Showing posts with label manila. Show all posts
Showing posts with label manila. Show all posts
Friday, May 14, 2010
Murad Center @ Rustan's Makati (A Spa Connoisseur's Review)
Murad Center @ Rustan's Makati (A Spa Connoiser's Review)
November 05, 2010- After several sessions since my first visit in May here at Murad Makati and the results that I had since then was "hiyang" to my skin and noticed that I had less comedones (white heads), I bought a package for AHA Intensive worth 3,900 which is good for 4 facial treatments and a facial diamond peel session worth 1,700 Pesos. Today, I get to finish all my package. Salamat naman as I have to travel two hours before getting here in Makati everytime I would have a facial. As always, I was in the able hands of Tess and here is what I like about Tess:
1. She executes the best European type of facial I have ever had. (For those of you wondering what a European facial is read my blog below.)
2. She doesn't forget any facial technique. After going under the same facial treatments over and over again, I get to memorize the steps already. This is the advantage of having to work on one product only. In this case, products of Dr. Murad. When I was working as a spa and facial therapist, we get to be bombarded with a host of product brands with different techniques and different applications, hindi mo na tuloy alam kung yung techniques na ginagamit mo eh tama pa ba dun sa produkto. You get confused because of the different techniques: one brand will have more than twenty techniques for a specific product line. Example a spa carries two brands (some spas even carry as much as five or more brands): Brand A has a product line for anti-aging which has a set of techniques for facial massage. Brand A also has a product line naman for pimple treatments again, having similar facial techniques for anti-aging but also has some differences. While Brand B carries five (or more) product lines: for men, for anti-aging, for pimple and problematic skin, for bleaching/whitening and for body treatments. All these have different facial techniques and applications. If you are a novice and you only have a short span to memorize, marami kang makakalimutan or maida-dagdag not Tess, she knows what to do and does it with flair.
3. Tess gives me samples of products for me to try. Today, I bought several products to take home with me for maintenance. I will edit this blog so I can get to review them as well.
4. She discusses the purpose of each product she applies which is already a given since they carry only Murad products.
5. She gives my lip a boost with the application of lip care product after every facial which I love because it tastes and smells like strawberries. It also instantly moisturizes a chapped lip like mine.
So there you go my latest blog about Murad in Rustan's, Makati.
May 16, 2010- After my two-hour long spa time at Island spa (yes, and I am still held hostage --happily---hehehe--- in this beauty and relaxation level of Rustan's) still at the 5th level of Rustan's) I still have an hour more to spare (1 hour and fifteen minutes to be exact) since Island spa does not have any facial and beauty treatments on their menu, the staff told me that I can hop off to the Murad Center just right in front of them. So, off I went. Facial therapies are a NEED for me not some want or just my bling-bling thing. I will tell you why in a bit.
Location and Ambiance
Again if you are coming from the Greenbelt area, the location is quite difficult to find (no wonder I can only see a few people coming upstairs). It's just right in front of the coffee shop. Upon entering, on your left will be the reception area and to the right is the lounge area. The whole facade of the place befits a medical spa facility (good for branding and the type of client they want to attract) with most of their retail products available for sale displayed at the lounge area which has a small sala/receiving area. No distinct smell or any background sound at all. This place is not a full service spa but a skin, face and beauty center.
Hygiene, Cleanliness and Sanitation
Upon first glance, you will notice that the place is impeccably clean but the room which was where I have been given my facial, was dimly lit so I have not way of telling if the place was the same. Their changing area was also clean. My locker has a big robe and slippers.
Menu of Services
They have facial and body treatment services. Sorry for those wanting to have a massage and a facial therapy in just one roof, this is a beauty center not a full service spa. So here are some of their services:
For facial treatments they have the following:
The least expensive which is 900 pesos (approximately $18) is Classical Facial-30 minutes- a customized cleansing treatment with mask and moisturizing treatment.
The staff assessed my skin/face and recommended an AHA Intensive facial (60 minutes)- so I obliged- this facial uses AHA in this case, it's glycolic acid, very good choice for my skin type because even if I do not have pimples or acne, I have white heads (comedones) and this really bothers me and the primary reason I have to make facial therapies one of my regimen. This costs 1,900 Pesos (approximately U$D38).
Vitamin C infusion Facial- 60 minutes- this costs 1,700 pesos (approximtely U$D 34) -to restore elasticity, firmness and hydration and even skin tone using pure Vitamin C.
Resurgence Renewal Facial- 60 minutes- costs 2,400 pesos (approximately U$D 48)- for hormonal aging skin, menopausal and peri-menopausal skin.
Clarifying enzyme facial- 60 minutes- costs 1,700 Pesos (approximately U$D 34)- ideal for oily and acne prone skin using papaya and pineapple natural fruit enzymes to dissolve these impurities.
Diamond Peel starts at 1,700 Pesos for the face (approximately U$D34) and 1,700 Pesos (approximately U$D 34) for full neck and decollete.
For "bacne" beakouts they have a clarifying enzyme back treatment- 60 minutes- for 1,800 pesos (approximately 35U$D). So if you plan to go backless in one of the formal occasions that you will go to, visit Murad for this treatment at least several days or months before the ocassion depending on the severity of your "bacne" breakouts.
For those wanting to firm and tone their body, they have Vitamin C Firm and Tone Half body treatment- 60 minutes- for 2,200 pesos (approximately U$D 44)
If I were near, I would avail of their packages:
3 Facial treatments for just 3,800 Pesos giving you a savings of 2,100 pesos from the regular price of 5,700 pesos and they have other treatment packages which you can inquire about when you call.
Price-wise, the Murad Center has reasonable price figures (as compared with US-price standards) but for others it might be ridiculously expensive, but Murad is a huge name so I suppose that's a given. If you can afford the price tag, or just want an occasional treat, I think as my first impression, they are doing a service more than average. I think you do have to make the decision if you want quality at a price. Murad offers quality products and a more than average service, but you have to be willing to pay for them.
They accept credit cards for payment which is a good thing.
Retail and Products
Dr. Murad believes in an inclusive approach and following the 3-step Murad method, I would be incorporating topical, internal and emotional care into my lifestyle. So, if I were to take home products, I would take home the following and try them out:
Topical- AHA cream- which has to be left on the face for 10 minutes- but as unique as my face is- I think I need more than 20 minutes for this....hehehe...maybe one of these days I will experiment with their products. Later will tell you why I need 20 minutes to start with.
Internal- Youth Builder dietary supplement- costs around 4,500 pesos (U$D 90) good for 30 days already.
Staff and Decorum
When I arrived, the reception was manned by a male but when he greeted me and I asked him about the facial he excused himself and disappeared into the back door and a lady entertained me instead. The lady staff (sorry as related earlier I chose to lay my pen and just rest and enjoy my spa-ing time without having to think about writing a consumer's review through my blog so I was not able to get the name of the esthetician) was accommodating naman and I tried to converse with her during my session and asked questions. She is not pushy with products and well-versed when it comes to what the products are for.
Session and Techniques
The staff ushered me to a changing/locker area and since I am (again) the only one inside the spa, I get to enjoy the facility all by myself. The changing facility has at least 8-14 lockers with keys. There is a facial tube dress inside, so you have to change because the facial therapy includes the shoulders and chest area. There are also toiletries inside like a hair gel, a comb/hair brush and a hair spray.
The AHA intensive facial I tried is a type of European facial. You might wonder what is a European facial? This is a type of facial treatment which begins with deep cleansing, steam, exfoliation, and facial massage of the face, shoulders, and chest area, followed by special mask that hydrates the skin. One thing I like about this facial is that she also applied lip balm on my lips at the end of the facial. Aside from the skin treatments, you get soothing massages on your temples, scalp, neck and shoulders.
My skin was noticeably smooth, even-toned and radiant for days until now - and it's been more than 7 days!. Actually, I think I will be trying some of their products when I come back. This is the main reason why I need to have regular facials because I have to maintain a smooth complexion (not the usual smooth complexion) and I am bothered whenever I can feel that I already have rough skin because of white heads (comedones). I tried glycolic acid peels- but it works only temporarily. I have a lot of these white heads or comedones that its like having mustache on my skin.... and I still am on the hunt for the right product for me. So far, have found none as effective as the products were at Murad.
The products (not the facial techniques or the spa ritual) has exceeded all the other places I have gone for my facials- both relatively cheap and super expensive. Not that the spa or the staff is average, it's just that the facial techniques used and the ritual is common and a given. I hope the spa or facial owners will learn from these types of establishments and get some ideas from them. Although I have to say that it's kinda weird because during the steam and application of the AHA, I expected the facialist (or aesthetician) to use this time to give me a back, neck, and shoulder massage, or a hand massage- but in this case, it did not happen. Maybe, it's not part of the ritual?
I also highly recommend this AHA Intensive facial for those who have the same skin problems that I have. I love the scents of their products- not overly scented but has a nice smelling scent for the AHA and for the cleansers.
I was also in a hurry so this might be the reason why the staff did not ask me for any hot tea or any herbal tea at all....or since they are a medical spa facility, they also do not include that?
Overall rating, because of the superb products, I will give Murad Center @ Rustan's an 85%. I will definitely try out other services and take home some products when I come back
Address/Contact Numbers/Other Information
Location: Murad Center
5th Level Rustan's Ayala Center
Makati city
Phone Number 8161806
Rustan Cosmetics Division
2nd Floor, OPPEN Building
349 Senator Gil Puyat Avenue
Makati City 1225, Philippines
ctarriola@rustans.com.ph
P: 00632.895.7140
F: 00632.890.9793
Guidelines in the writing of this spa/massage clinic review were observed, click on the link below to read about my guidelines:
http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/07/consumer-and-spa-enthusiasts-review.html
The most comprehensive resource and information guide on the list of training centers, magazines, publications, books and literatures both local and international are all available in the book, “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource Guide and Career Book”. The First Book on Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource Book and Career Guide
http://www.scribd.com/doc/6425282/About-the-Book-Spa-Massage-and-Wellness-Resource-Guide-and-Career-Book
(this has the most comprehensive list of training centers in the Philippines and abroad with tips from professionals and employment opportunities, legal laws and regulations, list of employment agencies, how to choose a trainer, and information that you need in order to succeed in this industry and before you shell out money for your tuition or training, there are a lot of ways you can grab a copy of this valuable information para hindi ka mag sayang ng time and money enrolling in trainings you do not even need. This book will give you the information to start right in the industry with secrets you should know and being able to find your rainbow in the wonderful world of massage, spa and wellness.
1. You can order it online via http://www.amazon.com/ at 34.95$
2. You can order it via a Kindle device at $7.99
3. You can order an e-book copy through my blog at http://www.yunesa.blogspot.com/ at $19.95
4. You can also get a copy from National Bookstores nationwide at P799Pesos
5. For locals only, you can order it from me at local discounted rates with free delivery at 900Pesos (via LBC or FEDEX Air 21. Anywhere in the Philippines. Please allow 1-5 working days
If you are looking for a career opportunity, not just a job in the spa, massage therapy and wellness industry, this book is a must read.
This review was written by: Eunice Estipona a spa consultant, mentor, advisor, speaker and lecturer. One of her advocacies is to make healing and information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness accessible and affordable to everyone. If you are serious about turning your business or practice around, making the right decisions, getting an unbiased opinion and knowing where to get help, for lectures and other concerns she can be contacted at yunesa@yahoo.com or +639184745685. To find out how she can help you take your business to the next level, visit her site at http://www.meetup.com/philippinemassagetherapy
These along with hundreds of resources found locally and abroad are contained in “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource and Career Book”, the first book of resource information to know more about the Spa, Massage and Wellness Industry in the Philippines and other countries including the United States, Australia and other Asian countries. You can view, read, download and print for FREE the book’s summary at this link http://www.scribd.com/doc/6425282/About-the-Book-Spa-Massage-and-Wellness-Resource-Guide-and-Career-Book
If you are a spa, massage therapy and wellness information seeker the resources contained in the book for you. This book is a collection of data and valuable information regarding the spa and massage industry in a global perspective with a focus on the Philippines. Her advocacy in writing the book is to make “unbiased” information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness resources and career, accessible and affordable for everyone. If you are considering a career in the massage, spa and wellness industry, this book will prepare you and give you a glimpse of what it is like, the preparation you need to take: emotionally, intellectually and financially. In this book, you will learn more details in the spa and massage field and the possible paths you can take. You will also learn about local and international training programs offered and numerous employment possibilities. Giving you much needed information at your fingertips. You can order it from http://www.amazon.com/ or for local Philippine residents, you can email and get in touch with Eunice at yunesa@yahoo.com
TERMS OF REPRINT
You can freely distribute a copy of this review provided, that you follow the terms of reprint. Be certain to read our TERMS OF REPRINT and honor our TERMS OF REPRINT when you use this review. Thank you.
Helpful Link: The Digital Millennium Copyright Act – Overview http://www.gseis.ucla.edu/iclp/dmca1.htm
Our TERMS OF REPRINT are fully enforcible under the terms of: The Digital Millennium Copyright Act http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c105:H.R.2281.ENR:
*** Digital Reprint Rights **** If you publish this article in a website/forum/ blog, etc. You Must Set All URL's or Mailto Addresses in the body of the article AND in the Author's Resource Box as Hyperlinks (clickable links).* Links must remain in the form that we published them. Clean links should point to the Author's links without redirects having been inserted into the copy.* You are not allowed to Change or Delete any Words or Links in the review or Resource Box. Paragraph breaks must be retained with articles. You can change where the paragraph breaks fall, but you cannot eliminate all paragraph breaks as some have chosen to do.* Email Distribution of this review must be done through Opt-in Email Only. No Unsolicited Commercial Email.* You are allowed to format the layout of the review for proper display of the article in your website or in your ezine, so long as you can maintain the author's interests within the article.* You may not use sentences from this review as an input for any software that steals sentences from others in order to build an article with software. The copyright on this article applies to the "WHOLE" article.*** Author Notification ***We ask that you notify the author of publication of her work. Eunice can be reached at: yunesa@yahoo.com *** Print Publication Reprint Rights ***If you desire to publish this review in a PRINT publication, you must contact the author directly for Print Permission at: yunesa@yahoo.com
The content of this review is solely the property and opinion of its author, Eunice
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Let's Face It! SM Fairview Branch
Let’s Face It! at SM Fairview Branch
By
Eunice
yunesa@yahoo.com
Today, I will be reviewing Let’s Face It! Salon located at the lower ground floor of
SM City Fairview, Quezon City. I have tried other braches but this branch is the one I frequently visit because it’s near my place and I already feel at home here. I started coming to this facial salon more than seven years ago when they were still located at the UG/F level of SM City Fairview and their area was smaller compared to the bigger area they have today. I tried almost all their facial therapies before including the anti-aging, whitening/bleaching, pimple treatment, etc. Today they condensed their facial therapy menu choices to only one where you can choose only facial therapy. This comes with vacuum and the commonly termed LASER but is in fact a high frequency machine. You will also be entitled to two FREE facial massages and pricking within ten days afterwards. After the ten days is up, you are no longer entitled to a free facial massage and pricking. For today’s visit, July 22, 2009, I will have facial cleaning and massage.
Let us first talk about their services and prices. I will also add some of the experiences I’ve had through the years with the services mentioned. The cost of a facial cleaning is only Php 245.00 (Approximately $4.90). Again, this comes with the commonly termed LASER but is in fact a high frequency machine and a vacuum. Plus, two FREE facial massage and pricking within ten days afterwards. After the ten days is up, you are no longer entitled to a free facial massage and pricking. If you want an additional mask, they have several types: the powdered mask which is diluted in water and applied on your face, starts at Php 125.00 (Approximately $2.50); Soft mask starts at Php 225.00 (Approximately $4.50) the Moor facial mask is Php 900.00 (Approximately $18.00) Moor facial mask is a black odorless mask also diluted with a special Moor dilution procedure and liquid not with an ordinary distilled water, this is generally sourced out in Hungary and is not available in Supermarkets but available for in-house use of facial salons and spas, it is imported thus the higher price; Gel Masks are all priced at Php 620.00 (Approximately $12.40) I am not an avid gel mask (or paper mask) client because I do not like the feeling na malagkit (goo-ey feeling); Peel Off mask starts at Php 650.00 ($13.00).
Other service price and offerings: They also have advanced laser which is the real LASER starting at Php 620.00 (Approximately $13.00) where the facialist or facial therapist would literally cover her eyes with a dark colored eye protector glass and an emitted light wave will come out of a tiny little hole. You can request to adjust it for your preference like in my case, I would often ask it to be adjusted to anti-aging; Eyebag treatment starts at Php 225.00 (Approximately $4.50); Diamond Peel/ Microdermabrasions starts at Php 900.00 (Approximately $18.00) what I like about their Diamond Peel is that only a supervisor would perform it and the Supervisor who performs it does it meticulously. I also like that my skin really feels smooth and soft to touch right after. But be forewarned that microdermabrasion, although not invasive is not advisable for everyone especially if you have sensitive skin or your occupation is in the field and you will be exposed to the sun afterwards as these conditions are contraindicated; Herbal Whitening Body Scrub prices depends on what part of the body will be treated lowest priced is the Underarm which is Php 485.00 (Approximately $9.70) and the highest priced is Php 1,680.00 (Approximately $33.60) per session but they do offer a package good for eight (8) sessions costing only Php 11,650.00 (Approximately $233.00); Body scrubs starts at Php 510.00 (Approximately $10.20) for a sea salt scrub and all the others like coffee, milk and honey, whitening Spirulina scrub costs Php 560.00 (Approximately $11.20); There are only two Body Wraps available the Seaweed wrap costing only Php 510.00 (Approximately $10.20) and Spirulina costs Php 560.00 (Approximately $11.20). For body scrubs and wraps- there is nothing fancy about their services here just the standard but both are a great treat for moisturizing your skin all over. I do not mind being scrubbed and wrapped as all their staff are professional and have been trained on how to cover private areas, but be forewarned that its kinda cold inside the room and gets colder as you get yourself wet; Chest and Back Cleaning are also available starting at a price of Php 510.00 (Approximately $10.20); Body Massage is also available starts at Php 450.00 (Approximately $9.00) for an hour. There is only one type of Body Massage that they offer, which is a combination of Swedish and Shiatsu Massage which we will talk more about later; Hand Care services like Manicure starts at Php 120.00 (Approximately $2.40), hand spa at Php 280.00 (Approximately $5.60) they also offer hand spa, hand paraffin, etc. while foot care like pedicure starts at Php 130.00 (Approximately $2.60), they also offer foot spa, foot massage (30 minutes including a dry massage of the head and back) which is priced at Php 280.00 (Approximately $5.60), foot and leg paraffin, etc.; Other dermatological services (which I have not tried) includes Botox, Sclerotherapy, Mole Excision, Glutathione Injections, etc. Their Cosmetic surgery services include: Tumescent Liposuction, Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty, Breast Augmentation, etc. Unfortunately you will not be able to see any description of their services in the menu only a price list is available so you will have to call or ask the receptionist on-site who is well-versed with their services. I have not tried any of their Cosmetic surgery services kasi nga ang prinsipiyo ko eh bakit ko pa babaguhin ang binigay ng Diyos? (why will I change what God has given me?) I-enhance ko na lang by non-invasive and non-surgical procedure. Uso pa naman ngayon yung nag kaka-infection yung kanilang mga retokadong parts ng katawan kaya nakakatakot. Eto nga sa TV, may nagrereklamo sa mga patients ni Dr. Vicky Belo atbp. So, as much as possible, iwas na iwas ako sa anything that is surgical in nature. Anyway, setting that topic aside basta takot ako mga ganyang types ng pagpapaganda. (Recently there has been a surge of patients who have experienced infection due to cosmetic surgery. Even on TV there has been a complaint from one of the patients of Dr. Vicky Belo, etc. So, as much as possible, I avoid anything that is surgical in nature)
Let’s Face It! used to have a beauty Card for loyal clients but it was phased out. I wonder why.
