For a quick, covenient, soothing & free massage, go to A Tai Chi Wellness Store near you

January and February are commonly two of the coldest months of the year. Succeeding the Christmas season, this cold spell can do a lot of harm to people, especially those who ingested unhealthy stuff like cholesterol, fats and sugar during the holiday revelry. With these elements and lack of exercise, a common occurrence in cold weather, people are prone to colds and various aches and pains caused by what we locally call ‘lamig’.

One known remedy is going to a massage therapist, a spa or massage parlor. I found out that a Tai Chi Wellness Store is the perfect place for a soothing and free massage when I visited their branch at SM North EDSA. Using a herbal and coconut virgin coconut oil (VCO) line of liniments called Tai Chi Liniments and Rubs, the trained massage therapist relaxed my body and soothed away the stress, aches & pains.

A typical Tai Chi Wellness Store in SM

“People who want to try the free massage with the liniment will not worry about the sticky feeling and the strong scent normally attached to a liniment as it is VCO-based. Instead, it will leave your skin moisturized and will leave a subtle and relaxing scent,” says Kirk Chester Dy, marketing head of Rhodesian Distributors which markets Tai Chi and operates the wellness stores when I interviewed him.

VCO is recognized as the “healthiest oil on earth” and is proven by numerous clinical studies as having natural antiviral and antibacterial properties. It is also proven safe for both external and internal applications and has smoothing and nourishing qualities.

Numerous clinical tests found out that VCO penetrates deeper into the skin as opposed to mineral oil, which just stays on the skin superficially, due to its smaller molecules. This means the potency of the other natural medicinal ingredients contained in Tai Chi variants like Chili and Ginger are increased.

Tai Chi has different variants for different needs. The Chili Liniment has capsaicin, the curative compound in chili peppers that is a deep-heating stimulant, that enhances blood flow and relieves aches and pains. Capsaicin also provides soothing relief for severe arthritis and rheumatism.

The complete line of Tai Chi Liniments and Rubs: (from left to right) Tai Chi VCO with Ginger Extract, Tai Chi VCO with Chili Extract, Tai Chi VCO Ginger Liniment for kids and Tai Chi Ginger Rub.

The Ginger Liniment and Rub has ginger extract, which is scientifically proven to contain anti-bacterial, anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties, aside from being an insect repellant and a strong circulation stimulant. It also has methyl salicylate and menthol, which reduce inflammation and help dissolve blood clots (vasodilatation), respectively.

The Tai Chi Ginger Liniment for Kids is specially formulated for kids’ sensitive skin type.

Tai Chi products and Tai Chi Wellness Centers are found in popular malls such as in SM North EDSA, SM Valenzuela, SM Taytay, Robinsons Ermita, Robinsons Otis, Robinsons Imus, Robinsons Dasmarinas, Robinsons Metro East, Robinsons Cainta, Robinsons Novaliches, Metro Market Market, Sta. Lucia Mall, 168 Mall Cluster 5, 999 Mall, Tutuban Mall, Divisoria Mall, Zabarte Town Center, Malabon Citi Square, Araneta Square, Isetann Recto & opening this February at SM Annex and SM Fairview.

It is also found in major supermarkets & drugstores such as Mercury Drug nationwide. For product info, call its hotline at 367-4494 or (02) 364-9598.

I do love massages and I indulge once in a while. I also have spa clients for PR that's why I'm quite knowledgeable about massage types and techniques. But obviously I don't have much time and I'm always at the malls for meetings and work. Malls are my virtual office next to my actual office.

With Tai Chi Wellness stores in malls, now I know where to go for that quick but thorough massage without breaking the bank.

By Paolo Angelo Florenda