Once upon a time some years ago during one of my frequent and long visits in Australia, I decided to take a course to become a certified massage therapist. It seemed like a good idea, being a massage-whore myself (not the kind that gives happy endings, mind you), getting a regular massage at least once a week.
I suppose I consider myself a massage connoisseur, having studied the art of effleurage, petrissage, kneading and pummeling. I have a discerning feel for choosing my therapist wisely and assessing their skills on pressure and proper technique. But when it comes right down to it, having a massage is more of an experience that goes beyond tactile reception — for most of us, it’s an escape into temporary euphoria that stimulates our parasympathetic nervous system into relaxation.
In my continuing quest to discover all kinds of massage treatments, I recently hied off to the Neo Day Spa at Bonifacio Global City for an entire afternoon of R&R. Having tried the most common massages like Swedish, Aromatherapy, Shiatsu, and Deep Tissue, the Hanakasumi Nourishing Ritual sounded exotic enough for me to try. A two-part treatment consisting of a Warm Cherry Blossom Rice Scrub followed by a Qi Tranquility Massage, this combination of full body exfoliation and light-touch relaxation sounded like a great post-breakup remedy — not that I’m referring to myself or anything.
The session starts with a brushing ritual that helps to stimulate the lymphatic system and aids in detoxification and drainage of toxins in our body, followed by a body scrub to slough off dead skin cells. The massage starts from the foot gently working its way up to your head until you reach nirvana.
And then comes the ultimate indulgence, the 90-minute Biodroga Optimal Oxygenating Vitality Facial that targets tired and stressed skin. Using natural products like cold-pressed macadamia nut oil to smooth dry and flaky skin, apricot extract to smooth lines and wrinkles, codium made from algae grown on the French Bréhat archipelago along with a wheat protein called dragoderm, both which protect skin against harmful environmental effects, and finally vitamin C to boost your skin’s oxygen to flush out the “skin-dulling” carbon dioxide. There’s even more massage to go with this treatment for neck, back and hands.
And while I don’t intend to put my massage skills to waste, I give my close friends the occasional rub. This is one case where receiving is better than giving.
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Neo Day Spa is at the ground floor, Net One Center, 26 th St. corner 3 rd Ave., Bonifacio Global City (815-8233 or 815-6948). Also check out Ki by Neo Day Spa-Greenhills, 35 Wilson St., Greenhills West, San Juan (584-6789 or 584-6066); and Neo Island Spa-Boracay, Pearl of the Pacific Beach Resort Boracay Island, Aklan, (036) 506-3131). For inquiries, visit www.neo.ph.