Qiwellness Part 2

Here is the couples room where we got our massage:

It is really that dimly lit for maximum relaxation

Those baskets are offered to you and contain a pair of shorts and a robe for you to change with. The therapists leave you to get changed. When starting the massage, the therapists would cover your space with the blanket so that you can remove your robe and lie on your tummy. This way, she can’t see you undress.  Then she will cover you up. My masseuse was J while MB’s was M, both girls.

It’s great that they offer shorts and robes. Other spas just let you be in your underwear which can be quite uncomfortable. The garments are also chica and not just some cheap clothes so points for that!

Just a warning. If you have low pain tolerance, skip the Qivitality massage and opt for a softer massage. This is a deep tissue massage and it will hurt especially if you’re all clogged up and tensed. But I think you can ask the masseuse for a lighter pressure if you really want to try this. J asked me if the pressure was okay and I said yes although it hurt. I like hard massages, so sue me.

The massage was mainly focused on the back, particularly my left side. I was wondering about this as I really think my right shoulder/back area is in worse condition as this is where I carry my heavy bag. But, J knows best.

Qivitality is a full body massage and includes both arms and legs, the back, the tummy, the head and some parts of the face. The back and tummy massages were wonderful. The back and shoulder massages were painful but as soon as J stretched me out, I felt completely relaxed. I literally felt the tension slowly melt. It was bliss, I tell you.

The stretches are great as well. It really opens up your joints and promotes circulation. I’ve been slacking with my yoga practice lately because of my attacks and getting all stretched out again was wonderful. 

J was able to “heal” my foot pains but the pain in my hand is still there. I think it’s because of too much time on the computer.  Oh, well. I think regular massages can fix this and no, this is not carpal tunnel syndrome. = )

The massage is done on two parts – while lying on your tummy and then lying on your back. When you lie on your back, your eyes are covered so that the light won’t bother you.

MB said that M has solar hands. Haha! If you’ve watched Yakitate Japan, you’ll know what solar hands are. He said her wands were wonderfully warm, very relaxing. MB said he didn’t fall asleep but he certainly looked bagong gising when we finished.

All through the massage, soft music/sounds were playing to help you relax. There were also no chismis going on. J and M are wonderful, professional therapists with really strong hands! There were times when I thought J was already stepping on my back because of the pressure but then I hear her feet on the floor. Haha! Do not mess with spa ladies, guys!

After the massage, the ladies will stand on your side again and cover your space with the blanket while you put on your robe then leave you to get dressed. They will come back bearing hot towels. The hot towels felt very good on my skin.

What’s my verdict? The massage was absolutely wonderful. It was delicious! J and M were very good, very professional and they respect your space and your privacy. They are not like other spa therapists who blab and ask you all sorts of questions. J didn’t have solar hands. Her hands were a bit warm but not enough to warm  me up. I felt cold all throughout the massage but you must also take into consideration that I have polymyositis and Reynaud’s phenomenon so the cold really affects me. Plus, it was raining outside that night so I guess that heavily contributed to it. You know how my body reacts to natural cold. There were also a few times when my arms, hands and fingers slept and would go numb. I think that’s also because of the cold and because of the position. But it’s nothing a simple shake can’t cure.

I was also worried about getting all sore the next day because of the intensity of the massage. Bea told me that it depends on the person’s body. Sometimes, right after a massage, you will feel pain. Some don’t feel pain until the day after. I digress. I fear massages because the first time I had a massage, I literally cried. Tears were streaming down my face while the masseuse put pressure here and there but my mom insisted that I finish the massage because of the masseuse’s prodding and because the masseuse told her that she can cure me. She was apparently a “reflexologist.” I hated my mom for that and I loathed massages since then. I have only allowed certain people to massage me because of that experience. This was before quality spas opened in the Metro and before the doctors knew what my illness really was.

Going back, I went ahead with this treatment knowing the risk because I really needed a deep tissue massage. After the massage, I brought this up with J and she told me that if your masseuse does not know the specific pressure points to target and just gives you a hard massage all over, you will definitely feel sore the day after. She told me that I wouldn’t hurt the next day. My back didn’t hurt but I did feel a bit of soreness on my shoulders which was tolerable and was gone on the third day.

I asked to interview the girls. They are very shy, I tell you but they are always smiling. They were able to answer my questions but I think they need more training when it comes to dealing with client queries. I asked them what type of oil they use and it was grape seed oil. Coconut oil is commonly used but I like grape seed oil better. I already know that grape seed oil contains antioxidants, Vitamins A, C and E but a quick Google search reveals a lot more. Click here if you want to know more. It also has cosmetic benefits.  It tones the skin, helps treat acne and aids in skin repair. It’s also lighter and less greasy than coconut oil. I asked some other questions and their answers were okay. Again, it would be better if they had more confidence in speaking to their clients the same way they were confident with their massages.

After talking with the girls, I now have higher respect for what they do. You might think that it’s just a massage but the education and training and dedication that they have for their job is amazing.

I think it would be better if they had a resident PT or wellness doctor. The PT/doctor can answer a client’s questions better and can recommend the perfect treatment. Prior to this, I only know that people with high blood pressure can’t have deep tissue massages. M told me that people with heart conditions and diabetes are not allowed to have any type of massage. Yikes! And I was planning to bring my mom here pa naman! Had I not asked, I wouldn’t have known that. Also, it would be better if they made a quick consultation with the client like ask the client about his or her health history just to be sure. I’m very well aware of my condition and very much attuned with my body so there was no harm for me. But for other people, this can pose a problem.

It would also be great if they had an in-house nutritionist who can suggest a better diet based on the recommendation of the doctor and therapist. But I think that’s another level of spa service and I don’t think they want to go there. = ) But that’s just my wishful thinking.

Overall, I would recommend Qiwellness if you want a good, quality, professional massage. The interiors are tasteful, peaceful and clean. The prices are affordable and the staff are nice, polity and definitely know what they’re doing.  Their regulars include the residents in the area and expats. MB and I will go back to try all the other treatments! If you’ve been to Qi Wellness, I’d love to hear from you. Or if you’re planning to try out their services, blog about it. I’m curious!

If you want to know more about Qiwellness, you can visit their website or give them a call at 556 1818 or 0916 793 6666. Look for Bea. They are located at G/F Picasso Suites 119 LP Leviste St. Salcedo Village, Makati City. If you want to know the price of a specific massage, leave a comment below.