Through the years, while seeking for the right facial therapist for me, every time I visit Let’s Face It! I would try different staff. A handful of them are lousy, a few are just a so-so but I found these three staff very good in what they do. Although of course, they still have differences in touch, personality and technique execution. Let us talk about these three exemplary staff: Connie Parilla Callanza or Connie for short, Lovella Mangahan or Love for short and Cherry Pie de Leon or Pie for short. I started trying out numerous staff as well when they used to be located upstairs before I settled with Connie. The first and foremost thing I like about Connie is that she is friendly and the first thing I noticed about Connie was she did not forget my shoulder massage while I was waiting for my mask to dry up. During the first few years that I was trying almost all of their services, deep in my heart, I would always look for someone who does the shoulder and back massage- someone who has the hands for it. And, I found that in Connie. Besides, she is the first one who really took the time to ask me questions relevant to my skin’s needs without being too pushy as they are also promoting their retail product line. I also liked Cherry Pie or Pie for short because she is sweet-voiced, she also has the touch similar to Connie. I also like Love (short for Lovella) because all three of them are friendly and that they do not forget the massage portion after the pricking is over. This is very important for me because pricking time is painful so I am looking forward for the relaxing part. So, as you can notice, I know the staff by name, if one is not available I can choose another- by request. You can request someone to do the service for you, if they are available at the time of your visit. The three of them will also take the time to really clean your face- not that my face is “needy” but I felt that the three of them will take the time to clean and relax at the same time without hurriedly finishing the session up unless (in some occasions) I told them to as I am the one who is in a hurry.
Let us delve into talking about the general feel and ambiance of the place. I love the reception area because it’s not too cramped up. At the side are retail display and what I love about their counter top is that it has white stones on the bottom making the reception area look relaxing and inviting. I also like that behind the counter is a running water on a transparent glass of Let’s Face It! Salon Model and Logo. The towels used by clients are not disposable but you will get a clean and laundered towel. There were times when laundry was not able to deliver on time so they would make me use tissue instead. They will ask you first to wash your face in the sink area. This area has three sinks available which has an inviting atmosphere but I noticed that one of the three sinks is almost always out of order every time I visit. There are also hair brushes and comb available in the corner, just in case. But of course, I bring my own. The area is brightly lit which is good for people who wanted to inspect their face before and after a facial session so you will be able to notice the difference, the “before” and “after” session. You will also get to ready yourself once you finish your session because this area is right outside the toilet.
This branch has three different areas inside, they have the general facial salon area, the body treatment and massage area and the pedicure and manicure area. Music is okay. Some people prefer background music of birds tweeting in the air, waterfalls, sea shore but I prefer instrumental romantic music although there are times that some forest music is a-okay for a change. During this visit, relaxing flutes and instrumental romantic music were being played. Because I love these types of music I personally have a collection of the same music at home. Toilet is a common toilet for male and female, its clean and dry and colored peach just like their uniform. The shower area also is okay. Only massage and body treatment clients will have access to the shower area because it’s in another part of the facial spa. There is only one massage room located at the farthermost right side room (this is the only room that does not have any network signal for mobile phones). Other rooms are allocated for body treatments, microdermabrasion, etc. The general facial salon area has facial beds that are dikit-dikit (placed directly beside each other). With seven beds on each side for this branch they have 28 facial beds all in all. If you do not mind getting beside a total stranger, then this facial salon might be for you but if you value privacy over all the other services, then this facial salon is not for you. Some facial lights are working and some are not. The general ambiance is Asian with tapestries of Thai. There are large mirrors on each side and little busts of Buddha framed in one corner. There are four large white chandeliers on top which are turned off to set a relaxing tone. The Thai-inspired massage room although cozy is very small (in my estimate the working/ massage area is just 3-4 square meters which is less than the required minimum size required by law because at least 5 square meters should be allocated for the massage space) The room has a corner where you can see some decors like the elephant framed décor, several small plastic plants in glass, stones and their selection of oil. Unfortunately for my visit, Edna (my massage therapist) has only two types of oil available, I chose the one with a peppermint smell. We will talk more about my massage session afterwards.
Let is first talk about my facial session. Here is my secret, there are three parts in a facial that I am most excited about: the shoulder and back massage is the first (or any type of massage during the facial session, if there is one), the second is the facial massage (how they execute the techniques in a facial therapy) and the third is the application of a high frequency machine or what is commonly termed as laser. For this session, I have had a facial and a body massage afterwards. For my facial, I was taken cared of by Love because Connie was not yet on duty and Pie already has a client. As usual, I was ushered to a corner and instructed to lie down after I washed my face. Then came the first part of this facial therapy and second among my favorite part of a facial: the facial massage. The 5-10 minute facial massage consists of applying a facial cleanser on your face and massaging it with strokes and techniques that will enhance the tonicity of facial muscles as well as set the client in a mood for a relaxing facial. The only thing I do not like is that they do not include neck cleaning. Love’s pace and movements are very similar to Connie but Love is a lot faster than Connie. It should be slower because when facial massage is executed fast, it is less relaxing than that of slower movements. Then came the steam time, the part which I am not really very excited about--- okay, okay, I am being “kinder” with my words but as I have always stressed, I do not like the steam portion even though I know that it will open my pores and help in releasing toxins….but with all these benefits….hindi ko talaga gusto ang steam time. I hate this part. Then, they will apply vacuum to take away the debris of the facial cleanser as well as some dirt which is still lodged on the skin. They will wipe the remaining cleanser and start with the extraction part. Ito yung pinaka masakit (most painful) na portion and the longest one at that. What I love about this portion is that they take the time para isa-isahin ang pag-alis ng zits and zats ng aking mukha (they take the time to remove the dirt, white heads, and black heads on my face). In my experience, the length of extraction will depend on the severity of your skin condition and the tolerance to pain of the client. Most of the time they spend 45 minutes to an hour to clean my face. What I also like about this branch is that when I am in a hurry, they will also adjust the time and shorten the treatment session. Then came the hot compress where they will apply a hot towel and then the high frequency machine (commonly termed as LASER) applied on top of a cloth.
Let us now talk about the massage proper, I like that Edna (the massage therapist assigned to me that time) started with a slow and steady movement of her hands but her hands were cold (mainly because the area is air conditioned. When I was still a practicing massage therapist when this happens what I normally do was wash my hands with hot water or wipe hot compress to or place my hands on top of the sauna coals whichever is possible to make my hands warm before my massage session with a client ). I also noticed that her tapping for both legs lasted for more than two minutes which is longer than usual. I told her to focus on the knots on my shoulder and luckily she did. I like that she focused on my shoulders too because those are my sore spots. There are only two things I did not like about my massage session, she served me with cold water right after my massage (which I think she should not have because she should have served me a warm or hot beverage instead) and she was not able to finish her massage on my legs (in a supine position) because we ran out of time. When the timer alarmed she immediately stopped the session. The thing that I watch the most on how they perform is the back massage. In my personal opinion, if you have done a good back rub/ massage, you will get a satisfied client.
As usual, I left both Edna and Love a Php 100.00 ($2.00) each as gratuity for their service.
For this visit, I would give 85% for my facial and 81% for my massage. Clearly, the forte of Let’s Face It! is facial therapies not massage therapies but there were several times that Connie mentioned to me that I should try their sister company which offers more on massage and bodyworks, it’s called Relaxasi. Unfortunately, the nearest branch is located at SM City North EDSA. Maybe one of these days, I will.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guidelines in the writing of this blog were observed, click on the link below to read about my guidelines for reviews/critic:
http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/07/consumer-and-spa-enthusiasts-review.html
The most comprehensive resource and information guide on the list of training centers, magazines, publications, books and literatures both local and international are all available in the book, “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource Guide and Career Book”. The First Book on Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource Book and Career Guidehttp://www.scribd.com/doc/6425282/About-the-Book-Spa-Massage-and-Wellness-Resource-Guide-and-Career-Book (this has the most comprehensive list of training centers in the Philippines and abroad with tips from professionals and employment opportunities, legal laws and regulations, list of employment agencies, how to choose a trainer, and information that you need in order to succeed in this industry and before you shell out money for your tuition or training, there are a lot of ways you can grab a copy of this valuable information para hindi ka mag sayang ng time and money enrolling in trainings you do not even need. This book will give you the information to start right in the industry with secrets you should know and being able to find your rainbow in the wonderful world of massage, spa and wellness.
1. You can order it online via http://www.amazon.com/ at 34.95$
2. You can order it via a Kindle device at $7.99
3. You can order an e-book copy through my blog at http://www.yunesa.blogspot.com/ at $19.95
4. You can also get a copy from National Bookstores nationwide at P799Pesos
5. For locals only, you can order it from me at local discounted rates with free delivery at 900Pesos (via LBC or FEDEX Air 21. Anywhere in the Philippines. Please allow 1-5 working days
If you are looking for a career opportunity, not just a job in the spa, massage therapy and wellness industry, this book is a must read.
This review was written by: Eunice Estipona a spa consultant, mentor, advisor, speaker and lecturer. One of her advocacies is to make healing and information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness accessible and affordable to everyone. If you are serious about turning your business or practice around, making the right decisions, getting an unbiased opinion and knowing where to get help, for lectures and other concerns she can be contacted at yunesa@yahoo.com or +639184745685. To find out how she can help you take your business to the next level, visit her site at http://www.meetup.com/philippinemassagetherapy
These along with hundreds of resources found locally and abroad are contained in “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource and Career Book”, the first book of resource information to know more about the Spa, Massage and Wellness Industry in the Philippines and other countries including the United States, Australia and other Asian countries. You can view, read, download and print for FREE the book’s summary at this link http://www.scribd.com/doc/6425282/About-the-Book-Spa-Massage-and-Wellness-Resource-Guide-and-Career-Book
If you are a spa, massage therapy and wellness information seeker the resources contained in the book for you. This book is a collection of data and valuable information regarding the spa and massage industry in a global perspective with a focus on the Philippines. Her advocacy in writing the book is to make “unbiased” information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness resources and career, accessible and affordable for everyone. If you are considering a career in the massage, spa and wellness industry, this book will prepare you and give you a glimpse of what it is like, the preparation you need to take: emotionally, intellectually and financially. In this book, you will learn more details in the spa and massage field and the possible paths you can take. You will also learn about local and international training programs offered and numerous employment possibilities. Giving you much needed information at your fingertips. You can order it from http://www.amazon.com/ or for local Philippine residents, you can email and get in touch with Eunice at yunesa@yahoo.com.
TERMS OF REPRINT
You can freely distribute a copy of this review provided, that you follow the terms of reprint. Be certain to read our TERMS OF REPRINT and honor our TERMS OF REPRINT when you use this review. Thank you.
Helpful Link: The Digital Millennium Copyright Act – Overview http://www.gseis.ucla.edu/iclp/dmca1.htm
Our TERMS OF REPRINT are fully enforcible under the terms of: The Digital Millennium Copyright Acthttp://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c105:H.R.2281.ENR:*** Digital Reprint Rights **** If you publish this article in a website/forum/ blog, etc. You Must Set All URL's or Mailto Addresses in the body of the article AND in the Author's Resource Box as Hyperlinks (clickable links).* Links must remain in the form that we published them. Clean links should point to the Author's links without redirects having been inserted into the copy.* You are not allowed to Change or Delete any Words or Links in the review or Resource Box. Paragraph breaks must be retained with articles. You can change where the paragraph breaks fall, but you cannot eliminate all paragraph breaks as some have chosen to do.* Email Distribution of this review must be done through Opt-in Email Only. No Unsolicited Commercial Email.* You are allowed to format the layout of the review for proper display of the article in your website or in your ezine, so long as you can maintain the author's interests within the article.* You may not use sentences from this review as an input for any software that steals sentences from others in order to build an article with software. The copyright on this article applies to the "WHOLE" article.*** Author Notification ***we ask that you notify the author of publication of her work. Eunice can be reached at: http://us.mc391.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=judy%40judymurdoch.com*** Print Publication Reprint Rights ***If you desire to publish this review in a PRINT publication, you must contact the author directly for Print Permission at: mailto:http://us.mc391.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=judy%40judymurdoch.com============ ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= The content of this review is solely the property and opinion of its author, Eunice
View My Latest TV Guesting on YouTube:
By
Eunice
yunesa@yahoo.com
Today, I will be reviewing Let’s Face It! Salon located at the lower ground floor of
SM City Fairview, Quezon City. I have tried other braches but this branch is the one I frequently visit because it’s near my place and I already feel at home here. I started coming to this facial salon more than seven years ago when they were still located at the UG/F level of SM City Fairview and their area was smaller compared to the bigger area they have today. I tried almost all their facial therapies before including the anti-aging, whitening/bleaching, pimple treatment, etc. Today they condensed their facial therapy menu choices to only one where you can choose only facial therapy. This comes with vacuum and the commonly termed LASER but is in fact a high frequency machine. You will also be entitled to two FREE facial massages and pricking within ten days afterwards. After the ten days is up, you are no longer entitled to a free facial massage and pricking. For today’s visit, July 22, 2009, I will have facial cleaning and massage.
Let us first talk about their services and prices. I will also add some of the experiences I’ve had through the years with the services mentioned. The cost of a facial cleaning is only Php 245.00 (Approximately $4.90). Again, this comes with the commonly termed LASER but is in fact a high frequency machine and a vacuum. Plus, two FREE facial massage and pricking within ten days afterwards. After the ten days is up, you are no longer entitled to a free facial massage and pricking. If you want an additional mask, they have several types: the powdered mask which is diluted in water and applied on your face, starts at Php 125.00 (Approximately $2.50); Soft mask starts at Php 225.00 (Approximately $4.50) the Moor facial mask is Php 900.00 (Approximately $18.00) Moor facial mask is a black odorless mask also diluted with a special Moor dilution procedure and liquid not with an ordinary distilled water, this is generally sourced out in Hungary and is not available in Supermarkets but available for in-house use of facial salons and spas, it is imported thus the higher price; Gel Masks are all priced at Php 620.00 (Approximately $12.40) I am not an avid gel mask (or paper mask) client because I do not like the feeling na malagkit (goo-ey feeling); Peel Off mask starts at Php 650.00 ($13.00).
Other service price and offerings: They also have advanced laser which is the real LASER starting at Php 620.00 (Approximately $13.00) where the facialist or facial therapist would literally cover her eyes with a dark colored eye protector glass and an emitted light wave will come out of a tiny little hole. You can request to adjust it for your preference like in my case, I would often ask it to be adjusted to anti-aging; Eyebag treatment starts at Php 225.00 (Approximately $4.50); Diamond Peel/ Microdermabrasions starts at Php 900.00 (Approximately $18.00) what I like about their Diamond Peel is that only a supervisor would perform it and the Supervisor who performs it does it meticulously. I also like that my skin really feels smooth and soft to touch right after. But be forewarned that microdermabrasion, although not invasive is not advisable for everyone especially if you have sensitive skin or your occupation is in the field and you will be exposed to the sun afterwards as these conditions are contraindicated; Herbal Whitening Body Scrub prices depends on what part of the body will be treated lowest priced is the Underarm which is Php 485.00 (Approximately $9.70) and the highest priced is Php 1,680.00 (Approximately $33.60) per session but they do offer a package good for eight (8) sessions costing only Php 11,650.00 (Approximately $233.00); Body scrubs starts at Php 510.00 (Approximately $10.20) for a sea salt scrub and all the others like coffee, milk and honey, whitening Spirulina scrub costs Php 560.00 (Approximately $11.20); There are only two Body Wraps available the Seaweed wrap costing only Php 510.00 (Approximately $10.20) and Spirulina costs Php 560.00 (Approximately $11.20). For body scrubs and wraps- there is nothing fancy about their services here just the standard but both are a great treat for moisturizing your skin all over. I do not mind being scrubbed and wrapped as all their staff are professional and have been trained on how to cover private areas, but be forewarned that its kinda cold inside the room and gets colder as you get yourself wet; Chest and Back Cleaning are also available starting at a price of Php 510.00 (Approximately $10.20); Body Massage is also available starts at Php 450.00 (Approximately $9.00) for an hour. There is only one type of Body Massage that they offer, which is a combination of Swedish and Shiatsu Massage which we will talk more about later; Hand Care services like Manicure starts at Php 120.00 (Approximately $2.40), hand spa at Php 280.00 (Approximately $5.60) they also offer hand spa, hand paraffin, etc. while foot care like pedicure starts at Php 130.00 (Approximately $2.60), they also offer foot spa, foot massage (30 minutes including a dry massage of the head and back) which is priced at Php 280.00 (Approximately $5.60), foot and leg paraffin, etc.; Other dermatological services (which I have not tried) includes Botox, Sclerotherapy, Mole Excision, Glutathione Injections, etc. Their Cosmetic surgery services include: Tumescent Liposuction, Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty, Breast Augmentation, etc. Unfortunately you will not be able to see any description of their services in the menu only a price list is available so you will have to call or ask the receptionist on-site who is well-versed with their services. I have not tried any of their Cosmetic surgery services kasi nga ang prinsipiyo ko eh bakit ko pa babaguhin ang binigay ng Diyos? (why will I change what God has given me?) I-enhance ko na lang by non-invasive and non-surgical procedure. Uso pa naman ngayon yung nag kaka-infection yung kanilang mga retokadong parts ng katawan kaya nakakatakot. Eto nga sa TV, may nagrereklamo sa mga patients ni Dr. Vicky Belo atbp. So, as much as possible, iwas na iwas ako sa anything that is surgical in nature. Anyway, setting that topic aside basta takot ako mga ganyang types ng pagpapaganda. (Recently there has been a surge of patients who have experienced infection due to cosmetic surgery. Even on TV there has been a complaint from one of the patients of Dr. Vicky Belo, etc. So, as much as possible, I avoid anything that is surgical in nature)
Let’s Face It! used to have a beauty Card for loyal clients but it was phased out. I wonder why.
