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Full Circle: From Ancient Swedana to Modern Steam Showers

Friday, December 30th, 2011

Swedana steam therapy

Steam therapy dates back thousands of years to numerous ancient cultures all over the world, among the oldest being India. Though we’ve made technological strides in the “steam” field, all the way up to the most modern steam showers designed and manufactured by companies like ThermaSol, it’s always fascinating to look back.

Swedana is an ancient Ayurvedic healing technique that was first mentioned in holy Indian texts. Still practiced today in India and spas all over the world, the treatment involves sitting in an enclosed, herbal-infused steam box or tent for around 30 minutes. The custom herbal preparations, created by an Ayurvedic physician, stimulate oxygen flow through the body as the steam opens up the pores and triggers the body’s natural sweating process.; once the pores are open, deep seated toxins can be released. Other immediate benefits of swedana include: enhanced skin, increased circulation, ease of muscle pain, and a state of relaxation. In Ayurveda, the larger purpose of swedana is to relieve excess doshas from the body – one of three bodily humors that make up one’s constitution – establishing a state of balance that promotes general health.

Building upon the knowledge of ancient cultures that utilized steam therapy on a regular basis, today we have modern steam shower manufacturers who bring a high level of design and technology into peoples’ homes with their products. ThermaSol, the leader in the steam shower industry, offers customers the only 100% digital networked steam systems in the world – the safest and most reliable technology. They go the extra mile, offering customers a combination of quality and value, with standard features like: FastStart™ Technology, providing steam in seconds; whisper quiet functionality; constant steam at a constant rate, meaning no interruptions in steam; all metal controls with advanced PVD lifetime finishes; superior style, including matching controls, remotes and steamheads in traditional and contemporary styles; a lifetime warranty; and all the green benefits of steam.

Modern steam shower by ThermaSol

Steam therapy, in combination with an overall healthy lifestyle, is a method of achieving and maintaining a state of well being that has been proven over the course of thousands of years. With modern steam shower technology, it’s also a method that is easy to bring into the home bath environment.

Tags: ayurveda, Steam Showers, steam therapy, Swedana
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Relaxation Quotations: Wise Words to Inspire Wellbeing & the Spa Lifestyle

Wednesday, December 7th, 2011

Spa Relaxation

There’s nothing like a good, solid quote to help inspire you to do good things; and if that quote happens to inspire you to rest, soak in a bath or relax at the spa, all the better.

American poet Sylvia Plath, known for works like Winter Trees and The Bell Jar, once said, “There must be quite a few things that a hot bath won’t cure, but I don’t know many of them.” Undoubtedly, anyone who has spent a half hour soaking in a tub or relaxing in a steam shower knows the rejuvenating effects of a bath on the body and mind. In fact, Captain J. A. Hadfield, a writer who wrote The Psychology of Power, among other books, said, “This art of resting the mind and the power of dismissing from it all care and worry is probably one of the secrets of energy in our great men.” Now who of you out there couldn’t stand to engage in some restful activity, dismiss a little extra care and worry, and enhance your energy level? Especially those of you who feel extra work pressures? Dr. Joyce Brothers, a world-renowned psychologist and television personality, has said, “No matter how much pressure you feel at work, if you could find ways to relax for at least five minutes every hour, you’d be more productive.” That means stepping outside, breathing some fresh air, massaging yourself or exchanging massages with a coworker, or a plethora of other relaxing activities to divert your attention from the stresses of your job to the betterment of yourself. Natalie Goldberg, an author on Zen practice, said, “Stress is an ignorant state. It believes that everything is an emergency. Nothing is that important.” Remember that the next time stress is telling you to work late rather than pay a relaxing visit to the spa.

Perhaps nobody extolled the virtues of relaxation better than physicist Fritjof Capra, who said, “During periods of relaxation after concentrated intellectual activity, the intuitive mind seems to take over and can produce the sudden clarifying insights which give so much joy and delight.” Could there be a better reason to draw a bath, turn on your steam shower, or make an appointment at your neighborhood spa today?

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Spa Theft: Watch Your Credit at the Spa

Tuesday, June 28th, 2011

A visit to spa is always one of luxury, pampering and peace of mind. Or at least that’s what we thought. Recent headlines in the news have made it abundantly clear that the spa can be a magnet for unsavory criminals who are seeking to steal from the often well-heeled clientele who pay big dollars for high-end treatments. Often times, it’s the spa owners themselves who are doing the stealing.

