56 Day Spas & Reflexology Centers
MALAYSIAN SPA TREATMENTS By Faridah Ahmad Fadzil (Tanamera Tropical Spa Sdn. Bhd.) In a land that embraces cultural diversity and flourishes in the strength of each ethnic composition comes a new concept of spa culture. Malaysian Spa is a concept that is based on age old beauty traditions of various cultures who have come, conquered and changed the face of present Malaysia. These tried and tested beauty treatments have over the years been adapted to incorporate the flora and fauna of the surrounding rainforest. The history of Malaysian generation to generation beauty treatments can and rarely shared be traced back nearly a for commercial gain. thousand years and is However, with younger richly influenced by local generations showing less Malays as well as Arabs, interest in the traditional Chinese, Indians, Javanese beauty treatments, older and countless others who generations are more willing have come and resided to share unless the art dies in Malaya over the years. with the lack of practitioners. For example, the beloved ‘minyak urut’ can be traced Therefore, what was once to the Arabs who used to practiced behind closed boil oil with camel fat to doors by midwives, healers give the oil a natural heating and wedding planners or property. The camel fat has more commonly known since been replaced by as ‘mak andam’ are now herbs with natural warming revived and shared to properties such as ginger, keep the art of Malay black pepper, onion, garlic beauty treatments from but the concept remains disappearing. essentially the same. Traditional Malay beauty treatments are generally family secrets that are handed down from 57 | AMSPA SPA & WELLNESS GUIDE 2020 - 2021
Strictly Malaysian beauty treatments adapted from Malay, Peranakan, Borneo and Orang Asli cultures Being one of the oldest rainforests in to name a few, are now appearing in spa menus the world with over 8000 herbal nationwide. The authenticity of these beauty treatments are still being studied and recorded but the one that is species of medicinal values, it is only most identifiable is the Malay art of beauty treatments normal that herbs with healing and in this article we will proceed to explore the many properties plays an important role in unique Malay treatments that have been introduced in Malaysian spa treatments. Going into Malaysian Spas in the last decade. a Malaysian spa that practices Traditional Malay beauty practice gives equal importance traditional spa treatments, one will to internal and external beauty treatments. Internal immediately notice the wonderful beauty treatments are practiced by taking various jamu fragrance of herbs like 'serai' or herbal drinks to maintain general health or for more specific benefits. External beauty treatments involve (lemongrass), ‘limau purut’ (kaffir detoxification process by way of Malay traditional lime) , ‘sirih’ (betel leaves) and massage and various other treatments from head to toe. pandanus. Some of the best and most unique Malay treatments are described below: MALAY MANDI BUNGA TANGAS TRADITIONAL (FLOWER BATH) MASSAGE (URUT) Tangas using herbs with In traditional Malay bath, astringent properties Malay traditional massage body wetting begins from the (requires a special single bench and earthen pot to is a therapeutic head to toe feet and moves up slowly to boil the herbs) is traditionally massage that combines the knees, thighs, abdomen, used by young women at stretching, stepping, chest and lastly the head. the end of their menses to long kneading strokes help reduce excessive white and pressure applied to This practice originated discharge, fungal infections various part of the body. It from Malay Royal houses and unpleasant odour. Also is traditionally practiced on and is a tradition that has used as part of postnatal the floor using traditional been observed for many treatments, tangas is also Malay massage oils that are generations and by the believed to firm up vaginal painstakingly prepared by various different cultures of muscles and reduce boiling palm oil with various Malaysia. For a typical Malay inflammations. herbs and spices with woman, mandi bunga is used warming and detoxifying to enhance their inner glow HERBAL BATH properties. and natural beauty. BERTUNGKU Mandi bunga are typically A traditional herbal bath performed using three, five with herbs rich in essential or seven types of different oils are commonly practiced Bertungku with heated river at the end of a massage stone and various fresh flowers. The most commonly treatment to bring forth a leaves including: betel used flowers are jasmine, sense of calm and further leaves, pandanus, turmeric orange chempaka, white relax the client. Herbs leaves, melastoma, wild chempaka, ylang-ylang and normally used in the herbal pepper leaves, noni leaves dew magnolia. Kaffir lime or bath are lemongrass, and even banana leaves. citrus hystrix is also added citronella, guava leaves, During confinement, the for purifying effect. kaffir lime leave and fruit. midwives commonly known This is specifically reputed to as bidan may warm the 'cleanse the womb’ to prevent new mother’s abdomen by illness, speed the shrinking applying a smooth, heated of the uterus and therefore stone (bertungku). return a prepregnancy figure. 58 | AMSPA SPA & WELLNESS GUIDE 2020 - 2021
