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SPA SESSIONS
healing touch
what’s new, what works… and what’s EFT?
SPA REVIEW: THANN IT UP
Thann Sanctuary Day Spa (111 Nguyen Du Street, District 1, tel +84 (8) 822-0788, www.thann.info) is the first foray into Ho Chi Minh City by Thai spa brand Harnn & Thann, known for its ethnic-chic hair and body care products. The flagship outlet is in Nguyen Du Park Villas, a serviced apartment block on a quiet street in District 1. Despite the awkwardness of the reception in the condo lobby, the staff’s friendliness makes for a warm welcome and the low-lit interior of the four-room spa swiftly gets you into the 
spa mood. In the Healing Stone Body Massage, crystals are placed on the body’s seven chakras or energy centres. Once the crystals have worked their magic, a therapist gingerly rubs your essential-oiled skin down with hot stones – soothing relief for sore muscles. Post-treatment, a cup of Thann’s blended tea and a small platter of local fruit help you to re-energise and re-adjust to the real world.
PREGNANT PAUSE
Is the spa off-limits during pregnancy? No, says a study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Research shows massage by a qualified therapist reduces expectant mothers’ back pain and levels of stress-causing hormones. The team of masseuses at The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui (tel +66 (0) 77 243000, www.fourseasons.com/kohsamui) are a good bet, having recently become certified in prenatal treatments by Australian experts, Mothercare. Try the 90-minute Prenatal Bliss oil massage (5,800 baht).
AYE CABANA!
Have your treatment alfresco at the InterContinental Hong Kong’s I-Spa (tel +852 2721-1211, www.hongkong-ic.intercontinental.com). after renovations to the tune of US$70 million, the spa now boasts two new cabanas (above) beside the pool, which afford views over Victoria Harbour. Once inside and shielded by canvas drapes from prying eyes, enjoy treatments using organic products by Ytsara of Thailand.
NEED A KNEAD?
More than just touchy feely, proper rub-downs actually do have physical benefits. Singapore’s Aramsa – The Garden Spa (Bishan Park II, 1382 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, tel +65 6456-6556, www.aramsaspas.com) offers a list of the most positive effects of massage:
1 More concentration and focus.
2 Enhances immunity by stimulating lymph flow through the body.
3 Promotes tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
4 Pumps oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
5 Releases endorphins – “feel good” chemicals that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
6 A better night’s sleep.
GETTING EMO
Fast gaining popularity in health retreats and alternative healing circles, the Emotional Freedom Technique, or EFT, is like acupuncture without the needles. Jaz Goven (below, left ), a seasoned practitioner and EFT trainer, will conduct a series of sessions at JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok’s Health Club & Spa. Here she tells us more:
What is EFT?
EFT aims to unblock energy flow by tapping the body’s meridian points with the fingers, and can be used to treat everything from over-eating to migraines or even depression.
How does it work?
All negative thoughts or feelings are linked to the energy of the mind and body; these often cause an imbalance on a mental and/or physical level. EFT restores the body’s natural balance by restoring the flow of chi.
How do emotions affect us physically?
Suppressing our problems takes a lot of energy. Once the client admits to an issue and gives themselves permission to let it go, there is a terrific relief. They feel relaxed and more balanced
And there’s do-it-yourself EFT?
Yes. You don’t always need a therapist to help you. after only a few hours of instruction, you can do it yourself
Find out more in Jaz’s free information session on EFT at 7pm on 26 November. Health Club & Spa, Level 6, JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok, tel +66 (0)2 656-7700, www.marriott.com
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