Touch of the orient

Tinkling Balinese tunes, lemongrass teas and the scent of incense are now part and parcel of spa experiences. Photos provided to China Daily

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.

"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.