Taking care of your face: facial massage, face exercises, and self-massage
Dear readers,
When we talk about facial care, we usually think of cleansing and moisturizing. Sometimes we include exfoliation and/or a face mask. But did you know that you can take care of your face in ways that go far beyond these routine treatments?
In fact, the wellness industry offers effective and increasingly recognized methods to give your face a stunning new glow—all while providing total relaxation!
Experts with magic fingers, whose techniques go beyond a simple facial treatment
While the skincare for the face has well-known properties that are widely recognized, such as purification, cleansing, hydration, or even anti-aging, there are some highly specialized techniques to help you restore your radiance, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and achieve a “plumpy” effect.
- The Expert Facial Massage, with the renowned facialist Delphine Langlois
Delphine is the quintessential French skincare expert. After 13 years of creating skincare treatments at the heart of the prestigious George V Spa in Paris, Delphine trained with experts from all a15> world wide to learn specific and recognized techniques. Anti-aging facial massage, Jacquet® pinching, the Kobido® by Master Shogo Moshizuki from Japan or also the Oral Massage® by Dr. Yakov Gershkovich, are just some of the skills she acquires.
Passionate about beauty and well-being, Delphine offers extensive expertise in natural facelifts, combined with a range of sophisticated massages for a rejuvenating and tailored effect.
Many celebrities seek out his services, as do men and women looking for a unique treatment tailored to the shape of their face.
To learn more: https://www.delphinelanglois.com
- Face Gym, or Facial Workout, with the pioneer in the field: Inge Theron
The FaceGym brand was founded in 2016 by Inge Theron, a British woman.
A trip to India and six months of globetrotting around the world gave her a deeper appreciation for the benefits of massage and spa treatments. She became an expert in recommending spas around the world and wrote a column for the Financial Times titled “Chronicles of a Spa Junkie.”
Unfortunately, over the next three years, Inge became obsessed with cosmetic injections, constantly trying to eliminate even the slightest wrinkle… until she underwent one procedure too many at age 37, which left her face disfigured. During a stay at an ashram in Mexico City, Inge received ancient Inca facial treatments several times a day to “restore” her facial structure. There, she learned that you can tone and sculpt the muscles of your face just as much as those in the rest of your body.
The idea of developing a unique “workout” technique for the face was born. It’s like a gym session for your face, with a warm-up, cardio, massage, and relaxation. The results are amazing—plump, hydrated skin!
With more than a dozen studios around the world (London, New York, and Los Angeles), success is guaranteed with famous clients such as Ellie Goulding and Adriana Lima.
To learn more: https://www.instagram.com/facegym/?hl=fr
Unique on the market, these techniques will inspire many to launch their own “Glow” Studios, following the lead of new Parisian brands such as Aime and Seasonly
Aime – Glow Studio: https://aime.co/fr/content/12-le-glow-studio
Seasonly – Skin Studio: https://seasonly.fr/pages/skin-studio
Self-Massage
Practiced for centuries in Japan and the Middle East, self-massage is a facial care technique that promotes well-being and has an immediate effect on the skin’s radiance. It is recommended by all wellness experts.
In addition to helping your daily skincare product penetrate the skin more effectively, facial self-massage relieves tension (around the eyes, temples, and jawline) and stimulates microcirculation in the blood and lymphatic systems for an immediate radiant glow.
By learning to perform self-massage, you get to know your body better and learn to love yourself more. You gain a better understanding of the signs of aging, allowing you to age gracefully using non-invasive manual techniques.
- How To Spa Self-Massage: a technique by Fabienne Crocq
Want to try some simple and effective self-massage techniques? Check out our online tutorials and videos, created in collaboration with our spa expert Fabienne Crocq
Tutorials in booklets free to read here: http://preprod.howtospa.com/creez-votre-relaxation/
Free video tutorials on facial makeup—try them here: http://preprod.howtospa.com/faites-votre-spa-a-la-maison-en-video/
“Expectant Mom” and Baby Massages
Dear readers,
Did you know that there’s a whole world of wellness centered around pregnant women and babies?
- The “Expectant Mom” Massage
More and more spas are offering massages for expectant mothers that follow a very specific protocol. Whether you’re lying on your side with a pillow between your legs, sitting up, or lying on your stomach on a special table designed to accommodate your belly, you’ll enjoy massages designed to relieve lower back pain, swollen legs, and fatigue.
A much-needed break to rejuvenate both mom and baby. In fact, the baby senses its mother’s relaxation and will also be soothed by this shared moment of well-being.
