A Guide On Spa Etiquette by: Chris Turley

After a week of endless work, crazy traffic jams and a few relationship misunderstandings here and there, your stress level is probably about to hit an all time high. Fortunately, a place called the spa has been invented to help you keep what's little left of your sanity. Needless to say, a trip to a nice spa can make a hell week heavenly.

To help you make the most out of your spa experience, here are some spa etiquette tips to follow:

- Don't be late for your appointment. Being late means you don't have respect for another person's time. But aside from being impolite, it also means you won't have enough time to relax or spend at the sauna or steam bath. Having sufficient time to relax before your massage session is vital in getting the most out of your spa experience.

- Before you arrive at the spa center, be sure to turn your cellular phone off or put it in silent mode so as not to bother other spa clients who just like you are craving for some quiet time. When you're in a spa, there is nothing more annoying than having your peaceful beauty rest disturbed by a loud silly ringtone.

- Discuss with the therapist and the spa center staff any issues that you may have. If you prefer a female therapist, or if you're not comfortable being massaged in nude, don't hesitate to tell them. Also, feel free to talk to them about preferences that you may have like type of music, lighting, room temperature or amount of massage pressure.

- Leave valuables at home. Even if most spas have lockers with lock, it's still safer not to bring any valuables when you get a spa treatment.

- Use the spa facilities with care. Be sure to ask for assistance in case you don't know how to operate any facility. There is nothing embarrassing in asking.

- If you're scheduled for several treatments, have the massage prior to the facial but the body treatment should go first before the massage.

- It's all right to have a chat with your therapist but don't feel obliged to do so if you prefer to some quiet time during the treatment.

- The therapist will give you ample time to rest and cool down after the massage session but it doesn't mean that it is okay to take a whole afternoon nap. Just spend a few minutes to cool yourself down and give yourself time to reenergize.

- Don't forget to give a 15% tip to your massage therapist. Be sure to let him or her know if you are pleased with the service. Show appreciation by recommending the therapist to your family and friends who are also massage aficionados.

Spa experiences are truly heavenly. With the peaceful ambience, sensual aroma and the pleasurable treatments available, it surely is nice to give yourself a break by visiting a spa. Indeed, there's no better way to reward yourself after working so hard and subjecting yourself to the rigorous and exhausting demands of your daily life. 

 

Yin And Yang In Traditional Chinese Medicine

The Yin-Yang symbol is a results of the Chinese Philosophy with regard to how the universe functions. The black and white shapes within the circle signify the interaction of two energies called "Yin" and "Yang"; they are not fully black or white nor can they exist without each other. The curve of the symbol reminds us of the fixed change of stability between yin and yang, which symbolize all the opposite rules one finds in the universe.

The Yellow Emperor mentioned, ''The principle of Yin and Yang is the muse of your entire universe. It underlies every part in creation."

Meridian Therapy

The human body is sustained by Life force energy which is referred to as Chi in Chinese medicine and Prana in Indian Medicine. This energy which has Electro-magnetic characteristics travels through the Meridian pathways inside the physical elements of the body and feeds all the main organs, glands and ultimately every muscle, nerve, tissue and cell.

The Meridian system comprises of twelve principle meridians which act like distribution paths for the energy and eight meridians which act like vessels to store the energy inside the body.

The Chakra and the Meridian system are linked thus forming a distribution network for the Life force energy and it is this complex system of energy transfer and distribution on which Meridian therapy is based.

Interview with Agustina Caminos, Spa Director at Faena Hotel + Universe, Buenos Aires

On my quest to discover wellness in Latin America I have visited Faena Hotel and Spa located in the heart of Puerto Madero, the upscale neighborhood of Buenos Aires. Faena Hotel was designed by the famous architect Philippe Starck, who really did do justice to his talent with this project; thus, it is no surprise that Faena joined the team of the Leading Hotels of the World. The Spa however was a real joy to see. Fully equipped and perfectly maintained treatment rooms and relaxation areas ease your mind from the moment you enter. Illumination is low and soothing and there is aromatherapy in every corner of the Spa and Hotel facilities, as to the rest, find out from the Spa’s General Manager herself, Ms. Agustina Caminos:

Pranic Healing

Pranic Healing^® is a highly evolved and tested system of energy medicine developed by Grand Master Choa Kok Sui that utilizes prana to balance, harmonize and transform the body's energy processes. Prana is a Sanskrit word that means life-force. This invisible bio-energy or vital energy keeps the body alive and maintains a state of good health. In acupuncture, the Chinese refer to this subtle energy as Chi. 

Pranic Healing^® is a simple yet powerful & effective system of no-touch energy healing. It is based on the fundamental principles that the body is a self-repairingliving entity that possesses the ability to heal itself and that the healing process is accelerated by increasing this life force that is readily available from the sun, air and ground to address physical & emotional imbalances. Master Choa Kok Sui says "Life Energy or prana is all around us. It is pervasive; we are actually in an ocean of Life Energy. Based on this principle, a healer can draw in Pranic Energy or Life Energy from the surroundings."

Crystal Healing

Crystals have a long tradition of being used for healing. Each variety of crystal has a unique internal structure, which causes it to resonate at a certain frequency. It is this resonance that is said to give crystals their healing abilities. Applying this resonance in a coherent way can help to restore stability and balance to the bodies energy systems, stimulating the body's natural healing mechanisms.

Crystal therapy is a gentle non-invasive form of healing that works holistically to harmonize the mind, body, emotions and spirit, helping to increase our feeling of well-being, neutralize negativity, lift depression and to help us to become integrated, whole beings.

When the stones are placed in the area of the chakras, the color of the stones should correspond to the colour which is associated with the corresponding chakra. Going from the tail bone to the top of the head, the colours are red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet.

Cymathic Therapy

Cymatic Therapy is the science of sound and vibrational healing. This therapy is dedicated to restoring optimal health and balance to the body through non-invasive sound techniques.

Since ancient times, sound has been used to stimulate healing in body, mind and soul. Pythagoras, the sixth-century B.C. Greek philosopher, is credited with being the first to use music to heal the body and the emotions. The belief that sound can support healing has been an integral part of many of the world's cultures, from the most ancient Hindu mantra practice to the rituals of Chinese healers, South American shamans and Sufi mystics.

Cymatic therapy is a computerized form of combined sound and magnetic therapy applied directly to the body. It uses subtle audible sounds that simultaneously works on an energetic and physical level. Cymatherapy supports the body’s natural ability to heal itself by providing precise combinations of frequencies that are associated with healthy tissue and organ systems. Cymatherapy assists your body to provide itself with effective and gentle relief for stress, injury, chronic pain and many other conditions.

For more information you can check out Cymatherapy and Cymathictherapy.