East Meets West at the Chuan Spa

When it comes to spa treatments, I can always choose the most effective over the most pampering and while most combine elements of both, I'd rather see and feel results before walking out feeling tickled.  Two weeks ago I ventured to the Langham Hotel in Pasadena, California to check out a new spa, Chuan Spa, and found the east meets west approach surprisingly appreciated for all it had to offer.

I opted to try their most popular treatment – the Chuan Stone Therapy Massage. Before stepping into the treatment room, I filled out a form that identified how I felt physically and emotionally in that moment.  The massage, a traditional Chinese treatment, consisted of a hot stone treatment that followed the meridian lines (energy lines in our bodies) and stimulate the meridian points.  Much like accupuncture, but instead of using needles, the pressure from hot stones and hands are used.  The heat from the stones helps to bring blood to the area increasing the circulation in the body, which recharges your body and gives you more energy, making the body work at an optimal level.

To my surprise, it began with a chant, Hatha yoga style, which thank God I practice, because otherwise I would have thought it was strange.  My massause explained that meditating before a massage helps to relax the mind, which allows the body to fully be at ease.  After reviewing my form, he decided to focus on balancing out my earth element and used the appropriate oil.

Immediately afterwards, I was relaxed and brought to the Chuan Spa's Dream Room, which was just that, a dream – five twin sized waterbeds separated by curtains in dim lighting.  I was welcome to lay there as long as I wished.  Did I feel more energized? Yes, but the next day.

The elements of eastern and western culture were definitely influenced by each other through out my massage, which made it effective and relaxing. The entire Chuan Spa menu is set this way and is ultimately what makes the spa a stand out.

The Chuan Spa is located at the Langham Hotel in Pasadena, CA.

Why A Hot Stone Massage is So Worth It

Normally, if I take time out for a massage I opt for a deep tissue, which is anything but relaxing.  Since I work out a ton and stress myself out more than necessary, I need the knots worked out of my upper back and get enjoyment out of wincing through the pain. However, when I was invited into the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa for their Desert Stone Hot Stone Massage, I wasn't about to pass up on the offer and now have a new found appreciation for taking a few minutes out for relaxation. It was 30 degrees outside and nothing felt better than slipping into the heated bed and feeling the hot stones resting on my back.  Right away, I knew I was going to enjoy it.  The rocks used were Basalt Rocks, which are from defunct volcanoes and hold the most heat.  "The heat releases tension, softens muscles and helps to further relax the body, which allows for the therapist to deeper penetrate the muscles," explained my masseuse, Kimberly Knight.

Throughout the 50 minute massage I was completely relaxed and the rotation of the heated rocks being rubbed over oil and having a regular massage was a nice mix.  I will warn you as Knight warned me, because rocks are being used you do hear them clanking around a bit as they're switched out and placed in the heater, which can be distracting if you allow it to be.

Spa Treatment Worth Trying: Hydromassage

Last week I took a time out from the 50 degree temperatures in NYC and went on a press trip with Schick to the Riviera Maya, Mexico and had the honor of staying at the Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya.  While I was there I experienced my first Hydromassage.  It's not a treatment I would normally choose off of a spa menu, but now that I've gotten it, I highly recommend it (and yes they're available in spas across the US too).

Picture getting into a tiny jacuzzi set at 72 degrees made just for you.  It contours with the curves of you body and has about 40 jets all along the sides with a bar at the bottom that you can rest your feet on so you don't float from left to right as the jets push you.  That's what I stepped into.  Filled with salt water and micronized algae (to help reduce cellulite), I soaked in the mini tub for about 30 minutes as the strategically placed jets were programed to pump out at different speeds massaging my body from my shoulders down to my feet.

To top it off, a woman was giving me a face and scalp massage.  Once I got used to the pressure of the jets, all I concentrated on was the massage.  Thirty minutes was just enough and when I stood up I felt like jell-o.  Besides eliminating stress and making my muscles feel relaxed (perfect to do before my day at the pool), it also helps to eliminate toxins, increase circulation and relieve fluid retention.

Spa Week Offers Treatments for $50

It's April and Spa Week is right around the corner!  From April 11 through the 17th many spas nation wide will be offering some of their top treatments from deep tissue and hot stone massages to lash extensions, manis and pedis, Botox, Velashape, body wraps, and facials for only $50! Almost a thousand spas nationwide will be participating this year.  If you've never participated in Spa Week before, I highly suggest you take advantage of it and book your appointment early to get the treatment and days that you want. Most spas offer three treatments at this discounted rate and book up quickly.

Visit SpaWeek.com for a detailed list of spas in your city that are offering these deals.