FROM COMPUTERS TO THERAPY

Yet Wah, 26

Spa therapist at Estheva Spa (which was re-located to Ion Orchard this month) for four years. The Singaporean sees up to 49 customers in a week.

Specialises in: Chakra Hot Stone Massage, which helps to stimulate energy flow and blood circulation.

It also helps to detoxify the body and uses a specially blended Chakra Stone Massage oil imported from Italy to help smooth and nourish the skin.

This massage is suitable for customers who feel physically and emotionally drained and are looking for a relaxing and pampering experience.

It costs $185 for 90 minutes.

Why did you become a massage therapist?

I am a diploma holder in Computer Science but I decided to become a massage therapist four years ago as I enjoy helping others to de-stress.

I was trained in a beauty school in Kuala Lumpur.

What makes your massages effective?

I think the most important thing is to understand the customers' needs so that I can adjust my massages to alleviate their problems and at the same time pamper them.

I think it takes a lot of patience and skill to achieve this and I am still learning how to improve myself.

EXPOSURE SINCE YOUNG

Happy Asianti, 26

Body therapist at Spa Esprit at 8D Dempsey Road. She has been in this line for five years and sees an average of 25 customers a week.

Specialises in: Aromatherapy massage, which is a massage technique that involves pouring scented essential oil on the body and kneading the sore muscles.

This therapy is especially good for people who want to destress and ease tense muscles in their back, neck and limbs.

A 60-minute session with Asianti costs $120 while a 90-minute one costs $165.

Why did you become a massage therapist?

I have relatives who are professional masseurs, so I have been exposed to the art of massage since I was little.

I was trained at a beauty school in Indonesia and also had on-the-job training at Spa Esprit.

What makes your massages effective?

I can usually sense the mood of the customer.

An aromatherapy massage is a very intuitive process: Besides unknotting tight muscles, it can also help to dispel negative mental energy.

I am very calm by nature and this helps to further relax my customers.

CLIENTS BECOME FRIENDS

May Yeo, 45

Masseuse at Body Contours spa at Roxy Square Shopping Centre. She has been in this line for 12 years and sees about 70 clients in a week.

Specialises in: Chinese tuina, a form of massage that uses Chinese Taoist and martial art principles to relieve pain and tension by applying pressure on one's meridian points.

This type of massage is good for people suffering from sports injuries and who have a high threshold of pain.

Yeo's tui na services will set you back $180 for 60minutes.

Why did you become a massage therapist?

A touch soothes not just the body but also the spirit. A touch can relieve the day's worries.

The ability to help someone relieve his aches and improve his overall well-being has kept me going for the last 12 years.

I was trained in a beauty school in China and my skills were further honed at Body Contours.

What makes your massages effective?

My ability to relate to my customers helps me deliver a good massage.

A genuine desire to serve people endears me to my clients, most of whom have become my friends over the years.

DE-STRESSING EXECUTIVES

Lynette Loh, 31

Founder of Lush Spa at Mount Pleasant's Singapore Polo Club. She has nine years of experience and sees about 50 customers weekly. Specialises in: Lush Signature Massage, a combination of long relaxing strokes and accupressure.

This massage is suitable for people with aching and tense muscles and costs $110 for an hour.

Why did you become a massage therapist?

I worked in the media and advertising sectors for a couple of years and after more than a decade of hectic corporate life, I realised that many executives are highly strung.

I wanted to create a massage company that brings stress relief programmes to executives.

I have a massage certificate from the International Therapy Examination Council.

What makes your massages effective?

Clients are required to fill in a consultation form covering their medical history and current levels of stress.

You also have to know when your customers flinch, check if the pressure is okay and make sure they are comfortable with the room temperature.

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times.