Who’s behind our video tutorials?

Hello, dear readers,

I wanted to write this article especially for you so that you can find out who is a9> is behind our video tutorials!

With How To Spa, I wanted to create a world of wellness that’s accessible to everyone. I fell in love with this world, and wanted to turn it into something unique.

People around me were telling me that more and more of them were looking for a way to recharge—at times of the day or week that worked for them.

Having discovered and worked in the spa industry, I’ve seen firsthand the real benefits these wellness centers provide.
Why not bring this experience home, on the road, to the office, or while commuting? With the help of spa experts, a selection of ethical products, and a few handy tips, you can recreate this atmosphere and enjoy its benefits.

15 tutorials were created, initially as online booklets.

Recently, We have created 3 video tutorials, in French and English, to teach you how to make your own “At-Home Spa.”
Tips, self-massage techniques, and recommended products—we offer you a complete experience just like at a luxury spa.

But who are the experts behind the making of these videos?

The location: the Free Persephone spa

What could be more better than a cozy spot designed to feel like a spa right in your own home?

Located in the heart of Paris, Spa Free Perséphone offers its services in an atmosphere reminiscent of both a tea room and a Parisian apartment. This urban spa, known for its pedicures and manicures in a charming tea room, also offers massage services. From facials to body massages, it has everything you need for a truly blissful experience.

I had the chance to visit this spa a few months before How To Spa was launched, and I’ve stayed in close contact with the team ever since. Lauren, the spa’s founder, is an exceptional host, and her team went out of their way to make sure we had a wonderful time on the day of the shoot.

Their website to learn more: https://freepersephone.com/

The model: Fabienne, spa consultant and creator of massage protocols for massages

Fabienne Crocq has been collaborating with How To Spa since its inception. I met her through the former spa manager at Thémae (Tiphaine Modeste, who now runs her own spa management consulting firm, ESBE), and it was love at first sight for me.
Incredibly talented at creating unique massage techniques, she has worked at some of the industry’s leading establishments, including Cinq Mondes and Thémae. As the creator of the self-massage segments in our tutorials, her cheerful disposition and expertise have been an immense asset to How To Spa.
It was a no-brainer for me to ask her to be the model for the videos!
Fabienne offers her services as a consultant and trainer, and is currently working with Vinésime, one of our partner brands.

You can follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/fabs_yksilo/

The filming and editing team: The Zéro Six agency

It was thanks to Fabienne that I was able to connect with the Zéro Six agency. This agency has had the opportunity to work with some of the biggest names in the industry, including France 2.
We spent a day filming with a friendly and efficient team. Their collaboration during the pre-production phase and their post-production work allowed us to create some truly beautiful videos. They were incredible collaborators—kind, proactive, and professional. Thanks again to them and their incredible talent!

To follow them on their Facebook page, click here: https://www.facebook.com/AgenceZeroSix/

Me: an entrepreneur who wants to believe in her dreams

And then there’s me, a young entrepreneur and founder of How To Spa. I’ve put my doubts about aside and decided to believe in my dreams 🙂
This day was the very example of what I’m trying to achieve: to create, as a team, a service whose the goal is to do good for others.

I sincerely hope you’ll enjoy our work, and above all, that you’ll come away from this experience feeling rejuvenated!

So, have a great time, everyone!

P.S.: Don’t forget—the first 200 people to purchase a video tutorial will win Vinésime body oils (travel size, 15 ml) 😉

Massages from Around the World

Hello, dear readers of How To Spa,

Have you ever wondered what types of massages are offered in most of wellness centers ?

In fact, our tutorials offer relaxation techniques through self-massage, inspired by the most renowned massage techniques found in the spa industry.

Would you be interested in learning more about the different types of massages available?

The most well-known and commonly offered treatments are often the Relaxing Massage (a light massage) or the Deep Tissue Massage (a more intense massage). In addition to these two options, many spas frequently offer other types of massages, which you can explore below.

Whether you’re experiencing specific aches and pains, muscle tension, intense stress, or simply want to unwind, these massages inspired by traditions from around the world will help you escape the daily grind.

From Japan to Sweden, passing through India and MaliMali, let yourself be enchanted by this gentle journey into the world of relaxation.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a massage technique of Japanese origin. The word “shiatsu” means “pressure from the fingers” in Japanese.

