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Asignboard painted with a yellow smiley face greeted me this weekend at the entrance of Happy Healthy, a massage treatment facility in Gading Serpong, Tangerang.

The staff was also smiling widely, although the enthusiasm could have been put down to the fact Happy Healthy only opened several weeks ago.

After leafing through the book of spa treatments, I opted for 30 minutes of traditional massage and one hour of reflexology.

Happy Healthy offers various types of massage, but it specializes in reflexology. Other menu options include shiatsu, a Japanese method involving pressure from the fingers and palms, body scrubs and traditional Indonesian massage.

For the uninitiated, Happy Healthy co-owner Rahman Tartan explains: “[Reflexology] is the practice of relieving muscle tension, while expediting the circulation of blood, creating a healthy result.”

Rahman says reflexology is also useful in treating illness, based on the theory that there are reflex points on the soles of the feet, hands and head that correspond with each part of the body, and that stimulating these points promotes healing.

Reflexology can be painful because, according to Rahman, the flow of blood to the targeted body part may initially be constricted.

My reflexology session was far less painful than I had expected it to be, possibly because I am fairly healthy.

However, after I mentioned to the therapist my past history of “runny noses,” he proceeded to stimulate a particular point on the sole of my foot, which caused me to let out a shriek.

Still, watching “The Dark Knight” on the mini LCD TV-DVD set attached to my comfortable Barcalounger kept my mind off the pain.

So did the room’s relaxing ambience, created by a wall fountain, air-conditioning, soothing music and dim lights. Apart from the mild pain, the session was surprisingly enjoyable.

Afterward, I made my way to the venue’s second floor for a traditional massage, where I hoped some old Javanese lady would demonstrate her expertise.

The massage area has eight cubicles divided by curtains.

I lay down on a mattress and the masseuse — who was neither old nor Javanese — applied Vipa massage oil to my body and rubbed me from head to toe. I was told by Rahman that my masseuse was “one of our best,” and it showed. She was attentive in making sure she applied the right amount of pressure, and her head massage was one of the best I’ve experienced. After half an hour, she led me to a warm shower.

Rahman founded Happy Healthy with his brother, Arferick, and two of his friends, Frederick Lim and Han. They had originally planned to open a fitness center but after assessing their business prospects, chose reflexology instead.

The friends are quick to point out that Happy Healthy doesn’t offer sexual services.

“We chose the word ‘healthy’ because we wanted to make it clear this was a ‘clean’ place,” Han says.

Rahman explains: “When we first opened, some of our masseuses had to leave because of accusations and condemnation by people around them. Thankfully that quickly changed.”

Frederick says he wants to ensure that by “conducting regular quality control audits and product upgrades which will consistently guarantee variety in our services and quality.”

“That happy face logo is what we hope our customers will come out looking like,” he said.


Happy Healthy
Jl. Boulevard Raya Blok BA4 No.31
Gading Serpong, Tangerang
Tel. 021 54211807

Open weekdays from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Weekends 9 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Reflexology: Rp 30,000/hour
Shiatsu and Traditional Massage:
Rp 65, 000/30 minutes
Body Scrub: Rp 45,000/30 minutes
Tip to the masseuse is generally expected