Hey there, busy moms! We all know how hectic life can get with juggling work, kids, and everything in between. Sometimes, the thought of running around town for wellness treatments feels like just one more thing on the never-ending to-do list.

That’s why we’ve come up with a list of home wellness treatments recommended by readers that will have you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated without you ever having to leave the comfort of your own home.

Because let’s face it: Whether you’re too busy to venture out or simply too exhausted to deal with the outside world, treating yourself to a little pampering at home is the ultimate self-care indulgence. So, sit back, unwind, and get ready to discover a whole new level of relaxation right at home.

Xiaofei (Wechat ID: ZXF19930710)

Recommended by moms who have used her services before, Xiaofei offers manicures and massages right at your home. She offers a full range of services including mani and pedi, eyelash extensions, threading, and waxing.

Alice Beauty (WeChat ID:p1123985027)

Alice Beauty has multiple locations in Chaoyang and does at-home services. Alice has one of the longest lists of different treatments you can get, including manis (RMB 270) and pedis (RMB 290), facials, lashes, hair removal. It’s important to remember that services that require special machines may only be available at their stores.

May (WeChat ID: Showbeijing931)

Better known for getting us tickets to all the coolest shows in town, May can also help book relaxing massages right in the comfort of your home. Try to book as early as possible, but May does her best to accommodate last-minute requests.

Anne (WeChat ID: wxid_cafggkkmicpw21)

Anne offers a whole range of services from mani and pedis to traditional Chinese cupping and scraping (guasha).

Images: Courtesy of vendors, Pexels

They’re gone! After several weeks of online learning, you finally sent them back to campus. The house is in shambles, the laundry is piling up, and your kitchen looks like it was the site of a science experiment (because it probably was). But let’s focus on the most important thing first – a little self-care! Whether you just need a fresh coat of paint on your nails or are four weeks overdue for your laser hair removal treatment, you need to spend a little time on yourself.

Here are some of Beijing’s best beauty treatment facilities to help you get your glow back.

Alice Beauty and Nail

Alice provides an assortment of high-quality facials, massages, nail treatments, and many other services. Right now, she is partnering with Yoga Spirit for a special health and wellness package. Scan the QR code for more information.

Hummingbird Spa

Hummingbird is the best of East meets West, offering everything from traditional Chinese massage to modern radiofrequency facials in clean and calm facilities located in the CBD. Scan the QR code for more information.

Dragonfly Spa

Along with the usual massages and facials, Dragonfly is known for its pretty cool nail art and eyelashes. Multiple locations across the city mean plenty of options to choose from. Scan the QR code to reach customer service.

Bodhi Spa

Traditional and upscale, they specialize in Thai therapies and offer multi-service packages. I strongly recommend their body scrub and massage to slough off the worst of the winter weather. Scan the QR code for locations and details.

Marina Studio

A small studio located inside Laurent Falcon, Marina offers everything from laser hair removal to body sculpting treatments. Bonus, all employees speak perfect English so there is less risk of miscommunication. Scan the QR code to learn more about services and get location information.

Images: Alice Beauty and Nail, Dragonfly, Bodhi Spa, Marina Studio, Canva

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Maybe it’s the stress of all the Thanksgiving preparations, but I’ve definitely felt the onset of a migraine more than once in the past month. Due to a number of reasons – one being that I’ve exhausted my US-bought supply of pain medications and another being my search for a more holistic approach to health in general – I tried a head massage at a reputable massage parlour close by. Unfortunately, though it felt mildly relaxing, it did little to assuage the throbbing pain in my head. That’s when I decided to whip out my trusty call-a-masseuse-to-your-home app and find a more specialized massage therapist.

If you aren’t familiar with the super helpful app 河狸家 hélíjiā, you can read all about it here, but basically, it lets you tend to all your grooming needs from the comfort of your home. If you already know about it, then won’t you join me on my journey to greater holistic health.

I started browsing the 理疗 lǐliáo physiotherapy options in helijia and discovered several specialised treatments, ranging from chiropractic (adjustment of the spine) to ear candling and lo and behold, 推拿 tui na head massages to stop headaches! Considering the pain I was already in, I thought it worth a shot and found a 5-star masseuse offering this service who was able to come to my place within three hours.

