INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE & CRADLE HEALTH SPA, Hartebeespoort, North West

MASSAGE is the best way to spoil yourself, its something that ALWAYS makes a bad day good, and makes a tired aching body feel rejuvenated, some more than others, some heal, some relax and some give abundant energy.

That's the topic for TRAVEL & RELAXATION this month, and its essential as we need to know which massage types are best for the need at the time, but most are fantastic for total relaxation and rejuvenation.

We decided to end our topic off this month with a massage form that we believe would be best done as often as possible, daily if you could, as its JUST THAT NICE!!!

Meet...

& 

INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE

Now why we are so hooked on INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE, is because its a total art. Massage is firstly the oldest form of medicine known to mankind, and has been practised for thousands of years. The art of INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE originated from Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine. 

So for starters, this form of massage is very traditional and very sacred. The Sanskrit 'AYURVEDA' can be translated as the 'science or knowledge of life', and the approach to health is the balance of body, mind and spirit with the promotion of long life. 

Indian Head Massage, also know as Champissage, is a form of relaxation that focuses on the face, head, neck, shoulders, upper back and upper arms, all of which are important energy centers within the body. It is very relaxing and has a balancing effect on the recipient as it helps them to release stress and tension creating a sense of peace and well-being. Because this form of massage is most often done with clothing on and in the seated position, it can be done almost anywhere. 

Some of the benefits: 

- General Relaxation

- Improved blood circulation, improving Oxygen flow to the brain and also drains away toxins

- Calms, revitalises and uplifts the spirit

- Can balance the Chakras

- Relaxes taught muscles, breaking down knots & nodules in muscle tissue

- Increases joint mobility

- Stimulates hair growth, and improves skin condition

- Encourages deeper breathing

- Helps dissipate mental fatigue, stress, depression and results in greater mental alertness and concentration. 

- Relieves eye strain, tension headaches, migraines, earache, jaw ache, sinusitis, congestion and even insomnia. 

It really is such a wonderful massage form, it'll totally relax you and then give you such an energy high you'll think they slipped something in your tea, IT IS PURE INDULGENCE AND PURE HEAVEN. 

We found a PHENOMENAL SPA, that does many things and has a multitude of treatments, which we will report more on next month, but for now, THEY OFFER INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE. And at such an awesome venue. Please visit them @ CRADLE HEALTH SPA INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE, or CRADLE HEALTH SPA, or take there CRADLE HEALTH SPA VIRTUAL TOUR. 

We are loving this facility, cant wait to tell you more about it, but for now, book a 45min massage with them. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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SWEDISH MASSAGE with LA RESIDENCE SPA, Franschhoek, Western Cape.

FRIDAYS ARE SUCH DECADENT DAYS, that's what they should be right?! Its the day of the week we look forward to most, even though most of the time we work, but they are also the day when we find the most exquisite of delights that bring us Relaxation, and allow us to focus purely on releasing stress.

So this month our focus in TRAVEL & RELAXATION is MASSAGE, but more specifically different types and why each is good. There really are quite a few, all have massive benefits, but some are needs based and some are pure indulgence, but all are good for you with the right therapist.

Meet....

& SWEDISH MASSAGE.

Ooooh where to start, ok, lets start at the point and then digress. Swedish Massage is very popular form of massage, probabaly one of the most common, but for very good reasons. It invloves soft, long, kneading types strokes, as well as light, rythmic, tapping strokes on the topmost layers of muscles. This is also combined with movement of the joints. By relieving muscular tension, Swedish therapy can be both relaxing and and energizing at the same time. 

They even have names for the 'STROKES', the most common being;

- Effleurage, which is a smooth, gliding stroke used to relax soft tissue.

- Petrissage, which is the squeezing, rolling, or kneading that follows Effleurage.

- Friction, which is the deep, circular movements that cause layers of tissue ti rub against each other, helping to increase blood flow and break down scar tissue.

