Spa Girl loves Spa Cuisine, it doesn’t get any better!

There are many suggestions for living well, and who doesn’t want that! Since 1991, the International SPA Association has been recognized worldwide as the professional organization and voice of the spa industry, representing health and wellness providers in more than 70 countries.

On their website they have a simple formula for living well and it goes like this: get eight hours of sleep, eat and drink healthy organic fruits and veggies and water, exercise, breathe, enjoy nature and beautiful things, nurture your body with a spa visit, learn or teach someone else, volunteer, give back to your community and your Earth, avoid negativity from yourself or from others, and lastly love yourself and others around you.

Great advice!

They also have a wonderful selection of spa foods submitted by ISPA members around the globe. One of my all time favourites is from the Elmwood Spa in Toronto, Canada, http://www.elmwoodspa.com/

Fruit Pasta with Melon Noodles, Lemon Mango Puree, Watermelon Berries, Vanilla Chantilly and Mint.

SERVES 1

30 g Honeydew, Shredded with shredding peeler

30 g Cantaloupe, Shredded with shredding peeler

15 g Watermelon, Melon balled into 5 g balls

15 g Raspberries

15 g Blackberries

25 ml Mango Puree

5 ml Lemon Juice

25 ml Cream 35%

5 ml Vanilla Vodka

2 g Mint

Cut the skin off the melons and use a shredding peeler to make noodles. Using a melon baller scoop out full balls by digging the tool into the melon, when the melon is full of holes scrape away all the pieces of melon and continue making balls. When making the mango puree, combine lemon juice and mango puree and mix well. For the vanilla Chantilly whip cream until it forms soft peaks, add vanilla vodka and mix well.

When plating place the mango puree at the bottom of the plate, place noodles in center. Top with Chantilly and mint. Place berries and melon balls around noodles.

Spa cuisine is all about simply whole fresh foods; check out the other amazing delectable delights.

http://www.experienceispa.com/spa-goers/spa-cuisine/

Spa Girl’s love the idea of inner beauty and overall good health

Major advances in technology have lead to the development of hundreds of different chemical compounds which can be found in everything from the food we eat to the products we use in the home. These man made chemical cocktails when applied to the skin are routinely absorbed into the bloodstream. Good health and inner beauty will be greatly enhanced by going organic and following a few good steps along the way.

Seeking happiness, being positive and knowing how to love and be loved is an ideal path to finding inner peace which is sure to benefit overall health. Beating stress through meditation, going to the spa, massage, reflexology or any of your favourite modalities all help to balance mind and heart.

Breathing is another important step in good health. Without a good supply of oxygen and the release of carbon dioxide all organs suffer including your skin which won’t have that youthful glow if you are not using your lungs to their full capacity. Now you might say we all breath naturally, which is true, but if you ever have the chance to do a workshop on deep breathing you will soon realize most of us use only a small portion of our lungs when breathing. Proper breathing will help deal with feeling of overall tiredness and keep you energized, your complexion will lose that lackluster appearance and you will generally feel better and have overall better health. Taking a few minutes to practice your deep breathing is also a great stress buster.

The next step along the way to inner beauty and overall good health is one we all know—exercise. Having tried and still looking to find that ultimate personal exercise I have been told we should do what we like and what feels good. If it’s a chore it won’t last long! While you are looking for that perfect exercise program, there are many daily forms of exercise we can practice like racking leaves (it’s that time of year), wash the windows, take the steps, park the car a little further away and walk the difference, take the dog for a walk, walk around the block before going to lunch. And by the way rebounding is one of the best forms of exercise and you can do it while watching TV. This list is endless and all adds up to a healthier lifestyle.

I have blogged on the importance of this life-sustaining drink—water—another critical step on the path to good health and inner beauty. Keeping hydrated helps to flush toxins, maintain good skin elasticity, helps with weight loss, keeps the body functioning effectively, regulates temperature, helps lubricate joints and the list goes on and on. And if you add lemon to your water you help improve your metabolism and stimulate liver and kidney function.

Digestion is essential to good health and inner beauty. It’s important to chew your food thoroughly to release the necessary enzymes which break down foods. Eat organic as much as possible, make sure you have a fiber rich diet and remember to savour each bite, and enjoy your meal.

Lastly all Spa Girls will find inner beauty and overall good health if they get enough sleep, which means at least eight hours a day.

Spa Girl say's your beautiful...

Spa Girl recommends Skin Brushing

Lightly brushing your skin can provide many benefits as it is one of the most important organs for detoxification.

Skin brushing helps stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation, helps to remove dead skin cells and encourages new cell growth. It also helps to bring nutrients and oxygen to the upper layers of the skin and tightens the skin.

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels that run throughout the body to help clear away toxins, wastes and infections from the tissues. Skin brushing stimulates the lymphatic system and keeps it healthy and moving toxins out of the body leaving you with a great looking resilient skin.

