Detox treatment: Sento at The Sanctuary
We try The Sanctuary Spa's rejuvenating Sento body treatment - an invigorating combination of full body exfoliation followed by relaxing Japanese massage
The treatment: Sento
Duration: 85mins
What does it involve?
A full body exfoliation using exfoliating loofah mitts, followed by a relaxing and balancing foot and body massage based around the three key Japanese massage techniques known to fortify and restore bodily energy known in Japan as ki:
- Amma fusion
- Acupressure
- Shiatsu
Uses the firm gentle pressure of the hands to work on particular pressure points and the meridian lines of the body, focusing on the movement of stagnant ki energy to help increase health and vitality
Works by applying direct pressure to fixed energy points of the body known as tsubo. These energy points are said to be the gateway to a person's energetic body and can directly affect the internal body. By manipulating these points, ki energy can be released if blocked, or increased if weak, or dispersed if in excess
Involves techniques such as stretching, holding and leaning body weight on to specific parts of the body to improve energy flow, blood circulation, flexibility, and posture
How does it feel?
It's a lovely warming treatment. After showering off the body scrub containing bamboo particles to polish and condition the skin, you lie back on heated towels, with a citrus fragrant compress over your eyes. The therapist then gently stretches and manipulates your arms, legs, neck, hands and feet using the combination of massage techniques. The stretches are particularly relaxing as the therapist uses her full body weight to lengthen those oft-ignored inner thigh and upper arm muscles.
Results
Skin felt brighter, limbs suppler and mind refreshed. The Sento body cream, containing rice proteins and detoxifying seaweed, has a lovely fresh scent and there was none of that sticky residue that some body moisturisers leave behind.
Verdict
If you've been burning the candle at both ends, and your limbs feel puffy and congested from the toxin build-up in your body, this treatment would be an excellent kick start to any detox programme.
DIY
If a day at the spa is out of your budget, it's easy to recreate the treatment at home. Firstly, scrub up with Sento Invigorating Detox Scrub (£9.95, 400ml), shower off with the Invigorating Body Wash (£5.45, 250ml). Thoroughly dry yourself before spraying your body liberally with Sento Invigorating Moisture Spray (£6.95, 250ml), then finally massage the Invigorating Body Cream (£6.45, 300ml) all over.
The Sanctuary Sento Range is available at Boots nationwide, The Sanctuary, Covent Garden and www.thesanctuary.co.uk
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