Bodyism, located in the heart of Notting Hill, on painfully chic Westbourne Grove, is a members’ health club with a difference. Their philosophy, which begins with the mantra, ‘be kind to yourself’ is rooted in an holistic approach to health and fitness. Their Westbourne Grove club is billed as a 3,800 square foot space to, ‘relinquish responsibility and recalibrate’. Hidden behind their cafe, on the ground floor, there’s a personal training studio, a group class studio and treatment rooms.
I’m here to see Holly Warren, one of the country’s most respected facialists and energy healers. Holly has two decades of experience and works regularly with celebs and VIPS. Holly works intuitively and on an energetic level using techniques such as lymphatic drainage, cupping and buccal massage to sculpt and improve blood flow to the skin – which in turn improves skin health and texture.
Holly greets me at reception, in a fluster (me, not her) and shows me through the peacefully decorated hallway to the dimly lit treatment room downstairs.
The Process
I haven’t had a buccal massage before, but I recognise the word… which refers to the muscle group and fascia around the cheek. If the term sounds familiar to you, it could be because a few years ago, there was a craze for celebs having their ‘buccal fat’ surgically removed to give their face an elongated shape. Buccal massage is rumoured to offer similar results without going under the knife and I’m keen to see if that’s true.
Holly gets to work with the lightest of touches. She begins with a chest and neck massage to activate the lymph nodes. She then gently, but firmly, massages each part of my face rhythmically in intricate detail, applying extra attention to my masseter muscles, which have previously been a problem area for me.
As she works on one eye, the difference between right and left feels significant. As the treatment continues, I start to drift off a little, so excuse me if the details get a little hazy! But there’s a deliciously scented jasmine oil, a session with a firm but gentle drainage brush, a facial cupping sequence and an inside-the-mouth jaw massage immediately releases long-held tension.
The Results
My face feels supple and soft. I’ve regained motion, not only in my jaw, but in several smaller groups of muscles which I’d been unaware had been anchored to much larger groups – the sensation is unusual, but pleasant. When I look in the mirror, I’m astounded to see that I look as if I’ve been on a six-week retreat!
Buccal Massage is a brilliant and effective alternative to botox and fillers without the side effects and without the loss of motion. Holly recommends that for best and continued results, I should book in for a monthly treatment. So if you need me, I’ll be reworking my monthly budget to work out exactly how to make that happen.
Details
A 90 minute Buccal Natural Lift & Sculpt Massage with Holly Warren costs £190
For more info visit www.bodyism.com
222-224, Westbourne Grove, London W11 2RH
