*By: Deepi Harish*
With all the things we’re unable to control in our lives, the materialization of a plethora of stressors can, and easily do, enter our bodies…sometimes without us even knowing. That’s why there’s never a bad time to hit the reset button on your mind, body and energy. Below are truly unique spa experiences to try in Toronto that will not only make you look and feel lighter, but also enhance blood flow and stimulate the immune system.
4 Diverse Spa Experiences in Toronto
1. Turkish – Céla Seed to Skin Ritual by Hammam Spa
Walking into Hammam Spa by Céla, I was given a cotton Turkish wrap to wear in the steam room. Fifteen minutes in the steam room and body was already grateful.
The steam room at Hammam is epic. It’s a massive, mosaic tiled space with ambient changing lights and eucalyptus infused smells wafting through the mist. The thick wet steam instantly eased my muscles from head to toe. It also cleared up lingering congestion I had thanks to the eucalyptus.
A Hammam Turkish Bath is about soothing your body and spirit before the actual service begins, modelled after the world’s oldest cleansing traditions.
I opted for the Céla Seed to Skin Ritual. My technician, Cynthia, began the experience with a warm water wash all over my body, which prepared me for a nap and I’m not a napper. It’s a known fact that hot water relaxes the muscles, improves circulation causing you to barely keep your eyes open.
After I was wrapped in a cloud of bubbles that smelled of mandarin, jasmine, lavender, juniper and primrose. Followed by a gentle exfoliation made of seeds and abyssinian oil. Once again, I was rinsed with warm water. Cynthia incorporated a few essential oil inhalations, scalp, shoulders, neck and foot massages. The experience ended with a full body cream application, leaving my skin feeling hydrated and supple.
The Céla Seed to Skin Ritual, along with all their services at Hammam, involve laying on a heated marble slab while your spa experience takes place. To conclude your spa day, you’re invited to the tea lounge, while still in your cozy robe for some tea (obviously), a piece of baklava and Turkish delight.
During the colder months, this is exactly what my mind and body needed.
Treatment results/goals: Dislodged surface impurities. I felt hydrated and immensely relaxed.
2. Indian – Ayurvedic Facial by Laya Spa and Yoga
I had booked an Ayurvedic facial at Laya Spa, however their facials involve a full body experience and I’m not complaining.
Ayurveda is the traditional medical system of India, were “ayur” means life and “veda” translates to knowledge in Sanskrit. Ayurvedic ideals believe that health is a perfect balance between the body, mind and soul.
Upon entering the private room, I was greeted by calming sound waves which were an instant relaxer. My massage technician, Sabeen, started by asking me to smell three essential oils (eucalyptus, orange and lavender) and to pick one. I opted for the orange and she incorporated that scent into my session which added a bit of customization to the experience.
Sabeen begun by applying toner to my face, followed by a facial pressure point massage to get the blood flowing and drain lymph nodes to relax my face. She also applied pressure to the middle of my chest, targeting the breastbone to help decrease stress that builds in the area. Essentially, it’s a tactic to remind the body to take normal breaths.
Throughout the session, Sabeen did several rounds of massaging the pressure points starting with my third eye (to relieve headaches and brain fog), then to the chest centre (to relieve emotional distress and tightness), lastly to the pit of my elbow (to improved range of motion).
I found it odd that once again a cleanser was applied to my face, after it was moisturized. Sabeen pointed out that the cream was to hydrate the inner layer of my skin, not the surface. Hot towels were then placed on my face, arms and stomach several times, followed by a hot oil massage for circulation, warmth and further relaxation.
This facial also includes chakra therapy to balance the physical, psychological and spiritual energies, along with guna therapy, where the technician gently rocks your body side to side. Unlike the way you would rock a baby.
The orange-infused oil used on my body was also used in my hair. The oily hair didn’t bother me as it felt as if an orange scented bubble was following me around all day.
Treatment results/goals: Rejuvenated and plumped skin which adds a glow to my face, as well as a release of my blocked energy.
3. Japanese – Kobido Facial by Kalena Facial Studio
Kalena Facial Studio specializes in Kobido — a traditional Japanese facial established over 500 years ago. This is another experience that is referred to as facial but it’s actually a “facial” for the body. Ultimately, this Japanese technique has a natural lifting effect, as it sculpts the face taking in all the different levels the elasticity.
Elena, the owner and masseuse, learned this technique from the 26th generation Kobido master, Dr. Shogo Mochizuki. She calls it a “vibrational massage,” without any vibrating massage tools.
The experience starts with a skin assessment to determine tightness in skin, how much stress one carries in their face, neck, chest and skull. The massage is customized based on each person’s skin assessment. However, they all start with your face being cleaned and exfoliated.
It was nice to hear Elena tell me I have great skin but now I need to preserve and maintain it. She said my chest area was very tight and I carry tons of stress there. She wasn’t wrong. Elana was determined to open it up. This was done by kneading every square centimeter of the face, clavicle, subclavicular using only her fingertips. This technique of light yet rapid massage brings all the metabolic wastes to the surface, which is then drained. Post massage, Elana applied toner, serum, moisturizer and a rose water spray.
Treatment results/goals: Increased circulation, relieved tension which relaxed my facial muscles and reduced digestive problems.
4. Medical-grade – Miracle Cocktail Facial by The Clinica
The reason they call it miracle cocktail is because it’s a medical-grade facial that combines a bit of everything from microneedling to a personalized “cocktail” serum to improve your skin.
The session at The Clinica starts with a 30–45-minute skin consultation. I learned tons from this analysis. Using a VISIA® Skin Analysis system, my aesthetic consultant, Hatel, was able to breakdown various skin features and relay how my skin fairs among other women of my age, gender and skin type.
There are eight categories that are thoroughly scrutinized and discussed; spots, wrinkles, texture, pores, porphyrins, UV spots, red areas and brown spots. I learned I am in the 90th percentile when it comes to spots and texture, but I am at 9 percent for wrinkles and UV spots, meaning I have tons of sun damage which put me in the red zone. Also, the outer layer of my skin is very tight and dehydrated, even though I drink two litres of water a day. The takeaway is I’m not applying the right topical lotions and potions to my face. The final report of this consultation compares your actual age to your true skin age. I’m happy to report my true skin age is 5 years younger than my actual age. I’ll take it!
I really appreciated that this consultation involves giving customers personalized and clear recommendations on what products and procedures one can purchase or undertake to improve and maintain their skin. I am an amateur when it comes to skincare and now I’ve invested in an eye cream and vitamin C.
Following the consult came the second part of the experience, I met with my cosmetic nurse, Kelvin, who first cleansed my face, then numbed my face using lidocaine which prepared me for the main event — microneedling — which dispersed the unique cocktail serum tailored for my skin. The main ingredients used in my serum were hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. In case you’re wondering, it wasn’t painful at all. It felt like a vibrator on my face.
Treatment results/goals: Reduced wrinkles, tighten pores and firmed up the overall appearance of my skin.
No Comments