edit I just wanted to add research on the sweat thing. Eccrine sweat glands are most likely what kind of sweat the silky sweat is, but its mostly just water. The other kind of sweat is apocrine which has an odor, but that is the one that contains sebum, proteins, lipids and steroids. So I am unsure how eccrine sweat is beneficial... as... it is mostly just water with some elecrolytes. It does provide protection to the acid mantle. (Sebum and sweat combine to create a slightly acidic PH to the skin to prevent bacteria from growin).
I enjoyed my experience. Someone else did a review and explained the entire process, so I won't do it here. The people who work there are exceptionally friendly. The owners are a couple. We had the private room for 2 + the facial and neck massage. We were never rushed, and they never shorted us time for the fact we took a shower and arrived into the cool room at 10 past. They in fact, gave us extra time which I thought was very nice of them. They also never came to tell us to leave so it felt like they are very relaxed and not rigid so long as no one else needs the spot, which again, is very kind of them.
I'm not 100% sure on the science behind it as I have not looked into it, but the owner explained it and informed us he has studied it extensively. I have had pain for a long time. I have studied things to help my pain... I understand heat can relax muscles. I am just unsure if this particular thing helps out as much as they say. Time will tell. At the cost of $45 per visit, its not something you can easily go to all the time for the average joe however. I am not saying I disagree with him (its hard to since I haven't studied it), but I just somehow wasn't wholly convinced. Probably because its one of those, "This is good for everything." I guess you can argue its like water... which is also good for everything that ails you. So maybe? I noticed they will be doing a monthly membership... so for someone with a lot of pain, if the science works as they say, it might be better for someone to go a lot for a period of time.
Compared to say a float, this is a lot simpler since you don't have to get wet. You can go in, lay down, rest, and get out. We had 90 minutes, but after 60 minutes I was personally uncomfortable and ready to go. It was not the most comfortable thing for me and I had issues laying on the stone due to my back. This is not uncommon, and they did warn us that might be a thing. They did say we could use towels to prop up certain body parts to help, but for whatever reason I didn't ask for extras... nor am I certain I know where to place them. I would also skip the facial and neck massage if you are used to actual massages. If you are going all out for a gift, sure get it, but it isn't something substantial enough for me to recommend.
Ultimately its a nice new thing to try in Winnipeg. With competition like Thermea and Float (they are in the same price range), they will need to prove that their stones do have the healing properties they say. Most likely with more reviews pouring in, over time, people will get a better sense of if it...
Read moreMy sister went here and her friend who was in car accident went here and after their session, they said their bodies felt so much better. I decided to try it out for myself. When you come in, you're immediately greeted warmly by the owners. Your shoes are to be removed at the entrance and they provided you with Japanese-style flip-flops to walk around with. I noticed how immaculately clean the entire place is. You'll be given a Japanese-style robe, large towel, small towel, locker key. If it's your first time, get there 15 mins prior to your appointment. They'll explain the process, and the waiver that you'll need to sign. In the changeroom, you'll remove all your clothing and change into the rob. Then the staff will briefly remind you of your allotted time and provide you a tumblr of water so you can stay hydrated throughout your session. There are 3 beds to choose from; Jade, Maifan Stone and Tourmaline. I chose the Tourmaline because it is described that it releases an electric charge when heated and loosens the trigger points in the body and my neck and back had some tension the last several days. My session was for 1 hour and I pretty much stayed in the hot room the whole time. It was a very relaxing and tranquil experience. The hot room is a beautiful, super clean space and had bamboo decorations along with calming music which were all nice touches. At any time of your session, you can switch to the cool room to cool off. After the session, my neck felt much looser, feeling very relieved and dry skin on my face now feeling smooth. Before taking out my wallet to pay, they encouraged me to sit down in the waiting area and provided a me hibiscus tea beverage and we had a nice conversation with the owners. Overall, it was a marvelous and relaxing experience, exceptionally clean space, friendly and warm owners who seem to really care about their customers. Highly recommended and will return again to try out the other beds.
UPDATE: As of Oct 2018. This statement still holds true. I did return again as I was attracted to the promotion email about massage plus ganbanyoku session for a limited time offer. The massage was great and will try other massage options...
Read moreMy visit to Pocca Poca was absolutely amazing! I give it 10 stars!!!
I went with 3 other friends and all 4 of us got the Japanese Detox package, which included 60 min of Ganban-yoku and 60 min Shiatsu massage. We went in two at a time, two to the shiatsu massage while the other two enjoyed the Ganban-yoku, and then we switched (and compared how wonderful we felt after each!)
The Ganban-yoku is the ultimate relaxing, healing experience. Each one of us was given a different healing stone with different therapeutic properties. The history and science behind the stones and their benefits is so incredible, I loved learning about them from Erin during our introduction. It was hot! (and amazing!) You heated up in a slow, gentle manner. I loved it. If you find it too hot, you can go into the lounge to cool off and have some water. I moved positions to feel the heat on different body parts, which felt great and almost fell asleep a few times. The bubbling sound in the background and the low lighting was such a soothing atmosphere. Highly recommend!
This was my first Shiatsu massage. You wear the cotton kimonos during this combination of pressure point and stretching massage. It was very different, and very wonderful! I was impressed how loose my muscles felt afterwards. I love a classic massage, but this was a completely different experience and something to definitely try if you have some tight muscles and creaky joints! The massage therapists were so friendly and skilled. Absolutely recommend!!
I can't say enough good things about this spa. From the explanations over the phone from Meiko, to the introduction and descriptions from Erin when we got there, to the Japanese and oasis-like ambiance of the spa.
You have created a wonderful new place in Winnipeg to experience such an amazing escape... congratulations and THANK YOU!
We loved this combination of massage and Ganban-yoku so much we have already booked our next session! See you again...
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