This traditional massage will bring you peace, vitality, energy, and good health.

It involves applying varying degrees of pressure with the fingers along the acupuncture meridians. It releases tension in tight areas of the body and also promotes a sense of well-being and vitality. It is performed on the floor on a futon. Clients usually wear cotton pajamas.

It is recommended to get a massage from an expert who has several years of experience so that the massage is effective. Just as with the martial arts, the practitioners are true masters “masters.”

The Lomi Lomi

Originating in Hawaii, the Lomi Lomi massage is based on the ancient belief that an energy called “Mana” flows through the body. Through this practice, the body is harmonized and regains its energetic balance.

This massage is both relaxing and invigorating, just like the waves of Hawaii that can be calm or very powerful. It will take you on a journey to the most paradisiacal islands.

The movements are rhythmic and deep, using the arms and forearms. It is performed with oil on a massage table.

Thai

This massage, which originated in Thailand, stems from a very ancient form of therapy, practiced for thousands of millennia.

Its goal is to stimulate circulation, flexibility, and energy throughout the entire body.

This comprehensive massage applies pressure of varying intensity along the energy lines. The therapist uses their thumbs, but sometimes also their knees, elbows, and feet. It also includes a stretching phase, which is perfect for those suffering from muscle stiffness.

He is lying on the floor on a futon. The client is dressed in a pajama made of cotton most often.

The Korean

Korean massage is one of the most relaxing types of massage, derived from traditional Chinese massage techniques.

You’ll experience a sense of total well-being, relief from muscle tension, relief from back tension, and for some, it will help prevent insomnia.

The movements consist of vibrations in key areas, such as the joints, moving from the feet up to the head. Stretching exercises are also performed.

He is lying on the floor on a futon. The client is dressed in a pajama made of cotton most often.

And Chi Nei Tsang

This massage, which originated in China, focuses exclusively on the abdomen. It stems from the most ancient traditions passed down from generation to generation.

This is an abdominal massage designed to rejuvenate the internal organs. According to Chinese medicine, the abdomen is the body’s “second brain.” The massage aims to release negative energy concentrated in the abdomen and bring emotions into balance. It helps flush out and eliminate accumulated toxins.

The movements are a series of rocking motions in specific areas of the body: abdomen, diaphragm, chest, lateral areas of the abdomen, dorsal-lumbar or renal areas of the back.

It is performed using oil on a massage table.

I’ll tell you

Originating in Mali and Ivory Coast, this massage is still not very well known, even though it has been around for more than over more than ten thousand years.

Historically, it is performed on the infants one week after their birth and helps stimulate the functions of their bodies.

In addition to promoting relaxation and rest, it is also highly recommended for relieving muscle pain and releasing nervous tension—and, more generally, for alleviating accumulated stress.

Her movements are long and undulating, designed to stretch and envelop the body.

It is very often performed using shea butter on a massage table.

Ayurvedic

Originating in India, this massage is inspired by Ayurveda—which means “science of life” (or “science of longevity”)—and traditional Indian massage. This practice is one of the oldest in the world.

Its purpose is to flush out toxins that have accumulated in the body so that they can be eliminated. It also relieves muscle tension.

Using circular and gliding pressure, friction, acupressure, and stretching, this treatment will help you achieve relaxation and harmony in your body, thanks in particular to its moderate and fluid rhythm.
It is performed with oil on a massage table.

The Swede

This very well-known massage technique was developed by the Swedish Per Henrik Ling.

It will relieve your aches and pains, your muscle tension, or even your stress.

Deep and powerful, it involves several movements that focus on the muscles and joints, as well as on the nervous and circulatory systems. When performed correctly, it produces effects on the body similar to those achieved through gymnastics.

It is performed using oil on a massage table.

Feeling inspired? Check out the wellness centers near you and take advantage of their wide range of offerings!

Have a great time, everyone!

An Interview with Pauline, Fitness & Yoga Coach

Dear members,

Because we want to help you achieve well-being in your daily life, we invite you to meet Pauline, a fitness coach and yoga instructor who works at top hotel spas such as the Ritz, as well as in clients’ homes. Her background is a reflection of her passion, and her advice will help you lead a healthier lifestyle every day.