Through the years, while seeking for the right facial therapist for me, every time I visit Let’s Face It! I would try different staff. A handful of them are lousy, a few are just a so-so but I found these three staff very good in what they do. Although of course, they still have differences in touch, personality and technique execution. Let us talk about these three exemplary staff: Connie Parilla Callanza or Connie for short, Lovella Mangahan or Love for short and Cherry Pie de Leon or Pie for short. I started trying out numerous staff as well when they used to be located upstairs before I settled with Connie. The first and foremost thing I like about Connie is that she is friendly and the first thing I noticed about Connie was she did not forget my shoulder massage while I was waiting for my mask to dry up. During the first few years that I was trying almost all of their services, deep in my heart, I would always look for someone who does the shoulder and back massage- someone who has the hands for it. And, I found that in Connie. Besides, she is the first one who really took the time to ask me questions relevant to my skin’s needs without being too pushy as they are also promoting their retail product line. I also liked Cherry Pie or Pie for short because she is sweet-voiced, she also has the touch similar to Connie. I also like Love (short for Lovella) because all three of them are friendly and that they do not forget the massage portion after the pricking is over. This is very important for me because pricking time is painful so I am looking forward for the relaxing part. So, as you can notice, I know the staff by name, if one is not available I can choose another- by request. You can request someone to do the service for you, if they are available at the time of your visit. The three of them will also take the time to really clean your face- not that my face is “needy” but I felt that the three of them will take the time to clean and relax at the same time without hurriedly finishing the session up unless (in some occasions) I told them to as I am the one who is in a hurry.
Let us delve into talking about the general feel and ambiance of the place. I love the reception area because it’s not too cramped up. At the side are retail display and what I love about their counter top is that it has white stones on the bottom making the reception area look relaxing and inviting. I also like that behind the counter is a running water on a transparent glass of Let’s Face It! Salon Model and Logo. The towels used by clients are not disposable but you will get a clean and laundered towel. There were times when laundry was not able to deliver on time so they would make me use tissue instead. They will ask you first to wash your face in the sink area. This area has three sinks available which has an inviting atmosphere but I noticed that one of the three sinks is almost always out of order every time I visit. There are also hair brushes and comb available in the corner, just in case. But of course, I bring my own. The area is brightly lit which is good for people who wanted to inspect their face before and after a facial session so you will be able to notice the difference, the “before” and “after” session. You will also get to ready yourself once you finish your session because this area is right outside the toilet.
This branch has three different areas inside, they have the general facial salon area, the body treatment and massage area and the pedicure and manicure area. Music is okay. Some people prefer background music of birds tweeting in the air, waterfalls, sea shore but I prefer instrumental romantic music although there are times that some forest music is a-okay for a change. During this visit, relaxing flutes and instrumental romantic music were being played. Because I love these types of music I personally have a collection of the same music at home. Toilet is a common toilet for male and female, its clean and dry and colored peach just like their uniform. The shower area also is okay. Only massage and body treatment clients will have access to the shower area because it’s in another part of the facial spa. There is only one massage room located at the farthermost right side room (this is the only room that does not have any network signal for mobile phones). Other rooms are allocated for body treatments, microdermabrasion, etc. The general facial salon area has facial beds that are dikit-dikit (placed directly beside each other). With seven beds on each side for this branch they have 28 facial beds all in all. If you do not mind getting beside a total stranger, then this facial salon might be for you but if you value privacy over all the other services, then this facial salon is not for you. Some facial lights are working and some are not. The general ambiance is Asian with tapestries of Thai. There are large mirrors on each side and little busts of Buddha framed in one corner. There are four large white chandeliers on top which are turned off to set a relaxing tone. The Thai-inspired massage room although cozy is very small (in my estimate the working/ massage area is just 3-4 square meters which is less than the required minimum size required by law because at least 5 square meters should be allocated for the massage space) The room has a corner where you can see some decors like the elephant framed décor, several small plastic plants in glass, stones and their selection of oil. Unfortunately for my visit, Edna (my massage therapist) has only two types of oil available, I chose the one with a peppermint smell. We will talk more about my massage session afterwards.
Let is first talk about my facial session. Here is my secret, there are three parts in a facial that I am most excited about: the shoulder and back massage is the first (or any type of massage during the facial session, if there is one), the second is the facial massage (how they execute the techniques in a facial therapy) and the third is the application of a high frequency machine or what is commonly termed as laser. For this session, I have had a facial and a body massage afterwards. For my facial, I was taken cared of by Love because Connie was not yet on duty and Pie already has a client. As usual, I was ushered to a corner and instructed to lie down after I washed my face. Then came the first part of this facial therapy and second among my favorite part of a facial: the facial massage. The 5-10 minute facial massage consists of applying a facial cleanser on your face and massaging it with strokes and techniques that will enhance the tonicity of facial muscles as well as set the client in a mood for a relaxing facial. The only thing I do not like is that they do not include neck cleaning. Love’s pace and movements are very similar to Connie but Love is a lot faster than Connie. It should be slower because when facial massage is executed fast, it is less relaxing than that of slower movements. Then came the steam time, the part which I am not really very excited about--- okay, okay, I am being “kinder” with my words but as I have always stressed, I do not like the steam portion even though I know that it will open my pores and help in releasing toxins….but with all these benefits….hindi ko talaga gusto ang steam time. I hate this part. Then, they will apply vacuum to take away the debris of the facial cleanser as well as some dirt which is still lodged on the skin. They will wipe the remaining cleanser and start with the extraction part. Ito yung pinaka masakit (most painful) na portion and the longest one at that. What I love about this portion is that they take the time para isa-isahin ang pag-alis ng zits and zats ng aking mukha (they take the time to remove the dirt, white heads, and black heads on my face). In my experience, the length of extraction will depend on the severity of your skin condition and the tolerance to pain of the client. Most of the time they spend 45 minutes to an hour to clean my face. What I also like about this branch is that when I am in a hurry, they will also adjust the time and shorten the treatment session. Then came the hot compress where they will apply a hot towel and then the high frequency machine (commonly termed as LASER) applied on top of a cloth.
Let us now talk about the massage proper, I like that Edna (the massage therapist assigned to me that time) started with a slow and steady movement of her hands but her hands were cold (mainly because the area is air conditioned. When I was still a practicing massage therapist when this happens what I normally do was wash my hands with hot water or wipe hot compress to or place my hands on top of the sauna coals whichever is possible to make my hands warm before my massage session with a client ). I also noticed that her tapping for both legs lasted for more than two minutes which is longer than usual. I told her to focus on the knots on my shoulder and luckily she did. I like that she focused on my shoulders too because those are my sore spots. There are only two things I did not like about my massage session, she served me with cold water right after my massage (which I think she should not have because she should have served me a warm or hot beverage instead) and she was not able to finish her massage on my legs (in a supine position) because we ran out of time. When the timer alarmed she immediately stopped the session. The thing that I watch the most on how they perform is the back massage. In my personal opinion, if you have done a good back rub/ massage, you will get a satisfied client.
As usual, I left both Edna and Love a Php 100.00 ($2.00) each as gratuity for their service.
For this visit, I would give 85% for my facial and 81% for my massage. Clearly, the forte of Let’s Face It! is facial therapies not massage therapies but there were several times that Connie mentioned to me that I should try their sister company which offers more on massage and bodyworks, it’s called Relaxasi. Unfortunately, the nearest branch is located at SM City North EDSA. Maybe one of these days, I will.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guidelines in the writing of this blog were observed, click on the link below to read about my guidelines for reviews/critic:
http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/07/consumer-and-spa-enthusiasts-review.html
The most comprehensive resource and information guide on the list of training centers, magazines, publications, books and literatures both local and international are all available in the book, “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource Guide and Career Book”. The First Book on Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource Book and Career Guidehttp://www.scribd.com/doc/6425282/About-the-Book-Spa-Massage-and-Wellness-Resource-Guide-and-Career-Book (this has the most comprehensive list of training centers in the Philippines and abroad with tips from professionals and employment opportunities, legal laws and regulations, list of employment agencies, how to choose a trainer, and information that you need in order to succeed in this industry and before you shell out money for your tuition or training, there are a lot of ways you can grab a copy of this valuable information para hindi ka mag sayang ng time and money enrolling in trainings you do not even need. This book will give you the information to start right in the industry with secrets you should know and being able to find your rainbow in the wonderful world of massage, spa and wellness.
1. You can order it online via http://www.amazon.com/ at 34.95$
2. You can order it via a Kindle device at $7.99
3. You can order an e-book copy through my blog at http://www.yunesa.blogspot.com/ at $19.95
4. You can also get a copy from National Bookstores nationwide at P799Pesos
5. For locals only, you can order it from me at local discounted rates with free delivery at 900Pesos (via LBC or FEDEX Air 21. Anywhere in the Philippines. Please allow 1-5 working days
If you are looking for a career opportunity, not just a job in the spa, massage therapy and wellness industry, this book is a must read.
This review was written by: Eunice Estipona a spa consultant, mentor, advisor, speaker and lecturer. One of her advocacies is to make healing and information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness accessible and affordable to everyone. If you are serious about turning your business or practice around, making the right decisions, getting an unbiased opinion and knowing where to get help, for lectures and other concerns she can be contacted at yunesa@yahoo.com or +639184745685. To find out how she can help you take your business to the next level, visit her site at http://www.meetup.com/philippinemassagetherapy
These along with hundreds of resources found locally and abroad are contained in “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource and Career Book”, the first book of resource information to know more about the Spa, Massage and Wellness Industry in the Philippines and other countries including the United States, Australia and other Asian countries. You can view, read, download and print for FREE the book’s summary at this link http://www.scribd.com/doc/6425282/About-the-Book-Spa-Massage-and-Wellness-Resource-Guide-and-Career-Book
If you are a spa, massage therapy and wellness information seeker the resources contained in the book for you. This book is a collection of data and valuable information regarding the spa and massage industry in a global perspective with a focus on the Philippines. Her advocacy in writing the book is to make “unbiased” information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness resources and career, accessible and affordable for everyone. If you are considering a career in the massage, spa and wellness industry, this book will prepare you and give you a glimpse of what it is like, the preparation you need to take: emotionally, intellectually and financially. In this book, you will learn more details in the spa and massage field and the possible paths you can take. You will also learn about local and international training programs offered and numerous employment possibilities. Giving you much needed information at your fingertips. You can order it from http://www.amazon.com/ or for local Philippine residents, you can email and get in touch with Eunice at yunesa@yahoo.com.
TERMS OF REPRINT
You can freely distribute a copy of this review provided, that you follow the terms of reprint. Be certain to read our TERMS OF REPRINT and honor our TERMS OF REPRINT when you use this review. Thank you.
Helpful Link: The Digital Millennium Copyright Act – Overview http://www.gseis.ucla.edu/iclp/dmca1.htm
Our TERMS OF REPRINT are fully enforcible under the terms of: The Digital Millennium Copyright Acthttp://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c105:H.R.2281.ENR:*** Digital Reprint Rights **** If you publish this article in a website/forum/ blog, etc. You Must Set All URL's or Mailto Addresses in the body of the article AND in the Author's Resource Box as Hyperlinks (clickable links).* Links must remain in the form that we published them. Clean links should point to the Author's links without redirects having been inserted into the copy.* You are not allowed to Change or Delete any Words or Links in the review or Resource Box. Paragraph breaks must be retained with articles. You can change where the paragraph breaks fall, but you cannot eliminate all paragraph breaks as some have chosen to do.* Email Distribution of this review must be done through Opt-in Email Only. No Unsolicited Commercial Email.* You are allowed to format the layout of the review for proper display of the article in your website or in your ezine, so long as you can maintain the author's interests within the article.* You may not use sentences from this review as an input for any software that steals sentences from others in order to build an article with software. The copyright on this article applies to the "WHOLE" article.*** Author Notification ***we ask that you notify the author of publication of her work. Eunice can be reached at: http://us.mc391.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=judy%40judymurdoch.com*** Print Publication Reprint Rights ***If you desire to publish this review in a PRINT publication, you must contact the author directly for Print Permission at: mailto:http://us.mc391.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=judy%40judymurdoch.com============ ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= The content of this review is solely the property and opinion of its author, Eunice
View My Latest TV Guesting on YouTube:
Monday, June 8, 2009
Everybody's Meetup: Dito Po Sa Atin
Everybody’s Meetup: Dito Po sa Atin
By yunesa
It is wonderful to find people with similar likes and interests. It is more wonderful to be able to meetup or meet eye to eye individuals whom you have exchanged emails with and communicate only via text, YM and online. Napakabuti na nagsasama-sama, nagkakatipo-tipon at nagkakaroon tayo ng pagdadaupang-palad especially during meetups. Bakit ba kailangang may mga organisasyon? May mga asosasyon? May mga committees? May mga pagsasama-sama? May mga teams? May mga groups? May mga meetups? Dahil lang ba wala tayong magawa? Or we need to show off to others? For popularity’s sake? To promote our products and services lang ba? Bakit tayo nagbibigay ng ating time, effort at pawis. sa mga bagay na ito? Bakit may meetup? Bakit usong-uso ang mga social networking even online? Merong Friendster. Merong Multiply. May Twitter. Yahoo Groups. Facebook. MySpace. At marami pang iba. Marapat na ang bawat isa ay makibahagi sa pagbuo ng mga pagsasama-sama na ang mission, vision, culture, goals and objectives ay iisa. When we join any kind of group, bear in mind that we are joining to contribute to a larger view and context than us. Hindi lang para makapag-promote ng business or i-advance ang ating career but ang pangunahing layunin ng bawat pag join natin sa isang group or even meetup ay para tulungan ang industry where we are involved at tulungan ang mga taong may mga katanungan at pasanin in the area involved. For example, kung may gusto tayong itanong or help regarding spa, massage, wellness or even in the realm of business and entrepreneurship- walang tinatanggihan o kinakampihan ang meet-up maliban na lang kung may mga masasamang elemento na gustong mag-promote ng hatred, violence or any business or product that involves something na hindi naman nakakabuti sa general health at environment. We are non-partisan. Hindi tayo nag jo-join para manggulo instead, we are joining because we want to help or receive help and learn from others. We should engage in a group to give relief, care and shelter. Hindi yung habang lamalaki at lumalawak eh nagiging mapanghusga, mapagmapuri at mapagmataas ang group. We need a revolutionary approach to helping and learning from each other. Dapat everything that we do eh yung nagtuturo tayo ng bagong pag-asa, pagbabagong-loob at pag-iisip. We do not need too much fighting, quarreling and division amongst ourselves kasi there is too much war going on sa mundo natin at palagay niyo ba na wise maki-halo pa tayo sa ganun? Almost nothing will sap your energy and passion faster than being with people you do not trust or respect or do not trust you or respect you in return. Enduring a place with toxic relationship is truly suicide and no one will care when you need help or start to go down. Nakakapagod yung ganung relationship. But a group that connects you with people you genuinely like, respect and admire is an enormous gift. A group like this will push you further and inspire you to be your best. Tama na at tigilan na ang crab mentality, ang tsismis at tuligsaan. Hindi na dapat ang ganyang uri ng mga character and attitude. Wala namang malinis talaga. Wala ni isa sa atin ang walang kasalanan. Palagay niyo ba ang pagkakalugmok sa putikan ng isang tao ay wala tayong kinalaman doon? Meron din one way or the other. We affect each other directly man or indirectly. Kaya pag nagrereklamo at nagsasabi tayo ng masama sa isang tao, tayo man ay nababahiran ng kasamaan. Like attracts like remember? Kaya nga we should bless instead of curse kasi nga yung masamang sinasabi natin regarding a person ay bumabalik din sa atin. We should forgive kasi hindi natin alam kung kelan tayo naman ang mangangailangan ng forgiveness. We should love even those people who are un-loveable and those who do not deserve it. Mahirap gawin pero yun ang dapat gawin.
Of course, the truth is, we cannot please everybody. May mangilan-ngilan na kahit anong gawin natin eh hindi talaga ma-ple-please. We cannot address every issue or concerns of everybody, siyempre, we are humans. Marami pa talagang dapat i-improve at gawin. Yung mga taong hanap ng hanap ng butas para masiraan tayo ng loob pero hindi naman gagawin yung mga ginagawa natin eh dapat hindi na pinapakinggan yan. Sa meetup you will feel refreshed dahil ang ma-me-meetup mo dito eh generally mapagtanggap ng walang patakaran, maamo, banayad, mabubuti at mga kaibigan… eh anong kasiyahan ang aabutin mo kung tsini-tsimis ka ng iyong kapwa? Mas mahigpit pa tayo sa Diyos. Ito na nga napapahirapan na ng husto ang tao, lumuluha, duguan- dapat mapahinga na dahil sa judgment ng tao at usig ng budhi. I-ju-judge pa natin at tutuligsain. Every meetup natutuwa ako na napapahinga ang tao mula sa takot na mapag-usapan, takot na matsismis at takot na maintriga. Sa meetup hindi na natin kailangang magbalat kayo at magsuot ng maskara, itago ang nakaraan at itago ang mga sugat dahil hindi yan pinaguusapan sa meetup. No back-stabbing, nasty gossip or mind games involved. Merong mapayapang relasyon na dapat maging modelong relasyon ng bawat isa online and offline. Of course everyone has different styles, methodologies at different personalities but we should accept our differences. Basta hindi lang yung nakakasira sa kapwa at dapat hindi nakakasira sa general peace and order of the group. I am grateful for everyone because 99% of the time, every time na aalis ng meetup ang bawat isa ang bunga nun is magaan ang loob at naging masaya, mapayapa, tahimik at panatag dahil lahat naman tayo gusto ng payapang buhay at pakikipagkaibigan.
You will find different people of various persuasions in diverse places especially online. Different personalities. Different characters. How do you deal with each one? Some suggestions:
People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered. Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of having hidden agenda. Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
The biggest people with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest people with the smallest minds, think big anyway.
People favor underdogs but only follow top dogs. Fight for some underdogs anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed over night. Build anyway.
