FAQ
GENERAL QUESTIONS
1. Can I use my mobile while at Flow Thai Massage?
To ensure a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere, we ask that all electronic devices (laptops, smart phones, etc.) be turned off while in the spa. In the event that you need to take a call, we kindly request that voice levels are kept at a minimal to preserve the sense of tranquility.
2. Is there car parking available?
Parking is provided behind our building. Our spa concierge can give you more details regarding parking regulations.
3. What about my jewellery and valuables?
Jewelry, watches, and any wearable items must be removed before treatments. Clients are asked to keep any valuables by their side or inside the lockable drawer in their treatment room. FLOW is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
4. What are your hours of operation?
We open 7 days a week, appointments starts from 10am to 9:30pm while front deck is in service from 11:30pm to 9:30pm.
5. Which payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, Visa, Master, Interac, Union Pay and Alipay. For online voucher purchases, all major credit cards are accepted.
6. Will I need to tell you about my medical condition?
Upon arrival, you will be asked to complete our brief health history consultation form prior to your treatment in order to assist the therapists in providing maximum safety and comfort during your visit. We encourage you to disclose any pertinent health conditions (high blood pressure, allergies, physical ailments, disabilities, pregnancy, injuries, etc.) that may affect your spa experience, as certain treatments may not be advisable for you. We also recommend that you inform the spa concierge of any medical conditions when booking treatments. In the event you choose to withhold relevant medical information, please note that Flow Thai Massage & Spa cannot be held responsible for any injury incurred.
7. May I bring my child to the spa?
Please abstain from bringing infants or young children, as it will help maintain a peaceful and relaxing spa environment for all clients.
8. May I bring my pet to the spa?
We understand your pets may also need a relaxing spa treatment; however, our spa only provides treatments for their beloved owners. Please keep your pet at home and help maintain a peaceful and relaxing spa environment for all customers. For service dogs, please provide proof of evidence upon arrival.
9. Do I need to give gratuities?
Our spa therapists are dedicated to exceeding your expectations and creating a memorable spa experience. Gratuities for those efforts are greatly appreciated. Feel free to give your therapist a gratuity if they have enhanced your spa experience.
A 15-20% tip is customary but not mandatory. Our reception desk collects the tips and passes the full amount on to the staff who served you. If you received service from more than one therapist, common practice is to leave a separate tip for each one.
BOOKING
1. Can I make a booking online?
Our clients are welcome to book by phone, online, or by messaging us on Facebook, Instagram, & WeChat. When booking through our online system, you will not be charged until your service is done, and you can settle the payment at reception with the payment method of your choice.
2. Why do I need to provide my credit card for my appointment?
We require our clients to provide a valid credit card number or a gift certificate number to hold a reservation. No charges will be transacted until your service is completed, at which time you can choose to pay for the services with a credit card, Interac, or cash.
3. What time should I arrive?
For a more relaxed experience, we suggest you arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled treatment for consultation and to prepare for your treatment. As a courtesy to all our clients, please understand that all appointments need to begin and end on time.
If you are running behind schedule, please contact us as soon as possible, and we will make every effort to accommodate you.
4. What if I am late?
Arriving late may limit the time for your treatment, as there will not be time to extend into the next time slot if your therapist has another booking. In such situations, the full value of your treatment will be charged. If you are running late for your appointment, please call us as soon as you know that you will be delayed, and we will make every effort to accommodate you.
We understand that the traffic in Vancouver can play havoc with our schedules; however, please understand that we need to respect each client’s scheduled start time and ensure that both you and the next client enjoys a true spa experience worthy of our brand. We ask for your understanding that if you are late, we can only do our best!
5. What if I have to reschedule or cancel my appointment?
We understand that appointments will need to be changed or cancelled from time to time. In order to facilitate you and other clients, please call a minimum of 4 hours prior to your appointment if you would like to cancel or amend an appointment in order to avoid a 100% cancellation fee.
No-shows or cancellations made less than 4 hours before the appointment time will be subject to a 100% charge for reserved services. The fee will be charged to the customer’s credit card on file or must be paid at their next visit.
6. What should I expect for my appointment length? If I book a 60 minute appointment, do I get a 60 minute massage?
We understand that our clients’ time is valuable, and we value every minute you are with us, so we highly recommend arriving 10-15min prior to your scheduled treatment for consultation and to prepare for your treatment. We do not cut any our client’s time if we can begin on time. At Flow, you will have the full attention of your therapist and aesthetician for the full time blocked for your treatment.
7. Can I stay with my friend in the same room?
Our spa has 4 deluxe couple’s treatment rooms designed for couples to experience their spa journey together. A couple can only request either massage or facial treatments together.
