Ayurveda means "science of life." It is perhaps the oldest traditional natural healing system in the world. Its practices and use date back more than 6000 years. Ayurveda seeks to create balance to the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. Ayurveda categorizes and tailors its treatments according to the individual and the environment. They emphasize understanding one's basic body type, and following a healthy lifestyle and routine. The three main doshas or body type

Essential Ayurveda:
What It Is and What It Can Do for You

categories are: VATA, the quality of air, space and wind; PITTA, the quality of heat or the fire element; and KAPHA, the earth element.
The stress and strain of daily life can lead to imbalance of any one of these doshas.

The purpose of Ayurvedic treatments is to bring your energy into harmony and balance.

Ayurvedic Massage
A special blend of essential oils will be used for your individual Dosha to balance and bring you into harmony. Soothing, calming, and relaxing for Vata. Cooling, refreshing, and restoring for Pitta. Energizing, uplifting and inspiring for Kapha. Your Spa Therapist will indulge you in a relaxing massage with appropriate essential oils, blended for your individual Dosha. An aromatic steam capsule will be incorporated into your experience to conclude your Ayurvedic journey.

The Ayurvedic Body Facial
This mind and body journey will purify your body at many levels. Experience a Garsham massage and Garsham body exfoliation treatment while a dosha balancing mask is applied and enhanced under the aromatic steam capsule. While the mask sets, you will experience a marma massage to the face, neck and scalp


Ayurvedic Facial
This one and a half hour mind and body journey will purify your body at many levels. Experience a Garsham massage and Garsham body exfoliation treatment while a dosha balancing mask is applied and enhanced under the aromatic steam capsule. While the mask sets, you will experience a marma massage to the face, neck, hands and feet

The Ayurvedic Spa Rejuvenation Package
Ayurvedic Body Facial, Ayurvedic Facial, Hot Stone Pedicure

Massage therapy has been around for hundreds of years. If you need to relief from muscle pain or stress, you can choose from one of the ten best types of massage therapy around.

1. First is Swedish massage therapy. This happens to be the most common type to find in the US because it is very gentle and relaxing. Here, the masseuse will use long strokes, kneading and circular movements on superficial layers of muscle using massage lotion or oil.

2. Next is aromatherapy and the reason why it is called such is because one or more scented plant oils are used during the session. You will just have to select the oil you want to use. In fact, the most popular one is lavender as it is well suited for stress related conditions together with an emotional component.

3. There is also hot stone massage. Here, heated smooth stones are placed on certain parts of the body to help loosen those tight muscles and balance energy centers in the body. At times, the masseuse may also apply gentle pressure especially for those who have muscle tension.

4. Then there is deep tissue massage. This type is designed to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Here, the masseuse will use slow strokes better known as friction techniques across the grain of the muscle.

The distinctive feature of deep tissue massage is that it is used on those that have chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems and recovery from injury. You will often feel sore for the next day or two.

5. Shiatsu is a Japanese form of massage therapy. Here, the masseuse will use localized finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence on acupuncture meridians. Each point is held for 2 to 8 second designed to improve the flow of energy and help the body regain balance. Those who have tried it say that it is relaxing yet firm. The best part is that there is no soreness afterwards.

6. Thai massage is similar to Shiatsu because it aligns the energies of the body using gentle pressure on specific points. Part of the session also includes compressions and stretches as you are moved in a variety of postures just like yoga but in this case, you don't do anything except go with the flow.

7. For women that are expecting, they can opt for pregnancy massage. It is designed to relieve stress, decrease swelling, relieve aches and pins as well as reduce anxiety and depression.

8. Reflexology is also known as foot massage because it involves applying pressure to certain points on the foot. Those who practice this believe that the foot corresponds to certain organs and systems so if you are able to work on that, you have also done it in the whole body.

9. Then there is sports massage that is designed for people involved in sports activities. This type is designed not only for professional athletes since it helps prevent and treat physical injuries.

10. Lastly is back massage which usually lasts 30 minutes. Unlike reflexology that focuses on the feet because it represents special points in the body, this one simply relieves tension in the back caused by lifting heavy objects or driving for long periods of time.

