Blue- Zen

Everyone should pamper themselves once in awhile and what better way to do that is by simply getting a MASSAGE!!! I think it's one of the inexpensive indulgences a girl even a guy can do to de-stress! I went to Blue-Zen spa right beside J Walten Spa to get a massage. I was welcomed by their male receptionist as he handed me their brochure. He was persistent that I avail their current promo so I obliged. I opted to have ventosa which means "pulling out wind" or the familiar "lamig" - which refers to muscle spasm and tissue congestion, a technique in olden China which opens the body's Meridians and restores the flow of qi. I had to wait for a few minutes cos the masseuse was still attending to someone and then voila it was my turn. Over all my blue zen experience was 50/50 good and bad. It was okay in terms of the massage itself, the masseuse was very kind and skilled at what she was doing She asked me if I wanted the massage to be mild or hard ( some don't ask btw and when you say their pressing too hard they'd insist that was the kind of massage you availed!! ) , very polite and discreet when asking me to tilt, move or lie on my back. When she was going to do the Ventosa cupping I was kinda scared but did not really have the time to entertain scary thoughts as I already felt my skin sort of rising, almost like it was being vacuumed!!! The one thing I did not like about it is the 4 red marks it left on my back that took more than a week to vanish. Plus I think it should be done before the massage not after but hey I'm not an expert. The place was zen enough for me plus they do henna tattoo which I will try next time haha Here is a quick guide to the most popular types of massage therapy to help you figure out which massage therapy style is right for you


Swedish


Swedish massage forms the basis for most massage performed in day-spa environments. Swedish massage has four basic strokes: effleurage, petrissage, tapotement and vibration. A massage therapist performs these strokes on the body in the direction that the blood circulates to the heart


Shiatsu Massage


The shiatsu massage method originated in Japan. A therapist trained in this type of massage works to restore proper balance and coordination to the body's skeletal, muscular, circulatory and digestive systems by applying pressure to certain points on the body. Practitioners of this therapy claim that during treatment, the receiver experiences a peaceful, tranquil state that allows him to view his life situation with clarity and insight.

Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy massage is massage therapy with the addition of one or more scented plant oils called essential oils to address specific needs.

The massage therapist can select oils that are relaxing, energizing, stress-reducing, balancing, etc. One of the most common essential oils used in aromatherapy massage is lavender.

Aromatherapy massage is particularly suited to stress-related conditions or conditions with an emotional component


Hot Stone Massage


Heated, smooth stones are placed on certain points on the body to warm and loosen tight muscles and balance energy centers in the body.

The massage therapist may also hold stones and apply gentle pressure with them. The warmth is comforting. Hot stone massage is good for people who have muscle tension but prefer lighter massage.


Thai Massage


Thai massage aligns the energies of the body using gentle pressure on specific points. Thai massage also includes compressions and stretches.

You don't just lie there--the therapist moves and stretches you into a sequence of postures. It's like yoga without doing any work. Thai massage is more energizing than other forms of massage. It is also reduces stress and improves flexibility and range of motion.


Reflexology Massage


Although reflexology is sometimes called foot massage, it is more than simple foot massage. Reflexology involves applying pressure to certain points on the foot that correspond to organs and systems in the body. Reflexology is very relaxing, especially for people who stand on their feet all day or just have tired, achy feet.


Sports Massage


Sports massage is specifically designed for people who are involved in physical activity. But you don't have to be a professional athlete to have one-it's also used by people who are active and work out often. The focus isn't on relaxation but on preventing and treating injury and enhancing athletic performance.

A combination of techniques are used. The strokes are generally faster than Swedish massage. Facilitated stretching is a common technique. It helps to loosen muscles and increase flexibility.