What has been described here is just the tip of the iceberg. The myriad of cultures in Malaysia promises the emergence of more traditional treatments CREAM BATH that will be totally new to the Cream bath with a existing Spa culture. Keep combination of natural your eyes on Malaysia less you based cream, hibiscus miss a totally new ‘traditional’ gel and virgin coconut oil treatment that can’t be found Applied on the scalp to elsewhere in the world. promote healthy scalp and strengthen hair. This Traditional treatment is commonly practiced as a weekly deep conditioning Treatment to bring a natural shine to the hair. POSTNATAL TREATMENTS In Malay tradition, new mothers follow a strict six weeks confinement period using herbs, spices and oils to enable them to heal and adjust to the latest addition to the family. Postnatal treatments help new mothers strengthen and fortify their bodies, soothe and calm their inner spirit and most importantly, help them recover in the shortest time possible. BRIDAL TREATMENTS In preparation of the special day, Malay brides normally spend one day a week for four weeks leading up to the wedding getting pampered from top to toe. Some of the treatments they enjoy are cream bath, traditional facial, milk bath, floral bath © PHOTO CREDITED TO ENERGY DAY SPA and herbal body scrub. 59 | AMSPA SPA & WELLNESS GUIDE 2020 - 2021 59 | AMSPA SPA & WELLNESS GUIDE 2020 - 2021
Whilst Malaysia is well known for C O S M E T I C its natural beauty of nature and, some say, the best food in the world, many are unaware of the beauty S U R G E R Y & and aesthetic industry, which has been around and growing for many years. Malaysia has state-of-the- A E S T H E T I C S art technologies with stringent medical rules and regulations to ensure that the services offered are not just genuine and safe, but top notch, too. T O P 5 M E D I C A L A E S T H E T I C T R E A T M E N T S I N M A L A Y S I A #5: MICRODERMABRASION #3: CHEMICAL PEELS Microdermabrasion is a This is yet another popular common treatment among the aesthetic treatment in many aesthetic treatments in Malaysia. Chemical peels are Malaysia. It is often described a simple, non-invasive way as “sanding” the topmost layer of improving skin tone and of the skin. It is administered as texture. It is often performed a procedure for treating uneven to treat acne, acne scarring skin pigmentation, acne scars, and various pigmentation dull skin tone and improving skin skin problems. Currently, texture. The removal of this layer there are several skin peeling makes way for new and smoother agents available on the skin cells. This treatment is safe, market that target different comfortable and does not have skin problems. any downtime. This procedure is fairly #4: LASER HAIR REMOVAL simple and straightforward, but it produces reasonably Laser hair removal ranks among good results. However, it the most performed aesthetic should be done by a trained procedures in America. Likewise, medical practitioner to avoid laser hair removal is among the any potential complications. most popular aesthetic treatments Patients who undergo this in Malaysia. Laser hair removal treatment will require several offers several advantages in days of recovery depending comparison to the available on the depth of the chemical conventional techniques. peel performed. 60 | AMSPA SPA & WELLNESS GUIDE 2020 - 2021
#2: SOFT TISSUE FILLERS #1: BOTULINUM TOXIN TYPE A (HYALURONIC ACID) (BOTOX®, DYSPORT®, XEOMIN®) As we age, our face naturally loses its volume and Often regarded as the cornerstone of aesthetic starts sagging. Fuller cheeks, plumper smooth medicine, botulinum toxins are more popular skin, and young luscious lips are no longer a than ever. A lot of people say that botulinum toxin dream. With soft tissues fillers, you can make this treatment is the most popular treatment among a reality in just a few minutes. Soft tissue fillers all the aesthetic treatments in Malaysia. It is still or dermal fillers are getting ever more popular the best method in the market today for wiping in Malaysia with no sign of plateauing. With the out crows’ feet wrinkles, forehead lines, and advancement of hyaluronic acid fillers, soft tissue frown lines. It is so easy to get it done and you filler is now a lot safer and the results are more can even have the treatment over lunch break natural. If a younger look is what you want, then and still get back to work on time. this is what you should be going for. T O P 5 C O S M E T I C S U R G E R I E S I N M A L A Y S I A #5 LOWER BLEPHAROPLASTY #2 RHINOPLASTY (EYE BAG REMOVAL) (NOSE JOBS) There are newer techniques that involve Following the rise of the K-POP