We all know summer temperatures can get so high that we sometimes fantasize about cool rain or maybe even stepping into an ice-cold shower. How about a massage with glacial shells?
This is the latest treatment on offer at Spadunya, a wonderfully peaceful haven located above the hustle and bustle of Dubai’s The Walk at JBR on the Plaza level.
Glacial shells are not actually real; they are porcelain shells filled with a special gel, which retains their temperature.
By using them in massage, they not only have a soothing effect but, with deep strokes, they encourage the lymphatic system to purify the body and can help reduce inflammation.
I didn’t need much persuasion to try it out. But along with the massage came Spadunya’s signature colour-therapy treatment, which clients receive with every visit.
When I entered the spa, my therapist, Evangeline, took me for a consultation and had me choose four colours from a given spectrum. Explaining that, subconsciously, our minds reach out for the colours due to different vibrations, and so the colours we choose respond to how we are feeling, I was fascinated by the outcome.
Each colour corresponds to a certain smell and oil, so she selected those to use for my massage and then took me into the treatment room to begin.
She started in the same way as a regular deep-tissue massage, working away at the knots in my shoulders and back and after some time, introduced the glacial shells.
If you’ve ever had a hot stone massage, this was the cold-stone equivalent. A little bit like being rubbed down with ice cubes. The minus temperature was a bit of a shock at first but after a couple of seconds it was calming and soothing and left a slight tingling sensation.
At the end of the treatment, Evangeline moved to the neck and head and concluded with a facial massage, gently using the shells on my temples and around my cheekbones.
By the time the treatment was over I felt not only cool and calm but also refreshed and in tune with my inner colours. What a great way to get over the summer heat.
• Glacial Shells Body and Facial Cure costs Dh414 for 60 minutes. Spadunya is at Shams 1, Plaza Level, The Walk at JBR. Call 04 439 3669 to book
aseaman@thenational.ae
