Divine Medspa

Robertson Walk #02-15, 11 Unity Street,

Call +65 672 5578
www.divinemedspa.com

A fairly new offering at Divine Medspa, the Sabai Sabai treatment combines Swedish massage and Thai herbal compresses.  My masseuse Amy is Thai herself and has had many years of experience with this technique, so before she starts I ask her all about it.

She explains that the herbal compresses are muslin pouches filled with a collection of medicinal aromatic herbs traditionally grown in Thailand, such as lemongrass, galangal, turmeric and tamarind leaves. The balls are placed in a steamer to stimulate the herbs to release their oils and aromas, and then pressed or rolled onto the body.  The heat relieves tension, and the emanations from the herbs are absorbed through the skin. Some of the herbs have drawing properties that calm inflamed muscles and tendons; they also help release energy blockages.

From a choice of oils, I select “Happiness”; its main ingredient is ylang ylang, which I love. 

Amy starts off the massage, firm Swedish strokes with a twist of Thai.   After the smooth effleurage method of the Swedish massage, she uses her forearm (and sometimes elbow) to break down the tension in my knotty back.  There’s never a moment when she isn’t connected with my body – another sign of a skilful masseuse.

The room temperature is just right and the massage bed is heated, so my body is very relaxed. In the initial consultation, I indicated that my back was the key areas to focus on, so Amy works the hot compresses up and down my spine and across my lower back, which tends to seize up if I stand for too long; it’s an age thing! I like the way the compresses are used, in a “press and roll” motion, and they are pretty hot: it doesn’t burn, but you know that it’s working deep below the surface.

The therapeutic effect of this treatment is deep, so you don’t want to leap off the table immediately. Take a few minutes to let the fog clear. Luckily, there’s a nearby lift that takes me straight to the car park. Once again, I am impressed with holistic medical spa Divine Medspa’s level of care and service.