Our Most Frequently Asked Questions

We endeavor to give you our very best in order to enhance your spa experience with us. We adhere to certain policies to benefit you, our most special guest, and also to benefit our valued therapists. We realize other spas may not share our policies, however, every spa is unique in it's operation and in respecting both your time and our therapist's. We know you will have a pleasant experience with us as we strive to be your favorite Los Angeles spa...

What is a true day spa?
A true day spa retreat is not in a store-front with busy street traffic & not in a mini-mall with cars honking & people peering thru windows — our true day spa retreat is in a free-standing, quiet ‘home’. (chaos = bad energy)

Le Petite Retreat day spa is LA’s true day spa, as defined by both the International Spa Association & the Day Spa Association.  An authentic, true day spa makes water therapy available to facial, massage, & body treatments, as we do with our famous hydrotherapy baths.  Chinese tradition makes a true day incorporate all 5-elements of wood, water, metal, earth & fire into both the spa & spa treatments.  Le Petite Retreat day spa has been blessed by Tibetan monks & designed with Feng-Shui master Roy Shabla, incorporating & regularly energetically balancing all elements in the spa.

What are your spa policies?

Arrival 20 minutes prior to your first treatment is requested, allowing ample time to check-in, shower and prepare for your treatment. Arriving late will simply limit the time for your treatment, reducing its effectiveness and your pleasure. Your treatment will end on time so that the next guest is not delayed. We invite you to use our aromatic cedar dry sauna and our relaxation lounge before and after your spa treatments.

Late Policy: Appointments missed by 15 minutes or more are cancelled with a 100% spa credit, which is yours to use for your rescheduled future reservation.

Cancellation Policy: As a courtesy, a minimum 24 hour notice is required for cancelling or rescheduling your appointment. A 48 hour notice is required for any Spa Package reservation, multiple services, or for parties of three or more. Larger parties require 1 week's notice of cancellation. All no-shows will be charged at full value. We do not provide refunds for cancelled appointments, as you will have a full credit at the spa. All spa reservation charges, service sales, retail sales and gift certificate sales are final, with no refunds. If appointment made to redeem your spa gift certificate is not cancelled or rescheduled at least 48 hours in advance, we will be unable to redeem your certificate.

Gratuity: We proudly recruit and train our staff to be the most qualified spa professionals in the industry. Our recommended standard gratuity for spa treatments is 18%-20%. Gratuity to therapist can be in cash or personal check. Credit Cards are not taken for gratuities at the spa. Gratuities are included with individual treatment reservations & in Spa Packages of 3 or more treatments.

Please notify our Retreat Consultant before booking your treatments if you have high blood pressure or allergies; especially seafood allergies. Please advise of other physical challenges you may have or if you are pregnant. Booking an appointment with a specific therapist can be made for you if you ask for the therapist by name. We do not guarantee the gender of a therapist. We will make every effort to accommodate your therapist’s gender request, as you will be given a confirmation number. If you do not have a confirmation number & cancel your appointment because you do not have a specific gendered therapist, then you will forfeit your treatment & payment, as time was allotted for service. All spa guests will be asked to complete a brief questionnaire upon check-in, designed with your well-being in mind.

Spa guest must be 16 years of age or older. We are unable to provide services to guest accompanied by children.

Quiet Environment: As a courtesy to other guests, please maintain a quiet level of conversation. Cell phones and pagers are not permitted.

Gift Certificates are available for services only and not redeemable if lost or stolen and are non-transferable. An appointment using your gift certificate, can only be made by providing the gift certificate number when making your reservation. Gift certificates for spa packages can only be redeemed for the treatments in the specified spa package, no substitutions. If appointment made to redeem your spa gift certificate is not cancelled or rescheduled at least 48 hours in advance, we will be unable to redeem your certificate. Click Here for more information. Should you not wish to redeem a gift certificate you can use the treatment value or stated dollar value as a spa credit towards retail items.

Le Petite Retreat day spa - Los Angeles gift certificates are special spa gift cards, gift wrapped for Holidays or special occasions. As our gift certificates never expire in California, due to the number of years some may wait to experience your wonderful spa gift, if the spa gift certificate treatment you selected changes in price, the person who receives your spa gift certificate will still have many choices: they can either use the spa gift certificate for the dollar amount you paid towards other desirable spa treatments, or, if they want the same treatment on the gift certificate, they would be responsible for paying the difference for the new treatment price. We thank you for your understanding and look forward to extending a wonderful spa gift experience to all.

