Spa Review: Chi the Spa

What: Chi Balance (75 min)
Where: Chi, the Spa in the Pudong Shangri-La. Grand Tower, 6F, 33 Fucheng Lu, near Lujiazui Huan Lu. Tel: 5877 1503. Web: www.shangri-la.com
Why: It’s time to get that qi back in sync
How much: RMB 1,280 + 15%

Set in opportune proximity to the ifc Mall (because we all need a good rub down after a long day’s shopping in luxury designer stores), The Pudong Shangri-La’s Chi (pronounced qi) the Spa is a treatment centre steeped in an ambiance of peace and harmony. Upon entering, one is greeted by the sound of flowing water and an aura of utter tranquillity, as if entering a restful urban oasis. This is a place you can come to seriously unwind.

My treatment began with my being asked to choose from a selection of element-inspired scented oils. I chose Metal, a pungent aroma of sharp and exciting fragrances, which I was told signified my need to be stress-free. My masseuse Elaine then began by massaging my scalp, forehead and shoulders with formidable techniques derived from acupressure, which I was told would stimulate my qi to flow throughout my body and leave me feeling cleansed and properly balanced.

 Once the massage began I could feel my brain letting go of clouds of negative energy as Elaine pressed firmly on my third eye, changing my mood to a lost state of contentment. My shoulders were realigned with the gentle rub and tug of her hands, which was followed by the rhythmic pitter-patter of her fingers to stimulate my qi back into action.

From head to toe, my masseuse concentrated on working my knots to make my body into an ideal vessel through which qi could flow. In each minute that passed I felt alleviated of an invisible burden and more aware of the energy that lay dormant inside me. With my newfound exuberance, I felt I could thrive.

Getting up from my massage, I walked out feeling revamped to a whole other level.