After a very busy week of moving home and unpacking 40 boxes, I was in need of a well-deserved break. I left my new home just as it was, and headed over to the Hummingbird in Central Park, CBD area. I was surprised by a sunny and good air day, but gosh, I was so tired, overwhelmed, and had no energy.

I spoke with the manager about this and she recommended I do the Super Taiji Spa Journey (80 minutes for RMB 898). The Super Taiji Spa Journey is a warm massage with a natural electrothermal ball. This special heating stone is used to massage all over the body, and let me tell you that feels very good.

This special massage relieves joint pains and muscle pains, dredges the meridian, and can be used during menstruation. To add a bit of extra energy to my life we added a cupping session for around RMB 98. Cupping therapy is a method using glass cups to apply pressure by a vacuum. Chinese medicine believes that the body contains Meridians: paths in the body through which the energy of life, called Qi, flows. When these meridians are opened, the internal energy is able to flow through the whole body. I needed all of this.

The massage was especially pleasant. I was scared it would be painful, but my therapist took care and was gentle, and would ask me if the pressure was OK. I’ll be honest, I was surprised by the cupping as I had done it once before but it was not as hard; however the feeling is actually quite special. I was left to relax with a bunch of jars on my back, and after he removed them he massaged the front of my body.

When I left the spa I was still tired; I thought I would be energized. But then I went to eat some hot soup and drink tea, I was ready to continue with the organization of my home. After 90 minutes in the spa I felt able to attack all the troubles in the world again, and I have some really cool cupping bruises to show for it.

Hummingbird Spa is a cozy and warm environment with therapists that are kind, some of whom speak basic English. I would be happy to return to this special place of relaxation in the middle of the Beijing hustle and bustle anytime.

Photos: Hummingbird and pixabay