FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
MASSAGE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS:
How can I make a reservation ?
We offer lots of booking options! To book an appointment at Exige Medi Spa, you may:
- Call us at (403) 918-8936,
- Text us (SMS) at our number or
- Book online through our website
- Book online using our live chat service
- Finally as a last resort you can email us at exigecalgary@gmail.com (slower response)
We will do our best to accommodate walk-ins however due to high demand it is subject to availability.
- The best time for walk ins (if you must) are first thing in the morning (we open at 10:00 AM seven days a week).
- Evenings and weekends are our peak times for appointments and it is always best practice to book ahead of time.
What Are Your Operating Hours?
What Do I Need to do Before my Appointment?
To save you time and not cut into your treatment time with paperwork, please fill out our mandatory online intake form ahead of time here.
If you are unable to complete the online form, please plan to arrive 20 minutes before your appointment or you will run the risk of cutting into your treatment time.
Due to scheduling with other appointments, we cannot extend your appointment, so your appointment will end at the scheduled time.
Is a 60 Minute Massage Really 60 minutes Long?
Yes! your massage at Exige is actually 60 min for a 60 min massage. 90 min for a 90 min massage etc…
This is true as long as you show up 10-15 min before your appointment time.
We never want to cut into valuable massage time for the “assessment” nor end/interrupt your massage early for the “aftercare” portion.
Rather, Exige performs these important steps before and after your treatment.
So showing up 10-15 minutes before your appointment is highly recommended.
A few reasons why showing up early will ensure your massage is the full allotted time.
- Your therapist needs time to conduct a pre-massage assessment with you.
- You are a new client (medical history must be filled out before the treatment can begin).
- You have questions or information you wish to share with your therapist.
- When you are not rushed, really gives you the opportunity to decompress and relax.
Where is the spa located?
We are located in a mini mall downtown, East of the Center Street bridge (see us on Google).
The entrance to the mall is on 2 Ave (the spa entrance isn’t available on Riverfront Avenue), just walk in the main doors and head towards the back (keep right), you’ll see our white reception desk with your host ready to greet you!
For directions to our hidden gem of a spa, click here and enter your starting location (Google Maps).
Alternatively you can enter your starting address below;
There is also City Of Calgary parking (Lot #888), Impark lot #1 and Impark lot #2, both on the west side of Center Street and street parking available along Riverfront Avenue .
There is also street parking on 2 Avenue (but limited spots).
Visit our Contact page (scroll down to the middle of the page) to see a birds eye view of the parking lots as well as mall entrance
Where can I park?
As of February 28th 2022. The city of Calgary discontinued the complementary 2 hour free parking for Lot #888 (9888) – 109 Riverfront Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0B3.
Beginning March 01/2022. Clients will need to pay for their own parking.
- We still recommend parking in lot #9888 as it is the closest to the spa.
- At this time, it is still your most affordable option.
- Street parking is free after 6:00 pm.
Exige along with other Chinatown businesses are working on convincing the city to re-instate this valuable service.
We will keep you posted if/when we succeed in bringing it back.
CLICK ME TO VIEW PARKING INSTRUCTIONS
Do you accept MVA or WCB claims?
At this time, we do not accept MVA or WCB claims. Our wellness center does not have the necessary resources to process MVA/WCB claims..
What is your cancellation policy?
All appointments are subject to a 24 hour cancellation policy. As a courtesy to our clients and therapists alike, we require at 24 hours’ notice to change or cancel any appointments.
A missed appointment or late cancel means the therapist does not get paid for the time they set aside for you.
We charge 50% of the appointment cost for late cancels and full price for no-shows.
If you have an emergency, please contact us as soon as possible and we will try to give your spot to someone else. Unfortunately, last minute cancellations are difficult to fill so this is done on a best efforts basis.
We commit to the time you reserved and your appointment will not be given away to anyone. That time slot is yours exclusively, so we respectfully ask that your honor your therapists that are here to serve you at the agreed upon time.