“Hello, Pauline,

Thank you for welcoming me and for taking the time to do this interview.

How To Spa is always looking to feature experts in the wellness industry. Our readers will be delighted to learn about your passion and read your advice.

Tell us a little more about your background—why did you choose this career?

I’ve been passionate about sports since I was very young, so it was only natural that I chose this career, which emphasizes human interaction.

In 2010, I began offering private coaching to several celebrities at a weight-loss center on the Champs-Élysées. As soon as I earned my fitness certifications, I worked for four years as a fitness instructor at Club Med Gym before devoting myself full-time to in-home coaching. After that, I traveled to India to train in yoga—a truly unique experience!

Building on this experience, I am now thriving at the prestigious Ritz in Paris, thanks to my health-focused yoga classes and customized services.

You’re currently working at a major luxury hotel in Paris. What has this wonderful experience brought you?

It is a true privilege to apply my expertise within a high-end establishment. I am able to put my perfectionist nature to good use in this environment, where the goal is to deliver a one-of-a-kind service. This enriching experience has equipped me with additional skills, including unparalleled expertise in the hospitality industry.

What services do you offer at home?

I offer a wide range of services in the form of classes for individuals or small groups, indoors and or outdoors.

Specifically, strength training using small equipment (TRX, boxing, dumbbells, resistance bands, etc.), “cardio” workouts, and any yoga exercises that help improve posture, balance, flexibility, and joint mobility.
The goal is to listen, guide, support, motivate, and adapt to each person’s level—whether men, women, children, seniors, couples, etc. During a trial session, I assess the participant’s level through simple physical tests before developing a personalized program tailored to their needs.

Let’s take a quick look at yoga. What are its benefits? Also, you had the opportunity to train with some of the greatest teachers in India. Tell us about your experience there.

Yoga, an ancient practice, is becoming increasingly popular; it offers numerous benefits for both the body and the mind. I was drawn to the therapeutic aspect of this discipline. After suffering several injuries due to excessive sports training, I felt it was essential to find a complementary activity described as “restorative and preventive.” I knew right away that India, the birthplace of yoga, was the ideal destination to fully immerse myself in an authentic learning experience. I was determined to study under Gérard Arnaud, a pioneer of Vinyasa Yoga and a leading authority in France. My thirst for learning allowed me to gain as much knowledge and experience as possible. I was able to share this knowledge as soon as I returned by creating my own group classes.

Do you have any advice for our readers? To feel better physically and mentally, what kinds of exercises can people do? When and how? How often do you recommend doing them?

I’d say that everyone needs to find their own balance. I often come across people who exercise out of a sense of obligation. Start by finding an activity that suits you so you can treat it as a hobby rather than a chore.
Then, the key is to adopt a healthy lifestyle—it’s a virtuous cycle!

Mix it up according to your schedule: Strength training + cardio + yoga, three times a week, is a healthy foundation.

Personalized guidance from a professional helps optimize your results and prevent injuries.
Whether it’s in a gym, outdoors, at home, alone or with friends, whatever your age may be, don’t hesitate—get moving! Take the time for your health and pay attention to the signs from your body: always prioritize safe practices, yes, it’s important!

Thank you to all our readers, and thank you to How to Spa for this wonderful collaboration.

See you soon!
Pauline, Sports Coach “

To learn more about his work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkWLc5dPd7U

Contact her to schedule a private lesson or a session at your spa: pauline.coach@hotmail.com or at +33 (0) 6 62 37 82 16

Bloom’s: a box of flowers delivered to your door!

Hello, dear readers,

Have you noticed during your visit to a spa the little details that make make all the difference? A scent, a color, a song…but also some flowers.

In fact, you’ll often find bouquets of flowers arranged by the hotel staff at larger spas, or by the spa team itself at more urban spas. These beautiful arrangements invite you to relax with their natural beauty and intoxicating scents.

Why not try doing this at home—or even at the office—to go along with our tutorials?
If you are a spa professional, why not make a difference and offer your clients some unique arrangements created by Bloom’s?

