SpaGypsies love to spend time in the tranquil environment of a spa. Whether it’s for relaxation, detoxification, fitness, nutrition and weight control or beauty, Spa Gypsies relish the ability to get away from it all. It can be a spiritual experience or hiking venture. Whether it’s a destination spa like Canyon Ranch or The Spa & Inn at Norwich, a great resort spa like Grand Waialua, or day spa like Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door, many of us do share our next experience with other spa wanders.
Monday, June 9, 2014
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
A Balanced Life
Balanced Life
This is good. very good advice. Buddhism or not, Meditation is good for everyone.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/SpaGypsies/229738627059934
This is good. very good advice. Buddhism or not, Meditation is good for everyone.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/SpaGypsies/229738627059934
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Bill Hicks - It's Just A Ride
Bill Hicks passed away almost 20 years ago, but his words about life still resonate. His time on earth was short. But if he lived by his own advice, I bet it was a good ride.
http://www.youtube.com/v/iMUiwTubYu0?autohide=1&version=3&feature=share&autohide=1&attribution_tag=wtxgBldC_GYzfD2rZyEmyg&showinfo=1&autoplay=1
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Want to know "why am I so angry?"
| Q&A - Why Am I So Angry? |
| By John H. Sklare, Ed.D, Lifescript Personal Coach |
Q: My husband and friends have a major issue with me. I'mtoo honest and open. When a problem arises, I'll address it right then and there. But other people see this as rude and offensive. I also become very angry at times and am unable to hold back or stop until I feel that I've been heard. Any advice?
- Lekendra T. |
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Friday, October 11, 2013
I had to buy this..Remote control iPhone pics
I don't often do this on this blog but I have to tell you about my purchase to...had to have it. I need it. https://www.livingsocial.com/deals/816764-wireless-remote-for-a-smartphone-with-tripod?ref=share-post_purchase-copy_box-web-deals&rui=474856&rpi=136115620
Get it here
Get it here
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Dimension of Wellness...the Dalai Lami at the Global Wellness Summit
On a gentle autumn morning, the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso graced the audience on the second day of Global Spa and Wellness Summit recently, with not just his presence, but also his witty and insightful words.
It was a rare sight when the keynote speaker scratched his head and laughed without inhibition while reading the word ‘spa’ in the title of the event, and turned to his translator for help. And then he said, “I have no idea what spa means, but wellness I understand. And wellness, in my opinion, goes beyond physical health and needs to incorporate mental well-being. And mental well-being, well, that lies in compassion.” .... Dimensions of wellness. Click to read full article
Monday, September 16, 2013
I Did Not Want to Raise My Prices
Repost from New York Times....
A couple of years ago, I was reading an article about a guy in his 30s, David Geslak, who had started a company in Chicago, Exercise Connection, that works with children who have autism. Reading the article, it became obvious to me that he must have his hands full, trying to teach, to develop programs and to give speeches while also building his business. In part because his mission is dear to me — I have a nephew who is on the autism spectrum — I decided to call him to see if I could offer any entrepreneurial advice.
Click here to read this great article
A couple of years ago, I was reading an article about a guy in his 30s, David Geslak, who had started a company in Chicago, Exercise Connection, that works with children who have autism. Reading the article, it became obvious to me that he must have his hands full, trying to teach, to develop programs and to give speeches while also building his business. In part because his mission is dear to me — I have a nephew who is on the autism spectrum — I decided to call him to see if I could offer any entrepreneurial advice.
Click here to read this great article
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
American Airlines Baggage Department and Customer Relations
Stephanie,
Please see the email response that you sent me today re: my baggage incident in route from LIT to HPN on September 3, 2013. While I greatly appreciate your quick response, the message to me is totally unacceptable. I only had 1600 characters to write my issue and was therefore unable to properly address the situation that caused my not filing a claim without your "24 hour window". Please be advised the following:
1. I attempted numerous times at HPN airport at the check in reservation counter (there is no AA baggage office at this airport) to file the claim on the spot, I was told that 1) I could not and 2) there were no forms available.
2. I repeatedly asked because I had a baggage damage problem at LHR in August 2012 with a different airline and missed the policy of filing before leaving the airport (that's UA's policy). I told her several times that I did not want the same thing to happen that happened with UA. She explained that that was not AA's policy and NEVER mentioned the 24-hour window. Never. She had every opportunity. She simply wrote down the baggage department's phone number on an AA baggage ID tag and the number for her local office in White Plains. I called the local office on the 4th or 5th and have not received a return phone call to date.
