If you think that a detox treatment must focus on the body’s lymphatic drainage system, think again.

Unlike other detox massages that concentrate on massage techniques that stimulate the lymph nodes of the body, Leonard Drake’s Deep Thermal Body Treatments help one to detox primarily through the use of high-grade essential oils and heat.

There are two variants of the Deep Thermal treatment – Relaxing and Energizing. The main difference between the two lies in the type of essential oils used. The therapist recommended the Energizing treatment for me as I had a long day ahead of me after the treatment and I did not want to become too sleepy. For those who want to thoroughly unwind and have the luxury of going home to rest immediately after the treatment, the Relaxing treatment would be a better choice.

The Energizing Deep Thermal Body Treatment is supposed to detoxify, reduce itchiness, reduce stress and inflammation and soothe tight muscles. The two hour-long treatment is performed while you lie on a heated treatment bed. I particularly like this, as the heat was very relaxing, and can be adjusted to suit each individual’s preference.

After one’s skin is wiped down with a pleasantly hot towel, the therapist performs a dry massage using brisk, vigorous strokes to warm one’s skin. This is followed by “body stamping” in which a hot, steamed stamp packed with essential oil, oatmeal, wasabi, ginger and white tea is pounded into the skin to stimulate blood circulation. The same stamp is then rubbed into the skin so as to help infuse the essential oils into the skin to promote detoxification and drainage.

This was followed by another massage. Unlike the first dry massage, a blend of essential oils with energizing properties is used at this stage. The massage strokes are also longer, soothing one into a state of relaxation.

Next, the therapist applies an algae mud mask mixed with essential oils to the whole body. The mud mask feels slightly cold at first, but this quickly dissipates after one is wrapped in a plastic sheet and a large towel. Two infra-red lamps are then directed at your body. The pleasant heat from both the lamps as well as the heated treatment bed, along with the wrap, makes one feel like a caterpillar snuggled up in a cocoon.

15-20 minutes later, one is ushered into the adjacent shower room to rinse off the algae mud mask. The essential oils leave a smooth, moisturising film on the body – one does not even require a body lotion after it.

Stepping out of the shower, one feels refreshed and invigorated. Unlike many other massages which leave you in a somewhat sleepy and drowsy state, the Energizing Deep Thermal Body Treatment leaves one feeling lighter and more alert, yet pleasantly relaxed at the same time.

This body treatment is recommended for those with poor blood circulation and often have cold hands and feet. It is also a pleasant treat for people who hate the cold, or when the weather is incessantly rainy.

Leonard Drake’s Energizing Deep Thermal Body Treatment takes approximately 2 hours and costs $300 per session.