Store
1Do I have to bring anything when I go to KARADA for a treatment?
You do not have to bring anything. A set of change of clothes will be provided for each client.
Courses
1What are the services in KARADA?
We have three major services: AP Balance, Body Treatment and Foot Treatment. Each service has a duration category from 30mins, 60mins to 90mins. Aside from these three, we have special courses which are combinations of the said services: AP/BT, AP/FT, BT/FT, AP Special (AP/BT/FT) that can last from 60mins, 90mins to 120mins.
2What is AP Balance?
AP Balance is an original technique of KARADA that focuses on identifying the causes of discomfort in the body, increasing blood flow and improving your posture. This technique relieves body pain and prevents it from recurring. Moreover it can help remove stress. (It is said that 70% of body pain comes from stress.)
3Who needs AP Balance?
AP Balance treatment is best for people with “general malaise”. These are people who experience pain without any idea what the source is. (It is said that 70% of body pain comes from stress.) Basically people with “general malaise” are people experiencing stress-related problems. Also, this treatment is good for recurring (chronic) pain.
4Is it safe?
Yes. Anyone can take it, as young as 12 years and as old as anyone can be as long as there are no serious illnesses and injuries. AP Balance is a treatment that can be customized to the age, status, and condition of a client. Moreover, our staffs are very well trained by Japanese standards.
5What are the benefits of AP Balance?
2 main benefits: stress control and hormonal balance. Others: better posture, slimmer figure, eradication of recurring body pains, healthier lifestyle, etc. There are a lot of benefits that one can get from AP Balance but we can cater the treatment depending on the aim and objective of the client.
6What are the contraindications?
Pregnant women at their first 3 months stage, people with serious illness or injury, people who have undergone surgeries, intoxicated people, cancer patients, etc. People with hypertension and diabetes can take the treatment as long as they have medications.
7What is Body Treatment? What makes it different from other massage techniques?
It is a dry treatment (no usage of oil) of loosening up stiff muscles in the body. It is similar to Shiatsu but more effective since we use body weight to give pressure instead of mere force. Also, stretching techniques are incorporated. It is often described as “itakimochii” or in English, painful but relaxing (in Filipino, masakit pero masarap) which is different from the usual “relaxing” massage. Mostly, massage can give a spine-chilling sensation since it triggers the superficial part of the body (just the outer layers of the skin). Our Body Treatment, however, addresses the deepest core of the muscles and loosens up their stiffness making the procedure painful but since stiffness of the body is removed, relief and relaxation can be felt afterwards.
8Who needs Body Treatment?
This treatment is best for people who have just finished working out in the gym, exercising or walking. Compared to AP Balance which is good for treating recurring body pains, body treatment is a way to address temporary muscle pains due to strenuous activities or suddenly forced movements.
9What is Foot Treatment? What makes it different from other foot massages?
It is a treatment wherein we stimulate the reflex zones of the muscles and internal organs of the body on the feet. Similar to Body Treatment, this treatment is also “itakimochii” since waste products accumulated at the foot area are being stimulated to be released. Our technique was adapted from Taiwan and it uses only bare hands and body weight to give pressure compared to the usage of sticks for most Thai massage salons. Most foot massages here in the Philippines are just the “foot spa” kind which only removes dirt and dead skin cells on feet; they are more of a beauty care than a treatment. Moreover, we use cream instead of oil.
10Who needs Foot Treatment?
This is best for people who wish to detoxify their bodies. Some people experience swelling (manas) especially in their lower extremities because of the accumulation of the waste products in the area. Taking this treatment flushes out waste products and also relieves exhaustion on the leg/foot area.
*Mostly girls/ladies take this treatment when they experience tiredness from wearing high heels.
Treatment
1What should I do to have a treatment at KARADA?
Although the store normally accepts walk-ins, there is a possibility that the store will not be able to accommodate clients especially during peak hours. It is still advised to have a reservation first. Reservation includes not only the duration but also the treatment as well. For clients not aware of the courses/services offered, they can tell the staff regarding their body concerns and then the staff shall advise the treatment which best suits their concerns.
2What will happen after I take the treatment?
Taking the treatment (be it AP, BT or FT) leads to a healthier body condition but this also requires the body to adapt drastically which results to some after-effects – feverish, sluggishness, exhaustion and muscle pain (after-exercise sensation), significant release of waste products (yellowish urine, vomiting, perspiring, regular bowel movement). After-effects can differ depending on the treatment and the body condition of the client.
3How many times/How long shall I take the treatment?
After taking the treatment for the first time, we advise you to come back after 3 days. Generally, the body condition comes back to its original state after 4-5 days so it is best that we treat the body before that. The second time is crucial since it is when the pacing will be decided depending on how the body adapted to the treatment. Body habits developed for many years (slouching, one-leg standing, etc.) easily comes back even after the treatment. But since we address the source of these body habit problems instead of just relieving them, we can change the body condition of the client into a better state (eg. Not easily tired body). Regularly taking the treatment 5-10 times within 2 months can already result to a significant change but since the body would need to maintain the changes, pacing for maintenance is advisable after the two months.
4What should I do after having the treatment at KARADA? Are there any home management that I should I follow?
For starters, it is best to continue the treatment without long intervals. But if you cannot come regularly for a visit, it is best to do some light stretching and walking. For people who are concerned with their sleeping problems (insomnia), it is best to use our Skeletal Pro Pillow. For people concerned with their body posture, we offer body-correcting garments such as the night pajamas, leggings, etc. These products serve as a home management and can greatly help increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
5Are there things I cannot do after the treatment?
Nothing in particular. However, since blood circulation is in a very good state, it is advisable not to drink alcohol, go to sauna and hot showers to avoid over-exhaustion. Also, since stiff joints and muscles are loosened up, the maximum capacity to perform strenuous activities increases which might also result to over-exhaustion or injuries if not careful. (Especially for AP Balance)