Ang meetup ay para sa lahat, hindi namimili or nagtatangi. Walang patakarang pagtanggap as long as “tao” kang mag-join, alam mo at least mag email at gusto mong mag-add ng value to the lives of others. You are most welcome. Walang outcast. Even if you cannot afford to attend a meetup, as long as there is a sponsor, pwede ka naman mag-attend. Walang hinaharang sa pinto. Nung mga unang mga meetup nga lahat yun for free but we would like people also to take responsibility for their learning and experience kaya we are charging nominal fees na. Up to now, we do not charge anything to join online. Pagkakaibigan at pagsasamahan yan ang laging na e-experience natin every meetup. Gawing madali at huwag pahirapan ang pag-join sa group yan ang layunin din ng meetup. We support other similar groups that are sensible, ethical and moral and follow government rules and regulations. We support individuals who are doing business responsibly. We have to see to it that everybody is adding to the value of one another. We are not too strict or stringent. Hindi rin tayo too formal na kulang na lang magkaroon tayo ng bulak sa ilong at makiramay hehehe….but at least decent. Hindi tayo maselan sa mga malilitt na bagay dahil may pananagutan tayo sa bawat isa na makapagbigay ng tuwa at kapahingahan. Paano tayo makakapagpasaya at makakapagpahinga sa sinuman kung ang grupo ay parang pulis at intelligence network sumbungan dito sumbungan doon, tsismis dito tsismis doon, parang may inspector palagi, kailangan pumasa sa quality control, parang sanidad at quarantine. Kaya yung mga nagsusumbong at nag-re-reklamo laban sa isang tao, grupo at iba pa kapag kinakausap ako ang lagi kong sinasabi ay kausapin niyo ang taong iyon directly. As much as possible it should be between the two of them only. It’s their own private matter. Whether that be a personal or professional issue. Ang dinidibdib kong trabaho sa meetup eh yung pwede nating gawing mga activities at mag-isip ng mga paraan na kayang abutin ng aking kakayahan para lahat ay makinabang especially online. Hindi tayo nandito para humusga, kumampi at hinding-hindi ako pwedeng manggatong. Patuloy akong magle-lecture, sasagot sa mga emails, mag o-organize ng meetup, mananalangin at aasa na ang pinaka-mabuti ay mangyayari. Somehow in these times of fleeting relationships and false friendships, everything has been reduced to the bottom line of winning. It has stopped being about new ideas to create camaraderie, to help people and has taken on the identity of winning at the cost of impugning anyone not on our side. Paano mapapahinga at magkakaroon ng kasiyahan ang isang mag jo-join sa isang meetup or group kung puro espiyahan, sumbatan, manmanan, husgahan, tsismisan, imbestigahan at litisan? Walang mapapahinga pag ganito ang nangyari. Hindi ito dapat mangyari. Dapat laging mas mahalaga ang future kaya hindi dapat na mag-away at magkaroon ng division because the world is small. Why will you want to hurt someone if you will also hurt yourself in the process? One way or the other, magkikita-kita rin tayo- eh anong gagawin natin pag ganun ang nangyari? Magiiwasan? Mag de-dead-ma-han? Parang wala tayong nakita o naka-salubong, ang hirap ng ganung sitwasyon di ba? Life is short to waste on too much politicking and back-biting. Ang liit-liit kaya ng mundo. On the other hand, tama na siguro yung pagtanggap ng pagkakamali and surrender ourselves to restoration. Laging mas mahalaga yung darating pa at may pag-asa pa. Marapat lamang na maging mahigpit tayo sa sarili ngunit maluwag sa iba. Pagibabawin natin ang pag-ibig at paguunawaan. May mga pagkakataon talaga na nagkakamali o nagkukulang ang tao siyempre tao lang tayo eh pero hindi naman din dapat maging reason ito na maging wala tayong paki-alam kung nakakasakit na tayo sa kapwa.
Some parts of our mission here on Earth are shared by all human beings. Example, we were sent here to bring in more gratitude, more kindness, forgiveness and more love into the world. We share this mission with each other because the task is too large to be accomplished by just one individual.
When joining any meetup or any group for that matter, we become accountable to people other than ourselves. Ang meetup ay parang basketball at volleyball. Meetup is a team sport- it has always been. No one particular person even myself is a hero, because everybody is. Walang hero dito. You are the hero here at meetup hindi ako. Ako lang ang taga-organize. YOU compose meetup. This is not my group. This is your group, your team, your family. Walang kami-kami dito sa meetup lahat ay tayo. Tayong lahat ay both kapamilya at kapuso. Hehehe……Divorce and annulment is not an option. Dahil marami pa tayong dapat i-accomplish, dapat i-improve, dapat bigyan ng pansin at dapat gawin, we are not interested in politicking but in helping increase your value, everyone’s value whether that means through a meetup under the tree, inside the mall, a lunch or through seminars and workshops. With this being said, I am sharing an email forwarded to me by my good friend and colleague Brian Stone, from NY regarding the Five lessons to make you think about the way we treat people. 1 - First Important Lesson – The Cleaning Lady.During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz.. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one:'What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?'Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times.. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50's, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. 'Absolutely,' said the professor.. 'In your careers you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say 'hello.'I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy. 2. - Second Important Lesson – Who’s whoOne night, at 11:30 p.m., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride.Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 60s.. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab.She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached..It read:'Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away.... God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others.'Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole. 3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve. In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him.'How much is an ice cream sundae?' he asked.'Fifty cents,' replied the waitress.The little boy pulled is hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it.'Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?' he inquired.By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient.'Thirty-five cents,' she brusquely replied. The little boy again counted his coins.'I'll have the plain ice cream,' he said.The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies... You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.4 - Fourth Important Lesson. - The obstacle in Our Path.In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand!Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition. 5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts... Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister.I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, 'Yes I'll do it if it will save her.' As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheek. Then hisface grew pale and his smile faded.He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, 'Will I start to die right away?'.Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister ALL of his blood in order to save her but he had chosen to save her anyway.'Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like you do when nobody's watching.' In the book, “Only the Real Matters”, by Francis Kong (p. 163) he said that in the US, “immigrants from other Asian countries have prospered because of the creation of their business federations and chambers. Groups like the American and Japanese Chambers of Commerce with its Korean and Chinese counterparts have sought the improvements of the lives of their overseas workers who, in turn, are committed to their organizations. What about the Filipino community? According to his story, it was observed by his friend that, every time three Filipinos gathered together, there would be five varying opinions. Debates and arguments would ensue and there would never be any agreements. Nothing would be resolved. Everybody wants to be the leader and only a few want to be followers. Little wonder the Filipinos in America, one of the biggest and most talented minorities, have hardly made a dent. They have so much, yet accomplished so little. Today, we see the Chinese own the food and noodle shops, the Koreans own the grocery shops; the Japanese own the electronics shop; and the Filipinos shop in all these shops.”
This story of our countrymen in America is tragic but it need not happen to us. We really have to put an end to this. In Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfishness or empty conceit, but consider others better than yourself and regard each other as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own interests, but also for the interests of others. The bottom-line is to exemplify ang halimbawa ng Diyos, ang kanyang standards at katuruan even in our careers and relationships with people. We should all be better NOT bitter- dito po sa atin. This is the way we do things here at meetup. This is the way we are. Para pare-pareho tayong gumaling, lumakas, bumata J, sumaya at nagtutulungan sa paglalakbay sa buhay na ito.
yunesa@yahoo.com
============================================================
This article is written by: Eunice Estipona a spa consultant, mentor, advisor, speaker and lecturer. One of her advocacies is to make healing and information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness accessible and affordable to everyone. If you are serious about turning your business or practice around, making the right decisions, getting an unbiased opinion and knowing where to get help, for lectures and other concerns she can be contacted at yunesa@yahoo.com or +639184745685. To find out how she can help you take your business to the next level, visit her site at http://www.meetup.com/philippinemassagetherapy
These along with hundreds of resources found locally and abroad are contained in “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource and Career Book”, the first book of resource information to know more about the Spa, Massage and Wellness Industry in the Philippines and other countries including the United States, Australia and other Asian countries. You can view, read, download and print for FREE the book’s summary at this link http://www.scribd.com/doc/6425282/About-the-Book-Spa-Massage-and-Wellness-Resource-Guide-and-Career-Book
A list of training centers, magazines, publications, books and literatures both local and international are all available in the book, “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource Guide and Career Book”. You can order it online via http://www.amazon.com/ or for local Philippine orders, email yunesa@yahoo.com. If you are looking for a career opportunity, not just a job in the spa, massage therapy and wellness industry, this book is a must read.
If you are a spa, massage therapy and wellness information seeker the resources contained in the book for you. This book is a collection of data and valuable information regarding the spa and massage industry in a global perspective with a focus on the Philippines. Her advocacy in writing the book is to make “unbiased” information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness resources and career, accessible and affordable for everyone. If you are considering a career in the massage, spa and wellness industry, this book will prepare you and give you a glimpse of what it is like, the preparation you need to take: emotionally, intellectually and financially. In this book, you will learn more details in the spa and massage field and the possible paths you can take. You will also learn about local and international training programs offered and numerous employment possibilities. Giving you much needed information at your fingertips. You can order it from http://www.amazon.com/ or for local Philippine residents from all National Bookstores and PowerBooks nationwide, you can email and get in touch with Eunice at yunesa@yahoo.com.
TERMS OF REPRINT
You can freely distribute a copy of this article provided, that you follow the terms of reprint. Be certain to read our TERMS OF REPRINT and honor our TERMS OF REPRINT when you use this article. Thank you.
Helpful Link: The Digital Millennium Copyright Act – Overview http://www.gseis.ucla.edu/iclp/dmca1.htm
Our TERMS OF REPRINT are fully enforcible under the terms of: The Digital Millennium Copyright Acthttp://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c105:H.R.2281.ENR:*** Digital Reprint Rights **** If you publish this article in a website/forum/ blog, etc. You Must Set All URL's or Mailto Addresses in the body of the article AND in the Author's Resource Box as Hyperlinks (clickable links).* Links must remain in the form that we published them. Clean links should point to the Author's links without redirects having been inserted into the copy.* You are not allowed to Change or Delete any Words or Links in the Article or Resource Box. Paragraph breaks must be retained with articles. You can change where the paragraph breaks fall, but you cannot eliminate all paragraph breaks as some have chosen to do.* Email Distribution of this article must be done through Opt-in Email Only. No Unsolicited Commercial Email.* You are allowed to format the layout of the article for proper display of the article in your website or in your ezine, so long as you can maintain the author's interests within the article.* You may not use sentences from this article as an input for any software that steals sentences from others in order to build an article with software. The copyright on this article applies to the "WHOLE" article.*** Author Notification ***We ask that you notify the author of publication of her work. Eunice can be reached at: http://us.mc391.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=judy%40judymurdoch.com*** Print Publication Reprint Rights ***If you desire to publish this article in a PRINT publication, you must contact the author directly for Print Permission at: mailto:http://us.mc391.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=judy%40judymurdoch.com============ ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= The content of this article is solely the property and opinion of its author, Eunice
View my Latest TV Guesting on YouTube:
By yunesa
It is wonderful to find people with similar likes and interests. It is more wonderful to be able to meetup or meet eye to eye individuals whom you have exchanged emails with and communicate only via text, YM and online. Napakabuti na nagsasama-sama, nagkakatipo-tipon at nagkakaroon tayo ng pagdadaupang-palad especially during meetups. Bakit ba kailangang may mga organisasyon? May mga asosasyon? May mga committees? May mga pagsasama-sama? May mga teams? May mga groups? May mga meetups? Dahil lang ba wala tayong magawa? Or we need to show off to others? For popularity’s sake? To promote our products and services lang ba? Bakit tayo nagbibigay ng ating time, effort at pawis. sa mga bagay na ito? Bakit may meetup? Bakit usong-uso ang mga social networking even online? Merong Friendster. Merong Multiply. May Twitter. Yahoo Groups. Facebook. MySpace. At marami pang iba. Marapat na ang bawat isa ay makibahagi sa pagbuo ng mga pagsasama-sama na ang mission, vision, culture, goals and objectives ay iisa. When we join any kind of group, bear in mind that we are joining to contribute to a larger view and context than us. Hindi lang para makapag-promote ng business or i-advance ang ating career but ang pangunahing layunin ng bawat pag join natin sa isang group or even meetup ay para tulungan ang industry where we are involved at tulungan ang mga taong may mga katanungan at pasanin in the area involved. For example, kung may gusto tayong itanong or help regarding spa, massage, wellness or even in the realm of business and entrepreneurship- walang tinatanggihan o kinakampihan ang meet-up maliban na lang kung may mga masasamang elemento na gustong mag-promote ng hatred, violence or any business or product that involves something na hindi naman nakakabuti sa general health at environment. We are non-partisan. Hindi tayo nag jo-join para manggulo instead, we are joining because we want to help or receive help and learn from others. We should engage in a group to give relief, care and shelter. Hindi yung habang lamalaki at lumalawak eh nagiging mapanghusga, mapagmapuri at mapagmataas ang group. We need a revolutionary approach to helping and learning from each other. Dapat everything that we do eh yung nagtuturo tayo ng bagong pag-asa, pagbabagong-loob at pag-iisip. We do not need too much fighting, quarreling and division amongst ourselves kasi there is too much war going on sa mundo natin at palagay niyo ba na wise maki-halo pa tayo sa ganun? Almost nothing will sap your energy and passion faster than being with people you do not trust or respect or do not trust you or respect you in return. Enduring a place with toxic relationship is truly suicide and no one will care when you need help or start to go down. Nakakapagod yung ganung relationship. But a group that connects you with people you genuinely like, respect and admire is an enormous gift. A group like this will push you further and inspire you to be your best. Tama na at tigilan na ang crab mentality, ang tsismis at tuligsaan. Hindi na dapat ang ganyang uri ng mga character and attitude. Wala namang malinis talaga. Wala ni isa sa atin ang walang kasalanan. Palagay niyo ba ang pagkakalugmok sa putikan ng isang tao ay wala tayong kinalaman doon? Meron din one way or the other. We affect each other directly man or indirectly. Kaya pag nagrereklamo at nagsasabi tayo ng masama sa isang tao, tayo man ay nababahiran ng kasamaan. Like attracts like remember? Kaya nga we should bless instead of curse kasi nga yung masamang sinasabi natin regarding a person ay bumabalik din sa atin. We should forgive kasi hindi natin alam kung kelan tayo naman ang mangangailangan ng forgiveness. We should love even those people who are un-loveable and those who do not deserve it. Mahirap gawin pero yun ang dapat gawin.
Of course, the truth is, we cannot please everybody. May mangilan-ngilan na kahit anong gawin natin eh hindi talaga ma-ple-please. We cannot address every issue or concerns of everybody, siyempre, we are humans. Marami pa talagang dapat i-improve at gawin. Yung mga taong hanap ng hanap ng butas para masiraan tayo ng loob pero hindi naman gagawin yung mga ginagawa natin eh dapat hindi na pinapakinggan yan. Sa meetup you will feel refreshed dahil ang ma-me-meetup mo dito eh generally mapagtanggap ng walang patakaran, maamo, banayad, mabubuti at mga kaibigan… eh anong kasiyahan ang aabutin mo kung tsini-tsimis ka ng iyong kapwa? Mas mahigpit pa tayo sa Diyos. Ito na nga napapahirapan na ng husto ang tao, lumuluha, duguan- dapat mapahinga na dahil sa judgment ng tao at usig ng budhi. I-ju-judge pa natin at tutuligsain. Every meetup natutuwa ako na napapahinga ang tao mula sa takot na mapag-usapan, takot na matsismis at takot na maintriga. Sa meetup hindi na natin kailangang magbalat kayo at magsuot ng maskara, itago ang nakaraan at itago ang mga sugat dahil hindi yan pinaguusapan sa meetup. No back-stabbing, nasty gossip or mind games involved. Merong mapayapang relasyon na dapat maging modelong relasyon ng bawat isa online and offline. Of course everyone has different styles, methodologies at different personalities but we should accept our differences. Basta hindi lang yung nakakasira sa kapwa at dapat hindi nakakasira sa general peace and order of the group. I am grateful for everyone because 99% of the time, every time na aalis ng meetup ang bawat isa ang bunga nun is magaan ang loob at naging masaya, mapayapa, tahimik at panatag dahil lahat naman tayo gusto ng payapang buhay at pakikipagkaibigan.
You will find different people of various persuasions in diverse places especially online. Different personalities. Different characters. How do you deal with each one? Some suggestions:
People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered. Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of having hidden agenda. Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
The biggest people with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest people with the smallest minds, think big anyway.
People favor underdogs but only follow top dogs. Fight for some underdogs anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed over night. Build anyway.
Ang meetup ay para sa lahat, hindi namimili or nagtatangi. Walang patakarang pagtanggap as long as “tao” kang mag-join, alam mo at least mag email at gusto mong mag-add ng value to the lives of others. You are most welcome. Walang outcast. Even if you cannot afford to attend a meetup, as long as there is a sponsor, pwede ka naman mag-attend. Walang hinaharang sa pinto. Nung mga unang mga meetup nga lahat yun for free but we would like people also to take responsibility for their learning and experience kaya we are charging nominal fees na. Up to now, we do not charge anything to join online. Pagkakaibigan at pagsasamahan yan ang laging na e-experience natin every meetup. Gawing madali at huwag pahirapan ang pag-join sa group yan ang layunin din ng meetup. We support other similar groups that are sensible, ethical and moral and follow government rules and regulations. We support individuals who are doing business responsibly. We have to see to it that everybody is adding to the value of one another. We are not too strict or stringent. Hindi rin tayo too formal na kulang na lang magkaroon tayo ng bulak sa ilong at makiramay hehehe….but at least decent. Hindi tayo maselan sa mga malilitt na bagay dahil may pananagutan tayo sa bawat isa na makapagbigay ng tuwa at kapahingahan. Paano tayo makakapagpasaya at makakapagpahinga sa sinuman kung ang grupo ay parang pulis at intelligence network sumbungan dito sumbungan doon, tsismis dito tsismis doon, parang may inspector palagi, kailangan pumasa sa quality control, parang sanidad at quarantine. Kaya yung mga nagsusumbong at nag-re-reklamo laban sa isang tao, grupo at iba pa kapag kinakausap ako ang lagi kong sinasabi ay kausapin niyo ang taong iyon directly. As much as possible it should be between the two of them only. It’s their own private matter. Whether that be a personal or professional issue. Ang dinidibdib kong trabaho sa meetup eh yung pwede nating gawing mga activities at mag-isip ng mga paraan na kayang abutin ng aking kakayahan para lahat ay makinabang especially online. Hindi tayo nandito para humusga, kumampi at hinding-hindi ako pwedeng manggatong. Patuloy akong magle-lecture, sasagot sa mga emails, mag o-organize ng meetup, mananalangin at aasa na ang pinaka-mabuti ay mangyayari. Somehow in these times of fleeting relationships and false friendships, everything has been reduced to the bottom line of winning. It has stopped being about new ideas to create camaraderie, to help people and has taken on the identity of winning at the cost of impugning anyone not on our side. Paano mapapahinga at magkakaroon ng kasiyahan ang isang mag jo-join sa isang meetup or group kung puro espiyahan, sumbatan, manmanan, husgahan, tsismisan, imbestigahan at litisan? Walang mapapahinga pag ganito ang nangyari. Hindi ito dapat mangyari. Dapat laging mas mahalaga ang future kaya hindi dapat na mag-away at magkaroon ng division because the world is small. Why will you want to hurt someone if you will also hurt yourself in the process? One way or the other, magkikita-kita rin tayo- eh anong gagawin natin pag ganun ang nangyari? Magiiwasan? Mag de-dead-ma-han? Parang wala tayong nakita o naka-salubong, ang hirap ng ganung sitwasyon di ba? Life is short to waste on too much politicking and back-biting. Ang liit-liit kaya ng mundo. On the other hand, tama na siguro yung pagtanggap ng pagkakamali and surrender ourselves to restoration. Laging mas mahalaga yung darating pa at may pag-asa pa. Marapat lamang na maging mahigpit tayo sa sarili ngunit maluwag sa iba. Pagibabawin natin ang pag-ibig at paguunawaan. May mga pagkakataon talaga na nagkakamali o nagkukulang ang tao siyempre tao lang tayo eh pero hindi naman din dapat maging reason ito na maging wala tayong paki-alam kung nakakasakit na tayo sa kapwa.
