase of your activity just pick what’s most important to you – performance or recovery.

I still believe you should come in everyday if you can because if an “apple a day” is good then a “massage a day” is really, really good. Of course the benefits of massage therapy and bodywork are available to you even if you receive it only once.

Masseuse – Fingers BEWARE! March 26, 2009

The fingers and thumbs are the most overused parts of the hand in massage, and are often strained in the process. People with small hands and those with long, slender fingers are most at risk and need to take special care of their fingers (and thumbs).

Try to avoid the following practices, which put pressure on your fingers, especially if you use them regularly:

• putting too much pressure through your fingers;
• bending them back (hyperextending them) when pressing;
• not supporting your fingers when pressing with them;
• using your fingers when it would be better to use a larger part of your hand to apply pressure.

3 Scientific Benefits for Massage March 25, 2009

Massage – Boost the Immune System

There are times when you feel sick and you know that the immune system is weak in fighting off those infections and illnessess. When you are under stress, the immune system may not always work the way it should. Research among different groups of people in very different situations has shown the massage can increase the immune system’s cytotoxic capacity (the activity level of the body’s natural “killer cells”) and decrease the number of T-cells. The result is an immune system that is working better. Massage doesn’t cure ailments, but it has been shown to help the body function better in fighting ailments.

Massage – relieve stress and aid relaxation

After a massage, people say they “feel good” in a general sense. They also report a greater sense of well being. When someone “feels good”, they usually “hurt” less, too. Massage has been shown to reduce blood pressure and heart rate, and to increase blood and lymph circulation. Massage also has been shown to increase endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers.

Massage – chronic low-back pain relief

People who get massage for sore muscles and pain have long said that it gives them relief and helps them get back to regular activity. Recent research on the benefits of massage for some types of back pain has shown that massage is effective in both relieving chronic low-back pain and for controlling some back pain.

Sweating Out in Spa Centre (“Royal Classic Spa” @ West Coast Recreation Centre) March 24, 2009

It would have been more appropriate if this spa centre provides sports massage. Why? It is just located next to the stadium…how convenient it would have been if you needed a sports massage due to an injury and you could get it just right there!

Royal Classic Spa is has a cosy massage room to begin with and I learnt that there’s Wifi access too, great for people like me who is unable to detach away from the internet. I had my complimentary drink before proceeding to use some of their facilities like steam and sauna.

My massage took place as soon as I had enough of my steam and sauna. I requested for my lower half of body to be massaged. She concentrated on my calf and gave my pair of tired legs a good rub. As her tender touch nimble my legs, it relieves those tensed muscles that was accumulated through my 2 hour run at the stadium…yesterday.

Should I come to the stadium in the future, I am pretty sure I will get myself the massage nearby.

A Japanese Experience (“Elegance Health Spa” @ Japanese Garden) March 23, 2009

Fancy having a Japanese massage in Singapore? That will definitely going to be costly but at least there’s a place for a nice massage at Japanese Garden Rd…and it is economical.

The business hours are till 11pm at night and I went there just an hour before their closing time. Parking is free over there. I came a bit late to understand from them that there’s a special promotion should you go during the off peak hours from 11am – 5pm period. But since I am there, and it is still highly affordable even without the promo, why not?

I was led to my room by my masseuse whom had this charming smile on her that seems to brighten up the night for me. I got to know that she was at a very young age and started as a masseuse just a few months ago. But it was soon that I got to feel her massage techniques were pretty good even though she hasn’t had years of experience doing this.

The rub off my back was good and firm with constant kneading and I can feel that she is very hardworking…on my tired back. She used the back of her hands to ‘roll’ around in circular motions and it was nice to have her tender hands squeeze the pressures off my shoulders.

The whole session ended promptly on the dot and it was also time for the ladies at the spa centre to knock off work. Sayonara for both me and the ladies for the night.

Bladder Meridian Massage March 20, 2009

This type of massage is said to need great skills. It is also said that this type of massage helps:

- Increase sexual libido

- Better apetites

- Regular bowel movements

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SxFV_bRAW0

Having period pains? Come try this massage March 19, 2009

For period pains: Aromatherapy massage

When the uterus contracts during menstruation, it restricts blood flow and oxygen to the muscles, causing cramps. To quell spasms, your therapist will use aromatic, plant-based oils all over your body: When your skin and olfactory system absorb these oils, it may rouse all sorts of responses, including muscle relaxation and better circulation. Patients who received lavender, clary sage and rose balms reported less severe menstrual pain than those who didn’t get the oils, The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine notes. Ask for slow, smooth strokes across the abdomen to further unwind tense muscles.

Different Aches…Different Massage March 18, 2009

Here are different massages to target your different aches:

For lower-back pain: Shiatsu

This Japanese form uses finger pressure on trigger points to ease tension and release endorphins, our body’s built-in pain relievers. Significant reduction in lower-back pain was reported after four 50- to 60-minute sessions, a study from Drake University in Des Moines shows. Experts say it stimulates our parasympathetic nervous system, helping us recuperate from the effects of stress.

For postworkout woes: Swedish massage

Whether you’re running a 5K or training for a triathlon, this method can soothe soreness and swelling, research from the West Virginia University School of Medicine in Morgantown finds. Long gliding strokes, kneading and friction aid in dilating blood vessels to lessen muscle pain that occurs after exercise. Deep-tissue massage is also a favorite of athletes to spur healing and improve flexibility.

For sleep troubles: Myofascial massage

Gentle, sliding pressure loosens fascia, the connective tissue that covers your muscle fibers. Forty-five minutes twice a week may alleviate symptoms of restless legs syndrome, according to the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. (Nineteen percent of women experience symptoms of RLS, which often disrupts sleep, a few times weekly.) Swedish massage can also help prevent insomnia. The moves stimulate a general relaxation response, which can translate to better zzz’s. Lights out!