Take a few minutes each morning to brush your skin, whether it’s before or during your shower, it will stimulate circulation and help you wake up. Starting at your feet use a soft natural bristle brush and sweep up your legs in long, light brisk movements. Then brush from your fingertips to shoulders always moving toward the heart. Circular motions are best for the tummy area and paying special attention to cellulite prone areas (buttocks, hips, and thighs) will have great benefits—as one cause of cellulite is a sluggish lymphatic system.

For more information on the lymphatic system and the benefits of skin brushing check out these sites.

http://www.lymphomation.org/lymphatic.htm

http://www.naturalhealthtechniques.com/healingtechniques/dry_brushing_technique.htm

Spa Girl likes Epsom Salt

For as long as I can remember I have used Epsom salt in my bath. It was a favorite “cure all” of my mothers and now one of my own.  I use salts in my bath, and we all know how much I love a good bath!

Some will be surprised to know that Epsom salt have a wide variety of uses, not only in the spa, but this time-tested mineral compound has hundreds of uses from the kitchen to organic gardening.

The two major components of Epsom salt are magnesium and sulfate which helps improve sleep, relieves tired sore muscles, reduces swelling, eases stress, reduces inflammation, helps to flush toxins and soften the skin, and raises energy levels. It’s also a natural emollient and great skin exfoliator. You can also mix Epsom salt with your hair conditioner to add body to your hair. Not bad for a little salt you add to your bath. In fact the Epsom salt Council (yes there is such an organization) indicates you should soak with Epsom salt at least three times a week to look better and have more energy.

Epsom salt is not expensive and you can buy it in most health food stores, pharmacies or the grocery store. It doesn’t matter which brand you buy, as Epsom salt is Epsom salt.

Here are some other tips from the Epsom salt Council to create an at-home spa:

• Glowing skin exfoliating treatment: Mix 2 cups of Epsom Salt with ¼ cup of petroleum jelly and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Use the mixture to gently scrub away dry skin patches.

• Microdermabrasion Facial: Mix ½ TSP of Epsom Salt into cleansing cream for a deep-pore cleansing. Massage on skin. Rinse with cool water. Pat dry.

• Homemade bath crystals: Mix two cups of Epsom Salt with a few drops of fragrance to create a custom bath crystal. Add a few drops of food coloring or ½ TSP of glycerin if you like. Store in an air-tight container.

http://epsomsaltcouncil.org/

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/use-epsom-salts-13-wonderful-ways.html#

Spa Girl loves a good scalp massage

Hair is a great indicator—healthy hair, healthy body and like the rest of the body it requires a good balance of vitamins and minerals.

Hair is made of keratin, a protein also found in our nails and healthy hair is slightly acidic. Each hair follicle has a sebaceous gland that secretes sebum to keep hair properly lubricated and help protect it. If your hair is on the oily side the sebaceous glands are over producing and sluggish if you have dry hair. Daily brushing or a good scalp massage will help stimulate the sebaceous glands, not to mention that it feels wonderful.

Massaging the scalp with warm oil infused with essential oils is a great way to keep your locks looking great. In addition to feeling great, scalp massages helps to relax the scalp and neck muscles as well as the mind and ultimately the nervous system, ensuring a great sleep. It also helps with circulation and hair growth while nourishing the roots and shafts.

Massage, lets face it--is pure magic!

Jojoba, almond, olive, avocados are all great carrier oils to use for scalp massages, then add essential oils that suit your hair type. Coconut oil can be used for dry or coarse hair. Heat the oil in bowl in a sink of hot water, the oil should be comfortable to the touch, then add a few drops of your selected essential oil and gently work the oil into the scalp adding a little at a time. Leave the oil on for 40 minutes or longer then wash out with a gentle, natural shampoo. You will be delighted!

Essential Oils for Hair Types
Scents have definite links to memory so when selecting which essential oil to use for your hair type, simply smell them all and use the one that smells the best to you.

Normal=eucalyptus, cedarwood, geranium, orange, lavender, rosemary

Oily=basil, bergamot, cedarwood, cypress, grapefruit, lavender, lemon
Dry=frankincense, geranium, lavender, palmarosa, rosemary, sandalwood
Damaged=comfrey, horsetail, lavender, frankincense
Fine=geranium
Dark=rosemary, thyme
Fair=roman chamomile
Grey=sage

Spa Girl’s last blog in the series on what’s in your moisturizer?

This series of blogs has been fun to research and I have learned so much about what to look for in a good moisturizer. As you can see from the chart, here is a great list of all other ingredients that can be found in your moisturizer such as colourants, fragrances, chemicals and preservatives and more.

Avocado, pumpkin seed oil, chlorophyll, chamomile, rose hip and calendula oils all provide natural, nutrient rich colours to your moisturizer and are great for the skin. On the other hand synthetic colours, which are often used to enhance the look of a product, can cause allergic reactions in some people. Some even contain heavy metals which may be carcinogenic so make sure to double check the ingredient list before you buy.

I am not keen to purchase a moisturizer with a heavy fragrance, working in a fragrance-free environment has heighted my senses to intense perfume smells and most fragrances in skin care product are synthetic. If you enjoy a little sent make sure the blends are from natural essential oils which also have the benefit of having therapeutic properties.

