A timeless remedy
Versatile lavender comes into its own at Devarana Spa, where a new treatment is guaranteed to promote healthy sleep and ease away stress
ONE OF the biggest complaints of modern life is the inability to switch off at the end of the day and fall into a deep and nourishing sleep. Too many of us lie awake, tossing and turning in a half-sleep that leaves us feeling even more exhausted the next morning. While it usually takes behavioural therapy to turn fully-fledged insomnia into a thing of the past, you can at least now refill your sleep bank at Devarana Spa, where you will be lulled into slumber with lavender, and lots of it.
Lavender essential oil has many benefits including relieving stress and inducing sleep, which has made it a common recommendation for the alternative treatment of insomnia. Frequent studies on elderly patients have shown an increase in their sleep regularity when their normal sleep medication is replaced with some lavender essential oil placed on their pillows. Indeed, it has such a relaxing impact on people that it can often replace modern medicine for sleep issues.
It also has a calming scent, which makes it an excellent tonic for the nerves and anxiety. Therefore, it can also be helpful in treating migraines, headaches, depression, nervous tension and emotional stress. The refreshing aroma removes nervous exhaustion and restlessness while also increasing mental activity
The 2.5 hours Lullaby Lavender leaves you feeling totally cleansed, pampered and relaxed to the point where you would easily doze off thanks. First you get a total body scrub with a combination of brown rice, oatmeal and dried lavender petals and lavender oil. While the granules gently exfoliate, the lavender oil in the mix detoxifies, disinfects and cleanses the skin of impurities and irritation.
Next up is a warm milky lavender bath. The ancient Roman treatment of Balneotherapy is used to calm your nerves after the scraping and the scrubbing, enhancing blood circulation and soothing the mind with the lavender fragrance. The bath water also contains geranium to balance hormones, relieve stress and depression, as well as ylang ylang to promote emotional and spiritual balance. The milky component and the lavender oil also help further soothe the skin, restoring suppleness and glow.
The highlight is the 90-minute relaxing Swedish massage, using lavender and chamomile oil. At this point you’re totally relaxed, and the super-tender and soothing massage will quickly send you to sleep. As the therapist gently works the meridians, your knotted muscles ease and tension drops. The long strokes and medium-pressure kneading encourage even circulation throughout your body while at the same time deeply relaxing and comforting your mind.
The massage oil also contains chamomile oil, which is known as the “floral skincare magic”, thanks to its universal benefits for skin conditions. Hypoallergenic and neutral, chamomile is antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. It is also richly nourishing and deeply moisturising without leaving the skin excessively greasy.
FLORAL SLUMBER
>> The Lullaby Lavender programme costs Bt4,600 and is available at all Devarana Spa until the end of July.
>> Devarana Spa in Bangkok is located at Dusit Thani Hotel on Rama IV Road. Reservation is recommended. Call (02) 636 3596; www.DevaranaSpa.com
