If you’ve been following Ruby TV for a while, you would remember my visits to Venustus, the incredible day spa and body lab in Paddington, Sydney. The last trip was for an out -of-this-world ‘Om’ treatment that combined remedial and body work but also energy work with crystals, sound bowls and aroma therapy (I can’t go on enough about how divine their Jasmine spray is).
After clocking up a few more daily stresses and hours of flying, it’s time to book back in. Charismatic owner Jeannie Bourke proposes that I try something completely different this time- a High Definition Bodywork.
The lymph system
This 75 minutes treatment is based in Lymphatic massage techniques to stimulate lymph nodes and move water retention and toxins out of the body through the lymph system. It uses massage ‘contouring’ to increase blood circulation & assist with fat metabolism and employs hands and tools to stimulate and remove blockages. It sounds like a great treatment for me to try, being someone with low blood pressure and poor circulation (thus often cold feet, the need for lots of sport and probably why I love tap dancing!).
“The Brazilians in Miami, Florida, California & New York are really into, and great at, contouring the body and were the first to do this kind of treatment.” says Jeannie. Venustus is the first to launch this type of treatment in Australia, and put their own twist on these, adding the Venustus magic, grounding it in lymphatic more vigorous approach with some remedial work. “The treatment is really beneficial for all those flying regularly as the lymphatic system is not operating as well, when you are flying. This is why there is often fluid retention after long flights.”
The treatment combines ancient techniques, manual lymphatic drainage (old school) and new vigorous drainage with contouring of the body. “Understanding all these ancient techniques and integrating them into treatments today requires precision, training and re-designing, more training and gathering resources from international artisans and individuals living on the edge of the industry,” says Jeannie.
My therapist today is the beautiful, bubbly Fleur and I follow her down the hallway into the pristine, white sage cleaned treatment room and climb onto the table with soft white blankets and deliciously relaxing heat bags.
With hands and various brushes and tools, she starts working on my legs, kneading and rolling the skin & defining the muscles. The lymphatic system, she tells me, is part of the vascular system and a major part of the immune system, with vessels that carry a clear fluid ‘lymph’ in a one way direction. The system acts as a body’s drainage system, collecting excess fluid that is surrounding the body’s tissues and organs and returns it to the bloodstream. The treatment will have an immediate visual effect and create a sense of lightness. But what’s more, it will have longer term health benefits through the stimulation producing lymphocytes to destroy dangerous invaders (affecting immunity and wellbeing).
The brushes and hand movements on my legs are strong but not unpleasant (except one part similar to cupping on the legs which is to be honest quite painful but very short and Fleur sweetly reminds me of the benefits of slimmer legs and better circulation as I wriggle like a fish until we’re past this short section!). Relief sets in and it’s true, my legs feel remarkably lighter. Some divine, much needed remedial massage relaxes my tight upper back before the last and most ‘fun’ and pleasant part of the treatment— the body/ waistline contouring.
‘I feel like I’m being photoshopped’ I giggle and Fleur laughs while informing me that indeed lots of models get contoured before hitting the runway, as it has an immediate slimming and shaping result.
When we’re done, I’m told to drink three litres of water and avoid sugar to make the most of the treatment. I leave with a bottle of Venustus Jet Set body serum designed for an ongoing stimulation of the the lymphatic system.
Of course I spend several minutes gazing at the gorgeous rocks and crystals on display all through the shop front and consider what could be good to eventually add to my collection.
The High Definition Bodywork is recommended regularly, particularly before and after flying internationally. Add ons are possible.
Enjoy!
