Chuan Spa Offers Pampering & Relaxation in Pasadena

Chuan Spa at the Langham Huntington, Pasadena

The new Chuan Spa opened last week at the Langham Hotel in Pasadena, California.   I had the pleasure of visiting Chuan Spa last week to review the property and the treatments. After spending a few hours at Chuan Spa, I can tell you that this is not a typical California spa–it’s an experience.   Chuan Spa marries traditional Chinese medicine to treatments like facials and massages.  The spa also offers the latest in beauty technology including laser treatments or Intelligent Phototherapy via Mistral Light Heat Energy and Hydra Facials.  With 11,000 square feet including  a sauna; aromatic steam room; Jacuzzi; and a comprehensive menu of massage, facial, hair, skin and nail services you can check into Chuan Spa and never want to leave.   But the real reason to visit Chuan Spa isn’t the gorgeous surroundings and the high-tech beauty treatments.   For me, the standout at Chuan are the services offered by the therapists at the spa.  

The “Moongate” entrance to the Chuan Spa treatment rooms

I have visited many spas , not just in California , but around the world and the treatments at Chuan Spa Pasadena and the therapists are outstanding. The Chuan Spa in Pasadena offers special treatments that you won’t find anywhere else because they were developed exclusively for Chuan.  The treatments are unique in that they incorporate many of the principles of Chinese medicine like relaxation breathing, acupressure and ear seeds or ear acupuncture for rebalancing into the spa services.  Chuan Spa is like a visit to a Chinese apothecary in Chinatown  and a luxury spa all rolled into one.  Here’s a bit about some of the spa offerings I got to experience.

Chuan Hot Stone Massage:  As someone who sits at a computer all day long working, this treatment was pure heaven.  The excellent therapist massaged my aching neck and back muscles with hot stones, gently rubbing oil into the skin.   This massage begins with some relaxation breathing, another Chinese medicine technique.  The treatment is designed to rebalance your “yin and yang” energies through the use of hot (yang) and cold (yin) stones.  The use of the hot stones is designed to increase body circulation and assist immune function by removing waste products.  The treatment finishes with cold stones on the lower back to calm internal heat, assist injury recovery and increase mental alertness.  I felt so good after this treatment.  It’s really very healing. As someone who suffers from water retention in their legs and feet, I highly recommend this massage as a way to increase circulation and a way to gently move the water out.

Ear seeds are part of the Chuan Facial, placed in the ear at the end of the facial for “rebalancing.”

Chuan Yu Facial with Kerstin Florian Serums and Product:   This is quite simply a unique facial that you won’t find anywhere else than at Chuan Spa.  If you visit Chuan Spa this is the must have treatment.  That’s because I believe pampering the skin on your face is the best weapon against  aging.

A Jade Stone Gua Sha Instrument is used for exfoliation during the Chuan Spa facial

This facial is gentle and uses an ancient Gua Sha technique (gentle scraping of the facial skin with a tool or stone)  designed to exfoliate and revitalize your skin.   So what does that mean? Basically the facialist stimulates important points on the face, to increase flow of body circulation.    A Jade stone is delicately moved across the skin’s surface to remove any dead skin cells. Although this facial is listed as suitable for all skin types ,  please note that it is not recommended for those with acne and very delicate skin.  Staff Member Inez  ( I think that was her name)  gave me this facial and it was excellent, the extractions (always the worst part of a facial)  were the most gentle I have ever had.    The final part of the treatment was the placement of little ear seeds into one ear for rebalancing.   I was quite skeptical of this at first, but I did try the ear seeds and I still have them in.  I have read that  they can be effective for treating everything from Arthritis pain, to easing food cravings, anxiety and addictions.  Hey, if ear seeds have worked in Chinese medicine for thousands of years, why not try them out?  To me, the ear seeds are an added perk of this facial.  At the end of this treatment, my skin was rosy and glowing.  I went the rest of the day with no make-up on my skin, as I simply didn’t need it.

The special soaps & oils at Chuan Spa

Chuan Harmony, (acupressure) This treatment is so relaxing! I got to experience a mini treatment from therapist David at the Spa Opening Party.  Designed to stimulate meridian  harmony (Chinese medicine life energy points), this unique mind, body and soul experience combines the therapeutic elements of acupressure with various relaxation massage techniques to induce a deep sense of calm.  Before the treatment begins, you are asked to select your “Chuan element”  by filling out a special five element questionnaire that determines whether you are wood, fire, earth, metal or water.  When your element is determined, then you receive a  body oil massage with your element oil.  I was determined to be “Metal”  from the questionnaire, which is a soothing oil of eucalyptus and lime. You breathe in the  oil during the massage and it really does stimulates a sense of well-being and relaxation.  If you want to use the oils at home for relaxation, they are available for purchase at the spa.

Deborah Lippmann hand massage– This short treatment is another great one for people working on computers all day.  The massage helps to release tense muscles and free up mouse hand.  Soothing Deborah Lippmann cream is used in this treatment.  

If you’re looking for a great spa in the Los Angeles area , do check out Chuan Spa and set aside several hours to really enjoy the experience, including the unique dream lounge where you can lie down on a little bed and relax with some hot tea after your treatment.  You’ll want to take in all the unique amenities of Chuan Spa.  Treatments at Chuan Spa range from $30.00 for  “Eye Rescue” to $275 for a special 90 min caviar & pearl facial.

If you really want to escape the pressures of work and city life, you might want to explore the spa packages at the Langham Hotel.  This gorgeous hotel is offering special packages including deals on accommodations and spa treatments in one all in inclusive package.