Keeping Traditional Chinese Medicine Alive in New Zealand

Traditional Chinese healing methods might not be the initial reason you go to New Zealand, but they just might be what keeps you going back. At the Chuan Spa inside Auckland's five-star Langham Hotel, practitioners of old-school Chinese medicine work alongside the masseuses and facialists. On a visit to the spa (behold the Feng Shui-friendliness design), you can have a fabulous toning body wrap — or, you can also experience traditional treatments like acupuncture and moxibustion, which is thought to strengthen the blood.

Not only does making these ancient treatments available keeps centuries-old practices alive, but it also makes guests feel great.

"Chuan," by the way, means serene, flowing water, and the spa is designed under the principle that water is the basis of life. There are a series of water-based facilities at Chuan, like an herbal steam room and ice experience, for guests to enjoy before and after their treatments. Traditional Chinese medicine is based in the power of five elements known collectively as Wu Xing — wood, fire, earth, metal and water — so, although water is a key part of the spa, all five elements are combined to create Captain Planet! Err ... I mean ... balance and equilibrium.

Speaking of equilibrium, after the 20+ hour trip from America to New Zealand, that's one thing you'll probably lack. Luckily, Chuan Spa can fix that.