Couples Massage for Valentine's Day and Beyond

Couples Massage for Valentine's Day could mean more future bookings! Couples massage is a great way to introduce a partner who has never gotten a massage before in a way that makes them feel more comfortable the first time. Some men are apprehensive about getting a massage and sometimes it makes it more comfortable to have their wife or girlfriend there. Men usually discover that therapeutic touch is very relaxing and restorative. Once they experience a couples massage, they are more willing to book a massage on their own.

Some of our therapists offer a Couples Body Candle Massage which incorporates The Scandle Massage Candle .  The Scandle combines the ambiance of a aromatherapy candle and soothing warm massage oil in 1 unique spa massage treatment!

What other promos have you used to entice couples to book Couple Massages for Valentine's Day and beyond?

Scandle's Friday Treatment Feature - Hot Sticks

Offered by the Okura Spa in the heart of Bangkok's downtown, the "Hot Bamboo" massage may be new to Bangkok but is in fact an ancient treatment common to both Chinese and Japanese traditional medicine. In Japan, it's called "Take" massage and it remains popular with both men and women.

The sticks themselves are about 30 centimeters in length and made from a golden species of Japanese bamboo only found in deep forest.

Once heated, the therapist uses the sticks to apply deep tissue pressure without physical exertion. The temperature of the sticks is not too hot but warm enough to penetrate and soothe. That's similar to the hot stone treatment but while the stone can burn the skin if the therapist isn't skilled, the sticks tend to quickly cool off.

When the bamboo sticks are rolled on the back or shoulders, they are quite rigid. Applied with essential oil, they become slippery cylinders and it's essential that the therapist is trained in controlling their motions.  The focus is more on a full body massage than one specific tension area, since the stick allows for a greater surface area.

Source:  "Sticks that Heal" The Nation/News Network Oct 28, 2012

Does Craniosacral Bodywork Have Therapeutic Value?

[caption id="attachment_4166" align="alignleft" width="300"] The craniosacral system is based on the knowledge that the bones of the skull are movable, flexible, and adjustable.[/caption]

Craniosacral therapy (also called CST, also spelled Cranial Sacral bodywork or therapy) is an alternative medicine therapy used by many massage therapists, naturopaths, and chiropractors.

A craniosacral therapy session involves the therapist placing their hands on the patient, which allows them to "tune into the craniosacral rhythm". Craniosacral therapists claim that this treatment modality has the ability to treat mental stress, neck and back pain, migraines, TMJ Syndrome, and chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia.

The results of craniosacral therapy remains controversial and is actively being researched.  CST has been characterized by some as, "pseudoscientific and as lacking a biologically plausible mechanism." Do you or have you used Craniosacral Therapy in your practice?  How would you evaluate its effectiveness?

*Source - Wikpidia

Scandle Friday Treatment Feature - Water Shiatsu

Coccydynia is pain of the coccyx or tailbone – the  lowest bone in the spine.  While it can be damaged in an accident, the  pain can also be caused by childbirth. Symptoms can include an ache when sitting down and rising from a seat.  Talk about a pain in the rear!;) 

The Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, near  Zurich in Switzerland has recently introduced Water Shiatsu to help ease the pain of Coccydynia sufferers.  Water Shiatsu is a stretching and massage treatment  that takes place in a pool. The water  allows the vertebrae to be supported,  with the spine fully relaxed as it’s carrying no weight.

The treatment starts by strapping buoyancy aids to the legs.  The client then gets into the pool with the therapist who instructs them to shut their eyes and lean back. They are then led round the pool, while floating, with their head resting on the therapist's shoulder.  Music is usually played in the background and they are moved in a figure-of-eight shapes to rotate the spine.

After this service, clients report that their back and spine feel lighter and less stiff.   Sounds heavenly doesn't it?:)

Scandle Friday Feature - Bamboo Massage for Sacroiliac Joint Pain

Pain in the sacroiliac joint – where the  pelvis meets the spine – is common, especially in mothers who carry a child on  one hip.   The muscles go into spasm to try to stabilise  the area. The resulting inflammation may cause months of hip pain. In order to alleviate the pain, some massage therapists use Bamboo Massage.

The Bamboo Massage uses bamboo canes and oil to  provide a deep-tissue massage. Bamboo is covered with silica, which feels smooth  and silky on the skin. The firm pressure created by the canes being rolled up  and down the body releases muscle tension.

With this technique, therapists focus on the painful area in hip and buttocks by rolling a thick hollow bamboo cane up and  down the feet and legs. The same intense pressure is then applied to the hip  and buttock.  At the end of the session, the therapist will typically pound the hollow end of a bamboo cane hard down on the buttocks.

Have you tried Bamboo Massage or offer it at your establishment?  What are your thoughts and experiences with this technique?

 

Friday Spa Treatment Feature - Untying Knots with Naga

If you're a fan of Thai massage, you might want to give Naga a whirl!;)   Based on the healing principles of Thai massage the treatment incorporates colored silk ribbons that are suspended from above and used as an extension of the therapist's body. The ribbons also help take clients into deeper stretches to release any remaining tension.

It goes beyond traditional Thai leverage-based moements into another realm with the use of aerial silks, allowing a a smooth and rhythmic flow to relax the body and promote an ease of movement. According the therapist using the technique,  a tension-less and open body plays an important role in not only balancing  the body but also promoting a peaceful mind.