ManaManaSpa

What is a good way to relax on vacation besides a massage or spa?

Jan 24, 2009 by Sherri Lynn | Posted in Alternative Medicine

I'm going on vacation and planning some fun things like a spa visit for my boyfriend and I, and a boat trip. What else can be really relaxing?

You mentioned a boat trip... I'm not sure what pastimes you and your boyfriend enjoy, but fishing is a good activity for stimulating conversation! If your icky about fish guts, then it'll give him the chance to come to your metaphorical rescue and play the "strong man" figure... and if you play it right it may help him to feel accomplished and masculine because he's taken care of you and provided for you, while you get some good uninterrupted quality time. =)

If you brave the fish guts and let him teach you then it may also stimulate protective male feelings too, and constantly asking for help with bait and such wont get annoying~ =)

How do you prevent or at least minimize sexual harassment or advances in a massage or spa setting?

Jul 07, 2008 by themellos | Posted in Alternative Medicine

In a spa or massage setting where lights are dim, sounds are relaxing and the ambiance is soothing. How do you prevent or at least minimize sexual harassment or advances in a spa, massage clinic or wellness center?

PREVENTING/AVOIDING SEXUAL ADVANCES DURING A SPA OR MASSAGE SESSION
“50 WAYS OF HANDLING CLIENT ADVANCES”


This article/report is not an all encompassing, everything-in-it method of preventing or avoiding sexual advances in a spa or massage session. The methods and ways described herein are intended to at least minimize, if not totally eradicate a common malaise of our industry, having to deal with “sexually charged” clients. Like anything else in life, there are no guarantees and the practitioner is cautioned to use their own judgment about their individual circumstances and act professionally and accordingly. Trusting one’s guts and intuition may prove life-saving in some cases. As in all my writings, it is presented in a contemporary style to address mainly the practitioners and spa, massage clinic and wellness center owners or operators and a minority of the inquiring public.


Let me be clear that there is no one way to totally avoid sexual advances or offers of such. Massage is by nature an intimate and pleasurable experience but is not intended to sexually gratify a person. Some spa and massage therapies require the client to be semi-nude and sometimes naked. Even in the most professional setting the massage/ spa professional is exposed to being vulnerable to temptations which might lead to awkward situations. We can combine several of the pointers mentioned and act with due diligence. Practitioners in the spa, massage and wellness industry should perform their tasks that only true and unadulterated professionals do.

Recently, I have been asked again a truly valid question, one relating to handling clients who are taking advantage of their practitioner (whether this is a spa or massage therapist). There are some ways of handling this, but let us first take into account what one validates (on a professional perspective) as “taking advantage or inappropriateness” means. Ano ba talaga ang maco-consider nating inappropriate? These are some examples (and by far, not a complete one) of inappropriate behaviors:
1.When approached or asked by a client requesting any sexual contact of any kind
2.When a client is trying to touch the practitioner or the client asks to be touched in private areas including but is not limited to the genitalia.
3.Asking the practitioner to do something sexual apart from profession massage/spa therapy.
4.Making direct and/or indirect movements and comments that make it uneasy for the practitioner to work professionally and proceed with the session.

How do you, as a professional, handle these types of clients? These are just some tips and pointers in handling these types of clients, how to prevent sexual harassment during a session, setting boundaries, how to free your self from being perceived as a prostitute instead of a spa or massage professional and more. I said some as you can adjust the pointers listed here depending on your specific condition. I am aware that there might be many questions and a combination of answers out there and we are at our liberty to implement these pointers as befits us:

