Spa treatments can take many forms, and this month Fernanda Langhammer visited The Spa by Address for a Sound Healing experience.
Marassi has become one of the trendiest places on the island. It offers incredible views, relaxing spots, delectable dining destinations and memorable stays, such as Address Beach Resort Bahrain, home to The Spa by Address – my destination. The resort is situated at the beginning of Marassi Al Bahrain, connected to Marassi Galleria, a hot spot for those seeking high-end brands for an ultimate shopping spree. It also has an array of restaurants offering fine dining with a view. The hotel has a laid-back vibe with a touch of sophistication that isn’t found everywhere – it’s like beach meets an exclusive address, which makes its name even more meaningful.
The Spa by Address is a relaxing gem amid this luxurious environment. It features soft tones of brown, sand and ivory, with golden accents, for a quiet-luxury ambience and offers a sauna, steam room and an ice fountain. Small tiles in gold and white tones create beautiful mosaics on the walls, adding an edgy style to the décor. Everything seems well thought out, creating an atmosphere of modern tranquillity.
The Sound Healing treatment was quite different from the ones I’ve experienced before. This was a 70-minute therapy completely dedicated to the vibration of the bowls. But before we moved to the treatment room, I was offered a welcome drink with ginger and lemon to wake my senses, and a warm towel. I was then introduced to Masna, my therapist for the day, who showed me the changing area where I slipped out of my day clothes and turned on the relaxing mood as soon as I put on the fluffy robe.
This kind of therapy originated thousands of years ago, with roots spanning ancient civilisations such as the Egyptians and Greeks, Tibetan and Himalayan cultures and even being practised by some Aboriginal Australian tribes. It’s a cross-cultural practice treating sound as a fundamental, vibrational force for healing and spiritual connection.
The benefits go beyond what I first imagined. I thought it was just a calming experience. However, sound healing includes sound baths (a meditative experience where participants are ‘bathed’ in sound waves and vibrations) and binaural beats (an auditory illusion created by the brain when listening to two slightly different frequencies simultaneously), both of which encourage brainwave synchronisation, promoting states of relaxation, deep sleep or heightened focus.
Some other benefits include reduced stress and anxiety, pain management by easing tension, a lower heart rate, reduced blood pressure and even improved cognitive function (studies suggest that binaural beats can help with memory). Overall, this kind of therapy is supposed to foster significant mental and physical well-being.
The room was dimly lit and on top of the bed I spotted the ‘instruments’ Masna was going to use: one of the singing bowls (there were four more on the floor), gong sticks, a tingsha (a Tibetan cymbal), oils and flowers to decorate – a visually pleasant welcome. The ritual started with a foot cleanse, then Masna asked me to move to the treatment bed, where she had me face down. After a quick back massage, she began the therapy by turning on some specific music and placing one of the copper bowls on my feet. She then started moving around, creating rhythmic sounds and, once in a while, touching the bowl placed on my feet, which would resonate through my whole body. She then kept moving the bowl upwards at the other six points (legs, pelvic area and back), always following a specific tune. I then faced up, and four points were chosen to place the bowl. I believe aligning my chakras was one of the goals.
I have to say that the treatment is quite intense; my energy points are probably messed up because the vibration and sound were a bit too much for me. When the mallet hit the bowl placed on my body, I could feel the vibrations travel through my entire body and the feeling was slightly uncomfortable. Maybe because I hadn’t done anything similar, it was a novelty for me. I was expecting something more calming, so I asked Masna to tone it down a bit so I could enjoy the rest of the therapy.
When the session ended, I moved to the relaxation room, where I sipped chamomile tea and had nuts and dates. I then thought about the experience I had and how hotel spas are now offering a wide range of therapies to promote wellness. Me-time goes beyond body massages to improve the quality of life. At The Spa at Address, you find a broad selection, from sound healing to unique facials, to help you celebrate yourself and find equilibrium.
For more information or to make a booking,
please call The Spa at Address, Address Beach Resort Bahrain on 7749 9453.
@addressresortbahrain