Thai Spa Massages

Thai massages are one of the hottest “new” massages available in spas around the world, but they are well known in the far east as they originated in India where they were developed by Buddhist monks and introduced in Thailand over 2,500 years ago. Known for their healing and relaxing powers, Thai massages are based on Ayurveda and Yoga and use passive stretching and gentle pressure along the body’s energy lines, known as “Sen” to increase flexibility, relieve muscle and joint tension and balance the body’s energy systems. The intention of the massage is to guide the body, mind, and spirit into balance and harmony, providing an opportunity for self-healing.

Unlike many other well known massages, the Thai massage is practiced when you are fully dressed and many spas even provide you with a specific outfit to wear. You start by laying on your back, and the therapist uses gentle compression and stretching techniques to open up your body, beginning with you feet. The therapist literally uses her whole body, including her feet, to move your body into various positions, so in some ways it feels intimate, but it is by no means to be confused with sensual or sexual massages. Thai massages originated from spiritual tradition and their purpose is to heal physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Natural Fresh Fruit Skincare by Fresh Body Market

Fresh Body Market delivers delicious, all natural body care products by using real fruits and vegetables, rather than extracts. This Strawberry Milk Lotion is made with organic coconut milk and shea butter. Organic coconut milk contains Vitamin A, B and C and not only softens the skin but it also nourishes and moisturizes with its anti-aging properties. When used often, coconut milk removes dead skin cells and strengthens the underlying connective tissues. In addition, shea butter contains Vitamins A, E and F which further help to keep your skin clear, healthy and moisturized. The lotion is priced at $6 for 8 oz and you can buy it here at their official website. 

Destination Spa: Holistic Spa, Kamalaya Koh Samui, Thailand

The Asian Spa Awards for 2008, which are in their fourth year of celebrating and are organized by AsiaSpa magazine were held in Hong Kong in the middle of this month. Not surprisingly, Thailand took most of the awards for best spas which are judged in terms of innovation and quality by 29 independent judges. For Destination Spa of the Year, the award went to the Holistic Spa at the Kamalaya resort on the island of Koh Samui in Thailand. The resort itself is a true magical sanctuary which is centered around a monk’s cave that once served Buddhist monks as a place of meditation and spiritual retreat. Koh Samui is the third largest island in Thailand and it is known as the “island of the coconuts.”

The Holistic Spa combines authentic ancient healing traditions with contemporary therapies and offers diverse range of holistic therapies, therapeutic body treatments, restorative massages, and nurturing body treatments. Whether you chose a private setting in a room with your loved one enjoying a relaxing spa treatment followed by a private sunset dinner in this paradise or you chose one of the many ancient therapies like Reiki, Sound Healing or indulge in an exotic spa treatments like Jewel of the Orient, Herbal Steam or Lotus Realm, who will surely feel in heaven. You can learn more about the resort and the Holistic Spa at the official website http://www.kamalaya.com/.

Pearl Facial & Body Wrap: Beauty, Elegance and Glow!

The ultimate jewels of femininity and elegance, pearls bring to life the magic of the ocean. For many ages, pearls have been a sign of classic beauty and purity. But their appeal lies not only in their jewellery purpose, but also in their spa properties. Since ancient times, pearl dust has been highly desired for the great value of its minerals, proteins, and amino-acids, which strengthen the skin and improve its moisture retention ability. Pearl dust hydrates our skin and leaves us with a healthy radiant glow. Research has also revealed that pearls influence the transfer of melanin to the skin surface, filtering the sun’s rays and counteracting the sun damage. Because of its magical glowing properties, the wives of the Chinese emperors were well-known to apply pearl powder on their skin daily.

There are facial and body wraps available with pearl dust in many spas. This luxurious treatment aims at moisturizing and improving the oxygenation to the skin, as well as leaving our skin as smooth and pure as the fairy pearls. Pearl facials are also well-known for their anti-aging treatments. There are also many face creams and cleansers that you may buy with pearl dust and use it at home! Go on and feel like an Empress!

Brad Pitt and Kiehl Green Body Wash

Brad Pitt has partnered up with Kiehl in hopes to raise money through the sale of the new Aloe Vera Liquid Cleanser to support the environment. 100% of the proceeds will go towards JPF Eco Systems, which is the actor’s own charity supporting global environmental initiatives such as the build of environmentally sustainable housing for victims of Hurricane Katrina. The body wash has the soothing aloe, glycerin and exotic coconut and it is also 100% biodegradable in both its packaging and ingredients. “Kiehl’s formulated this product to minimize the impact we have on our environment. All proceeds will go to benefit green initiatives around the globe,” says Brad. The cleanser is priced at $16.50 and you can visit here for more info.

For more information on JPF Eco Systems and the proceeds from the Aloe Vera Biodegradable Liquid Body Cleanser, you can visit www.makeitrightnola.org.