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STARS AND THEIR SPAS ; From Hot Stones to Ginger Rubs, Ten Celebrities Reveal the Intriguing Secrets of Their Best Loved Beauty Treatments

Posted on: Friday, 29 October 2004, 12:00 CDT

WHETHER you want to keep your skin looking young, alleviate asthma or simply indulge your aching body, there's an alternative therapy that will do the job. SELF asked ten celebrities to tell us about their favourite therapies - and where you can try them.

SUSIE AMY

HOT STONE THERAPY Actress Susie Amy, 23 (main picture), lives in Virginia Water, Surrey, and is best known as Chardonnay in the ITV drama Footballers Wives. She says: MY friend Lucy, a beauty therapist, recommended hot stone therapy because I hold a lot of tension in my shoulders and upper back and need something more powerful than regular massage.

I have the Aroma Stone Therapy about once a month and nearly always fall asleep as it's so relaxing. It involves massage using volcanic stones, which have apparently been used for centuries by ancient cultures for their medicinal and spiritual powers.

Before the therapy, the stones are bathed in warm water and anointed with spicy, sensual aromatherapy oils.

First of all, the therapist places small hot stones on key energy points - or chakras - which are meant to harmonise my spirit and initiate the relaxation process.

Using firm, rhythmic strokes, she then massages my body with the stones which allow deeper manipulation of the muscle fibres. The heat also softens the tissues and is incredibly comforting.

Finally, hot stones are massaged over my face and scalp.

The claims: Penetrates the deep muscle fibres to release tension and relieve stresses and strains. Also re-balances the spirit and body's energy channels.

Where to get it: Susie has the Elemis Aroma Stone Therapy at the Elemis Day Spa, London. Costs Pounds 90 for 75 minutes, or Pounds 450 for six sessions.

Call 020 8909 5000 or www.elemis.com

SHARRON DAVIES

TV presenter and Olympic medallist Sharron Davies, 41, (right) lives in the Cotswolds with her husband Tony Kingston, a pilot, and her two children Grace, six, and Elliott, ten.

She says: I'VE never been a patient person. As a professional swimmer I had to have a competitive mentality and that has stayed with me, making me a more aggressive person than I feel I need to be. So a few months ago, I started yoga in an attempt to quell it.

I practise in my garden with my teacher, Joseph Stern. It's a bizarre form of exercise for me because I am used to intensive aerobic workouts.

Yoga feels very gentle in comparison, but the health benefits can be extraordinary.

Doing the stretches and poses in the open air transports me to another, more YOGA peaceful world. We try to do a session for an hour once every two weeks.

I find it great 'me' time. By controlling my breathing, I take my mind off other problems and relax.

The claims: As well as being excellent for mental health, yoga helps people concentrate their energy on breathing and posture. The methodical breathing increases oxygen flow to the brain and sets a rhythm within the body and mind. This action, coupled with the poses and sometimes meditation, is said to dissipate stress and anxiety.

Where to get it: British Wheel of Yoga, 01529 306 851.

JANET ELLIS

MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE (MLD)

TV presenter Janet Ellis, 48, lives in West London with her husband John Leach, 48, and their two younger children, Jackson, 17, and Martha, 13.

She says:

AS AN asthmatic I'm always interested in alternative treatments. I'd been interested in manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) for a while after hearing that it's both preventive and remedial.

My 90-minute session consists of different types of massage, from featherlight to very powerful. My therapist concentrates on my upper body to help build immunity in my chest, sinuses and airways, which are weakened because of asthma. I've been going once every week or two for the past few months. It's put a real spring in my step and seems to make me much more resistant to coughs and colds.

The claims: MLD involves a range of rhythmic pumping techniques to move the skin in the direction of the lymph flow. This removes waste products and stimulates the lymphatic vessels that carry substances vital to the body's defences.

It promotes relaxation, healing of fractures, sprains, scars and wounds, reduces swelling, strengthens the immune system and can improve conditions such as sinusitis, rheumatoid arthritis and acne.

Where to get it: Contact MLD UK on 01592 748 008 or www.mlduk.org.uk

ANTHEA TURNER

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE TV presenter Anthea Turner, 43, is married to businessman Grant Bovey. They live in Surrey.

She says:

I LOVE aromatherapy massage and have a treatment once a month at my local spa Forest Mere. I know massage is sometimes dismissed as simply a back rub, but for me it is the epitome of de-stressing.

I always seem to be busy with something, which often leaves me shattered. If I haven't been for six weeks I notice it and feel it's time to unwind. It's also a brilliant way to prevent illness.

The claims: An aromatherapy massage combines the benefits of a conventional massage (stress relief, muscle relaxation) with the added benefits of essential oils. Different oils can be used depending on what sort of massage is required - citrus oils make for an invigorating massage, while lavender helps relaxation.

Where to get it: Call Forest Mere on 08703 300 300.

KIRSTIE ALLSOPP

GINGER rub

Kirstie Allsopp, 30, presents Channel 4's Location, Location, Location and lives in West London.

She says: GINGER rub therapy is a big indulgence as it's hideously expensive, but it's the best instant pick-meup. I tried it once and have been totally hooked ever since.

Whenever life gets hectic and I start to feel the strain, I book myself in.

The treatment begins with the therapist rubbing your whole body with fresh, grated root ginger and warm, detoxifying aromatherapy oils to exfoliate and stimulate lymphatic drainage.

Ginger is used in Chinese and Indian medicine and is renowned for its detoxifying effects.

After the initial exfoliation is finished, you're wrapped in a plush foil blanket, heated to aid the detox process. It's unbelievably cosy and relaxing. Finally, the therapist unwraps you, brushes off the ginger and massages you for 100 minutes - total and utter heaven.

