Hinokibo: A Unique Japanese Massage

Hello to everyone,

We’d love to introduce you to a massage straight from Japan: the HinokiBō massage!

Hinokibo and Bloom Classic

Launched in Japan in 2007, it is a blend of several traditional techniques.

Whether performed on the face or the body, this treatment is one of a kind. What makes it special? In addition to her hands, the therapist uses a traditional Japanese tool: the bo (stick) made of hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood. Handcrafted by a Japanese artisan from Matsuyama Prefecture, this tool allows for a targeted and varied massage. In addition, Japanese cypress has antiseptic properties.

Created and offered by the Bloom Classic brand, its director, Rieko KITAJIMA, welcomed me to their Parisian offices to introduce me to the concept. I was able to experience the HinokiBō facial massage, which left me feeling deeply relaxed, with a lifted appearance and a renewed glow.

It’s worth noting that there is a targeted body treatment for slimming: it relieves muscle tension, effectively and evenly drains every part of the body, sculpts the figure and defines the contours, and firms and tones the skin.

The Massage Process

Therapist Julia settles me comfortably onto the massage table and adjusts the angle to my liking for greater comfort (head and feet). The Japanese music already transports you to this beautiful country. After cleansing my hands with warm oshibori, she wraps a cozy headband around my head for maximum comfort.

Two products will be used. Power Tree HI Gel, for a thorough facial cleansing. Formulated with a blend of Indian coleus root and Japanese cypress essential oil, it has cleansing, refreshing, and antiseptic properties. Power Tree Finish Oil is then used for the massage. Thanks to a blend of plant-based oils, it has a draining and lifting effect. Its grapefruit scent is also very subtle and pleasant.

The cleansing will be done by hand. The Hinoki oil will be used during the massage. It will be applied to the neck, around the carotid artery and lymph nodes, for a draining effect, as well as to the hollows of the cheeks for a deeply relaxing effect. The lifting effect and the boost in radiance are felt through the successive movements on the cheekbones and forehead. Forty minutes later, I feel very relaxed, and I immediately see the radiant and lifting effect in the mirror. I’m really impressed!

After taking the time to log back in, I chatted with the designer and learned about the story behind the concept. She also showed me the rest of their cosmetics line, which will be available in France sometime next year.

Want to give it a try?

If you’d like to experience this amazing treatment right away, head to Spa Molitor in Paris’s 16th arrondissement, where the treatment has recently become available in collaboration with Clarins: Spa Molitor: http://www.mltr.fr/fr/life/#spa

Bloom Classic spas are very well-known in Japan, and the brand is looking to expand into France. Professionals looking to expand their menu can contact them through their website for more information.
To learn more: http://www.bloomclassic.fr/

Our “Five Worlds” Experience

Hello Dear Members,

We had the opportunity to test the products and spa offerings of a brand that’s close to our hearts: Cinq Mondes. A pioneer in the spa industry since the 2000s, its concept and products take you on a journey around the world. Sensuality, natural ingredients, and effectiveness are all part of the experience!

The Cinq Mondes Spa and its Imperial massage

How To Spa had the pleasure of enjoying a wonderful experience at the Cinq Mondes spa in Paris. The spa has recently been renovated and modernized, while retaining its spirit of travel. Indonesia, Japan, Morocco…this spa offers beauty rituals from around the world through rejuvenating and effective facials and body massages.

As for me, I fell in love with the Imperial massage.

As a massage enthusiast, I was familiar with various types—such as relaxation, deep tissue, Ayurvedic, and Balinese—but I had never seen a description like this: “A unique, soothing, and energizing treatment ritual inspired by the traditions of the art of touch. Fully enjoy this elaborate massage technique targeting the reflex zones of the hands, feet, neck, nape, and trapezius muscles. A truly imperial treatment!”

Having already experienced reflexology, I never imagined you could relax so much just by having your feet massaged…. In fact, with our hectic daily lives, tension can build up in our feet and hands without us even realizing it. …So, a massage that focuses more on the limbs, rather than just a simple back massage? That really appealed to me!

The welcome was very warm. I was immediately taken care of in this relaxing haven, where I filled out a questionnaire to receive a personalized massage.

Maud, an excellent massage therapist, introduced herself and explained how the ritual would unfold, then left me alone to get changed. Five minutes later, the dream could begin…

This massage is performed while lying on your back, then on your side. Something I hadn’t experienced before on this cozy, heated bed was the option to tilt the bed for our comfort and deeper relaxation. With the upper body and feet raised, we find ourselves in a “V” shape, letting ourselves be carried away by the warmth of the bed and the soft music. From that moment on, the rejuvenation begins.