Here are a few tried-and-true spa recommendations in Paris:
Comme dans un cocon au Spa Six Senses
For a reasonable budget at Spa Thémaé
For the ultimate experience at the Spa George V ot the Spa Mandarin Oriental
You can if you want to extend this world of well-being after birth, by massaging your child. You will discover the benefits for the health and the development on your child, their development, and your relationship with them. Beyond just relaxation, massages are known to relieve the aches stomach aches and the lack of muscle tone in the baby. There are some very good books on the subject, including “Baby Massage,” by Wendy Kavanagh.” Don’t hesitate either to take your child to see a pediatric osteopath, very good for gently relieving her symptoms, after a long few weeks of being stuck in belly and a turbulent birth.
Our absolute favorite brand:
To take care of of your skin during pregnancy and massage your baby, we can only highly recommend the brand Skinhaptics. Organic and free of preservatives, this brand is often recommended in most of maternity wards. You can also find it in some Parisian spas (such as Six Senses, mentioned above), in the form of oil for massage as part of the treatments for expectant mothers.
Body & hair shower gel, massage oils, facial cleansers, but also oil and cream for the face, Most of the products are designed for the whole family. Made with vegetable oils from cotton, from plum and from sunflower, all extracted by cold pressing, the products taste divinely good and offer a truly special moment of sharing with your child.
The little extra we love? Skinhaptics goes even further with the creation of an easy-to-use baby carrier and some classes on baby massage, available on their website.
To learn more: https://www.skinhaptics.com/fr/accueil/
So don’t wait any longer—treat yourself to a wellness experience for you and your baby!
An Interview with Aurélie, a Massage Therapist at Shangri-La
Dear readers,
Have you ever wondered who is behind these golden hands that make you feel so much good? We’re talking of course about the massage therapists, also known as spa practitioners who bring you happiness when you spend a moment of well-being at a spa.
Since its creation, How To Spa has been collaborating with the experts in this field, and it is with pleasure that we present to you an interview with Aurélie, a massage therapist at the Chi-Le Spa at the Parisian Shangri-La hotel.
Hello Aurélie, and thank you for your welcome.
You are currently a massage therapist at the Shangri-La Spa. How did you end up in such a beautiful setting?
With passion, patience, and the good fortune of having previously worked with Ms. Colette Audebert. She once again placed her trust in me by inviting me to join her team at Le Chi, Le Spa, and giving me the opportunity to work at the most romantic hotel in the capital.
Pouvez-vous nous en dire un peu plus sur votre parcours ?
When I was 15, I caught the bug of wanting to bring well-being to others, in my own small way.
In 9th grade, I told my mom, “I want to be a cosmetologist.” She looked at me a little strangely, thinking it was just a phase that would pass with my teenage rebellion.
It has been sixteen years since then, you had to have an excellent application to get into a beauty school. So I repeated my 9th-grade year, so that I could be accepted a year later into the only school of aesthetics in Southern Brittany. But at the last minute, I decided not to go, preferring to start a new school year at a high school with a general curriculum and enroll in the program STT with the “Commercial Action and Communication” track.
Trois ans plus tard, le bac en poche, je rentre à l’école IFOM à Nantes pour 1 an en classe préparatoire au BTS esthétique-cosmétique. Après obtention de mon CAP esthétique-cosmétique, je n’ai pas poursuivi le cursus BTS, car je voulais “MASSER”!!
Ten years ago, the state-recognized CQP Spa Practitioner certification didn’t exist yet. A vocational high school diploma was an option, but it wasn’t right for me. So I found the “Body and Spa” program at the Chantal Le Cozic School in Rennes. This program introduced me to massages and rituals from around the world, as well as to what a spa is and helped me understand this multisensory environment.
This profession offers so many of opportunities thatI wanted to dive right in and experience every aspect of it. So, I worked as a beautician and a beauty consultant at a beauty salon specializing in beauty and perfume salon, or even a brand ambassador for select perfume brands.
I worked as a spa practitioner on a seasonal basis for Cinq Mondes and Clarins. The off-season allowed me to travel and to train in other techniques, such as for example a trip to Bali where I was able to learn the traditional Balinese massage.
I also had the chance to conduct some awareness-raising wellness -well-being among young teenage girls with visual impairments who are visually impaired.
I have been working as a spa therapist in Paris since 2014. I started out at The Peninsula Paris Spa, where I worked for three years and was fortunate enough to also serve as a hands-on trainer, and for the past six months I have been working at Chi, the spa at the Shangri-La Paris Hotel.