According to online sources, unlike other massage techniques, a tui na massage goes beyond the muscles and joints. In fact, tui na practitioners are supposed to sense the energy of the client with their hands and affect the flow and distribution of that energy during the session. In that sense, it sounded a bit like Reiki – or at least my understanding of it – and frankly, rather like hocus pocus to me.

So here’s the part where I eat my words. The instant the masseuse laid her hands on me (meaning it isn’t entirely like Reiki after all), she hit a spot at the base of my neck where all the pain seemed to emanate from, and I screamed. She told me she wasn’t using any strength yet, and that all this tension must be built up from years of neglect, leading to a stoppage in my blood flow and ultimately causing the migraines. In my limited understanding of Chinese, I realized that she would be able to “push” (the “tui” in tui na) the blockage away to an extent during our 90-minute session, but would need a few more sessions to clear it entirely. She also said I needed a lifestyle change to ensure it wouldn’t return. These have included a conscious effort not to hunch or slouch, and also to cut back on my screen time.

Since the first session, my tui na masseuse has visited me every two weeks for an “adjustment.” She has gone from easing my neck and shoulder pains to massaging my jaw and even relieving my painful gas problem, which involved her reaching her fingers deep into my body under the rib cage and finding “lumps” that she had to “push” out. It’s worth noting that tui na massages always hurt, quite a lot, and I even have to be in a soundproof room during our sessions, but that may be because I have so many nagging problems that I’ve allowed to build up in my body over the years. It’s been a bit of a shock to find out that, even though I regularly exercise and eat decently 70 percent of the time, I still have physical ailments! Which is to say, I guess my body could still use a little “tui” every now and then.

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Images: Unsplash, Pexels

Did you know that there is a g-spot in the ear canal? I didn’t. And after my supposed ear orgasm experience recently, I’m not sure that mine is working.

享耳空间 Xiǎng ěr kōngjiān is an ear cleaning and sensory experience specialist center, which simply translates to Ear Orgasm in English. For the price of a one-hour massage, you will get a deep ear cleaning and massage, which includes one upper body part (head, shoulders or back) of your choice. Watch the video below for a glimpse of the whole ear orgasm experience, and then keep reading. Because who doesn’t want to know more about this?!

They start by peering into your ears with little finger-sized torches to assess how much they need to clean, then proceed to tease your senses by running feathers over your face before the cleaning begins. A pair of tweezers does most of the dirty work, and at the end, they use what felt like a pipe cleaner to softly brush the insides of my ear. I was both thrilled and disgusted by the stuff she pulled out, and if you want to experience the same sensations (that is, equal parts disgust and thrill), then definitely go watch that video! My specialist also used a small video camera to show me what the insides of my ear looked like after. It was rather red and irritated – which is apparently perfectly normal for a first-timer – but squeaky clean without a hint of ear wax or dead skin in sight.

To put your mind at ease, they use brand new instruments for every client, and are always sensitive to your needs, ready to stop any time you feel uncomfortable.

Scientific research shows that an ear massage triggers the release of the body’s natural painkillers, a.k.a endorphins. So basically, when your ear gets stimulated, you feel pleasure. Accordingly, my friend promised that I would have such an incredible time that I got pretty excited myself, but in the end, it was mostly cleaning catharsis that I felt. The ear massage was good and the upper body massage was decent, but you can tell that’s hardly their area of expertise. I’m not surprised that I failed to experience an ear orgasm, since I’ve never been particularly good at listening and sometimes think I’m prematurely going deaf. Which is to say my ears are probably a bit dead inside. But if you’re sensitive to sound, or if you just want to see if they can find your ear g-spot, go ahead and book an appointment!

Ear Orgasm has several outlets all over Beijing, including ones in Dongzhimen, Shuangjing, and Haidian district. Find the outlet closest to you by searching the name (享耳空间) in Dazhongdianping.

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Images: Vivienne Tseng-Rush

Remember how, when our kids were wee babies, we would rub baby oil all over their little bodies after bath time? Well, it wasn’t just because we love the little bundles of joy so much, but also because the physical contact helped to soothe them, body and mind. Children go through so many changes so quickly, and growing pains can really take a toll. That’s why my husband and I have continued the practice of oiling our son up after his shower, even now at the age of 6. Also, I was worried about a skin condition called keratosis pilaris in which little bumps form on the arms, which I seem to have passed on to him.