Methyl, propyl, butyl and ethyl are all parabens. Parabens are often used for their ability to preserve the shelf life of a product, and prevent bacterial and fungal contamination. Careful research will help you understand which ingredients you should look for when it comes to preservatives as they can be problematic, causing allergic reactions or irritation. I always think less is better when it comes to preservatives.

When selecting a great product I look for it to be certified organic, include all natural ingredients, no synthetics, no pesticides, GMO, or animal testing, cold formulated and if, on top of all of this, the company is also a good community citizen, supporting and giving back, even better!

Spa Girls suggests switching to an organic skin care product, your face and good health will thank you for it.

http://www.natural-skincare-authority.com/cosmetic-toxins.html

http://www.natural-skincare-authority.com/skin_moisturizer.html

http://dermatology.about.com/od/skincareproducts/ss/moist_ingred_5.htm

Spa Girl says check out Thai Herbal Massage lukprakob

Herbs, aromatherapy and natural medicines have long intrigued me. This is not to say I am opposed to traditional medicine, but when a forward thinking institution employs both, especially in western society, I am really impressed.

Herbs are an important part of many cultures including Thailand. Used to both enhance the flavours of food and as an essential part of Thai medicine to energize and balance the body one of the most interesting uses of herbs is found in Thai herbal massage.

Thai herbal massage incorporates a customized blend of Thai herbs bundled in muslin which are placed over steam, releasing the aromatic and therapeutic properties. Applied to the skin along with herbal massage oils, this massage stimulates the respiratory system while relieving tension and soreness for a relaxing and soothing experience. Thai herb bundles, known as lukprakob, incorporate a number of herbs such as: Aromatic Salisb, Derris Scandens Benth, Zingiber cassumunar, Cassumunar, Camphor, Borneo camphor, Cinnamon, Citronella, Cryptolepis buchannai roem, Curcuma aromatica salisb, Galangal, Lemon Grass, Kaffir lime, Leech lime, Wild Lime, Menthol, Patchouli, Prai Ginger, Tamarind leaves, and Turmeric oil.

It is thought that herbal massage was first introduced into Thailand by monks from India who established the first Buddhist monasteries around 200 B.C. However others believe it originated from rural folk medicine passed from generation to generation by word of mouth. Whatever it’s true origin, Thai herbal massage has retained its popularity and is now being offered in many spas outside of Thailand.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO7VmHkRy9g&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlX2h4uEuTw&feature=related

Spa Girl asks “What’s in your Moisturizer”?

Since I love to try out many different types of skin care products—although I do prefer natural/organic blends—I thought it was important to know more about them. Knowing the various ingredients and how they help, or hinter, will definitely help to narrow down the selection of a product that is good for you.

First and foremost to maintain healthy, youthful skin you must have a good cleansing and moisturizing regime. Cleansing not only removes airborne dirt and grime, but cleans away make up and dead skin cells. Cleansing can dry out the skin so it is important to follow up with a good moisturizer which will protect the skin and help it from becoming dry and flakey.

So what is in your moisturizer? In a previous blog I discussed humectants which have properties which help retain moisture, now what about emollients?

Emollients are the oily or fatty part of the moisturizer which prevent dryness and help to soften the skin. They are apart of your moisturizer that when applied remain in the stratum corneum and act as a lubricant.

The stratum corneum is the outermost of the 5 layers of the epidermis and is largely responsible for the vital barrier function of the skin. Before the mid-1970's the stratum corneum was thought to be biologically inert, like a thin plastic sheet protecting the more active lower layers of the skin. In the past 30 years, and especially the past 5 years, scientists have discovered that the biological and chemical activity of the stratum corneum is very intricate and complex. Understanding the structure and function of the stratum corneum is vital because it is the key to healthy skin and its associated attractive appearance.

Plant oils and butters are natural emollients which are also biodegradable and readily absorbed and utilized by the skin. These are the best ingredients to look for in a good moisturizer. Many skin care products however use synthetic emollients because they are not as expensive, these can include mineral oils, paraffin wax and petrolatum based ingredients. Mineral oils however simply coat the skin and can cause irritation as they don’t allow the skin to breathe properly. Silicones such as methicone and dimethicone are other synthetic emollients which can also inhibit the skin’s ability to release toxins and are non-biodegradable.

Everyone loves great looking skin which has a lovely glow to it, so when selecting your moisturizer look at the ingredient list and make sure the section on emollients are going to work for you.

http://dermatology.about.com/od/glossarye/g/emollient.htm

http://dermatology.about.com/od/skincareproducts/ss/moist_ingred.htm

Spa Girl asks French Pedicure or not?

I have written a few blogs on the importance of paying attention to your feet, including my all time favourite on “fishy pedicures”.

Having a pedicure has to be one of the most relaxing, and healthy spa treatments there is. Soaking away your aches and pains in warm water enhanced with sea salts or sea weed, care and attention to your nails, calluses and the likes, and a soothing foot massage using a multitude of scrubs and heavenly creams. But when it comes to selecting a polish, there seems to be a great debate—French pedicure or not!