Some parts of our mission here on Earth are shared by all human beings. Example, we were sent here to bring in more gratitude, more kindness, forgiveness and more love into the world. We share this mission with each other because the task is too large to be accomplished by just one individual.
When joining any meetup or any group for that matter, we become accountable to people other than ourselves. Ang meetup ay parang basketball at volleyball. Meetup is a team sport- it has always been. No one particular person even myself is a hero, because everybody is. Walang hero dito. You are the hero here at meetup hindi ako. Ako lang ang taga-organize. YOU compose meetup. This is not my group. This is your group, your team, your family. Walang kami-kami dito sa meetup lahat ay tayo. Tayong lahat ay both kapamilya at kapuso. Hehehe……Divorce and annulment is not an option. Dahil marami pa tayong dapat i-accomplish, dapat i-improve, dapat bigyan ng pansin at dapat gawin, we are not interested in politicking but in helping increase your value, everyone’s value whether that means through a meetup under the tree, inside the mall, a lunch or through seminars and workshops. With this being said, I am sharing an email forwarded to me by my good friend and colleague Brian Stone, from NY regarding the Five lessons to make you think about the way we treat people. 1 - First Important Lesson – The Cleaning Lady.During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz.. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one:'What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?'Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times.. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50's, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. 'Absolutely,' said the professor.. 'In your careers you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say 'hello.'I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy. 2. - Second Important Lesson – Who’s whoOne night, at 11:30 p.m., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride.Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 60s.. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab.She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached..It read:'Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away.... God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others.'Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole. 3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve. In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him.'How much is an ice cream sundae?' he asked.'Fifty cents,' replied the waitress.The little boy pulled is hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it.'Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?' he inquired.By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient.'Thirty-five cents,' she brusquely replied. The little boy again counted his coins.'I'll have the plain ice cream,' he said.The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies... You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.4 - Fourth Important Lesson. - The obstacle in Our Path.In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand!Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition. 5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts... Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister.I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, 'Yes I'll do it if it will save her.' As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheek. Then hisface grew pale and his smile faded.He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, 'Will I start to die right away?'.Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister ALL of his blood in order to save her but he had chosen to save her anyway.'Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like you do when nobody's watching.' In the book, “Only the Real Matters”, by Francis Kong (p. 163) he said that in the US, “immigrants from other Asian countries have prospered because of the creation of their business federations and chambers. Groups like the American and Japanese Chambers of Commerce with its Korean and Chinese counterparts have sought the improvements of the lives of their overseas workers who, in turn, are committed to their organizations. What about the Filipino community? According to his story, it was observed by his friend that, every time three Filipinos gathered together, there would be five varying opinions. Debates and arguments would ensue and there would never be any agreements. Nothing would be resolved. Everybody wants to be the leader and only a few want to be followers. Little wonder the Filipinos in America, one of the biggest and most talented minorities, have hardly made a dent. They have so much, yet accomplished so little. Today, we see the Chinese own the food and noodle shops, the Koreans own the grocery shops; the Japanese own the electronics shop; and the Filipinos shop in all these shops.”
This story of our countrymen in America is tragic but it need not happen to us. We really have to put an end to this. In Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfishness or empty conceit, but consider others better than yourself and regard each other as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own interests, but also for the interests of others. The bottom-line is to exemplify ang halimbawa ng Diyos, ang kanyang standards at katuruan even in our careers and relationships with people. We should all be better NOT bitter- dito po sa atin. This is the way we do things here at meetup. This is the way we are. Para pare-pareho tayong gumaling, lumakas, bumata J, sumaya at nagtutulungan sa paglalakbay sa buhay na ito.
yunesa@yahoo.com
============================================================
This article is written by: Eunice Estipona a spa consultant, mentor, advisor, speaker and lecturer. One of her advocacies is to make healing and information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness accessible and affordable to everyone. If you are serious about turning your business or practice around, making the right decisions, getting an unbiased opinion and knowing where to get help, for lectures and other concerns she can be contacted at yunesa@yahoo.com or +639184745685. To find out how she can help you take your business to the next level, visit her site at http://www.meetup.com/philippinemassagetherapy
These along with hundreds of resources found locally and abroad are contained in “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource and Career Book”, the first book of resource information to know more about the Spa, Massage and Wellness Industry in the Philippines and other countries including the United States, Australia and other Asian countries. You can view, read, download and print for FREE the book’s summary at this link http://www.scribd.com/doc/6425282/About-the-Book-Spa-Massage-and-Wellness-Resource-Guide-and-Career-Book
A list of training centers, magazines, publications, books and literatures both local and international are all available in the book, “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource Guide and Career Book”. You can order it online via http://www.amazon.com/ or for local Philippine orders, email yunesa@yahoo.com. If you are looking for a career opportunity, not just a job in the spa, massage therapy and wellness industry, this book is a must read.
If you are a spa, massage therapy and wellness information seeker the resources contained in the book for you. This book is a collection of data and valuable information regarding the spa and massage industry in a global perspective with a focus on the Philippines. Her advocacy in writing the book is to make “unbiased” information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness resources and career, accessible and affordable for everyone. If you are considering a career in the massage, spa and wellness industry, this book will prepare you and give you a glimpse of what it is like, the preparation you need to take: emotionally, intellectually and financially. In this book, you will learn more details in the spa and massage field and the possible paths you can take. You will also learn about local and international training programs offered and numerous employment possibilities. Giving you much needed information at your fingertips. You can order it from http://www.amazon.com/ or for local Philippine residents from all National Bookstores and PowerBooks nationwide, you can email and get in touch with Eunice at yunesa@yahoo.com.
TERMS OF REPRINT
You can freely distribute a copy of this article provided, that you follow the terms of reprint. Be certain to read our TERMS OF REPRINT and honor our TERMS OF REPRINT when you use this article. Thank you.
Helpful Link: The Digital Millennium Copyright Act – Overview http://www.gseis.ucla.edu/iclp/dmca1.htm
Our TERMS OF REPRINT are fully enforcible under the terms of: The Digital Millennium Copyright Acthttp://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c105:H.R.2281.ENR:*** Digital Reprint Rights **** If you publish this article in a website/forum/ blog, etc. You Must Set All URL's or Mailto Addresses in the body of the article AND in the Author's Resource Box as Hyperlinks (clickable links).* Links must remain in the form that we published them. Clean links should point to the Author's links without redirects having been inserted into the copy.* You are not allowed to Change or Delete any Words or Links in the Article or Resource Box. Paragraph breaks must be retained with articles. You can change where the paragraph breaks fall, but you cannot eliminate all paragraph breaks as some have chosen to do.* Email Distribution of this article must be done through Opt-in Email Only. No Unsolicited Commercial Email.* You are allowed to format the layout of the article for proper display of the article in your website or in your ezine, so long as you can maintain the author's interests within the article.* You may not use sentences from this article as an input for any software that steals sentences from others in order to build an article with software. The copyright on this article applies to the "WHOLE" article.*** Author Notification ***We ask that you notify the author of publication of her work. Eunice can be reached at: http://us.mc391.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=judy%40judymurdoch.com*** Print Publication Reprint Rights ***If you desire to publish this article in a PRINT publication, you must contact the author directly for Print Permission at: mailto:http://us.mc391.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=judy%40judymurdoch.com============ ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= The content of this article is solely the property and opinion of its author, Eunice
View my Latest TV Guesting on YouTube:
Friday, May 29, 2009
License Renewal for Massage Therapy in the Philippines
For those who would like to be informed on how to renew their massage therapy license, below are some information about it. For printing and downloading instructions, see below:
License Renewal Procedure for Massage Therapists in the Philippines
In Metro Manila, you can renew your Massage Therapy License at the Department of Health Center for Health Development Welfareville Compound, Barangay Road Block 6 Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City. You can call them at (02) 7183097; (02) 5354521 with Fax number (02) 7183098 or email them at chd_mm@yahoo.com.
Submit a letter of request for renewal. The letter of request for renewal will be provided in their office once you renew your license). You will also need to attach the following documents to your request for renewal:
1. Latest medical certificate (certificate of recent physical and medical examination issued by a government physician).
2. Current professional tax receipt
3. Current community tax receipt (CEDULA)
4. CEM/CEUE Number
5. (1 pc.) 1X1 picture
6. (2 pcs.) 2X2 picture
7. Certificates of trainings and seminars attended after you became a Licensed Massage Therapist
8. Official receipt number of your Renewal fee (the fee, as of 2008, is no more than Php500)
After submitting the necessary documents, you will be given a date when you can claim your certificate of licensure with its year of validity extension. It will also indicate the receipt number of registration fee and the signature of the Regional Health Director concerned.
There are also technical updates that are being promulgated from time to time so you can get in touch with them at their numbers.
You can view, read, download and print this blog for free at this link:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/15916831/How-to-Renew-Your-Massage-Therapy-License-in-the-Philippines-
For more information and concerns, you can email me at yunesa@yahoo.com
View my Latest TV Guesting on YouTube:
License Renewal Procedure for Massage Therapists in the Philippines
In Metro Manila, you can renew your Massage Therapy License at the Department of Health Center for Health Development Welfareville Compound, Barangay Road Block 6 Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City. You can call them at (02) 7183097; (02) 5354521 with Fax number (02) 7183098 or email them at chd_mm@yahoo.com.
Submit a letter of request for renewal. The letter of request for renewal will be provided in their office once you renew your license). You will also need to attach the following documents to your request for renewal:
1. Latest medical certificate (certificate of recent physical and medical examination issued by a government physician).
2. Current professional tax receipt
3. Current community tax receipt (CEDULA)
4. CEM/CEUE Number
5. (1 pc.) 1X1 picture
6. (2 pcs.) 2X2 picture
7. Certificates of trainings and seminars attended after you became a Licensed Massage Therapist
8. Official receipt number of your Renewal fee (the fee, as of 2008, is no more than Php500)
After submitting the necessary documents, you will be given a date when you can claim your certificate of licensure with its year of validity extension. It will also indicate the receipt number of registration fee and the signature of the Regional Health Director concerned.
There are also technical updates that are being promulgated from time to time so you can get in touch with them at their numbers.
You can view, read, download and print this blog for free at this link:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/15916831/How-to-Renew-Your-Massage-Therapy-License-in-the-Philippines-
For more information and concerns, you can email me at yunesa@yahoo.com
View my Latest TV Guesting on YouTube:
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Why Filipinos are Special by Ptr. Ed Lapiz
Why Filipinos Are Special
by Ed LapizFrom the Special issue of Light Touch Magazine, vol. 8 number 3,Copyright 2004, Glad Tidings Publication
Filipinos are Brown. Their color is in the center of human racial strains.This point is not an attempt at racism, but just for many Filipinosto realize that our color should not be a source of or reason forinferiority complex. While we pine for a fair complexion, the whitepeople are religiously tanning themselves, whenever they could, underthe sun or some artificial light, just to approximate the Filipino complexion.
Filipinos are a touching people. We have lots of love and are not afraid to show it. We almost inevitably create human chains with ourperennial akbay (putting an arm around another shoulder), hawak(hold),yakap (embrace), himas (caressing stroke), kalabit (touch withthe tip of the finger), kalong (sitting on someone else's lap), etc. We are always reaching out, always seeking interconnection.
Filipinos are linguists. Put a Filipino in any city, any town around the world. Give him a few months or even weeks and he will speak thelocal language there. Filipinos are adept at learning and speakinglanguages. In fact, it is not uncommon for Filipinos to speak atleast three: his dialect, Filipino, and English. Of course, a lot speak an added language, be it Chinese, Spanish or, if he worksabroad, the language of his host country. In addition, Tagalog is not 'sexist.' While many "conscious"and "enlightened" people of today are just by now striving tobe "politically correct" with their language and, in the process,bend to absurd depths in coining "gender sensitive" words, Tagaloghas, since time immemorial, evolved gender-neutral words like asawa(husband or wife), anak (son or daughter), magulang (father ormother), kapatid (brother or sister), biyenan ( father-in-law ormother-in-law), manugang (son or daughter-in-law), bayani (hero orheroine), etc. Our languages and dialects are advanced and, indeed,sophisticated! It is no small wonder that Jose Rizal, thequintessential Filipino, spoke some twenty-two languages!
Filipinos are groupists. We love human interaction and company. We always surround ourselves with people and we hover over them, too. According to Dr. Patricia Licuanan, a psychologist from Ateneo andMiriam College, an average Filipino would have and know at least 300 relatives. At work, we live bayanihan (mutual help); at play, we want a kalaro(playmate) more than laruan (toy). At socials, our invitations areopen and it is more common even for guests to invite and bring inother guests. In transit, we do not want to be separated from our group. So what do we do when there is no more space in a vehicle?Kalung-kalong! (Sit on one another). No one would ever suggest splitting a group and waiting for another vehicle with more space!
Filipinos are weavers. One look at our baskets, mats, clothes, andother crafts will reveal the skill of the Filipino weaver and hisinclination to weaving. This art is a metaphor of the Filipino trait. We are social weavers. We weave theirs into ours that we all becomeparts of one another. We place a lot of premium on pakikisama(getting along) and pakikipagkapwa (relating). Two of the worstlabels, walang pakikipagkapwa (inability to relate), will be avoided by the Filipino at almost any cost. We love to blend and harmonize with people, we like to include themin our "tribe," in our "family"-and we like to be included in otherpeople's families, too. Therefore we call our friend's mother nanay or mommy; we call afriend's sister ate (eldest sister), and so on. We even call strangers tia (aunt) or tio (uncle), tatang (grandfather), etc. So extensive is our social openness and interrelations that we have specific title for extended relations like hipag (sister-in-law'sspouse), balae (child-in-law's parents), inaanak (godchild), ninong/ninang (godparents), kinakapatid (godparent's child), etc. In addition, we have the profound 'ka' institution, loosely translated as "equal to the same kind" as in kasama (of the samecompany), kaisa (of the same cause), kapanalig (of the same belief), etc. In our social fiber, we treat other people as co-equals. Filipinos, because of their social "weaving" traditions, make for excellent team workers.
Filipinos are adventurers. We have a tradition of separation. Our myths and legends speak of heroes and heroines who almost always get separated from their families and loved ones and are taken by circumstances to far-away lands where they find wealth or power. Our Spanish colonial history is filled with separations caused by the reduccion (hamleting), and the forced migration to build towns, churches, fortresses or galleons. American occupation enlarged the space of Filipino wandering, including America, and there are documented evidences of Filipino presence in America as far back as 1587. Now, Filipinos compose the world's largest population of overseas workers, populating and sometimes "threshing" major capitals, minortowns and even remote villages around the world. Filipino adventurism has made us today's citizens of the world, bringing the bagoong (salty shrimp paste), pansit (sautéed noodles), siopao (meat-filled dough), kare-kare (peanut-flavored dish), dinuguan (innards cooked in pork blood), balut (unhatched duck egg), and adobo (meatvinaigrette), including the tabo (ladle) and tsinelas (slippers) all over the world.
Filipinos are excellent at adjustments and improvisation, managing to recreate their home, or to feel at home anywhere.
Filipinos have Pakiramdam (deep feeling/discernment) . We know how to feel what others feel, sometimes even anticipate what they will feel.Being manhid (dense) is one of the worst labels anyone could get andwill therefore, avoid at all cost. We know when a guest is hungry though the insistence on being full is assured. We can tell if people are lovers even if they are miles apart. We know if a person is offended though he may purposely smile. We know because we feel. In our pakikipagkapwa (relating), we get not only to wear another man's shoe but also his heart. We have a superbly developed and honored gift of discernment, making us excellent leaders, counselors, and go-betweens.
Filipinos are very spiritual. We are transcendent. We transcend the physical world, see the unseen and hear the unheard. We have a deep sense of kaba (premonition) and kutob (hunch). A Filipino wife will instinctively feel her husband or child is going astray, whether or not telltale signs present themselves. Filipino spirituality makes him invoke divine presence orintervention at nearly every bend of his journey . Rightly or wrongly, Filipinos are almost always acknowledging, invoking or driving away spirits into and from their lives. Seemingly trivial or even incoherent events can take on spiritual significance and will begiven such space or consideration. The Filipino has a sophisticated, developed pakiramdam. The Filipino,though becoming more and more modern (hence, materialistic) is still very spiritual in essence. This inherent and deep spirituality makes the Filipino, once correctly Christianized, a major exponent of the faith.
Filipinos are timeless. Despite the nearly half-a-millennium encroachment of the western clock into our lives, Filipinos-unless on very formal or official functions-still measure time not with hours and minutes but with feeling. This style is ingrained deep in our psyche. Our time is diffused, not framed. Our appointments are defined by umaga (morning), tanghali (noon ), hapon (afternoon), or gabi (evening). Our most exact time reference is probably katanghaliang-tapat (high noon), which still allows many minutes of leeway. That is how Filipino trysts and occasions are timed: there is really no definite time. A Filipino event has no clear-cut beginning nor ending. We have afiesta , but there is bisperas (eve), a day after the fiesta is still considered a good time to visit. The Filipino Christmas is not confined to December 25th; it somehow begins months before December and extends up to the first days of January. Filipinos say good-bye to guests first at the head of the stairs,then down to the descamo (landing), to the entresuelo (mezzanine), to the pintuan (doorway), to the tarangkahan (gate), and if the departing persons are to take public transportation, up to the busstop or bus station. In a way, other people's tardiness and extended stays can really beannoying, but this peculiarity is the same charm of Filipinos who, being governed by timelessness, can show how to find more time to benice, kind, and accommodating than his prompt and exact brotherselsewhere.
Filipinos are Spaceless. As in the concept of time, the Filipino concept of space is not numerical. We will not usually express expanse of space with miles or kilometers but with feelings in how we say malayo (far )or malapit (near). Alongside with numberlessness, Filipino space is also boundless. Indigenous culture did not divide land into private lots but kept it open for all to partake of its abundance. The Filipino has avidly remained "spaceless" in many ways. The interior of the bahay-kubo (hut) can easily become receiving room, sleeping room, kitchen, dining room, chapel, wake parlor, etc. Depending on the time of the day or the needs of the moment. The same is true with the bahay na bato (stone house). Space just flows into the next space that the divisions between the sala, caida, comedor, or vilada may only be faintly suggested by overhead arches offiligree. In much the same way, Filipino concept of space can be so diffused that one 's party may creep into and actually expropriate the street! A family business like a sari-sari store or talyer may extend to the sidewalk and street. Provincial folks dry palayan (ricegrain) on the highways! Religious groups of various persuasions habitually and matter-of-factly commandeer the streets for processions and parades. It is not uncommon to close a street to accommodate private functions, Filipinos eat. sleep, chat, socialize, quarrel, evenurinate, nearly everywhere or just anywhere! "Spacelessness," in the face of modern, especially urban life, can be unlawful and may really be counter-productive. On the other hand, Filipino spacelessness, when viewed from his context, is just another manifestation of his spiritually and communal values. Adapted well to today's context, which may mean unstoppable urbanization, Filipino spacelessness may even be the answer and counter balance to humanity's greed, selfishness and isolation.
