SPA DOCTOR treats... DYSPEPSIA

THE PROBLEM:

Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is an umbrella term for issues in the upper gut – the oesophagus, the stomach and the small intestine – where digestion takes place. It is associated with symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, nausea and feeling full soon after you start eating.

Dyspepsia can be a sign of an underlying problem, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or – as in my case – related to lifestyle and caused by stress, alcohol and diet. After several years of eating low-carb, high-fat, I’ve been re-introducing my body to regular carbohydrates. However, I bloat like crazy and have stomach issues even after moderate portions of complex carbohydrates.

WHERE IS THE SOLUTION:

The Macdonald Randolph hotel, Oxford. The five-star hotel’s Hogwarts-esque interior plays on the historical aspects of Oxford, and the walls of its restaurant, Acantus, are adorned with the coats of arms of the university colleges. In stark contrast is the minimalist, modern stone ‘cave’ of the Spa at the Randolph, located down a flight of stairs.

WHAT’S THE TREATMENT:

I was offered Body Sculpting Cellulite and Colon Therapy (£65 Monday - Thursday, £70 Friday – Sunday), but after discussing my specifics the treatment focused on colon therapy. It started with a dry body brushing, which busts cellulite and increases circulation to encourage the elimination of metabolic waste.

After this, a fennel and birch peel-off body mask was applied. Fennel boosts metabolism while reducing water retention and is a diuretic. I was given a cleansing colon massage; a firm massage of the stomach intending to kick-start my digestive system and detoxify.

This treatment is not a permanent solution. However, considering that summer is a time when you want to feel good about your body and not have to wrap up a bloated stomach, it was a great temporary fix. I felt that I looked much more slimline in my clothes, and confident for my dinner date that evening.