The French pedicure has been around for a long time. Its history dates back to the late 1800’s in Paris. It became extremely popular in the 1920’s and 1930’s. For more than a century now, this fashion statement had stood the test of time and is still a favorite for women all over the world—including myself.

Since I was a child I have had my toes painted in every colour under the rainbow. Several years ago when my nails were looking yellow and dull from all the chemicals found in several highly coloured polishes I decided to spend the time to refurbish them with a French pedicure and I have never looked back. I love the clean, and frankly very sexy look, but it is the simplicity of this style that continues to win me over.

I am however very fussy about my foot care treatment and insist that my nails are cut short, they are after all toes. I also make sure the spa and all the tools are clean. There are many health benefits to looking after your feet as fungi and germs will be eliminated during this treatment not to mention the importance of buffing down calluses and sloughing away the dead skin. I also love to add a hot oil paraffin wax treatment which helps smooth rough skin and leaves my feet feeling like silk. The warm paraffin was also stimulates circulation and promotes healthy growth of nails.

Selecting a polish is a very personal choice which can be influenced by the fashion industry; age (got to loves those blues, purples and blacks); and popular culture. However the most important thing about your choice of polish is that when you look down, you love the look of your healthy well manicured feet.

Here are some links to Spa Girl's suggestions for great feet!

http://spagirl007.blogspot.com/2010/03/spa-girl-pedicures-willow-stream-check.html

http://spagirl007.blogspot.com/2010/01/spa-girlhard-as-nails.html

http://spagirl007.blogspot.com/2009/09/spa-girl-says-pay-attention-to-your.html

http://spagirl007.blogspot.com/2009/09/spa-girl-loves-her-pedicures-but-are.html

Spa Girl thinks about Humectants…

Emollients, humectants, detergents, colourants, fragrance, preservatives, parabens, lanolin, talc, do you know what’s in your skin cream?

I attempt to use primarily organic skin care products and have done so for several years now. Cleansing the skin of chemically based products can take several weeks, but you will see a visible difference in your skin once you go green!

Truly organic formulations will contain plant-based oils, waxes, essentials oils and nothing more. Water is the main ingredient found in most skin care products, but water based products do require preservatives.

Skin creams are designed to keep your skin moist; therefore they must have humectants properties. So what are humectants? Collagen, elastin and keratin usually sourced from animals are widely used humectants that help draw and hold onto moisture. Glycerin and lecithin on the other hand are natural plant based humectants. Glycerin is a by product of the soap-making process and lecithin is a natural phospholipids. These natural phospholipids don’t built up on the skin and allow it to breathe. There are synthetic humectants, such as propylene glycol, but they can cause skin irritation.

The skin is a complicated structure with many functions, knowing its composition and knowing your skin care products is essential in taking care of your skin.

Check out this site for some great information.

http://dermatology.about.com/od/glossaryh/g/humectant.htm

Spa Girl is off to the Beach!

Spa Girls Friend sets sail on the Queen Mary 2

I have a friend who shares many of my own passions. When I first launched Spa Girl blog she dropped off a big silver bucket of spa goodies. Imagination and friendship are wonderful gifts.

http://spagirl007.blogspot.com/2009/09/spa-girl-says-great-big-thank-you.html

Well this same friend just sailed on the Queen Mary 2 and sent me a big package of goodies, including information on the amazing 20,000 square-foot spa on the QM2.

Canyon Ranch SpaClub® on Queen Mary 2 is an expansive, beautifully appointed spa that travels with you to exotic ports of call. Wherever you are in the world, you can enjoy the best pampering spa treatments, rejuvenating body rituals and personalized fitness training.

Choose from endless possibilities for relaxation and healthy living, including signature Canyon Ranch services that reflect our emphasis on wellness. Learn about healthy living and savor Canyon Ranch resort's award-winning spa cuisine at lunch and dinner in the Britannia Restaurant.

For those who read Spa Girl on a regular basis you will know I am a big fan of Canyon Ranch Spas, not only for the treatments they offer, their stunning architecture and attention to detail, but their amazing spa cuisine!

http://www.canyonranch.com/community_connection/recipes/

http://spagirl007.blogspot.com/2009/10/spa-girls-says-take-little-time-to_07.html

The Spa on the QM2 offers a full range of rejuvenating Aqua Therapies such as a thalassotherapy pool, neck fountains, waterfall, whirlpool, herbal and Finnish saunas and aromatic steam room. Definitely to do's before your spa treatment or after a good work out in the fitness centre on your own or in one of many classes offered-- yoga to aerobics, Pilates to indoor cycling!

After your spa treatment or workout you can join Canyon Ranch chefs for a signature Canyon Ranch dinner held in the Chef’s Galley Demonstration Kitchen. You learn how dishes are prepared, their nutritional value, and watch a live cooking demonstration – then of course you get to enjoy the delicious result.