So what makes the Filipino special? We are brown, spiritual,timeless, spaceless, linguists, groupists, weavers, adventurers. Seldom do all these profound qualities find personification in apeople. Filipinos should allow - and should be allowed to contribute their special traits to the world-wide community of men- but first, we should know and like ourselves.
View my latest TV Guesting on YouTube:
by Ed LapizFrom the Special issue of Light Touch Magazine, vol. 8 number 3,Copyright 2004, Glad Tidings Publication
Filipinos are Brown. Their color is in the center of human racial strains.This point is not an attempt at racism, but just for many Filipinosto realize that our color should not be a source of or reason forinferiority complex. While we pine for a fair complexion, the whitepeople are religiously tanning themselves, whenever they could, underthe sun or some artificial light, just to approximate the Filipino complexion.
Filipinos are a touching people. We have lots of love and are not afraid to show it. We almost inevitably create human chains with ourperennial akbay (putting an arm around another shoulder), hawak(hold),yakap (embrace), himas (caressing stroke), kalabit (touch withthe tip of the finger), kalong (sitting on someone else's lap), etc. We are always reaching out, always seeking interconnection.
Filipinos are linguists. Put a Filipino in any city, any town around the world. Give him a few months or even weeks and he will speak thelocal language there. Filipinos are adept at learning and speakinglanguages. In fact, it is not uncommon for Filipinos to speak atleast three: his dialect, Filipino, and English. Of course, a lot speak an added language, be it Chinese, Spanish or, if he worksabroad, the language of his host country. In addition, Tagalog is not 'sexist.' While many "conscious"and "enlightened" people of today are just by now striving tobe "politically correct" with their language and, in the process,bend to absurd depths in coining "gender sensitive" words, Tagaloghas, since time immemorial, evolved gender-neutral words like asawa(husband or wife), anak (son or daughter), magulang (father ormother), kapatid (brother or sister), biyenan ( father-in-law ormother-in-law), manugang (son or daughter-in-law), bayani (hero orheroine), etc. Our languages and dialects are advanced and, indeed,sophisticated! It is no small wonder that Jose Rizal, thequintessential Filipino, spoke some twenty-two languages!
Filipinos are groupists. We love human interaction and company. We always surround ourselves with people and we hover over them, too. According to Dr. Patricia Licuanan, a psychologist from Ateneo andMiriam College, an average Filipino would have and know at least 300 relatives. At work, we live bayanihan (mutual help); at play, we want a kalaro(playmate) more than laruan (toy). At socials, our invitations areopen and it is more common even for guests to invite and bring inother guests. In transit, we do not want to be separated from our group. So what do we do when there is no more space in a vehicle?Kalung-kalong! (Sit on one another). No one would ever suggest splitting a group and waiting for another vehicle with more space!
Filipinos are weavers. One look at our baskets, mats, clothes, andother crafts will reveal the skill of the Filipino weaver and hisinclination to weaving. This art is a metaphor of the Filipino trait. We are social weavers. We weave theirs into ours that we all becomeparts of one another. We place a lot of premium on pakikisama(getting along) and pakikipagkapwa (relating). Two of the worstlabels, walang pakikipagkapwa (inability to relate), will be avoided by the Filipino at almost any cost. We love to blend and harmonize with people, we like to include themin our "tribe," in our "family"-and we like to be included in otherpeople's families, too. Therefore we call our friend's mother nanay or mommy; we call afriend's sister ate (eldest sister), and so on. We even call strangers tia (aunt) or tio (uncle), tatang (grandfather), etc. So extensive is our social openness and interrelations that we have specific title for extended relations like hipag (sister-in-law'sspouse), balae (child-in-law's parents), inaanak (godchild), ninong/ninang (godparents), kinakapatid (godparent's child), etc. In addition, we have the profound 'ka' institution, loosely translated as "equal to the same kind" as in kasama (of the samecompany), kaisa (of the same cause), kapanalig (of the same belief), etc. In our social fiber, we treat other people as co-equals. Filipinos, because of their social "weaving" traditions, make for excellent team workers.
Filipinos are adventurers. We have a tradition of separation. Our myths and legends speak of heroes and heroines who almost always get separated from their families and loved ones and are taken by circumstances to far-away lands where they find wealth or power. Our Spanish colonial history is filled with separations caused by the reduccion (hamleting), and the forced migration to build towns, churches, fortresses or galleons. American occupation enlarged the space of Filipino wandering, including America, and there are documented evidences of Filipino presence in America as far back as 1587. Now, Filipinos compose the world's largest population of overseas workers, populating and sometimes "threshing" major capitals, minortowns and even remote villages around the world. Filipino adventurism has made us today's citizens of the world, bringing the bagoong (salty shrimp paste), pansit (sautéed noodles), siopao (meat-filled dough), kare-kare (peanut-flavored dish), dinuguan (innards cooked in pork blood), balut (unhatched duck egg), and adobo (meatvinaigrette), including the tabo (ladle) and tsinelas (slippers) all over the world.
Filipinos are excellent at adjustments and improvisation, managing to recreate their home, or to feel at home anywhere.
Filipinos have Pakiramdam (deep feeling/discernment) . We know how to feel what others feel, sometimes even anticipate what they will feel.Being manhid (dense) is one of the worst labels anyone could get andwill therefore, avoid at all cost. We know when a guest is hungry though the insistence on being full is assured. We can tell if people are lovers even if they are miles apart. We know if a person is offended though he may purposely smile. We know because we feel. In our pakikipagkapwa (relating), we get not only to wear another man's shoe but also his heart. We have a superbly developed and honored gift of discernment, making us excellent leaders, counselors, and go-betweens.
Filipinos are very spiritual. We are transcendent. We transcend the physical world, see the unseen and hear the unheard. We have a deep sense of kaba (premonition) and kutob (hunch). A Filipino wife will instinctively feel her husband or child is going astray, whether or not telltale signs present themselves. Filipino spirituality makes him invoke divine presence orintervention at nearly every bend of his journey . Rightly or wrongly, Filipinos are almost always acknowledging, invoking or driving away spirits into and from their lives. Seemingly trivial or even incoherent events can take on spiritual significance and will begiven such space or consideration. The Filipino has a sophisticated, developed pakiramdam. The Filipino,though becoming more and more modern (hence, materialistic) is still very spiritual in essence. This inherent and deep spirituality makes the Filipino, once correctly Christianized, a major exponent of the faith.
Filipinos are timeless. Despite the nearly half-a-millennium encroachment of the western clock into our lives, Filipinos-unless on very formal or official functions-still measure time not with hours and minutes but with feeling. This style is ingrained deep in our psyche. Our time is diffused, not framed. Our appointments are defined by umaga (morning), tanghali (noon ), hapon (afternoon), or gabi (evening). Our most exact time reference is probably katanghaliang-tapat (high noon), which still allows many minutes of leeway. That is how Filipino trysts and occasions are timed: there is really no definite time. A Filipino event has no clear-cut beginning nor ending. We have afiesta , but there is bisperas (eve), a day after the fiesta is still considered a good time to visit. The Filipino Christmas is not confined to December 25th; it somehow begins months before December and extends up to the first days of January. Filipinos say good-bye to guests first at the head of the stairs,then down to the descamo (landing), to the entresuelo (mezzanine), to the pintuan (doorway), to the tarangkahan (gate), and if the departing persons are to take public transportation, up to the busstop or bus station. In a way, other people's tardiness and extended stays can really beannoying, but this peculiarity is the same charm of Filipinos who, being governed by timelessness, can show how to find more time to benice, kind, and accommodating than his prompt and exact brotherselsewhere.
Filipinos are Spaceless. As in the concept of time, the Filipino concept of space is not numerical. We will not usually express expanse of space with miles or kilometers but with feelings in how we say malayo (far )or malapit (near). Alongside with numberlessness, Filipino space is also boundless. Indigenous culture did not divide land into private lots but kept it open for all to partake of its abundance. The Filipino has avidly remained "spaceless" in many ways. The interior of the bahay-kubo (hut) can easily become receiving room, sleeping room, kitchen, dining room, chapel, wake parlor, etc. Depending on the time of the day or the needs of the moment. The same is true with the bahay na bato (stone house). Space just flows into the next space that the divisions between the sala, caida, comedor, or vilada may only be faintly suggested by overhead arches offiligree. In much the same way, Filipino concept of space can be so diffused that one 's party may creep into and actually expropriate the street! A family business like a sari-sari store or talyer may extend to the sidewalk and street. Provincial folks dry palayan (ricegrain) on the highways! Religious groups of various persuasions habitually and matter-of-factly commandeer the streets for processions and parades. It is not uncommon to close a street to accommodate private functions, Filipinos eat. sleep, chat, socialize, quarrel, evenurinate, nearly everywhere or just anywhere! "Spacelessness," in the face of modern, especially urban life, can be unlawful and may really be counter-productive. On the other hand, Filipino spacelessness, when viewed from his context, is just another manifestation of his spiritually and communal values. Adapted well to today's context, which may mean unstoppable urbanization, Filipino spacelessness may even be the answer and counter balance to humanity's greed, selfishness and isolation.
So what makes the Filipino special? We are brown, spiritual,timeless, spaceless, linguists, groupists, weavers, adventurers. Seldom do all these profound qualities find personification in apeople. Filipinos should allow - and should be allowed to contribute their special traits to the world-wide community of men- but first, we should know and like ourselves.
View my latest TV Guesting on YouTube:
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
The Basics Of Massage Therapy (Massage Therapy 101)
THE BASICS OF MASSAGE THERAPY
MASSAGE 101
(WITH EMPHASIS ON THE PHILIPPINES)
by Eunice
yunesa@yahoo.com
This article/report is not intended to replace any seminars, workshops or trainings that are being taught by schools, associations, trainers, etc. but is intended to give a glimpse of massage therapy and present it in its most basic context. As part of alternative/complementary/integrative medicine, it should be accepted with an open heart and mind. As in all my writings, it is presented in a contemporary style and format with a focus on the Philippines and how it is practiced here. Therefore, not dogmatic in itself.
Ano ba talaga ang masahe? Bakit ba nauuso ang pagpapamasage? At ano ba talaga ang mga benepisyo nito? Masarap bang magpamasahe? Okay, first let us go back to the history of massage and what massage was. Massage is the simplest and oldest form of medical care. Professional therapeutic massage is an age-old healing art, which alleviates physical, mental and emotional ailments. The practice dates back to the Chinese in 3000 BC. Other references in the Bible refer to anointing the body with oil. In 460 BC Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine prescribed it as a beneficial treatment for his patients. Instinctively, we humans respond to pain by rubbing or pressing the area. Di ba pag nauntog ka hinahaplos mo agad o minamasahe unti-unti ang parte na nauntog? So instinct na talaga natin ang mag-massage especially Filipinos. We are gifted when it comes to touch therapy. Isa ito sa ating mga talents or gifts na bigay ng Poong Maykapal. The Philippines has a lot of indigenous therapies to be proud of including Tapik kawayan or bamboo tapping, Dagdagay (a form of foot massage) and more. Definitely, Filipinos excel in the area of touch therapy.
According to a combination of some State Board for Massage Therapy in the US, massage and massage therapy is defined as the manual manipulation or mobilization to affect normalization of the soft tissue of the human body consisting of rubbing, stroking, tapotement, pressing, shaking, or kneading with the hands, feet, elbow, or arms, and whether or not aided by any mechanical or electrical apparatus, appliances, or supplementary aids such as rubbing alcohol, gels, liniments, antiseptics, oils, powder, creams, lotions, ointments, or other similar preparations commonly used in this practice. Massage therapists may include adjunctive therapies such as hydrotherapy, mild abrasives, heliotherapy, or topical preparations not classified as prescription drugs, mechanical devices and tools that mimic or enhance manual actions, and instructed self care. Such application may include, but is not limited to, friction, gliding, rocking, tapping, kneading, or nonspecific stretching, whether or not aided by massage oils or the application of hot and cold treatments. The practice of massage and bodywork is designed to promote general relaxation, enhance circulation, improve joint mobilization and/or relieve stress and muscle tension, and to promote a general sense of well-being. Massage therapy may be provided in response to a physician’s prescription or in conjunction with other therapeutic modalities. A Massage and bodywork therapist" shall mean a person who represents himself or herself to the public by any title or description of services incorporating the words "bodywork," "massage," "massage therapist," "massage therapy," "massage practitioner," "massagist," "masseur," "masseuse," or who engages in the practice of massage and bodywork for a fee, monetary or otherwise.
According naman to PD 856 Chapter XIII of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Republic of the Philippines: massage is a method wherein the superficial soft parts of the body are being rubbed or stroked or kneaded or tapped for remedial, aesthetic or hygienic purposes. It also includes the practice of reflexology, synchrotherapy, physical therapy, and other similar techniques that use instruments and/or other parts of the body. So ang masahe ay isang napaka generalized term to indicate that muscles are being manipulated mostly for the purpose of relaxation. Sometimes for therapy purposes. Kaya marami tayong nakikitang mga spa na nag-o-offer ng massage at mga home massage services din.
What are the benefits ng massage? Marami and I will only name a few (I will not explain and delve into every single detail, suffice to know that these are the benefits, pros or advantages of getting a massage):
Ø It improves blood circulation and the flow of tissue fluid
Ø It helps stimulate the flow of nutrients and oxygen to tissues
Ø It lowers the heart and pulse rate
Ø It detoxifies the body systems
Ø Hasten excretion of waste products
Ø Assist in weight loss
Ø With the right oils, massage nourishes the skin
Ø Promotes repair and renewal of body cells
Ø Improves muscle tone
Ø Soothes and relaxes the nerves and aching muscles
Ø Relieves stress and has a relaxing effect
Ø Relieves pain in certain conditions
Ø Creates a feeling of well-being
So as you can see napaka raming benefits ng massage. Unfortunately, there are also many medical conditions in which massage is not appropriate. The body is being compromised by these conditions and massage may worsen the situation. If you are not sure, check with your doctor before having a massage. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Below are some tips, precautions and contraindications of massage:
Ø Edema or pagmamanas- hindi tayo pwedeng mag massage sa area na grabe ang swelling, edema or pagmamanas. This is due to the fact na, there might be an underlying systemic cause to this edema and as massage therapists, we do not want to aggravate the situation. It is better if the client consults first a physician.
Ø Fever- hindi pwedeng whole body massage kung may fever. If you have headaches and fever, a light, gentle massage on the forehead that will just relieve the pain, can be tolerated but I do not recommend whole body massage. Lalo na sa may lagnat at trangkaso since you will be subjecting the client’s body working overtime in order to counteract any toxin effects at the same time excrete them. We do not want to overwork the body as it is at the same time, the fever might be caused by an infection. Until that infection is being addressed to, I would like to advice to refrain from a whole body massage.
Ø Bruising or hematoma or pasa- It is better not to touch the bruised area.
Ø Broken Bones- of course common sense, huwag galawin ang may pilay BUT in some cases, yung may pilay ay nagagamot ng “hilot”. As I told you in my first paragraph, I do not want to be dogmatic. There are some medical conditions na hindi pwede sa massage pero pwede sa “hilot”. It’s up to your discretion.
Ø Various heart conditions like high blood- kung high blood ka hindi ka pwede magpa masahe. This is a no-no. Especially pag mataas talaga ang reading ng blood pressure mo.
Ø Varicose veins- especially yung talagang galit na galit. Please do not put too much pressure on varicose veins baka pumutok yan.
Ø Never massage directly on infected skin- example, where there are warts, herpes, boils or where there is inflammation (pamamaga), unexplained lumps (hindi maipaliwanag na bukol), bruises and cuts.
Ø Pag pregnant- Although there is what we call pregnancy, maternal or prenatal massage, massage is best avoided during the first three months of pregnancy when the risk of miscarriage is highest.
Ø Pag may period, menstruation (regla)- yung ibang western thought pwedeng magpa massage kahit may menstruation, ako, I personally discourage it because as females, we sometimes have the tendency na maging prone sa hematoma or mag bruise during our monthly period. Also your period might stop after the massage session and we do not want that since ang monthly period is considered dumi ng katawan at dapat ilabas.
Ø Do not eat heavy right before a massage- At least two to four hours after meals
Ø It is advisable not to drink alcoholic beverages, smoke, take a bath or expose yourself to cold right after a massage as this will alter the temperature of your body and shock your systems. Thus, will not be good for the over all well-being. As much as possible, hot beverages like “ginger tea or salabat” or warm water is advisable rather than drink “iced tea”. Bakit mahalagang hot or warm? Because after a massage, your body has been exposed to heat and the last thing you want to do is expose yourself immediately to cold temperature. Na-sho-shock din ang katawan so give it time to adjust. Kaya yung mga matatanda may tinatawag na “lamig” (or what is scientifically referred to as nodules). There could be some truth in it, kasi nga naman pag galling sa mainit ine-expose natin ang katawan agad sa malamig eh di talagang yung mga pores natin mag-tra-trap ng lamig sa katawan dahil open sila due to exposure to warmth. Kahit naman sino hindi maganda ang sudden changes of temperature di ba?
Ø Be open to your massage therapist- if you feel any discomfort say so, if the speed of movement, pressure or technique needs to be changed say so and feel free to give feedbacks. Huwag mong tiisin kung nasasaktan ka na. When asked about any health-related information give your therapist accurate health information, do not withhold anything that is worthy of mentioning.
A professional massage therapist should be able to ask you of your medical history (amongst other things): if you have any allergies, a history of high blood pressure, what area would you like to focus on, etc. Through the information/data you have given them, they will also be able to assess the right type of massage/pressure for you or if they should refer you to another health care provider.
Ø Frequency/Duration- Be informed that massage has its greatest benefits over time. So, the more regular your massage is, the better you will feel in due time and the more quickly the body will respond to the therapy. For general preventive health maintenance, a 60-minute massage every two weeks or at least once every fifteen days is the ideal frequency. In cases of specific problems or dysfunction, more often is recommended (one every four days at the most), until an appropriate outcome is achieved.
