At the new Serena Spa at Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, a massage inspired by a South Indian Kalari martial art promises to relieve body pains. We tried it ourselves and LOVED it.
Despite today’s modern gizmos, gadgets and therapies, nothing beats ancient healing therapies to put our bodies, minds and spirits into proper balance. Case in point? Ayurveda.
Founded more than 3000 years ago in India, it remains as one of the world’s most sophisticated natural healing systems. Its disciplines are many, and includes everything from diet and aromatherapy to massages. No prizes for guessing our favourite.
To kick off my first foray into the world of ancient healing treatments, it was only fitting that Serena Spa at Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza was my chosen destination, as it has roots in India and offers a whole gamut of Ayurvedic treatments, including one of the most pampering massages I’ve ever had: the Marma.
No surprises if you’ve never heard of it (neither have I, and I’ve tried everything from Swedish to Khmer!) – it’s relatively under-the-radar for the Singapore spa scene. Meaning hidden in Sanskrit, Marma massage harks back to the martial art of Kalaripayattu: A South Indian fight style which targets the points in your body where life force energy is concentrated. Now before you dismiss this as hippy-dippy, these marmas are where your body’s tissues meet (muscles and joints for instance). Stimulating them helps give what your body needs, by releasing energy blockages, removing toxins and producing much-needed hormones and neurochemicals.
But despite knowing all this, I approached my treatment with trepidation, until I met my therapist who immediately soothed my senses by talking me through the process. It began with a foot scrub for cleansing, then a gentle head, neck and shoulder massage. Warm, medicated oil was gently poured on my head, trickling
The Marma massage in this instance, starts off a gentle head massage using warm medicated oil. Next, as you lie on the floor, the therapist massages your feet using long, calming strokes. Then begins the full body massage – this time, done on a comfortable massage table, and ends with a body scrub of powdered green gram and fine sandalwood powder to remove the oil and leave you feeling invigorated with baby soft skin.
Despite its traditional treatments, its premises are modern and luxurious. Five private spa suites – a dedicated Marma included – with personal steam and shower facilities are on site, with nail and hair services. If you ask us, it’s the perfect destination to enter the realm of natural healing.
Serena Spa, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza, fourth floor, 320 Orchard Road, Singapore 238865
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