Around Asia In Face And Body Treatments

These beauty treatments take the most effective elements of the original therapies to give you an experience that is still culturally authentic.

FACE

TCM FACIAL

Geranium Multivitamin Firming Treatment, at Geranium Skin & Hair Boutique

Gua sha is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique that involves scraping the skin with a massage tool – typically, a flat palm-sized tool made from buffalo horn or jade – to stimulate the muscles and improve blood circulation. On your face, it has the effect of reducing puffiness from water retention and exercising the facial muscles for a firmer complexion and more defined contours.

In this case, gua sha massage is incorporated into a facial: a slightly stinging multi-vitamin firming treatment to enhance skin elasticity, hydrate and brighten, followed by extraction, and ending with a lifting mask that covers the eyes and mouth.

The gua sha massage lasts 40min and is done in the middle of the facial. The pressure of the gua sha tool on the face takes some getting used to, but once you’re familiar with its constant motion, it feels therapeutic and calming. The two-hour session leaves the skin feeling soft and supple, and looking glowy. And any redness subsides within a few hours. – VW

HAIR

JAPANESE PERM

Michaela Signature Perm, at Hair Salon Tokyo Michaela

The perm that Japanese women love is one that has natural-looking wispy waves. This is what the Michaela Signature Perm will give you – the authentic look you see all over the streets of Japan. It takes two hours, and the perm is said to preserve and protect the structure of hair cuticles, which means damage to your hair is minimised.