3. When I did finally get to call AA (remember, I was not told, nor given any type of document to fill out or a website address to read the rules when I attempted to file) I was told to see you, Customer Service, a message on line. Then, go ahead and write a detailed letter to AA Customer Service also. I can only assume that the agent I spoke with knew that I would be rejected by you.
So where are we now? Peggy Purtle Lee is supposed to "eat it" once again with American. It was, by the way, a brand new bag, part of a set of 4 ostrich skinned bags. It was the FIRST time I used the bag, or the set for that matter. The handle was RIPPED off one side, that's clearly human error.
First, a bit about me.
First, my AAdvantage number is 2030032. Do you know what that means? AAdvantage number started at 1 million, numbers only. I was a little over your 2 millionth AAdvantage member. Do you know how many you have now? I was Platinum for many, many years. I'm not regular status but that can change at any time. I am also a supporter of your merger with USAirways for what it's worth.
Second, I do digital marketing, mobile and social media strategy, as well as reputation management for organizations and brands in travel, leisure, hospitality, automotive and health & wellness. Please understand that I feel it my obligation to notify everyone I can about this incident. "Consumer beware!". It is not right. Totally not morally or ethically right. I have pictures taken from the airport. I have names and numbers. I did what I was told to do. And you throw the "right of carriage" or whatever it is called in my face as your justification not to help me by paying for my luggage repairs? If I was still Platinum would you have handled it differently? That I would really like to know. Because I would make Platinum, Exec. Platinum and Gold aware in my blogs and social media that they would not have to experience what I experienced. Please, do let me know so I can assure them that AA cares would their satisfaction with your service offerings and that they would be taken care of.
I will not accept you response as the final word from AA. Surely, somewhere in your vast organization someone who is responsible for revenues would at least be inclined to help me.
Please get back to me as soon as possible. If there is a way that I can get my baggage repair costs paid, I'd prefer to get it done as quickly as possible. I am traveling almost every week these days.
Kindest regards,
Peggy Lee
Engage! Consulting
Please see the email response that you sent me today re: my baggage incident in route from LIT to HPN on September 3, 2013. While I greatly appreciate your quick response, the message to me is totally unacceptable. I only had 1600 characters to write my issue and was therefore unable to properly address the situation that caused my not filing a claim without your "24 hour window". Please be advised the following:
1. I attempted numerous times at HPN airport at the check in reservation counter (there is no AA baggage office at this airport) to file the claim on the spot, I was told that 1) I could not and 2) there were no forms available.
2. I repeatedly asked because I had a baggage damage problem at LHR in August 2012 with a different airline and missed the policy of filing before leaving the airport (that's UA's policy). I told her several times that I did not want the same thing to happen that happened with UA. She explained that that was not AA's policy and NEVER mentioned the 24-hour window. Never. She had every opportunity. She simply wrote down the baggage department's phone number on an AA baggage ID tag and the number for her local office in White Plains. I called the local office on the 4th or 5th and have not received a return phone call to date.
3. When I did finally get to call AA (remember, I was not told, nor given any type of document to fill out or a website address to read the rules when I attempted to file) I was told to see you, Customer Service, a message on line. Then, go ahead and write a detailed letter to AA Customer Service also. I can only assume that the agent I spoke with knew that I would be rejected by you.
So where are we now? Peggy Purtle Lee is supposed to "eat it" once again with American. It was, by the way, a brand new bag, part of a set of 4 ostrich skinned bags. It was the FIRST time I used the bag, or the set for that matter. The handle was RIPPED off one side, that's clearly human error.
First, a bit about me.
First, my AAdvantage number is 2030032. Do you know what that means? AAdvantage number started at 1 million, numbers only. I was a little over your 2 millionth AAdvantage member. Do you know how many you have now? I was Platinum for many, many years. I'm not regular status but that can change at any time. I am also a supporter of your merger with USAirways for what it's worth.
Second, I do digital marketing, mobile and social media strategy, as well as reputation management for organizations and brands in travel, leisure, hospitality, automotive and health & wellness. Please understand that I feel it my obligation to notify everyone I can about this incident. "Consumer beware!". It is not right. Totally not morally or ethically right. I have pictures taken from the airport. I have names and numbers. I did what I was told to do. And you throw the "right of carriage" or whatever it is called in my face as your justification not to help me by paying for my luggage repairs? If I was still Platinum would you have handled it differently? That I would really like to know. Because I would make Platinum, Exec. Platinum and Gold aware in my blogs and social media that they would not have to experience what I experienced. Please, do let me know so I can assure them that AA cares would their satisfaction with your service offerings and that they would be taken care of.