It’s like several divine holidays all rolled into one heavenly ocean liner. Thanks for the virtual holiday Indigo!

http://www.canyonranchspaclub.com/queen_mary_2/

Spa Girl loves a Strawberry facial

I don’t have a big garden, but almost everything in it you can eat, from tomatoes to eatable flowers. This year I have an abundance of strawberries, which I eat on my cereal or as a treat with my yogurt.

Strawberries are well known for their medicinal properties and have also been used in face products, particularly in face washes and facial masks. History has it that the Romans prized wild strawberries for their curative qualities and with more vitamin C than other citrus fruit (like all foods rich in C) they may even lower cancers of the gastrointestinal tract—according to the American Cancer Society.

The salicylic acid and antioxidants found in strawberries, if used in a facial, help reduce pore size, exfoliates the skin removing dead cells, and makes your skin brighter and shinier. As well, strawberries reduce facial redness and swelling and enable the skin to absorb more moisture. And best of all the antioxidants help to repair damaged skin and counteract the effects of age--and who doesn't like that!

The largest organ of the body, your skin produces millions of new cells every day and fully regenerates itself every 30 to 40 days. As we get older this rejuvenating process slows down. Applying a strawberry facial helps your skin to weather the aging process, but like all skin routines, you have to be consistent.

In addition to the strawberries other natural ingredients used in facial masks such as honey, brown sugar, finely ground oats, essential oils, heavy cream, plain yogurt, eggs whites and lemon juice lend their own natural healing properties. Check out my blog from Cardboard to Face, Works for Me…http://spagirl007.blogspot.com/2009/12/spa-girl-says-cupboard-to-face-works.html

Generally your esthetician will recommend that you apply a facial mask once a week in order to keep the skin soft and glowing.

Here are some great recipes for strawberry facials:

• Mash or puree 1/2 cup of ripe strawberries, add two teaspoons of heavy cream (or yogurt) and 1 tsp of honey. Apply to face avoiding the lips and eyes. Leave mask on for 15 minutes then wash off with warm water and pat dry. If you have an allergy to strawberries, try a small text spot to make sure you don’t react!

• Mash together ½ cup fresh strawberries, 1 tablespoon milk and 1 tablespoon of rice flour or cornstarch to make a smooth paste. Apply to face and neck and leave mask for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water and pat dry.

• If your skin is looking dull and dry, mash together 1/c cup of fresh strawberries with 1 tsp of brown sugar. Gently rub the mixture into your skin with your fingertips, and leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water and pat dry.

• If you skin is oil,y puree a cup of ripe strawberries with 1 tsp. of lemon juice, 2 egg whites and several teaspoons of honey. Leave it on for 15 minutes then rinse off with warm water and pat dry.

For some great strawberry facials and how to videos Spa Girl says check these sites out:

http://www.natural-homeremedies-for-life.com/strawberry-facial-mask.html

http://www.ehow.com/video_4988599_homemade-strawberry-facial-masks.html

Spa Girl loves a good scrub!

I love making my own spa products and anything that ends in a hot bath works for me! Salt scrubs can be expensive, so I generally make my own. I also enjoy a spa treatment with a Vichy shower, definitely not as much work, and very relaxing.

I always use salts from the Dead Sea and combine them with one of my favourite carrier oils, sweet almond and avocado are my favourite, but you should select one that suits you. Carrier oils offer different therapeutic properties and characteristics and should be selected based on the benefit you want to achieve.

Here is a basic receipt to make your own scrub, but experiment and have some fun.

• ½ cup of sweet almond oil—or your preferred choice
• 
  
  1 cup Dead Sea salts—don’t use table salt, but you can substitute sugar instead of salt
• 
  
  8 drops of your favourite essential oil, or a preferred blend—as you know I love lavender and rosemary 

Mix the oil thoroughly into the salt until moist, then add your essential oils and combine. Sit on the edge of your bath, moisten your legs and apply the salt scrub in a gentle circular motion and move up your body. You might want help for your back. Shower off.

Once a week salt scrubs exfoliate layers of dead cells and help to keep your skin healthy and beautiful. Enjoy Spa Girls...

Spa Girl discovers Ortho-Bionomy

Yesterday was a glorious summer day and a group of friends I have known for a long time all gathered to walk in the Relay for Life to raise money for cancer research. We all have been affected by cancer in one way or another, so helping to raise money to find a cure is so important.

Throughout the park there were the tents for all the team members to relax and get out of the sun, many had not only decorated there tents, but dressed for the occasion in all kinds of fun and funky outfits. There were also several food concessions and water stands a fitness tent and low and behold a massage therapists tent. Don’t you just love it when you least expect it, the spa girls are out and about!

Well as you know I cannot resist a good massage, so I booked myself in and ended up with a lovely woman who offered a variety of modalities. I decided to try an Ortho-Bionomy massage as I had never had one before.

The therapists told me Ortho-Bionomy was developed by a Dr. Arthur Lincoin Pauls, a British osteopath who wanted to work with the body in such a way that honoured its inherent wisdom. He found through his osteopathically-based work that by exaggerating the body’s preferred postures permitted the body to find its own balance and to heal itself. On further research Dr. Pauls began teaching Ortho-Bionomy in the US in 1976, and has also taught extensively throughout Europe.

