De-stressing with Hot Poultice Massage

With aching back becoming a daily reality for urban workers, a relaxing massage for the muscles is called for. It is no wonder then, that Hot Poultice Massage has been gaining its momentum for the past year. The treatment uses a perforated pocket of heated herbs to massage tensed muscles. 

Although it is a recent spa trend, Hot Poultice is originally an ancient Asian technique that was used to heal soldiers. The technique was believed to draw out toxins from injuries and treat abcess wounds. Among the herbs typically used in this treatment are lemongrass (to help regenerate connective tissue, stimulate lymphatic detox and treat water retention), Kaffir lime (to tone skin), camphor (to stimulate the circulatory and nervous systems, and ease muscle spasms) and turmeric (an anti-inflammatory and immune booster). 

When we heard that The Spa at the newly reopened Four Seasons Jakarta is offering Hot Poultice Massage, we couldn’t resist to give it a try. The appointment was set at the end of a long working day – perfect to test out the magic of the storied treatment.

At The Spa, guests are greeted with a glass of rosella iced tea and required to fill up a health information form. On the form is a level of massage that you’d prefer to have. 

The Hot Poultice Massage itself is a 90-minute ritual that starts with a gentle body massage. Afterwards, the therapist would heat up the poultice pocket in a microwave. Then, the heated pocket is pressed in a rhythmic movement that centers on tied muscles on the back. The poultice stings the skin a little at first, but after a few minutes of getting used to it, the pocket slowly starts relaxing the muscles. 

Once the Hot Poultice Massage is completed, that ends with a hot shower, the knots on our back have loosened. The sensation was similar to completing a session of bikram yoga, when all your muscles have been relaxed by the heat and your body is well stretched out.

After the treatment, guests are invited to the relaxation room, a dimmed space equipped with massage lounger. There, while sipping a cup of ginger tea, the lounger will slowly vibrate to further relax the body. 

The best part of the treatment is that it does not end after you leave The Spa, because guests will be gifted the hot poultice pocket to bring home. With a clear instruction on the paper bag, the pocket comes in handy for anyone with a microwave. The pocket is reusable for up to three times after the first usage. Now that is a gift that is very welcomed.

The Hot Poultice Massage at The Spa, Four Seasons Jakarta is priced at IDR 1,750,000++. To book for appointment, contact +6221 2277 1888 or visit fourseasons.com/jakarta/spa/