Lockers are provided for our guests. We have separate locker rooms for men and women.

Party Bookings: Wedding & Baby showers, birthday parties and fundraisers are welcomed. Please call us for arrangements.

Packages can be individually customized.

Prices are subject to change without notice. For our most current prices, see our Spa Treatments menu.

How to Spa a a a h . . .

Book in advance
Most spas don't accept walk-ins. Book your appointment beforehand and be sure to let the concierge know if you’re pregnant, have any special needs, allergies or medical conditions. By offering this information ahead of time, the spa will be fully prepared to accommodate you upon your arrival.

Know the spa's cancellation policy
Most spas have either a 24 or 48-hour cancellation policy. If you violate their policy, the spa is legally allowed to charge you for the full amount of the treatment reserved.

Arrive at the spa at least 30 minutes early
For many, a spa visit is the ticket for a bit of R&R. Arrive at the spa earlier than the time of your appointment so you can unwind and clear your mind before beginning your treatment.

Wear casual attire
If you're coming from the office, bring casual clothes to wear after your treatment. You may walk in feeling stiff and stressed but you'll leave feeling refreshed and revitalized so bring something comfortable to wear post-treatment.

Wear as little jewelry as possible
Spas will not accept responsibility for items that are lost or stolen, so leave all unnecessary valuables at home. Know that even a keyed locker is not a guarantee against theft.

Speak Up!
Is the pressure ok? Is the water too hot or cold? Are you comfortable?  Remember, your therapist isn't a mind reader. If there is anything they can do to make your spa experience more pleasurable, don't be afraid to let them know.

Limit consumption of food, but eat
Try not to eat for at least an hour before the treatment.

Avoid consumption of alchohol on the day of the treatment
Alcohol consumption and spa treatments are similar in one aspect: the dehydration factor. Avoid any alcoholic beverages if you are planning a trip to the spa.

Drink plenty of water
A spa treatment often releases toxins from the body so be sure to drink plenty of water before and after your treatment to keep yourself properly hydrated. This also comes into play if you plan on using spa facilities such as a sauna or hydrotherapy pool.

Request a Male or Female therapist upon booking
You may want to request a therapist based on your comfort level.  If you don’t request, again, the spa booking agent is not a mind reader, as this is your responsibility.  Many spas provide you a confirmation number or code to validate your request.

Turn off your cell phone at the spa
As a common courtesy to other guests at the spa, like in a movie theater, please do not speak on your cell phone or use any electronic devices.

Detox Foot Bath FAQ

Can anyone use the spa detox foot bath?

No. The unit must not be used by people who have Pacemakers, anyone who has received an organ transplant or by pregnant women. Do not wear a watch, talk on a cell phone or use a computer while doing a footbath.

When I detox, what do the different colors in the water mean?

NOTE: this color chart acts as a guide and is NOT certified and NO lab tests have confirmed its accuracy. Users have speculated that the color changes may indicate the organ being detoxified. Sometimes the color will always be the same even with different users.

Color or Partical Material or Area Of the body

Yellow-green

Detoxifying the kidney, bladder, urinary tract, female/prostate area

Orange

Detoxifying from joints

Brown

Detoxifying from liver, tobacco, cellular debris

Black

Detoxifying from liver

Dark green

Detoxifying from gallbladder

White foam

Lymphatic system

White cheese-like particles

Most likely yeast

Black flecks

Heavy metals

Red flecks

Blood clot material

Many colors and objects appear in the water during our detoxification foot bath sessions. There is a reaction between the toxins and particles in the water, the salt added to the water, the metals in the array, and the alkalinity or acidity of the person being bathed. All of these combine to produce color, whether or not feet are in the water. The basic color produced by these reactions varies from one geographic area to another. It is important to understand that the water will change color even if the unit is operating without feet in the water. The basic color change is a result of the reaction between all of the variables in the water and the array, as discussed above. This color change will vary in accordance with the toxic and chemical components of the water and air given a particular geographical area. The toxins in our bodies will look the same as the toxins predominant in a specific area; however, there will be more toxic particles in the water with feet in it. We have also found that a person’s detoxification session will override the geographical toxicity of the water.

