5 Holistic Beauty Treatments To Book Now
Reiki
Loved by A-listers and wellness tastemakers, Reiki has risen in popularity in recent years. In essence, it’s a Japanese alternative healing therapy developed by Mikao Usui, based on the idea of a life-force energy that flows through all living things. For those experiencing stress, fatigue or a whole host of emotional imbalances, reiki can offer relief. Every session is bespoke but you can generally expect to lie fully-clothed on a massage table and for your practitioner to channel this energy through their hands, moving them on or just above your body, with the aim of increasing energy flow and shifting blockages.
The experience is different for everyone, but some describe a feeling of intense warmth, deep calm, even intense colourful visuals or emotional releases. Many practitioners offer blended treatments where you can get a reiki-focused facial or massage, depending on whether you’re wanting a renewed glow or simply to feel less tense. SL beauty contributor Rhea Cartwright swears by Vickie Biggs at The Dream Of and Amanda Tizard at Home.
Buccal Massage
Buccal massage – otherwise known as intra-oral massage – is essentially deep tissue work for the cheeks. Any stored tightness or tension in the mouth area built up from daily talking, chewing and clenching mechanisms is released by highly-skilled practitioners who work to manipulate your facial muscles from the inside. Your practitioner will wear gloves but the treatment involves them putting their fingers inside your mouth. Granted, if you dread the dentist, you might want to skip this one but many who’ve tried buccal massage are evangelical about it. Many practitioners receive referrals from medical professionals for conditions including migraines, tension headaches and teeth grinding, but there are also some pretty major beauty benefits including reduced puffiness, sculpted cheekbones and a more defined-looking jawline. Try Grown Alchemist or FaceGym where you can opt for buccal massage as a facial add-on, otherwise Rhea recommends Melinda McKee at Sated Face and beauty director Jenn George rates Katie England.
The Names & Spots To Book:
Acupuncture
Having tiny needles puncture your skin doesn’t sound particularly relaxing but acupuncture is actually a great way to rebalance your nervous system. Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, the practice involves inserting ultra-fine needles into strategic points of the body to encourage energy flow and clear blockages. Everyone’s experience is different but for many it’s totally painless and not only a powerful stress reliever, but some also find it a helpful tool for managing pain or addressing hormonal imbalances.
For first-timers, treatment begins with a consultation during which your practitioner will ask questions about everything from your sleep and stress levels to digestion and menstrual health; they may even examine your tongue – a key diagnostic tool in TCM. During the session itself, you’ll lie still as the needles are gently inserted and left in place or lightly adjusted to enhance their effect. Most people report feeling deeply relaxed, with some even drifting off to sleep. There are lots of brilliant acupuncturists out there including TCM expert Ada Ooi at 001London (who is also a top facialist), Renata Nunes and Ross J Barr, as well as insider-approved Marie Reynolds and Sarah Bradden. “I am so scared of needles but Sarah is incredible,” says SL beauty contributor Alex Steinherr. “She manages to relax me and makes the whole experience enjoyable.”
The Names & Spots To Book:
Lymphatic Drainage
A favourite with celebrities before a big event, lymphatic drainage is designed to stimulate the lymphatic system and shift stagnant fluid, helping to reduce puffiness. It won’t remove fat but it can temporarily contour and sculpt – think a flatter stomach, noticeable all-over definition and that ‘just-back-from-a-retreat’ lightness – which is why so many people book in before holidays or special occasions. Techniques vary from gentle and rhythmic to more vigorous Brazilian-style strokes but results are often instant. For full body and face (often combined with buccal massage), Alex swears by Flavia Morellato, while Jenn favours Olivia Johnson for a Brazilian-style treatment and Méthode Trévalinet at The French Pharmacy for a lighter touch. Another name to know is Yanni Webb, rated by beauty writer Orin Carlin. “I’ve had lymphatic drainage a handful of times and I have to say, I’ve been mostly underwhelmed,” she says. “But Yanni is in a league of her own. She’s all about the attention to detail.”
The Names & Spots To Book:
Head Massage
No longer just a quick add-on during your haircut, head massage has earned its place as a standalone wellness treatment. An age-old ritual practised across South Asia, it’s traditionally used to relieve tension, improve circulation and support healthy hair growth, while bringing the body back into balance. Brands like Aveda and Kama Ayurveda have drawn on these principles for years, bringing time-honoured techniques to modern audiences. Meanwhile, Japanese head spas – with their ultra-soothing, halo-like water flows and meticulous scalp rituals – have gone viral for a reason. Typically addressing the scalp, neck and shoulders, they’re designed to encourage you to unwind and lift product build-up, leaving your hair nourished and glossy. For a truly restorative experience, Orin loves Notting Hill’s Cloud Twelve – the option of a post-treatment blow-dry means you can float straight back out into the world looking just as good as you feel.
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