So when I came across Molly House on Dianping – the Chinese equivalent of Yelp – and its focus on children’s holistic health through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) methods like tui na massage, I knew I had to bring my child to try it. I bought a voucher and booked my appointment for the day easily on the app.

Watch my kid get his first TCM massage in the Salt Therapy Room!

The outlet we went to was on the 17th floor of a tall office building east of Beijing city center. The entrance was marked by a cheery yellow curtain sporting the name and logo of Molly House, and a child gate that I was able to navigate (hey, some of them are really hard to open). Inside the clean, well-lit space, the windows were slightly ajar to allow the summer breeze in, and we were greeted by a kindly middle-aged lady who sanitized our hands and gave us indoor slippers to wear. There was a boy, much younger than my own, sitting in a padded play area surrounded by Fisher Price-looking toys, who was getting massaged by another lady as he gazed at the TV which was airing a local cartoon.

I was asked to fill in a health survey for my child, identifying any concerns or issues that he had, which I specifically wanted addressed. Aside from the aforementioned skin condition, I pointed out that he tends to catch a cold once a year, and sometimes complains of stomach aches without reason. We proceeded into another room with massage beds, where she conducted an overall assessment of my son – looking at the pallor of his tongue and inside of his throat (which was just a tad too red, probably because he was mildly dehydrated), among other things. She concluded that he was generally healthy, and would not require any huge “adjustments.” And thus began the “treatment.”

In TCM, they often use the word 调理 (Tiáolǐ) – which loosely translates to “conditioning” – to describe the treatments required to bring the “patient” back to equilibrium, the idea being that our body needs to be balanced and that poor lifestyle habits throw this delicate balance off-kilter. At least, this is my layman’s understanding of the complex subject.

We had chosen to have the “adjustment” massage inside the Salt Therapy Room, which looks like an indoor beach, but with salt instead of sand. There is also a halogenerator that disperses a dry salt aerosol into the environment. It made me tear up and cough a little which, according to the lady, meant I probably had some respiratory issues, because it shouldn’t affect those of “normal” health. This dry salt therapy, also called halotherapy, utilises the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of salt to help remove airborne pathogens, which is supposed to decrease allergic reactions and promote better breathing.

I sat in the room with my child as he lay in a comfortable couch. The lady offered to put on a cartoon in English, and he jumped at the offer. For the next 45 minutes, she kneaded and tugged at my child’s muscles, starting with his arm, then moving on to his stomach, and finally his back. He only seemed bothered when she rubbed his stomach in a clockwise motion, and when she “adjusted” his vertebrae, almost yelling as she did the latter. We knew our time was up when the halogenerator stopped (she had set a timer on it). Despite his occasional discomfort, my son told me he wanted to return because he enjoyed most of it.

According to the lady – who has more than ten years of TCM massage experience – this natural treatment is available to babies as young as 3 months old and is effective until the child hits puberty, whereby their acupressure points shrink to pea-size, and there they remain till the end of time (which is why she said it’s harder to adjust adults). Kids with ailments like chronic sinus issues or a persistent cough, and also constipation, were the most common patients. Apparently, it usually requires a weekly or even twice-weekly visit over the course of a few months to resolve an issue, depending on its severity.

It cost RMB 128 for the initial salt therapy and tui na massage trial appointment, with each session running RMB 258 thereafter. Of course, Molly House offers a package of ten or 20 sessions at a discounted price. I am still thinking about it.

Look up Molly House on Dianping if you’re interested in trying this holistic approach to tackle your child’s health issues!

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Images: Vivienne Tseng-Rush

A good massage can be a boon for both body and soul, but can it benefit others, too? If you have spent any time in Beijing or other cities in China, you probably noticed buildings advertising “blind massage” (盲人按摩, mángrén ànmó), and wondered a) why there are so many, and b) if the people giving the massages are actually blind. It turns out that in the latter half of the 20th century, massage became a preferred profession for people with limited vision.

According to the World Blind Union Asia Pacific, as of 2018, there were more than 17.5 million people with limited vision or blindness in China, making up one of the country’s largest disabled groups. Although disabled people in China receive official legal and governmental support, and many industries have introduced diversity and inclusion policies, blind or low vision people still lack access to employment opportunities. To a certain extent, blind massage has become a route out of poverty and unemployment for some visually impaired people.

