It’s hard to think of anything more soothing or therapeutic than the sea, and skincare brand Ishga has managed to bottle that feeling with its range of award-winning organic products. So, when I was invited to sample the brand’s new 90-minute restorative Tides of Change spa treatment designed to support people going through emotional stress, major life changes like menopause, grief or divorce, and hormonal ups and downs, I was eager to try it out.
I had been feeling a bit under par and lacking in energy, so the idea of a treatment which would promote renewal, harmony and empowerment, balance my masculine and feminine energies and nurture my abdomen – where hormonal imbalances often manifest and where I had been experiencing intermittent bloating – was appealing.
Tides of Change is available at some of the UK’s leading hotels, including Glasgow’s Kimpton Blythswood Square, Fairmont St Andrews, Coworth Park in Berkshire and The Dorchester in London, where mine took place.
I nearly drifted off
In one of the treatment rooms in the spa, I melted into a soft, comfy treatment bed and relaxed as my therapist began by gently cleansing my feet before beginning a full-body massage.
As someone who usually opts for deep tissue and Thai massages, this was quite a departure from what I’m used to and I nearly drifted off as the therapist applied gentle, sweeping strokes designed to stimulate the lymphatic system and regulate the nervous system.
Seaweed extract
With a name derived from the Gaelic word for water, Ishga’s products smell divine and felt silky and light on my skin. Sourced from the Hebridean isle of Lewis, the brand’s certified organic range – which includes hero products Marine Cream and Hebridean Sea Salt Scrub - combines spring water with extract of seaweed containing polyphenol antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, trace elements and amino acids to nourish and restore.
For my back, the therapist used warmed Muscle Recovery Oil made from rose geranium, may chang, lavender, peppermint and seaweed extract – a blend designed to help ease anxiety, balance hormones, improve sleep and relax the mind.
Hormonal balance
I usually steer clear of abdominal massages as I find them ticklish, but the gentle yet firm circular movements – using a technique to promote hormonal balance, improve digestion, release tension stored in the core and promote optimal lymph flow – were surprisingly pleasant and soothing.
After the body massage came a relaxing facial using Ishga’s anti-ageing products and a jade roller to reduces puffiness, sooth sensitive skin and boost circulation and oxygen flow, followed by a gentle massage of my arms and legs and, finally, back to my feet.
The experience was deeply relaxing. My muscles felt soothed, my skin soft and nourished and my face had a lovely fresh glow to it. I also haven’t experienced any tummy troubles since.
I felt far too Zen to venture out into the real world straight away, and was in no hurry to leave, so I took some time to relax and enjoy some herbal tea in the spa’s lowly-lit lounge – a lovely way to finish my treatment.
Ishga’s Tides of Change treatment costs £310 for 90 minutes. For more information, visit www.ishga.com