The Tropical Beauty & Health Spa Experience
Today, the spa philosophy has moved on from the pain-is-gain approach and
away from a curative emphasis towards a preventive one. And while there are
country by country variations in the spa experience (for example, the emphasis
in the United States is not in any way self-indulgent), the cutting edge is the
Orient with its focus on spiritual harmony and natural, not pharmaceutical or
clinical, treatments. The irony is that a spa culture is not traditional to
tropical Asia: yet the centuries- old health and beauty practices of this region
are being picked up and repackaged for spa retreats from California to
Kensington.
The tropical or southeast Asian health and beauty philosophy stands in stark
contrast to traditional Western beliefs that put faith in the contents of a
gold-topped tub or in the hands of white-coated laboratory technologists. Year
after year, the bible for beauticians across Europe and America has preached
skin deep remedies, from wrinkle-reduction creams to liposuction, forthe
ultimate in cover girl glamour: It is, however, a relatively recent revelation
that beauty from the outside in is back to the front. Now it is more a case of a
leg wax plus a dose of soul nourishment, please, for today's 'mindful' and
rejuvenating treatment.
This is an extension of the original spa concept which, although it has existed
since Roman times, was only formalized in 17th- century Europe out of an
understanding forthe curative powers ofwaterThe spa, such as the eponymous
resort in Belgium or the historical Baden-Baden in Germany, originated as a
clinical, get-well centre for curing all manner of diseases from arthritis to
infertility. Rigorous routines, in often less than indulgent locations, involved
drinking or bathing in the spring-fed spa waters or walking barefoot in the
winter dew at dawn. The creme bath is a ubiquitous hair product in Asia. It
contributes to the sleek shiny locks that women from this region are renowned
for. This worldwide vogue for spiritual and mental, as well as physical, fitness
has been at the core of Asian beauty custom since the beginning of time. Lasting
beauty comes from deep within the body and mind; how we feel about ourselves and
the world around us directly affects our facial expression and outward
appearance. Modern mind-body science has now shown that when we are relaxed and
happy, the biochemical rhythms in our bodies are significantly different to
those present when we are angry, tense or sad. In his best seller Quantum
Healing, celebrity physician and mind-body guru, Deepak Chopra, writes: "...the
mind and the body are like parallel universes. Anything that happens in the
mental universe, must leave tracks in the physical one."
In Indonesia, the birthplace of many tropical health and beauty secrets, there
is an ancient Javanese expression: rupasampat wahya bhiantara, - which
encapsulates exactly this notion. It roughly translates as 'the balance between
inner and outer beauty, between that which is visible and that which lies
within' and It is the parable by which women in this part of the world live
without even thinking about it.
According to Dr MarthaTilaar. the founder and president of one of the countrys
fore most natural cosmetic groups, outer beauty involves a ritualistic process
using natural products for skin, hair and body. This is balanced by a number of
inner beauty techniques, which include taking jamu (traditional herbal tonics
and medicines); practising Daya Putih, a spiritual form of exercise which
unleashes inner power to maintain purity; fasting; and making more frequent
giving, selfless gestures in our lives. "A sense of gratitude and taking care of
others," she explains, "empowers us inside. This is not religious practice: it
is all part of beauty ritual."
Asian Beauty & Health Relaxation Secret Spa Tropical
Long limbs and vital statistics are minor contributors to the beautiful body.
Much more important is the state of mind that sits hands of dedicated therapists
in a spa context on top. While there is barely a woman can improve her body by
upping the respect that she pays to it.This is achieved by taking time for
herself- a vital part of life that most of us ignore.
The Asian approach to achieving and maintaining a healthy and beautiful body is
a sensible one. For a start, it has no time for fad diets and punishing stomach
crunches!Traditional body treatments from the tropics outstrip those from
everywhere else in the world in number and variety and all of themrely on
natures own pharmacopoeia to produce results.Certainly not skin deep, they not
only cleanse and soften our skin but also draw out impurities from within. Their
ritual of application (especially at the hands of dedicated therapishts in a spa
context)e relaxes us, empties our minds and soothes who is content with her
natural shape, every our souls in an atmosphere of peace.