The team would like to introduce you to Bloom’s, an innovative brand in the industry, through its “Do It Yourself” concept and the freshness and seasonality of its flowers.

Thanks to a colleague who manages a spa, we got to know Bloom’s and its team. Arthur and Clément, the founders, are two passionate cousins whose goal is to offer flowers straight from growers through an easy-to-use and convenient online platform!

Have them delivered to your home, or even at the office, a box of flowers in season, and arrange your own bouquet! To do this, subscribe now and choose the size of your box, the frequency of delivery, and your preferred delivery method. And to help you with your selections, Check out their website to follow their tutorials!
P.S.: You can give a box as a gift along with a gift card.

How To Spa really wants to treat you, so in partnership with Blooms, we’re offering a 10% discount on your first box when you use the promo code HOWTOSPA (Offer valid for two months; expiration date: November 1, 2017; valid only for subscriptions, not gift cards).

Visit their subscription page to take advantage of the offer: https://www.blooms.fr/abonnement-box-fleurs

Good composition!

To learn more: https://www.blooms.fr
Follow them on Instagram for even more inspiration: https://www.instagram.com/blooms_france

10 bloggers to follow for a “Home Sweet Home”

Hello, dear readers of How To Spa,

Always on the look for the best advice to help you live a better life in everyday life, the team has decided to focus on the the harmony that you can create in your home. Just like during a moment of relaxation at a spa, you can recreate that feeling of an exceptional and a unique experience through the creation of your “home sweet home.”
We went in search of the hottest bloggers of the moment who offer genuine inspiration for your creations—some of whom are designers with their own shops. Cozy, eclectic, global inspiration… find something you love in our selection!

Hanne Rom Havaas

A blogger from Sweden who shares with you a glimpse into her home and her life through a series of Instagram posts that are beautiful and inspiring.

Follow her on: https://www.instagram.com/hanneromhavaas/?hl=nb

Carol Obbes

Here you’ll find interiors in shades of white and wood, creating a very cozy atmosphere.

Follow her on: https://www.instagram.com/carol_obbes/

Amber Lewis

This American woman has launched her own brand, Ambers Interiors, and regularly posts her designs.

Follow her on: https://www.instagram.com/amberinteriors/

Megan Schlachtenhaufen

Megan, the creator of the website http://theglitterguide.com, is a DIY enthusiast who offers stunning arrangements inspired by design from around the world.

Follow her on: https://www.instagram.com/undecorated_home/

Nicole

This New Yorker offers eclectic-inspired interiors with a “cozy” touch to create the perfect home.

Follow her on: https://www.instagram.com/sweet_domicile/

Erin

Erin is an interior designer who runs her own company, Cotton Stem, where you can browse her Instagram for vintage interior design inspiration.

Follow her on: https://www.instagram.com/cottonstem/?hl=fr

Céline Michaux

Originally from Lyon, Céline offers a very clean and cozy design aesthetic. This interior designer is the founder of White Cocooning. There, you’ll find little treasures for your projects.

Follow her on: https://www.instagram.com/whitecocooning/

Cassie Daughtrey

Founder of Savy Seattle, this designer offers you some interiors that combine objects from around the world and green plants.

Follow her on: https://www.instagram.com/magicbabyvintage/

Léna Smirnova

This Parisian designer creates interiors that are both chic and cozy. You can also find information about her custom services on her official website.

Follow her on: https://www.instagram.com/smirnovainteriors/

Jack Hodge

Another DIY enthusiast! Jaci regularly posts her creations—each one more beautiful than the last! Cozy, vintage, and stylish—it’s all here!

Follow her on: https://www.instagram.com/shabbydesertnest/?hl=fr

Relaxation and Its Scents

Chers lecteurs d’How To Spa,

In all of our relaxation tutorials, you’ll find recommended products to help you recharge. These include scented candles, home fragrances and sprays, and cosmetics in a variety of scents. All have been carefully selected to help you achieve your desired effect: relaxation, energization, or detox.

Because in the spa environment, stimulating the senses—including the sense of smell—is essential to promoting relaxation. These products all contain natural ingredients that will soothe your mind through their scents.

