Star Treatment: Shelling It Out

Courtesy Lowes Santa Monica Beach Hotel

"Seashells by the seashore," it sounds like a tongue twister. But spa-goers don't need to say it five times fast to experience the benefits at Ocean Spa & Fitness at Lowes Santa Monica Beach Hotel in Santa Monica, California. The signature Beachcomber Massage (50 min./$135; 80 min./$195) incorporates tiger clam shells collected from the seashore of the Philippines.

A unique heating mechanism allows the shells to melt away muscle tension. “A blend of magnesium, iron, dried sea kelp and algae are activated with sea water to create the heat of the shell,” says Christine Sage Johnson, spa director. “Heat is the healing element which gives the therapist an opportunity to penetrate the deeper layers of the muscle.”

The Protocol:

1. Prepare the tiger shells, so they're heated prior to your guest's arrival.

2. Present the shells to the client. Ask her to hold them in her hand as you explain their origin from the Philippines.

3. Guest lies face down as you begin the massage with the heated shells. For an enhanced session, use an organic essential-oil blend.

4. Massage the back with the heated shells using long, relaxing strokes and adjusting your pressure accordingly.

5. Once the muscles are warm, utilize the hinge and edges of the shells to release adhesions and tight bands of muscle.

6. Use the shells to massage the back of the legs.

7. Turn the guest over and begin massaging the front of the body. Focus on one foot at a time, and then slowly move the shells along the soles.

8. Use the edge of the shells to work the reflex zones, beginning at the heel and moving toward the toe.

9. Massage the front of the legs with the shells.

10. Massage the arms and chest allowing the heat of the shells to melt tension in the pectoral muscles. Hold a shell in each hand, and move laterally from the sternum across the pecs to the shoulder.

11. Move the shells up the trapezius muscles to rest at the occiput (base of the neck). Repeat and hold the shells gently at the occiput, providing gentle traction.

12. Gently sweep the shells across the forehead to the temples. Repeat several times.

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