By Junko Yamada

Seaside Refle Mu is an esthetic salon specializing in aroma oil massages. It’s located right next to Chatan Sunset Beach on the first floor of Chura-yu bathing facility in Mihama, Chatan.

The salon is popular among both domestic and overseas tourists. People staying in nearby Hotel Hilton and Laguna Garden Hotel in Ginowan, often come after visiting the salon’s website. The interior is mostly in brown hues and decoration in the treatment space is Asian with comfortable chairs for foot massages and stylish, dimmed-light private spaces for other treatments.

The treatments are based on gentle massages using aroma oils, and are quite different from strong and hard massages, such as Thai and lymphatic massages or Shiatsu finger-pressure treatment. Although many people like a strong massage, one should at least try an aroma massage, as it’s very effective.

According to Seaside Refle Mu Store Manager Hiromi Nakama, “Aromatherapy is basically explained as the effect of essential oils reaching into the brain through the nose and skin, which effectively triggers a physiological and mental response in you.” Nakama, who has a license certified by the Aroma Environment Association of Japan, says, “For example, aroma is thought to be effective for alleviating uncomfortable menopausal symptoms.”

Mu offers two special course treatments of 100 and 120 minutes that cover the whole body and cost ¥10,200 and ¥12,500 respectively. The treatment starts with filling out an interview sheet (English version available) to determine your specific needs. Using Mu’s original blended aroma oil, and blended carrier oil together with sweet almond and jojoba oils, a skilled and well-trained aroma therapist gently spread the oil on your skin over your whole body from toes to head taking her time. Although the therapist’s finger pressure is not very strong, her hands move in steady lapping and returning waves, almost as if you might feel floating away in the deep of the sea.

In addition to the course treatments, individual courses and options are available, including facial, foot, upper and lower body treatment, dead skin removal from feet and so on. For couples, they have a 80-minute special treatment at a discounted price.

Nakama says that the shop is scheduled to add more treatments to their menu from August. “We have a lot of distinctive herbs, agricultural and marine products in Okinawa, which have proven to be good for health. So we will start to use more locally made aroma products such as Shiquasa (Okinawan citrus) and Getto leaves (shell ginger) from Ogimi Village, seaweed and Okinawan clay. We want many people to enjoy special treatments only available in Okinawa. In the future, we plan gradually introduce even more locally made products,” Nakama explains.

Nakama says that male customers are

very welcome, and increasing. “Why not give a treatment gift coupon to one’s boyfriend, husband or father as a present?” she suggests. “And for moms, aroma oil is the best treatment for sun-damaged skin, while the husband and children spend time on the beach next door,” she concludes.

There is plenty of free parking in front of Chura-yu and the salon. Their website in English is at http://www.okinawa-up.com/refle/english/index.html The salon is open every day from 13:00 to 22:00 with the last appointment at 20:30. The phone number is 098-926-2657.

 

 

 

 

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