I will not accept you response as the final word from AA. Surely, somewhere in your vast organization someone who is responsible for revenues would at least be inclined to help me.
Please get back to me as soon as possible. If there is a way that I can get my baggage repair costs paid, I'd prefer to get it done as quickly as possible. I am traveling almost every week these days.
Kindest regards,
Peggy Lee
Engage! Consulting
Dear Ms. Lee:
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Thank you for contacting us. We are sorry to hear about the damage that you have reported.
We have found that for our
customers, the most convenient method of resolving problems of this kind
is to refer the damage claim to personnel in our field offices for
handling. They have the full authority and responsibility
in such matters, and their ability to meet with you and inspect the
item allows for an efficient evaluation in accordance with the limits of
liability printed on your ticket jacket and posted at our airport
counters.
While we work very hard to avoid
these mishaps, they do sometimes occur. When this kind of difficulty
happens, every effort is made to make amends in a reasonable manner.
However, our conditions of liability exclude any damage
claim not initially reported before leaving the airport or in person
within 24 hours after the arrival of your checked items.
Ms. Lee, again thank you for
contacting us. We look forward to welcoming you on board again soon. The
next time you travel with us, we will try to make your flight
satisfactory in every way.
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Sincerely,
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Stephanie Wilson
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Customer Relations
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American Airlines
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AA Ref#1-1004834692
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Monday, August 19, 2013
7 Birth Control Myths
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When
it comes to birth control, it’s important to get your facts straight. After
all, you know what they call people who either don’t use birth control or use
it incorrectly? Parents. Get the truth about 7 enduring contraception myths...
Myth #1: Breastfeeding prevents pregnancy.
Fact: It's true that prolactin, the same hormone that produces breast milk, suppresses ovulation.
And under very specific circumstances – your baby is younger than 6 months old, your periods haven’t restarted and more than 90% of your baby’s nutrition comes from breastfeeding – the lactational amenorrhea method (a fancy term for breastfeeding as birth control) may work.
However, gynecologists don’t recommend relying on it because if your breastfeeding routine changes one iota, all bets are off.
“Women can ovulate while breastfeeding, so it’s not an excellent form of birth control,” says Bruce Rosenzweig, M.D., gynecologist and director of urogynecology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
“Breastfeeding shouldn’t be looked at as contraception. It should be looked at as what it is intended for – an excellent way of giving nutrition to a baby or young child,” Dr. Rosenzweig says. - See more at: http://www.lifescript.com/special/taking_control_a_womans_guide_to_sexual_health/7_birth_control_myths.aspx#sthash.c7tkwSRF.dpuf
Myth #1: Breastfeeding prevents pregnancy.
Fact: It's true that prolactin, the same hormone that produces breast milk, suppresses ovulation.
And under very specific circumstances – your baby is younger than 6 months old, your periods haven’t restarted and more than 90% of your baby’s nutrition comes from breastfeeding – the lactational amenorrhea method (a fancy term for breastfeeding as birth control) may work.
However, gynecologists don’t recommend relying on it because if your breastfeeding routine changes one iota, all bets are off.
“Women can ovulate while breastfeeding, so it’s not an excellent form of birth control,” says Bruce Rosenzweig, M.D., gynecologist and director of urogynecology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
“Breastfeeding shouldn’t be looked at as contraception. It should be looked at as what it is intended for – an excellent way of giving nutrition to a baby or young child,” Dr. Rosenzweig says. - See more at: http://www.lifescript.com/special/taking_control_a_womans_guide_to_sexual_health/7_birth_control_myths.aspx#sthash.c7tkwSRF.dpuf
When
it comes to birth control, it’s important to get your facts straight.
After all, you know what they call people who either don’t use birth
control or use it incorrectly? Parents. Get the truth about 7 enduring
contraception myths...
Myth #1: Breastfeeding prevents pregnancy.
Fact: It's true that prolactin, the same hormone that produces breast milk, suppresses ovulation.
And under very specific circumstances – your baby is younger than 6 months old, your periods haven’t restarted and more than 90% of your baby’s nutrition comes from breastfeeding – the lactational amenorrhea method (a fancy term for breastfeeding as birth control) may work.
However, gynecologists don’t recommend relying on it because if your breastfeeding routine changes one iota, all bets are off.
