Because of its potent antioxidant powers that have been proven by science, more and more spas as well as beauty outlets are adding chocolate to their body treatment formulas to soften skin, smooth wrinkles and remove blemishes or freckles.

Nestled among the rows of chic and stylish villas near the Brilliance West Shopping Mall in Changning District, JS Massage is proud of its chocolate body treatment as well as its other offerings in head massage and body mask to manicures and ear treatment.

"Theoretically speaking, cocoa might prevent damage by free radicals to collagen, elastin and other proteins in the skin," said Bobo Tang who oversees JS Massage. "And that, in turn, keeps the skin looking young and tight."

The two-story spa, which opened in May, is far from intimidating. Stepping into the building, one immediately feels safe and free from the stress and hustle and bustle of the outside world.

Unlike other spas which can be over-the-top and often over-decorated, JS is instead simplistic in nature. Its decor features classical Chinese elements including carefully-knitted key rings in Chinese knots, fragrant bamboo curtains, cups of flower tea with the beautiful aroma permeating the room and candle-lit booths. With a Chinese zither as its background music, the cool sounds also provide a good mind massage.

"The chocolate spa is one of the features which has attracted many expats living nearby," Tang said. "The whole procedure of the chocolate treatment contains a body scrub, chocolate wrap and massage with essence oil."

After stashing away the clothes in a locker, having a short shower and donning a terry robe and slippers, a client is recommended to drink some rose tea that is provided.

"This helps to replenish moisture lost during the two-hour treatment," said Huang Qun who has previously worked in spas in Guangdong Province and Hong Kong for about eight years before coming to Shanghai.

The treatment starts with an exfoliating body scrub which is in preparation for the chocolate wrap to come. It is said that the scrub is a must because the dead skin that accumulates and blocks the pores could weaken the final absorption process of the beneficial elements in cocoa.

Next up was the chocolate wrap. Tang said that all the chocolate is imported from England, Switzerland and Spain.

"Such countries guarantee high quality," she said. "In addition, we have our own exclusive formula that includes other ingredients such as various essence oils."

In lying down on the bed and being applied with a thick cover of chocolate all over, one smells and looks just like a giant candy bar; the whole room is suddenly bursting with a cocoa aroma that tempts the taste bud.

Unfortunately, the treatment is not edible because the chocolate mud is blended with the essence oils. After the chocolate application, the body is then wrapped in a soft silk blanket to enhance the total effect.

Soaking in chocolate mud, there really is nothing to do but relax and enjoy the dripping water sound resounding in the air. While waiting for the chocolate to be fully absorbed by the skin, a person can receive a soothing head massage.

After unwrapping the chocolate and washing away the fragrant mud, an essence oil Chinese massage is a good option to culminate the effect.

The oil is a combination of juniper and lavender. Juniper helps to remove "body trash" while lavender has a strong soothing power.

"The body treatment is more important than the facial mask to some degree," said Tang. "Many facial problems can be traced to the body's problems, such as constipation and excessive internal heat."

Tang said JS Massage planned to expand into a chain.

"We provide a series of professional body treatment, including mineral clay spa, body peeling and mask and flower tending foot massage," she said. "Of course, the chocolate spa is our main feature."

Address: 38 Kele Road
Tel: 021-62423766, 62426886