Do you direct bill for insurance?
We are no longer able to direct bill on your behalf, however we do provide you with the necessary receipts so that you in turn, can submit it to your insurance for reimbursement.
It takes the insurer up to a month to mail out cheques to us, and unfortunately that is too long for our therapists to wait to get paid (we all have bills to pay!).
When the client submits a claim, it takes 48 business hours to receive the funds through direct deposit.
All of our therapists are licensed, registered massage therapists and have a minimum of 2200 hrs to meet your insurance benefits requirements.
As well as being a Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctor, Dr. Amanda is also a Registered Massage Therapist. In the pursuit of providing the most effective treatments, she takes additional steps to ensure you receive the best possible massage.
All therapists undergo additional training and must meet or exceed her strict requirements prior to being allowed to work on clients. The techniques, learned and applied are based on her own proprietary massage methodology.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes we do! In fact, we offer 2 different kinds for your convenience. Choose between either our digital gift certificate (great solution for long distance or last minute) or our beautiful physical gift certificate (printed on premium paper, wax seal, pillow box and ribbon).
Our online gift certificate can be emailed directly to the recipient or to your inbox and then forwarded whenever you would like to send it.
Our premium physical gift certificates can be ready for pick-up within 3 business hours from 10 am – 7 pm at our main branch, located #6, 110 2 avenue S.E., Calgary, Alberta, T2G-0B3 (click here to view on Google Maps).
We currently accept Visa®, and MasterCard®
If you experience any issues while purchasing your gift certificates online, please contact us directly at (403) 918-8936.
How do I purchase a gift certificate?
- Over the phone
- Online
- In person
Keep in mind that we offer Digital and Physical Gift Certificates. Digital vouchers are popular if you are offsite or urgently need the certificate delivered directly to a recipient.
You can purchase your massage gift certificates here.
Our minimum dollar value amount is $30, however the recommended amount is $125.99 (60 minutes massage including GST).
Should you wish to include a gratuity, then we suggest $140.
If you have any issues when purchasing your gift certificate, you can contact us directly at (403) 918-8936 and we will be more than happy to assist you with your purchase .
How do I redeem my Gift Certificate?
When you are ready, please call or text us at (403) 918-8936 with your voucher number.
There may be special and additional instructions with your gift certificate, so please do have your voucher number ready and we will arrange your booking accordingly.
Our front desk team will walk you through options and time of availability, so please have a calendar handy to book a time that will be convenient to you.
If this is your first time with us, you will need to fill out our intake form. Our team will forward you the link. Please fill it out on-line so as to not cut into your pampering time.
Most treatments include aromatherapy, hot stone, coconut oil, hot towel cleanse for feet and body, mineral heating lamp, cupping and more, so please feel free to add ALL of them to your treatment at no additional cost.
They have a combined real world value of over $150; however, because you chose us, you get them all for FREE. Please do enjoy!
Make sure to bring a picture ID with your name on it to match the name on Gift Certificate. Should you have any questions, please contact us and we will gladly assist you.
What is a “Combo Massage”?
Combo massage is a combination of soft tissue aka deep tissue massage combined with Thai yoga massage.
A blend of East and West healing. Lack of movement combined with long hours seated, you can suffer from tension pain and pinched nerve issues such as numbness, sciatica or knee, hip imbalance.
Think of it as deep tissue combined with Traditional Thai Yoga stretches.
One of our most requested treatments! Be prepared for muscle, tendon, ligament, and joint relief, as well as increased range of motion.
What is a “Thai Massage”?
Thai massage is often described as “a rich person’s version of yoga.”
Your R.M.T. assists you into various yoga poses and applies pressure along specific points on your body to loosen muscles and joints.
It’s not as relaxing as relaxation or deep tissue massage since you are actively involved in the process and are very much awake (lots of movement)!
