RELAXOLOGY

Luxury or necessity – are spas mainstream?

‘You must have heard people advise ‘bachay kay pait par hing (or Asafoetida) mal do, rona band kar de ga.’ These are grandma stories we have all grown up with, the nuskhay or totkay which help us in every walk of life. What’s this ‘malna’? It’s, as a matter of fact, a massage and, like this particular example shows how it helped relieve a baby’s indigestion, they have been solving health-related problems since a long time,’ says Sunieta Cooper, a spa expert at Movenpick, introducing me to our discussion of the day: massage.

Dressed in a monochrome suit, her hair tied back in a high ponytail, the dedication and love for the profession of this Manager Health Club is evident from her perfect physique, her upright posture, and her smooth skin that does not give away her age. ‘This is what it does if you are a part of health and fitness field!’ she laughs when complimented, as we sit down in her office.

But, does this fact or the one that it used to be the go-to-treatment for all ailments for our forefathers validate its importance for this generation as well? Here are some excerpts from the interview.

‘Majority of the occupations in Karachi (a metropolitan city) are office-bound. People are sitting all the time, stressed so much that they spend a significant chunk of what they earn on painkillers and anti-depressants. As if the sedentary lifestyle isn’t enough, it is coupled with a great deal of computer usage.

‘Now, they don’t realise this, but it creates knots between their thumbs and forefingers. Further, according to science and according to yoga mudras, our fingertips are connected to the nervous system and when you are just typing non-stop, you are basically working like a robot without feeling anything.

‘When we massage an affected area, it opens up the blockages in our arteries and ensures that the blood flows through in full force. For example, a head massage later you feel jese sar khul gaya, right? It is actually the stress, which had reduced/stopped the blood flow and, hence, the oxygen and essential nutrients to body cells, that is disappearing.

‘Imagine a person working at their computers. They don’t move, except for their hands occasionally; they have a (slight) frown as they see/listen attentively, and they wouldn’t even blink as much as they do normally. Now, imagine the tension it creates and the numerous channels it ends up blocking in a day. Massage is the best way to unwind and relax naturally, unlike medicines with their series of side effects.’

Still, there are people who think spa is a luxury; how would she convince them? ‘I believe with changing lifestyles, things which were once a luxury are considered necessity now, especially with a lot of exposure. I mean, it’s no rocket science; it’s as common as giving your mother comfort after a tiring day’s work or rubbing olive oil on skin to alleviate stiffness.

‘Moreover, media and easy access to the internet mean people are well aware and are adapting themselves. For example, the first thing that every person thinks of after securing a job is to get a car; no matter his or her salary, they try to achieve it and make their ends meet. Likewise, people are going all-natural, be it due to awareness or fashion following, they are incorporating those products (e.g. organic food) whatever the cost,’ Ms. Cooper comments.

‘If massage can be so effective where babies are concerned, adults definitely stand to benefit from it; nothing complicated there. If you are still debating whether or not to opt for massage, you should factor in the effect it has on your overall health.’

And what’s in it for the youngsters? ‘Of course, they ought to make it a part of their lifestyle!’ she exclaims vehemently. ‘When I was doing yoga counselling, I’ve seen there’s a lot of stress amongst youngsters, even more than adults; our youth is a greater victim of depression than any other age group.

‘It’s due to a lot of competition, expectation, desires. They are worried about their future rather than enjoying the present. With greater socialising, even holidays are a rush! So, I think it’s very important for them. They need to do something to bring the stress down from the moment they sense it.

If they have the money and time, they can obviously have a massage every day; others would be trying the same, too, if they’d know the numerous benefits of massage. Did you know spa therapy can help you lose weight or straighten baby’s legs, that it boosts your intelligence or, for girls particularly, elevate cramps and regulate the monthly menstrual cycle?’

These examples bring us to the topic of the different types of oils facilitating the therapy: jasmine oil to make you alert; lavender has its soothing properties; peppermint is seldom used and that, too, preferably in steam baths since it’s quite strong; cinnamon oil is appealing for the fragrance and ability to regulate blood pressure; the list continues.

It’s important to provide for the customers according to their specific needs. ‘It’s up to us to guide them properly, to use oils depending on the type of therapy they require and see that all oils are warmed up, for instance. Besides offering aromatherapy, shiatsu massage, deep tissue, reflexology, Swedish massage, Thai massage, sports massage and foot massage, our range of spa treatment includes a complimentary access to Jacuzzi, steam, sauna room and facilities like shower and locker rooms for guests to avail and make their experience a comfortable one,’ she sums up.

It’s not necessary to be strong, but to feel strong – please excuse my trip Into the Wild – and a spa date or personalised pampering for self only can be your way to a strong fitness game, to be your healthy, stress-free and beautiful self!