Ortho-Bionomy is a gentle, non-invasive, osteopathically-based form of body therapy which is highly effective in working with chronic stress, injuries and pains or problems associated with postural and structural imbalances. The practitioner uses gentle movements and positions of the body to facilitate the change of stress and pain patterns. A strong focus is placed on the comfort of the individual, no forceful manipulations are used. The practitioner also suggests home exercises that individuals can do to further facilitate the neuromuscular re-education process begun in the session. Ortho-Bionomy is very effective in helping alleviate both acute and chronic pain and stress patterns by reducing chronic muscle tension, soothing the joints, increasing flexibility, improving circulation, and relaxing the entire body.

The term "Ortho-Bionomy" comes from "ortho" meaning correct or straight, "bio" meaning life, and "nomy" meaning the laws of or study of. Dr. Pauls defined the term then as "the correct application of the laws of life." He stated "[Ortho-Bionomy] is really about understanding your whole life cycle. Naturally, we focus on the structure because that is the literal skeleton upon which our life is built. When your structure works right, your circulation works better, you feel better, you think better." (Kain and Berns, 1992)

As the massage therapist gently worked on me I felt an incredible heat, which she said was my own body healing itself. She used gentle compressions to find which way my body wanted to move and then held that position for a while before moving on to another location. Ortho-Bionomy is used to stimulate inner awareness and to awaken our natural balance and well-being both physically and emotionally.


All the while I was lying on a table, the sun splashing through an oak tree we were located under, and a lovely summer breeze blowing the sheets. It was heavenly, and when I closed my eyes I could picture being at the beach with the waves rolling in, the warm wind blowing and the most relaxed feeling coming over me.

Enjoying a fabulous summer day with good friends, raising money for cancer research and discovering Ortho-Bionomy, I’d say it was a pretty darn good day.

If you would like more information on Ortho-Bionomy check out these sites:

http://www.ortho-bionomy.org/

http://www.shareguide.com/bionomy.html

http://espanol.video.yahoo.com/watch/7278270/18988814

Spa Girl asks... What's a Sun Goddess to do?

Its pouring rain and cold and all I can think about is summer! But what’s a sun goddess to do when relaxing (OK tanning) is not the best way to take care of your skin? Summer wardrobes definitely need to be seen with a little sun-kissed glow so Spa Girl went on the hunt for the best way to achieve that “I’ve been to the beach” look.

I’ve decided given all my research tanning beds are definitely out, as is sitting in the sun for extended periods of time without a really good sun block. Like so many other sun goddesses, I have become very interested in self-tanning products. But what are they and are they safe?

Remember QT a “Quick Tan” product introduced in the 1960’s by Coppertone. I know, I date myself, but I do remember using this product; oh my, tinted palms, streaking and let’s face it a rather fake-looking orange tan. But self-tanning products have come a long way.

"They're easier to use than ever, the color appears more natural, and some lotions even contain sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF)," says Stanley B. Levy, MD, adjunct clinical professor of dermatology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill.

Self-tanning products work by temporarily dyeing the surface of the skin, this happens because of a chemical reaction with amino acids found in the skins surface cells. These products to not damage the skin as they only affect the outermost cells of the epidermis. Dihydroxyacetone or DHA, also known as glycerine, used in these self-tanning products, is a simple carbohydrate derived from plant sources. Once applied the tan accelerates over two to four hours and will continue to darken for 24 to 72 hours, depending on the formulation type. Your tan will fade gradually over 3 to 10 days, in conjunction with the skin's normal exfoliation process unless you reapply.

The Skin Caner Foundation cautions...

Don't be misled when products sound like self-tanning lotions — "Tanning amplifiers," "tan accelerators," "tanning promoters," "tanning enhancers," and worst of all, "tanning pills." Many of the products interact with the sun to create the tan, so they actually end up accentuating the damage done to the skin. The pills — which are commercially banned in the U.S. — are the worst.

“Read the ingredients on the label of all these products carefully," says Dr. Levy. "Unless their active ingredient is DHA, they're not bona fide sunless tanners, and they could very well be harmful for your skin."

DHA was permanently added to the list of approved cosmetic ingredient in the 1970’s by the United States Food and Drug Administration, the Canadian Health Ministry, and most of the EU member nations. Dihydrozyacetone is the main ingredient in all sunless tanning products with concentrations ranging from 1% to 15%. Most products offer self-tanning formulation ranges from light to dark, the higher the percentage the darker the tan. I recommend starting off with lighter formulation as the darker products can produce an uneven look to your tan.

DHA-based sunless tanning has been recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation, American Academy of Dermatology Association, Canadian Dermatology Association and the American Medical Association. Those are pretty darn good recommendations!

