Most of us know what going for a massage involves, and that a visit to the spa means essential oils and scented candles inside hushed, darkened rooms. But what about the newer treatments at holistic centres?
Two newcomers are 'Network Spinal Analysis' and 'BodyTalk', both of which claim to cure us of aches, ailments, emotional blockages, asthma, phobias - even deadly diseases. Both treatments have only one or two practitioners in Hong Kong; both claim to be gentle, non-invasive and safe for adults and children.
But they remain relatively unknown. Physiotherapist Abby Yek Cheung, a partner in PhysioMotion in Central, is not aware of either form of treatment. 'I would say do your research,' Cheung advises those who are interested in the treatments. Here is an insight into the methods.
Network Spinal Analysis (NSA)
Practitioner Christine Ridal - a chiropractor qualified in Australia - has been doing NSA for more than 10 years. She established NetworkCare in Hong Kong five years ago.
According to Ridal, we store tension in our bodies due to stress, whether physical, emotional, mental or chemical. NSA focuses on the spine and nervous system. 'By addressing causes rather than symptoms, NSA changes the way your brain and body manage stress, moving you out of a state of defence and into growth,' Ridal says.