It wasn’t long ago that a Granite Bay, California spa owner was arrested on suspicion of identity theft, grand theft and, fraudulent use of an access card. The owner was brought to the attention of authorities by way of forty customers who had filed complaints about double and triple billing after visiting the spa. The owner was also accused of charging customers for products and services using two non-existent companies. Another case of spa theft targeted celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Cher, Anne Hathaway, Melanie Griffith and Liv Tyler – the latter was allegedly hit with $200K-plus in fraudulent spa credit card charges over a five month period. The spa in question was one located in Beverly Hills, California that specifically catered to wealthy celebrities who make prime targets for crooked spa owners. Celebs often have several handlers who comb through their finances and incorrect charges can easily go undetected for months, or even forever.

Celebrity or not, it’s a good idea to do as much research on a spa as possible, utilizing the services of organizations like the Better Business Bureau before heading in for services and offering up your card for payment. And of course, monitor those credit card statements on a regular basis so you don’t end up with $200K in charges like that aforementioned starlet.

Tags: Spa Theft, spa tips
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Top 10 Spa Don’ts

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011

Like a fine cigar lounge or a posh country club, a quality spa requires that you adhere to proper etiquette. This ensures that you, your therapist and other patrons are comfortable at all times during your visit. To get you started, the following is a list of things you should never do at the spa:

10. Bring children and leave them unattended.
9. Skip your daily (we hope) shower before arrival.
8. Forget to tell your therapist about any product allergies you may have.
7. Talk loudly in public spaces.
6. Expect a sensual experience when you’re there for a therapeutic massage.
5. Wear heavy perfumes, deodorants or other fragrances.
4. Freak out when asked to take your clothes off.
3. Skip out on your appointment without calling.
2. Show up drunk. You’d be surprised how many do…
1. Leave your appointment without paying a proper gratuity.

Tags: day spas, spa etiquette
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Blind Spa: In the Land of Massage, the No-eyed Man is King

Monday, January 31st, 2011

India is the country with the largest blind population in the world. Of the nearly 40 million blind individuals across the globe, 15 million of them are Indians. How is this possible? India has a severe shortage of optometrists and ophthalmologists, and it also suffers from a lack of donated eyes with which to treat corneal blindness. The truly sad part is that with the majority of cases in India, blindness could have been avoidable if proper care were received.

As with many disabilities, there is a stigma associated with blindness in India; one that prevents the blind from being fully accepted in society, and allowing them to live full and productive lives. The truth is, blind individuals are an incredible resource of untapped potential and one field in which they are being trained is that related to the spa. India is the birthplace of Ayurveda – a comprehensive system of holistic medicine designed to facilitate optimal physical, mental and spiritual well being – and it remains the premier destination in the world for such treatments. An integral part of Ayurveda is massage and many blind individuals are proving to be gifted in this art and science.

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Tags: ayurvedic massage, blind spa, Holistic medicine
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Bathing in Bulgaria

Thursday, January 27th, 2011

Bulgaria

When most people think of Bulgaria, one of the first things that come to mind is, well, nothing. Bulgaria, unlike titans-of-tourism Italy, France and Greece, is not on the radar of most travelers. How unfortunate it is, being that this Eastern European country is in fact a gem; incredible beaches, uncrowded ski resorts, delectable cuisine and expertly cultivated wines all characterize the nation. Maybe even more surprising to some is the country’s standing as one of the most inviting, and comprehensive, spa and wellness regions in all of Europe.

With over 800 springs varying in chemical compositions and boasting a multitude of healing minerals, curative mud and clay sources gaining their disease-curing properties from the Black Sea, and a climate that facilitates the growth of a plethora of meditative herbs, Bulgaria is undoubtedly one of the premier spa destinations in the world. The country’s history as a healing center dates back to ancient times when the Romans established spa centers in cities including Sofia, Sandanski and Kyustendil. In fact, the Emperor Maximilianus visited Bulgaria simply so he could bathe in a spring and treat his rheumatic disorder.