How does the Detoxing Foot Bath Unit Work?

Our spa detoxing unit can rebalance energy meridians through the bio-charge. The complex energy fields of the unit permeate the water, realigning a body’s energy field. Many of the benefits of the unit can be attributed to the "rebalancing" of these energy lines allowing a body mass to function better. This action results in the initial purging of toxins and nucleic waste product kept and/or generated within the cells and surrounding membrane. Following the purge there is a re-correction of any abnormal deterioration within the body that has been caused by illness, injury, and viral and/or any other life experience, excluding birth defects.

Our Los Angeles day spa detoxing Bio-Cleanse® System is currently the only method for creating a bio-charge that is both safe and compatible with living matter. Water is the obvious medium used because up to 80% of the human body is water, as is two thirds of the planet. Water is an active substance, so when water comes into contact with something, the frequency of what it contacts is integrated into its own frequency structure and thus becomes its signature. When you immerse a body mass into water, the frequency is instantly added to the water as a "memory". The water actually interacts with a compound electrical current and a compatible magnetic field structure to produce the needed bio-charge. Now exclusively utilizing the additional element of Tri Vortex Charger Technology.

What is Surface Tension & How does it work?

The most neglected area related to human nutrition and health involves surface tension; the ability of a liquid to adhere to itself. A raindrop from a cloud spreads out yet stays together when falling on the hood of a car.

The Tri-Vortex Charger is a totally safe and natural energy field which observes nature's logical and powerful rhythms as found in the Harmonic Spherical Table of the Chemical Elements, developed by a San Diego based inventor and researcher. This original discovery (Quantum Disk) found that through the development of the Table that compounds and elements duplicate and magnify the element of oxygen. Through another phase of research and development the Tri-Vortex Charger was perfected by combining a new series of compounds and elements with computer guided lasers and advanced prototype scientific furnaces, which found and isolated the light energies for the important molecules related to the element of oxygen. These isolated compounds and elements are then placed into a thin stainless steel plate using this proprietary frequency technology.

A scientific instrument called a Mass Spectrometer can detect the chemical elements in any substance. In a double blind test conducted at Virginia Tech University, the Mass Spectrometer found that liquids treated by the Tri-Vortex Charger had a 140% increase in the chemical element of oxygen. The researcher was so amazed he ran three additional double blind tests and each test had the same fantastic yet true result.

After any substances or objects such as wood, metal, plastic, crystal, glass, paper, cloth, etc...are placed into this flowing natural field of energy for 72 hours, the substances or objects dramatically improve the quality and taste of any liquid. Basically, the Tri-Vortex Charger lowers the surface tension of any liquid in three (3) seconds.

The Tri-Vortex Charger also changes the molecular structure, taste and smell of solids such as bad cheese, old poultry, smelly fish and tart smelling glues and silicones. The Tri-Vortex Charger promotes the immediate and thorough absorption of all nutrients in the digestive system. Just place the Charger under, near or touching any item of drinking liquid or foodstuff, etc... to immediately lower the surface tension. The Charger works especially well located directly in bathwater, hot tubs and swimming pools to reduce or eliminate the need for Chlorine, Bromine and other chemical sanitizers. Use the Charger to eliminate the need for laundry detergent.

Water pouring from a garden hose forms small beads when on a hood of a car. Water from a cloud or stream or other natural source is more desirable because water from hoses or pipes creates molecular chaos and improper surface tension causing the water to "die" stripped of all nurturing and natural electrical elements.

The surface tension of any liquid can be tested on a scientific instrument called a Tensiometer. The tensiometer measures in what is known as dynes per centimeter. Liquids with a high surface tension have molecular chaos and low absorption ability. Water from the garden hose or faucet has a high surface tension of 76 dynes per centimeter. Liquids with a low surface tension have molecular order and a high absorption ability. Fresh pressed carrot juice has a low surface tension of 40 dynes but degenerates to molecular chaos in two hours and then converts to a high surface tension of 76 dynes. This shows the need to reactivate all foods with the Charger. Laundry detergent lowers the surface tension of tap water to 40 dynes in 10 to 40 seconds, which is how we make our clothes clean; by lowering the surface tension of the water.

