Massage is just the ticket after flying through the pain barrier
GONE ARE THE DAYS when travelling on the company account meant champagne and plush seats.
As the corporate excesses of the 1990s gave way to more miserly budgets, many travelling executives are crammed in at the back where leg room and decent back support are distant memories.
All the more reason for business travellers to go for a massage when they alight, according to Banyan Tree Spas and Angsana Spas executive director of operations David Tee.
'Air travel takes its toll on the mind and body. Due to the decompressed air and crossing of time zones, the body goes through biological changes. Very often sleeping, eating and living patterns change and, if not handled well, the traveller experiences jet lag and, in severe cases, sleeping and eating disorders.
'Fatigue and lethargy may set in as well,' said Mr Tee, whose company has two metropolitan spas - in Bangkok and Shanghai - that aim to deal with such problems.
Business travellers commonly felt back pain in the shoulder blade area and lower back - especially in the lower lumbar area - Mr Tee said.
'[Other problems include] poor blood circulation, especially in the lower limbs.
'Severe cases can result in deep-vein thrombosis [blood clots that develop in deep veins, usually in the leg, which cause acute pain],' he said.
'The most frequent complaints are backache and sore muscles.
'This is a common problem among people who spend most of their time desk-bound and in front of a computer. This is due to poor blood circulation and muscle contractions forming knots, which cause the body to feel tight and lethargic.
'A good 90-minute Balinese massage session is the basic treatment that we would recommend.
'This traditional Indonesian style massage, uses medium to strong palm and finger pressure, stimulates blood circulation and helps improve energy flow and relieve tension,' he said.
He also recommends the back reviver treatment offered by Banyan Tree Spas.
'The use of a menthol-based oil, and the application of warm paraffin helps stimulate tired and sore muscles. This is a very relaxing treatment.'
Mr Tee's personal preference, however, is a Thai massage.
'A Thai massage will get your limbs and joints moving again. And because it doesn't require oil, like the Balinese massage, you don't need to shower afterwards, which is perfect for an executive on a tight schedule.'
For the traveller who cannot spare the time for that, there are simple steps to follow during a flight to ward off jet lag and other ailments brought on by lengthy travel.
'When travelling, learn to synchronise with the time of the destination. Carry out normal activities on-board the aircraft in accordance with the time of the destination halfway during the journey.
'Avoid alcohol and caffeine during the flight and drink plenty of juices and water. Walk and stretch every two hours during the flight to aid blood circulation, and wear comfortable clothing,' Mr Tee said.
