And baby came too

THE SENSE of touch develops before all other senses and is an invaluable tool in teaching babies about their environment and helping them to bond with others. As we get older, it strengthens the sense of love and is also a wonderful way of experiencing the best life has to offer.

Le Sens, a newly opened family spa in luxury shopping mall EmQuartier, knows all about the benefits of touch and offers a holistic approach to wellbeing with the world renowned Bamford treatment. Developed by the Haybarn Wellness Retreat in the UK, it’s based on individually crafted treatments using pure botanical products certified by the highest standards of the Soil Association.

As relaxing as it is convenient, Le Sens also offers children the chance to enjoy the same spa sensations as mum and is even divided into two sections, one for adults, the other for the kids. A stylish reception greets clients on arrival and it is here that they can select the treatments that best suit their individual needs. The spa menu is large, offering everything from pregnancy massage to de-stress massage, muscle release, as well as such pampering experiences as full body exfoliation.

After enjoying their experience in the same room for 30 minutes, mothers can relax and enjoy the rest of their treatments while their youngsters are having fun under close and friendly supervision in the adjacent playroom. 

In charge of ensuring that the children enjoy massage therapy and are safe throughout their experience is Supawadee Kruachottikul, a registered nurse specialising in midwifery and the mother of Prawee, a partner in Le Sens.

“Babies and children have their own exposure to stress. In very young children, this can come about as a result of their physical developments such as sitting, crawling and walking while older kids might face schooling difficulties or playtime problems with their peers. This stress can also cause an imbalance in the immune system and the hormones. Regular massage can help a child reduce stress, which can in turn has many benefits, especially sleeping better. This helps the growth hormones to work better, as well as improves digestion and concentration.”

“In the past baby massage has only been performed by the paediatrician, and normally on premature babies, she adds. 

“It is probably the sense of touch and the bonding it brings that has such a therapeutic effect on the child being massaged. For infants, a gentle gliding stroke with some oil is the best form of massage therapy, with only about 30 per cent of hand pressure. As children grow older, massage can include separate work on hands and feet, concentrating on the fingers and toes. Massage therapy for kids lasts about 30 minutes. The power of touch soothes and heals instinctively. Babies and children love to be cuddled or have their back rubbed,” she explains. 

“We use only camomile and lavender essential oils for children to calm their minds,” says Yada Saengtananiramit, co-founder and deputy managing director of the spa.

“When children go to school and learn how to write, they might feel stiffness in their shoulders, hands, and fingers but not know how to explain it. A gentle massage can make them feel much better and relax. We also have two hydrotherapy baths for babies and these mimic the sensation of being in the womb surrounded by amniotic fluid. The baby will feel relaxed and learn about physical movements. And when babies feel relaxed, they sleep well, eat well and are always in a good mood.”

The 85-minute “Bamford Body Signature Treatment” is impressive too especially in the hands of a highly trained therapist. The session begins with a cleansing footbath and is followed by Shiatsu, Meridian, and Swedish massage. The beautiful aromas awaken the mind and penetrate the muscles and energy channels while reflexology helps to encourage the positive flow of energy throughout the body and detoxifies the organs. Pressure point massage to the face, neck, shoulder, and head is deeply relaxing and uplifting and the client is encouraged to use yogic breathing to refresh the lungs and revitalise the whole body.

 

 

THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT

>>Le Sens is open daily from 10 to 10. Call (02) 003 6185 or visit www.LeSensTh.com, Facebook: lesensth, Instagram: lesensth

>>Prices for children range from Bt600 to Bt2,000, Treatments for adults are between Bt2,900 and Bt5,900.