“Women can ovulate while breastfeeding, so it’s not an excellent form of birth control,” says Bruce Rosenzweig, M.D., gynecologist and director of urogynecology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
“Breastfeeding shouldn’t be looked at as contraception. It should be looked at as what it is intended for – an excellent way of giving nutrition to a baby or young child,” Dr. Rosenzweig says. - See more at: http://www.lifescript.com/special/taking_control_a_womans_guide_to_sexual_health/7_birth_control_myths.aspx#sthash.c7tkwSRF.dpuf
And under very specific circumstances – your baby is younger than 6 months old, your periods haven’t restarted and more than 90% of your baby’s nutrition comes from breastfeeding – the lactational amenorrhea method (a fancy term for breastfeeding as birth control) may work.
However, gynecologists don’t recommend relying on it because if your breastfeeding routine changes one iota, all bets are off.
“Women can ovulate while breastfeeding, so it’s not an excellent form of birth control,” says Bruce Rosenzweig, M.D., gynecologist and director of urogynecology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
“Breastfeeding shouldn’t be looked at as contraception. It should be looked at as what it is intended for – an excellent way of giving nutrition to a baby or young child,” Dr. Rosenzweig says. - See more at: http://www.lifescript.com/special/taking_control_a_womans_guide_to_sexual_health/7_birth_control_myths.aspx#sthash.c7tkwSRF.dpuf
When
it comes to birth control, it’s important to get your facts straight.
After all, you know what they call people who either don’t use birth
control or use it incorrectly? Parents. Get the truth about 7 enduring
contraception myths...
Myth #1: Breastfeeding prevents pregnancy.
Fact: It's true that prolactin, the same hormone that produces breast milk, suppresses ovulation.
And under very specific circumstances – your baby is younger than 6 months old, your periods haven’t restarted and more than 90% of your baby’s nutrition comes from breastfeeding – the lactational amenorrhea method (a fancy term for breastfeeding as birth control) may work.
However, gynecologists don’t recommend relying on it because if your breastfeeding routine changes one iota, all bets are off.
“Women can ovulate while breastfeeding, so it’s not an excellent form of birth control,” says Bruce Rosenzweig, M.D., gynecologist and director of urogynecology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
“Breastfeeding shouldn’t be looked at as contraception. It should be looked at as what it is intended for – an excellent way of giving nutrition to a baby or young child,” Dr. Rosenzweig says. - See more at: http://www.lifescript.com/special/taking_control_a_womans_guide_to_sexual_health/7_birth_control_myths.aspx#sthash.c7tkwSRF.dpuf
And under very specific circumstances – your baby is younger than 6 months old, your periods haven’t restarted and more than 90% of your baby’s nutrition comes from breastfeeding – the lactational amenorrhea method (a fancy term for breastfeeding as birth control) may work.
However, gynecologists don’t recommend relying on it because if your breastfeeding routine changes one iota, all bets are off.
“Women can ovulate while breastfeeding, so it’s not an excellent form of birth control,” says Bruce Rosenzweig, M.D., gynecologist and director of urogynecology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.
“Breastfeeding shouldn’t be looked at as contraception. It should be looked at as what it is intended for – an excellent way of giving nutrition to a baby or young child,” Dr. Rosenzweig says. - See more at: http://www.lifescript.com/special/taking_control_a_womans_guide_to_sexual_health/7_birth_control_myths.aspx#sthash.c7tkwSRF.dpuf
When
it comes to birth control, it’s important to get your facts straight.
After all, you know what they call people who either don’t use birth
control or use it incorrectly? Parents. Get the truth about 7 enduring
contraception myths... - See more at:
http://www.lifescript.com/special/taking_control_a_womans_guide_to_sexual_health/7_birth_control_myths.aspx#sthash.c7tkwSRF.dpuf
click here to read the full article: 7 birth control myths
Shared Post: 7 Birth Control Myths
By Norine Dworkin-McDaniel, Special to
Lifescript
Published August 18, 2013
Reviewed By Edward C. Geehr, M.D.
7 Birth Control Myths
Reviewed By
Edward C. Geehr, M.D.
7 Birth Control Myths
By Norine Dworkin-McDaniel, Special to
Lifescript
Published August 18, 2013
Reviewed By Edward C. Geehr, M.D.
- See more at:
http://www.lifescript.com/special/taking_control_a_womans_guide_to_sexual_health/7_birth_control_myths.aspx#sthash.Pea2GiYd.dpuf
Thursday, August 15, 2013
The 14 Best Types of Massage Therapy
Massages are not something you experience every day, and when you decide to try it you want it to be an amazing experience. Especially when you make a spa gift certificate to someone who never had a massage.
