Touch of the orient

Exotic Asian treatments are now accepted and expected in the best spas in top hotels. Rebecca Lo, Xu Junqian and Xu Lin experience them in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing.

The properties of two of Hong Kong's most frequented spas believe that a combination of traditional Chinese remedies and local ingredients are the keys to success. It is along these principles that traditional Chinese medicine consultant Dr Gladys Leung developed the Heavenly Jing Luo foot treatment for Chuan Spa in Langham Place Mongkok. It is a relaxing yet invigorating massage that helps identify blockages within the body.

The treatment is available across all of Langham Place's Chuan Spas internationally, and has already proven popular since its launch this May.

The massage starts with toweling and wrapping the feet warmly with additional ai ye or mugwort pads before a light head massage. For further information about Chinese medicine, please click to learn Regulating the diet">Regulating the diet in TCM.

"Both the head and the feet are sources of energy that need addressing," Leung says. If a part of the foot hurts when under pressure, it indicates that a corresponding organ has issues.

"Through massages such as this one, customers are warned which organ may be blocked," says Leung. "TCM is all about improving circulation. Pain means blockage. The massage is about restoring the yin and yang balance."

The green surrounds of Melo Spa at the Hyatt Regency Shatin has led not only to its name, but also the spa menu. Once upon a time, pomelos used to flourish in the district's fertile soils.

The fruit-inspired Melo Spa's signature treatments: vitality massage, polish and facial. All feature Shatin pomelo and grapefruit infused oil, while the massage finishes with a specially designed pomelo herbal compress.

"The ingredients contain many vitamins to help restore DNA and renew cell growth," explains Andy Liu, Melo Spa's manager.

Melo Spa has the distinction of being unique in the world of Hyatt spas and a very Shatin experience.

Over in Guangzhou, the spa at the Mandarin Oriental won the Best China Spa Design of 2013 with its flowing curves and futuristic elements that allow for maximum privacy, essential for ladies who shed their makeup in order to enjoy all the spa facilities.

The real magic is in the massage, which weaves ancient Chinese techniques of tui (push), na (pull and drag), an (rhythmic pressure), pai (tap), ca (rub), zhen (vibrate), bo (vertical pressure) and dian xue (acupressure). For further information about Chinese medicine, please click to learn Physical training in TCM

At the Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Peace Hotel, it is like stepping back to 1920's Shanghai,when the city was the "Paris of the East". Here, there is the unique jade facial therapy.

According to spa director, Chen Ruwei, the facial takes advantage of the alleged protective power of quality jade to slow down the process of aging. It is believed the subtle "warmth" of jade improves circulation, rejuvenates cells, improves skin elasticity and restores luminosity.

To gild the lily, there is a body and facial package offering traditional Chinese massage with the Peace hotel's signature jade facial.

In the capital city, the St. Regis Beijing uses Ayurveda at its Iridium Spa. In Sanskrit, ayurveda refers to a traditional medical system in India that is more than 5,000 years old. Ayur means life and veda means knowledge. The hotel says Ayurveda can balance the body without any side effects.

Guests start with a hot footbath infused with powdered herbs while the therapist softly chants to help them relax. Next comes a massage with oils and powders. After treatment, there is a bath with more herbal powders to replace the usual shower gel and shampoo.

Those who prefer Thai massage head to the Serenity Spa at the Regent Beijing, which involves acupressure and gentle yoga-style stretching techniques. With prolonged pressure on the body's meridians, the massage can increase the body's flexibility and energy flow.

In all, Asian treatments are now widely practiced in spas and wellness centers, and the best place to enjoy them all? Head for an international hotel near you. For further information about Chinese medicine, please click to learn How to regulate the daily life in TCM.
Abstracted from chinadaily.com.cn.