Healing Hands

Posted on June 8, 2011 by julie

Emma Barnett, founder of Essential Escapes, experienced the magic touch of healer Paul Lennard. She shares her story here.

“I won’t be forgetting the day I walked into a Harley Street Clinic to meet with Energy Therapist Paul Lennard. I was all prepared with my list of interview questions and yet I didn’t even get as far as taking the pen and paper out my bag. Paul wasn’t interested in talking to me, he wanted to show me the gift that has turned him into one of the most sought after healers in the country.

Paul got to work straight away, identifying immediately an acute pain in my stomach that I didn’t know I had. Paul explained that the emotional pain was evident by the physical pain and it was traced back to a particularly low point in my life. The more I spilled my emotions on the table, the more the physical pain in my stomach eased until eventually, it disappeared and I felt almost weightless in that area. This continued with a narrative from Paul that went through identifying areas of pain and linking it to events in my past that could have caused the physical discomfort. My upper body, which felt inextricably tense for most of the hour long session, couldn’t have felt more detached from my lower half, so much so that when Paul asked how my legs felt, I barely felt them. I was suprised to even learn he was holding my feet up.  Paul identified a pain from a skiiing accident fifteen years ago, a low point after my father died and even managed to tap into discussions I had been having with my husband about getting a dog, a Labrador to be precise!

The range of emotions I felt over the hour was quite extraordinary. I had gone in there thinking I had no physical or emotional demons to exorcise, and yet by the end of the session I was already booking my next apppointment to continue my cleansing journey. This felt like the deepest massage I was ever likely to have and I’m pleased to say a few weeks on I still feel as light and unburdoned as I did when I left the clinic.

Put simply, Paul has a gift that is complemented by his skills in cranio sacral therapy and sport massage.  He has a long waiting list, purely through word of mouth. He was even reluctant to feature in this piece but I explained that I simply cannot keep his unique therapy to myself!”

What is Energy Therapy?

Energy Therapy can heal physical complaints that conventional medicine cannot shift, by clearing the fundamental emotional cause.

Paul applies a unique combination of deep tissue massage, cranio sacral therapy and Chi Nei Tsang to clear old emotional and physical traumas from the body. This therapy works on every level: the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.   As each of these aspects is so closely entwined, an emotional problem from long ago can be the cause of a physical problem today.  Paul works in Harley Street and Belgravia in London, and also practices at Chiva Som spa resort in Thailand several times a year.

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Interview with the founder of Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary

Posted on June 2, 2011 by julie

We ask Karina Stewart, the inspirational founder of Kamalaya in Thailand, for her insights into the world of healing.

When did you first develop an interest in natural healing?
I grew up in Mexico, and was greatly influenced by my mother’s interest in natural healing. I learned early on about food as medicine, and took particular interest in our weekend excursions to local markets where the healing powers of exotic leaves, roots and flowers – and the occasional dried snake – were revealed by local healers.

What introduced you to Asian spirituality and approach to wellness?
When I was about 14, my mother introduced me to meditation and yoga. I chose to study cultural anthropology and the religious traditions of India, while continuing to attend extracurricular meditation and yoga retreats. When I was 21, I met my spiritual master, Sri Babaji, in northern India. With him, I learned about devotion, about opening my heart and connecting to a much larger experience of life. A few years later, I was greatly influenced by Master Ni Hua Ching, a Taoist master from China. It was his influence that led me to study traditional Chinese medicine and Taoist practices.

Can western and eastern traditions of healing complement each other?
While it is true that they take a very different approach, this does not mean that the two can’t support each other. It is essential however, to consult with qualified and reputable practitioners. The Kamalaya Detox programs are based on principles of Asian holistic healing systems, and then refined and enhanced through western research-based medicine to ensure an effective and safe process.

Has your academic background ever been in conflict with alternative methods of healing?
I have not had any conflict, however my academic background has made me more discerning in the selection of practitioners and the therapies that are offered at Kamalaya. There are numerous alternative healing methods that have been well researched and found to be effective for physical, emotional and mental wellbeing, such as, naturopathy, Ayurveda and homeopathy.

Andrew Weil, a Harvard Medical school graduate, is a pioneer in bringing these various traditions into mainstream medical environments. In the past 20 years, research has also been verifying the intimate connection between our emotional and mental states and the impact these have on our physical health, particularly our immune system.