- And lastly, Tapotement, which is a short, alternating tap done with cupped hands, fingers or on the edge of the hand. 

Swedish Massage therapty is the modality that comes to mind when most people think of massage, as the primary goal is relaxation. It also increases the oxygen level in the blood, decreases muscle toxins, improves circulation and flexibility, all while easing tension. In fact studies show that in can significant ly also decrease in levels of the stress hormone Cortisol, as well as Arginine Vasopressin, which is a hormone that can lead to increases of Cortisol. What this means essentially is that you are reducing the possibility of the onset or severity of Non-Communicable Diseases. It also increases the number of Lymphocytes, white blood cells that are part of the immune system. This is beneficial for fighting the NCD's and the common Cold & Flu. 

It is an amazing therapy, it does everything you want to be done, and nothing you dont. Its a 'CANT-GO-WRONG' type of massage, but you need a good therapist, and we know you will find one at possibly one of the most beautiful hotels in the world, right here in Fanschhoek, La Residence. MAN ALIVE!!! Just being in this space would be enough to relax you, rejuvenate you and energize you, you may forget the massage, what with the decor, achitecxture, and INCREDIBLE VIEWS, its simply a honour just being on the property. 

Find them @ www.laresidence.co.za, you wont regret it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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HOT STONE MASSAGE & SORBET SALON's - La Lucia, KwaZulu Natal

HEAVEN, from a little stone made of basalt worn in by the current of a river...

In TRAVEL & RELAXATION this month we are focusing on different types of MASSAGES, which are best for what, and simply just showing what pure indulgence is, irrespective of reason.

WE LOVE LIFE, and life is made even better by massage, but if your day is not going so well and your body is telling you to give up, then MASSAGE will give you everything a glass of wine cant.

Meet.... HOT STONE MASSAGE 

  & 

This is completely one of those, 'IF YOU HAVE NOT, YOU HAVEN'T LIVED' moments, and its true, HOT STONE MASSAGE is possibly one of the most therapeutic and relaxing art forms, (we call it that cause that's how we see it, its art on your body). And its something we should indulge in as often as possible, maybe even get a live-in therapist, who is there on command, like the Italian Mamma in the Kitchen Cupboard. 

So why HOT STONES???

Firstly, typically, the HOT STONES used are river rocks or very smooth-surfaced stones made of basalt, smoothed by a rivers current. The high Iron content in basalt helps the stones retain the heat during the massage, and the smoothness is half of the treat, its just as pleasant as a hand. 

After oiling the entire body with a light massage, the heated stones are placed are placed down the Chakra-Line, or energy centres, heating up through the spine, calming the nervous system & improving circulation. 

This is left for a little bit, for your to absorb the process and relax with the heat of the stone and let it start the work on its own, then the therapist starts the 2nd phase and places the stones on one acupressure point at a time, letting the muscles absorb the heat first in the targeted area. (Its kinda like boiling the kettle before drinking the tea, its better if the water is hot, or going for a run before stretching, its just better when the muscles are warm, they respond better.) Then the therapist uses various techniques, with the stones as the primary tool, to work into knotted muscles surrounding. But one of the best techniques used is when strength is applied in circular & long stroking motions, and the heat and smoothness of the stones provide an incredibly soothing feeling allowing you to feel the massage, but in total calmness.  

Different sized stones are used specifically according to muscle size, and muscle tension, larder stones are used  on larger muscles, smaller stones on smaller muscles, as well as smaller sharper stones used for deeper muscle manipulation, and the stones are also used to massage the front of the torso, the back and front of the legs, the arms, the hands, the feet and the temple. 

Hot Stone Therapy is really good for Back Pain, Poor Circulation, Osteoarthritis, Stress, Anxiety, General Tension, Insomnia, Depression, and just somma, when you want to feel good, or just spoil yourself. Its total therapy, but also totally the best gift you can give you.

