This week we tried a "Chakrosanct" treatment at the Uniquely Organic EcoSpa in Hove, not far from Good Spa Guide HQ. This set of treatment rooms on one of Hove's main shopping streets offers a calm haven for the fretful, a sanctuary for those who need healing, and a paradise for those in pursuit of treatments with organic and environmentally friendly products. It's a small spa, with no lavish pools or heat facilities, but it offers a unique set of treatments devised by the spa's founder, Kirsty Taylor.
Her seven Chakrosanct treatments are each designed to focus on and balance a particular chakra (a Sanskrit word that denotes an energy centre within the body) and achieve a specific harmonising and healing effect. We opted for the Manipura treatment (focusing on the solar plexus chakra, located in the upper abdomen) because we loved the way it described what we wanted to achieve: To manifest laughter, empowerment and joy.
The treatment began with a grounding foot ritual of soaking and exfoliation -- surely there should be some spa law that says every treatment should start with your feet in a bowl of rose-petalled water? This was very welcome, especially on a hot day.
Once I had got on the heated treatment bed, with a lovely floating flower to look at as I was face-down, Kirsty continued the treatment by walking her hands up my body, then moved into a deep muscle massage with hot stones. I particularly loved the focus on my neck and shoulders -- she reached deep -- and the care she paid to my stressed shoulder muscles and lower back.
Kirsty used an oil containing bergamot and citrus elements to carry out a beautiful experience that left me feeling more realigned to the world, and has kept me realigning since.
You can try seven different chakra treatments using seven treatment oils to create the healing therapy that suits you. The belief is that if the energy in a particular chakra is blocked, your body is out of balance. Choose from the Sahasrara -- the crown chakra -- with reiki and balancing massage for "mindfulness and bliss", the Ajna -- third eye chakra -- for "imagination and insight", and more.
The way the spa is laid out is interesting, too. It's organised into a "chakra trail" that starts in the "ruby reception" room, moves along the "sunshine walkway" and along the "emerald passage" to the treatment rooms. If the thought of moving along a journey to harmony and balance appeals to you, you will find much in this spa to love.
Single Spy
10th April 2014
Spy Likes:
Warm floors when you put your bare feet upon them; heated treatment beds; soft towels; attention to detail, so that your treatment room looks and smells beautiful when you arrive in it.
Spy Dislikes:
Cold floors when you put your bare feet upon them; therapists who use your treatment time to write up a list of product "recommendations" that they hope you will purchase.
