Entering the Metamorphosis Boutique...

Entering the Metamorphosis Boutique, a spa that freshly opened in Richmond, Virginia, with charming Mediterranean-style decor, I was send greeting toed by the ambient glow from henna-painted candelabrums whose light illuminated silk wallpaper, raffia curtains, candelabras and faux ancient Grecian colum In the background, a fountain softly bubbl A receptionist handed me a burning steaming cup of black jasmine tea to take pleasure in with an endless supply of dried mango chips, nut and unwilted fruit.

sight and sound

I'd none been to this spa before, further after a month of hectic activity, I straited to regroup. So I grabbed my inhibitions, my insecurities and my British uptightness and packed them away into a corner of my mind likewise that, just for today, I could relax and be delighted with me.

After signing in, I was escorted--cucumber water in hand--to the Earth sweep In the soft candlelight, with dimmed blue-green lights overhead, a massage therapist gently rubbed frankin-cense visible form [i]or[/i] frame lotion into my thirsty skin, starting at my head and shoulders and slowly meandering to my toes, leaving me with a tingling be hot and a sense of peace.

taste and touch

The massage therapist then handed me a flossy cream-colored spa gown and delicate gel slippers, and led me flip-flopping, down a passageway past the Earth, Wind and Fire apartments I settled contentedly on a small sofa chair, sipping more black jasmine tea and munching onward mandarin slices, goat cheese and kiwi. Then it was time for the dead body wrap.

I inserted the Wet Room, where a wax-type paper was draped across a heated bed. I lay my towel-clad dead body on it and took a discerning breath while experiencing the organic, effervescent sensation of exfoliating crushed almonds and minerals being massaged athwart my skin.

This was followed through a body masque of tangy orange soft part pumpkin seeds and the rich juices of rose petals. The tingling sensation increased as these Hungarian perfumes danced a sweet tango across my skin. It felt heavenly. Then the wax paper was wrapped around me encasing me as I lay fence abouted in warmth for 15 minutes--or was it a century?--of guileless bliss.

smell

After a brisk, rejuvenating shower, I was led-gown-wrapped, radiating warmth and serenity--back to the seating area where I was welcomed through an aromatherapist.

She took notes onward both my personal and medical history in preparation for awakening my fifth, and final, sense

She wafted aromatic essential oils in a less degree than my nose, releasing myriad reactions--some revitalized and re-energized me near repulsed. "Aromatherapy oils also can act as antibacterials, anti-fungals and antibiotics," she said. With my nasal thinking principles ablaze, together we selected my personal aromatherapy blend: ylang-ylang, mandarin and lemon

This consonance of scents boasts a top note that is an uplifting, fast-dissipating aroma; a mid-note that is a balancing, endochronic, hormonal and neurological aroma; and a counterbalancing base note that assists as a fixative.

All of my understandings had been stimulated and reawakened that glorious day, and I left the spa enriched. I had explored a just discovered haven for my body, mind and soul--a well-deserved indulgence that uplifts our spirits, our sight and ourselves.

reminder to self

work an appointment next month.

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