What natural products have you found to have the most potent properties?
If I have to narrow it down to a single product, it might be fish oil (tested to be free of heavy metals and other impurities). Fish oils have a strong anti-inflammatory effect throughout the body, including the heart and brain. Additionally, I would add a herbal tea, such as Rooibos, for its rich mineral content and calming effect on the nervous system.

What brought you to Koh Samui?
Illness brought me here; wellness kept me here! At the time, my husband John was very ill and I knew of a particular herb that could help him which grew abundantly on the island. We came here so he could rest and heal.

Have any of your guests had a particularly transforming experience?
From healing of long held emotional conflicts, to letting go of unresolved issues, to completing a book during their stay, finding inspiration in their career or relationship, or finding a new direction and making a complete career change, these are some of things that our guests find transformational. The common denominator is that our guests seem to reconnect with themselves, and in so doing, rediscover the source of health, joy, and inspiration within them.  As one of our guests so eloquently expressed, “Sometimes there are periods in life when you tend to forget how special you are.  After only 7 days here, I left feeling very special again. Thanks to all of you.”  Albert – Germany 2008

What’s next for Kamalaya and the world of healing?
We have introduced Balance & Revitalise to help the increasing number of guests who were depleted and on the verge of adrenal burnout. At the moment, I’m working on a new Emotional Balance program. This is in response to the guests who express a need for off-loading old and limiting beliefs so that they can approach life with a fresher and more relevant perspective.

Kamalaya, Thailand >

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A review of Les Sources de Caudalie in France

Posted on April 27, 2011 by julie

When a discerning magazine journalist asked for a special spa for a short break, we knew just where to send her.

Les Sources de Caudalie in Bordeaux in France offers an unforgettable experience, and the spa treatments, using the grapes from the surrounding vineyards, are almost good enough to eat… or drink!

After consultation with the client and hotel, we made the following plans for her short stay:

* Spa treatments: Crushed Cabernet Scrub, Caudalie Massage and Grand Caudalie Facial Care

* A private guided tour of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte followed by a wine-tasting

* Dinner at the restaurant La table du Lavoir (the Michelin star restaurant La Grand’Vigne was closed that day).

We received the email below from the journalist after her visit:

“It was the most WONDERFUL trip. We had a fantastic time and they looked after us so well.

Alice is a wonderful host and is charm personified. We met her parents too at their Chateau for a drink and they were fascinating as well.

The spa itself is immaculate. The treatments are very special and the practitioners are adept and knowledgeable. I had one of the best massages I have had in years.

The food at the restaurant was delicious and their own wines were a lovely accompaniment.

I don’t know that I could praise the place more. They have taste and it abounds in buckets.

Thank you for sending me there.”

We’re delighted to receive such lovely feedback, but knowing Les Sources de Caudalie, not altogether surprised!

If you’d like to know more about Les Sources de Caudalie, click here, or contact us.

Les Sources de Caudalie

Les Sources de Caudalie

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Your Spa Glossary

Posted on March 17, 2011 by julie

Even spa veterans can sometimes be flummoxed by some of the new spa buzzwords around. So we’ve compiled a glossary of spa terminology, so you can navigate your spa menus with confidence.

The descriptions here are quite brief, so feel free to ask the team at Essential Escapes for elaboration.

SPA GLOSSARY:

Acupuncture – An ancient oriental healing technique using needles to balance energy meridians and encourage self-healing.

Acupressure – Energy is unblocked by stimulating particular pressure points on the body using fingerpoint massage.

Algotherapy – The application of sea products such as algae or seaweed.

Aqua-aerobics – Aerobic exercises in a swimming pool using the buoyancy and resistance of the water.

Aromatherapy – The use of essential oils from natural sources in an ancient practice of pressure-point massage. The inhaled aroma induces relaxation.

Ayurveda – An ancient Indian practice using herbs, essential oils, nutrition, massage and meditation to balance mind and body.

Bach Flower Therapy – A holistic treatment using extracts of flowers to calm emotions and promote healing.

Balneotherapy - Water-based therapies using seawater or thermal spring water to improve circulation thereby relieving stress or strain.

Body Scrub – The removal of dead skin by various means after which creams or lotions are applied to render the skin smooth.

Boreh – A Balinese massage, created by rice farmers to ease pain, using a preparation of a paste of ground spices.

