Six in 10 women in Manchester feel ‘so stressed that they can’t remember what it is like to feel relaxed and rejuvenated’, according to research* by Manchester’s sanctuary for the senses, Spa 303.

And 40% blame their busy professional lifestyles, or their employers (35%) forcing additional work upon them, as the causes of stress which contributes to them ageing physically and mentally.

Nearly all of the women (96%) rely heavily on tea and caffeinated drinks to get them through their working week. However, the majority (75%) believe the misconception that tea and caffeine is bad for their health with the average person drinking five to six cups of regular ‘builders’ tea a day.

The research comes as Spa 303 launches a drop-in-clinic for stressed-out and overworked women in Manchester, to educate them of the health benefits of certain kinds of tea and how tea treatments can leave them feeling calm and collected.

In association with French beauty brand, Themae, and natural tea company, Bloom Tea, the drop-in involves a one-to-one consultation with a trained tea therapist who will identify the client’s level of stress – completely free of charge.

Therapists will then recommend a daily tea treatment plan designed to keep busy and stressed individuals hydrated.

There are five different teas within the plan that should be consumed throughout the course of the day, over 10 days and whilst working, which are loaded with naturally nourishing powerful antioxidants that tackle afternoon slumps, kick start metabolism and restores concentration and energy levels.

As part of a package, therapists will then perform a Themae tea treatment from a carefully tailored menu of massages (Singapore, Ayurvedic or Oriental). An elixir of four teas: green tea (antioxidant, draining and slimming); white tea (anti-radicular and regenerating); black tea (revitalising and stimulating) and red tea (soothing and improving micro-circulation) is used within the massage which helps relieve the stresses and strains of everyday life.

Tina Robinson, Spa 303’s proprietor, said: “The results of our survey are of no surprise, but what is shocking is that people continue to believe that caffeine is bad for your health and can sometimes exacerbate stress and wrinkles, which is completely untrue!

“Tea is powerful – it can help reduce stress levels and prevent the signs of ageing because the plant itself contains more than 30% of polyphenol, one of the highest concentration of antioxidant known to date.

“Favoured by many of our clients who work for the city’s big businesses, clients who have already embarked on a tea treatment programmes are noticing an improvement in their mood during their working week, which is when stress is probably at its highest.

“We are proud to be the UK’’s first and only spa to offer Themae and tea treatment programmes Over the next month, we’ll be actively approaching businesses in Manchester to talk about our research, how our tea treatments and drop-in sessions can prevent boardroom headaches and reduce employees’ stress levels.”

Drop in sessions and consultations are free of charge. The cost of 10 day hydration plan, which contains 50 bags of various teas is £18. A Themae tea massage costs £65 for an hour’s treatment.