Walk on my back, please!

[subhasish g]

No, I'm not a sado-masochist. But, I've been sitting in front of the word processor way too much lately and have major tension in my back. So, I'm in need of a massage, and I've been thinking I should try one of those places where the girl stands on your back uses her feet to massage you. Can anyone recommend a MPA that does this well? A good release would be a bonus but, honestly, I'm more interested in the massage right now.

Thanks,

babyface

 

[nestprop]

Anne at Chang's Holistic will walk on your back (using her knees). If, as you say, you're more interested in the massage than the release, this is definitely the place for you.

 

[Haute Couture]

Both Anne and Shirley use their knees and shins on your back. Anne is the only one who will stand up on your back.

Back walking is normal when you ask for a Japanese shiatsu.

 

[walksideways]

If what you want is someone to walk on your back (actually, they don't really "walk," they stand on your buttocks or thighs and use leverage with their feet to apply pressure to your back, shoulders, arms and legs -- though after you are loosened up they may for very short periods of time use both feet to actually stand on your back) then I think you want to try any of the ladies at Dragon Lady at 525 Eglinton West or Sabrina at TuiNa on Bayview.

Anne at Chang's is good, but the others are better, IMHO.

But make sure that you can tolerate that kind of pressure and that you can breathe in rhythm with the massage. If you resist or stiffen up to the pressure, you may suffer more injury.... Note that I said stiffen up to the pressure

BTW, Sheik: "Back walking" is not part of Shiatsu: Shiatsu is finger pressure!

Perry

 

[lalahamster]

WTF?

Am I missing something?

Perry

 

[Pompal 09.]

Yes I'm aware of that Perry, but I'm quoting what I was told by lass who actually does that for a living....maybe I'm wrong, but she called it Japanese Shiatsu when they do the back walking, using the heels and toes.


Perry's right, backwalking is not for those that are inexperienced.


Damn, I miss Michelle....

 

[the fullback]

Perry, thanks for the info about Dragon Ladies and Sabrina. I've only seen Anne, but if you say they're better for back walks, I'll have to try them soon.

I also think LDB and Perry are right about having too intense a massage if you're in serious pain. I know that Anne will work-up to the back-walk slowly, and check with you along the way to make sure you're OK. Both she and Shirley at Chang's won't do anything to make a client worse off - they are extremely professional. If indeed the back pain is serious, a visit to a chiropractor or your GP may be in order to best determine what needs to be done.

 

[HOSS]

There is a very important part of back walking is the weight of the MPA they should be around 100 lbs, and you need to control your breathing, you need to breath out when the pressure is on, and breath in when the pressure is off, don

 

[1ofdbest]

Thanks for the advice, guys. I'm pretty sure the tension in my back is stress-generated (as opposed to resulting from a more serious illness), so I think I'd be OK with a back walk. But thanks for warning me about the risks.

3Tees and Sheik - thanks for the info on Chang's. Sounds tempting...

Perry - thanks for the additional suggestions. In previous posts you were a big fan of Chang's (and I presume you still are), so if you say the girls at Dragon Lady or TuiNa are better, then they must be really good! (BTW, my dad loves to watch reruns of your TV show!)

LDB - uh, thanks but NO thanks... I think I'll stick with the tried-and-true MPAs. If you had a sister, maybe... *wink*

Peace,

babyface

 

[Pompal 09.]

I concur with Perry's recommendation. I made it out to Dragon Lady's establishment this last Saturday. Walked up the stairs to the second floor and asked an older lady about Nancy.
"She no here today..you try her - she give very good massage." pointing toward an attendant at the top of the stairs. I was keen on trying the services at this establishment and I agreed.
I entered the room with the girl and tried to make small talk. Attendant was on the slender side, pleasant face/eyes with nicely framed glasses. The best I could make out was Wenny/Winny for her name. She apparently is new, and works weekends.
I took the hour massage ($80) and had a truly enjoyable time.
Wenny asked me if I'd like a firm massage and I quickly confirmed her question. The following hour was a pleasure. Lots of firm, direct massage at the needed areas of my aching body. I was amazed at the pressure she continued to use on me throughout the whole hour.She proceeded to "walk" on my back/buttocks with excellent results.

After I turned over, I noticed the special bars that had been installed over the massage table. Interesting set-up!
Needless to say, the finish was just as pleasurable as the complete massage. Nice clean-up, warm towel, another towel to wipe away any excess oil from my back, and a little additional neck massage after I sat up.

Will I repeat? Yes! I was floating on air for the remainder of the day. Very professional, trained massage. She found the trouble spots that other pros have found on my body with with no problem at all. Spent quite a bit of time working out those areas.
Lately, I've been looking for more actual massage action for my buck. Who knows, maybe it's the colder weather? (or the lack of a good Australian Shiraz in the last while?)
I definitely recommend this establishment. (IMHO) Looking forward to fitting this place into the rotation of various other places.