Having met many massage therapists, I’ve always been deeply moved by the passion with which they practice their craft. They all share the same goal: to help people feel better. I imagine it’s the same for you. What do you enjoy most about your job?
Yes, that’s right—I love taking care of people. What I enjoy most about my job as a spa therapist is knowing that I’m giving my clients that little extra something that will make their day better—so that they leave feeling much better than when they arrived. This involves wellness and massage, but also conversation. I listen to them without judging them, and I do my best to offer advice so they feel relaxed after their treatment. I enjoy connecting and sharing with my clients. I have a lot of kindness and love to give.
A massage is very demanding, both physically and mentally. We often hear that during a massage session, a genuine exchange of energy takes place, and that it all comes down to the practitioner’s intention. How do you ensure that every client gets the best possible experience throughout your day?
There really is a genuine exchange of energy taking place. With some clients, even before giving them a massage—just as they walk through the door of the treatment room—you can already tell whether it’s going to be pure bliss or, quite the opposite, an energetic nightmare!!
To ensure every client gets the best experience, I never give the same massage twice. I never get bored, even if the appointment schedule lists the same massage. I often tell my clients, “This is your massage. Even though I’m the one giving it, it’s YOURS.” It’s essential to ask our clients about their preferences or how they’d like to feel after their massage. It’s up to me to adapt. So I vary the techniques and movements, or adjust the pressure, while staying true to the original concept of the massage.
On a side note: I give massages without shoes on to feel more grounded. After a massage, I wash not only my hands but also my entire forearm up to the elbow with lukewarm or cool water. I also wear an amber stone that protects me and absorbs negative energy.
At the beginning of a massage, I ask the client to take three deep breaths because that allows me to breathe deeply with them. That way, I remember to breathe while I’m massaging—to really breathe. In fact, massage therapists too often hold their breath while massaging, and I still do that sometimes.
After a massage, while waiting for the client to leave the treatment room, I do a few stretches for my back and arms.
Finally, while it’s not always possible, it’s a good idea to air out the treatment room to refresh the air, clear away any lingering energy, and be ready to start another massage as if the first one hadn’t happened yet.
Throughout your career, you’ve developed in-depth expertise not only in the skin’s cosmetic needs but also in the healthy lifestyle necessary for everyday well-being. Do you have any tips and tricks to share with our readers? Whether it’s a daily routine, a wellness idea, or a great tip.
Breathe!! This has been a real eye-opener for me since I started working in Paris. I didn’t know how to breathe properly. It was a physical therapist—who also has a degree in Chinese medicine—who made me aware of this. Breathing correctly helps reduce stress and anxiety. I also recommend the “RespiRelax+” app, which I use myself. I make it a point to do this every night so I can reconnect with myself. My mantra: our bodies aren’t meant to suffer!
I’m also mindful of what I eat, because what we put into our bodies can affect us both inside and out. These days, it’s hard to know what’s actually good for us on our plates… That’s why I use the “Yuka” app, which “scans” your food to help you eat better and make the right choices.
Finally, I’ve recently become interested in “Face Mapping,” which helps identify the causes of skin imbalances: poor diet, smoking, stress, pollution… I could talk about this passionately for hours! Why not come see me at the spa for a consultation? Otherwise, you can check out Pinterest and find facial “maps” to get started. From now on, whenever you have a pimple, redness, or any kind of skin imbalance, you’ll have a better understanding of why 🙂
What kind of massage would you recommend to our readers?
Facial massage. This small area alone contains about twenty muscles (face and neck). The face is constantly under tension and is the part of our body that is in constant contact with the outside world. Many meridians pass through, begin, or end on the face and skull. This area is therefore connected to the rest of your body and to nearly all your organs. The face also needs to be relaxed, stimulated, and oxygenated. In fact, nine out of ten clients let go and relax during a facial massage. You’ve got to try it right away!
What are your future plans?
At age 30, I went back to school in October. I’m in a work-study program at the Shangri-La Paris Spa and attending the Catherine Sertin School. Next April, I’ll take my Spa Practitioner VAE exam, and in October, I’ll earn my Spa Manager diploma.
My goal is to become an Assistant Spa Manager, then a Spa Manager, and eventually a teacher so I can share all my passion and knowledge about this wonderful profession and all its possibilities with future spa practitioners.
I’d also like to improve my English even more and take up yoga someday…
A big thank you, Aurélie, for this warm interview. We wish you all the best for the future!
