Rise of the Machines: Qi Mantra Remedial Spa Review
PUBLISHED May 24th, 2015 04:00 pm | UPDATED June 18th, 2020 08:24 pm
Most spas in Singapore are the sort designed to make you go ‘ahhh’ – and that’s not surprising, given the sort of stressful environment we live in. But I’ve realized that it’s not easy to come across spa treatments that actually provide solutions to your problems.
While Qi Mantra was created as a modern take on traditional, effective Chinese acupressure massage methods in 2003, they’ve evolved to provide other effective beauty and spa services. Recently I tried three non-invasive, machine-based treatments – the VPL Hair Removal, the Miracle Facial, and the RF Body Firm Massage – and here’s the verdict:
Variable Pulse Light (VPL) Hair Removal
Ladies (and gentlemen), you might be familiar with the rather common Intense Pulse Light technology. Well, VPL is a form of IPL that where pulses of light emitted vary across different wavelengths that are preferentially absorbed, depending on your skin structure. Not only does this milder version of IPL allow more controlled absorption (thus being less harmful to your skin), it enables the safe and effective treatment of a greater range of hair and skin types.
The Procedure: After targeted area is shaved, a cool gel is applied to minimize the sensation of heat. A few rounds of VPL are carried out to treat the targeted area. After cooling gel is removed thoroughly, aftercare cream is applied to treated area.
The whole process was quite painless. In the next week, I did notice that the growth of hair was slowed quite significantly; and I was told that in six sessions, I would see other effects like brighter complexion and improved skin texture.
VPL treatments start at $80.25 per session.
The Miracle Facial
Using the same VPL technology and Miracle Cell product – derived from soy phyto placenta extract – rich in proteins and amino acids, the Miracle Facial helps to awakening skin cells and stimulates the growth of collagen.
The Procedure: After the acupressure point head massage, expect the usual double cleansing, toning, and exfoliation. Then, VPL is applied before preparing the skin for extraction. Thereafter, stem cell ampoules are applied. Absorption is enhanced by acupressure point massage on the face, followed by the application of the stem cell lifting mask. While the mask is working its magic, relax to a shoulder and scalp massage.
Qi Mantra Wheelock Place
One immediately visible benefit was the evening of skin tone; I looked like someone reached out and wiped the muddiness off my face. Like all good facials, my face definitely felt tighter and firmer after the treatment.
The Miracle Facial is priced at $350 for 90 minutes.
RF Body Firm Massage
Not only is Radio Frequency (RF) technology used in treatments to tighten and lift sagging skin, it’s used for muscle ache relief as well.
The Procedure: After applying cool gel to the target area (tummy, arms, thighs etc.), the therapist starts the massage with an ultrasound-like, heated console. After 30 minutes of this, the area is lather with cool, relief cream before being wrapped in cling wrap.
This is definitely a slow burn type of treatment – It has to be hot to be effective, so the amount of heat you can withstand correlates to how efficacious it’ll be. I felt that the heat was uneven, sometimes it’s comfortable and soothing and at other points, it felt like my skin was burning off. It might be a one off issue, but I don’t think I will be heading back for that.
The RF Body Firm Massage is priced at $140 for 45 minutes.
For more information on treatments and prices, please see Qi Mantra’s menu here.
