A rub for every blood type

LOTS OF people, including some physicians, believe blood type helps determine individual personality characteristics. If you suspect there’s something to this but can’t contemplate a blood-type-altering transfusion, Spa Athenee has an Immunetra Blood Type Massage in three variations to match each blood type. 

Inspired by research into “blood coding”, the spa at the Plaza Athenee Bangkok uses special oils and techniques to boost the immune system and repress physical weaknesses.

Made with herbs, spices, fruit and finely ground gemstones in a blend called “Immunetra”, each oil is designed to holistically enhance health in people of the main blood types – A, B and O.

The 90-minute massage (Bt3,600) covers different parts of the body. 

I opted for the Blood Type B Immunetra Detox Booster Massage to ease allergies that are supposedly typical for that type. It stimulates the lymph nodes, whose main function is to eliminate bacteria and other viruses, thus cleansing the body. 

The therapist applied a soft-pressure Swedish massage to relax the muscles and manual lymphatic drainage via a series of strokes and proper pressure to help the lymphatic system clear out toxins and remove circulatory blockages. 

In the final 30 minutes of the treatment, a hot compress is held against various lymphatic node locations, leaving you feel refreshed and relaxed. 

The spa recommends different essential oils for each blood type, given that we’re all supposed to have different personality traits. For B types, the oil is mainly lavender, ylang-ylang and apricot, applied warming with calming and nurturing results. 

It’s believed that people with A-type blood commonly have digestive problems, so the Blood Type A massage is geared towards colon cleansing and stimulating the system. 

Specific massage techniques are used, primarily around the abdomen, to reduce toxins from food, while other parts of your body are massaged lightly to get the blood circulating properly and ease tension. 

This massage is supposed to help with constipation and release digestive gas, which is in itself really relaxing. The oil used is fragrant with orange, peppermint and a hint of rosemary.

Type O people, studies show, tend to worry a lot, so they’re prone to stress. 

The Blood Type O Immunetra Balancing Reflexology involves massage and foot reflexology to stimulate the organs and balance hormones and body temperature.

All bodily functions are brought into balance via attention to the nervous-system pathways from the feet up. Grape, ginseng, rosemary and evening primrose are the chief ingredients in the massage oil for this treatment, as it helps calm agitated nerves. 

If you have extra time, indulge in the four-hour Immunetra Blood Type Retreat (Bt8,200), which promises to totally fix you up with tailor-made treatments. It entails a steam, bath, exfoliation, body wrap and blood-type massage. 

Afterwards the spa serves clients a light meal prepared according to their blood type.

  

>> Spa Athenee is on the fifth floor of the Plaza Athenee Bangkok, a Royal Meridien Hotel, on Wireless Road.

>> It’s open daily from 10 to 10. 

>> Reservations are recommended at (02) 650 8800, extension 5001.