Caldarium – A room containing steam that has been infused with aromatic plants and herbs.

Cathiodermie – Low voltage electrical treatment to oxygenate the skin (especially the face) and revitalize circulation.

Chakra Balancing – According to yoga philosophy, chakras are wheels that form symbolic energy centres at main points of the body. Imbalances or blockages can be caused by physical or emotional reasons. The seven chakras each relate to a specific colour, organ, gland or part of the body. Colour healing, crystal healing, meditation, sound therapy and visualisation are also used to clear blockages and harmonise the system.

Cold Plunge - A cold water plunge following a heat treatment.

Colonic Irrigation – A water enema to cleanse and detoxify the colon to prevent toxins re-entering the blood stream.

Craniosacral therapy – Gentle massage of the head and neck to release tension and restore balance.

Crenotherapy - A mud, steam and water therapy.

Crystal Healing - A spiritual healing using crystals or agates to draw out imbalanced energy from various parts of the body.

Cupping – An ancient oriental treatment where cups are placed on various points on the body to improve circulation and boost the body’s energy.

Dead Sea Therapy – Mineral-rich mud from the Dead Sea used to cleanse and detoxify. Also used in the treatment of muscle stress, arthritis and rheumatism.

Deep Tissue Massage – A deep muscle massage, sometimes painful, used typically to treat sports injuries.

Dochas – An Ayurvedic belief that the three elements pitta (fire), kapha (earth) and vata (air) must be balanced for maximum health and wellbeing.

Dry Flotation Bed – The body is covered in a mud or algae wrap, cocooned and lowered into warm water.

Duo massage (also 4 hands massage) – A synchronised massage by two therapists.

Electrotherapy – Stimulation techniques using low voltage electricity.

Endermology – A French massage using a vacuum and rolling machine to reduce cellulite.

Fango – A therapy employing highly mineralised mud applied to the body in a medium of oil or water.

Flotation Tank – A deep relaxation technique in a darkened room in which there is a tank filled with a high concentration of salt in mineral-enriched water to maintain weightlessness.

Gommage – Rehydrating and cleansing by means of long-stroke massage.

Hammam (also Turkish Bath) – A steam room(s) usually with herbal-scented vapours.

Herbal Wrap - Hot sheets soaked in herbs wrapped around the body, then covered with blankets and a cold compress applied to the head. Used to relax, detoxify and soften the body.

Homeopathy – A treatment that uses the same natural substance to cure an ailment that caused it. A self-healing therapy.

Hydromassage - A method of stimulating the blood and lymphatic system by using high pressure hoses under water.

Hydrotherapy – A generic term for all water-based treatments.

Indian Head Massage – Massage using essential oils that are massaged with the fingers and the “heel” of the hand onthe crown of the head. Particularly effective with focused meditation.

Ionisation – A thalassotherapy where the sea water is ionised with negative ions and is inhaled or sprayed. Used to heal the upper respiratory tract.

Jet Shower – see Scotch Hose Kinesiology – A diagnostic system to find food allergies and mineral deficiencies.

Kneipp Bath – A hydrotherapy, using herbs and minerals in water of different temperatures, combined with a diet and exercise regime devised by Father Sebastian Kneipp.

Kundalini – An Ayurvedic treatment to improve metabolism of the body, strengthen the back, increase mobility in the spine and ease many painful complaints from migraine to stiffness.

Laconium – A dry heat treatment room for relaxing the body.

Lastone Therapy - A massage to relax and revitalize using hot and cold stones on a well-oiled skin.

Lomi Lomi (also Lomilomi) – A Hawaiian massage using a rhythmical rocking and long stroking technique.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage – A means of reducing water retention using a gentle pumping and non-oily massage.

Mandi Lulur (also Javanese Lulur) – An ancient therapy involving a mask of flowers, herbs and spices that is allowed to dry then buffed and rinsed in yogurt. Usually precedes a jasmine or rose petal bath.

Meditation – Meditation has many forms but all are based on the concentration of an object, sound or belief whilst controlling the breathing. A powerful antidote to stress and anxiety.

Ozone Bath – A circulation stimulant using a jet of ozone bubbles onto the body while immersed in thermal or seawater.

Phytotherapy – The use of extracts of plants, herbs, seaweed and aromatic essential oils applied through massage, wraps, inhalation and steam treatments.