Of course there are other kinds of massage therapy aside from the top ten most popular ones mentioned. Given that these are the only ones available in spas, perhaps you should just stick with the best sellers.

Massage Medley
A customized massage just for you, your Massage Therapist will create a sequence for you combining the techniques that will soothe your body most. Any of the following techniques may be used by your Massage Therapist - Dry Brushing, Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, and Reflexology.

Hot Stone Therapy Massage
Experience the ultimate in relaxation. Begin your experience with a dry brushing treatment, which revitalizes the nerves on the skin. Feel your tension and stress melt away as heated, smooth, polished Basalt Lava Stones are strategically placed to soothe main tension areas.

Anti-Stress Treatment
One of our most popular treatments, this combination body treatment/massage relieves the tension and stress in your neck, shoulders, and back. We start off with a relief gel to detoxify the tissues. Next, a warm algae pack is applied to the upper back. This helps to increase circulation and relax muscle tension. The pack is then sealed with a warm paraffin pack. While this sets, your hands and feet will be massaged. The pack is then taken off with warm towels from our steam cabinets. This treatment is concluded with a light massage on the back.

Massage Supplies Add To The Benefits Of Great Treatment

Massage therapists provide great treatments

Bon Vital Multi-Purpose Massage Creme
Gallon

for all of their clients, and the therapists use wonderful massage supplies to provide the best treatments. A good therapist will find the best massage supplies for the comfort of their clients. Good tables are probably the most important massage supplies for a therapist. Some massage therapists have a salon where their clients come for treatment while others have a portable table that they use to make house calls for their clients. Great massage tables can be found at all the outlets that sell massage supplies.

The outlets that sell massage supplies have stationary tables that will hold clients even if they are very heavy. Most of the massage supply stores have tables that are very simple because these do not have to be very fancy. These tables are necessary to support the client while the massage therapist does the work. Good tables from the massage supply stores will go higher or lower easily for the comfort of the therapists doing the work. A good massage table will also have shelves or spaces for the supplies necessary for the massage. The massage tables will usually be covered in either vinyl or leather.

Massage Supplies Are Tools For The Therapist

Massage supplies are the tools that help the massage therapists do their job better. One of the important ingredients for a wonderful massage is the lotion or oil that the therapist uses to give the massage. The oils or lotions can smooth the motions of the therapist as they work with the muscles and bones of their clients. These oils and lotions can have wonderful scents and aromas that add to the comfort of a great massage. These oils and lotions aid the therapist, but these substances also treat the skin of the client. Some massage therapists will use special oils and lotions for the hands and feet as special treatment for these areas.

Sheets to cover the table and towels to cover the client as the therapist works are available from the outlets that sell massage supplies. The table covers are important because the client will be on these materials for a substantial period of time. These sheets should also be durable for they will need to be laundered after each client. Some therapists use cotton sheets although some prefer flannel sheets to cover their tables. A therapist will use many towels during the course of a day to cover the clients as the massage proceeds.

Selecting and Mixing Massage Oils

A massage is a wonderful, relaxing experience that can ease the tension in your body and lead to greater overall health. The basic motions of massage, though, can create friction that is not always desired on the body. For this reason, some massage techniques include the use of massage oil to help lubricate the skin and allow fingers to glide easily over it. The use of massage oil will make your massage a comfortable experience and can also turn it into a relaxing aromatherapy session as well.

Choosing Your Oil

L`Occitane
Aromachologie Revitalizing Bath and Massage Oil

The right oil is the key to a good massage. Some oils are easily absorbed by the skin, which means you won't feel greasy after your massage, while other massage oils are purchased for a high shelf life. A good massage oil to use is sweet almond oil, which is absorbed effectively by the skin, making it desirable for massage. However, the drawback to almond oil is that it can't be used on people with nut allergies. Jojoba oil is one that has a very long shelf life and absorbs well, but the drawback is that it absorbs so quickly that it will have to be reapplied during the massage.

It may be tempting to use cooking oils that you already have in the house, but it is best to avoid these. While some, such as olive oil and sesame oil, are sometimes used in massage, these oils are very thick and are not easily absorbed by the skin. If these oils are used at all, they will likely be blended with other massage oils.

