Every morning Empress Dowager Cixi applied face powder made up of pearls and skin cream made of flower distillate. At night, she applied egg white, kept it on until half an hour before sleep, and then applied flower extract, finally patting her wet face dry with soft towels. Furthermore, she used a jade face roller, cool and smooth, on her face again and again every morning before dressing. High-quality jade is believed by many to have natural health-enhancing functions and repeated rolling is in essence a good massage for the face.

These beauty techniques are used today at modern spas around the world. But let us look back at more examples of classical Chinese beauty treatments.

Yang Yuhuan, the most famous concubine in Chinese history, was also renowned for her delicate skin. She used litchi, rich in protein, vitamin B and C, phosphorus and iron, which all bubbled away in her regular hot spring bath. The bath not only moistened her smooth skin, but also refreshed her mind. She would pat and massage different parts of her face and body to further stimulate the absorption of those beauty enhancers.

Empress Wu Zetian, a Taoist, also took time every day to close her eyes, calm herself, clear her mind and think about nothing. Banishing distracting thoughts and having a good rest has proven to be an effective method down the years since then, any time and anywhere.

These techniques are beauty clues and are widely used today. SPA is the acronym for the Greek phrase Solus Par Aqua meaning 'water of health'. The word 'spa' may call to mind images of rose petal baths and Thai massages, but in reality a trip to a spa is much more comprehensive, including beautiful background music, aromatherapy, healthy foods and peace of mind.

There are many different kinds of spas - city spas, day spas and mineral spas, to name just a few. Some also offer one-day treatments and facial massages.

Face

Pulse light-wave therapy is one of the most effective skincare techniques - it safely and effectively reduces a variety of skin conditions, like sunspots, age spots and broken capillaries. This non-invasive treatment stimulates collagen and elastin, improving the skin's texture and tone while reducing wrinkles, small veins, puffiness and acne. The therapeutic benefit of increased circulation helps flush out toxins from skin cells and the lymphatic system. Includes a light facial, and finishes with a moisturizer.

Body

This goes way beyond the simple pleasures of relaxation. All the therapists are very professional and careful about ensuring your comfort and modesty.

Mini-massage

A 30-minute treatment concentrates specifically on the most common areas of stress, like the neck, shoulders, and back.

Stone Massage

Smooth, heated black basalt stones are integrated into a therapeutic massage resulting in a deeply relaxing treatment. The placement of the stones on sore spots helps penetrate deeper to melt away tension and ease pain in fatigued muscles.

Body polish and glow

The ultimate head-to-toe skin exfoliation treatment! This body scrub, consisting of sea salt and natural & essential oils, helps to increase circulation, stimulate the lymphatic system and eliminate toxins. It enhances skin conditions and unsightly bumps, usually on the sides of arms. Your skin will never have felt so good!

Mind

Beauty is really more than skin deep - true beauty has more to do with an inner light that shines.

Try a day spa - some professional Yoga clubs offer meditation techniques, hypnotherapy and guided visualization to help relieve stress, create deep relaxation and focus your mind toward attracting wealth, love, creativity, motivation, and inner peace.