MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Soothing, natural sounds of trickling water, calming music and the comforting smells of mint and lavender fill the two spa treatment rooms at the IronWorks Gym.
It may not be located in one of the most beautiful areas in the world as many of the finest spa resorts are, but the IronWorks Spa Services does its job when it comes to creating a relaxing, stress free environment for station members to get pampered.
The IronWorks Gym provides numerous different spa services, including massages, facials, body wraps and scrubs.
“I think the most important thing is we’re on a little base and this is one of the only things we have to offer that’s kind of like being at home,” said Brenda Valdez, massage therapist. “All of these Marines work so hard and their jobs are so stressful and then there are the spouses, who are trying to deal with being here. I just think it’s a great thing that the station has to offer.”
There are nine different massages offered.
Massages like the deep tissue, Swedish and therapeutic focus on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue and are especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas. They relieve mental and physical fatigue, promote relaxation, relieve muscular aches and tension and improve circulation and flexibility.
The lymphatic massage stimulates the lymphatic system to improve metabolism, promotes the removal of bodily toxins and waste and encourage a healthy immune system.
Originating in Osaka, Japan, the seitei massage uses natural movements that work with the body’s ability to correct and align injury sites and/or postural faults. Firm pressure and stretching are used without any oils during this massage.
The prenatal massage relaxes tense muscles, eases sore spots and improves circulation and mobility specifically for pregnant women and their changing bodies.
The sports massage prepares athletes for peak performance by draining away fatigue, relieving swelling, reducing muscle tension, promoting flexibility and preventing injuries.
The reflexology massage is based on the belief that there are reflex areas on the feet, thumb and fingers. During this massage, pressure is applied to the reflex points to assist in achieving balance within the body.
Hot stone massages use watertreated stones that are placed on specific spots of the body to promote relaxation and help open the energy pathways. Some of the benefits of this massage include deep muscle and tissue relaxation, stress alleviation, release of toxins, pain relief, improved circulation and a calming of the psyche.
Valdez says she recommends getting a massage at least once a month, especially for people who have specific ailments, back pain or stress.
“I know sometimes that’s not possible due to money and time, but everyone should get a massage as often as possible,” said Valdez.
Prices for massages are $30 for 30 minutes, $48 for 60 minutes and $65 for 90 minutes. Separate hand, foot, neck and back massages are also available. Prices are $30 for a 30-minute hand or foot massage, $48 for a 60-minute hand and foot massage, $30 for a 30-minute neck massage and $48 for a 60-minute neck and back massage.
The spa services also include facials, which include cleansing as well as exfoliation. A 60-minute facial is $35, a 60-minute facial with a hand, foot or back massage is $48 and a 90-minute facial with hand, back or foot massage is $65.
Wraps offered at the gym include the algae and green tea wrap, which extracts toxins from the body and uses minerals and vitamins to aid in digestion and relieve aches and pains; the grape herbal wrap filled with antioxidant properties; and a mineral wrap that uses salts to stimulate the body while nourishing and revitalizing skin.
“I got the green tea wrap and felt so refreshed afterward,” said Lance Cpl. Hewan Musie, Installation Personnel Administration Center clerk. “It’s great that they offer something like this on base. It gives Marines a way to relax and pamper themselves after a long week of work.” A
ll wraps take 50-60 minutes and cost $53. Sugar and salt scrubs are also offered which are applied to exfoliate, nourish, hydrate and completely relax the skin.
Scrubs also take 50-60 minutes and cost $63.
“I think the wraps and the facials are nice but they’re more of a pampering kind of thing, where the massages are more therapeutic, especially if you have something that’s bothering you,” said Valdez.
Payment for all services is requested 24 hours in advance of service. The customer is required to give 12 hours notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment. If less than 12 hours notice is given, the customer forfeits 50 percent of the massage fee. If the customer fails to show up and does not give any notice, 100 percent payment is required.
To make an appointment for any of the spa services offered at IronWorks Gym, call Health Promotions at 253-6359 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.