Ode2Fatty

Singapore (Part 3 - The Spas/Massages)

December 13-19, 2005

Spa Botanica: This is located on Sentosa Island. I guess the island itself is a tourist spot, but I was on a mission and headed straight for the spa. The spa is known for its peaceful grounds and mud baths and pools. I did try the mud "bath" but found it a bit hard to actually negotiate. The mud was in a clay pot and it was messy and unwieldy trying to hold onto the pot's lid and not make a mess. You're supposed to sit in the sun and let the mud bake on you, but I'm sure you can understand that it got very hot quite fast out there and so I didn't let the mud fully dry before washing it off. At any rate, I had a whole package that included many skin treatments so it didn't bother me too much. I had the Tropical Glow package and it included several services all done in the balmy outdoors under a little bungalow/hut structure. I started off with a coriander scrub which was then followed by a Vichy shower. I thought the Vichy shower, which is about 6 shower heads pointed at various pressure points while you lie down covered in scrub, was overrated - really, anyone with one of those handheld shower devices could produce the same effect. Then it was off to do the papaya scrub and wrap. I was also given a facial at the same time and truthfully, the scrub wrap made me feel like an overstuffed Spicy Tuna roll. It was interesting for a minute or two but then started feeling kind of gross and uncomfortable. I really wanted to scratch myself. Finally, I had a relaxing massage which was the best part of the package. I was a bit hungry so I went to he cafe, but the pickins were slim and overpriced. Still, if you're looking to cleanse and detoxify, then I guess you really don't want to chow down on traditional spicy Singaporean fare. Anyway, it was a lovely spa, but if I were to do it again, I'd probably do just the massage and spend the rest of the time hanging out and trying to figure out the mud process.
Javana Spa at the St. Gregory Hotel: The next day I tried a Balinese massage from my brother's regular masseuse, Erawati. Massage and reflexology are part of the regular routine for health/well-being for my brother and his wife and they buy massage packages - say, 20 sessions at a time - so I used one of my brother's sessions. The Balinese massage was more "medicinal" than relaxing. While the long strokes were similar to Swedish style massage, Erawati used quite a bit of pressure and actually tried to realign certain parts of me. I go to a Chinese doctor for accupuncture and physical therapy in Los Angeles, and the Balinese massage was very similar (see below for the Los Angeles doctor's info). While it hurt even AFTER I told her to go a little lighter, I also knew in the long run, my hips and joints and muscles would feel better. She immediately spotted all my problem areas which, from years of running, athletics and martial arts, are plentiful and I'd say she was pretty successful in impressing upon me how much trouble I'd be in in a few years if I didn't cease certain activities. I got a bum ankle from running into a pothole which never healed and so I've favored one side ever since so I could continue running. Now one hip is higher than the other. Grrr. At any rate, I'd highly recommend anyone with sports injuries or any injuries to make an appointment with Erawati. (70 Singapore dollar for 1 hour)
Health Step Foot Reflexology at Holland Village 4A Lorong Mambong (above 7-Eleven): I've had foot reflexology done before at spas in the U.S., but this was a different experience altogether. It was one room with about 15-18 Lazy Boy recliners lined up against the wall. The place was packed! First I was taken into a side room to wash my feet and then I grabbed some magazines and plopped down on my recliner. The premise of reflexology is that certain points on your feet correspond to different parts of your bodies. When my reflexologist (?) hit an especially sensitive part at the base of my second toe, he pointed to my eyes. Wouldn't you know, I've been having all sorts of problems with my eyes - they're always red and dry and I'd just gotten a new pair of contacts. Again, it was not completely relaxing, but I knew I was doing my feet and body good. I also know that if I did this regularly, I could probably fall asleep like the many of the other patrons there. These services seem much more affordable in Singapore. (60 ninutes - $40 Singapore - can also buy a package)
*No tip necessary for spa services. However, my brother tips the foot reflexologist $2 Singapore dollars.
Dr. Jin Li at Westwood Accupuncture 310.474.3089: On a side note, the Chinese doctor I see in Los Anglees is Dr. Jin Li. I cannot praise him enough. He teaches at UCLA and was featured on the front page of the Health Section of The Los Angeles Times this year. I had a car accident last year and was assigned to UCLA Physical Therapy for neck pain. UCLA only made it worse and my headaches were increasing in strength and frequency. After only about a week of Dr. Jin Li's care, my headaches were gone. My husband had nerve damage in his leg manifesting in weakness and numbness. His doctor told him he'd just have to live with it. Dr. Jin Li fixed his leg and my husband was able to play basketball again and made it to the finals of the 3-on-3 league at his office. Dr. Jin Li and his wife use a combination of accupuncture, vigorous massage (you can actually feel your muscle going back into place) and herbs. You will be amazed at how strong this dimunitive kind man is. Again, can't recommend him enough.

posted by Fatty @ 4:30 PM