Make sure you check out all the additional information about self-tanning products, there proper use and precautions at:

http://www.bing.com/reference/semhtml/?title=Dihydroxyacetone&src=abop&fwd=1&qpvt=dihydroxyacetone&q=dihydroxyacetone

www.dermnetnz.org/treatments/pdf/dihydroxyacetone-dermnetnz.pdf

http://www.sunless.com/help/faq.php

Spa Girl loves her Friends!

Several friends recently got together to form a Healing Kiva to study Autogenics, Tibetan bowl mediation and to do some Reiki work—all in the name of relaxation and sustained health. A traditional Kiva was a square-walled subterranean room utilized for cultural and spiritual purposes by ancient peoples of the American southwest; echoing in a way, contemporary spas of today.

Bringing a group of friends together to share such an adventure is definitely empowering! The collective energy and excitement, perhaps even bewilderment of learning, trusting in each other and sharing is remarkable.

Our coach explained her own healing path and the study of several modalities, specifically of Autogenics.

Autogenics requires time and discipline to learn, unlike progressive muscle relaxation, which is a simple and easily learned technique. Like mediation, which I still find difficult, it will be interesting to see if over the next eight weeks I can calm my mind and relax my body in order to appreciate the many benefits of Autogenics. I can only anticipate how good it would feel to be able to take time prior to a massage to coach myself into a state of relaxation in order to truly benefit from the massage work.

Autogenics is a relaxation technique involving a series of attention-focusing exercises designed to induce relaxation and enhance the body’s self-healing powers. Similar to self-hypnosis and meditation its purpose is to enable people to learn how to put themselves in a relaxed state releasing muscle tension and dealing with anxiety without the need of a trainer or therapists.

Autogenic training evolved out of the research of Brain physiologist Oskar Vogt in the 1880’s at the Berlin Neuro Biological Institute. His work provided the inspiration for Johannes Schultz, a Berlin psychiatrist and neurologist to investigate the therapeutic potential of auto-hypnosis exercises from which autogenic training emerged.

There is a wealth of research data available on the therapeutic applications of Autogenics. Many studies relating to autogenic training also refer to Biofeedback which is a system created out of autogenic training methods incorporating the use of electrical equipment designed to monitor stress levels through respiration rates, skin temperature and blood flow.

Only one other time have I had a massage when I was totally relaxed and truly understood the amazing benefits of body work, it was after a Watsu session. Usually I have a massage in order to chill out! I wrote about it on my blog: http://spagirl007.blogspot.com/2009/11/spa-girl-says-watsu-is-massage-magic.html

Spa Girl loves her friends and the many luxuries they bring to her life! For more information on Autogenics check out these sites:

http://www.guidetopsychology.com/autogen.htm

http://www.gracehypnosis.com/autogenics.html

Spa Girl is a big fan of aromatherapy and phytotherapy!

It is always difficult to decide what skin care products to use, and with so many choices you just need to keep experimenting until you find the ones that suite you the best. I am a big fan of aromatherapy and phytotherapy (the study of the use of extracts from natural origin as medicines or health-promoting agents). So I tend to look for product and treatments that are derived from natural sources; thus my love for seaweed baths, salt rubs and anything with essential oils.

In 1954 a young couple interested in botany, aromatherapy and phytotherapy worked with a number of experts and founded a family owned business now world famous—Yonka Paris. Interested in treating problems by natural means the foundation of Yonka’s skincare products are five essential oils derived from the Mediterranean region, many of which are my all time favourites—lavender, geranium, rosemary, thyme and cypress. Yonka indicates that their products incorporate “plant, flower and fruit nutrients and natural properties at their highest levels of purity and potency to create the most refined and customized skin care products”.

The Yonka collection of therapeutic skin care products address a number of skin imbalances including: tightness and flakiness; dullness; excess shine and blemishes of oily skin; acne as well as loss of essential moisture, typical of dehydrated skin. Yonka products also deal with the onset of premature aging - wrinkles, loss of firmness, tired features, hyper-pigmentation, sun damage, loss of vitality and radiance. In addition to specialized facial care, the collection includes eye and lip care to deal with lack of tone, resilience and nourishment, crow's feet, expression lines and puffiness.

I live in a semi-arid climate and prone to dehydrated skin, especially on my forehead, so I use a Yonka’s MASQUE N°1 Intense moisture with imperata cylindrica extracts for all skin types which leaves my skin smooth and soft and well moisturized, it also smells heavenly.

This gel-cream mask with delicate natural scent of flowers delivers both immediate and continuous, intensive hydration to the upper layers of the epidermis: + 54% after 1 hour, + 96% after 8 hours. Smoothes the skin’s surface and reduces fine lines, leaves skin softer and firmer, helps the skin fight free radicals - factors contributing to ageing and irritation. The mask contains Imperata cylindrica, aloe barbadensis, jojoba, sandal, barley, silicon derivative, bacopa monniera, vitamins A, B5, C and E, Essential Oil of rose, jasmine and shiu.