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Tags: Bulgaria, spa vac, travel
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Ceremonial Steam: Native Sweat Lodges

Wednesday, January 12th, 2011

Hupa Native American Sweat Lodge

Long before modern bath environments offered high-technology steam generators and fixtures, Native American and other native cultures utilized the powerful effects of steam, which they generated in sweat lodges. Native American sweat lodges were typically dome-shaped, circular and built low to the ground. They were made from “living” materials including tree branches and animal skins, and as a result the structures were believed to possess spiritual significance.

In order to power the steam generation within the sweat lodge, rocks were heated up outside, in fire pits, to extremely high degrees. Transported into the sweat lodge utilizing shovels, they were then placed into a pit dugout in the center. The ceremony leader would pour water on the hot rocks, creating steam, elevating the internal temperature of the sweat lodge, and causing participants to sweat. Often traditionally used plants such as sage were placed on the rocks prior to pouring water, adding an aroma and essence to the steam and aiding in purification.
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Tags: steam history, steam technology, sweat lodges
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10 Celebs Most in Need of a Day at the Spa

Friday, December 31st, 2010

Another year has drawn to a close and as always, another batch of celebrities has proven that the rigors of stardom, career and family life can take their toll on the fragile body, mind and soul. While the following list is by no means complete, it does reflect a breadth and depth of celebrities who could greatly benefit from the wonders of spa treatments. For thousands of years, going back to the times of Julius Caesar, spa treatments have rejuvenated celebrities so that they could once again shine in the spotlight and bring their talents to the masses. Today, the timelessness of such treatments have endured and the spa is more relevant than ever. So without further adieu, here is the official Talk Spas list of Top 10 Celebrities Most in Need of a Day at the Spa:

10) Julian Assange

Poor Julian Assange. All he did was release top secret documents through his WikiLeaks that threatened to compromise the perceived “integrity” of governments and organizations all over the world. How will he ever get out of hot water? (suggested treatment: Cold stone massage)

9) Lindsay Lohan

2010 was a lot like 2009, 2008, and 2007 for Ms. Lohan. Lots of partying and lots of trouble. But 2011 is a new year; one that could prove to be the best party year this tired little starlet has ever had, provided her body is rejuvenated to its fullest potential. (suggested treatment: Thai massage)

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Tags: celebrities, day spa
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Spa Town: Baden-Baden is Anything but Bad

Wednesday, December 29th, 2010

Baden-Baden

Picture in your head a town with a sophisticated, cosmopolitan flair, dotted with green parks and blooming gardens, filled with people who revel in culture, food and drink – and well, you’ve pretty much named half the towns in Europe. But add to that a centuries-old reputation as one of the continent’s most chic spa towns, and you have Baden-Baden.

Less than 40 miles northeast of Strasbourg, France and nestled in the charming Black Forest Region of Germany, the town of Baden-Baden literally translates to “Bath, Bath” – how’s that for emphasis? The ancient Romans knew of the wondrous, healing springs present in Baden-Baden and the emperor, Caracalla, somewhat of a bath addict, made the journey there to soothe his arthritis. In the Middle Ages, the town fell into ruin, but in 1112, it was resurrected by German nobility who made the town their home. The region again faced hardship during the Thirty Years’ War starting in the early 1600’s, but today Baden-Baden is without a doubt the summer capital of Europe and the epitome of the lap of luxury.

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Tags: baden baden, Friedrichsbad, roman spa
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Wellness Tourism: A Travel (and Spa) Revolution

Tuesday, December 28th, 2010

Wellness Tourism

There are any number of reasons why over the last several decades, many people have been taking vacations with intentions other than hitting the beach, exploring a new city or engaging in some other traditional travel activity. The travel revolution known as wellness tourism is one of the primary reasons. So what exactly is this type of tourism?

Wellness tourism can encompass many things; among them spa treatments, healthy culinary adventures, physical activity like hiking or yoga, and inspirational retreats and activities that expand the mind. The term also includes preventive health services, diagnostics and stem-cell banking. It can even mean getting dental work, plastic surgery and other medical procedures. Wellness tourism is about achieving and maintaining optimal health and an overall sense of well-being. It’s ultimately an opportunity to relax, rejuvenate and restore. So why are people utilizing their vacation time to engage in such activities?

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Tags: spa health, vacation spa, wellness tourism
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