Storing Oil

Massage oils have a shelf life like any other oil, and they can go rancid in time. When buying massage oil, be sure to look for something with a long shelf life, such as jojoba oil. Other oils, such as sunflower oil, can go rancid rather quickly. The best way to prevent any massage oil from going bad too quickly is to purchase it in small bottles, and to store it in a cool, dark place.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are concentrated oils from plants with a scent, so the addition of these massage oils can turn your massage into a new experience that adds aroma as well as sensation. However, essential oils on their own are too powerful to be used on the skin; they must be diluted with another oil before use. As little as 12 drops of essential oils added to one ounce of carrier oil, such as almond oil, will be all you need. Keep in mind that these massage oil blends will go rancid faster than the carrier oil on its own, so be sure to mix in small quantities to get the most out of your oil. Proper storage of your massage oils will ensure that you have it when you need it to give a soothing, relaxing massage.

Shiro Dhara
Shiro Dhara is a sacred Ayurvedic treatment to soothe a racing mind by pouring a continuous fine stream of warmed sesame oil onto the forehead. Originally from India, it has become one of the most sought after treatments in the spa industries of Europe and the Americas. This elegantly simple treatment recharges the body, brings clarity to the mind, and offers the ideal situation to experience your inner being. The Shiro Dhara treatment includes a unique scalp and neck massage and an incredible hair washing experience

Modern times give people 'instant' everything. It

Panchakarma
Ayurveda's Mantra of Rejuvenation

gives them 'instant' convenience, 'instant' solutions and 'instant' results among so many others. But, amidst all the advantages it gives to people, it also brings a lot of stress that would eventually lead to serious problems.

Realizing this, most people are now rediscovering things that would somehow relieve their stressed out, busy lives. And emerging part of this new bandwagon of rediscoveries is the wonders of massage. Despite the emergence of different massage parlors, saunas and spas, enjoying a wonderful massage don't have to expensive.

And, why fish out extra bucks when you can enjoy all the benefits of massage in the comforts of your own abode with that special someone?

Whether you decide to be the massage receiver or the massage giver, it is very important to keep some things in mind to make massage a more pleasurable and memorable experience.

Massage 101

Before you start unleashing the wonders of massage to your partner, lock the door and unplug the phone first. This would ensure that you have the luxury of time to spend with each other. Since a massage is not the kind of experience you would want to do hastily, it is best if you check the room you would use. Some of the possible factors that would affect-directly or indirectly-the outcome of a relaxing massage experience is the lighting and the overall atmosphere of the room. Make sure to turn off the light but if you or your partner is the type that enjoys mystery during a massage session, you can light scented candles or let natural sunlight permeate through your opened window to provide soft and indirect lighting. Aside from providing the aroma, the warmth and the amount of light needed, the scented candle will also help set the relaxing, soothing and romantic mood.

And though you might want to play a soft sensual music throughout the massage, it is better if you keep the room quiet so you would hear and feel what delights your partner. It is also best if you would rearrange the room to give it a hands-on feeling and make sure it's cozy and warm so both of you would be comfortable. Although it is ideal to give a massage on a firm and flat surface like a massage table, a firm mattress would do. It is also more adventurous if you will try to pile up the pillows on the solid floor to achieve that ultimate massage experience.

Some sanitary factors might also affect the massage experience. To avoid having delays to a massage, check if your hands are clean by making sure that your fingernails are properly trimmed. It is also suitable to keep your hands dry and warm by rubbing them together thoroughly. Although it not 'a must' to be clean before a massage, your partner definitely be more comfortable and relaxed if the essential parts of the body, like the hands and toes are clean. Ask the massage receiver if he or she would want to take a bath first before the session starts. This preparation would also enable the massage receiver and the giver to do the necessary rituals to prepare for bed.

After considering all the factors that would affect the entire session, the time comes for the actual massage. You must keep in mind that constant contact with your partner is a very important thing throughout because it helps the massage flow smoothly while increasing intimacy. It is equally important to know the pressure suitable for your partner by intently listening to their responses while asking him or her once in a while. To make the pressure just right, keep your movements symmetric, even, and rhythmic by following smooth patterns.