Have a wonderful day, everyone!
Spa Locations: Our Latest Favorites
Hello, dear readers,
We are committed to regularly testing some locations of spas to help so you can relax in complete peace of mind.
Recently, six wellness centers have caught our attention. Whether in France, Switzerland, or the United States, take your pick to experience one of these wonders!
France
The Spa at the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme
The Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme Spa is located inside the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme hotel, situated on the legendary Rue de la Paix.
We’d been wanting to try this place for a long time. We weren’t disappointed!
We love its modern and elegant wooden architecture. Beautiful changing rooms, a hot tub, a steam room, and a sauna, a relaxation room… everything you need for a wonderful experience. The staff is very welcoming, and the massage therapists are excellent. You’ll leave feeling completely relaxed and rejuvenated.
Site Internet – Instagram – Facebook
Free Persephone
Already featured during our shoot for the tutorial videos, this urban spa will charm you with its cozy, quintessentially Parisian design! Their specialty? A manicure/pedicure lounge that stands out with its colorful chairs. Relax in their tea room or explore their boutique and treat yourself to one of their legendary fragrances.
P.S.: In the mood for a massage? Be sure to check out their treatment menu.
Site Internet – Instagram – Facebook
- Bordeaux and its surroundings
Home Self-Care of oneself
Nous avions déjà entendu parler de cette marque il y a plusieurs mois de cela. Fabienne, notre experte du spa qui a travaillé sur nos tutoriels, connaissait également. Nous avons craqué sur le design de leur gamme bio et naturelle, que vous voudrez avoir désormais dans votre salle de bain! Cette marque possède également un spa. Un véritable petit cocon situé dans la région bordelaise. Vous y trouverez un hammam un espace bain, mais aussi un espace terrasse-jardin qui est un véritable plus pour s’évader.
Site Internet – Instagram – Facebook
Spa by La Cloche
Since we have family in the area, we had heard about this unique spa. It’s located inside the La Cloche hotel, a well-known establishment in the region. The service is on par with that of the finest spas, thanks to a team with extensive experience gained at the most luxurious hotels.
You’ll find a fully equipped wet area featuring a hammam, sauna, sensory shower, jacuzzi, and relaxation area. Massages are performed using Vinésime products, and facials use Carita products.
Our tip: Visit on a weekday if possible to avoid the weekend crowds.
Site Internet – Facebook
Switzerland, Lausanne
Cinq Mondes Spa at the Beau Rivage Palace
A Cinq Mondes location we highly recommend. Located in the beautiful Beau Rivage Palace Hotel in Lausanne, Cinq Mondes will welcome you with professionalism and enthusiasm. The team will do everything to ensure you have a unique experience!
We loved the sense of well-being we felt right from the moment we entered the waiting area, with a beautiful pool decorated with flowers in the center of the room. You’ll also be delighted to enjoy the steam room and sauna, as well as the two heated pools, one of which opens onto the outdoors.
Site Internet – Instagram – Facebook
United States, Florida
Ponte Vedra Beach
This little gem is located in the prestigious Ponte Vedra Beach area of Florida. To enjoy the restaurants and golf clubs, you must stay at one of their hotels or be a member. However, the spa is open to non-residents.
Designed around the theme of the seahorse, this spa will immediately immerse you in a relaxing atmosphere thanks to the beauty of its spaces. A Jacuzzi, swimming pool, steam room, and sauna are all there to help you enjoy a complete wellness experience. The massage therapists are outstanding, especially if you’re looking for a therapeutic or deep-tissue massage. They use the Zents line, which we featured in our previous article.
Site Internet – Instagram – Facebook
Decléor Institute: An Urban Spa Like No Other
Hello to everyone,
It is with great pleasure that our team would like to tell you more about a wonderful spa in Paris, the Boutique Decléor Institut, located in the Marais district.
Just looking at the storefront makes you want to go in! Golden yellow and leaf green are the dominant colors, creating a luxurious feel while staying true to Decléor’s well-known aromatherapy aesthetic.
Charlotte Sugier and her team welcome you to this one-of-a-kind wellness center.
First, step into the store’s relaxing atmosphere, where you’ll find scrub stations and a stunning oil bar. There, you can freely sample their relaxing, energizing, or mind-cleansing scents. With decor worthy of the finest spas, you’ll also enjoy discovering their living wall, which reflects the brand’s commitment to natural ingredients.
