Meridians at The Peninsula
Chinese traditional medicine expert James Zhang offers holistic massage sessions until the end of the month
Last week, I was among the first few people in Bangkok to be treated by Beijing-based Chinese traditional medicine expert James Zhang. A chief of the award-winning team at The Peninsula Beijing Spa, Zhang holds certifications as a senior masseur, acupuncturist and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapist with expertise in Chinese body massage and foot reflexology treatments.
As a collaboration project between the Peninsula Bangkok and Peninsula Beijing, the Chinese master therapist is now in town until Sept 1 and is already enjoying a very busy schedule.
At the riverside Peninsula Spa in Bangkok, Zhang showcases his therapeutic skills through a signature 90-minute session, dubbed “traditional Chinese meridian massage”, which he and his Beijing team have perfected.
It offers guests a stress-relieving treatment that revolves around the ancient Chinese concept of qi, or the body’s “life force”, which supposedly flows through meridians (energy highways that connect major organs within the body).
Following the idea that each meridian features many acupuncture points along its path, Zhang uses the Shou Fa (hand and arm) massage technique to stimulate the body’s key pressure points, release stagnant qi and create a harmonic balance between yin and yang.
In order to provide the spa guests with the most satisfactory results, each treatment is tailored to the individual’s needs, following Zhang’s hands-on diagnosis
The technique, without applying oil or lotion, combines body kneading, rolling and stretching with a head massage — the latter to help eliminate tension. Thus, although it’s noticeably remedial, it’s also very relaxing.
In order to provide the spa guests with the most satisfactory results, each treatment is tailored to the individual’s needs, following Zhang’s hands-on diagnosis.
My session took place in a gorgeous- yet-comforting spa suite equipped with a private steam room and 5-star amenities. It began with me lying on my stomach face down. Even under a blanket, I could sense Zhang’s strong hands on my back from his very first touch. As if my body’s meridians were mapped before him on a blanket surface, every single pressure he applied precisely hit the right spot.
As someone who has suffered from office syndrome and over the years gone to several Thai massage therapists hoping to tackle the problem, I found Zhang’s approach to be distinctively different from regular Thai treatments, which in retrospect now seem fairly makeshift.
Sometimes, his hand pressure was tranquilising, then again it caused slight pain. But all of it seemed to tackle the problem. And you can always notify him of your preferred level of massage pressure.
The 90-minute journey of relaxation for body and mind ended with a warm herbal tea and a choice of mind-boosting beverage shot. I left the spa very at-ease and invigorated, yet already dreaming of coming back.
The result-oriented Chinese holistic treatments by James Zhang are available for a limited time from now until Sept 1 at the Peninsula Spa in the Peninsula Bangkok. Prices are 4,100 baht per person for a 90-minute traditional Chinese Meridian Massage; and 3,200 baht per person for a 60-minute foot reflexology session.