culture, minimally-invasive procedures but lower Rhinoplasty, or “nose jobs” has gained a lot of blepharoplasty remains one of the most effective popularity in recent years. Many Malaysians wish ways of dealing with these changes. Most for a more prominent nose bridge that they view patients resume their normal daily activities after as an attractive feature. Rhinoplasty either utilises about one week after surgery but full recovery surgical implants or the patient’s own cartilage, generally takes two to six weeks depending on ear or ribs to build up the nose bridge area. individuals’ healing pace. #1 UPPER BLEPHAROPLASTY #4 LIPOSUCTIONS (DOUBLE EYELID SURGERY) Malaysia is labeled as one of the most obese countries in the region, hence it’s not a surprise that liposuction is ranked one of the top five cosmetic surgery. Liposuction is a procedure that sees the surgeon remove excessive fat from certain areas of the body in an attempt to restore the beautiful curve of our body. Upper blepharoplasty surgery was traditionally used to improve the appearance of loose saggy #3 BREAST AUGMENTATION eyelid skin that may sometimes impair our vision. (BREAST IMPLANTS + FAT However, upper blepharoplasty surgery is now commonly used to transform what is known as TRANSFER) monolid to double eyelid, better known as Asian blepharoplasty. The surgeon employs several Breast augmentation involves either using breast surgical techniques to create a double eyelid, implants or fat transfer to increase the size of the making the eyes look bigger and more expressive. breast. However, before making the decision for breast augmentation, have an open and honest discussion with your certified plastic surgeon. 61 | AMSPA SPA & WELLNESS GUIDE 2020 - 2021
AESTHETIC WELLNESS & MEDISPAS “Wellness is not a 'medical fix' but a way of living - a lifestyle sensitive and responsive to all the dimensions of body, mind, and spirit, an approach to life we each design to achieve our highest potential for well-being now and forever.” Greg Anderson
Elevate Your Lyfe Clinic is a one-stop medical, aesthetics, physiotherapy and dental clinic that focuses on bringing to light the beauty and Aesthetic confidence in everyone. Future We pride ourselves in prioritizing our patients’ needs and giving them the most practical advice along with exceptional level of care and service on their personal journey of self-care. We approach our treatment methods by doing a bespoke consultation and thorough assessment for any concerns on the face, body, skin, hair, wellness, dental – all while putting your comfort and safety as top priority. Our premium quality of beauty aesthetics services is equipped with the latest cutting-edge equipment and technology. Our personalised and results-driven approach at Lyfe Clinic is led by the caring hands of trusted experts from the field of general practice, aesthetic medicine, cosmetic dermatology, dentistry and physiotherapy. Our Treatments Face Botox | Fillers | Thermage, Body Venus Viva Laser | Thread Lift | PRP Coolsculpting | Emsculpt, Hair Thermage | Accent Prime Hair Transplant | Hair Filler | PRP Skin Wellness Soprano Laser Permanent Hair Removal General Practise | Bioidentical Hormones- Silkpeel Wet Microderm | Chemical Peel Replacement Therapy | Stemcells CoolLifting Physiotherapy | Dentistry 27, Ground Floor, Block A, + 60 3 7733 2671 LYFE CLINIC No.1 Damansara Intan + 60 17 237 3005 SS20/27, Seksyen 19, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor [email protected] lyfeclinic
DID YOU KNOW... The Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia (MOTAC) implements a star rating program for its spas and foot massages centres? The purpose is to set a ‘best practices’ benchmark for spas and foot massage centres to meet international standards. For a complete list of rated spas and foot massages centres, please visit motac.gov.my/en/check
Ever had a night of tossing and turning with a mind that just won’t shut off? Or does it seem just as you go to sleep the alarm wakes you up? When you wake up does your bed look like you have just run a marathon? Or, do you wake up often throughout the night and can’t get back to sleep? Well, you’re not alone. AROMATHERAPY offers safe, non- addictive option to assist peaceful sleep. There are many relaxing options such as a deep soothing massage, warm relaxing bath and SLEEP ESSENTIALS : calming foot bath, personal spritzer, diffusing relaxing oils in the air or placing a relaxing scent HAVING A by the pillow to be inhaled as you sleep. It's interesting to note that essential oils are diffused in many hospitals in the United Kingdom during PEACEFUL the night to help patients have a restful sleep. Studies confirm that essential oils really do make a difference and reduce patients’ reliance on using drugs for their sleeping problems. SLEEP Essential oils that are useful to assist with peaceful sleep include: basil, clary sage, lavender, roman chamomile, marjoram, melissa, rose geranium, sandalwood and vetiver to name a few. Only use low doses of the oils or they may Contributed by: Joanne Bruce N.D be stimulating. By Joanne Bruce N.D. Regular aromatherapy massage treatments will reduce stress, tension, aches and pains and bring relaxation to the body. Give yourself a daily self massage especially on the feet, legs, hands, shoulders and head. Here are few oils to help you have a peaceful sleep: 72 | AMSPA SPA & WELLNESS GUIDE 2020 - 2021