All this emphasizes the oriental philosophy that regards beauty as a holistic
concept embracing both the inner and outer self. For example, there are everyday
words in the Indonesian language that are part of the more specific lexicon of
body care which have no real equivalent in English. Indonesian women talk about
having a lulur or mangir or mandi susu as readily as westerners talk outstrip
those from everywhere else in the of taking a shower.This chapter reveals world
in number and variety and all of them some of the more exotic body treatments,
be they scrubs, baths, wraps, heat treat- ments and polishes, for glowing
skin... and imoroved self-esteem!
Mandi Susu
The tale of Queen Cleopatra and her milk baths is well known, yet do you know
anyone who pours a few pints into the tub before climbing in? Trust the
Indonesian people with their deep grasp of the good of the natural, to have
their own form of milk bath. Known as Mandi Susu, it has soaked Javanese
princesses for centuries as an elixir of eternal youth. Milk, from a goat, sheep
or cow, makes skin radically soft and pure to the touch. Modern formulations of
this popular ritual have eliminated the taste and smell of milk while
maintaining its nutrients with softening proteins. The Mandi Susu is a
sought-after bathing ritual at the St Gregory Javana Spa in Singapore where
therapists leave you soaking in a cloudy white tub for 20 minutes and advise you
not to rinse afterwards. At home, you can pour fresh or powdered milk in with
the bath water. Or for superior baby-soft skin, try natural yoghurt or
buttermilk, but be ready to hold your nose!
Ocean Bath
This bath focuses on the healing properties of unrefined sea salt harvested on
the east coast of Bali. Although not strictly thalassotherapy, this bath relies
on the nutrients in the salt to draw out toxins from the body. The benefit of
sea salt is based on the premise that sea-water has practically the same
chemical make-up as human plasma allowing the body to easily absorb its healing
properties. The Ocean Bath at The Spa at Jimbaran, Four Seasons Resort, Bali is
altogether a more exotic affair. Not only are the pure sea salts mixed with Bali
Sunset Oil containing coconut, vanilla and citrus blends to uplift the senses,
this hour-long treatment kicks off with a scalp, neck, shoulder and back
massage. As if that were not enough, it takes place in the privacy of your own
villa, where the bath tubs have earned an international reputation for their
depth, size and comfort.
Asian Beauty Health Secret: Relaxation Spa Massage
The power of touch is part of being human; it is part of our earliest
awareness of being alive as babies in our mothers' arms.How ever, most people
live in cultures that leave them isolated from one another.They give themselves
no time to enjoy the simple pleasures of physical contact unless confined to the
intimacy of the bedroom.
This is not the case in tropical Asia where massage is a part of everyday life
from birth. Asian people understand that massage is all about sensual healing
for the emotions as well as for the body, a simple and effective route to
general wellbeing via our largest sensory organ - our skin. Skin is equipped
with thousands of touch receptors; reacting to external stinnuli, they transmit
messages and sensations through our nervous system.
Massage is probably the oldest and simplest it is part of our earliest awareness
of being form of health care. It is depicted in Egyptian tomb paintings and
mentioned in ancient even most people live in cultures that leave Chinese,
Japanese and Indian texts. It is thought to have originated in the East as a
method for unblocking the chi the vitalenergy flowing through our bodies that
tends to get trapped due to emotional and physical upset, in Asia, massage has
always been the backbone of health and wellbeing.
There is no mystery to the power of massage.The uncomplicated process of
kneading stroking and pressing the body is proven to unleash countless
therapeutic benefits from the general: helping heart rate, blood pressure,
breathing and digestion, to the more specific: aiding diabetic children, pre-
and sensations through our nervous system, mature babies and cancer and HIV
patients.
