Splurge and purge: 4 Singapore massages to eliminate the ache
Someone told us that Singapore has the greatest number of spas per square mile of any city. It might just be hearsay, but you can forgive anyone for thinking it's true. Wherever we turn, there’s some sign that espouses “MASSAGE!”, “FOOT REFLEXOLOGY!”, “KNEAD AWAY YOUR TENSIONS” in bright neon colors.
The selections include treatments such as shiatsu, Swedish massage and acupressure.
But choice can be limiting. After all, where’s a good spot to massage away specific pains and needs? So with the interests of over-worked city dwellers in mind, we shifted into massage-seeking mode and dug out the best places that can knead away your aches, sprains and pains.
Disclaimer: No “special” massages were undertaken during our research.
Body, realign thyself
What: Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a Japanese derivation of acupressure, where the therapist presses into acupuncture points on the body with their thumbs. This is meant to heal problems within your body. In the past, it was utilized as a preventive measure against illness by rich feudal landlords.
What’s cool: It’s quite gentle. Therapist Terry Liew leans towards realigning the body to heal itself: “I’ll realign your body first to promote healing. Then I’ll work on the affected areas. I don’t actually spend a lot of time working on the affected area. It’s usually symptomatic of a bigger underlying problem.”
Costs: S$150 per hour.
The Shiatsu School, 2nd flr 280 River Valley Road Singapore 238321. Tel: +65 6836 1231. Website: theshiatsuschool.com
Soak, scrub, and rub
What: Wine treatments
In this hidey-hole, wine isn’t just for drinking. They use wine essences in their baths, scrubs, and wraps. Business development manager Jean Chua says, “Wine contains polyphenol which heals skin damage and improves small vessel circulation. It also reduces damage caused by free radicals, and strengthens and repairs tissue.”
What’s cool: We’re not sure about the effects of soaking in wine. But a hot soak, followed by a body scrub, and firm massage certainly hit the spot. Their signature massage is a blend of Swedish and deep tissue that unknots muscles and ligaments. Perfect after a day out of walking through Kampong Glam.
Costs: S$120 for 50 minute massage; S$80 for 25 minute body scrub. Check their website for current promotions.
Spa Sauvignon. 71 Bussorah Street Singapore 199484. Tel: +65 6296 0980. Website: www.spasauvignon.com.sg
Before: walking stiff. After: dancing queen
What: Tui Na with a dash of black pepper
This spa has a wide range of quirky treatments that use all sorts of oils in their massages. We liked their House Proud massage which uses Tui Na (Chinese acupressure) to unknot and straighten cramped muscles -- the common afflictions of office workers.
What’s cool: Our China-imported therapist, Andrew, prodded, elbowed, and rolled each strand of muscle into sprightliness. That’s just half of it; the other half is being in one of the whacky rooms that boast unusual furniture, such as Louis Vuitton cabinets, and tall windows that look out to the massive, unkempt garden. Don’t worry, window blinds are included.
Costs: S$120 for 60 minutes.
Beauty Emporium at Dempsey House, 8D Dempsey Road Singapore 249672. Tel: +65 475 7375. Website: www.dempseyhouse.com
Different strokes for similar folks
What: Javanese
Unlike acupressure-type massages where the therapist presses down on your sore spots, Javanese massages are characterized by long, flowing strokes to de-tense your muscles. This gentle massage would appeal to the ladies who don’t like getting battered into relaxation.
What’s cool: It’s a winner as we were sighing during the massage. Their tummy rub is something that has to be experienced. The Indonesian therapist rubs your stomach in a circular motion that helped us in our digestion and left us purring in satisfaction.
Costs: S$50 for 60 minutes.
House of Traditional Javanese Massage, 783 Bukit Timah Road Singapore 269760. Tel: +65 6468 7855. Website: www.javanesemassage.com