Surface tension in the liquids of the human digestive system ( stomach and intestines ) range from 45 to 60 dynes. Each time humans drink water with a high surface tension they are diluting the necessary digestive juices with a low surface tension. When humans drink liquids with surface tensions below 60 dynes they are nurturing their bodies with liquids that assist digestion and absorption. Liquids exposed for 3 seconds to the Tri-Vortex Charger were tested by James Aker Ph.D. with a state-of-the-art digital computer controlled tensiometer (not manual). The tests proved the surface tension of any liquid treated by the Charger is lowered to a true level of 44.8 dynes per centimeter in 3 seconds.

Once you start using our Spa detoxing Bio-Cleanse® foot bath system, your natural Chi energy levels will start to rise allowing you to enjoy a more balanced, healthful, quality of life.

Are there any Testimonials from detoxification users?

"I wanted to tell you the amazing results that I have gotten from using your footbath. I am currently ridding my body of a chronic yeast problem that I have had since a young man (now 34). I went through colonics and various other treatments but by far this system has produced the most dramatic results."
- Ted, New Jersey

"I'd like to tell you about your Detoxifying Foot Bath Unit that we have. In 1978 I had what the doctors called a silent heart attack. From that date I would have an EKG every year, also a monitor on my belt. My pulse was staying pretty close to 50, fearing one day I would have to have a pace maker. This year I went to the American Heart Assn., and had an EKG plus many more test, and low and behold the Doctor said he could not tell that I ever had a heart attack - and he would not have known without looking back at my records. My pulse was also in the higher 60's. Also, Gordon had plastic veins in both legs a year ago and had the ultra sound and different tests on his aorta and both legs every six months. The last test in September - shows much better circulation and no clots. Dr. Smith expected to have some clotting this time, but none were found. We feel with your machine and with prayer, we've gone a long ways and wanted to share this with you. Thank you so much,"
- Gordon and Iola Kraemer - Wickenburg, AZ

"When I first began the detoxing foot bath treatments; my energy level was low, my skin tone was poor and I suffered daily with Rheumatoid Arthritis. After the first few treatments, my energy level picked up noticeably. By the beginning of the second cycle I was receiving comments on my skin tone. With continued treatments my skin has improved all over my body, giving a smoother appearance, even tone and diminished lines. As I continue to use this detoxification system, I'm aware of diminished joint pain, improved sleep, increased energy on a lasting basis, and overall a truer sense of well-being. I enjoy the youthful appearance of my skin and the clean feeling of being detoxified. Now I look forward to each treatment with enthusiasm, and never want to go without one! This machine has truly changed my health and approach to life."
- Elysa Nelson - Bellingham WA

"Just wanted you to know I treated a woman with severe shingles on her arm today. The sores that were in the water healed up during the treatment. Definitely increased blood flow to the area immediately afterward. An hour later, noticeable decrease in inflammation, crusting, swelling. Five hours later she reports no itching. She's had it for two months. Cortisone shots, prednisone, topicals didn't phase it. I am astounded-I've never seen a response like it. "
- Pat Kultgen - Lorena TX

What is Toxemia of the Body?

Our bodies are constantly under attack from environmental factors. Toxins are becoming a big issue of importance as our environment becomes more polluted. Most of us understand that there are pollutants in the air we breathe, the food we eat and the water we drink and the level and types of toxins that now surround us are far too great to list. Some of them occur naturally but most are man-made and it is these toxins that are causing the most concern.

The thought of so many heavy metals now showing up in the food is a concern for most everyone, however the real threat comes from all the artificial compounds that are being widely used without almost any understanding of the danger they represent to the human body. Of all the substances we are constantly threatened by, it is the silent action of synthetic hormones that can cause serious damage to the genetics of the individual without them being aware of what is happening.

To understand how the unit assists the body to detoxify itself we need to understand a little about how the body functions and in particular how our cells work.

What is Body Detoxification in Detail?

The numbers of problems that can occur from Toxification are many and the number of ways that the problems start, are also great. There are however, a few basic causes that we can address to understand how the body becomes toxic and how we can resolve the problem by helping the body cope using its natural processes.

We are going to examine two basic ways the body becomes toxic in relation to the effect it has on the cell. It should be noted that although these processes are explained individually they can and do all occur simultaneously.