Traditional Indonesian Massage
We are creatures designed for touch. It is certainly the most personally
experienced of all sensations. And the Indonesian people understand this better
than most. Low-touch Western society keeps tactile expression behind closed
doors, while Indonesians touch all the time: walking hand in hand and arm in
arm, and stroking each other as a way of life.
They carry compassion in their hands. This they pass on naturally through
massage to all the family from birth to death. Without a working knowledge of
anatomy, many Indonesian people have an in-built sensibility to congested, tight
or hot areas in the body, which they carefully relieve with the power of their
hands and the application of aromatic oils.
Its interesting that Western culture, that has put so much faith In science for
cures, and in medical practitioners for answers, is now turning, disillusioned,
to touch therapies: Reiki, kineisiology, cranial osteopathy, aromatherapy,
reflexology, all variations on a cure practised for centuries by Asian peoples.
Indonesian massage puts touch back into your system. As well as an unconditional
desire to please and an intuitive reaction to the body, here is what to expect:
medium pressure. scented massage oil: coconut oil prepared with local flowers
such as champak (tropical magnolia), akar wangi (vetiver) and pandanus leaf is
the traditional preparation; however, coconut is a heavy oil not suited to
everyone, and is not always used in spas. (Balinese people chew on the white
flesh, ingest the juices, spit out the fibres and rub them onto their skins for
nourishment), long sensual strokes, working the length of the muscle to relieve
tension. All sequences finish with upward strokes toward the heart. rolling skin
between thumb and forefinger to spark up the nerve endings and increase blood
flow. circular thumb movements for the same. pressure on the points in the foot
and hand reflex zones.
Aromatheraphy Massage
Aromatherapy massage is one of the most popular treatments at a tropical spa.
Although available throughout the world, its sensual experience is elevated to
new levels in Asia thanks to the gentle and sensitive nature of its
practitioners. Therapists appear to approach each and every massage as a
bespoke, individual craft, rather than another body on their daily production
line.
Through massage the active molecules of essential oils, already blended with a
carrier oil, penetrate the bloodstream and soothe the central nervous system.
For most people, the barrage of citrus, floral or spicy notes of the oils, like
any smell, will bring back a stream of memories. The physiology of smell and
emotion are supposedly closely linked. Apparently the olfactory sensors in our
nasal passage can recognize up to 10,000 different aromas. In addition, as the
massage activates the bodys nerve endings and stimulates its blood flow, the
medicinal properties of essential oils act on the internal organs and treat
ailments. Although the oils only remain in the body for three or four hours
before they are excreted, they have already triggered a healing process.
Mandara Massage
The Mandara Massage is the zenith of massage experience. This is thanks to the
uncanny sychronization of two therapists who work together all over the body.
The melodic rhythm of their strokes creates a pattern of sensation so
pleasurable that you feel almost guilty for the indulgence. With one at the top
and one at the toe, the therapists' hands move in harmony with each other,
without ever leaving your skin. Their unique combination of six massage styles:
Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi, Swedish, Balinese, Japanese Shiatsu, Thai and Aromatherapy
ensures that every nerve ending Is caressed. This is hypnotic, exotic and
euphoric.
The Mandara Massage was exclusively devised for Mandara Spas (at The Chedi, lbah.
Bali Padma and Nikko in Bali, Novotel in Lombok and Malaysias The Datai). It
takes its name from the Mandara of Balinese legend - a mythical mountain that
flows with eternal youth. Translated into an earthly equivalent, this massage is
as close as one gets to such a sublime concept.
Asian Top Tropical Spas
We have come to associate Bali with the very best in luxury resort hotels,
spas and tropical holiday locations so it is something of a feat to have created
Begawan Giri which outstrips her cousins on so many levels. The nub of her
exclusivity - there are only five private residences, each designed to defy
description - really lies with her owner. Bradley Gardner has been locked in a
passionate clinch with this piece of land ever since he first set foot on its
sacred ground over ten years ago. Since then he has fashioned the private estate
of his dreams on this extraordinary peninsula.