So many types of massage and you have to choose only one. It can be tough.
First choose a type of massage from one of the following categories.
- Massages that treat – They are painful and you may feel sore the next day, but they have a therapeutic effect on your body and a few days later you will feel much better.
- Massages that relax – They relax your body and mind so much that you can even fall asleep during the massage. This type of massage is enjoyable and is great for those who want to try massage for the first time.
1. Swedish massage
If you never had a massage before I would recommend to start with Swedish massage.
By far Swedish massage is the most popular form of massage.
Generically Swedish massage is often referred to as “relaxation massage”. A Swedish massage requires you to be unclothed because massage lotion or oil is applied on your body to minimize friction. Swedish massage is performed on a massage table.
The parts of the body that the therapist is not working on are covered with sheets.
Swedish massage is the best introductory technique for those who never had massage, because it doesn’t involve deep pressure and it’s a soothing form of bodywork.
2. Shiatsu massage
Shiatsu – all you have to do is press.
Shiatsu is a simplistic massage style.
It is performed on a mat on the floor and the patient is fully clothed as no oil is used.
The main technique in shiatsu is applying pressure using fingers, thumbs, elbows and knees to the acupoints which are situated along the meridians of your body. Each point is held for 2 to 8 seconds to improve the flow of chi and help the body regain balance.
The therapist uses his own body weight to apply pressure, so it can be quite deep in many places. Though the pressure is firm, there is usually no soreness after shiatsu.
3. Thai massage
Just like shiatsu thai massage is a simplistic massage style. The patient is fully clothed and oil is not used. The treatment is performed on a mat on the floor, because the therapist will have to change your position very often.
If you think you’ll lie calmly and relaxed during thai massage, you are wrong. Thai massage is one of the most dynamic form of massage.
The massage therapist will move your body quite a lot, positioning it into different stretching poses which are very much alike the yoga poses.
After thai massage you’ll feel like after a yoga class.
Besides the stretching there is also keen attention to acupressure points. It also includes compression of muscles and mobilization of joints.
4. Hot stone massage
Hot stone massage is one of the most relaxing forms of massage therapy, but it’s less therapeutic than Swedish massage, for example. The massage therapist is not able to feel how the muscles are reacting to the pressure.
Smooth warmed basalt stones are heated and are massaged over the body. The stones are placed on shoulders and on back muscles to increase circulation and promote relaxation.
Hot stones are quite soothing and relaxing, as they transmit heat deep into the body and loosen tight muscles and balances the energy centers in the body.
Hot stone massage is good for people who have muscle tension but prefer lighter massage.
5. Lymphatic massage
Lymphatic massage aims to stimulate the body’s lymphatic system by applying light, gentle, repetitive strokes.
A healthy lymph system requires that muscle cells are able to contract smoothly in the walls of lymph vessels so that muscles can shepherd lymphatic fluid through the vessels, lymph nodes, and the rest of the body.
Lymphatic massage isn’t a good fit for those looking for a more intense, hard-pressured massage. Instead, it is excellent for those who want to detoxify their body or reduce the swelling post injury or surgery.
6. Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage is another popular form of bodywork.
In the majority of cases people feel discomfort or pain during deep tissue massage. It’s ok to feel soreness or swelling in the regions that were massaged after a deep tissue massage. It should subside within a day or so.
Deep tissue is best to apply on certain painful and stiff regions on your body. The massage therapist applies slow, deliberate strokes that focus pressure on layers of muscles, tendons, or other tissues deep under your skin.
Though less rhythmic than other types of massage, deep tissue massage can be quite therapeutic — relieving chronic patterns of tension and helping with muscle injuries, such as back sprain.
7. Reflexology
According to reflexology, all the organs of the body are mapped on the feet, hands or ears. Applying finger pressure on certain points it links to various internal organs and promotes healing.
Reflexology can also be performed on the reflex points on your hands and ears.
It can be a perfect therapy for those who spend long hours on their feet.
8. Sports massage
Sports massage is not designed for relaxation purpose. It is firstly designed for people who are involved in physical activity, especially athletes.
Sports massage uses a variety of approaches to help athletes in training before and in between events during an athletic competition to warm and loosen their muscle. After the competition it may help to facilitate recover and rehabilitate injuries.
Many athletes receive regular massage to help optimize performance by improving flexibility, increasing range of motion and improving muscle balance.
The main focus is on enhancing athletic performance.
