A positive pampering

Matching your diet and lifestyle to your blood type is one road to better health. So say some theorists, who believe that blood type governs personality and emotional traits, and reveals our inner weaknesses, strengths and needs. If you can cater to these needs and nurture what is missing, you're on the right path to healthiness from the inside out. 

You can now test that theory for yourself right in the heart of Bangkok, with the special treatments at Spa Athenee in Plaza Athenee.

Thai medical company Immunetra claims to have come up with the world's first blood-type spa therapy, which uses a unique combination of techniques and products.

Their new therapy aims to strengthen, detoxify and protect the skin, which is our immune system's first wall of defence against bacteria, viruses, toxins and other dangerous pathogens. Prevention is better than cure, as the saying goes, and giving your immune system a natural boost helps your body fight off infection, without the drawbacks of conventional medication.

The spa offers treatments for each blood type via an oil massage that combines techniques from different traditions to first create full relaxation, and then target certain parts of the body according to your blood type. 

If you're type A, the theory goes that you like harmony, peace and order. You are sensitive, affectionate and patient, but your weakness is stubbornness. Physically, you're weak in the digestive system, so you will be prescribed an extra-long tummy massage. Balancing your mood is the priority, so the oil used here is a blend of orange, lavender, lime and ylang ylang to help anchor your emotion well-being. 

Type B flowing through our veins? Your a nomad who is straightforward, flexible, creative and very adaptive. But your insistence on being independent can sometimes go too far and become a weakness. You're also not very active and tend to sit around too much. Your treatment is designed to boost vigour by focusing on kneading of the leg and foot. To energise your senses, the therapists prescribe an essential-oil concoction of grapefruit, rosemary, eucalyptus and apple. 

Type O is a real hunter. This is said to be the oldest human blood group, and people with O blood often have the strongest digestive systems. They are confident, competitive leaders and striving trend-setters, but that makes them prone to stress and exhaustion. Oil infused with calming rosemary, lavender, camomile and geranium will help you to unwind as the masseur gets to work on your head and shoulders. Hunters in need of an energy boost can consult the therapist for a treatment tailored to your current state of body and mind. In fact, all the treatments are flexible. Don't know your blood type? No worries, just go for something that suits your mental/physical state. 

The 60-minute treatments cost Bt2,700, or Bt3,600 for 90 minutes, but that doesn't cover tax and 10 per cent service charge. 

Spa Athenee also caters to the different needs of men and women. The menu offers treatments created specifically for "Monsieur" and "Madamme" - either to relax, energise or rejuvenate. Guys and gals get a similar selection of blood-type massage, exfoliation, steam and bath rituals, and signature treatments. But the girls are pampered with Post Shopping Therapy, Party Detoxifier and Pre Party Elegance while the guys can indulge in Golf Revival, Afterwork Remedies and other deep-tissue massages. 

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Spa Athenee is at Plaza Athenee Bangkok on Wireless Road, close to Ploenchit BTS stop. Open daily from 10am till 10pm. Advanced booking is recommended. Call (02) 650 8800; www.LeMeridien.com

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