Massages, scrubs and facials are all usual suspects when it comes to some much-needed pampering, but where do we go now that most spas and beauty parlours are set to close in the weeks ahead? These wellness establishments are keeping their doors open and offering alternative wellness therapies that will unwind, recentre and heal you during these stressful times.
Tension Release Exercise
Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises TRE®, a body movement exercise that releases deep muscular tension and stress in the body by activating a reflex shaking mechanism that stimulates the muscular and autonomic nervous systems. As the body trembles, the vibrations move through the body and releases the stress, tension and trauma built up inside. A recent study by Monash University found that the treatment yielded immediate improvements in physical and emotional wellbeing of a former soldier who suffered from PTSD. Each session includes of 25 minutes of ‘tremoring’, followed by 35 minutes of relaxation and mind and body integration.
Where to go: Balance Health. HK$1,400 per session with Kate Whitehead
Float Therapy
Float therapy is essentially a sensory deprivation therapy that involves a tank filled with lukewarm water and Epsom salts. The salts provide buoyancy to help you float more easily inside a floatation tank, one that shuts the outside world out and dims all sensory stimulation so your body and mind can relax. A study published in the BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that the benefits of sensory isolation in floatation tanks soothed stress, anxiety and even helped with pain management and sleep quality. Each session typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.
Where to go: Float On Hong Kong, FLOAX. HK$658 and up
Hypnotherapy
Unlike what the movies show us, hypnosis isn’t a mind control trick. On the contrary, it is a natural state of mind that basically puts the conscious mind to sleep while awakening the subconscious mind. In doing so, the brain can rewire our automatic beliefs and alter a range of thought processes ranging from phobias to addiction and self-esteem issues. Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis has even found that it can accelerate the healing of physical wounds.
Where to go: All About You Centre. HK$1,700 and up
Integrative Healing
Take on a distance-healing approach to wellness over Zoom if you prefer to reap the benefits of a personal one-on-one healing session from the comfort of your own home. From breathwork to techniques to promote emotional release and to systemic coaching and personal development, take care of the multi-dimensional health of the mind and body while keeping safe at home.
Where to go: iLiving Hong Kong. HK$1,800 and up with the founder, Anita Cheung