If you are not familiar or have never tried Thai Yoga massage, we recommend you first try our Combo massage.
We execute the Northern Thai Style at Exige which means the Thai Yoga massage will be performed on a table instead of the floor/mat. We won’t actually use any oil but instead, we provide you with loose fitting clothes to change into prior to your massage.
Throughout your treatment you will be transitioning into various poses, so some flexibility is required although the therapist will adjust to your level. We recommend it to provide relief from stiffness.
The stretching really helps loosen tight muscles, release tension and improve range of motion (joint mobility).
Do You Offer Couple’s Massage?
At Exige Medi Spa, we boast one of the larger couple’s massage rooms in town and we even include extras, such as hot stones, coconut oil, hot towel cleanse, aromatherapy, mineral heating lamp, cupping, and bottled water into your treatment.
These have a combined value of about $150 but we give them to you at no additional charge.
For our 60 mins Couple’s Massage it is $124.99 + GST per person with everything included.
The 90 mins Couples massage available at that time for $174.99 + GST per person.
How much are treatments? Do you offer any discounts or packages?
If you choose from any of our body massage options, we include 7 add-on services to your treatments, at NO additional charge. Your treatments are already discounted and will include (pick one, pick all, the choice is yours):
- Coconut oil. It’s the premium of massage oil and most compatible to our skin. It is anti fungal, antibacterial and is easily absorbed into the skin’s pores, moisturizing deeply and thoroughly. Your skin won’t feel oily when you leave.
- Aromatherapy to enhance the mind and well being.
- Mineral heating lamp increases blood circulation, which aids in muscle relief by emitting 33 essential minerals into your body. The absorbed energy promotes micro-circulation and metabolism and improves the immune system.
- Hot stones to warm up your muscles faster so we can have access to your tight muscles.
- Hot towel cleanse for body and feet to add moist heat to seal in all the healing modalities the therapists applied.
- Bottled water to flush out all the toxins released in your massage
- Cupping pulls blood to a region to stimulate healing and is effective at stretching tight fascia and muscles.
All of out add-ons would cast you an additional $150 at other spas. But when come to Exige we include them in your massage at no additional charge.
With everything included, the price for 60 minutes is $119.99 + GST and $174.99 + GST for 90 minutes.
Think of it like an all-inclusive spa package.
We even include extras, such as hot stones, coconut oil, hot towel cleanse, aromatherapy, mineral heating lamp, cupping, and bottled water.
These has a real world, combined value of $150+, but you get it all NO additional charge. We are the only ones doing this for our valued guests!
Are the therapists Registered Massage Therapists (R.M.T)?
All of our therapists are licensed, registered massage therapists and have a minimum of 2200 hrs to meet your insurance benefits requirements.
All of our therapists are taught and trained to apply Dr. Amanda’s proprietary methodology.
Exige incorporates her deep understanding of Asian medicine into all of the services offered. For example, acupressure is also incorporated and used along specific points on your body.
How do I know what the right treatment is or who the right the therapist is for me?
We offer all of our clients 100% Customer Satisfaction Guarantee as a way to remove any hesitation in trying out our unique approach to health and wellness!
If within the first half hour of your treatment you are not satisfied with your treatment simply let your therapist know! Your treatment will end and you won’t have to pay a single penny.
We value you and your time above all else and if we do not meet your expectations, we do not want your money!
What is the policy on tipping? Is it included in the price?
Tipping is not mandatory and it is not included in our massage prices (nor should they ever be). However, they are genuinely and deeply appreciated by the therapists and front desk.
Your act of gratitude always motivates our team to pursue service excellence, so if you are so inclined please do so!
Therapist and front desk keep 100% of your gratuities. Exige Medi Spa takes nothing!
You are more than welcome to tip:
- Through Credit Card or Debit or
- In cash
Typically our incredibly generous clients tip between 15-25 dollars. When clients and patients have an amazing experience at Exige, one where they see that we go above and beyond with our “experiential massage” which isn’t limited to the extra attention, education, knowledge and training compared to similarly priced services.
