MASSAGE ENTHUSIAST Justin Xiao has tried various massage techniques during his stay in the Philippines. However, the various services left him frustrated.
To satisfy his unmet need, Mr. Xiao opened Breeze Oriental Spa and Massage in BGC, in Taguig city — 100 meters from Bonifacio High Street — which offers traditional Chinese oriental massage techniques.
“He is always in search for a good massage shop, but he gets frustrated that the services [he tried] did not give him the comfort for long,” Maideline A. Vego, operations manager of Breeze Oriental Spa and Massage told BusinessWorld during the spa’s launch on Dec. 4. “So, he came up with this concept [of a massage spa]. He wanted to give service to people which is not only short-term comfort.”
Chinese oriental massage treatments apply acupressure and focus on targeting one’s pressure points to relieve stress and pain.
The spa’s team of 20 therapists are led by four Chinese masters of oriental therapy. Signature treatments such as the Detoxify Oil Massage are designed to improve the lymphatic system. It is also recommended for pregnant women as it includes breast massage for lactation.
Other services which may be booked with master therapists include cupping therapy where warm cups are used to suction the back as a treatment for “blood statis”; back scraping using buffalo horn to remove dead skin; and a traditional pedicure which is said to improve blood circulation and includes a method where nails are trimmed with a traditional scalpel.
The treatments are done in air-conditioned private rooms equipped with reclining chairs.
This writer tried out the oriental foot massage which included soaking the feet in Chinese medicine. The treatment began with a different kind of shoulder massage since it was done by the therapist applying pressure on the shoulders with her forearms and which was quite painful at first.
The rest of treatment was relaxing and may eventually lead one to dose off midway. The treatment ended with the therapist serving either hot water or tea upon the guest’s preference.
“We encourage people to have the massage therapy in their daily lives to manage stress and fatigue and prevent the need for prescriptive medicine,” Ms. Vego said, adding that it is encouraged to have treatments at least once a month.
According to Ms. Vego, other branches are targeted to open in Makati and Parañaque’s Entertainment City.
Breeze Oriental Spa is located at Ore Central, 9th Ave. corner 31st St., BGC, Taguig. For reservations, call 0917-867-6699. Prices of treatments start at P450. The spa is open Monday to Friday, noon to 1 a.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. — Michelle Anne P. Soliman

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