Behind the store lies a little gem, featuring three treatment rooms and spaces dedicated to their detox workshops. That’s because the Decléor Institut store is unlike any other. Detox workshops led by true professionals are on the agenda, such as:
- Yoga and Pilates classes with Aria Crescendo.
- Vegan Cooking Workshops with Angèle Ferreux Maeght
- Aromatherapy and naturopathy sessions with Patty Cannac and Delphine Farjat.
…and many more!
Of course, you can choose from a variety of à la carte facial and body treatments. And if you’re in a hurry, there’s nothing better than their 15-minute express detox facial, featuring neroli and sweet orange essential oils to combat pollution and rehydrate the skin.
So, why not give the detox experience a try? To learn more:http://www.decleor.fr/institut-paris-marais
The interview of the month
Ruth Indiathi, founder of the “Balinese Village” Balinese
Hello, Ruth. The How To Spa team is delighted to interview you, the Balinese massage specialist. Thank you for having us.
Can you tell us more about your background and your current work?
As an Indonesian spa therapist, I received my initial training in Indonesia in the 1990s on the islands of Java and Bali, primarily at what could be considered the precursors to today’s spas. There, we practiced Balinese body and scalp “creambath” massages, facial massages, as well as traditional treatments such as Mandi Lulur, Mandi Susu, Mandi Rempah, and Boreh. It goes without saying that my very first introductions to these practices date back to my childhood. These roots are obviously incredibly important, as it is a world of trust, tranquility, and curiosity that parents pass on when massaging a child. This inspires me and permeates my teaching.
I worked for Cinq Mondes in Paris in the early 2000s, during the spa boom in France, and then became a spa consultant for the Institut Coiffure et Nature in Bastille, the Six Senses Spa, the Shangri-La, and the Park Hyatt Paris. In 2007, I began working as an instructor for various schools. In 2011, I founded the professional training organization Village Balinais Formation in Paris. This center is dedicated to teaching Balinese massage to professionals (spa therapists, estheticians) in Paris and through immersion programs in Bali. In 2016, I also opened a private Balinese massage studio in the heart of Paris, where I welcome and treat private clients.
I consider Balinese massages to be a form of yoga, a natural, daily form of body therapy. They facilitate a journey toward the fulfillment of the body and the self. They allow us to go far beyond the distorted image and experience that clients usually have when they are familiar with overly simplified versions or have had a sometimes painful and chaotic experience in Bali.
The best Balinese massages are the Pijitan®/pijat Bali because they are the most comprehensive and technically structured, the most faithful to the Hindu-Buddhist tradition and the Indonesian archipelago where they originated, and at the same time, they are designed for people here. They lead to a deep sense of well-being, a natural sense of fulfillment, quite simply.
Among all the physical and emotional benefits they provide, they are characterized by the immense pleasure they bring, which is linked to the mental and physical relaxation they induce.
Your school offers training in the famous Balinese massage. This traditional Indonesian massage provides specific benefits. What are they?
I offer treatments based on the Balinese massage technique known as pijat Bali.
Both preventive, deeply sensory, and physical, I honor—through both practicing and teaching these techniques—the spirit of Indonesian expertise, which involves massaging the body’s surface to clear the mind and reconnect with oneself, the present moment, and what truly matters but is not usually visible: the body’s physical and relational needs, and the tensions that manifest within it.
On the physical level
1) They restore muscle tone, increase muscle flexibility, and treat tight areas (tension, muscle soreness, and stiffness in the neck and back).
2) They enhance sensory awareness and proprioception (perception of internal sensations).
3) They affect the circulatory system by flushing out toxins, thereby cleansing and purifying the body.
From a mind-body perspective
1) They are a remarkable source of self-fulfillment and lightheartedness.
2) They relieve fatigue and contribute to better sleep: As you enjoy the relaxation they provide, the pressures and thoughts that weigh on and tire the mind fade away, and internal agitation subsides.
3) In this moment of letting go brought about by the techniques of Balinese pijat, a gap in time and in the body begins to open up, , the client gains access to sensations and emotions that are usually unnoticed.
4) As a final benefit, the ultra-sensory techniques applied to the body’s surface in Balinese pijat and the spa therapist’s positioning—inspired by the Hindu-Buddhist tradition—lead to a new form of communication based on trust and empathy.
Are there different versions of this massage? Can it be received by everyone?
Balinese massages are diverse in that they are hybrid, drawing on Indian and Chinese medicine as well as the local traditions of the thousands of islands that make up the archipelago—the largest in the world. There is no single, standardized form of Balinese massage; rather, there are various styles.