We recommend that you go for a HOT STONE MASSAGE at one of the BEST SPA's in SOUTH AFRICA, SORBET, and you will find them everywhere, if you need a little help, go to www.sorbet.co.za, and while you are at it, have a really good look at what else they offer, they may become you b.s.f, BEST.SALON.FRIEND.
WE LOVE THEM, you will too, keep them on speed-dial.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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THAI MASSAGE with KAI THAI

The best way to have a holiday and experience relaxation at its maximum is to have a massage, right?!
So whether you are already on holiday and need more spoiling, or are just incredibly stressed and need a very effective release, we say the best is to go for a massage....
BUT, which massages are best? Which really give you what you want? 
That's our focus this month in TRAVEL & RELAXATION, Massages, and the best types.

Its like God asked the therapists to hold heaven in their hands, that's what we want you to experience.

Our first choice...THAI MASSAGE!!!

Meet....

 & 

One of our favourite massage forms is Thai Massage, and, KAI THAI, with their amazing settings and beautiful Spa's, brings you the best of Thai Land and the ultimate stress relief. 

 Most of the therapists, if not all, are dinkum from Thai Land, hardly speak English, except for, 'too hard?', or 'you want softer?', but it matters not, as they are going to give you all  the heaven you need. These ladies have been given the gift of touch, and know what the best pressure is for your tired, hardened, knotted  muscles. You will immediately feel a sense of calm as you walk in the front door of any of the spas and are welcomed to the massage rooms. And no matter how hard a massage gets, somehow you will still find yourself drifting into the abyss that is Thai La-La-Land. You may not want to leave. The atmosphere and the natural peace the ladies surround themselves in is hypnotic, addictive and totally infectious. 

Why Thai Massage, as opposed to other massages? Firstly, let us just warn you, its a very invasive form of massage, and may feel a little uneasy at first if you are not ware, but its who they are and how they roll, Thai Massage, is very up close and personal. They use their entire bodies and not just their hands, so prepare for that part. Once you've accepted this, you relax and let them play and manipulate your body in ways you wish you could do yourself, and don't be fooled, these little ladies are moer strong, as they will ruk & druk you like no wrestler can, but the difference is that you will love it, and let them rag doll you into a deep peaceful sleep. 

During a Thai Massage, the therapist uses her body to move the client into a variety of positions, and includes muscular compression, joint mobilization and acupressure. The 'ruk & druk' positions are very yoga-like and take relaxation to a whole new level. This also helps improve overall circulation. But not only are your joints being mobilized and your muscles receiving the best massage they've ever had, but also the best stretch you've ever had too. This then allows for a greater range of motion, which with the increased flexibility reduces muscle stress and strain and helps prevent trip and fall incidents. 

But even though there is a serious workout and push-and-pull session, its also incredibly relaxing. The massage aspect, after acupressure allows for deep muscular release, reduced blood pressure, and enhances the circulatory system by increasing the circulation to the whole body and with it more oxygen to the brain.

This deepened form of induced relaxation, promotes a deeper nights sleep as well, which allows the body to heal itself physically, and leaves you feeling more refreshed upon waking. 

And even though you will feel so relaxed afterwards, you will feel unbelievably rejuvenated the next day and have more energy than you've had in ages. Our advice, book a massage and go home and have a nap afterwards, and then have a light dinner, watch a light hearted movie and go back to sleep. You will feel like you have had a holiday, guaranteed!!!

For more information contact KAI THAI CENTURION or KAI THAI PRETORIA

 

 

 

 

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THE DRAKENSBERG AMPHITHEATRE and the MONTUSI MOUNTAIN LODGE

Its amazing how far we will travel as South Africans, to find beauty and incredible spaces, when we either havn't discovered our whats so close, or we forget to rediscover what we know is within our reach.

So we decided to remind you in out TRAVEL & RELAXATION section, we want you to travel and to relax and take it all in, indulge in what we have. Find SOUTH AFRICAN PEACE.

Find it at the Drakensberg Amphitheatre...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And we found the most incredible place to stay....

Find them @ www.montusi.co.za

 

 

 
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