CHI, The spa at Shangri-La draws inspiration from the origins of the Shangri-La Legend , a place of personal peace, enchantment and well-being.
Chi massages and treatments are based on authentic natural healing methods found in traditional well-being practices shared by many Asian cultures.
Chi, the Spa in China World Summit Wing also includes a selection of treatments that showcase Chinese culture and well-being traditions, such as the Amber Facial, Tuina and my favorite of all the luxurious Jade Stone Massage.
I am getting ready to climb to heaven from my Ambassador suite at the 78 floor and surrender to the intuitive touch of this empire therapists hopefully revitalize my body and soothe my senses.
CHI PHILOSOPHY
In traditional Chinese philosophy , CHI or Qi, is the universal force that governs well-being and personal vitality. For people to maintain good health, it is believed that CHI must flow freely within the body and when blocked ” dis-ease’ and illness follow. Movement is, therefore . a key element in releasing blockages. Body massage, exercise,stretching, hydrotherapy and movement of the mind through relaxation and meditation combine to assist the body’s natural renewal and form the basis of the CHI philosophy.
Using natural products and recipes with plants , herbs,minerals and essential oils from sustainable resources, the Chinese theory of the five elements of metal, water,wood,fire and earth are used to harmonize the body’s positive Yang and the negative Yin energy to restore balance and vitality.
I arrive at the spa with my white robe. I am invited to sit by 4 your receptionists simultaneously on a large armchair where a Jasmine tea is slowly brewing on a black lacquer tray.
” Miss Maslaton welcome to Shangri- La Chi Spa, today you have a Jade Stone massage, here are your slippers and please be kind to fill up this questionnaire with answer so we can better personalize your treatment and find your personal element today”
The slippers are softer and more comfy that the one of the room, the questions are multiple choices and my answers below : My favorite color (White ) taste : ( Salty) weather condition I dislike most:
( heat and humidity) mmy favorite time of the day ( Morning) Massage Pressure ( Vey Firm ) and my conditions( I chill easily) The areas that I would like to avoid in my massage ( none) A few more on health conditions, my tea to the perfect point I am ready to enter the ethereal treatment room filled with candles, Chinese Art Prints in neutral colors.
Massage has been taught from generation to generation and it’s therapeutic method of care remains an important and viable means of restoring and maintaining vitality. The spectrum of Asian massage therapies share at their core, an understanding of the body as an energy system from meridian lines to energy pressure points and many cultures recognize various points and pathways within the body that hold the key to health and vitality.
My metal is earth and I am offered to smell the delicious essential oil aroma that will be used in my treatment.
After a Goji Berry Body scrub using red rice , replete of vitamins , minerals, saturated fats and known to have the highest antioxidant content, coconut milk is luxurious added to deeply moisturize my skin and leave it incredibly smooth and supple for my Jade Stone Journey.
The Jade treatment begins with a Jade Foot Bath. My mind starts to relax and my soul in peace with the world. Following a meridian tracing massage to released any blockage of my Chi.
A beautiful set of extremely polished , beautiful large jade stones, very hot and now embedded with my metal Earth essential oil.
Their harmony induces energetic properties and a ritual journey that engages my five senses to be completely aligned and in place.
I have researched a little more about Jade’s properties and listed a few among many below. Enjoy!
Joelle’s Tips:
The ancient Chinese culture Jade is considered the health, wealth and longevity stone. used also for courage, wisdom, justice, mercy, emotional balance, stamina, love, fidelity, humility, generosity, peace, harmony. Jade is known as androgynous, therefore it is considered having a gentle, steady pulse of healing energy. Jade is found in different colors and can be used on the appropriate Chakra based on its color. Properties common to all colors of Jade include its ability to mellow one’s existence. Helps one rid themselves of negative thoughts and energy. Very beneficial to the heart in both physical and spiritual senses. It is a very protective stone and will keep its wearer out of harm’s way. Jade bounds us to our earth energies and physical instincts. Jade is a humbling stone.
Folk Remedies: Jade works with the lungs, heart, thymus, immune, kidney and blood detoxification, nervous system. While all Jade has some healing influence, each color relates more specifically to certain ailments or organs. Strengthens the body’s filtration and cleansing systems and assists in the removal of toxins.
Feng Shui: Jade is used in positive directions for longevity and a good life. Used in the Center area for harmony and balance, in the Northeast area for wisdom and in the Southwest area for love and partnership. (Be sure to use two stones together in this area, never one or three).
History: There are two varieties of Jade, Jadeite and Nephrite . Nephrite is quite similar to Jadeite in its healing abilities, but its colors are creamier and less translucent than Jadeite; Nephrite is the more commonly found variety. Jade may come in a variety of colors, green, blue, black, violet, white, yellow and a reddish and brownish variety. Each with its own slightly different use.
Nephrite Jade: Green: Health, wealth, longevity stone. Ancient Chinese used also for courage, wisdom, justice, mercy, emotional balance, stamina, love, fidelity, humility, generosity, peace, harmony. Lungs, heart, thymus, immune, kidney and blood detoxification, nervous system. Androgynous. A gentle, steady energy. Properties include its ability to mellow one’s existence. Helps one rid themselves of negative thoughts and energy. Strengthens the body’s filtration and cleansing systems and assists in the removal of toxins. Very beneficial to the heart in both physical and spiritual senses. It is a very protective stone and will keep its wearer out of harm’s way.
Blue Jade: A peaceful and passive energy source. Helps people who meditate to relax and gain an inner serenity. A quiet teacher of patience and slow, steady progress. It is a wonderful stone to give to people who feel restricted or overcome by situations beyond their control.
Brown Jade: A stone that connects us tot he earth. A good stone to use to help settle matters of the home or to adjust to a new environment.
Green Jade: Most common. Very calming to the nervous system. The color green is representative of life or growth. Helps one channel passions in a constructive way, making expressions of love easier.
Lavender Jade: In touch with the emotions. Beneficial to people who have been hurt by love or need to discover the gentleness within themselves. Can help one learn restraint and subtlety in matters of emotional importance.
Red Jade: A passionate and active stone. Caution is advised here: it can have such a stimulating influence that the wearer becomes agitated and feels the need to express anger. It can help you extract those feelings and come to terms with them. Use Red Jade to blow off steam, to release tension.
White or Cream Jade: Helps one direct their energy to its most advantageous outlet. Helps filter out distraction and allows you to envision the best result of a given situation. Also suggested for the eyes.
Yellow and Orange Jade: Both are similar enough to be considered together. Both impart the gift of joy and happiness. They teach the interconnectedness of all beings. Help organs that process food and waste in our bodies.
Black Jade: Enhances expressiveness, intelligence and perception. Thought to be a magic stone by the Mayan and Aztec cultures. Used in the treatment of disorders of the reproductive organs.
New Jade : Enhances expressiveness, intelligence and perception. Thought to be a magic stone by the Mayan and Aztec cultures. Used in the treatment of disorders of the reproductive organs.
The Hotel: China World Summit Wing
The Spa: Shangri-La
The Source: Cristals Rocks and Gems
The Image of Chinese Meridians Points is taken at the Karen Yanku Healing Arts Office Space Manhattan