Anyone can receive them, provided they follow the usual precautions and any medical restrictions that may apply.
Women and men who appreciate living life to the fullest and with respect will value the aesthetic expression of their femininity and masculinity.
By helping to restore muscle tone and relieve sore muscles, it is ideal for recovery for athletes and dancers.
Soothing and rejuvenating, they help restore a good night’s sleep. Engineers, journalists, and restaurant owners will appreciate it. Combined with a Balinese head massage (pijat kepala), the pijitan®/pijat Bali works wonders.
Whether you’re shy, emotional, or lacking in affection, you’ll appreciate its sensory qualities and the reawakening of simple sensations within a peaceful relationship.
You also offer other types of Indonesian massages. Can you tell us more about them?
There are many types of massage. In Indonesia, Balinese body massage is called pijat or urut; in France, I renamed them pijat Bali (body, abdominal, prenatal, Siamese pads, volcanic stones). There is another remarkable massage: the scalp massage. Known as “Creambath” in Indonesia, I renamed it “pijat kepala” in France and later “pliritan®,” a term that everyone in France has adopted. A hair beauty treatment in Indonesia, it is distinguished in France by the intense mind-body relaxation it provides and its combination with Balinese body or facial massage. Indonesia also offers its own versions of palm and foot reflexology, which can be found at my school.
Finally, according to you, What are the best places to get some exceptional Balinese massages (in France and/or around the world)?
In Indonesia, there’s plenty to eat and drink! So, I recommend that you try as many things as possible!
In Paris! As you know, I work at a studio called the “Private Balinese Massage Studio.” It’s located in the heart of Paris, in the lively Canal Saint-Martin neighborhood, just 2 minutes from Place de la République.
Conducted according to best practices and in accordance with protocol—while, of course, tailoring the approach to individual needs—my clients particularly appreciate the minimalist and private setting, the personalized care from one session to the next, the mind-body connection that develops through the body, the profound sense of fulfillment they experience, the insights this can bring, and above all, the pleasure of deep relaxation. They also appreciate having quiet time without any distractions after the sessions. I think they appreciate my rates, too!
I highly recommend the graduates who have trained at my school. The list is long—they work in spas, luxury salons, and luxury hotels, or are self-employed as fitness coaches, personal trainers, naturopaths, or bed-and-breakfast owners…. I wouldn’t want to offend anyone I might accidentally leave out. Some people use these techniques for their benefits without mentioning their origins. Estheticians appreciate them and use them for their deeply relaxing properties and their ability to be combined with body treatments. Their balanced nature is also an asset, since they allow for much more to be achieved than many traditional Asian body massages, which can quickly become exhausting for the esthetician. These come to mind.
In Paris, Ruth Indiathi, a private Balinese massage studio, http://www.levillagebalinais.com/blog/, tel. 06 50 20 62 33
Near Lille, Rebecca: Massages in Lille: http://www.lille-aux-massages.fr/
Near Strasbourg, Caroline, esthetician: Bayi Institut: bayi.institut@hotmail.fr
In Reims, Jessica, esthetician: Prélude Beauté: www.institut-preludebeaute.fr/
In Epernay, Marlies offers Balinese massage. She’s on Facebook.
In Bordeaux, Fabrice: http://www.fabrice-escher.fr/
Near Nîmes—in Uzès, to be exact—Fabienne runs “La Maison Rouge,” a beautiful bed-and-breakfast. She offers Balinese massages upon request: www.maison-rouge-uzes.com
Author: Ruth Indiath
You’re interested in:
1- Professional training in traditional Balinese massage: This program takes place year-round in Paris at our professional training center, the Village Balinais. Training and immersion in Indonesia (Bali) are offered during the summer.
2- Enjoy a Balinese pijat Bali massage at the private Balinese massage studio: Take a step back, focus on yourself and your well-being in a haven of peace and tranquility.
Village Balinais: Balinese Massage Training and Private Studio, Paris
9 Rue de la Fontaine au Roi, 75011 Paris
To register or make an appointment:
Contact: Ruth Indiathi
Phone: 06 50 20 62 33
Email: levillagebalinais@gmail.com
Blog: http://www.levillagebalinais.com/blog/
Text written by Ruth Indiathi
Hinokibo: A Unique Japanese Massage
Hello to everyone,
We’d love to introduce you to a massage straight from Japan: the HinokiBō massage!
Hinokibo and Bloom Classic
Launched in Japan in 2007, it is a blend of several traditional techniques.