Since a massage is quite a wonderful experience, make sure that both of you are relaxed while taking your time and enjoying the heightened intimacy together. To make it more of a soothing experience, you can make use of massage cream or oil, which will allow your hands glide smoothly over your partner and will eventually create an amazing prelude to something more exciting.

Full Body Massage Benefits the Soft Tissue of the Body

The full body massage

Natural Contours Magnifique Ultime Full Body Massager Massage Kit

is a wonderful way to treat the soft tissue and muscles of the body, which can eliminate muscle tension and relieve pain. The pores of the skin are opened up, allowing for effective elimination of waste, and it also helps to speed up the blood circulation. Physiotherapy is an area in which the full body massage is most used, and it involves first being massaged by the physiotherapist on the upper and lower limbs. This is then followed by a massage of the chest, abdomen, hips and back, and culminates with a massage of the face and head area.

Different Methods Used in the West and in the Orient

The massage strokes are primarily meant to target the heart, but a full body massage utilizing Western techniques also targets muscular tension and joint stiffness. Other goals of this type of massage include better blood circulation and improved function of the lymphatic system. The Eastern version differs somewhat, and focuses on releasing blockages and improving vital energy surrounding the body.

A full body massage begins with you lying down on a massage table for the session. During the massage, you will feel heat emanate from the massaging of the body, which will give rise for the need to have a hot bath about thirty minutes after the massage has finished for better results. A number of different full body massages are available such as Breema bodywork, hot stone massage as well as Swedish and Thai massage.

When you indulge in a Breema bodywork massage, you first lie on the floor where you will be subjected to rhythmic and gentle leans as well as stretches that provide deep relaxation. After this form of full body massage, you will undoubtedly feel refreshed and healed of any issues that might have been plaguing you.

The full body massage techniques that are used can all help in improving overall health, but more research is needed on this subject to understand exactly how it benefits people. There are also a growing number of people that desire this form of treatment for common ailments such as stress, digestive disorders, pain, headaches and insomnia. It is believed that massage can be good for an entire host of ailments as well as for the overall health and well being of the individual.

There are many people who desire to have a full body massage, but cannot find enough time to visit a massage parlor. The best solution for such people is to buy a massage chair that will afford them the opportunity to get a full body massage anytime and anywhere they choose to have it. The benefits are the same as for those obtained from massage therapists, while the costs are lower and there is less inconvenience as well.

A body massage is a good means of relaxing and is a

Total Body Massage

natural remedy that can help alleviate sore necks, provide relief from sleeplessness and ease tension. The main characteristic of a body massage is that of touch, which makes the person receiving the massage feel the soothing effects that will enhance his physical and emotional well being. Touch is something that fosters happiness and helps improve the quality of life overall.

Shoulders, Legs, Hands and Feet can be Relaxed

The body massage can concentrate primarily on the shoulders and will be effective in relieving stiffness in the neck and shoulders, and improving the posture of the body. When the masseur touches the shoulders and the bottom of the skull and works his or her way down the neck and shoulders it will lead to relieving stress and tension, leading to a relaxing process all around.

Another part of the body that requires a body massage is the legs, which are subject to a lot of strain during busy working days. It may also involve massaging the feet so that they are invigorated and will help the entire body restore its balance. Foot massages are very enjoyable; more so, when someone close to you offers it. Circular movements along each foot followed by stroking and rubbing of the ankle is all that is required to restore the lower limbs back to a relaxed and healthy state.

A body massage would be incomplete without attending to the hands, and these rubs are particularly effective in relaxing as well as relieving the stress and strain in this area. Stroking the whole hand as well as giving gentle squeezes is especially helpful, and the best form of hand massage is to gently move the entire hand in a rotational movement.

The abdomen is also a part of the body for which a body massage is necessary as it helps to improve digestion and also stimulates weight loss. Kneading the stomach area at the waist from side to side and kneading both sides will provide all the advantages that can be obtained in improving the general well being of the person.

The bottom line is that a good body massage will go a long way in relieving stress and stiffness as well as provide a sense of relaxation and general well being. Each day the body is subjected to severe stress and strain, and if it were not for a body massage, one would have difficulty in coping with these inconveniences day in and day out.