The usual beauty treatments such as cleansing facials and Thai massages may be familiar to you. However, there are also many alternative beauty treatments from around the world that can be found in Singapore. Here are 5 of them to try.
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Thalassotherapy
Thalassotherapy is one of the most popular alternative beauty treatments out there. You might be surprised that sea water and its products (e.g. seaweed, sea salt) are used as a form of therapy, but just because sea water tastes awful doesn’t mean it’s awful for your skin. In fact, it’s quite the opposite! Although the term was coined by a French doctor, this treatment was already popular in the Mediterranean area of Europe (“thalassa” is the Greek word for sea). You’ll see it being used for rejuvenating treatments, cleansing both the body and soul. It’s great for tired skin!
Where to go?
You’ll find thalassotherapy available via a variety of different treatments in Singapore — choose from facials, body scrubs and wraps. How about the HA+ Velvet Seaweed Facial from Yeah Skin and Body Management? That’s the very same ingredient used in the iconic Crème de la Mer. If you’re looking for a body treatment, try Nature Spa by Jurlique‘s Aromatherapy Sea Salt Glow. The treatment uses a blend of aromatherapy oil and sea salt to remove impurities, leaving you with silky soft skin.
Gua Sha
You may or may not have hear of Gua Sha, a massage technique that involves scraping your skin with a massage tool. It is used to redirect this excess heat along the meridian points. In more modern terms, it detoxifies the body. It is named as such as the process involves the skin being lightly scraped (刮 “gua”) using a scraping tool. This action results in blood spots that look like sand (痧 “sha”) across the skin. Don’t flinch yet — the process is less painful than it sounds.
Where to go?
Gua Sha can easily be found in many beauty salons, but make sure to choose a reputable one! Incorrect scraping can lead to broken capillaries, which is damaging for the skin. Want to read more about the benefits of Gua Sha? Click here.
Onsen
Made popular by Japan, onsens need no introduction. A hot spring featuring sulfur-rich waters, it is know to have plenty of beneficial minerals for the skin. It’s also well-known for its healing properties, helping to improve blood circulation, as well as soothing tired muscles. No wonder the Japanese adore them so much!
Where to go?
Enjoy a Private Koyamaki Onsen Therapy at Elements Wellness for just $50 (U.P. $104) for your first visit! Experience the restorative powers of hot spring waters, combined with modern spa treatments, all in one place. Alternatively, head to Yunomori Onsen & Spa for a more traditional onsen experience, and indulge in their variety of baths.
Kyung-Rak
Sure, we’ve had Thai massages and Swedish massages, but what about a Korean massage? Also known as Kyung-Rak (경락), this traditional massage has its roots in Chinese medicine. Similar to Gua Sha, it aims to cleanse the energy flowing through the body through detoxing the lymph nodes. It used a combination of long and deep strokes, and is a treat for weary bodies. The Koreans love it, and you will too!
Where to go?
Opened in 2007, Korea Beauty Centre is a beauty salon opened by Koreans for Koreans, and their signature service just happens to be the Kyung-Rak massage! Known for its slimming, toning and firming effects, you’ll come out not only feeling fresher, but with a sleeker body to boot! They also offer firming facials using the same techniques, so if you need a lift, you know where to go!
Halotherapy
Also known as salt therapy, Halotherapy’s origins can be traced back to Poland in the 1800s, when it was noticed that miners working at salt mines did not face the same respiratory and lung problems that other miners had to deal with. Salt caves have since been popularised throughout the world, with many swearing by their numerous healing benefits. Apparently, it works wonders for the skin as well!
Where to go?
While finding an actual salt cave in Singapore is pretty much impossible, there are other ways you can experience this treatment. Pablo Blau is a dedicated spa specialising in this alternative therapy. With an environment mimicking that of a salt mine or cave (only more luxurious!), the spa features pharmaceutical-grade dry salt crystals, with each room containing a unique salt generator. You’ll notice a difference in as little as 45-minutes!
Have you tried any of these alternative beauty treatments? Let us know what you think!
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