November 10 2008 Page 2

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Healing Hands:

Irma del Valle                   

                                 By Tara Spears

Looking at the radiant smile that mirrors Irma del Valle’s positive outlook, one knows that this lady enjoys her work.  “As I open the door to my business every day I feel like I must still dreaming” said Irma with help of a translator. “It is such a good feeling to know that I will help people today.”  As the satisfied clients of Masaje Esbeltica will attest, one hour with Irma’s magic hands eases pain and stress.  The spa boasts modern equipment, a tranquil, private facility, health products, and individualized massage therapy.  In addition to the six days that the spa on Avenida Sol Nuevo #545, Centro Guayabitos, is open, Irma provides at-home massage by appointment.

            Ah-ha, some readers are snickering to themselves, at last Jaltemba Sol is sharing local lewd tibbits: noooo.  Contrary to the false media image, certified masseuses are professional health care providers.  “The only problem that I encounter in my work is a common misconception about licensed massage: it is not sexual,” says the petite Irma with a frown.  “Most often it is men that make nasty comments.”   Since Irma studied hard for a year to earn her diploma and continues to take advanced university classes in order to keep improving her skills, she is very proud of her certificates.  Two types of therapy that Irma specializes in are the deep muscle massage (which includes both sides) and reflexology-massaging pressure points in the feet-  that help relieve the tightness and physical aches from stress and worry.  “I have clients that have weekly sessions at the end of their work week,” explains Irma. “They find it rejuvenating.”  People that suffer from nerve damage can benefit from acupuncture and other massage treatments that reduce the pain.  For those that wish to drop a size in a problem area, such as belly or thighs, reduction therapy is the choice.  The reduction therapy program does require three sessions per week for four weeks, but it is still cheaper and safer than liposuction, yet has the same results.

Masaje Esbeltica  exterior                                                                                              Irma at work

Upon entering Irma’s small but charming spa, you immediately begin to relax:  soothing colors, lovely flowers, and air conditioning set the tone for the visit. “I want my clients to be comfortable and relaxed,” said Irma.  The treatment room, with state of the art cushioned tables and equipment, has calming instrumental music in the background, and total privacy.  The entire facility is immaculately clean without being institutional. Irma’s daughters, 17 year old Deisy and 12 year old Demaris, are the receptionists when not attending school.  Irma has insisted that all her children learn to speak English. Justifiably, the children are very proud of their mother.

        Spa reception area                                               

Daughters Deisy and Demaris            

            Irma’s evolution from rural Mexican farm girl to Riviera Nayarit business woman is a story that would make a great Lifetime movie of the week: lots of plot twists, an inspiring heroine, and a happy ending.  Born the fifth daughter of twelve children, Irma lived with her siblings and parents on a small remote rancho in a one room house without water or electricity. “As soon as I was big enough to carry a bucket, I had to carry water from the creek and work feeding the cows and horses,” Irma said. “I saw a TV for the first time when I was 10! Early on I knew I didn’t want to farm.”  Although the state of Veracruz is the third most populated in Mexico, the people are concentrated along the Gulf of Mexico- Irma grew up in the isolated western part of the state that borders Oaxaca at the foot of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range. This hot and malarial plateau area averages 156 inches (3960 mm) of rain per year.  Growing tropical fruit and raising cattle is the primary livelihood.

When Irma was 14, she eloped with her husband to live in Puerto Vallarta.  She had her first child when she was 15. She was thrilled to see the Pacific Ocean!  Shortly after her son, David, now 20, was born, the young father dropped them off at his mother’s house in Nayarit, and traveled to the United States to work, where he still lives.  He rarely returned for short visits.  By the time she was pregnant with her third child, Irma began working the Guayabitos beach selling fresh fruit from a cart. (see above below)  After twelve years of physically demanding work, this diminutive lady’s health was affected. “I was in constant pain- I couldn’t sleep,  I could barely move the cart.  I had headaches, back and neck pain.” The doctor’s treatment was mostly prescribing pills which didn’t address the cause of the problem.  At a friend’s recommendation, Irma made an appointment with a certified masseuse.  The immediate improvement motivated Irma to continue massage treatments: not only was Irma’s physical pain cured, but she was inspired to pursue massage as a career.  “It gives me such joy to have clients come to the clinic in pain, and after my treatment, they are able to walk out smiling!”   Irma’s dream is to offer the most glamorous clinic in the area, with more services.  Seeing how much this hard working dynamo has already accomplished, there is no doubt that Irma will achieve her goal.

Masaje Esbeltica spa offers give certificates- great idea for special occasions.  Or what a terrific way to de-stress after all the house guests leave after the holidays!  Irma has a special price for couples (two individual massages) While walk-ins are welcome, appointments eliminate waiting.

Contact Irma: office phone: 327-274-3458;   cell: 045-104-5301

Contact Tara:  terri_sprs@yahoo.com