When it comes to legalities naman ano ang dapat mong malaman? Okay, so in the Philippines, PD 856 of Chapter XIII Sec. 9.1.1 states that no person is authorized to practice massage in the Philippines without holding a valid certificate of registration for masseur issued by the Committee of Examiners for Masseurs and approved by the Secretary of Health. Meaning, if we are to be technical and dogmatic, hindi pwedeng mag massage ang isang tao if you are not licensed. Especially kung ito ang iyong source of income. Not unless you are under the direct supervision of a Licensed Massage Therapist. I also have a similar article on how to be a Licensed Massage Therapist and it is found in the following links:
http://howlicensedmassagetherapistphilippine.blogspot.com/
http://www.scribd.com/doc/6380163/How-to-Be-a-Licensed-Massage-Therapist-in-the-Philippines
http://www.helium.com/items/1031069-licensed-massage-therapist-philippinesso
http://www.ehow.com/how_2118585_be-licensed-massage-therapist-philippines.html
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-Tk_FcgoobqgiAGV3E5M-?cq=1
But it doesn’t mean na kung hindi licensed ang iyong massage therapist ay hindi na siya magaling. Hindi rin ibig sabihin na kung may license yung iyong massage therapist ay magaling siya mag masahe. Marami tayong magagaling na nag-ma-massage but they are not licensed. The best self-regulation here is for the massage therapist to know and assess the client well and adopt certain techniques in massage that would help the client and not harm them in any way. Yun lang. Generally naman ang massage is non-invasive eh so no worries. We do not need to worry as massage has been used centuries and centuries ago.
There are also more than 400++ types of massage and we will only discuss yung mga pinaka-common. There are massage therapies that differs in:
Pressure - may madiin, may magaan, may medium pressure lang
Techniques- may inaapakan, may binubuhat, may ini-i-stretch, atbp.
And History- depende sa country of origin
As well as differentiation in the type of lubricant that massage therapists use. Sometimes, they use oil, cream, gel, lotion, powder or none at all. So it all depends on the type (or sometimes referred to as modality) of massage and the massage therapist or client’s preference. Whatever one has to use, it has to have a beneficial effect to the body.
Client preparation- if they need to be half-naked, clothed or fully-clothed. Generally, only (as applicable) shorts with underwear are worn. Unless otherwise indicated.
Time or Duration- massage therapies generally runs an hour
Acupressure- This type of massage technique, are for certain areas lang, it is not designed as a whole body massage or application (otherwise you might mistake this as a Shiatsu) and it can be applied with our without lubrication, medium to hard ang pressure. The massage therapist may or may not use wooden sticks for massage, generally they use their fingers and thumbs.
Aromatherapy Massage or Aromassage- this is being incorporated into many massage modalities. As long as the massage therapist is using authentic (not synthetic) organic oils. This is essential oil/s blended with a carrier oil, pwede. So a Swedish massage can be an aromatherapy Swedish massage if the oils used are true aromatherapy oils and not synthetic ones. If these oils are plant-based it can also be considered Phytotherapy incorporated into massage. How can you be sure if its really organic and natural? Buy from reliable, credible sources and FYI, these oils are not cheap. Beware of imitations and cheap oils. Not unless you want mineral oils.
Chair Massage or On-Site Chair Massage- This type can be performed sitting upright on a stool or a low backed chair or a professional massage chair. This can be done in just five, ten, fifteen minutes to nearly an hour. Most commonly done for 30 minutes. Focuses on the back and shoulder area, nape and head. Normally uses cream as lubricant and client is fully clothed. This can be incorporated with acupressure, hand reflexology or Indian Head massage. Pag Indian head massage, this can include the back, shoulders, arms/hands, nape/neck, head/scalp and face.
Deep Tissue- techniques here include cross-fiber friction, stretching, trigger-point release - as the name implies, deep, meaning do not expect a gentle pressure here and this is not a massage for relaxation but to ease aching muscles and knots. It is basically used to enhance sports performance and recuperation. It’s an effective component of any training program. Often it is integrated with other massage methods, it may or may not be whole body massage as the therapist may focus on certain areas that are being specifically used in sports. Like the groin and legs if the client is a runner. It also involves some form of stretching and range of motion techniques. Duration is normally one hour to two hours. The difference between Deep Tissue and Sports massage is that, sports massage use this before sports for a major event to bring blood to critical parts of the body and loosen muscles. As this is done, athletes visualize their best performance, supporting muscle memory that helps maximize their training and effort.
Geriatric Massage- the opposite of infant or Pediatric has some form of gentle techniques specific to ease joint pains and other chronological symptoms of aging.
Hilot- there is a lot of conceptions (and misconceptions) regarding Filipino traditional hilot. One hilot may start in the back area and another in the head area and still another hilot in the leg area. In older generations, hilot is not sought after if a person is not sick. Historically, hilot is considered a healing modality. The techniques here are not important but the focus is the persona and energy that the manghi-hilot will impart. Herbal application with coconut oil is common. Sometimes, Sampaguita oil and ylang-ylang are being blended with the coconut oil. Other techniques or practice can add up to the experience like pulse reading, skin analysis, thermal diagnosis, banyos, suob or oslob (steam inhalation of aromatic herbs) amongst others. It can run from an hour to more than two hours. Hilot is not only relaxing but a healing therapy in itself. I suggest every Filipino to try this out so we will be able to appreciate our culture and heritage in this modality. I wrote an article on Philippine Indigenous Therapies, with a Focus on Hilot and you can view, read, download and print it for FREE at this link:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/3802451/A-Weebit-of-Philippine-Indigenous-Therapies
Hot Stone Massage- these are warm smooth stones applied either before or during the massage. It can be integrated into some types of massage too. The therapist typically employs Swedish massage techniques with the stones placed on your spine, palms of your hands and in between your toes, etc. It runs from an hour to two hours. Expect that this is more expensive than a typical massage because of the required preparation needed and the duration. These stones may also be used to massage certain areas of your body. A variation of this is the herbal ball massage common in Thailand. Where the herbal ball contains certain herbs, heated and applied on certain areas especially the back and shoulders to relieve aches and pains. If you have persistent back pain, I recommend this type of massage (only if there is no underlying cause, just muscular in origin). It may seem that it’s a wise idea to buy mechanically polished stones but there should be a lot of factors in choosing the right stone. Mechanically polished stones are NOT recommended because mechanical polishing seals up the stone’s surface. It’s preferable to get them from nature where they’ve been polished to perfection by streams and oceans.
Infant or Baby or Pediatric Massage- as the name implies, its a gentle massage is done on kids, children and babies. This is a great way for babies to get started on a life-long enjoyment of massage therapy. It provides stimulation of the nervous system, touch and supports the parent-child bonding.
Manual Lymph Drainage or Lymphatic Drainage Massage- sometimes referred to as Slimming massage or Anti-cellulite massage because of its pumping and suction techniques to improve the flow of lymph by using light and rhythmic strokes. A gentle form of massage din, duration is one hour to 2 hours depending on the spa, massage clinic or wellness center.
Pregnancy, Maternal or Maternity or Prenatal Massage- this is another variation of Swedish massage but focusing on relieving the discomforts of pregnancy.
Reflexology- This is a popular and ancient form of Chinese Bodywork. If we are to be technical about this type or massage, reflexology only concerns itself focusing on the feet, hands and ears, not the whole body. So technically speaking, there is no such thing as whole body reflexology. If you have to have an authentic reflexology, it only concentrates itself on the hands, feet and ears. Today, this is incorporated into many massage modalities and even some spa menu like foot and hand spa. So this is a medium to deep compression massage which uses thumb and finger pressure (but the therapist may use instruments and lubricants to aid in the process sometimes) as there are specific points in the hands, feet and ears that correspond to the nerve endings of a particular organ or muscle. It is said that if your reflexologist comes to a tender spot on one of those extremities, pay heed to the organ or system to which it maybe connected. It also might signify health concerns like problems in organs or internal systems.
Relaxation, Classical, European or Swedish Massage- generally a gentle to medium pressured massage that uses lubricants and a system of gliding strokes, kneading and friction techniques generally in the direction of the blood flow toward the heart. This is the most common form of massage. Typically runs for one hour only. This is my recommended massage for first timers.
There is a bit of misnomer here because the name Swedish massage, was neither invented by a Swede nor developed in Sweden, despite massage therapy books that say so. It was a Dutch practitioner Johan George Mexger (1838-1909) who gets the credit for adopting the French names that define the basic massage strokes- effleurage, petrissage, friction and tapotement- and systematizing them into what would most accurately be called Classic massage. In any case, this technique is the foundation for most massage practice today.
Shiatsu- is a Japanese form of whole body, medium to hard pressure, clothed massage, similar to a Thai massage in that, it is done on a floor mat using the therapist’s finger, knuckles or thumb. May run from one to two hours long. Techniques may include: pounding, stretching, rocking and manipulation techniques. Pressure maybe applied by the use of forearms, elbows, palms, feet and knees. Meanwhile, Ashiatsu uses the bare feet of the therapist while the therapist hold on to an oriental bar hanging on the ceiling. While Watsu (Water-Shiatsu) is Shiatsu done in water. So you see, massage also evolves in time.
Signature Massage- techniques are specific only to that specific spa and that the massage maybe a combination of three or more massage modalities. May run from thirty minutes, an hour or two hours long.
Thai Massage or Nuad Bo Ram- this is a more rigorous type as compared with other forms of massage because Thai massage employs a series of ranges of motion as well as combine active and passive movements of joints. Therefore this is not recommended for those who have difficulty in stretching or who has bone problems as this employs mostly stretching techniques. It is generally performed on a comfortable floor mat to allow maximum mobility that would allow the therapist to utilize their body weight. The client is fully clothed and no lubricant is required. Western style requires the client to undress for oils to be applied on the body and the massage is most often performed on a massage table. Typically this runs from one to two hours long.
Although massage lost some of its value and prestige with the unsavory image created by “massage parlors”, this image is now fading as awareness of the value and therapeutic properties of massage grows. Thanks to the proliferation of day spas all around, massage therapy is no longer viewed as a sexual service but a way to rejuvenate mind and body. So, professional massage therapists may terminate a session because of any illicit or sexually suggestive remarks or advances from the client. Although not a substitute for medical care, massage can reduce or eliminate the need for medication and surgery. Massage today is not only used for humans but pets and animals as well. A variety of massage techniques are now being incorporated into different programs and alternative/complementary therapies including osteopathy, chiropathy, etc. It has now gained popularity not only with well-off individuals but the common people as well. Making wellness a thing for everyone and not only for those who has the money.
As what I have said, massage therapy also evolves with time, you can combine techniques, you can adjust the pressure or make your own steps. There will be new discoveries everyday so keep an open mind. We do not have to be dogmatic or too strict on steps and procedures, as long as the result is a better, rejuvenated client, then I do not think there is anything wrong with that. There are also a lot of other forms of massage that I have not mentioned. But these are all for now. In short, there is a lot to learn out there and enjoy from the many variations of massage therapies.
So, what are you waiting for? Go to your nearest spa, massage clinic or call up a home massage service and try their massage today!
---------
A list of training centers, magazines, publications, books and literatures both local and international are all available in the book, “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource Guide and Career Book”. You can order it online via http://www.amazon.com/ or for local Philippine orders, email yunesa@yahoo.com. If you are looking for a career opportunity, not just a job in the spa, massage therapy and wellness industry, this book is a must read.
This article is written by: Eunice Estipona a spa consultant, mentor, advisor, speaker and lecturer. One of her advocacies is to make healing and information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness accessible and affordable to everyone. If you are serious about turning your business or practice around, making the right decisions, getting an unbiased opinion and knowing where to get help, for lectures and other concerns she can be contacted at yunesa@yahoo.com or +639184745685. To find out how she can help you take your business to the next level, visit her site at http://www.meetup.com/philippinemassagetherapy
These along with hundreds of resources found locally and abroad are contained in “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource and Career Book”, the first book of resource information to know more about the Spa, Massage and Wellness Industry in the Philippines and other countries including the United States, Australia and other Asian countries. You can view, read, download and print for FREE the book’s summary at this link http://www.scribd.com/doc/6425282/About-the-Book-Spa-Massage-and-Wellness-Resource-Guide-and-Career-Book
If you are a spa, massage therapy and wellness information seeker the resources contained in the book for you. This book is a collection of data and valuable information regarding the spa and massage industry in a global perspective with a focus on the Philippines. Her advocacy in writing the book is to make “unbiased” information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness resources and career, accessible and affordable for everyone. If you are considering a career in the massage, spa and wellness industry, this book will prepare you and give you a glimpse of what it is like, the preparation you need to take: emotionally, intellectually and financially. In this book, you will learn more details in the spa and massage field and the possible paths you can take. You will also learn about local and international training programs offered and numerous employment possibilities. Giving you much needed information at your fingertips. You can order it from http://www.amazon.com/ or for local Philippine residents, you can email and get in touch with Eunice at yunesa@yahoo.com.
TERMS OF REPRINT
You can freely distribute a copy of this article provided, that you follow the terms of reprint. Be certain to read our TERMS OF REPRINT and honor our TERMS OF REPRINT when you use this article. Thank you.
Helpful Link: The Digital Millennium Copyright Act – Overview http://www.gseis.ucla.edu/iclp/dmca1.htm
Our TERMS OF REPRINT are fully enforcible under the terms of: The Digital Millennium Copyright Acthttp://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c105:H.R.2281.ENR:*** Digital Reprint Rights **** If you publish this article in a website/forum/ blog, etc. You Must Set All URL's or Mailto Addresses in the body of the article AND in the Author's Resource Box as Hyperlinks (clickable links).* Links must remain in the form that we published them. Clean links should point to the Author's links without redirects having been inserted into the copy.* You are not allowed to Change or Delete any Words or Links in the Article or Resource Box. Paragraph breaks must be retained with articles. You can change where the paragraph breaks fall, but you cannot eliminate all paragraph breaks as some have chosen to do.* Email Distribution of this article must be done through Opt-in Email Only. No Unsolicited Commercial Email.* You are allowed to format the layout of the article for proper display of the article in your website or in your ezine, so long as you can maintain the author's interests within the article.* You may not use sentences from this article as an input for any software that steals sentences from others in order to build an article with software. The copyright on this article applies to the "WHOLE" article.*** Author Notification ***We ask that you notify the author of publication of her work. Eunice can be reached at: http://us.mc391.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=judy%40judymurdoch.com*** Print Publication Reprint Rights ***If you desire to publish this article in a PRINT publication, you must contact the author directly for Print Permission at: mailto:yunesa@yahoo.com
============ ========= ========= ========= ========= ====
The content of this article is solely the property and opinion of its author, Eunice
======================================================
To view, read, download and print for FREE the whole article, just click on the link below:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/3199418/The-Basics-of-Massage-Massage-Therapy-101
MASSAGE 101
(WITH EMPHASIS ON THE PHILIPPINES)
by Eunice
yunesa@yahoo.com
This article/report is not intended to replace any seminars, workshops or trainings that are being taught by schools, associations, trainers, etc. but is intended to give a glimpse of massage therapy and present it in its most basic context. As part of alternative/complementary/integrative medicine, it should be accepted with an open heart and mind. As in all my writings, it is presented in a contemporary style and format with a focus on the Philippines and how it is practiced here. Therefore, not dogmatic in itself.
Ano ba talaga ang masahe? Bakit ba nauuso ang pagpapamasage? At ano ba talaga ang mga benepisyo nito? Masarap bang magpamasahe? Okay, first let us go back to the history of massage and what massage was. Massage is the simplest and oldest form of medical care. Professional therapeutic massage is an age-old healing art, which alleviates physical, mental and emotional ailments. The practice dates back to the Chinese in 3000 BC. Other references in the Bible refer to anointing the body with oil. In 460 BC Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine prescribed it as a beneficial treatment for his patients. Instinctively, we humans respond to pain by rubbing or pressing the area. Di ba pag nauntog ka hinahaplos mo agad o minamasahe unti-unti ang parte na nauntog? So instinct na talaga natin ang mag-massage especially Filipinos. We are gifted when it comes to touch therapy. Isa ito sa ating mga talents or gifts na bigay ng Poong Maykapal. The Philippines has a lot of indigenous therapies to be proud of including Tapik kawayan or bamboo tapping, Dagdagay (a form of foot massage) and more. Definitely, Filipinos excel in the area of touch therapy.
According to a combination of some State Board for Massage Therapy in the US, massage and massage therapy is defined as the manual manipulation or mobilization to affect normalization of the soft tissue of the human body consisting of rubbing, stroking, tapotement, pressing, shaking, or kneading with the hands, feet, elbow, or arms, and whether or not aided by any mechanical or electrical apparatus, appliances, or supplementary aids such as rubbing alcohol, gels, liniments, antiseptics, oils, powder, creams, lotions, ointments, or other similar preparations commonly used in this practice. Massage therapists may include adjunctive therapies such as hydrotherapy, mild abrasives, heliotherapy, or topical preparations not classified as prescription drugs, mechanical devices and tools that mimic or enhance manual actions, and instructed self care. Such application may include, but is not limited to, friction, gliding, rocking, tapping, kneading, or nonspecific stretching, whether or not aided by massage oils or the application of hot and cold treatments. The practice of massage and bodywork is designed to promote general relaxation, enhance circulation, improve joint mobilization and/or relieve stress and muscle tension, and to promote a general sense of well-being. Massage therapy may be provided in response to a physician’s prescription or in conjunction with other therapeutic modalities. A Massage and bodywork therapist" shall mean a person who represents himself or herself to the public by any title or description of services incorporating the words "bodywork," "massage," "massage therapist," "massage therapy," "massage practitioner," "massagist," "masseur," "masseuse," or who engages in the practice of massage and bodywork for a fee, monetary or otherwise.
According naman to PD 856 Chapter XIII of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Republic of the Philippines: massage is a method wherein the superficial soft parts of the body are being rubbed or stroked or kneaded or tapped for remedial, aesthetic or hygienic purposes. It also includes the practice of reflexology, synchrotherapy, physical therapy, and other similar techniques that use instruments and/or other parts of the body. So ang masahe ay isang napaka generalized term to indicate that muscles are being manipulated mostly for the purpose of relaxation. Sometimes for therapy purposes. Kaya marami tayong nakikitang mga spa na nag-o-offer ng massage at mga home massage services din.
What are the benefits ng massage? Marami and I will only name a few (I will not explain and delve into every single detail, suffice to know that these are the benefits, pros or advantages of getting a massage):
Ø It improves blood circulation and the flow of tissue fluid
Ø It helps stimulate the flow of nutrients and oxygen to tissues
Ø It lowers the heart and pulse rate
Ø It detoxifies the body systems
Ø Hasten excretion of waste products
Ø Assist in weight loss
Ø With the right oils, massage nourishes the skin
Ø Promotes repair and renewal of body cells
Ø Improves muscle tone
Ø Soothes and relaxes the nerves and aching muscles
Ø Relieves stress and has a relaxing effect
Ø Relieves pain in certain conditions
Ø Creates a feeling of well-being
So as you can see napaka raming benefits ng massage. Unfortunately, there are also many medical conditions in which massage is not appropriate. The body is being compromised by these conditions and massage may worsen the situation. If you are not sure, check with your doctor before having a massage. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Below are some tips, precautions and contraindications of massage:
Ø Edema or pagmamanas- hindi tayo pwedeng mag massage sa area na grabe ang swelling, edema or pagmamanas. This is due to the fact na, there might be an underlying systemic cause to this edema and as massage therapists, we do not want to aggravate the situation. It is better if the client consults first a physician.