For more information, please call or email our customer support centre
8. When should I make a reservation?
Reservations made 2-3 days in advance are recommended to avoid disappointment, especially for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, as these tend to be our busiest days. Same-day or walk-in clients are welcome. As always, we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
9. Will I receive an appointment reminder?
We will call you 1 day before your appointment. You are also welcome to keep track of your appointment with us.
10. I would like to book a spa treatment for someone else but am not sure what to choose. Do you offer recommendations?
Please contact our spa concierges directly, and we will be happy to assist you in selecting the perfect treatment or package for your friend.
TREATMENT
1. How do I know which are the most suitable treatments?
Our spa professionals will assist you in planning the perfect spa experience and the optimum sequence of treatments based on your requirements. Please feel free to contact us via email or call to speak with our experienced spa concierges directly. Our website, which is accessible at any time, also provides a lot of information on individual treatments.
2. What should I bring with me?
We provide everything you need for an amazing spa experience. Just bring your desire for great personal care and the anticipation of deep relaxation. It is not necessary to bring special clothing; we will provide a robe and disposable underwear for use while you are being pampered. We suggest that you not bring any unnecessary valuables to the spa, as we cannot be responsible should they be lost or damaged. If you have booked using a voucher please ensure that you bring this along with you on the day. If you have booked pedicure treatment, please bring along a pair of flip flops or sandals.
3. What do I wear during my treatments?
We provide everything you need for an amazing spa experience. Just bring your desire for great personal care and the anticipation of deep relaxation. It is not necessary to bring special clothing; we will provide a robe and disposable underwear for use while you are being pampered. We suggest that you not bring any unnecessary valuables to the spa, as we cannot be responsible should they be lost or damaged. If you have booked using a voucher, please ensure that you bring this with you on the day of your appointment. If you have booked a pedicure treatment, please bring a pair of flip flops or sandals.
4. What should I do before my treatment?
We recommend eating and drinking in moderation and avoiding alcoholic beverages prior to your spa service. Shaving is not recommended prior to any body treatments. Severe sunburn may prevent you from enjoying a spa treatment, so please always use sun protection.
5. Can I request a treatment outside the spa?
Currently, we only offer services within our Flow location.
6. Can I customize my treatment?
You may notify our receptionist or practitioner regarding any special care you require for existing body problems before receiving any treatment. Please inform our receptionist/practitioner of any allergies when you arrive for your first visit so that can be aware of them. We will record this information for future reference.
7. What will be used during massage & facial treatments?
Essential oil blends or essential oil-infused lotions may be used and applied on the skin around the back, neck, and shoulders.
Essential oils are extracts from a wide variety of flowers, trees, shrubs, and herbs with unique effects and benefits to the human body. We will help our customer choose the appropriate essential oil-blend/lotion to suit their specific needs.Some people may have allergic reaction(s) and/or other health concerns related to essential oils. If you have known allergies to any substance, please inform us when making your appointment.
MASSAGE
1. What is Thai Massage?
The practice of Thai massage has over 2,500 years of history and was first developed in India by Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, the physician to the Buddha. Like many Eastern massage methods, Thai massage works on the physical body not only to unleash tension in muscles and soft tissue, but also to improve the energy flow in the meridian (blood, lymph, and nervous systems) to allow the vital life force, or chi, to circulate smoothly around the body as it should.
Thai massage is more than a massage process; it incorporates medical and spiritual techniques from several Asian cultures.
Unlike acupuncture, which applies needles at the acupoints, Thai massage uses fingers , which apply less force to the pressure points during acupressure therapy. Thai massage brings the best results to most people in a less intrusive and much more relaxed way.
2. What is Thai Yoga Massage and Passive Yoga?
These phrases were used historically to explain the characteristics of Thai massage in the West. Thai massage (or traditional Thai massage) does share similarities with yoga in terms of movements and health benefits; however, unlike yoga, where the participants are actively moving, the person who receives a Thai massage is only required to lay down comfortably on a bed and follow the practitioner’s directions and postures.
3. Why does Flow only offer Thai Massage?
Thai massage has gradually gained popularity in Thailand over the past 50 years—not only with locals but also with many tourists from around the world who have experienced its holistic benefits. As we learned and gathered knowledge and benefits from this discipline of massage therapy, FLOW developed our own uniquely refined techniques to apply this “holistic” massage therapy in our spa.
Most customers will experience relief and satisfaction, and some might even fall asleep while receiving Thai massage. These are the results our customers can expect, along with enhanced physical and spiritual health benefits.
4. Who should not receive Thai Massage?
Thai massage is not suitable for the following groups of people in general:
If you are feeling unwell, have high blood pressure, allergies or any other medical complaints or conditions, please inform our receptionist/ practitioner. This will help us recommend appropriate treatments and take necessary precautions.
