In 1924, a young chemist asked Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner "What is life?"

Steiner answered, "Study rhythms. Rhythm carries life".

These five words inspired the chemist, Dr Rudolf Hauschka, to develop a process that could extract the healing properties of plants without using alcohol. The result is Dr Hauschka Skin Care, a holistic range of products designed to support the skin's natural rhythm and ability to regenerate itself.

The co-creator of Dr Hauschka Skin Care, Elisabeth Sigmund, also designed a special treatment which incorporates rhythmical massage and Dr Hauschka products to stimulate the skin's own ability to heal itself. Available in Singapore exclusively at Aldha - The Wellness Institute, the Classical Facial or Classic Treatment ($225) is an extensive, two-hour long pampering session that soothes your senses and leaves you feeling refreshed and rested. The treatment also doubles up as a showcase of some of the best products in Dr Hauschka Skin Care, utilising no less than 15 different products in each session.

I tried out the treatment recently at Aldha's Robertson Walk outlet. Unlike some other spas which boast luxurious furnishings, Aldha is bare, with a cement floor and minimal frills. The spartan setting reflects the philosophy which underlies both the spa and the Dr Hauschka range of products - to work with what you already have, instead of trying to camouflage your weaknesses with unnecessary frills.

The Classical Facial begins with a sage foot bath. The water may feel slightly hot at first, but your feet will soon become used to the warmth which helps to relax both body and mind. This is followed by a massage of the feet and calves using the Fitness Foot Balm with gentle, rhythmical strokes. Next, the arms are massaged using the Rosemary Leg and Arm Toner to improve circulation. They are also gently tugged to release "negative energy". A gentle scalp massage followed, using light pressure to stimulate the pressure points in the scalp.

The face is cleansed with both a cleansing milk as well as a cleansing cream which absorbs oils, dirt and perspiration from the skin.

Unlike traditional massages which use force to knead out tense muscles, the massage techniques employed in the Dr Hauschka approach are light, gentle and rhythmical. I was initially skeptical of the effectiveness of such gentle, feather-like strokes; however, I soon found myself being lulled to a state of relaxation by the rhythmical movements.

My face was then thoroughly, but gently cleansed with a cleansing milk. The rhythmical strokes in the cleansing process felt like another massage, and I was impressed with the fact that the neck and decollete area were treated as well. After all, a smooth, youthful looking face looks decidedly out of place with a dry, wrinkled neck.

Lip balm, eye balm and a soothing eye mask were then applied, followed by a steam bath to soften the skin. For people with sensitive or acne-prone skin, a steamer is used instead as it is more gentle. You can opt to have your blackheads and whiteheads extracted by the therapist, but I choose to adhere to the authentic Classical Facial experience which shuns such extractions.

A deep cleansing clay mask removes impurities from your skin, and is followed by yet another massage - this time on the shoulders and decollete area.

Next comes the highlight of the treatment - the lymph stimulation which uses special brushes to gently sweep the face in a prescribed series of motions (main picture). This is meant to stimulate the lymphatic system, remove toxins, and support the immune system. I am not sure about these purported benefits as they cannot be discerned with the naked eye, but the lymph stimulation felt so soothing that despite my best efforts (I was there on a work assignment, after all), I fell asleep before the first of the three sets was complete.

While I slumbered, a vial of Dr Hauschka's star product N-Ampule was applied all over my face, and was followed by a cream mask. N-Ampule targets the signs of ageing, helps to normalise the skin and bring it into harmony. This was left on for 15-20 minutes and thoroughly cleaned off with a succession of warm lavender compresses. The therapist then applied a toner, eye cream, face cream and suncreen, and ended the session with a gentle shoulder massage.

It is easy to see why Dr Hauschka's Classical Facial is the holistic range's signature treatment. It showcases some of the best products in the Dr Hauschka Skin Care range, while incorporating massage techniques based on the philosophy behind the brand - "rhythm is life". The result is a highly relaxing, soothing treatment which lulls both mind and body into a state of restfulness. I emerged from the treatment room feeling fresh, light and even felt a spring in my step, even though I had been having an extremely stressful week.

Aldha's spartan setting reflects its holistic, minimalist philosophy.

I was initially concerned that the facial massage and lymph stimulation would over-stimulate my skin and cause it to break out. However, it has been over a week since the review and my skin shows no signs of rebelling.

If you are in dire need of pampering and want to indulge in a soothing treatment that doesn't leave your face red and inflamed, Dr Hauschka's Classical Facial is well worth considering. At $225, it is not the cheapest facial around; then again, it is more than just a facial, but a total treat for both body, face and mind.

Dr Hauschka's Classical Facial is priced at $225 for a two-hour session. It is available exclusively at Aldha - The Wellness Institute which has two outlets:
» 11 Unity Street, #01-25 Robertson walk; Tel: 6737 3970
» 501 Bukit Timah Road, #01-04A Cluny Court; Tel: 6763 2866