By Alyssa Wieting and Andrew Chin
Yu Massage
If you are looking for a spa that is a good mix of East and West, we have found the ideal place for you. Yu Massage offers a range of massage and aromatherapy options, while being immersed in an environment that seems to be taken right out of the Qing Dynasty. Spread out over two floors, Yu Massage has 10 different massage rooms, all looking distinct from one another with both massage beds and large comfy lounge chairs for those opting for a foot massage.
This fall, Yu Massage is offering three different massage packages, each 120 minutes long. The first is the Duet of Yu, which includes a traditional Chinese massage and aroma oil foot massage (RMB240). The second they call the Fly in Dance, including an aroma oil foot and body massage (RMB290). The last is the Marvelous Time, which is a whole 120 minutes concentrated on a full body aroma oil massage (RMB360).
We opted to try the Fly in Dance, which began with soaking our feet in a wooden bucket of warm water and getting a warm up shoulder rub, followed by a deep foot massage with oil. The second hour we transitioned to the massage bed for a full-body aromatherapy massage, which uses an oil that has a delicate, light scent and is not overpowering. Still offering traditional Chinese massage options, you can have comfort in knowing that you won’t receive the teeth-clenching, nerve-pinching massage that you may receive at other places.
We would definitely call this place a steal for the price of a two-hour quality massage. The only catch is that you have to go before 5pm on a weekday to take advantage of this deal. But not to worry – their usual 60-minute and 90-minute massages range from RMB160-RMB420, so it is still what we would consider to be reasonably priced.
// See Listing Here. 366 Wuyuan Lu, by Wukang Road 五原路366号，近武康路 (5403 9931)
Green Massage
In an unlikely space, tucked inside the K11 Art Mall on the third floor among restaurants is a spacious spa. Though it may look small from the entrance, this spa is lined with long corridors and generous sized rooms. The rooms are complete with a shower, sink and wall-lined sofa for the customer’s convenience and relaxation.
We opted to choose one of their most popular massage treatments – the purifying lymphatic drainage therapy (RMB616). The name of the massage may be a bit intimidating, but it is certainly one we would go back for again.
The massage combines a detox technique with an essential massage oil to stimulate blood circulation and release waste toxins. It is also meant to improve metabolism and restore balance to one’s mental and physical states.
It was a smooth flowing massage as the masseuse worked her way up and down in what seemed to be one continuous motion, all the while using a pressure we were comfortable with.
Although this massage may be their most popular, they offer a wide variety of packages as well starting at RMB458, while their 60-minute Meridian massage is a reasonable RMB348.
// See Listing Here. Rm 305, K11 Art Mall, 300 Huaihai Zhong Lu, by Huangpi Nan Lu 淮海中路300号， 近黄陂南路 (6385 8800)
Chiyoo Clinic & Spa
Located on a lively strip in Old Town, the first thing you notice going to Chiyoo Clinic & Spa is the welcoming sign. While it’s a little bit of a surprise to see the venue labeled as Chiyoo Hemorrhoid Clinic, it’s just part of the spa’s unique history.
Opened a year ago as a medical clinic, Chiyoo began offering TCM spa treatments six months ago. The two services merge with new visitors consulting with on-site doctors for a general checkup.
Meridians are checked with results given to spa practitioners, allowing them to cater the treatment to each visitor’s unique requirements. While the doctors speak only Chinese, an English consultant is available to help with any translating needs – book with Candy at 135 0171 8580 or on WeChat at cengong9470.
Once the consulting is done, visitors can pick from a number of traditional spa treatments. Meridian massages are priced at RMB298 with special packages available by request that include a TCM check-up, a meridian massage or acupuncture session, cupping or scrapping and moxibustion therapy.
The treatment was soothing with the dark rings left on our back, a proud mark of the importance of individual pampering. The session ended with a 20-minute
moxibustion treatment. The traditional medicinal heat therapy had our qi flowing and our thoughts enjoying every second of blissful relaxation.
While the individual package is recommended for first timers, specific spa treatments are available by themselves to maintain that proper qi flow, with Chiyoo Clinic & Spa offering discounts to loyal customers.
// See Listing Here. 420 Fangxie Lu, by Jianguo Xin Lu 方斜路420号, 近建国新
