The Adventures of Ate Chechebells: Bishan

Haiz! working and juggling everything in between nowadays can take a toll on someone and your's truly is no exception.

Warning hahahahah this will be kinda a long post but if you do stay and read until the end there is a giveaway and some more hahaha.

Growing up, I usually laugh at my late mom for getting those weekly massages from an old lady that goes to our house, now thinking back no wonder she never complain about any aches and I tell you I and my siblings are not an easy bunch to take care of hahahhahaa.

Fast forward to the future, I love getting massages as in, and I wished that I listened to my Mom when she was trying to make me have one when I was younger :-(

So instead of me telling you what my Mom said why it's good for your body, let me tell you what Google said hahaha

According to http://www.livestrong.com

Massage has been used since ancient times to relieve pain and promote healing. There are many different types of massage but most offer similar benefits. Massage is not typically considered a replacement for other types of medical care but can be used along with other methods of treatment to provide the best possible outcomes for patients. Consult with a licensed massage therapist to discuss what type of massage might work best for you and how you might benefit from massage therapy.

A Natural Pain Reliever

Massage relieves pain for many people, including those with arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus, back injuries, migraines, sports injuries and many other conditions. Massage relieves pain by reducing muscle tension and also by triggering the release of endorphins, natural pain relieving chemicals in the brain, according to the Florida State Massage Therapy Association.

According to the Florida State Massage Therapy Association, massage increases the level of serotonin in the brain, which helps prevent or lessen depression. That’s the same thing many antidepressant medications, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, do. In addition, many people find massage comforting and simply benefit from some human touch and a sense of connection with the massage therapist, which can also help with depression.

Reduces Stress Level

Massage reduces tension and induces relaxation, which relieves anxiety. The increase in serotonin helps reduce anxiety, as well. Massage also relieves some of the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heart rate.

Catch Some Better Zzzs

Massage helps many people relax, which can help with insomnia and improve the quality of sleep. Anxiety, pain, and depression often interfere with a good night’s sleep, and when massage helps relieve those conditions, it can also improve sleep.

Improves Immune System Functioning

According to MassageTherapy.com, a website operated by Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals to educate the public about massage, massage improves immune system function by stimulating the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system helps rid the body of waste, debris, toxins, and pathogens. Fluid circulates through the lymphatic system much like blood circulates through the cardiovascular system, but there is no pump such as the heart to help lymph fluid circulate. Massage helps lymph fluid circulate, though, as explained on the website of the National Integrated Health Associates.

Gets the Blood Flowing

According to the Florida State Massage Therapy Association, massage lowers high blood pressure and also slows the heart rate. Of course, massage helps people relax and that also reduces blood pressure. Massage improves circulation, according to MassageTherapy.com, which improves blood flow to all of the organs. Good circulation improves the condition of the skin, too, which is, in fact, that body’s largest organ. It may even reduce scar tissue or stretch marks.

So if those didn't convince you then I don't know what will hahaha. Well it didn't take a lot of convincing when Whatjess1023 offered me to try the services of Yi Zhen Reflexology Spa it's a 40 min Foot reflexology and a 30 min Body massage, how could I say no and plus it's just in my neighborhood Bishan.

Yi Zhen Reflexology Spa is located at Block 503, Bishan St 11, #01-452, Singapore 570503, just a few minutes walk from Bishan MRT.

They concentrate more on the traditional ancient Chinese method of foot reflexology and massage to relieve pain and overall sickness.

Once you enter you will be greeted by this cute reception area.

The foot reflexology area is comfy with only 4 chairs is a plus for me, even if the place is a full house you wouldn't feel crowded. It is also dimly lit which is good, the picture above was taken with all their lights on.

Before the start of the foot reflexology, they will soak your tired overworked feet in a tub of lukewarm water which feels so good. The guy who was assigned to me is good, the pressure will give you pain but a good pain, I don't know about you, but I always call it painfully nice, once he releases the point you will feel a good relief and you will tell yourself that the pain was worth it. He is nice for he will ask you if it's hard and you want it softer, of course, I said I am ok, painfully nice remember. The pressing of the points and kneading made my feet and legs feel great afterward.

Now, this is where it gets interesting my full body massage, the room is small but again cozy and clean. When I was doing my footsie, the owner Ms. Cindy who is so nice asked me if I want to try cupping hahaha haha, I am such a scary cat but I said yes, some of my local friends swear by the benefits of cupping.

Again Google said The suction and negative pressure provided by cupping can loosen muscles, encourage blood flow, and sedate the nervous system (which makes it an excellent treatment for high blood pressure). Cupping is used to relieve back and neck pains, stiff muscles, anxiety, fatigue, migraines, rheumatism, and even cellulite. Ms Cindy also explained almost the same thing, well better now or never right? hahaha hahaha and since my back and shoulder are killing me I got to give it a try with the massages.

My masseuse who again I was not able to get her name (toink!) was patient with me I am a very ticklish person and she was able to work around it during the body massage, she knows which points to put on pressure and she kneading all the air and muscles away till it was relaxed.

Now my cupping session which was done after the body massage, excuse the pictures. For a newbie like me, it was great it was not as painful as I expected, tolerable they did try to walk the cup at the start that was painful so they just did the traditional cupping, you just have to stay still for 10-15 mins and enjoy the sensation of all your toxins being pulled away from you. See those red circles when they took out the cups, it means that the toxins are taken out from your body Ewwww!! but a good Ewwww!! hahaha hahaha. Yah after the session I feel sore as in sore but give it a few days your bruising will be gone and your aches and pains too, and the tightness that I felt before the session was kapoof!! gone, now I understand why it could be addictive hahahhaha. Will I go again? YES!!!

After my fulfilling session, they will offer you tea or warm water, I choose the latter for I was going to dinner with my brother Phlebas :-)

Overall my experience with them is excellent, the staff are nice and helpful and Ms. Cindy is an awesome host learned a lot from her about the benefits of reflexology and massages she gives you this feeling that you are talking to your Mom, and she is cool.Will I go back to them, yup yup already planning with my gang (hubbyness and bro)

And because Yi Zhen Reflexology Spa are awesome people they are doing a giveaway.

This giveaway will run on both my Facebook and Instagram accounts.