SPA DOCTOR treats... ANXIETY

TOO much mental pressure can lead to stress – and it is estimated that mental health problems, including stress and anxiety related to busy modern lives, lead to about 12million adults in the UK seeing their GP each year.

This week we visit a spa in Paris that offers a remedy for these mental pressures.

WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

My busy, stressful job and a relationship breakdown have left me feeling low and worn out. I’ve fallen into bad habits and have been comfort-eating junk food, while my exercise routine is non-existent.

WHERE’S THE TREATMENT?

Mandarin Oriental, Paris (mandarinoriental.com/paris)

WHAT’S THE TREATMENT?

The Oriental Wellness Programme (the programme costs €430, or £312, per person; room rates at the hotel are not included and cost from £675) can kick-start a healthy lifestyle and provide a much needed break from busy modern life for body and mind. It combines relaxation with a healthy culinary experience. After a healthy breakfast of granola, berries, yogurt and green juice, the programme begins with a one-hour yoga lesson, combining the principles of Hatha (relaxing), Ashtanga (endurance) and Iyengar (therapeutic).

I’m not a beginner but as I hadn’t practised yoga for some time, my charming teacher kept the class simple and at a slow pace. It was a great start to the day which left me feeling rejuvenated.

This was followed by a 50-minute Oriental Essence massage using mandarin, ginger and frankincense oils, which got rid of muscle tension, and a 50-minute facial, both of which helped me unwind further.

Following the pampering session I had a healthy lunch on the garden terrace – selections included Thai beef salad and steamed dim sum. The break was a welcome antidote to my busy day-to-day life and left me feeling I’d been away for much longer than a weekend.