LAVENDER CLARY SAGE Lavender has been used throughout history for Originating In Russia and France, clary sage its versatile range of properties and enchanting is a member of the sage family, with a long scent. It balances and regulates our central traditional use as a remedy for female problems. nervous system and brings relief to many of the Its main actions are analgesic, antidepressant, negative effects of stress including irritability, antispasmodic, hormone regulator, neurotonic, anxiety, headaches, cramps, muscle pain, sedative and regenerative. It’s an important palpitations and fatigue. Studies have found essential oil to harmonise female problems it relaxes brain wave patterns, with hospital including PMS and menopause. Clary Sage is studies in United Kingdom showing the oil an uplifting oil that may dispel depression and useful for insomnia in the elderly. Lavender’s anxiety. Its uplifting qualities are useful for stress calming effects are at low dose usage, as it and tension. Calming to the parasympathetic has the opposite effect at high doses. If you’re nervous system, it benefits nervous fatigue and experiencing problems sleeping, a few drops of anxiety. It has been suggested that clary sage lavender on a tissue or cotton ball placed near can help to promote vivid dreams. the pillow will help. SWEET MARJORAM There are over 30 species of Marjoram, which originate from the Mediterranean region and northern Africa. The dried flowering herbs are used to produce sweet marjoram and it’s warming and comforting properties were much used in earlier times to ease stiff aching joints and muscle pain. Some of its therapeutic actions include: antibacterial, antispasmodic, calming, digestive, nervine and sedative. Marjoram acts to balance our parasympathetic nervous system and has tranquilising and seductive effect useful for anxiety, agitation, debility, insomnia, migraine and nervous depression. Marjoram is a potent oil to inhale when there is pain or distress in combination with either ylang ylang or tangerine. As massage oil, its warming and pain-relieving properties may assist muscle aches and pains, arthritis and painful periods. BASIL CHAMOMILE ROMAN A common herb used in cooking, basil also A lovely flowering plant, chamomile has a long originated in the Mediterranean region. It has history of being a popular herbal tea used for many different varieties, each with their own its calming effects. Note to take care when unique properties. Its action includes: anti- taking chamomile tea if you have allergies to inflammatory, antispasmodic, decongestant, pollens. Its main actions are antiinflammatory, insecticidal, nervine, neurotonic. It’s useful antispasmodic, calming, digestive, sedative, for digestive and male problems, as well as vulnerary. Roman Chamomile is a useful for the respiratory system. In terms of sleep remedy for children’s problems, for PMS as well related problems, it can relieve anxiety, nervous as digestive problems and tummy aches. Its insomnia, nervousness, depression and mental properties will also assist those with insomnia, strain. Can be a skin irritant so take care when irritability, migraines, headaches and depression. using externally. 73 | AMSPA SPA & WELLNESS GUIDE 2020 - 2021
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WELLNESS RETAIL “Aromatherapy is a caring, hands on therapy, which seeks to induce relaxation, to increase energy, to reduce the effects of stress and to restore lost balance to mind, body and soul.” Robert Tisserand
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Wellness Retail Spaveda DID YOU KNOW... All products deemed as cosmetics for use on the skin, which are sold in Malaysia must be registered with National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA)? Every registered product is issued a valid Notification (N.O.T.) Number and is deemed to be safe for human use and in accordance with the Control of Drugs and Cosmetic Regulations 1984. This is a statutory requirement by MOTAC for its Star Rating for Spa and Foot Massages Centre. Consumers can conduct a search on product Notification via this link: https://www.npra.gov.my/index.php/en/consumers/ information/products-search 84