Whether performed on the face or the body, this treatment is one of a kind. What makes it special? In addition to her hands, the therapist uses a traditional Japanese tool: the bo (stick) made of hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood. Handcrafted by a Japanese artisan from Matsuyama Prefecture, this tool allows for a targeted and varied massage. In addition, Japanese cypress has antiseptic properties.
Created and offered by the Bloom Classic brand, its director, Rieko KITAJIMA, welcomed me to their Parisian offices to introduce me to the concept. I was able to experience the HinokiBō facial massage, which left me feeling deeply relaxed, with a lifted appearance and a renewed glow.
It’s worth noting that there is a targeted body treatment for slimming: it relieves muscle tension, effectively and evenly drains every part of the body, sculpts the figure and defines the contours, and firms and tones the skin.
The Massage Process
Therapist Julia settles me comfortably onto the massage table and adjusts the angle to my liking for greater comfort (head and feet). The Japanese music already transports you to this beautiful country. After cleansing my hands with warm oshibori, she wraps a cozy headband around my head for maximum comfort.
Two products will be used. Power Tree HI Gel, for a thorough facial cleansing. Formulated with a blend of Indian coleus root and Japanese cypress essential oil, it has cleansing, refreshing, and antiseptic properties. Power Tree Finish Oil is then used for the massage. Thanks to a blend of plant-based oils, it has a draining and lifting effect. Its grapefruit scent is also very subtle and pleasant.
The cleansing will be done by hand. The Hinoki oil will be used during the massage. It will be applied to the neck, around the carotid artery and lymph nodes, for a draining effect, as well as to the hollows of the cheeks for a deeply relaxing effect. The lifting effect and the boost in radiance are felt through the successive movements on the cheekbones and forehead. Forty minutes later, I feel very relaxed, and I immediately see the radiant and lifting effect in the mirror. I’m really impressed!
After taking the time to log back in, I chatted with the designer and learned about the story behind the concept. She also showed me the rest of their cosmetics line, which will be available in France sometime next year.
Want to give it a try?
If you’d like to experience this amazing treatment right away, head to Spa Molitor in Paris’s 16th arrondissement, where the treatment has recently become available in collaboration with Clarins: Spa Molitor: http://www.mltr.fr/fr/life/#spa
Bloom Classic spas are very well-known in Japan, and the brand is looking to expand into France. Professionals looking to expand their menu can contact them through their website for more information.
To learn more: http://www.bloomclassic.fr/
Our “Five Worlds” Experience
Hello Dear Members,
We had the opportunity to test the products and spa offerings of a brand that’s close to our hearts: Cinq Mondes. A pioneer in the spa industry since the 2000s, its concept and products take you on a journey around the world. Sensuality, natural ingredients, and effectiveness are all part of the experience!
The Cinq Mondes Spa and its Imperial massage
How To Spa had the pleasure of enjoying a wonderful experience at the Cinq Mondes spa in Paris. The spa has recently been renovated and modernized, while retaining its spirit of travel. Indonesia, Japan, Morocco…this spa offers beauty rituals from around the world through rejuvenating and effective facials and body massages.
As for me, I fell in love with the Imperial massage.
As a massage enthusiast, I was familiar with various types—such as relaxation, deep tissue, Ayurvedic, and Balinese—but I had never seen a description like this: “A unique, soothing, and energizing treatment ritual inspired by the traditions of the art of touch. Fully enjoy this elaborate massage technique targeting the reflex zones of the hands, feet, neck, nape, and trapezius muscles. A truly imperial treatment!”
Having already experienced reflexology, I never imagined you could relax so much just by having your feet massaged…. In fact, with our hectic daily lives, tension can build up in our feet and hands without us even realizing it. …So, a massage that focuses more on the limbs, rather than just a simple back massage? That really appealed to me!
The welcome was very warm. I was immediately taken care of in this relaxing haven, where I filled out a questionnaire to receive a personalized massage.
Maud, an excellent massage therapist, introduced herself and explained how the ritual would unfold, then left me alone to get changed. Five minutes later, the dream could begin…
This massage is performed while lying on your back, then on your side. Something I hadn’t experienced before on this cozy, heated bed was the option to tilt the bed for our comfort and deeper relaxation. With the upper body and feet raised, we find ourselves in a “V” shape, letting ourselves be carried away by the warmth of the bed and the soft music. From that moment on, the rejuvenation begins.
We’ll use a soothing massage balm. It’s true that their balms feel incredibly sensual to the touch and all have addictive scents—what a treat!
