Oriental Taipan

By Vanessa Sanchez

What: The Slowly and Deliberately Detoxifying Full Body Oil Massage & Head Massage (100 mins)

Where: Shanghai Donghu Massage & Spa. 39 Donghu Lu, near Xinle Lu. Tel: 6415 8880

Why: Those knots in your neck won't iron themselves out.

How much: RMB 558

Located in central Xuhui district, the Oriental Taipan is convenient for anyone who works in the heart of downtown. Don't hesitate. Their skillful masseuses can iron out all those kinks that come with your high-stress job and you'll feel all the better for it.

Burdened by my day of incomparable respo-nsibilities, I walked into Oriental Taipan with a neck so riddled with kinks that a peaceful night's sleep was a distant memory."Don't worry," said the earnest manageress, "We can fix that. Our detoxifying, full body and head massage works wonders."

She wasn't wrong.

From the start of the treatment, it was clear that my masseuse knew how and where to apply the right pressure to relieve tension from an aching body. With a firm hand, she applied strength straight to the pressure points, allowing my lymphatic system to rid itself of energy-depleting toxins. As the tension faded with every rub and tug, a feeling of tranquillity came over me, uplifting my spirits with optimism.

Slow and steady care was spent on my treatment, from the soles of my feet to the nape of my neck. Strongly and with a purpose, the masseuse caressed my sore muscles to the point that I could do nothing other than yield to the pressure. Every part of my body was spoiled with generous amounts of attention and I revelled in it. If I started out with twenty knots in my neck, there's no sign of them now. The whole experience was quite invigorating to say the least and I walked out feeling brand new, my head held just a bit higher.