Pilates - An exercise discipline combining synchronised stretch and breathing techniques to strengthen the body.

Rasul Bath (also RhasoulBath) – Self-application of special muds to the face, chest, back and thighs whose remedial qualities are slowly absorbed in a heat chamber as the body perspires. A tropical rain shower is used to wash and cleanse.

Rebirthing – A Yoga technique of breathing and meditation to clear the mind thus achieving profound relaxation.

Reflexology - An ancient therapy restoring a natural energy flow around the body using finger-point pressure on the soles of the feet or sometimes the hands.

Reiki - A spiritual therapy where the body is loosely clothed. Rebalancing and relaxation are achieved whilst the therapist hovers, or lays hands, over specific points of the body.

Roman Bath – A communal pool of mineral enriched thermal water with underwater seating.

Salt Glow (also Body Glow or Turkish Scrub) – An exfoliating scrub using coarse salt, essential oils and water followed by a shower and the application of body lotion.

Sauna – A dry heated wood-lined room where the heat induces a sweat to cleanse the body.

Scotch Hose (also JetBlitz or Jet Shower) – A standing hydromassage using a high pressure hose of alternating hot and cold water.

Shiatsu – Japanese finger pressure used to improve energy flow along the body’s meridians used to boost one’s natural recuperative powers.

Shirodhara – A powerful Ayurvedic variation where oil is slowly poured over the third eye to relieve tension and restore balance.

Spinning - An aerobic exercise using a stationary bicycle.

Swedish Massage – Five-movement massage involving long strokes, tapping, kneading, rolling and vibration.

Tai Chi - A Taoist discipline combining mental concentration, dance and controlled breathing.

Tui Na Massage – A Chinese therapy using deep hands-on, digital pressure to relieve pain and restore balance.

Thai Massage - A “dry”massage with the subject dressed in loose clothes. The body is manipulated and stretched with pummelling and kneading whilst exerting pressure along the body’s energy channels. Used to relax tight limbs and release blockages.

Thalassotherapy - Seawater-based treatments sometimes enhanced with marine derivatives to restore balance and wellness.

Vichy Shower (also Affusion Shower) – An energising and relaxing therapy using multi-jet hot and cold water sprays onto the body whilst lying on a massage table.

Vinothérapie – A treatment that combines thermal spring water, oligo-elements with wine and grape extracts to strengthen blood vessels and enhance micro-circulation.

Watsu – A water-based massage applied as the body floats on warm water. Known for its emotional and physical liberating benefits.

Yoga – Based on ancient Indian teaching, Yoga combines posture, breathing and stretching. There are 18 different paths (Hatha, Ashtanga, Bhakti, Sivanda etc) each with their own emphasis. Some are physically very demanding. Ask before you commit!

Have you come across any weird and wonderful new treatments? Let us know!

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New Feng Shui Workshop at Abama Spa

Posted on March 10, 2011 by julie

The wonderful spa at Abama in Tenerife is hosting a new series of workshops once a month, based on the Abama philosophy of wellness. Themes will include feng shui, yoga, nutrition, health and wellness, with more to come.

These workshops include lunch at the spa and should be a very inspiring addition to the Abama wellness programmes.

The first workshop is “A Brief Introduction to Feng Shui”, by Abama’s life coach, Daniela Herzberg.

Throughout ancient China, classical Feng Shui was a closely guarded discipline used as a tool to ensure the good health, wealth, and power of the imperial dynasties. The keepers of this secret knowledge were the Feng Shui masters, the highly respected scientists and astronomers who were charged with sustaining the good fortune and prosperity of the royal court.

During the morning session of this workshop the participants get to know the basic rules and principles of Feng Shui and learn how to apply them in their own environment (home & business).

After lunch at the beautiful SPA café, participants will then assess the Feng Shui of the main hotel.

Daniela Herzberg is renowned as a life coach, nutritionist and certified Feng Shui consultant. Her comprehensive knowledge about the Chinese philosophy is a result of her work with Derek Walters, one of the most respected Feng Shui masters in the world.

Daniela has published several books and articles in German, English and Spanish. She is appreciated by her students and clients for her personalized approach, her enthusiastic and entertaining teaching methods.

We’ll keep you updated of more spa workshops throughout the year.

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