BODY WRAPS
Another Spa Treatment that can be done at home is a Body Wrap which depending on the herbs or other ingredients used, can detoxify, remineralize, moisturize orrejuvenate the skin. Steps in any wrap treatment are to cleanse the body in a warm shower, making sure to keep the environment warm, drink warm fluids during and after the wrap, and after the wrap treatment put on a warm bathrobe and relax for at least 20 minutes.
AT HOME WRAP TREATMENTS:
Relaxation Wrap
Valerian was used in ancient Rome as a mild sedative. Today, it is often used as a mild sleep aid and anxiety reliever. Along with the calming effects of Chamomile and Lavender, this wrap treatment is a natural relaxer for the body and mind.
1 C - Chamomile
1 C - Valerian Root (grated)
1 C - Lavender (crushed)
1 - Cotton sheet cut into 3 inch wide strips
1 - Large Pot for boiling water/herb mixture
1 - Plastic Sheet or Shower curtain liner
Place herbs in pot and fill with water to cover. Bring to a boil and simmer, covered for 5 - 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to sit covered for 5 more minutes. Remove as many of the herbs as possible and place the cotton strips in the water to steep for 10 minutes. Remove the strips, wringing out excess water, and snugly wrap the strips around the legs, arms, and then the torso. Lay on the plastic sheet or shower curtain and wrap the entire body in it and if possible have someone cover your body with a warm blanket. Relax for 10 minutes, remove the strips and then rest inside a warm bathrobe for at least another 20 minutes in a warm area.
Remineralizing Seaweed Wrap
Seaweed wraps are a beneficial and quick way to remineralize the body and replenish the skin with nutrients and elements. The molecular formation of the human blood cells and that of seawater is similar, thereby enabling nutrients from the seawater to easily enter through the the skin and directly into the bloodstream.
8 ounces - Seaweed Powder (can use kelp, dulse or nori or a combination)
Enough warm water to make a paste
1 - Plastic Sheet or Shower curtain liner
1 - Blanket
While lying on the plastic sheet, cover the body with the Seaweed Paste, then cover with the plastic. If possible, also cover with a blanket to further encourage the minerals and nutrients to enter the skin. Relax for 20 minutes, and then slowly unwrap and remove the plastic sheet and blanket. Fill the bathtub with warm water and relax for an additional 10 minutes. After the treatment, pat dry the skin and apply moisturizer.
BATHS]
Herbal baths are detoxifying and intensely relaxing. The herb combination used is determined by the effect sought as a result. There are also several ways to create a herbal bath and include adding actual herbal bath tea bags to warm bath water, or boiling herbs in a separate pot, then allowing them to cool before adding the water to the tub, or filling reusable muslin bags with herbs and allowing to bags to soak under the running water. Morning baths are meant to be tonic and revitalizing so the water should be around 98.6 degrees. Evening baths should be relaxing with water between 98.6 degrees and 102 degrees. Remember to always drink plenty of fluids during and after a bath to replenish the body's fluids and after bathing, apply a moisturizer while the skin is still warm and moist.
AT HOME HERBAL BATHS:
Revitalizing Bath
1/4 Grated Ginger Root
1/4 C - Dried Parsley
1/2 C - Lemon Peel
2 TBS - Oatmeal
Stimulating
1/4 C - Dried Basil for mental alertness
1/4 C - Dried Eucalyptus for concentration
1/4 C - Dried Peppermint for stimulation
MOISTURIZE
A necessary step in maintaining great skin is to moisturize. Make sure you choose a moisturizer that contains ingredients that are suitable for your skin type. Also choose a moisturizer that is natural and will not clog the pores. Rich, heavy oils such as olive, sesame and safflower are best for dry skin while lighter oils such as jojoba, avocado and grapeseed are great for normal and/or oily skin. Try not to use moisturizers that contain mineral oils which are petroleum based and are not readily absorbed by the skin.
BODY WRAPS
Another Spa Treatment that can be done at home is a Body Wrap which depending on the herbs or other ingredients used, can detoxify, remineralize, moisturize orrejuvenate the skin. Steps in any wrap treatment are to cleanse the body in a warm shower, making sure to keep the environment warm, drink warm fluids during and after the wrap, and after the wrap treatment put on a warm bathrobe and relax for at least 20 minutes.
AT HOME MOISTURE TREATMENTS:
Coconut Body Butter for Dry Skin
2 TBS - Grated Beeswax
2 tps - Aloe Vera Juice (not gel which can contain additives)
1/2 C - Cocoa Butter
3 TBS - Sesame Oil
2 TBS - Coconut Oil
1 TBS - Olive Oil
Melt Beeswax & Cocoa Butter over low heat with the aloe vera juice. Gradually blend in Sesame oil, Coconut Oil and Olive Oil. Pour into jar or plastic container. The Body Butter thicken and set as it cools.
Now if home treatments are not what you consider relaxing then how about a weekend at a great resort or even an afternoon of treatments at a day spa? Finding a great spa that fits your needs, either for a day or for an entire vacation is made even easier now with the increased popularity of spas.
There are now over 1,000 spas resort and health retreats worldwide with that number growing all the time. So if you positively can't imagine sharing your own bathtub with seaweed, digging your fingers into mud or scrub or if the idea of blending up your own moisture treatment doesn't sound like pampering , there are endless possibilities for a great getaway.
Your spa selection will depend on three main factors: money, diration of trip, and treatment offerings. And types of spas usually fit into one of six catagories: fitness, adventure, new age, culinary, destination spa and day spas.
For day spas, either check with your local Chamber of Commerce or white pages to see what is available in your area or for a spa vacation check with http://www.SPAFINDER.com or http://www.SPAWISH.COM, or your travel agent. Two new destination spas this year are the Peter Island Spa in the British Virgin Islands and Green Valley Ranch Spa in Nevada.
From the breathtaking location of Peter Island in the British Virgin Islands, the spa draws its understated elegance, calm, and airy grace, its spacious, 10,000 square foot interior is flooded with sunlight, and accented with stone, local wood, natural colors, and the finest minimalist furnishings. Between treatments, guests can swaddle themselves in deep cottons and relax by the pool or on private patios overlooking Big Reef Bay.
CONTACT:
Peter Island BVI Reservations
770-476-9988 Fax 770-476-4979 800-346-4451
The Spa at Green Valley Ranch Resort specializes in an array of European style body treatments. An emphasis on enhancing personal beauty from the inside takes form in 20 different massage therapy options, from Swedish to Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi and cranial sacral. The pampering continues with envigorating exfoliating treatments, body wraps, masks, specialty facials and waxing.
CONTACT:
To make a reservation, please call
(702) 617-7570 or (866) STAY GVR
BODY WRAPS
The Spa at Green Valley Ranch Resort specializes in an array of European style body treatments. An emphasis on enhancing personal beauty from the inside takes form in 20 different massage therapy options, from Swedish to Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi and cranial sacral. The pampering continues with envigorating exfoliating treatments, body wraps, masks, specialty facials and waxing.
