These wonderful treatments, in which clamshells are the main massage tool, originate on the idyllic island of St. Barths in the Caribbean. And thousands of kilometers away, in France, they are starting to gain popularity.
What is a clamshell massage?
A clamshell massage obviously starts with a clamshell massage. The shells used in France are sustainably sourced from various parts of the Pacific Ocean, says Mathilde Fillonthe head coach at the Diane Barrière Spa.
“We are deliberately targeting multiple parts of the ocean to prevent entire regions from being drained. Our goal is to ensure that we use it in a responsible and sustainable way and do not disrupt the ocean’s environment,” says Fillon. “We then clean the shells, smooth the outside and wash them thoroughly so we can use them again.”
Once the shells are clean and smooth, they are heated to evoke the same sensations as a hot stone massage. Before the treatment, a therapist prepares the shells by placing dry minerals in them and activating them with salted water for about 30 minutes. This combination of ingredients causes a natural heating of the mussel shells, to which she later adds avocado oil and leaves for soaking. Avocado oil is an excellent moisturizer that improves skin elasticity, reduces inflammation and strengthens the skin barrier.
Chemically, the natural calcium carbonate composition of the shells allows them to retain heat, ensuring a soothing and therapeutic experience. The warm shells release tension and knots in the shoulders, back and lower body, promote blood circulation and relieve stress. A massage therapist rubs them in deliberate, rhythmic, sweeping motions.
“The therapist is trained to apply the right amount of pressure to the shells to release tension in the right places and enhance stimulation so that the body feels soothed without causing any wear and tear on the skin,” says Fillon. “When we work on the lower body, the heat on the shells also has the same effect as the lymphatic drainage massage.”
Unlike other massages, which are recommended occasionally, Fillon confirms that the massage can be performed daily as it is a great muscle relaxant. Unfortunately, there is no way to replicate this at home, as the heating and application methods require serious training to work correctly. For example, overheating the shells can cause minor burns on the skin.
What happened when I tried a clamshell massage
Although the spa had a gentle lavender aroma, my biggest concern was whether the shells would smell like fish and, as a result, whether that scent would linger on my skin. However, the therapist assured me that the shells were cleaned several times to remove any fishy odors and then hand polished to create a perfectly smooth finish.
As the warm mussels glided over my skin, I appreciated how the natural contours of the shells molded to my body, even in hard-to-reach places!
During the 60 minute treatment I didn’t feel a huge physical benefit, but I did feel mental ease. The repetitive movement of the mussels on my skin, combined with the rejuvenating sound of the waves in the background and the subtle scents of the avocado oil, put me in a meditative state.
Furthermore, this experience made me feel connected to nature in a whole new way. The feeling of the shell on my body made me think about all the ways we have learned to utilize the resources Mother Nature has gifted us, and the deep relaxation these humble molluscs could give me was something worth shelling . abrasive.