The choice becomes easy…Your appreciation can be expressed through your complementary feedback (Treatment Form), 5 star reviews and of course with your tips.
Tipping is at your discretion, so on behalf of everyone, Thank you!
ACUPUNTURE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS:
Q & A with Dr. Amanda Diep
This Q & A will hopefully clarify some of the more common questions people have on the subjectWhat is acupuncture and how does it work?
Acupuncture is the stimulation of stagnated points that cause your body to be out of balance, which can manifest as migraine, stress or depression. Imbalance of your body can be caused by scar tissue, blockage of interstitial fluid, stagnation of blood or energy imbalance.
Acupuncture stimulates flow of energy and reduce pain to restore your body back into balance. Because our diet can greatly affect the operation of our body, I also provide diet therapy.
What can acupuncture and herbs help me with?
Tradition Chinese Medicine/Herbal Medicine and acupuncture can help with all ailments that you would see your family physician for but through an organic process. Your body is allowed to heal itself with minimal to no side-effects. The effectiveness increases when combined with dietary therapy and an exercise regiment.
Some issues TCM and acupuncture can help with are menopausal symptoms, insomnia, high blood pressure, back pain, sport injuries, weigh lost, serotonin secretion, anxiety and so much more.
Have you always been interested in alternative medicine?
No, actually I was a complete skeptic! My turning point came when I found relief from my migraine headaches through alternative medicine. I had been a sufferer for years and years, exhausting every option in our mainstream health care system. Each route I took had failed. With nothing else to lose I turned to TCM and acupuncture.
It was the combination of Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, reflexology, and a healthy lifestyle that got me my life back.
What if someone is afraid of needles?
Then acupressure massage with reflexology or reiki is used to ease the body and mind into the calm and healing state, eliminating the anxiety.
From there, the body accepts acupuncture as a treatment with minimal to no pain. Children and seniors are very sensitive and fragile, but when they experience acupuncture with me, they always request for it again.
It’s in the technique and quality of the needles that produce superb results. I use nothing but the best quality. As a matter of fact, I bring my own needles to all of the acupuncture treatments I receive.
I don’t have any particular issue or health problem, how can you help me and walk me through a session with you, Dr. Amanda?
You don’t have to have a Dis-Ease to see me, just a desire to stay healthy, be stress free, pain free, detox your body every change of the season, boost your energy or ensure your quality of life remains healthy. For example:
• As a T.C.M.D., I would look at your overall health and gather information such as skin complexion, hair and nail growth, digestive system, etc. From there, I recommend herbal Chinese medicine / supplements / acupuncture / Detox program to improve your condition.
• As a dietary therapist, I would walk you through your food log and make suggestions to your diet, especially if you have allergies, IBS, chrome’s, or gluten sensitive.
• From a personal trainer perspective, I want to know how your cardiovascular system is and if your weight has fluctuated. If you’re recovering from any injuries, back pain or scar tissues that is preventing you from being active.
With the information gathered, together we come up with a work out regimen that ensures you meet your goals and stay active for decades to come.
• With my Psychology background, I want to know more details of your stress level, sleep pattern or insomnia, satisfaction with your life experiences to date, etc. This evaluation will be employed to narrow down the scope of possible ailments or root issues.
• From a fitness/bikini model perspective, Life is a SWEET nectar; live it fully!
Dr. Amanda, are acupuncture treatments covered under Health Benefit Plans?
Depending on your company, most employees have coverage for acupuncture. Take the time to contact your HR department to confirm your benefits, and if you are still unsure, feel free to contact me.
I’ll get down to the bottom of things on your behalf and follow up with you. Click here for more information on Health Insurance coverage.
I hope this Q & A answered most of your questions, however If you have more questions please do not hesitate and email me by clicking here!