© PHOTO CREDITED TO ENERGY DAY SPA ACUPRESSURE Acupressure, a combination of acupuncture and finger pressure is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique derived from acupuncture. In acupressure physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points by the hand, elbow or with various tools. AYURVEDIC MASSAGE Ayurveda is a natural health care system practiced for thousands of years originating from India. It incorporates massage, yoga, meditation and herbal remedies. A type of Ayurvedic massage known as Abhyanga is usually performed by one or two therapists using a heated blend of herbal oils based on the ayurvedic system of doshas. BALINESE MASSAGE Balinese traditional massage infuses ancient traditions and practices together with massage treatments that helps to keep your body physically and spiritually balanced, and leaves you feeling wonderfully refreshed and relaxed. The techniques include palm gliding, skin rolling, kneading, and long and firm stroking movements. The massage therapist applies aromatic oils throughout the massage. A client's circulation and energy flow is said to improve as a result of this traditional treatment. Balinese hot stone is an option. CHINESE TRADITIONAL MASSAGE Two types of traditional Chinese massages exist- Tui na, which focuses on pushing, stretching, and kneading the muscles, and Zhi Ya, which focuses on pinching and pressing at acupressure points. Both are based on principles from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). 85 | AMSPA SPA & WELLNESS GUIDE 2020 - 2021
DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE Deep tissue massage combines Swedish massage movements together with specialised finger and thumb techniques that concentrate on freeing up tension held in the body’s connective tissues. These carefully applied penetrating movements effectively loosen contracted and stressed muscle, help release adhesions and generally bring a feeling of deep relaxation. Deep tissue massage is often recommended for individuals who experience body stress and tension, consistent aches and pains, and for those involved in heavy physical activity and sustained physical injuries such as athletes. MEDICAL MASSAGE Massage used in the medical field includes de- congestive therapy used for lymph oedema, which can be used in conjunction with the treatment of breast cancer. Carotid sinus massage is used to diagnose carotid sinus syncope and is sometimes useful for differentiating supraventicular tachycardia (SVT) from ventricular tachycardia. Like the valsalva manoeuvre, it is a therapy for SVT. However, it is less effective than management of SVT with medications. REFLEXOLOGY Reflexology is a Chinese traditional massage therapy based on the principle that there are reflexes in the hands and feet that are connected to every organ, gland, and system of the body. The most common treatment is focused on carefully applied pressure techniques applied to the various reflexology points on the feet to bring about soothing relaxation. SHIATSU Shiatsu (shi means 'finger' and atsu means 'pressure') is an eastern therapy that uses pressure applied with thumbs, fingers, and palms to the same energy meridians as acupressure, and also incorporates stretching. It also uses techniques such as rolling, brushing, vibrating and grasping.Pressure is applied on client's back, legs, and feet. SWEDISH MASSAGE Classic western massage popularly practiced in most spas around the world is based on a technique known as Swedish massage. Developed in the early 1800’s by Per Henrik Ling and refined by Johan Georg Mezger, Swedish massage is based on a series of comfortable flowing movements including effleurage, petrissage, tapotement and friction. These soothing massage techniques have been shown to be helpful in bringing comfort to general muscle aches and pains, joint stiffness, poor circulation, and stress. STONE MASSAGE Stone massage uses cold or water-heated stones to apply pressure and heat to the body. Stones coated in oil can also be used by the therapist delivering various massage strokes. The stones are commonly river stones, which over time become extremely polished and smooth. As the stones are placed along the recipient’s back, the heat penetrates into the muscles, releasing tension. THAI MASSAGE Known in Thailand as nuat phaen boran, which means ancient or traditional massage. Thai massage originated in India and is based on ayurveda and yoga. The technique combines massage with yogalike positions during the course of the massage. The northern style emphasises stretching whilst the southern style emphasises acupressure. 86 | AMSPA SPA & WELLNESS GUIDE 2020 - 2021
SPA AND WELLNESS ACADEMIES “Massage Therapists… Creating peace on earth, one massage at a time.” Anonymous
DID YOU KNOW... The SLDN program conducted by JPK follows the German’s dual system method that is based on industry-driven training concept, which is operated through collaboration between companies and training institutions? Therapists under this program are required to spend up to 80 percent of their training period in the industry. Apprentices who successfully complete the training will be awarded: i. Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) Level 1, 2, 3 ii. Malaysian Skills Diploma (DKM) iii. Malaysian Skills Advanced Diploma (DLKM)
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