1.Most of the time, simple statements like “I cannot perform more than just massage or professional therapy because I love my job” or “The only extra service we provide is a smile and a hot cup of ginger tea (called Salabat in the Philippines) or rice tea, which would you prefer?” or “if you cannot respect me in this way, I would be forced to terminate the session and you will be charged in full sir/ma’am _______ (the client’s name).” Always address them with sir or ma’am, so even in addressing clients you have already set your boundaries. Never call them just by their first name or nick name.
2.Your establishment should have a clear and strict work ethics and guidelines which are implemented not just written- but most importantly these ethical guidelines should be implemented all throughout the rank and file including management. No exceptions. An example of this rules and regulations: sexual advances towards clients by any employee will not be tolerated. Immediate termination of employees will follow any complaint that is investigated and where legitimacy of the claim is determined.”
3.In cases that you cannot control or your safety is being compromised, you can end the session immediately and ask the client to dress up and pay for the session and then to leave the premises. Therapists should also leave the area or room and should not return until the client has departed the premises. The client’s name should be entered into the prohibited client database to prevent any subsequent appointments being made by the client.
4.Move out of the room and let them cool off for the meantime.
5.Any sexual contact and indulgences between a client and a staff is equivalent to being fired on the job.
6.Create an environment that is conducive to a healthy, relaxing and satisfying experience for the client. Examples: do not display or post nude and sexually explicit photos, displays, etc. inside your spa, massage clinic or wellness center; if your spa has a video or movie lounge do not include videos that are rated X.
7.Never ever include any sexually appealing advertisements for your establishment. I have seen ads that goes something like “young, pretty, sexy, discrete masseuse for hire”, “presentable, class A, awesome beauty, flawless, 24-hours service available for stag party”. Words such as sexy, hot, macho, meztisa, irresistible, heartthrob, etc. should not be used at all costs. Hay naku, ang ipinagtataka ko lang, why is it important to be sexy and with awesome beauty? Is it not enough to be decent, clean looking and professional? So, if you want to be taken seriously in your practice, never ever- and I say it again, never advertise like those mentioned above.
8.It should be stipulated in the employee’s manual that therapists are not allowed to date or to have any other external physical relationships with any client while that person is a client of your respective spa, massage clinic or establishment until after a period of six months since the client received the last service.
9.The room should never be too darkly lit. To be technical about it, under Philippine laws, in PD 856 Chapter XII Section 5.4.1 states a room shall be provided with illumination to permit effective inspection and cleaning in accordance with the DOH (Department of Health) general illumination standards. The massage room shall be provided with a minimum of 10 foot-candle or kilowatts (107.6 lux) have a minimum while a sauna bath room should be provided a minimum of 5 foot-candle or kilowatts (53.8 lux) illumination. In 5.4.2. All lightings shall be reasonably free from glare and distributed so as to avoid shadows. But if you will ask me, I would prefer lighting which can be adjusted so when doing massage or spa therapies it will not have too much glare and when cleaning the room one can have enough illumination.
10.It is also the responsibility of the practitioner to communicate clearly with the client allowing the client to be at ease and know that they are professionally (not sexually) handled.
11.During a massage, the practitioner should minimize, if not refrain from making direct contact with “stimulating spots” like the inner thighs, groins, nipples, etc.
12.No touching of private areas and genitalia.
13.An experienced massage therapist should be able to guide the recipient through the massage or spa process so that there will be little confusion about some of the basic areas that may cause embarrassment or confusion. Like, if there are client concerns regarding a body scrub or body treatment, explaining to the client that he/she will get undressed, get the armpits and butt rubbed, etc. will make the client prepare psychologically on the procedure.
14.Presence of mind on where the practitioner rests their hands while the other hand might be working. Example, if your right hand is doing a massage your left hand should be assisting the movements of your right hand and should never rest in any private area of the recipient or client. Hindi dapat nakadantay sa maselang bahagi o kahit sa malapit sa maselang bahagi ng katawan ng client ang kamay ng isang therapist.
15.The amount of clothing worn during a session is dependent on the type of treatment or therapy to be administered. Therefore, do not expect that you will be asked to take all your clothes off if you choose Thai massage or Shiatsu. Normally these massage modalities are performed with the client’s clothes on. It is also common to be completely undressed during a Swedish massage BUT don’t despair, as your therapist will professionally drape areas which are not being worked on. The bottom line is that, the client should be able to wear what makes them comfortable but not to the point of distracting the therapist’s work or disregarding the policies on clothing (if there are any) of the spa, massage clinic or wellness center.
16.Shorts can be provided by the spa to all clients and can be worn during the session.
17.The therapist should also instruct the client about what to expect before they begin to undress.
18.The therapist should leave the room when the client will be undressing and return afterwards. Generally, no less than 5 minutes and knock before entering. The practitioner should also say something like “Ma’am/Sir ______ (name of client) are you ready?” before opening the door.
19.To quote again PD 856 Chapter XIII Section 5.8.2 a massage room shall be provided with sliding curtain or wing type wooden door or equivalent materials at the entrance. Doors with locks are not permitted. If you will ask me, my personal favorites are the sliding doors or the accordion type doors.
20.The therapist should instruct the client to position himself/herself under a sheet or towel during the massage session.
21.The therapist should work on a cli

Where to find cheap spas for massage?