1. Toxification by natural waste product. Toxification by natural waste product is where the body accumulates a build up of the natural waste product from the cell, nucleic waste. This can occur two ways.

The basic function of the cell is explained next. It goes like this, water enters the cell via passive transport, and water then reacts with the Internal Cell Structure and the Nucleus. The product of the reaction between water, Internal Cell Structure and the Nucleus is Nucleic Waste. The cell is very efficient when functioning fully and reacts with all the water on a 1:1 basis meaning all of the  water is used with an equal amount of nucleic waste being produced.

There are two processes the body uses to solve this problem.

2. Toxification by low level artificial toxins

Toxification by low level artificial toxins is where a toxin has managed to penetrate the cell membrane and enter into the internal structure. Toxins can achieve this in times of low cell integrity. White blood cells play a part in this operation.

One of the things white blood cells do is clean the toxins off of the plasma membrane of the cells. White blood cells damage the membrane during the process of removal leaving it temporarily vulnerable. Once a toxin has entered into the internal structure of the cell it causes problems. To eject the toxin the cell requires metabolic energy to perform active transport; that is, the cell needs to use its own energy to eject the invader. If the cell does not have the spare energy to do this a build up can start.

The white blood cells clean the cells in the body. When a white blood cell removes a toxin from the outer surface of the cell it causes some damage. If the cell can not repair in time, it is vulnerable and toxins can enter into the cell.

Is there any Disclaimer?

YES. This FAQ is for general information and educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the FTC nor the FDA and is not meant to cure, treat, prevent disease, nor prescribe or to be used for diagnosis.

It is important for you to know these technologies and treatment protocols have not been evaluated by the FDA in the U.S. or the Health Protection Branch in Canada for safety and effectiveness.

Although, scientific research studies have been done to prove the safety and effectiveness of the units, no certification has been granted. We are currently evaluating medical companies to perform the validation and certification process.

We have collected testimonials, but many government regulatory agencies may state that these are misleading and deceptive.

The Bio-Cleanse Unit is an experimental Therapeutic Device. Please consult with your Health Practitioner before using this equipment.

Please be aware that you accept all risk associated with using the Bio-Cleanse Device. Carefully read all instructions included with the device and in the following handbook before beginning your Bio-Cleanse sessions.

You should not use this equipment if:
Is there any Ionic Foot Cleanse Hype?

1. Yes, there is a lot of hype out there about these units. Listed below are the primary issues most customers inquiry about: - Some companies say their unit uses both + and - polarities. Not important, unless the company is using 2 different types of metal in the ionizing process and I am not aware of any that do. If you have a company that claims this, ask them the metal(s) used in their unit. When these units are running, the current running through the module/array (the component that is placed in the water) is in DC current. You will notice them emitting tiny bubbles. These bubbles indicates the unit is working and that there is an electrolysis process happening. This electrolysis is slowly eating away at the metal being used. No matter if it is positive or negative you will still see the tiny bubbles.

Currently all companies uses either copper or stainless steel (not both) for the electrolysis process. Therefore the + and - is producing ions out of the same metal. If you have a company that does use both polarities then you will just be corroding 2 different types of metal. And since you need a metal to create the ion process, this is not important.

2) Their water works better because the water is dirtier - The main reason water gets dirty is due to the electrolysis process and the type of metal being used. Copper is the primary metal used and because copper is soft it will corrode via the electrolysis process quicker and dirty up the water faster than harder metals. Stainless steel is now being used more because it takes longer to corrode and will not dirty up the water as much if at all.

If you have a unit that uses copper, use run it without placing your feet in the water and see what happens.

NOTE: it is not known if the copper used in these units will reabsorb back into the patient.

3) Their unit emits a frequency that can be adjusted If this is the case the frequency has nothing to do with the ionization process. Usually the company that claims this may have a energy frequency such as lymphatic drainage, as an added bonus. This is good, but remember frequency is not related to the ion process which is why these units are so effective.

4) How come some units will produce different colors of water This is not scientifically proven. Some companies will say a different color water is created because a certain organ is detoxing. This is based on muscle testing and non-scientific theories that they come up with to help sell the product. I am not saying color is not related to organ detox, but we cannot prove it is so.  It would take extensive research and lots of money to prove or disprove this concept. We just do not know.