A new therapist at Spa Sula, Andreia Couto De Pinho from Portugal, is offering some special massage therapies and I was lucky enough to be invited along to the plush spa to experience the benefits of two of these new treatments—bamboo massage and cupping.
Spa Sula, which is located at the Westport Plaza Hotel, offers lots of indulgent treatments which are best experienced after visiting the spa’s thermal suite.
Bamboo massage promotes circulation, sensory nerve perception, lymphatic drainage, and provides a deep sense of relaxation and well-being. The full-body massage begins with scented oils being placed on the body before heated bamboo stalks of varying lengths and diameters are rolled along the skin. Various amounts of pressure are applied depending on the area of the body and I found the whole treatment extremely relaxing.
The therapist suggested I also experience cupping on my neck and back area, as the spa is currently offering a full-body cupping massage. Cupping creates suction on the skin which drains excess fluids and toxins, stimulates the peripheral nervous system; bringing blood flow to stagnant muscles and skin.
The pressure of the cupping depends on the area being treated, however I found it great on the back to release stubborn knots. The main areas where cupping can be used apart from the neck, shoulders and back are the sacral area, hip, abdomen, thigh, upper arms, and calves.
After the unwinding treatment I was brought to the idyllic relaxation room where the relaxing day was topped off with a snooze while curled up in a cocoon bed.
Another treatment which Andreia is offering is lymphatic drainage massage, which is a slow rhythmic massage, which follows the path of the lymphatic system of the body. It helps to eliminate waste more efficiently, reduces swelling and helps improve the skin’s texture.
At the moment Spa Sula is offering the three massages, which all last 55 minutes, at the price of €60, which includes a one hour visit to the thermal suite. For more information, visit www.spasula.ie or call 098 51999.
