Treatment review: SPA AFTERNOON AND COLONIC HYDROTHERAPY

Editor Anna Dobbie had a relaxing afternoon of treatments at Angel Clinics’ Aesthetics Wellness, including a session on the Angel of Water

THE LOWDOWN

The Japanese Head Spa is credited with improving circulation of blood and lymph throughout the body, removing sebum, releasing tension from the head, neck, and shoulders and combating fatigue and low mood, as well as stress reduction. Ashmira Botanica’s range of natural and holistic treatments capture the most powerful, potent and precious botanicals, essential oils and plant extracts to completely re-balance and feed the skin from within, while respecting the essential microbiome barrier. A staple offering at the Angel Clinics is colonic hydrotherapy, a treatment that is credited with rebalancing gut health, achieving glowing skin and supercharging metabolism. The Angel of Water Surround’s advanced gravity-fed, open design brings simplicity and dignity to colon irrigation.

THE EXPERIENCE

Arriving at Aesthetics Wellness in Ongar, I was welcomed with friendly smiles, a cup of cacao (to open my emotional heart) and a glass of cucumber water.

My first treatment was the Japanese Head Spa. I had a consultation and scalp analysis with a microscopic camera to see my follicle and scalp health, before an eye mask was applied and Thai Priandara body compresses were massaged on my breastbone for efficient lymphatic drainage. My hair was then brushed, to stimulate the scalp and lymphatic system, and essential oils were massaged into the scalp and hair using various Japanese tools, followed by an open steam and a luxurious Waterfall Shower. Peppermint and rosemary scalp scrub infused with biotin serum was then applied to exfoliate and remove debris while hydrating the hair and follicles, penetrating nutrients and essential oils to give a beautiful clean scalp, resulting in strong, shiny, nourished hair. The Waterfall Fountain was then used for a deep shampoo with Japanese tools, followed by conditioner and a full hair wash with a thick cream hair mask. The final step was steam therapy and some leave-in conditioner.

Next, Tracey Smith, founder of Ashmira Botanica, administered a Sonic Energy body treatment. I was sprayed from above with Soaking Spirit New Moon, then a Kenari instrument was played around me. The back of my body was covered in Pink Yin Clay and warmed Himalayan Sound bowls were played on and above me, followed by a tuning fork applied on my head. I then received a Chinese massage, and the clay was removed using heated mitts. I turned over and we repeated these steps on my front. The body treatment ended with Smith playing the Kenari and spraying more Soaking Spirit New Moon.

Smith then gave me a Pure Alchemy facial, starting with a lymphatic massage and a deep cleanse. My skin was toned using Organic Bulgarian Rose Hydrosol and exfoliated using Aloe Glow mixed with Rice Face Polish, and I was given an acupressure massage and more lymphatic drainage. AYin and a Yang Mask were applied for five minutes to balance the skin, plump lines and wrinkles and drain impurities. It was removed after five mins, and followed by an Aloe Glow mask to the face and neck and drainage using vacuum suction cups. AYin Pink mask (to match my body treatment) was applied and sound bowls were played on and around my body. I was toned using Soothe and Rebalance Organic Bulgarian Rose Hydrosol, Restore and Rebalance Rice Balm was applied to help slow down the signs of ageing, and an Element Metal chime was played over my body to finish.

My final treatment was with the Angel of Water Surround. After I was comfortably positioned on the machine, I inserted the rectal nozzle about an inch and a half. A gentle stream of gravity-fed water began flowing into my colon to initiate peristalsis, causing me to release water and waste repeatedly over the course of my half hour session. The progressive irrigation and hydration started at the rectum and went through the transverse section to the cecum, breaking up waste matter and achieving a complete evacuation of the colon.

THE VERDICT

When I arrived at the wellness clinic, which has a partner aesthetics clinic in Loughton, I felt so at home and welcomed that I was completely at ease and my troubles drifted away. I have never had a scalp massage before and it was very luxurious and relaxing. Having peroxided my hair for over 20 years, I can imagine my scalp was very much in need of some TLC, which the microscopic camera confirmed!

The Ashmira Botanica treatments were a deeply sensory experience offering a delicate blend of aromas, textures and sensations. The sound bath healing was a particular stand out. I felt fully rejuvenated, recharged, centred and well cared for, inside and out.

I must admit, I was anxious about my first colonic irrigation as I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. Initially, it felt awkward and slightly uncomfortable and for a while, nothing much seemed to be happening, but my therapist assured me the machine was working correctly. I moved slightly, causing the tube to slip marginally further inside, and immediately the sensation changed. I can only describe the feeling as being akin to holding in a poo, followed by bouts of chronic diarrhoea, while covered in a towel and making polite conversation. Although this sounds unpleasant, I soon acclimatised and started to relax into the treatment. I left that day feeling lighter, mentally, spiritually and physically. I slept like a log and had enough energy the next morning to head to the gym, so I class that as a win!

BUSINESS BENEFITS

All the treatments I received work well as part of a combination treatment menu. Most are gentle and relaxing, so would bolster your wellness offering. The Angel of Water Surround is not a common device in the UK, so having one in clinic would really set your business apart.