In China, massage as a career specifically targeted at the blind dates back to the 1950s. Massage practice was codified in the 1990s when the China Massage Association of Blind Practitioners was established in 1996. Following the growth and opening up of China’s economy in the 1990s, massage parlors both blind and otherwise sprung up in cities across the country as people gained more disposable income and leisure time, and the China Disabled Persons’ Federation encouraged the establishment of training facilities and licensing procedures for blind masseurs.

Despite many having recognized qualifications from institutions such as Beijing Blind Massage Guidance Center, for the longest time, even qualified blind masseurs were unable to work in medical institutions. In 2016, the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Traditional Chinese Medicine changed the prospects for many masseurs, offering recognition of their professional skills and allowing some to substantially increase their income.

The massage practiced at blind massage parlors is usually a form of 推拿, tuīná (literally “push and pinch”), a traditional Chinese massage technique that is used as an “external” treatment in traditional Chinese medicine (as opposed to “internal” treatments like tonics and medicines). The massage is done over the clothes and is more of a medicinal treatment than a relaxation technique — no cucumber water, soft lighting, and essential oils here. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean you won’t leave feeling relaxed.

It is claimed that people who are blind are better masseurs, due to the lack of visual cues stimulating their ability to feel out areas of tension. This is particularly key for tuīná massage since it involves such a wide range of tactile techniques, including kneading, pinching, and stretching. Certainly, at my local massage parlor, the masseuse was instantly able to home in on my wonky shoulders from years of carrying my laptop around in unsuitable tote bags. He manipulated the knots in my muscles with ease, and once I had come down from the ceiling — this is not necessarily a pain-free experience — he explained that massage is all about restoring balance, both externally, like my uneven shoulder muscles, but also internally, focusing on the flow of energy around the body.

Blind massage has, to a certain extent, created more balanced access to employment opportunities for blind people in Beijing, but there is still a way to go before this group can enjoy the same freedom of work and daily life as people without disabilities. That being said, it is definitely worth visiting your local blind massage parlor to see if you notice a difference in the technique of the therapists, but be sure to check that it is above-board and licensed (if in doubt, ask, and check their Dianping reviews).

Where to go

Beijing Massage Hospital

7 Baochan Hutong, Xicheng District, 北京按摩医院：西城区宝产胡同7号

6616 8880

Qingsong Manxing Blind Massage

Daily 10.30am-11.30pm. 1/F, Building 3, Shuiduizi Beili, Chaoyang District, 轻松漫行盲人按摩：朝阳区水碓子北里3号楼底商

6505 7727

Taihe Massage

Daily 10am-11pm. 2/F, west side of Lvju Hotel, 12 Hepingli Dongjie, Dongcheng District, 太和盲人按摩：东城区和平里东街12号旅居酒店西侧楼二层

134 2640 6669

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Photos: Shutterstock

This article appeared in the beijingkids 2020 December issue

The ideal weekend for respite, fun, and indulging awaits you in the form of a uniquely crafted women’s only retreat, right in the heart of Beijing. Pauline van Hasselt, of Beijing Mothers and Pauline’s Cuisine, and Caneisha Berry of Berry Thoughtful are the wonder women and masterminds behind the beautifully, enhancing, meditative, and fun weekends, created to encourage women of all creeds to connect and find time to reflect.

After a successful launch of their women’s retreat last summer at EAST Hotel, they are back in full swing to offer a jam-packed weekend full of well being-focused and inspiring activities. In partnership with Jindafit, ladies can look forward to getting their bodies moving and swaying to Afrobeats, in true endorphin-releasing style! There will be beauty and free-flow champagne; a comedy show, and a workshop with Berry.

The weekend retreat also includes a stay at the beautiful EAST Hotel with late check out; three meals, and snacks; hair and mini-massages; plus a photo shoot that will help you to capture the memories you will build during your stay with other girls, who just wanna have fun!