This massage focuses on the limbs, the neck, and the trapezius muscles. Just like in the finest spas, the ritual begins with the placement of oshibori (warm towels) on the feet and hands. Then one focuses on the massage of each limb: feet, calves, thighs (right and left), then hands, arms, shoulders (right and left). We enjoy these draining and deeply soothing movements with pleasure.
Our necks aren’t left out, and we also get a scalp massage. Pure bliss!
The massage concludes with tension relief in the trapezius muscles, while sitting on the side of the bed, to promote deeper relaxation.
The massage therapist concludes the ritual by diffusing rejuvenating scents using their famous eaux fraîches.
After nearly an hour of massage, I felt completely relaxed and rejuvenated. You can really feel that the tension that had built up in my limbs has truly disappeared.
We wrap up your treatment with product recommendations and a cup of tea. You have all the time you need to gently reconnect with our world.
I highly recommend this Parisian urban spa. It offers excellent value for a professional and effective massage.
Bonus: Cinq Mondes offers a small discovery set that includes a booklet on relaxation and self-massage, as well as mini massage oils. It fits perfectly with our How To Spa world!
Imperial Massage, 50 min – €100; also available in an 80-min version – €150
Address: 6 Square de l’Opéra-Louis Jouvet, 75009 Paris
A few products that have been tested and approved, which can be used in our tutorials!
To help us recommend the right products for our relaxation guides, we tested a few Cinq Mondes products. Here are our favorites!
For our self-massages
Balm with Tropical Nuts (Siam Ritual)
In addition to being used for self-massage, this balm is designed to deeply nourish the skin and is highly effective on very dry areas (hands, feet, elbows). It also gives the skin a healthy glow. Made with tamaru oil, coconut oil, and beeswax, it has a very sensual, lemony scent.
What we really liked was the unique texture: at first, it’s hard like wax, but upon application, the balm transforms into an oil that provides intense nourishment.
Available at http://www.cinqmondes.com/baume-fondant-aux-noix-tropicales.html
Sumptuous Oil of the Orient (Atlas Ritual)
This dry oil nourishes the skin, giving it radiance and suppleness. Ideal for self-massage, it’s easy to apply and absorbs quickly. Sensual and with a truly captivating scent, we love the fragrance of this argan oil-based product.
Available at: http://www.cinqmondes.com/huile-somptueuse-de-l-orient.html
For our facial self-massages
Rich Youth Cream: (Beijing Ritual)
This cream moisturizes, smooths, and firms the skin. As you massage it in, your skin appears plumper.
We love its effective, natural ingredients, including organic ginseng for a toning effect and lotus flower—the world’s oldest flower—for ultra-hydrating benefits.
The texture is pleasantly sensual and feels refreshing upon application.
Available at: http://www.cinqmondes.com/creme-riche-de-jeunesse.html
For our pillow mists
Egyptian Water: (The Luxor Ritual)
In our guides on relaxation at home and while traveling, How To Spa recommends that you apply a “pillow mist” for a restful sleep at the end of your ritual. It is difficult to find a high-quality one, that has a real effect on the mind. But Five Worlds is one of these rare little treasures!
A fan of their eaux fraîches for several years, How To Spa recommends this Egyptian Water, whose enchanting scent provides deep relaxation.
A spicy note with cumin, a fresh note with mint, a hint of florals with lotus and jasmine, and finally, some truly captivating and addictive scents like frankincense, myrrh, and patchouli… we’re huge fans!
Available at: http://www.cinqmondes.com/eau-egyptienne.html
For an Indonesian beauty cleansing ritual
If you’re looking for an effective global skin-cleansing routine, we recommend these two innovative products:
Paste of Flowers (Balinese Ritual)
We love this one-of-a-kind cleanser! Inspired by Balinese beauty rituals.
Its creamy, paste-like texture is incredibly pampering and has an immediate soothing effect. It has a delightful scent that blends mango, passion fruit, gardenia, and white lily.
Available at: http://www.cinqmondes.com/pate-de-fleurs.html
Phyto Peeling Lotion (Bali Ritual)
Finish the cleansing routine with the phyto-peeling lotion. Alcohol-free for gentle cleansing, it offers not only cleansing benefits but also an ice-cold, refreshing sensation—highly effective for improving circulation and giving the skin a radiant glow.
Available at: http://www.cinqmondes.com/lotion-phyto-peeling.html
This pampering and invigorating ritual is reminiscent of the hammam, sauna, and cold shower rituals found at spas, which are known to be effective for deep relaxation and improved blood circulation.
