Hand me some
relief <!-- TITLE : end-->
By Cheryl Tan :: The Sunday Times ::
http://www.asiaone.com
It is common to relax with a massage by a foot reflexologist,
but another way of feeling good is taking hold.
It is hand reflexology, which massage spa owners say is
'cleaner' and more convenient than foot reflexology.
As well as reducing stress, having your hands stroked and
evaluated by a practitioner of this traditional Chinese method can
also reveal your state of health.
Hand reflexology is becoming popular, with more spas and massage
places offering the service as part of their packages.
Come March 29, there will also be a hand reflexology summit at
Suntec Convention Hall to promote its use here.
The event is the first of its kind and is organised by Advanced
Health Group (AHG), a company that promotes health awareness.
Roadshows at junior colleges and community centres have also
been organised to raise awareness about the massage technique.
'Hand reflexology is easy to learn and is convenient enough to
do it yourself or for your friends in public,' said company
director Dr Chua Ley Shuang, 27, who is also trained in Western
medical techniques.
LifeStyle came across at least four spa operators offering hand
reflexology. A typical 40-minute session costs $48, the same amount
you would pay for a 40-minute foot reflexology session.
True Spa, a face and body wellness centre at Cuppage Terrace,
started offering hand reflexology services in September last
year.
So far, the centre has seen at least 30 customers asking for
such sessions each month, said a True Spa spokesman.
Each session lasts 30 minutes and costs $88.
Over at Lynn Aesthetic beauty and spa, which has branches in
Bugis Village, Jurong East and Hougang, owner Lynn Wee said hand
reflexology is already a hot favourite among her female regulars,
especially those prone to numbness in fingers and hands because of
poor blood circulation.
The 47-year-old also said she has seen a 20 per cent jump in the
number of requests for hand massages every year since 2004, as
customers come to realise the benefits.
These include relieving stiff joints and muscle ache in the
upper body.
Regular client Fiona Ho goes for hand reflexology once a week as
she believes the improved blood circulation which follows helps
boost her overall well-being and looks.
'I sleep better, my immune system is stronger and I look more
radiant,' said the sales manager, who is in her 40s.
She also enjoys face and body massages for a holistic treatment
that she says helps to relieve stress.
According to hand reflexology instructor Lai Kok Heng, blood
circulation is improved by massaging and applying pressure on
acupuncture points in the palm that link to problem areas.
So the colour of the palm, along with the shape of the fingers
and nails, tell how well your body is functioning, said the
63-year-old, who has been learning traditional Chinese massage
techniques since he was 16.
However, he cautioned against visiting inadequately trained
massage therapists who do not know the correct techniques and which
points to target.
'Hand and foot reflexology is not supposed to be painful. It
should be a very soothing and relaxing experience,' he said.
Mr Lai runs a private business, Hand Foot Reflexology Health
Institute International, which he set up in 1999.
His company provides hand and foot reflexology for residents at
various Residents' Committee centres and community centres in Boon
Lay and Lavender.
The going rate for a 30- to 45-minute session is $23, but the
elderly pay $12.
He has also conducted classes for those interested in learning
massage techniques for body and foot reflexology. His students,
some of whom have trained under him for nearly 10 years, also
volunteer as massage therapists for the elderly at the community
centres.
He has yet to teach his volunteers hand reflexology, but said
that classes will start in August. The course of two-hour lessons
over six weeks costs $120.
For school bus assistant Lee Siew Kian, the hand, arm and foot
massages with Mr Lai and his students are a godsend. Their kneading
helps relieves numbness in her arms and stiff shoulders.
The 54-year-old, who visits the King George's Avenue Residents'
Committee centre every Tuesday for the massages, said: 'I can move
my arms comfortably after a session. It's a relief.'