Massage Therapy That Works
December 28, 2009
Nevermind that you are half naked. Nevermind that you are wearing a curtain with rubberband. Nevermind that you are lying on your stomach, completely vulnerable. When elbow comes down, you are in utter bliss. Forget that you are being kneaded like a giant blob of dough on a baker’s counter. The only thing you care about is that you woke up this morning in blinding agony, neck cricked on one side and swearing like a sailor; and now, all of that seems like a drugged fantasy.
That was me on a Sunday afternoon. I had injured my shoulder and neck a few weeks ago. That is what happens when human sacks of potatoes slip and fall. I had spent copious amounts of cash on masseurs and masseuses all over town but here I was, weeks later, and a second injury on top of the first.
There are about a million massage centres, foot reflexology spas, fish therapy rooms and quacky gurus from Batu Lintang to BDC. I’ve tried about 500,000 of them and decided that maybe one is okay for certain ailments, one is okay if I’m feeling charitable, most have quality control issues, and some think I will pay for hanky panky.
Friends recommend their favourite to me all the time but I am a royal fusspot when it comes to massage. Most of the time, recommendations just do not cut it for me. The first time I heard of Beijing Natural Healing was from an old friend who had a serious problem with his shoulder four years ago. As usual, I pooh-poohed it away, knowing that these rave reviews seldom amount to much. More recently, friend who have had chronic back and knee problems started talking about Beijing again and how they engage only masters from Harbin in China.
I have a problem with my Achilles tendon on top of my injuries. Two reflexologies and a corrective therapy later, I am quite happy to sing the praises of the masseurs at Beijing Natural Healing. They know their stuff and have been consistent in standards. They don’t say much, these masters. They look, touch, and they know how to make you squirm. The dough-kneading was fantastic, but by the time he worked his way down to my shoulder, I felt like a wet towel being wrung out to dry. The strain and pain is gone, I feel a bit bruised from all the manhandling; but I’m going back for more. A 90% improvement after one session is something to write home about. After the shoulder, I’m going all out for the Achilles heel.
Beijing Natural Healing, 103, R.H. Plaza. One for the books.
The Old Lady Who Lived in a Flat
December 18, 2009
There lived an old lady who stayed in a flat
Who had nobody but a big old fat cat
Two dogs and a flea and a battered old hat
And of course the two flat owners
Who acted like they owned her
Her heart was gold
And filled with kindness
That’s how the girl next door
Was drawn from her shyness
They talked about everything
From dogs to flowers
From gardening and fish
To bright giant towers
But one day the old lady
Came running, crying
“They’ve kicked me out
They don’t want me about
For I’m old and useless
And slow and worthless
I am off now, I don’t know where
Remember me, dear, remember our days
Remember also people’s unkind ways”
There was an old lady who used to be there
Who had nobody but a big old fat cat
Two dogs and a flea and a battered old hat
And of course the two flat owners
Who finally disowned her
*Hmm…the Wordsmith is a lot of things, but poet she ain’t.*
Pic: The old lady’s flowers.
Man
December 10, 2009
He was completely sloshed by 9.30 in the morning. I was admiring his tats until I got within a few feet of him and the waft of langkau permeated the expanse of air between him and I.
He seemed to think that I was deaf, and that my ears were on my nostrils. And so he yelled into my nose.
Still, I think his his tats are cool. Wonder what bejalai stories they hold.
Keeping Things Simple This Holiday
December 3, 2009
Keeping busy is a wonderful thing, but it does mean opportunity costs for things that lie beyond the to-do list, like blogging, for example.
The holiday season is upon us. I try to unclutter if I can, when I can. For those of you who aspire towards the same, here’re some tips I found to be profoundly useful. Enjoy.
1. Don’t let perfectionism ruin your holidays.
2. Make a list of 5 projects/tasks you want to finish before the end of the year.
3. Heed your limits of time and money.
4. When you start to get irritable - take a break.
5. Say what you want, instead of hinting.
6. You get to choose how busy you want this season to be.
7. Take a drive to see the lights.