Body Massage: A Lifestyle
Sitting at work for 10 hours a day with little breaks for six days a week cause this writer upper back discomfort sometimes. When this happens, I go to Spa Riviera on a Saturday to have a body massage and to experience serenity because of the smell of essential oils and the soothing music everywhere.
The massage therapist spends a long time kneading the upper back muscles. There is discomfort at first, caused by what we commonly call as “hangin” which goes away when the affected area is constantly kneaded. After that, the affected muscles feel relaxed again.
A body massage is a relaxing experience. It also improves one’s mood, lowers blood pressure, produces a slower heart rate, and lessens one’s anxiety, depression and pain.
During an interview several months ago with Ms. Lisa, a supervisor at Skinetics, she explained that massage also has a detoxification effect. That’s why during massage, the therapist uses essential oils or herbs because these materials, coupled with light pressure strokes, help release toxins from the body.
INDUSTRY. With more people realizing that massage is not only a form of relaxation but also a healthy lifestyle, the spa industry has become a sunrise industry in the Philippines.
“Massage therapists are gaining attention because of this,” according to Elna Romero of My Spa Therapy. “Thus, a massage should be given by a trained and regulated therapist,” she added.
Indeed, untrained massage therapists could do more harm than good to clients.
LICENSING. Recognizing the importance of having professional massage therapists, the Department of Health issued an order requiring all massage therapists to get a license before practicing their profession.
This will give protection to therapists and their clients, according to the DOH.
Therapist are given three years to secure their license. They should get accreditation from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. Tesda will then determine if they are qualified to work as therapists or if they need more training.
After securing an accreditation from Tesda, the therapist should take an exam at the DOH.
This was reiterated by Dr. Yule Quiampang, president of Health and Wellness Association of Iloilo, Inc. (Hawaii) which had its launching last Oct. 22, 2011 at SM City Iloilo.
She said that the therapists of new spas should be accredited by the DOH.
“Only existing spas were given a moratorium to comply with this order until 2014. For those spas that started operating in December 2010, you are asked to comply. The DOH, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Tourism will ensure that this order is implemented,” Dr. Quiampang said.
HAWAII. Quiampang revealed that Hawaii is a new association here in Iloilo. The other officers of the group are Ana Marie Wharton of Spa Riviera, vice president; Beverly Lopez of Kasanag Well-Being Center, secretary; Imelda Aclan of Nuat Thai Foot and Body Massage, treasurer; Marivic Lacson of Serenity Spa, auditor; Ma. Elna Romero of My Spa Therapy, PRO; and Job delos Santos, a massage trainer, PRO. The members are Ellen Lacson of Shana Lacs Spa, Glyceria de Ramos of Salog Spa and Wellness Center and Ma. Adiosa Embat of Salus Pain Management Clinic.
These key players vowed to provide standardized and quality spa services through their skilled and accredited therapists in healthy, safe and hygienic facilities.
“With the cooperation of the members, we will make a landmark in the wellness industry,” she added.
A thriving and successful spa industry that offers standardized and high quality service will contribute to the economic development of Iloilo City and its people.
In the end, it will boost Iloilo City’s aim of becoming a spa and wellness destination in the country.* (The News Today, http://www.iloilonewstoday.com/ November 3, 2011)
The massage therapist spends a long time kneading the upper back muscles. There is discomfort at first, caused by what we commonly call as “hangin” which goes away when the affected area is constantly kneaded. After that, the affected muscles feel relaxed again.
A body massage is a relaxing experience. It also improves one’s mood, lowers blood pressure, produces a slower heart rate, and lessens one’s anxiety, depression and pain.
During an interview several months ago with Ms. Lisa, a supervisor at Skinetics, she explained that massage also has a detoxification effect. That’s why during massage, the therapist uses essential oils or herbs because these materials, coupled with light pressure strokes, help release toxins from the body.
INDUSTRY. With more people realizing that massage is not only a form of relaxation but also a healthy lifestyle, the spa industry has become a sunrise industry in the Philippines.
“Massage therapists are gaining attention because of this,” according to Elna Romero of My Spa Therapy. “Thus, a massage should be given by a trained and regulated therapist,” she added.
Indeed, untrained massage therapists could do more harm than good to clients.
LICENSING. Recognizing the importance of having professional massage therapists, the Department of Health issued an order requiring all massage therapists to get a license before practicing their profession.
This will give protection to therapists and their clients, according to the DOH.
Therapist are given three years to secure their license. They should get accreditation from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. Tesda will then determine if they are qualified to work as therapists or if they need more training.
After securing an accreditation from Tesda, the therapist should take an exam at the DOH.
This was reiterated by Dr. Yule Quiampang, president of Health and Wellness Association of Iloilo, Inc. (Hawaii) which had its launching last Oct. 22, 2011 at SM City Iloilo.
She said that the therapists of new spas should be accredited by the DOH.
“Only existing spas were given a moratorium to comply with this order until 2014. For those spas that started operating in December 2010, you are asked to comply. The DOH, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Tourism will ensure that this order is implemented,” Dr. Quiampang said.
HAWAII. Quiampang revealed that Hawaii is a new association here in Iloilo. The other officers of the group are Ana Marie Wharton of Spa Riviera, vice president; Beverly Lopez of Kasanag Well-Being Center, secretary; Imelda Aclan of Nuat Thai Foot and Body Massage, treasurer; Marivic Lacson of Serenity Spa, auditor; Ma. Elna Romero of My Spa Therapy, PRO; and Job delos Santos, a massage trainer, PRO. The members are Ellen Lacson of Shana Lacs Spa, Glyceria de Ramos of Salog Spa and Wellness Center and Ma. Adiosa Embat of Salus Pain Management Clinic.
These key players vowed to provide standardized and quality spa services through their skilled and accredited therapists in healthy, safe and hygienic facilities.
“With the cooperation of the members, we will make a landmark in the wellness industry,” she added.
A thriving and successful spa industry that offers standardized and high quality service will contribute to the economic development of Iloilo City and its people.
In the end, it will boost Iloilo City’s aim of becoming a spa and wellness destination in the country.* (The News Today, http://www.iloilonewstoday.com/ November 3, 2011)
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| Top photo: OFFICERS OF HAWAII. Dr. Yule Quiampang president; Anna Marie Grace Rivera-Wharton, vice president; Beverly Lopez, secretary; Imelda Aclan, treasurer; and Ellen Lacson, Elna Romero, and Ma. Adiosa Embat, board of directors. Lower left photo: Glyceria Ramos of Salog Spa and Wellness Center Lower right photo: RIBBON CUTTING. Vice Mayor Joe Espinosa III, Dr. Yulle Quiampang, president of Hawaii, and DTI Provincial Director Wilhelm Malones |
