The Facial That Rejuvenates Both Your Skin & Psyche
The reception of the Como Shambhala Spa at the Metropolitan Hotel in London
The Treatment: The Celgenics Couture Facial at The Como Shambhala Spa, The Metropolitan Hotel, London
A 90-minute organic, vegan approved skin rejuvenating, anti-aging, bespoke facial created and delivered by a cranio-sacral and nutritional therapist practitioner. The facial combines healing touch with custom elixirs and cutting age cold laser therapy.
The Promise: To promote skin rejuvenation, boost plumping by targeting acupressure points, lift, tone and leave you with glowing skin — minus all the lotions, potions and extractions of a traditional facial.
The Guru: For the past 20 years, Marian Bourne has been combining her multi-faceted skill set of practicing cranio-sacral therapy (a therapy that is focused on regulating the flow of cerebrospinal fluid using therapeutic touch), being a nutritional therapist, a clinical kinesiologist, and Bowen practitioner to treat the women of London. Bourne treats all her clients to custom mixed elixirs using the ingredients she deems appropriate based on skin type and that are also in sync with your energy and emotions. She also founded her own line, Celgenics.
The Backdrop: The spa is small and discreet. It doesn’t serve up the typical feeling of relaxation of a larger destination or hotel, so if you’re looking for pools, robes, hanging out and reading magazines on a chaise lounge this isn’t your spot. But, if you care about the people, energy, and feeling when you leave, this is it.
The Guinea Pig: A busy editor traveling on a quick three-day work trip to London from NYC. Two long plane rides, little time to relax, and no time for jet lag rebounding.
The Scoop: The unique facial combined acupressure paired with healing touch and cold laser therapy. Bourne is so knowledgeable when it came to skin and the use of cold lasers. I have never met with a practitioner of cranio-sacral therapy and I found her readings to be intriguing and spot on. After have a few stressful weeks at work, and at home plus traveling (the usual life dramas), Bourne seemed to know exactly what I was going through. She used her years of experience and mixed therapies to soothe both my skin and my psyche.
The Results: I did have a noticeably plumper face at the end of the treatment, but the lasting effects were short lived. I continued to apply the remainder of my custom elixir while in London and on my plane ride home. I also used the Celgenics Eye Essential Cream, which utilizes vitamin E, organic plant oils and squalane to help hydrate the delicate eye area and reduce puffiness. As far as the long term results go, I definitely need to experience more sessions. I did love that it was more of a personal connection than most facials. I especially appreciated her positive energy and words of encouragement. Here’s to hoping I’m in London again soon!
Related:
Taking the Plunge Into a Seawater Spa
