USP Situated amid the bustle of restaurants and cafes on Old Brompton Road – and right next door to Christie’s - this "spa" distinguishes itself from the many other herbal remedy centres in the area by the quality of its products and services, and its authentically oriental approach.

Using traditional Chinese medicine, Acu-Channel takes a holistic approach to health and well-being, considering a person’s mind, body, diet and lifestyle, exercise and relationships – the list goes on. I was happy with a straightforward massage, but there is lots going on here such as cupping therapy, acupuncture, a good range of facials and weight-loss programmes.

AMBIENCE Acu-Channel felt rather like a Chinese oasis on the busy Old Brompton Road. It had an intimate, friendly atmosphere, and the staff were laid back and friendly.

QUALITY OF EXPERIENCE I dropped in on a quiet evening when there were very few people around. The place felt welcoming and tranquil compared to the buzz of traffic outside. I was offered a settee to relax on while I waited for my treatment, giving me a chance to marvel at the many bottles of oils and ointments and boxes of teas lining the shelves of the reception/waiting area. I was offered a herbal tea while I waited, which was wonderful except that I only had around 30 seconds to drink it before being whisked off downstairs, along a red carpeted, candle-lit corridor to the treatment room.

I had a 30-minute Thai yoga massage, which involved having my neck, back and shoulders massaged by a chatty Chinese lady called Coco. It took me a while to relax, but before long I had drifted into a pleasant slumber, helped by the soft oriental background music and blissful scent of the oil.

Using the acupressure method, she pressed her fingers on various points of my back and shoulders to relieve tension. It felt great, not least because the previous evening was my first attempt ever at scaling a climbing wall and my muscles ached. The massage was over much quicker than I wanted it to be and Coco disappeared, giving me time to get my bearings and realise how great I felt – mentally and physically, meaning perhaps that my body’s ‘Yin-Yang’ had been restored, as the brochure promised it would be.

I emerged from Acu-Channel with a spring in my step and ready to face the climbing wall again. I felt noticeably refreshed and energised by the half-hour treatment.

FOOD There are a variety of herbal teas you can sample while waiting for a treatment. You can also buy them in the reception area afterwards – although it can be tricky trying to work out what they are unless you can read Chinese.

WALLET WATCH Prices are really reasonable here. Massages range from £10 for a 10-minute neck and shoulder massage to between £30 - £40 for most other 30-minute massages, which include deep tissue, aromatherapy and balancing therapy massages. A 30-minute Thai Yoga Massage will cost £35. A facial will set you back £45 and a 30-minute session of acupuncture £60. Also on offer are reflexology, hot stone bodywork, and nutrition programmes.

NEED TO KNOW Acu-Channel, 89 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3LD. It is open daily, 10am – 10pm. A free consultation will be given before and after a treatment (020 7589 9927; www.acuchannel.co.uk)

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