Rice on (not in) your tummy

Indulging in a luxurious spa treatment is one thing, but a massage that uses cooked rice might make some Thais hesitate. We’re raised to eat every last grain of rice on the plate, so rubbing it willy-nilly on our bodies seems a bit extravagant.

 

It’s a reaction worth overcoming, though, because the way they use a cooked-rice poultice as a hot compress in the massages at the new Jouvence Wellness and Spa is wonderful.

 

And anyway, the rice is later fed to stray dogs and fish in ponds. Bon appetit!

 

The unique treatment with the unique name is the Jouvence Asian Gateway, a mix of traditional Thai massage, aromatic oil and the hot compress, It’s said to soothe body and mind and improve blood circulation and muscle flexibility. 

 

Why cooked rice instead of the usual herbal compress? The difference is mainly in the smell and the touch. Freshly steamed rice has an aroma that automatically boosts the appetite, and it turns out that it’s much softer on the skin than a vegetable poultice, and less earthier in smell. The yeast in the rice is nourishing as well.

 

Add to that a blend of jasmine and ylang-ylang essential oils for the aroma massage. Chateau de Bangkok chief executive Lalivan Karnchanachari, who owns the spa, says she personally loves the scent of cooked jasmine rice. 

 

“The rice doesn’t stain the skin like herbs either,” she says. “It’s softer, smoother and more nourishing. We use about three cups of jasmine rice per treatment, steamed, left to cool at room temperature and then frozen. It’s reheated for the treatment.”

 

Lalivan applies her own experience from visiting various spas. She’s decorated hers in a modern style designed to enhance calm. 

 

“The French word jouvence refers to the spirit of youth,” she says. “My inspiration comes from the Fontaine de Jouvence – the Fountain of Youth, the legendary source of rejuvenation and vitality. 

 

So the overall interior design is clean and clear, with white open space and touches of nature. We have a large basin with running water to create a pleasant sound. 

 

“As for the treatment rooms, though, I feel it’s essential they be absolutely tranquil and dark, or as dim as possible, so the customer is totally relaxed. The room temperature must be right, and we have hot blankets in case the treatment leaves them chilled.” 

 

Also on offer is the Balancing Hot Stone Massage, aimed at healing and detoxifying by increasing lymph flow and flushing out waste. Smooth, water-heated basalt stones are applied at key points to imbue the body with earth energy and induce deep calm. 

 

Facial treatments utilise imported skincare and revitalising products from the likes of Anne Semonin in France and Dermalogica in the United States. There are also pedicures, manicures and fitness sessions in aqua-aerobics, yoga and boxing.

 

Dietitian Opas Lounprajugjang reminds clients that losing weight requires the right food, exercise and “emotional management”. Adults should spend at least 150 minutes a week doing moderate-intensity exercise, such as water aerobics and slow bicycling, he says.

 

Managing your emotions means avoiding “emotional eating” – consuming large quantities of food in response to feelings rather than hunger. Too many people eat just because they’re depressed, bored, anxious or suffering from chronic anger, Opas says. 

 

“The most important thing is reducing food intake, but it also helps to eat more steamed, boiled or grilled dishes than fried or deep-fried food.” One example from Opas’ menu at the spa is shrimps marinated in lime juice and Dijon mustard.

 

“Stress doesn’t ease up as we get older,” Lalivan points out. “I value a good healthy life and, especially at the end of the day, I want to have a good night’s sleep. I hope everyone finds their experience at Jouvence more than just ordinary healthcare.”

 

 ETERNAL YOUTH

<< The Jouvence Wellness and Spa is open daily from 10 to 10 on the seventh floor of the Chateau de Bangkok on Soi Ruamrudee. 

<< Book sessions at (02) 651 4400.

<< The Jouvence Asian Gateway costs Bt1,800 for 90 minutes and Bt2,200 for 120 minutes.