Feel the World
From Thailand to Japan, many countries pride themselves on their signature massage techniques. We send five intrepid reporters out to try some traditional treatments from around the world.
Japanese Sand Bath at Aso Spa
What separates this treatment from just being buried at the beach? Besides the flawless service and serene environment, of course. This Japanese treatment uses heat and natural minerals in sand to ease sore joints, muscle cramps and knots. It’s also reputed to detoxify the skin and improve circulation. Plus, the sand itself comes from Japan and is sterilized after each use. The therapist first massaged essential oils onto my skin to cleanse the pores. Then she led me to the sand pit, where I was wrapped in a blanket before sand was shoveled over me. For the next 20 minutes, I enjoyed 40-degree heat while having my head gently massaged and being fed watermelon-seed juice through a straw. The treatment ended with a refreshing shower. Incredibly relaxing, although the heat would have become oppressive after much longer. I Must have perspired away every toxin by the time I left my sand envelope.
$480 for 45 minutes
Aso Spa, 16/F, CNAC Group Building, 10 Queen’s Rd. Central, 2525-2578, www.asospa.com.
Thai Massage at Chuan Spa
Traditional Thai massage makes use of three Asian philosophies; Ayurveda, an ancient system of healthcare native to the Indian subcontinent, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and yoga. What this means is that there is a lot of stretching involved. The theory is to use certain special techniques to stimulate energy concentration points, so tensed-up muscles can relax, blood circulation can improve and balance within the body can be regained. I’m quite a tense person, so it was a little awkward to have the therapist twisting my back or trying to make me touch my toes with my fingers. Plus, I’d had a yoga class the day before so I was feeling extra stiff. But after soaking in the spa’s hot tub and steam room for 15 minutes, I felt much better. I think it improves limberness in the long term, so the pain definitely pays off. This massage is ideal for people that need help with stretching, or if you don’t like getting greased up – it’s totally oil-free.
$915 for 60 minutes
Chuan Spa, 41/F, Langham Place Hotel, Mongkok,
3552-3510.
Indian Head Massage at Elemis Day Spa
Like Thai massage, this technique is based on the ancient Ayurvedic healing system which combines physical massage with chakra balancing, which is believed to revitalize circulation and improve overall health and wellbeing. This particular form of massage is designed to help to relieve tension and headaches. It starts with a strong neck and shoulder massage, which takes around 10 minutes, before moving onto the head massage. And all I can say is that it’s awesome – It was relaxing to the point that I fell asleep, even though someone was working on my neck, shoulders and head with a pretty strong hand the whole time. It took just 30 minutes but it felt like two hours had gone by, in that I was so relaxed and energized afterwards. And I didn’t feel tired for the rest of the day. It’s perfect for those who only have time for a quick fix.