So today I went for my first massage.. an aromatherapy treatment at a Thai spa in Benmore.
A couple months ago, I was given a gift voucher for this treatment, in thanks for practically working to the bone. It was scheduled to expire... TODAY. So I thought I best go along and use it.
The voucher was for Lavana Thai Spa in the Benmore Shopping Centre in Sandton. I was having breakfast with my comrade unemployees in Fourways at 10:00 so I scheduled the massage for 13:00 (Yes, us unemployees decided to have breakfast with the more experienced unemployees of the same company - funny enough, they become unemployees at about this time exactly, one year ago).
In any event, I made it to Benmore Gardens Shopping Centre at 12:55, just in time to find the spot. In the lower level, which seems dark and shadowy, there exists a single orchid decal on a glass door. There are curtains behind this door, so you can't see much.
Once you step into the spa, it's a completely different environment. It's like you're 10 000 miles away, somewhere far more tranquil than the bustling Sandton. It's all soft fabrics and calm music.
You're asked to fill out an info form, for first time members, while your authentically Thai masseuse gets ready. While I was doing this, my masseuse brought me slippers and asked me to remove my shoes and socks. Heated floors - that is all I will say - or should I say, that is all that needs to be said.
I followed her into the room that was ready for me. Brace yourselves.. this was the room:
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| A place of happiness...no? |
I was asked to undress and put on a robe while she fetched the oils and such. Keep your underwear on she says. That made me laugh. When she returned, I was asked to sit down and put my feet in the water so that she could wash them. I felt a bit awkward doing this, it's not usually my thing, but I obliged.
Once your feet are washed and exfoliated, you are asked to remove the robe and lie on the table, face down. And then it began:
- I dare say, I loved every minute, however I felt like a baker's bread dough, under her arms for rollers.
- My back clicked several times and I was told I hold too much tension in my shoulders (noted and agreed).
- First your back and shoulders.
- Then your arms.
- Then the back of your legs, from your toes to the small of your back.
- Then you're asked to flip over.
It begins again:
- This time, your legs first - again from your toes to your waistline (of course, she got quite up close and personal but she was very careful not to get toooooo personal...).
- Then your arms and hands (this I especially enjoyed - for some reason, my hands are of particular importance to me, I love them).
- Then, the part that scared me - your stomach and chest (just and FYI - my chest was sore from gym the previous day). But here again, my masseuse was strong, but gentle.
- Last but not least, your shoulders, neck and head.
I couldn't help but smile during this last part. In fact, to be honest, I couldn't help but smile during the lion's share of this experience. My masseuse (Sue) definitely knew exactly what she was doing. When the massage started, my mind was all over the place - work, studying, etc. - but by a few minutes in, my mind was only there, only in that room, concentrating on what was being done to me.
I have never been quite so manhandled. Again, dare I say it, I'm surprised at how much strength these ladies have.
Once we were done, I was told I may get dressed - something to drink would be waiting for me in reception. So I got dressed, however my shoes had vanished. Well, back on with the slippers.
In reception, were my shoes waiting, as well as a few bites of papaya and crystal clear water.
This has to have been one of the nicest experiences I've had this year. I definitely recommend Lavana's services. Their website contains a full range of treatments, as well as a gallery, so you can see what you're getting yourself into.
They did their job as massage therapists and I did mine as a needy patient, so to speak. ;)
It was indeed a happy ending, just not in the way you might presume.
Go forth, embrace the Thai massage - it's not something you'll regret.
Signing out,
C ;)