The spa experience here is an innovative one; it focuses less on passive
indulgence and more on guests' ability to tap into their own Inner source by
embracing the vitality of the landscape. This is not as bullish' as it
sounds.There is a palpable energy at Begawan Giri that flows from a natural
spring, revered for miles around for its rejuvenating and healing powers.You
don't have to chant mantras to appreciate some meditative moments by one of its
natural pools half way down the mountainside above the confluence of two rivers.
The Source, the Estate's 'natural' spa (no spa buildings, receptions or
treatment rooms here) is spread all over the estate's eight hectares with
walking trails, a Jungle gym', spring-fed rock pools and outdoor massage
pavilions perched among the trees. Restorative programmes - up to three hours
long - are conducted in the belief that the body can restore itself with the
right kind of guidance: Reiki, meditation, yoga, walking and inner focusing
finished off with pampering, all made that much more effective by a setting that
is beautifully bewitching. For the more sedate spa-goer, a full complement of
traditional treatments is offered on the decks or in the rooms or poolside of
the residences.
Asian Health & Beauty Secrets Unveiled At Angsana Spa Double Bay, Sydney
Created from natural ingredients like hibiscus flowers, papayas and jasmine
tea, its enticing menu presents 39 refreshing spa packages, massages, skin
enhancers, facials and special treatments.
Urbanites can look forward to a body holiday treat with spa packages specially
designed to harmonise the mind, body and soul. Angsana recommend:
* Serenity – a sublime experience which starts with the signature Angsana
Massage, which uses palm strokes and thumb pressure to relieve tension and aid
blood circulation.
Next, an enriching Milk & Rice Pouch is kneaded onto the body to nourish the
skin. Finally, a dip in a Cloud 9 bath infused with oatmeal and aromatic oils to
float all tensions away.
* Java Jive – This modern-day adaptation of Javanese Lulur, a beauty secret once
the privilege of royalty, begins with an Indonesian deep tissue massage to
improve energy flow and relax tense muscles.
The royal treatment continues with a purifying Lulur Scrub made from yellow
turmeric and a luxurious Empress Bath steeped in ginseng to revitalise the
senses.
Amongst our range of massages inspired by the ancient remedies of the East,
Angsana recommend:
* Angsana Massage – Created exclusively for Angsana Spa, this signature therapy
uses specially blended Euphoria Oil that combines slow graceful palm strokes and
thumb pressure applied to key body pressure points to relieve tension and aid
blood circulation.
* Ayurvedic Synchrony – Based on the 5,000-year-old Ayurvedic tradition of
healing, two therapists perform this full-body massage in unison, using curative
Sesame Oil to induce deep relaxation and promote immunity.
These nourishing treatments stimulate blood circulation and promote healthy cell
growth. Angsana recommend:
* Tropical Bloom – This gentle scrub made from tropical hibiscus flowers and
papaya is rich in Vitamin C and helps to remove dead surface cells, leaving the
skin soft and smooth.
* Pulp Friction – Specially blended with potato, this body mask has natural
whitening and softening properties to lighten blemishes and purify the skin.
Infused with the goodness of Mother Nature, these beauty potions will bring a
glow to the face and being. Angsana recommend:
* Empress Veil – Watch this nourishing ginseng treatment work its magic on
tired, dull skin as it reduces the appearance of wrinkles and reveals a luminous
complexion.
* Peach Blossom – For a peaches-and-cream complexion, try this facial which uses
peach kernels and pure pearl to liven up dull skin tone, lighten blemishes and
reduce facial discolouration.
Forget crash diets and slimming pills. These body-sculpting treatments will help
spa-goers look and feel good. We recommend:
* Femme Fatale – Your session begins with a massage that works in harmony with a
specially blended toning oil to break up fatty tissues.
|
