Detoxify

by Ghea RM Tenchavez

TOXIC. This is how we often describe our feelings with all the pressure and workload that we do not feel like we can work for another day. Aching from head to toe, we long for a short break to from the madness. It is time to replenish our energy.

Escaping to the nearest mecca in the city is thankfully easy because of Meddah Spa at the Crossroads Mall in Banilad.

Right beside their entrance, a yin and yang terra cotta figure reminds us of the need for balance in life. The restoration of this balance starts when friendly staff subtly assist a guest in deciding what spa service is best for their tired and aching body. You are given short, informative descriptions of the following: Stone Massage, Meddah Massage Combination (shiatsu, Swedish, reflex), Lomi-lomi (Hawaiian) Massage, body treatments using Dead Sea salts, seaweeds and chocolate, facial therapy, as well as hands and feet treatments.

Products used for the facial therapy and body treatments are Carita Skin Care and Decleor.

A friend and I luckily had the chance to experience two of the newest Filipino stone and spa services. One is the Hagod sa Meddah (derived from the Filipino term of doing a good backrub) done by just one therapist. Using heated volcanic stone, the therapist unties all those hard knots and muscles all over your body and you can almost immediately feel the aches dissipating.

The other new stone service is the Unat Massage (stretching) done by two therapists with one applying a Swedish massage while the other does the stone treatment.

It was a relaxing experience with two therapists simultaneously driving those throbbing pains away from head to toe. There was never a break in the treatment even when you have one therapist getting the volcanic stones ready, as the other therapist kneads those painful shoulders.

Another original Filipino massage that will soon be introduced by Meddah Proprietress and Trainor Merly Bahala Schurch is the Pandanggo Massage (derived from the Filipino Folk dance Pandanggo using two glasses). Two therapists will simultaneously use the ventusa glass technique and volcanic stone application for treatment.

Meddah Spa will soon introduce a Lamaze Class for pregnant couples, who want experience the birthing process in the most natural way without using of pain relievers and other medications. All these are just some of the exciting new developments at what is known to be one of the better spas in Cebu.

If you wish to detoxify yourself, visit Meddah Spa at Crossroad, Banilad or check their website at www.meddahspa.com. For reservations and inquiries, you can contact them at (032) 234-2083. Meddah Spa along with Touch n Heal Spa at Ramos and Banilad are managed by East West Spa Concepts, Inc. and they are open for franchising. Just contact (032) 4125150/ 2557671 or email eastwestspa@yahoo.com.