MASSAGE TRENDS
The thermal baths at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, Switzerland; From left: a masseuse pours golden oil on a client during a gold massage; aroma bar at The Gainsborough, Bath
TURKISH BATH MASSAGE Renate Hermes, director of Wellness & Spa at Six Senses Kaplankaya, Turkey
What’s the science behind Turkish bath massages? Exposure to heat and steam in a Turkish bath causes the blood vessels in the skin to dilate, leading to increased blood fl ow. Naturally, the high temperatures also induce sweating, which has been shown to help eliminate toxins from the body. Then there’s the physical manipulation of the body during the massage, which can enhance blood circulation and reduce stress- related tension. There are a lot of similarities with Roman bath culture, and that was one of the most sophisticated bathing systems ever developed. Who’d find it most beneficial? Everyone. Quite apart from the the physiological and physical upsides, another major benefi t lies in the social engagement, as Turkish baths allow people to connect, talk, have fun and enjoy each other’s company while doing something good for their bodies and souls. What do you think the next massage of the moment will be? I believe the reconnection to time-proven and wisdom-based old rituals will fi nd new relevance in the modern wellness world. The Kaplankaya Royal Hammam, £190 per session.
sixsenses.com
CRYSTAL MASSAGE Anne-Cathrin Löffler, director of health & spa at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, Switzerland
What’s the theory behind crystal massages? The massage is about fi nding a way to inner harmony and balance. With pure chakra oils, special massage techniques and crystals, the seven centres of energy are stimulated. Chakras are part of traditional Chinese medicine and aligning them is a spiritual process. This massage is all about managing the energy household — correctly redistributing the existing energy within the body. What are the benefits, and how do clients feel afterwards? These massages are quite gentle and follow an alternative, holistic approach. If someone is sensitive and actively practises listening to their own body’s energy, having a crystal massage once a week is perfect, otherwise twice a month is fi ne. Clients often feel more balanced after one treatment. What do you think the next massage of the moment will be? Massages that work both on the mental as well as the physical level. It’s not simply about treating the fi rst foot, then the second and so on, it’s about working with oils that also have calming eff ects on the soul. Inner balance chakra treatment, £170 for 50 minutes.
resortragaz.ch/en
GOLD MASSAGE Melissa Mettler, spa consultant for the Spa Village division at YTL Hotels
How do gold massages work? Put simply, gold is a negative ion producer. Similar to breathing the air around a waterfall, also full of negative ions and known for its health benefi ts, we see a decrease in tissue infl ammation when exposed to this precious metal. Gold has a stimulating eff ect, increasing cell metabolism and protecting our mitochondria, which neutralises oxidative cellular stress. What’s more beneficial — hot gold stones or products with gold in? Gold is eff ective topically as an anti-infl ammatory when used on the surface of the skin; something you’d experience with a stone massage. Gold-infused skincare products, meanwhile, generally contain colloidal gold: nanoparticles that are suspended in liquid making the gold within more bioavailable, and ensuring it’s delivered to the cells undamaged. What do you think the next massage of the moment will be? This is always an interesting question in the very fi ckle world of wellness and beauty, where trends are ever-changing. If often seems to me that what’s old is new and what’s ‘new’ has actually been around for a long time. The Golden Body Treatment, from £225 for 85 minutes.
thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELLER – SPA & WELLNESS COLLECTION 17
IMAGES: GETTY; GRAND RESORT BAD RAGAZ; GAINSBOROUGH
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