September 13th, 2009
admin
Some Bizarre Treatments
Treatments run the gamut of the traditional ones handed down from one generation to the more modern ones using the latest technology. There are also treatments which may be considered outlandish and just plain bizarre. They might be considered strange because they are not commonly practiced or might border on being gross.
These treatments are often enjoyed by extraordinary people who are more daring than the others. There are also those who would try these treatments just to satisfy their curiosity. It makes for a once in a lifetime experience.
Cupping
An example of these so-called bizarre treatments is not so bizarre at all. It has been practiced for centuries. This one is called fire cupping or just cupping. It makes use of cups made of glass, plastic or bamboo though small jars may also be used. Cupping is fairly common in places like China and Vietnam in Asia and in most countries in Europe.
A person usually ends up with circular marks on the back after the treatment but he is also more relaxed and refreshed. The marks are the effects of the suction like process which happens when the heated cup is placed on particular points on a person’s back. Then as the cup cools down, the skin is pulled up because of the vacuum in it. There is a sensation and pressure very similar to that in acupressure. It also works on the premise of having a balance of energy, or in this case of humors within the body to make it function well.
Snake Massage
A snake massage does not only belong to the list of bizarre treatments but would top the list for treatments needing much courage and daring. This spa treatment is performed by placing corn snakes, milk snakes, California and Florida King Snakes of various sizes on the back or a person’s face. The slithering snakes cause the heavy and light kneading just like in traditional massage types. Clients who have tried the snakes massage say that it leaves a relaxing sensation, albeit a cold one.
Nightingale Excrement
Ingredients for facials have become quite varied from fruits to minerals but there is another ingredient which may just elicit reactions from positive to negative. This is one is from Japan and was supposedly used by geishas and Kabuki actors. It can make the facial skin clear and hydrated. It is made with the excrement of nightingales. This is a case of a facial treatment one would love to have or would like to avoid.
Perscentoelogy
Perscentoelogy is one therapy which might be considered peculiar. It is a way of profiling an individual’s personality by reading the toes. It is said that a lot of things can be revealed by the lines on the toes. This is usually done in complement with other spa treatments.
Cactus Massage
Cactus has been used for several purposes in the past but this time it is being used for spa treatments. The cactus massage makes use of a concoction of cactus blossom, pulque and cactus meringue and is applied using the cactus paddies. Once it has been slathered on the body it is kneaded just like in other types of massage. It flushes out toxins and moisturizes the skin.
August 27th, 2009
admin
A facial is another spa service which has become widely popular. The facial involves several processes which produce cleaner and younger looking skin. The procedure might vary from one place to another but there are still the common and basic ones.
The first ones are for cleansing and exfoliating. Usually hypoallergenic products are used to cleanse the face. In some centers, this would include using a very soft brush which is used to gently clean the surface of the skin. This is done with a cleaning lotion. It is then rinsed off. Then blackheads and whiteheads are suctioned off or, in some cases, are extracted depending on the need and if the individual desires to have such.
A gentle facial massage follows after which a facial mask is applied. There are several types of facial masks available. This would include honey, avocado and cucumber extracts, aloe vera and the like.
There are also masks with collagen which are said to produce effects like the tightening of the skin and at the same enhance its elasticity. Furthermore, when applied the collagen sheets moisturize dry and sensitive skin. In some cases, it diminishes very fine lines on the skin.
The masks are then peeled off or rinsed with warm water. There are also some instances where the steam is directed to the masked face to further soften it before the mask is wiped off. Sometimes a toning machine or laser equipment is used to close off the pores. Creams are then applied for protection.
It is advisable that an individual have a facial treatment every month or at the very least four times a year. This procedure would make the skin look clearer and younger.
Having a facial promotes healthier blood circulation to the face. Dead skin cells are eliminated thus unveiling the new layer. It also promotes the regeneration of skin cells. It can eliminate fine lines and get rid of acne. A facial can be suited to an individual’s needs and wants.
August 19th, 2009
admin
What is considered a traditional massage in Thailand actually originated in India and uses several yoga positions in the course of the procedure. It also has some influence from traditional Chinese medicine. It has been practiced for thousands of years.
The Thai traditional massage combines the application of pressure on certain points of the body with rocking movements and deep stretches. Just like in traditional Chinese medicine, Thai traditional massage also focuses on energy lines and the balance of such energy. Dr. Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, or Shivago Komarpaj as he is known in Thailand, is supposedly the one who formulated the Thai traditional massage. This type of massage has a deeply spiritual basis and teachers as well as practitioners often pray before conducting a session. Though many of the latter day practitioners do not adhere that much to the spiritual foundation, they are mindful of its meditative nature. Still, those who practice the traditional Thai massage adhere to the enduring Buddhist concept of loving kindness, vicarious joy, compassion and equanimity otherwise known as The Four Divines States of Mind.
There are two styles which are being practiced – the southern and the northern styles. The faster and more intense southern type is the one mostly used in Bangkok while the northern one is gentler and commonly practiced in Chiang Mai.
Thai traditional massage is usually done on a mat on the floor and where the practitioner uses the palm, fingers, elbow and feet to apply pressure on various parts of the body. The receiver of the massage is usually fully-clothed and uses loose-fitting clothes.
This actually is like a lazy man’s yoga because the body is arranged by the practitioner into several yoga poses. It actually follows a certain pattern in which one position prepares the body for the next one enabling the continuous flow of energy. In a complete traditional Thai massage, the individual goes through the four basic positions with him lying supine, alternately lying on the side, prone and in a sitting position. This also entails deep and continuous pressure done until the connective tissues are relaxed and softened. A session usually takes one to two hours.
Traditional Thai massage can increase one’s flexibility and enables a wide variety of movements. It can promote deep relaxation and calmness and lessens the effects of stress. It improves posture through proper postural alignment. It enhances blood circulation and increases vitality. Muscle pains and spasms are managed. Recurring back problems and muscle tensions are alleviated. It also facilitates the flushing out of toxins thereby boosting the body’s immune system. For women, traditional Thai massage can ease the pain felt during the menstrual period.
It is not necessary anymore for a person to travel to Thailand just to experience the traditional Thai massage. The practice has reached other parts of the world and licensed practitioners who underwent training in the various schools for traditional Thai massage can now be found in many places such as hotels, spas or resorts which offer this service as part of their wellness program. 
Posted in 
