Body neutrality is usually the first step to loving your body. Body neutrality is simply valuing your body and its function rather than its appearance. And if there’s one place where functionality can completely take precedence over looks, it’s the (naked) Korean spa.
Now, I know that for most people, especially plus size girls, the thought of being nude in a room full of people doesn’t scream, even if it’s just women. “Spa experience” But I promise it wasn’t “I forgot my pants, it’s a nightmare!”
For me personally, I had to get used to being naked around my mom as an adult because I had to help her shower for months following a horrific injury. . She always had this idea that my body made your body, not just it’s just a body. So, I’m your mom, so there’s nothing wrong with that. Her demeanor certainly helped ease my initial apprehensions, but this was her first experience with us being fully nude together.
At the Korean spa we went to, mogyokutangor separate male and female naked bathing areas, and Jjimjilbang, or in co-ed areas where clothing is required, sweatshirts may be worn. I brought my own robe and clothes because I wasn’t sure how the sizing worked, but I’m glad I did because no matter how tight it was, it wasn’t comfortable.
I wrapped myself in my robe, stored my belongings, laughed with my mother, took a deep breath, and stripped naked in public. So it’s not public, but it’s more public than ever. My belly, my stretch marks, my breasts, which weren’t as vibrant as they used to be, were all exposed.
I took a quick shower and soaked in the tub as quickly as I could, so at least my body was somewhat hidden, but then I realized that no one cared about me or my body at all. I was.
It was a collection of natural women with hair, scars, tattoos, wrinkles, just enjoying themselves and taking care of their bodies. No one even looked up from their Zen.
I forgot I was nude at this Korean spa!
From dry saunas to wet saunas, cold plunges, extra hot plunges and basic hot tubs. Interestingly, at some point i forgot i was naked. When I took a break to drink water, I stopped grabbing my robe. I truly enjoyed every inch of my plus-size body, unbridled, shameless, and fully enjoying its capabilities.
Then it was time for the next. Cessin, is a traditional Korean spa technique that uses a full-body exfoliating scrub. Lifts dead skin and promotes blood circulation. I was asked to take a bath 30 minutes before to soften my skin for the scrub. Then they took us back behind a wall and we each had our own section but again we were completely naked!
As I lay down on the plastic bed, the masseuse started exfoliating every inch of me… when I say every inch, I really mean every inch. She got between my fingers and toes, lifted my arms, and repositioned her legs so she wouldn’t miss a spot. It wasn’t necessarily painful, but it was certainly intense.
From time to time, she continued to scrub me with a bucket of hot water to remove all the dead skin cells. I didn’t even realize how much dead skin was left, let’s just say it was more than I expected.
There were a few moments where I felt a little self-conscious about these women touching so much of my body, but then let’s relax by remembering that I’ve seen her do this for years. It was made. They were in bras and underwear and completely professional.
I mean, I think she’s seen all types of bodies over the years and was totally unfazed by us being nude. You know that scene in “The Wizard of Oz” where they go “wash and brush up” and have a team to get the wizard ready? My mom and I laughed as if we were experiencing Oz.
The treatment ended with a hair wash and conditioning, after which it didn’t take long for me to forget again how exposed and naked I was, but I know you think that’s a little crazy.
All in all, it was such a unique and incredible experience that my mom and I will share and laugh with forever. I’m so glad I didn’t hold myself back because of my anxiety.
After all, we all live in physical bodies. Bodies that sag, sag, bruise, change, and most importantly, allow us to live. We owe our bodies, and ourselves, to get the most out of life and to pamper ourselves sometimes.
Have you ever been to a Korean spa? what was your experience teach me please. I would love to know if your experience was as free as mine!