Please note that all treatments are taken at your own risk. If you have any doubts, please consult your doctor in advance. This applies to all treatments, especially when essential oils are applied.
5. What to avoid during a Thai massage treatment?
You must remove eyeglasses, contact lenses, earrings, jewellery, watches, head bands, etc.
Relax your body during the entire massage session to avoid unnecessary force and tension being applied to your muscles and tendons by the practitioner.
6. What is used for the footbath?
First, your feet soak in warm water, followed by a scrub composed of selected herbal and natural ingredients.
7. What is the difference between Flow Bliss and Flow Purity?
Herbs are always beneficial to our bodies. If you choose Flow Bliss, your journey will start with a 15-minute rose bud foot soak, which helps whiten your skin. If you choose Flow Purity, your journey will start with a 15-minute wormwood foot soak, which helps detoxify your body.
8. What is AgeLoc?
Lymphatic drainage massage is good for improving the circulation of the lymphatic system. It involves the use of subtle simulation to activate fluid circulation and stimulate the functioning of the immune system. It has been shown to reduce edemas (swelling), assist in detoxification of the body, and improve cellulite.
9. What are the benefits of a hot stone treatment?
Combined with our Thai Signature massage, a hot stone treatment delivers a wealth of benefits, including melting away tension, easing muscle stiffness, and enhancing circulation and metabolism. This is accomplished by the direct heat of the stones, which relaxes muscles and allows deeper access to muscle layers. Another effect is that the hot stones expand blood vessels, which encourages blood flow throughout the body and has been known to have a sedative effect that can relieve chronic pain, reduce stress, and promote deep relaxation.
FACIAL TREATMENT
1. What are the types of facial services you provide?
- Hydration Facial (60 mins)
- Anti-aging Facial (90 mins)
Our facial focuses on deep cleaning, hydration, firming, and lifting. Both packages target aging symptoms and leave the skin rejuvenated and ageless.
2. What are the differences?
Hydration facial mainly targets on improving the moisture level of the skin, in which the device with micropulse technology will be used to deliver the potent serum into the deep layer of the skin, leaving the skin hydrated and glowing.
Anti-aging facial targets on improving the signs of aging. The galvanic current device will be used to diminish the appearance of aging areas from the deep layer of the skin and make the skin more firm, lifted, hydrated and glowing. In addition, an anti-aging certified 24K GOLD sheets and gold mask will be used to treat the aging skin.
3. Are the facial packages safe for sensitive skin?
Absolutely, all our products are medical grade and use natural, chemical free ingredients.
4. Is it safe for pregnant women?
Yes, all of our facials are safe for pregnant women.
5. Can men get facials?
Men definitely do need to have facials.
6. Who is not the best candidate for this facial?
Clients with pacemakers and severe medical conditions (please ask your facial therapist about it)
7. What are the benefits of facials?
Cleanses, hydrates, detoxifies, tightens and rejuvenates the skin.
8. How many weeks does the result of the facial lasts and how often do I need to get facial done?
Our skin accumulates dirt everyday and regenerates every 3-4 weeks. We highly suggest getting a facial every 3-4 weeks to maintain a good healthy skin.
9. Is there any specific after-care that I need to do?
Just make sure to wear sunscreen, moisturizer and drink more water for the first 2-3 days.
10. Does it hurt?
You should not feel any pain, discomfort or irritation but depending on your pain tolerance and the type of skin you have, your skin might be red after, but it should go away in a few hours.
11. What is 24K gold gel mask?
24K gold gel mask provides powerful anti-aging benefits, helps firm, lift, brighten, and calm the appearance of skin while providing an opulent glow. Helps lift and firm the look of skin. Helps re-energize skin and minimize the appearance of the aging signs.
RMT SERVICES
1. What is Registered Massage Therapy?
Registered Massage Therapy is massage that is done by a licensed Registered. Massage Therapist (RMT). An RMT has been trained to recognize and treat certain physical conditions and use techniques outside of a relaxation massage.
2. Do I need insurance to book with an RMT?
No, anyone can book with an RMT. Third party insurance providers will allow a
portion of the cost of the treatment to be covered on behalf of the patient, but
anyone can book a treatment.
3. Do you provide direct billing to my extended health insurance company?
We are currently in the process of providing direct billing to most major
companies.
4. Do I need a doctor’s referral?
Please check your benefits if a doctor’s referral is required. In most cases, it is
not.
5. Can my spouse/partner use my benefits?
Yes and no. Your spouse/partner MUST be on the insurance plan you want to bill to BEFORE you claim the treatment. If your partner is not on the plan before the treatment, the fee for service must be covered out of pocket. Our therapist does her best to provide a great treatment and patient centered care to all of her patients. Please do not change any names or facts on the appointment for it may jeopardize the license of our RMT.