IT sounded almost too good to be true - an anti-ageing facial massage that combines three extremely relaxing techniques of lymphatic drainage therapy (LDT), acupressure and craniosacral therapy (CST), all performed using Bulgarian essential oils. Can any woman refuse this?

But while it may take little to convince a novice to try this novel 3-in-1 treatment, what's interesting is how they come together to benefit one's skin.

Created in December by Kyoko Saeki, the founder of Healing Gardens and a natural healthcare practitioner trained in CST, LDT and aromatherapy, it targets the human body's three key fluid systems - the lymphatic system, circulatory system and cerebrospinal system.

Ms Saeki believes all of them play an important role in keeping skin cells and body tissue detoxified, hydrated, healed and nourished and internal organs in optimal health as they receive oxygen.

As the three bodily fluid systems are brought to their optimal efficiency and activated with the combined techniques, the skin's natural defence system is reinforced and cell rejuvenation is sparked off to give the face a 'natural lift', suppleness and glow. 'In CST, we work on the head to stimulate the cerebral spinal fluid flow that sends the right message to the pituitary gland and hypothalamus to release hormones,' she explains.

'Once our hormones are in balance, internal fluids are clear and things are working well internally, everything will come out nice on the outside.'

And since the human lymphatic system carries nutrients and transports waste from the body and organs, a lymphatic drainage massage for the face has the ability to detoxify and soothe the facial skin, to regenerate tissue and restore the skin's natural water balance which plays an important role in preventing premature ageing and reducing fine lines, puffiness and so on. Each 3-in-1 facial therapy - performed by two therapists that Ms Saeki trained (she focuses on CST) lasts 90 minutes and is performed with clients lying face up and clothed on a massage bed.

Mine started with warm towels wrapped around my feet, followed by an acupressure scalp massage to help me relax and open up the lymphatic system. The face is then cleansed with a gentle massage using cleansers with pure rose water derived from distilled rose oil from Bulgaria, and refreshed with a hot towel.

Then LDT is used to open up the clavicle, with essential oils to massage the head, shoulders and neck. Lastly, the CST, applied using surprisingly gentle pressure, is performed.

The entire treatment put me in such a relaxed state that I fell into a deep sleep.

Key to it all is the therapist's hands, which are used to detect the rhythm, direction, depth and quality of the lymph flow; assess overall circulation and determine the best alternate pathways for draining body-fluid stagnations; and simulate gentle, wave-like movements to activate lymph and interstitial fluid circulation and stimulate the functioning of the immune as well as parasympathetic nervous systems.

The 3-in-1 facial therapy is also said to offer other benefits, including a reduction in edemas (swelling), relief of sinusitis, bronchitis, otitis and chronic pain, and a reduction in the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.

But as with all good things, it comes at a cost - more specifically, $180 per session or $900 for a package of six sessions.

Clearly, many women will be priced out, but for those who aren't, this is one treatment that will probably put you in a more relaxed state than you've ever been - and that, surely, is always good for anti-ageing.

Healing Gardens is at 91 Tanglin Road, #04-05, Tanglin Place. Tel: 6733-3507

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