Treatments We Love: Su-Man Hsu Relax & Restore Back Treatment

When an invitation came for a ‘back facial’ from Su-Man (pictured above), we were like greyhounds out of a trap – notwithstanding the fact we had not a clue what a back facial was.

Because honestly, we’d happily place our faces or bodies in the hands of this superfacialist to undergo any treatment on the planet. We’ve been visiting Su-Man for well over 20 years, since she used to offer treatments to A-list clients who happily trekked half-way across London to experience the effect of her magic hands on their complexions in an (albeit very nice) shed in this therapist’s garden! And from the get-go, we understood why they’d bother, and are always thrilled to make a return visit.

These days, Su-Man works out of the somewhat more glamorous, very un-shed-like Sofitel Hotel, in London’s St. James’s. It was our first visit to the spa, and first of all, we have to give a shout-out for the space itself. A double-height reception, then descending via a Georgian stone staircase (there’s also a lift) to Su-Man’s well-appointed treatment room, with quite the comfiest of couches ever. A very luxurious setting, even if – at that point – we still didn’t have a clue what to expect from the Relax & Restore Back Treatment.

Su-Man – who brings her deep experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine to her practice – explained that due to our poor posture (not least craning our necks to stare at phones), the energy meridians to the face and head can become stagnant and clogged. And in turn, that shows on our faces. Phones really are contributing to dull faces and skin problems, she explained, because of our posture.

So, hair out of the way. First cleansing the back and exfoliating with her Su-Man Face & Body Scrub, which features jojoba beads and finely-milled, soothing oat, Su-Man gave Jo’s back the kind of going-over that she could never manage herself. (And that’s one of the problems with backs, Su-Man explained: we simply can’t reach them, to give them enough TLC.)

Then came vigorous massage, to open those meridians, and some heavenly kneading. Kinks were unkinked. Stress was decidedly busted, before – last but not least – Su-Man gave the back a final cleanse with a soft, hot flannel, and applied a moisturising lotion.

And an amazing thing happened. The face that stared back at Jo looked like it had had an actual facial. Glowing. Radiant. Healthy. At PR appointments, later that day, a whole slew of people commented on how well Jo looked, and what was the secret…? Answer: this Relax & Restore Back Treatment. Very impressive stuff.

The treatment an be enjoyed as a stand-alone, or ‘bolted’ on to one of Su-Man’s other treatments (we love the Chi Flow Contour Facial, which is honestly like a non-surgical alternative to Botox).

The whole experience served as an excellent lifestyle reminder, too – to push those shoulders back, look the world in the eye (and avoid hunching over a screen, as much as possible).

If you’ll forgive the pun… Su-Man, we’ll be back!

Relax & Restore Back Treatment/£100 – click here for the Sofitel Spa Menu

Su-Man Face & Body Scrub/£40 for 100ml – buy here