For more information on Yonka’s history and products Spa Girl says check them out: http://www.yonka.com/anglais/laboratoire.asp

Spa Girl says check out Sparkling Hill in Beautiful British Columbia

Sparkling Hill a stunning new hotel and spa located in the interior of British Columbia  intends on becoming a premier international destination for European style wellness holidays.

http://www.sparklinghill.com/

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/travel/sparkling-hill-resort-offers-okanagan-oasis/article1577441/

Spa Girl says Art, Lobsters and Spa’s are a nice treat in St John’s

I was in St John’s Newfoundland this past week for a museums conference which very nicely coincided with the opening of lobster season. What a delight to see so many friends and colleagues and travel around Newfoundland visiting the many rich historic sites.

I also had the opportunity to attend my first opening at The Rooms, Newfoundland and Labrador's newest cultural space dedicated to the holdings of the Provincial Archives, Art Gallery and Museum. The Rooms was opening a very timely show, the Canadian Premier of Oil, a hauntingly beautiful photo-based exhibition of the work of renowned Canadian artist Edward Burtynsky. http://www.edwardburtynsky.com/

Newfoundland has gone from a “have not” province to a “have” province for the first time in its history since joining confederation because of its oil drilling, primarily from Hibernia, a massive rig located about 180 miles east of St. John's in the Atlantic. One of our visits was to the Geo Centre which had an interesting exhibit on oil including a scale model of Hibernia, which is massive!

The completed platform was towed to the Hibernia oil field and positioned on the ocean floor in June of 1997 and began producing oil on November 17, 1997. The platform stands 224 metres high, which is half the height of New York's Empire State Building (449 metres) and 33 metres taller than the Calgary Tower (191 metres).

With all the recent news in the Gulf one hopes Hibernia located in “iceberg alley” with all its safeguards, including a special technological design to manage and reduce ice risk, will be incident free.


For me however, excitement and kudos goes to Newfoundland for all those majestic wind turbines.

Canada is a big country with multiple time zones and when you fly from coast to coast and your body doesn’t know what time zone it’s in there is no better remedy than heading to the spa.

Unlike past travel itinerary’s when I could easily be called a travel masochist, arriving one minute and in a lecture the next; now I carefully plan to take the time to acclimatize before tackling a conference.

So I booked myself into the Rosewood Spa located in the Sheraton on Cavendish Square for a 3.5 hour Spa Getaway package. It included all my favorites, a relaxation massage and facial with a pedicure. Since I had just had a pedicure the Spa graciously let me select another treatment and I opted for a French manicure that came with a paraffin hand treatment. It was a lovely afternoon, which included a light lunch, and the spa was most accommodating. The Rosewood was a busy place, so make sure to book early or try their second location in the Waterford Manor. http://rosewooddayspa.ca/

If your from "Away" here is more on Newfoundland and Labrador...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newfoundland_and_Labrador

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2008/11/03/have-not.html#ixzz0o88hnGqT

Spa Girls says she couldn’t resist the silver lining!

While thousands have been stranded around the globe due to the volcanic eruption in Iceland, Spa Girl couldn’t resist the silver lining!

While airlines indeed are suffering in an already shaky economy, and travelers world-wide have had their plans disturbed, many in the UK were delighted with the peace and quiet that came with Heathrow being shut down.

Iceland urged its stranded visitors to take a free dip in its thermal pools where temperatures range from 29 to 42C.

"We have bubbling hot waters, spas, saunas and heated water pools to swim in," said Svanhildur Konradsdottir, chairwoman of the Icelandic Tourist Council.

And with unique anti-inflammatory properties, volcanic ash clay, nature's best kept secret to flawless skin, is quickly become the hit of the day.

Volcanic ash clay has been embraced throughout history for its extraordinary health and cosmetic benefits. Ancient tribes of central Africa, North American Indians, and the spiritual leader Mahatma Gandhi all praised clay for a multitude of uses. Even Cleopatra made volcanic ash clay a part of her daily beauty regimen.

Volcanic ash clay has been praised for its ability to dramatically improve problem skin as it helps sooth away troubled spots, and brightens and smoothes the skins appearance. It also helps reduce the accumulation of dead skin cells and airborne impurities that can clog pores. Known for its ability to draw out trapped impurities and toxins and for its gentle nature, those who have used volcanic ash clay rave about it.

Clay Essentials states,

“When applied to the skin's surface, this soothing clay lifts, firms and exfoliates, resulting in a revitalized and more youthful looking complexion. The powerful cleansing and absorptive properties of Volcanic Ash Clay make it a highly sought after solution for blemishes, cellulite, sun damage, stretch marks, wrinkles and more”.

Clay Essentials tells the story that long ago, the earth bore one of its most precious gifts to mankind. Erupting volcanoes sent showers of powdery ash into the sky, which drifted throughout the world, settled to the ground and became drenched with the falling rain. The fusion of volcanic ash and water created a mineral-rich substance that remained there for an untold number of years until man discovered that this substance, Volcanic Ash Clay, held the key to cleansing, beautifying, and purifying the human body.

So remember Spa Girls, every cloud has a silver lining, Iceland is helping to keep us stocked up on volcanic ash clay for centuries to come!

For more information: http://www.amazingclay.com/