The claims: Ginger is an antiinflammatory, known to stimulate digestion, boost circulation and enhance mood.

Where to get it: Bliss Spa: 020 7584 3888. Costs Pounds 165 for a 135-minute treatment.

PENNY SMITH

ESTER-C SUPPLEMENTS

GMTV presenter Penny Smith, 45, lives in West London.

She says: ESTER-C is a remedy I swear by.

It's good for the skin and really perks me up. I first read about it four years ago in a book about how to avoid wrinkles.

Now I take it every day and when I don't, I notice a real difference in my skin and energy levels.

The only downside of Ester-C is that it's horribly expensive. There are some cheaper versions around but my favourite brand is Solgar.

The claims: Ester-C is a slow-release, extra potent form of Vitamin C.

Compared to ordinary Vitamin C, it enters the bloodstream twice as fast, doubles the amount in the blood and doubles the time the nutrient circulates in the body.

It promotes a healthy immune system and skin healing, and helps prevents colds, flu and infections while also detoxifying the body.

Where to get it: Contact www.vitamins.com, Pounds 45.59 for 180 1000mg tablets

NORMANDIE KEITH

REIKI

Model and beauty journalist Normandie Keith, 32, lives in South West London with her millionaire husband Lucas White, 30. Her bodycare range goes on sale nationwide in Tesco today.

She says: I DISCOVERED Reiki after reading an article about it in Yoga Journal and have had a treatment every other week for the past two years.

Reiki means universal life energy and is a holistic, hands-on Japanese healing therapy. It relaxes, energises, detoxifies and re- balances the mind, body and spirit.

During a session I simply lay back and relax while the practitioner transmits a powerful spiritual energy through his or her hands by gently placing them over my body. You don't even have to remove your clothes as Reiki energy will pass through them.

A treatment brings about deep relaxation and afterwards I'm more energised and ready to take on anything life throws my way. I've recommended it to everyone I know.

It's very important to make time away from everyday chaos to nurture yourself and, in my experience, Reiki is a great way to do this.

The claims: Reiki is believed to ease headaches, stress and lethargy.

Practitioners also claim it can bring relief to the chronically and terminally ill.

Where to get it: Normandie has Reiki at the Organic Pharmacy on King's Road, Chelsea (tel: 020 7351 2232 or visit www.theorganicpharmacy.com).

A treatment costs from around Pounds 60.

To find a practitioner, contact The Reiki Association, tel: 01896 850562.

ANGELA RIPPON

FACIAL ACUPUNCTURE

Angela Rippon, 60, is a journalist and TV presenter and lives in London.

She says: LIKE most women I want to keep my skin young-looking, and two years ago a friend introduced me to facial acupuncture, which I believe is better than any wrinkle creams.

I now have a session every six weeks. The face has a high number of acupuncture points so specific areas can be targeted, working individual muscles to keep them toned and the surrounding skin firm.

The needles are so fine you can barely feel them. I'm so pleased with how my skin looks. The muscle tone in my face is good, I don't have saggy jowls or telltale tramlines between my nose and mouth, and my skin is generally not very wrinkled.

To give the acupuncture the best chance of working, I make sure I drink two litres of water a day and take lots of cod liver oil.

My acupuncturist also gives me a face massage at the end of the session, which means I get a full hour of total pampering.

The claims: Hydrates and plumps and boosts the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the skin to give an overall youthful look.

Where to get it: Contact the British Acupuncture Council on 020 8735 0400 or visit www.acupuncture.org.uk

LISA FAULKNER

DEEP TISSUE MUSCLE THERAPY

Actress Lisa Faulkner, 32, lives in East Finchley, London. She has appeared in Holby City, Dangerfield and Spooks.

She says:

I'M HOOKED on Deep Tissue Muscle Therapy, which is based on the alternative therapy techniques of Hawaiian Lomi Lomi.

My therapist, Sabrine, always asks about my stress levels so she can choose appropriate essential oils.

After a brisk body brushing she begins the 60-minute therapy - deep, rhythmic movements using every part of her hand, elbow and forearm.

The deep pressure realigns the muscles and breaks down blockages and lactic acid, softening muscles and relieving swelling.

I feel like I'm floating after the therapy and my friends say they can always tell when I've been because I'm serene and smiley.

The claims: The combination of massage techniques broadens and stretches the soft tissue while toning skin and improving circulation.

Where to get it: The Elemis Deep Tissue Muscle Massage costs from Pounds 40 for a one-hour session. Lisa has her treatments at the Elemis Day Spa, London.

Call 020 8909 5000 or www.elemis.com

DIANA MORAN

REFLEXOLOGY

Fitness guru Diana Moran, 64, lives in Shepperton, Surrey. She says: I FIRST tried reflexology nine years ago in the Caribbean, as part of my allinclusive holiday. I knew nothing about it and didn't believe someone messing around with my feet could improve my health. How wrong I was.

My therapist explained how each area of the foot corresponds to a different organ. Dubious, I listened, thinking that if nothing else, at least I enjoyed foot massages. Initially she worked on my toes - pleasant in a slightly painful way. Then my ankles.

Suddenly I was gritting my teeth in pain. 'Had a late night?' she enquired.

I was astonished - I had enjoyed a couple of drinks the previous evening.

I was further impressed when she picked up on a lingering knee injury.

After almost an hour I felt as though I was floating, and the final vestiges of a woolly head had vanished.

Now, I try to have reflexology once a month. It is an incredibly calming experience.

The claims: As well as being excellent for stress, reflexology can be used to aid such ailments as asthma, muscle tension, and more serious conditions such as MS and bowel disorders.

Where to get it: The Sharmi Joseph Beauty and Medical Institute, 01753 866 400, or the British Reflexology Association, 01886 821207.

Source: Daily Mail; London (UK)

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