Itinerary, March 9

• Jindafit
• Free-flow brunch
• Bubbles and Beauty Bazaar: hair, massage and photo shoot
• Fashion: Shop till you drop, from local artisan designers
• Bar food
• Surprise Guest Comedy Show
• Overnight Stay

Itinerary, March 10

• Breakfast
• Workshop: vision boarding
• Free time to use the wonderful amenities at East Hotel and the surrounding area

Spots for the retreat are limited, so to secure yourself a fabulicious weekend and I’m sure, a well-deserved break, contact Berry or van Hasselt using the QR codes below to confirm your attendance with a RMB 500 deposit. Something tells me you will not regret it! RMB 2,300 (Single Room), RMB 1,900 (Double Room). March 19 – 10. East Hotel, No. 22 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District (www.east-beijing.com) 北京东隅酒店二楼 北京市朝阳区酒仙桥路22号100016

Photos: courtesy of organizers

Life before new motherhood meant that I used home services not only for the convenience but also for the luxury of it. The notion of having my hairstylist care for my tresses while binge-watching my Game of Thrones box set, or having my beautician tend to my weary cuticles in the comfort of my own home would have seemed far-fetched, and not to mention an expensive non-option before moving to this great city, where almost everything is at your fingertips.

Nails, hair, massage, groceries – whether working from home, starting life as a new mother or just plain lazy and needing a break from the outside world, Beijing’s online community and platforms make it easy for anyone to live life as a hermit for a day or two depending on your in-house needs.

Nowadays, five weeks into caring for a newborn, it’s vital that I take advantage of services that offer the option to remain indoors. This has mostly been due to poor air quality, but has not been a bad excuse for times when I just don’t want to leave my apartment. A few days ago, my mom watched in astonishment as I sat in my rocking chair, baby in hand, while I was pampered hand to toe by one of the finest nail technicians in the city – I’ll tell you what I told her, give hermit life a go!

Nails – Xiao Fei
Xiao Fei will polish, buff, clip and soak you into happiness with her professional nail-care service. Xiao Fei and her trusty partner travel all over Beijing, offering a number of beauty services in the comfort of your abode. Not only does she give excellent manicures and pedicures finished off with neatly applied shellac of all colors but can tend to your eyebrows and waxing needs. If you are looking for convenience wrapped up in professionalism, then give her a try. She’s always on time and arrives with a smile. You have to be quick though, her services are in demand, so it’s worth booking at least a few days in advance. WeChat: ZXF19930710

Massage – Angela
Angela is not only a wonderful masseuse but is highly trained in prenatal massage. She is a wonder with all kinds of strains and pains and can click you right back into place where you will find blissful respite from everyday stresses. I used Angela throughout my pregnancy and was extremely happy with her professional service. Her schedule is flexible, and she can work miracles with her hands. Angela doesn’t speak any English, but what’s WeChat good for, if not for its handy translation capabilities, and if you’re anything like me, who wants or needs conversation during a peaceful massage? Make sure to have your preferred lotion or oil on hand. My preference is Arnica Oil – smells divine, soothes, and leaves skin moisturized but not sticky! WeChat: qin635041

Hair – Jasmine
Jasmine has experience handling different hair types, she not only cuts and styles but is a wizard with color. As far as color technicians go, you will do well to find someone as awesome with highlights and new trends as Jasmine. Although working for a high-end hair salon in Sanlitun, Jasmine often makes time for home visits on evenings or on the weekends. Reasonably priced, when she works her magic on locks of any kind, tresses long or short, curly or straight will be left looking salon-finished. My suggestion? Kick back, get the kettle on or the wine on ice, get box-set ready and be prepared to be beautified hermit style – in your home! WeChat: Jasmine523698

Groceries – Carrefour
If you’re not already familiar with the French supermarket chain, Carrefour, then you also might not be aware of the same day and next day delivery options available using their online service. Not only can you have your groceries delivered in time slots between 9am and 10pm, you can sign up for home deliveries using the English version of the website. Take advantage of the convenience of a comprehensive customer service line accessible via email or telephone, also all in English. Order before 9am and have your items delivered to your door on the same day, or select a time slot for the following morning, afternoon or evening. Sign up is quick and easy. Tip: have your address in Chinese handy to help with the sign up for accuracy. www.carrefour.cn

It’s time to treat yourself, and indulge in services accessed and secured through the touch of a button and executed in the comfort and convenience of your own home. Don’t fight the hermit in you, take a break from the notorious stifling Beijing summer heat and crowds, and put that change you’ll spend on a Didi towards a bottle of your favorite wine. Enjoy!

Photos: Adobe Creative Cloud

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