Ø Fever- hindi pwedeng whole body massage kung may fever. If you have headaches and fever, a light, gentle massage on the forehead that will just relieve the pain, can be tolerated but I do not recommend whole body massage. Lalo na sa may lagnat at trangkaso since you will be subjecting the client’s body working overtime in order to counteract any toxin effects at the same time excrete them. We do not want to overwork the body as it is at the same time, the fever might be caused by an infection. Until that infection is being addressed to, I would like to advice to refrain from a whole body massage.
Ø Bruising or hematoma or pasa- It is better not to touch the bruised area.
Ø Broken Bones- of course common sense, huwag galawin ang may pilay BUT in some cases, yung may pilay ay nagagamot ng “hilot”. As I told you in my first paragraph, I do not want to be dogmatic. There are some medical conditions na hindi pwede sa massage pero pwede sa “hilot”. It’s up to your discretion.
Ø Various heart conditions like high blood- kung high blood ka hindi ka pwede magpa masahe. This is a no-no. Especially pag mataas talaga ang reading ng blood pressure mo.
Ø Varicose veins- especially yung talagang galit na galit. Please do not put too much pressure on varicose veins baka pumutok yan.
Ø Never massage directly on infected skin- example, where there are warts, herpes, boils or where there is inflammation (pamamaga), unexplained lumps (hindi maipaliwanag na bukol), bruises and cuts.
Ø Pag pregnant- Although there is what we call pregnancy, maternal or prenatal massage, massage is best avoided during the first three months of pregnancy when the risk of miscarriage is highest.
Ø Pag may period, menstruation (regla)- yung ibang western thought pwedeng magpa massage kahit may menstruation, ako, I personally discourage it because as females, we sometimes have the tendency na maging prone sa hematoma or mag bruise during our monthly period. Also your period might stop after the massage session and we do not want that since ang monthly period is considered dumi ng katawan at dapat ilabas.
Ø Do not eat heavy right before a massage- At least two to four hours after meals
Ø It is advisable not to drink alcoholic beverages, smoke, take a bath or expose yourself to cold right after a massage as this will alter the temperature of your body and shock your systems. Thus, will not be good for the over all well-being. As much as possible, hot beverages like “ginger tea or salabat” or warm water is advisable rather than drink “iced tea”. Bakit mahalagang hot or warm? Because after a massage, your body has been exposed to heat and the last thing you want to do is expose yourself immediately to cold temperature. Na-sho-shock din ang katawan so give it time to adjust. Kaya yung mga matatanda may tinatawag na “lamig” (or what is scientifically referred to as nodules). There could be some truth in it, kasi nga naman pag galling sa mainit ine-expose natin ang katawan agad sa malamig eh di talagang yung mga pores natin mag-tra-trap ng lamig sa katawan dahil open sila due to exposure to warmth. Kahit naman sino hindi maganda ang sudden changes of temperature di ba?
Ø Be open to your massage therapist- if you feel any discomfort say so, if the speed of movement, pressure or technique needs to be changed say so and feel free to give feedbacks. Huwag mong tiisin kung nasasaktan ka na. When asked about any health-related information give your therapist accurate health information, do not withhold anything that is worthy of mentioning.
A professional massage therapist should be able to ask you of your medical history (amongst other things): if you have any allergies, a history of high blood pressure, what area would you like to focus on, etc. Through the information/data you have given them, they will also be able to assess the right type of massage/pressure for you or if they should refer you to another health care provider.
Ø Frequency/Duration- Be informed that massage has its greatest benefits over time. So, the more regular your massage is, the better you will feel in due time and the more quickly the body will respond to the therapy. For general preventive health maintenance, a 60-minute massage every two weeks or at least once every fifteen days is the ideal frequency. In cases of specific problems or dysfunction, more often is recommended (one every four days at the most), until an appropriate outcome is achieved.
When it comes to legalities naman ano ang dapat mong malaman? Okay, so in the Philippines, PD 856 of Chapter XIII Sec. 9.1.1 states that no person is authorized to practice massage in the Philippines without holding a valid certificate of registration for masseur issued by the Committee of Examiners for Masseurs and approved by the Secretary of Health. Meaning, if we are to be technical and dogmatic, hindi pwedeng mag massage ang isang tao if you are not licensed. Especially kung ito ang iyong source of income. Not unless you are under the direct supervision of a Licensed Massage Therapist. I also have a similar article on how to be a Licensed Massage Therapist and it is found in the following links:
http://howlicensedmassagetherapistphilippine.blogspot.com/
http://www.scribd.com/doc/6380163/How-to-Be-a-Licensed-Massage-Therapist-in-the-Philippines
http://www.helium.com/items/1031069-licensed-massage-therapist-philippinesso
http://www.ehow.com/how_2118585_be-licensed-massage-therapist-philippines.html
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-Tk_FcgoobqgiAGV3E5M-?cq=1
But it doesn’t mean na kung hindi licensed ang iyong massage therapist ay hindi na siya magaling. Hindi rin ibig sabihin na kung may license yung iyong massage therapist ay magaling siya mag masahe. Marami tayong magagaling na nag-ma-massage but they are not licensed. The best self-regulation here is for the massage therapist to know and assess the client well and adopt certain techniques in massage that would help the client and not harm them in any way. Yun lang. Generally naman ang massage is non-invasive eh so no worries. We do not need to worry as massage has been used centuries and centuries ago.
There are also more than 400++ types of massage and we will only discuss yung mga pinaka-common. There are massage therapies that differs in:
Pressure - may madiin, may magaan, may medium pressure lang
Techniques- may inaapakan, may binubuhat, may ini-i-stretch, atbp.
And History- depende sa country of origin
As well as differentiation in the type of lubricant that massage therapists use. Sometimes, they use oil, cream, gel, lotion, powder or none at all. So it all depends on the type (or sometimes referred to as modality) of massage and the massage therapist or client’s preference. Whatever one has to use, it has to have a beneficial effect to the body.
Client preparation- if they need to be half-naked, clothed or fully-clothed. Generally, only (as applicable) shorts with underwear are worn. Unless otherwise indicated.
Time or Duration- massage therapies generally runs an hour
Acupressure- This type of massage technique, are for certain areas lang, it is not designed as a whole body massage or application (otherwise you might mistake this as a Shiatsu) and it can be applied with our without lubrication, medium to hard ang pressure. The massage therapist may or may not use wooden sticks for massage, generally they use their fingers and thumbs.
Aromatherapy Massage or Aromassage- this is being incorporated into many massage modalities. As long as the massage therapist is using authentic (not synthetic) organic oils. This is essential oil/s blended with a carrier oil, pwede. So a Swedish massage can be an aromatherapy Swedish massage if the oils used are true aromatherapy oils and not synthetic ones. If these oils are plant-based it can also be considered Phytotherapy incorporated into massage. How can you be sure if its really organic and natural? Buy from reliable, credible sources and FYI, these oils are not cheap. Beware of imitations and cheap oils. Not unless you want mineral oils.
Chair Massage or On-Site Chair Massage- This type can be performed sitting upright on a stool or a low backed chair or a professional massage chair. This can be done in just five, ten, fifteen minutes to nearly an hour. Most commonly done for 30 minutes. Focuses on the back and shoulder area, nape and head. Normally uses cream as lubricant and client is fully clothed. This can be incorporated with acupressure, hand reflexology or Indian Head massage. Pag Indian head massage, this can include the back, shoulders, arms/hands, nape/neck, head/scalp and face.
Deep Tissue- techniques here include cross-fiber friction, stretching, trigger-point release - as the name implies, deep, meaning do not expect a gentle pressure here and this is not a massage for relaxation but to ease aching muscles and knots. It is basically used to enhance sports performance and recuperation. It’s an effective component of any training program. Often it is integrated with other massage methods, it may or may not be whole body massage as the therapist may focus on certain areas that are being specifically used in sports. Like the groin and legs if the client is a runner. It also involves some form of stretching and range of motion techniques. Duration is normally one hour to two hours. The difference between Deep Tissue and Sports massage is that, sports massage use this before sports for a major event to bring blood to critical parts of the body and loosen muscles. As this is done, athletes visualize their best performance, supporting muscle memory that helps maximize their training and effort.
Geriatric Massage- the opposite of infant or Pediatric has some form of gentle techniques specific to ease joint pains and other chronological symptoms of aging.
Hilot- there is a lot of conceptions (and misconceptions) regarding Filipino traditional hilot. One hilot may start in the back area and another in the head area and still another hilot in the leg area. In older generations, hilot is not sought after if a person is not sick. Historically, hilot is considered a healing modality. The techniques here are not important but the focus is the persona and energy that the manghi-hilot will impart. Herbal application with coconut oil is common. Sometimes, Sampaguita oil and ylang-ylang are being blended with the coconut oil. Other techniques or practice can add up to the experience like pulse reading, skin analysis, thermal diagnosis, banyos, suob or oslob (steam inhalation of aromatic herbs) amongst others. It can run from an hour to more than two hours. Hilot is not only relaxing but a healing therapy in itself. I suggest every Filipino to try this out so we will be able to appreciate our culture and heritage in this modality. I wrote an article on Philippine Indigenous Therapies, with a Focus on Hilot and you can view, read, download and print it for FREE at this link:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/3802451/A-Weebit-of-Philippine-Indigenous-Therapies
Hot Stone Massage- these are warm smooth stones applied either before or during the massage. It can be integrated into some types of massage too. The therapist typically employs Swedish massage techniques with the stones placed on your spine, palms of your hands and in between your toes, etc. It runs from an hour to two hours. Expect that this is more expensive than a typical massage because of the required preparation needed and the duration. These stones may also be used to massage certain areas of your body. A variation of this is the herbal ball massage common in Thailand. Where the herbal ball contains certain herbs, heated and applied on certain areas especially the back and shoulders to relieve aches and pains. If you have persistent back pain, I recommend this type of massage (only if there is no underlying cause, just muscular in origin). It may seem that it’s a wise idea to buy mechanically polished stones but there should be a lot of factors in choosing the right stone. Mechanically polished stones are NOT recommended because mechanical polishing seals up the stone’s surface. It’s preferable to get them from nature where they’ve been polished to perfection by streams and oceans.
Infant or Baby or Pediatric Massage- as the name implies, its a gentle massage is done on kids, children and babies. This is a great way for babies to get started on a life-long enjoyment of massage therapy. It provides stimulation of the nervous system, touch and supports the parent-child bonding.
Manual Lymph Drainage or Lymphatic Drainage Massage- sometimes referred to as Slimming massage or Anti-cellulite massage because of its pumping and suction techniques to improve the flow of lymph by using light and rhythmic strokes. A gentle form of massage din, duration is one hour to 2 hours depending on the spa, massage clinic or wellness center.
Pregnancy, Maternal or Maternity or Prenatal Massage- this is another variation of Swedish massage but focusing on relieving the discomforts of pregnancy.
Reflexology- This is a popular and ancient form of Chinese Bodywork. If we are to be technical about this type or massage, reflexology only concerns itself focusing on the feet, hands and ears, not the whole body. So technically speaking, there is no such thing as whole body reflexology. If you have to have an authentic reflexology, it only concentrates itself on the hands, feet and ears. Today, this is incorporated into many massage modalities and even some spa menu like foot and hand spa. So this is a medium to deep compression massage which uses thumb and finger pressure (but the therapist may use instruments and lubricants to aid in the process sometimes) as there are specific points in the hands, feet and ears that correspond to the nerve endings of a particular organ or muscle. It is said that if your reflexologist comes to a tender spot on one of those extremities, pay heed to the organ or system to which it maybe connected. It also might signify health concerns like problems in organs or internal systems.
Relaxation, Classical, European or Swedish Massage- generally a gentle to medium pressured massage that uses lubricants and a system of gliding strokes, kneading and friction techniques generally in the direction of the blood flow toward the heart. This is the most common form of massage. Typically runs for one hour only. This is my recommended massage for first timers.
There is a bit of misnomer here because the name Swedish massage, was neither invented by a Swede nor developed in Sweden, despite massage therapy books that say so. It was a Dutch practitioner Johan George Mexger (1838-1909) who gets the credit for adopting the French names that define the basic massage strokes- effleurage, petrissage, friction and tapotement- and systematizing them into what would most accurately be called Classic massage. In any case, this technique is the foundation for most massage practice today.
Shiatsu- is a Japanese form of whole body, medium to hard pressure, clothed massage, similar to a Thai massage in that, it is done on a floor mat using the therapist’s finger, knuckles or thumb. May run from one to two hours long. Techniques may include: pounding, stretching, rocking and manipulation techniques. Pressure maybe applied by the use of forearms, elbows, palms, feet and knees. Meanwhile, Ashiatsu uses the bare feet of the therapist while the therapist hold on to an oriental bar hanging on the ceiling. While Watsu (Water-Shiatsu) is Shiatsu done in water. So you see, massage also evolves in time.
Signature Massage- techniques are specific only to that specific spa and that the massage maybe a combination of three or more massage modalities. May run from thirty minutes, an hour or two hours long.
Thai Massage or Nuad Bo Ram- this is a more rigorous type as compared with other forms of massage because Thai massage employs a series of ranges of motion as well as combine active and passive movements of joints. Therefore this is not recommended for those who have difficulty in stretching or who has bone problems as this employs mostly stretching techniques. It is generally performed on a comfortable floor mat to allow maximum mobility that would allow the therapist to utilize their body weight. The client is fully clothed and no lubricant is required. Western style requires the client to undress for oils to be applied on the body and the massage is most often performed on a massage table. Typically this runs from one to two hours long.
Although massage lost some of its value and prestige with the unsavory image created by “massage parlors”, this image is now fading as awareness of the value and therapeutic properties of massage grows. Thanks to the proliferation of day spas all around, massage therapy is no longer viewed as a sexual service but a way to rejuvenate mind and body. So, professional massage therapists may terminate a session because of any illicit or sexually suggestive remarks or advances from the client. Although not a substitute for medical care, massage can reduce or eliminate the need for medication and surgery. Massage today is not only used for humans but pets and animals as well. A variety of massage techniques are now being incorporated into different programs and alternative/complementary therapies including osteopathy, chiropathy, etc. It has now gained popularity not only with well-off individuals but the common people as well. Making wellness a thing for everyone and not only for those who has the money.
As what I have said, massage therapy also evolves with time, you can combine techniques, you can adjust the pressure or make your own steps. There will be new discoveries everyday so keep an open mind. We do not have to be dogmatic or too strict on steps and procedures, as long as the result is a better, rejuvenated client, then I do not think there is anything wrong with that. There are also a lot of other forms of massage that I have not mentioned. But these are all for now. In short, there is a lot to learn out there and enjoy from the many variations of massage therapies.
So, what are you waiting for? Go to your nearest spa, massage clinic or call up a home massage service and try their massage today!
---------
A list of training centers, magazines, publications, books and literatures both local and international are all available in the book, “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource Guide and Career Book”. You can order it online via http://www.amazon.com/ or for local Philippine orders, email yunesa@yahoo.com. If you are looking for a career opportunity, not just a job in the spa, massage therapy and wellness industry, this book is a must read.
This article is written by: Eunice Estipona a spa consultant, mentor, advisor, speaker and lecturer. One of her advocacies is to make healing and information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness accessible and affordable to everyone. If you are serious about turning your business or practice around, making the right decisions, getting an unbiased opinion and knowing where to get help, for lectures and other concerns she can be contacted at yunesa@yahoo.com or +639184745685. To find out how she can help you take your business to the next level, visit her site at http://www.meetup.com/philippinemassagetherapy
These along with hundreds of resources found locally and abroad are contained in “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource and Career Book”, the first book of resource information to know more about the Spa, Massage and Wellness Industry in the Philippines and other countries including the United States, Australia and other Asian countries. You can view, read, download and print for FREE the book’s summary at this link http://www.scribd.com/doc/6425282/About-the-Book-Spa-Massage-and-Wellness-Resource-Guide-and-Career-Book
If you are a spa, massage therapy and wellness information seeker the resources contained in the book for you. This book is a collection of data and valuable information regarding the spa and massage industry in a global perspective with a focus on the Philippines. Her advocacy in writing the book is to make “unbiased” information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness resources and career, accessible and affordable for everyone. If you are considering a career in the massage, spa and wellness industry, this book will prepare you and give you a glimpse of what it is like, the preparation you need to take: emotionally, intellectually and financially. In this book, you will learn more details in the spa and massage field and the possible paths you can take. You will also learn about local and international training programs offered and numerous employment possibilities. Giving you much needed information at your fingertips. You can order it from http://www.amazon.com/ or for local Philippine residents, you can email and get in touch with Eunice at yunesa@yahoo.com.
TERMS OF REPRINT
You can freely distribute a copy of this article provided, that you follow the terms of reprint. Be certain to read our TERMS OF REPRINT and honor our TERMS OF REPRINT when you use this article. Thank you.
Helpful Link: The Digital Millennium Copyright Act – Overview http://www.gseis.ucla.edu/iclp/dmca1.htm
Our TERMS OF REPRINT are fully enforcible under the terms of: The Digital Millennium Copyright Acthttp://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c105:H.R.2281.ENR:*** Digital Reprint Rights **** If you publish this article in a website/forum/ blog, etc. You Must Set All URL's or Mailto Addresses in the body of the article AND in the Author's Resource Box as Hyperlinks (clickable links).* Links must remain in the form that we published them. Clean links should point to the Author's links without redirects having been inserted into the copy.* You are not allowed to Change or Delete any Words or Links in the Article or Resource Box. Paragraph breaks must be retained with articles. You can change where the paragraph breaks fall, but you cannot eliminate all paragraph breaks as some have chosen to do.* Email Distribution of this article must be done through Opt-in Email Only. No Unsolicited Commercial Email.* You are allowed to format the layout of the article for proper display of the article in your website or in your ezine, so long as you can maintain the author's interests within the article.* You may not use sentences from this article as an input for any software that steals sentences from others in order to build an article with software. The copyright on this article applies to the "WHOLE" article.*** Author Notification ***We ask that you notify the author of publication of her work. Eunice can be reached at: http://us.mc391.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=judy%40judymurdoch.com*** Print Publication Reprint Rights ***If you desire to publish this article in a PRINT publication, you must contact the author directly for Print Permission at: mailto:yunesa@yahoo.com
============ ========= ========= ========= ========= ====
The content of this article is solely the property and opinion of its author, Eunice
======================================================
To view, read, download and print for FREE the whole article, just click on the link below:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/3199418/The-Basics-of-Massage-Massage-Therapy-101
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)