Tackling pressure points with bravery

Due to recent misery, I decided I should pamper myself with a little me, myself and I splurge, if I may call it that. Went for hair therapy aka cut, which surprisingly was cheaper than the normal price (maybe the stylist could sense my misery and decided to be kind hearted...hahaha).

Then it was 1 hour of foot reflexology. Returned to the same shop I went before. After a quick survey of the shops at Endah Parade, it dawned upon me that prices have changed. What used to be RM30/hour massage is now RM33/hour. Dang!

Anyway, after a "cat & dog" conversation with the lady-in-charge, I was finally assigned a masseur (or are they called foot reflexologist??...no idea). Ok, not too bad, he applied appropriate amount of pressure and was very informative. It seemed 3 areas of my body are not serving me too well - shoulder, kidney & bladder. The masseur can feel lumpy grainy deposits when he massaged those areas, especially on the left foot. It was so painful!...I will not lie. I realised that my irregular visits to the loo are proving to be harmful to my kidney & bladder. Gotta discipline myself more to not hold too long.

When certain organs are not functioning efficiently, hard painful spots can form at the area of points corresponding to those organs. This will cause the areas to be tender when pressed but constant massaging will "burst" the spots. Once the grainy like deposits are gone, the organs will also function better.

Based on my massage, the masseur advised me not to take cold drinks or take nite showers as it seemed that my body got a lot of angin (air). The former is easy to practice but the latter is a bit tricky, especially on gym days. Actually, during my previous visits to 3 other foot reflexologists/ masseurs, I was given the same info so I knew they are right but I wasn't disciplined enuff to practice them. In order to dispose of the grainy sandy deposits, I aim more regular foot reflexology sessions. Next one will be in 2 weeks time.

My self pampering will continue with threading, after work. High tea on Saturday, movie on Sunday. Body Combat on Monday morning. Woohoo!!

Bringing the feet to life

For someone who has never done foot reflexology before, I have been itching to try this out for the past 1 month. Now I can say, been there, done that. To encourage better blood circulation, I encouraged myself to go for regular massage in order to have better results. Here are some reviews of the places I have tried out.

Pusat Rawatan Cinta (WARTA Shopping Centre, Bangi)

The name of the shop seemed a little kinky but there was nothing kinky going on here. Owned by a Malay couple. The lady was able to advise some of the little problems I have, namely..weak left kidney and knees (ya, I injured both knees before). For a first timer, this experience wasn't bad as the massage was gentle. However, it is slightly more expensive. RM30 for a half hour massage. I can get cheaper elsewhere.

Break Time Traditional Massage (1st Floor, Endah Parade, Sri Petaling)

With so many foot reflexology shops (I stopped counting at 10, and that is just on one floor) to choose from in this shopping complex, I finally settled on this one. Started off with soaking feet in warm water with sea salt, which I assume was to get rid of any odor and to soften the feet. Unlike my first attempt, this one is slightly more painful cos first of all, it was a guy who did the massage, and secondly, he was using his knuckles. He repeatedly asked if I was ok which I assured him I was, though I was silently "screaming" in pain...ahaks. Despite this, it was really nice. I felt all the tensions just draining away. Felt so much lighter too. The massage was priced at RM20 for 40minutes and RM30 for 1hour. I like this one so I may return for another massage here.

Patrick Wong Foot Reflexology (2nd Floor, Endah Parade, Sri Petaling)

The cheapest but the most painful foot massage I have encountered thus far. Owned by a Mr. Patrick who can speak English so I was able to ask loads of questions. Started off with soaking feet too but no warm water and no sea salt. Humpph! Mr. Patrick also used his knuckes and since he is quite a big sized man, naturally the energy he put in were more. I was told my digestive system was a little weak (I kinda suspected this). Unlike my visits to other foot reflexologists, Mr. Patrick spent equal time massaging both feet and legs. I assumed Mr. Patrick is a one man staff at his shop so it is best to visit during non peak hours ie. weekdays or else make prior appointments. RM18 for 45mins. 10 times, free 1 OR 20 times, free 3.

Arokaya House (Sunway Pyramid, LG2, near Marrakesh Zone)

Opted for their Foot Reflexology + Back Massage package. This is pure Thai traditional massage center. Lovely Thai settings with english speaking Thai staff. Started off with warm feet bath + sea salt. Despite 3 previous attempts at foot massage, I still couldn't help but grimaced when the Thai girl was working me. When she whipped out a wooden stick, I braved myself for the worse. Surprisingly, it wasn't that bad. The customers around me were mostly sleeping or resting their eyes during their foot massages. I, on the other hand, have not reached that stage yet. The massage started off with feet/leg, arms then the back. The kneeding was damn good despite the pain. Couldn't help but tensed up at times, which isn't good really. Left the shop feeling extremely fresh and light though. This package is priced at RM60 - 1 hour. There is a 10% between the hours of 10am-12noon.

Next target: Full body massage. Till then, cheers!