Day 25 of Healthy, Beautiful Skin – Ashiatsu at The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta
By Best Self Managing Editor: Laura
I love trying new things—especially spa treatments! So when I signed up to check out The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta’s new Ashiatsu treatment, I was thrilled. An Eastern practice that has been around for more than 3,000 years, Ashiatsu (“Ashi” meaning foot and “atsu” meaning pressure) is essentially a barefoot massage. In order to do this service, my therapist, Milena Flores, was supported by wood parallel bars in an effort to apply deep foot pressure to strategic points along my spine and body with hopes of achieving maximum muscle compression. In my case, I asked Milena to not go as deep because I recently injured myself on a run and my body couldn’t handle anything too deep.
Before the service began, Milena had me smell three aromatherapy blends to see which one I would prefer to have rubbed on my body. I immediately gravitated toward the Midtown, which is a delightful combination of rosemary and lavender. It also happens to be the spa’s signature scent and a product made by Atlanta-based company, Mama Bath + Body.
Milena rubbed the blend all over my body and then politely assured me that her feet were cleansed and sanitized. Then she stood on the massage table, held onto the wooden bars and began to use one and two-footed strokes on my back. She made sure to distribute the pressure evenly and asked me how it felt. The massage felt relaxing and I loved the way her toes felt gliding over my back and in the sides of my neck.
There was a point where Milena got down from the table and had me turn over so she could concentrate on my arms, hands and calves. I asked her to avoid my thighs and knees because of my injury. It felt like she was sitting on a stool while continuing to use her feet and hands to massage my neck and upper body. As she massaged those specific areas, my body just loosened up—it felt like putty in her hands.
Ashiatsu is great for athletes—I play basketball—because it helps with tight calves, hamstrings, neck issues and more. It’s also been said to improve performance levels, increase blood flow to various parts of the body, and heal injuries. This was just what I needed since my knees are still bruised from falling during my run.
After the treatment, Milena offered me a shot of collagen. What really got me pumped about it was when she said that celebrities have been taking collagen shots to improve the appearance of their skin. I immediately threw back Image Skincare’s YANA Daily Collagen Supplement. It was an orange color and tasted fruity. Milena also mentioned that the collagen shot helps heal wounds so that was another advantage.
This treatment is truly the total package. I left feeling rested and rejuvenated. If you’re tired of getting a “regular” massage and want to try something different, Ashiatsu at The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta is definitely the way to go. From the top-notch service to creative spa treatments such as this one, it’s a win-win for your mind and body.
50-minute Ashiatsu treatment, $175
80-minute Ashiatsu treatment, $255
For more on this service, check out this Facebook LIVE video featuring Milena Flores and Laura.
Details: 404.881.9898. 75 14th St. NE., Atlanta, GA 30309. fourseasons.com/Atlanta
Skin Love!
As with any skin care regimen, consistency is the key to overall good results. A consistent daily regimen of cleansing, moisturizing and protection against the sun is a must. Also, don’t forget to get your skin screened in support of good health and skin cancer awareness month.