In fact, teams of neurologists have proven that the sense of smell—a primary and complex sense—is directly linked to emotions. An example of how this is applied? Patty Canac, a renowned expert in the perfume industry, has been working for several years with medical experts to develop olfactotherapy, a method that uses scent to help patients with language and memory disorders.

Certain flowers and citrus fruits are known for their calming effects, such as lavender, bergamot, mandarin, ylang-ylang, vanilla, jasmine, and lotus.

Spicier, more masculine scents can have an energizing effect, such as ginger, cinnamon, oud, or Scots pine.

Finally, certain specific citrus fruits and spices are known for their detoxifying effects, such as lemon, sage, verbena, peppermint, and juniper.

Among our many products we recommend, here are our favorites:

The Water of Bangalore from Five Worlds

For an ultra-relaxing effect, try Cinq Mondes’ Bengalore water—spray it on your pillow before going to sleep. We’ve rarely experienced such a pleasant effect on the mind. All the tension in your temples, eyes, and neck seems to melt away thanks to a comforting and soothing scent of vanilla and cardamom.

Available at: https://www.cinqmondes.com/eau-de-bengalore.html

Natura Brasil’s Pitanga Shower Gel

For an energizing experience during your daily shower, nothing beats Natura Brasil’s Pitanga Shower Gel. Combined with our self-massage techniques, you’ll love letting yourself be swept away by the refreshing scent of Pitanga, a tropical plant native to Brazil.

Available at: https://www.naturabrasil.fr/fr/product/prd-38302/ekos-gelee-douche-exfoliante-pitanga

“Inner Strength Roller Ball” by Aromatherapy Associates

To clear your mind of all negative thoughts, try this roll-on from Aromatherapy Associates: the “Inner Strength Roller Ball.” Sage and frankincense will work on your mind to boost your positivity.

Available at: https://www.aromatherapyassociates.com/usa/inner-strength-roller-ball.html

So relax, and let yourself be swept away by its invigorating scents!

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

Music to help you relax

Dear members,

With the goal of always providing you with the best advice for your moments of relaxation, How To Spa presents its selection of relaxing music.

During a massage at a spa, it’s customary to play music to help you relax as much as possible. Very often, you’ll be offered a choice of different types of music (Zen nature sounds, jazz, world music, soft electronic music, etc.). Some spas even let you play your own playlist by connecting your phone!

When you find yourself at home while traveling, at the office, and if you want to use our relaxation guides, How To Spa will help you with the choosing music that’s tailored to your preferences.

For total relaxation

Reiki Music

Reiki is a massage practice created in 1922 by the Japanese Mikao Usui. Originally, these treatments were intended to literally improve the well-being of the recipient’s spirit. Since “Rei” means “spirit” and “Ki” means “energy,” these movements are meant to help develop, find, or rediscover one’s spiritual strength.

Reiki music is known in the spa industry for its deeply soothing effects on both the body and the mind. Blending Asian flute, piano, cello, guitar, and Tibetan singing bowls, it is composed specifically for the practice of Reiki. It is also used in many treatments for its deeply relaxing effects. In particular, it helps strengthen and accelerate the natural healing process and restores balance to the body and mind. It works on the physical, mental, emotional, and…

Download some Reiki music here: https://itunes.apple.com/fr/album/80-minutes-reiki-music-vol./id7671903137

Sound Vibrations and Chakras

It was during a conversation with Francisco Marti, a professional in the field of relaxation music, that we discovered this specific type of music designed to soothe the body and mind.

A professional musician for 25 years and a specialist in wind instruments, Francisco discovered the relaxing effect of sound vibrations and sought to learn more about them. He went on to create an album that combines his passion for ethnic music with the art of improvisation.

In her album, you’ll discover deeply relaxing compositions based on the seven chakras. Originating in Hinduism, the concept of the seven chakras is well-established in the spa industry. Meaning “wheels” in Sanskrit, they are the seven major energy centers of our body, located along a line that follows the path of the spine. Each chakra corresponds to a specific area of the body, as well as to emotions and physical and mental conditions. Thus, each is associated with an organ, a color, an emotion, and a sound vibration. Treatments that work on these chakras promote better physical and spiritual health.