We’ll use a soothing massage balm. It’s true that their balms feel incredibly sensual to the touch and all have addictive scents—what a treat!

This massage focuses on the limbs, the neck, and the trapezius muscles. Just like in the finest spas, the ritual begins with the placement of oshibori (warm towels) on the feet and hands. Then one focuses on the massage of each limb: feet, calves, thighs (right and left), then hands, arms, shoulders (right and left). We enjoy these draining and deeply soothing movements with pleasure.

Our necks aren’t left out, and we also get a scalp massage. Pure bliss!

The massage concludes with tension relief in the trapezius muscles, while sitting on the side of the bed, to promote deeper relaxation.

The massage therapist concludes the ritual by diffusing rejuvenating scents using their famous eaux fraîches.
After nearly an hour of massage, I felt completely relaxed and rejuvenated. You can really feel that the tension that had built up in my limbs has truly disappeared.

We wrap up your treatment with product recommendations and a cup of tea. You have all the time you need to gently reconnect with our world.

I highly recommend this Parisian urban spa. It offers excellent value for a professional and effective massage.

Bonus: Cinq Mondes offers a small discovery set that includes a booklet on relaxation and self-massage, as well as mini massage oils. It fits perfectly with our How To Spa world!

Imperial Massage, 50 min – €100; also available in an 80-min version – €150
Address: 6 Square de l’Opéra-Louis Jouvet, 75009 Paris

A few products that have been tested and approved, which can be used in our tutorials!

To help us recommend the right products for our relaxation guides, we tested a few Cinq Mondes products. Here are our favorites!

For our self-massages

Balm with Tropical Nuts (Siam Ritual)

In addition to being used for self-massage, this balm is designed to deeply nourish the skin and is highly effective on very dry areas (hands, feet, elbows). It also gives the skin a healthy glow. Made with tamaru oil, coconut oil, and beeswax, it has a very sensual, lemony scent.

What we really liked was the unique texture: at first, it’s hard like wax, but upon application, the balm transforms into an oil that provides intense nourishment.

Available at http://www.cinqmondes.com/baume-fondant-aux-noix-tropicales.html

Sumptuous Oil of the Orient (Atlas Ritual)

This dry oil nourishes the skin, giving it radiance and suppleness. Ideal for self-massage, it’s easy to apply and absorbs quickly. Sensual and with a truly captivating scent, we love the fragrance of this argan oil-based product.

Available at: http://www.cinqmondes.com/huile-somptueuse-de-l-orient.html

For our facial self-massages

Rich Youth Cream: (Beijing Ritual)

This cream moisturizes, smooths, and firms the skin. As you massage it in, your skin appears plumper.
We love its effective, natural ingredients, including organic ginseng for a toning effect and lotus flower—the world’s oldest flower—for ultra-hydrating benefits.

The texture is pleasantly sensual and feels refreshing upon application.

Available at: http://www.cinqmondes.com/creme-riche-de-jeunesse.html

For our pillow mists

Egyptian Water: (The Luxor Ritual)

In our guides on relaxation at home and while traveling, How To Spa recommends that you apply a “pillow mist” for a restful sleep at the end of your ritual. It is difficult to find a high-quality one, that has a real effect on the mind. But Five Worlds is one of these rare little treasures!

A fan of their eaux fraîches for several years, How To Spa recommends this Egyptian Water, whose enchanting scent provides deep relaxation.

A spicy note with cumin, a fresh note with mint, a hint of florals with lotus and jasmine, and finally, some truly captivating and addictive scents like frankincense, myrrh, and patchouli… we’re huge fans!

Available at: http://www.cinqmondes.com/eau-egyptienne.html

For an Indonesian beauty cleansing ritual

If you’re looking for an effective global skin-cleansing routine, we recommend these two innovative products:

Paste of Flowers (Balinese Ritual)

We love this one-of-a-kind cleanser! Inspired by Balinese beauty rituals.
Its creamy, paste-like texture is incredibly pampering and has an immediate soothing effect. It has a delightful scent that blends mango, passion fruit, gardenia, and white lily.

Available at: http://www.cinqmondes.com/pate-de-fleurs.html

Phyto Peeling Lotion (Bali Ritual)

Finish the cleansing routine with the phyto-peeling lotion. Alcohol-free for gentle cleansing, it offers not only cleansing benefits but also an ice-cold, refreshing sensation—highly effective for improving circulation and giving the skin a radiant glow.

Available at: http://www.cinqmondes.com/lotion-phyto-peeling.html

This pampering and invigorating ritual is reminiscent of the hammam, sauna, and cold shower rituals found at spas, which are known to be effective for deep relaxation and improved blood circulation.