Apr 23, 2006 by newbornchef | Posted in Tattoos

I like to get massage whenever i go hoilday in bangkok. But once i get back to spore i can't find any cheap spas with very relaxing massage.Do u have any idea where to find cheap spas?

Try the YELLOW PAGES! ha ha

Does anyone have a recomendation for a massage spa around schaumburg, Illinois?

Nov 09, 2007 by tinman | Posted in Other - Beauty & Style

I haven't been to a massage spabefore,and I need to relax. Things have been stressful, where is a good place near schaumburg, Illinois to go to?

craigslist.org

What services would you enjoy in a spa?

Jun 04, 2007 by Kalistrat | Posted in Alternative Medicine

If you were to go to a spa for a relaxing massage, aroma therapy, or a mud bath, what other services would you like to have?

oh wow... ok here you go. spas are my favorite thing to do.
1. facial - european if you just want some gentle cleansing and relaxation. they do a little face, shoulder, neck massage as well.
2. other facials - deep cleansing, acne, anti aging, or whatever you need or would like to try.
3. maybe self tanning after your services. ( a spray) a scrub before.
4. mani - pedi. most spas offer spa mani pedis with a few extras.
drink plenty of water the day before and after and arrive early to use spas amenities like showers, relaxation rooms, steam rooms, jacuzzi, etc whatever your spa offers.

Can anyone recommend an affordable spa for couples?

Jul 31, 2006 by CC | Posted in Tattoos

I want to take my boyfriend to a spa for a relaxing massage / facial - just to experience something together. Somewhere in San Gabriel Valley (Pasadena, Covina, Monterey Park, etc)

go here: http://losangeles.citysearch.com/

click on the "neighborhood" tab right above the search box for city. select a specific neighborhood and then click on the link for "spa & beauty." you can look at how they're rated and a lot of them have websites listed in their little profiles.

Good catch phrase for a new spa/ massage business...?

Mar 17, 2008 by Sean M | Posted in Small Business

What do people expect when they want to get a massage after working out all the time and need to heal/relax.

Loving hands.

They expect something soothing, something that relaxes muscles and mind. Something that relieves stress.

Is a spa massage package a good gift for boyfriend?

Feb 04, 2007 by Mmmmm | Posted in Singles & Dating

It's my boyfriend's birthday next week. He's a wealthy jet-set businessman who never has time to relax. He loves getting back rubs from me, so I thought of getting him a professional full body massage at the most upscale spa in town.

Since I doubt he'd make the time to go to the spa alone, so I thought of booking a massage for the two of us followed by a night of romance. Is this a decent gift a guy like him would appreciate? Does anyone have any other ideas?

I think it sounds like a great idea. Don't listen to what the first guy says. There is a huge difference between the type of spa you are talking about and what he is referring to (the type of place ususally referred to as a 'massage parlor' ususally found next to the 'adult book store' lol.) Spas ususally have a professional team of certified massage therapists skilled in various techniques of massage and aromatherapy. I think you are right in making it a joint experience. He probably wouldn't make the time to go by himself, but would probably love the idea of going with you and then enjoying a nice romantic evening afterward. Good luck and have fun. I don't know if you have ever treated yourself to a professional massage before. If not, let me tell you that you will love it. I made time to get one during mine and my husband's honeymoon and it was a wonderful experience. I am sure the two of you will enjoy it very much.

Is it bad to forbid staff to use cel phones while on duty at a relaxing spa?

Sep 02, 2007 by pie | Posted in Etiquette

At massage spa the boss forbids the staff to carry cel phones as it distracts clients who are sleeping while having body massage and it is not professional for a staff to talk on the phone while doing facial to a clients.

the main reason why people go to have spas is to relax isn't it??? then i think that using of cellphones by staff during work hours should be limited if not prohibited...

What is a great place to take your special someone for a birthday gift?

Dec 17, 2007 by ☻Cheshire Kat☻ | Posted in Kansas City

I'm wanting a nice hotel in the KC area - good food, a relaxing spa for massage/pampering, shopping nearby. I want to make "her" birthday a wonderful experience.

For all of what you're seeking, I would recommend the Plaza area. There are better hotels in Kanas City, but the best hotel in the Plaza area is the InterContinental. There are spas all around town if you're looking for something like that. There is also a decent dining selection in the Plaza area.

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ic/1/en/hotel/mkcha?rpb=hotel&crUrl=/h/d/ic/1/en/hotelsearchresults

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