Download his album here: https://itunes.apple.com/fr/album/souffle-vibratoire-relaxation-musicale/id1209313894?l=en

For a revitalizing and energizing effect

During your energizing self-massage—just like at a luxury spa—you can enhance your relaxation with more uplifting music, such as smooth jazz or smooth lounge.

You can find these songs here:

Musique Smooth Jazz : https://itunes.apple.com/fr/artist/spa-smooth-jazz-relax-room/id547557108

Musique Smooth Lounge: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/spa-lounge/id184808563

For a detox of the body and mind

Just like during a multi-day detox program at the finest wellness centers, this music was created specifically to accompany massages that eliminate toxins and purify the body.

You can find this album here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/relaxing-music-for-detox-holidays-at-health-spas/id1005157725

Have a great listening experience, everyone!

3 Brands – 3 Stories – 3 Favorites

Hello, dear readers of How To Spa,

Our team is pleased to introduce you to three of our favorite brands. These three brands align with our values and will be featured in our relaxation guides.

Home, Design, or even Cosmetics—step into their unique worlds, discover their stories, and try their products, selected by How To Spa

Kerzon, des soins naturels parfumés pour la maison et pour soi

It was while browsing a professional social media platform that we came across an article about this brand and the opening of its Paris boutique.

Impressed by the beautiful design, we were curious to learn more, so we reached out to the designers. That’s when we discovered a real gem!

Kerzon, founded in 2013 by two passionate brothers, Pierre-Alexis and Etienne Delaplace, offers delicately scented natural products for the home and body.

Inspired by their roots and travels—from Brittany to the Mediterranean, via the French capital—they find all the scents they need to create unique and delicate skincare products.

The creative process is “conceived as a material.” “Each fragrance is crafted through the lens of the fine arts to achieve, with rigor and precision, the perfect harmony that will resonate with everyone’s sense of smell.”

Candles, room sprays, laundry detergents, soaps. All of these products are available in distinct “collections.”

Our favorite is Brume Fleur Bleue. Maillette lavender, Italian bergamot, vetiver, and white musk create a truly fresh and clean sensation. You can find it here: http://www.kerzon.paris/boutique/brumes-parfumees/fleur-bleue-2/

To learn more: http://www.kerzon.paris

Whole, du linen—stylish and eco-friendly

As we were leaving an exhibition of niche brands—without having really found what we were looking for—we stumbled upon the Parisian store of this beautiful brand: Whole. Drawn in by the beautiful pastel colors of the storefront, we went inside to explore this world.

And what a lovely surprise! Throws, pillows, and bedding are scattered here and there in front of a handmade loom. At the back of the shop is their “kitchen,” where they dye their fabrics right on the spot.

Whole is, first and foremost, a socially conscious French brand. Their values are even reflected in their name:

• WASTEFREE
• HAND DYED
• ORGANIC
• LOCAL
• ECO FRIENDLY
  

Founded in 2013 by Aurélia Wolff, this eco-friendly and socially responsible company operates a textile design studio that uses 100% natural colors. The fabrics are eco-friendly or organic and are hand-dyed using fresh and dried plants and plant extracts.

To take things a step further, she created an open-source, eco-friendly dye vat through a FabLab, thereby becoming part of a collaborative and participatory economy.

Our favorite, the collection of hand-woven cushions. You can find it here: https://whole.fr/collections/les-series-limitees/products/petit-handwoven-mini-cushion

Learn more
: https://whole.fr

KOS, authentic cosmetics for the perfect “spa at home” experience

Discovered a few years ago in a spa magazine, this French brand created by Sophie Allouche is becoming increasingly popular thanks to its natural and authentic cosmetics.

Used in the finest spas and luxury hotels, their balms, scrubs, and oils combine pleasure and relaxation. They’re perfect for a “spa at home” session. You’ll also find our “at-home” relaxation guides in our “Create Your Own Relaxation” section.

Elixir of Legends with prickly pear seed oil grown on the plateaus of the Maghreb, babassu butter from the Amazon, beauty oil with green tea extracts grown in southwestern China… the ingredients are organic and sourced from around the world to ensure they are the finest and most effective possible.

Notre favori : l’huile corps et cheveux Jardin de l’Aube. Vous la trouverez ici: https://kos-paris.com/produits/jardin-de-laube

To learn more: https://kos-paris.com

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