9. Aromatherapy massage
In aromatherapy massage essential oils are incorporated into the oil that is massaged into your skin.
Single or mixed essential oils are used in aromatherapy massage to address specific needs. To achieve better therapeutic results the massage therapists usually uses a mixture of essential oils for the treatment.
Aromatherapy massage is particularly suited to stress-related conditions with an emotional component.
10. Lomi lomi
Lomi lomi is a Hawaiian form of massage and has many similarities with Swedish massage. It’s a very relaxing type of massage.
During the lomi lomi session the therapist is repeating a prayer which means that there is no conversation between the therapist and the patient.
The important part of this bodywork is that the practitioner focuses on the client using loving hands and loving heart. Lomi lomi facilitates healing on the mental, emotional and spiritual levels and it views all these aspects of the body as one.
In lomi lomi massage the person lies directly on the vinyl of the table and not on a towel, and rather than being covered completely by towels, is covered by a small sheet or towel leaving most of the body exposed during the massage.
11. Rolfing
Rolfing is painful. It’s tough to go to these sessions.
Rolfing is an uncomfortable deep massage. Many patients report soreness in muscles and joints after rolfing, but it’s truly a massage therapy technique that is highly recommended to any chronic pain sufferer.
The theory behind rolfing is that the body’s aches and pains arose from basic imbalances in posture and ailment, which were created and reinforced over time by gravity.
For example, our modern sedentary lifestyle has resulted in poor posture and the body’s muscles develop patterns of unnatural contractions. Rolfing aims to restructure and realign the body with it’s center of gravity and with the earth.
12. Cupping therapy
Cupping is a great alternative for those who don’t enjoy massage. In massage the therapist pushes the layers of the tissue in, while in cupping massage the tissues are sucked out.
The therapist uses oil on your back to facilitate a better slide of the cups on the body. The therapist creates vacuum inside the cup and puts them on the back of the patient. The therapist slowly moves the cups along the meridians on the back facilitating blood flow and getting some fresh oxygenated blood to the area.
13. Ashiatsu
If you need a deeper kind of massage, try ashiatsu.
In ashiatsu the massage therapist literally is walking on your back and uses bars to support himself and vary pressure and weight.
This technique uses the principles of shiatsu, but the technique is performed barefoot on the back on the recipient’s body.
14. Ayurvedic massage
Ayurvedic body massage uses warmed oil and applies continuous strokes and techniques, which is very relaxing. But that’s not all.
Before the massage is necessary to take a hot shower to soften and loosen the skin. After an hour of massage the client takes a hot shower to wash up the oil, following a steam bath for around 10-15 minutes and returns to the massage bed where the therapist applies a warm herbal scrub on the body. The client lies still for 10 minutes while the scrub exfoliates and becomes absorbed by the skin. Once the scrub is dry the client takes a hot shower to remove the scrub.
You may feel sleepy and weak and will certainly be slowed down a great deal.
If you liked this article Subscribe to MassageDreams!!
Sunday, July 14, 2013
What an amazing woman. God must be very pleased.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Addiction...It's a Slow Fade because people never cumble in a day.
SpaGypsies is about Health & Wellness. In order to be a whole, normal, happy person, you can't be an addict or alcoholic. This video really cuts to the bone. There are so many behavioral issues addressed in it: addiction to drugs, eating disorders, families crumbling, suicide, cutting...Please watch this and share it on Facebook or G+...or Tweet it. Everyone knows someone who is suffering. By God's Grace they can be healed. Make a difference! Spread the good word to all.
That's it. No more need be said if you just watch the video and share it.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Certify your Garden as a Wildlife Habitat
I think I will do this. I have the birds for sure.
Whether you have an apartment balcony or a 20-acre farm, you can create a garden that attracts beautiful wildlife and helps restore habitat in commercial and residential areas.
By providing food, water, cover and a place for wildlife to raise their young, you not only help wildlife, but you also qualify to become an official Certified Wildlife Habitat™ and join the nearly 140,000 sites across the country.click this link to find out how you can participate:
Certify your Garden Here
To certify your yard, you need to provide the following:
Examples of food sources:
- native plants
- seeds
- fruits
- nuts
- berries
- nectar
Examples of water sources:
- birdbath
- pond
- water garden
- stream
Examples of cover:
- thicket
- rockpile
- birdhouse
Examples of places to raise young:
- dense shrubs
- vegetation
- nesting box
- pond
If you don't think your garden is complete, start your registration and we'll inspire you along the way.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
1 week at a health spa improves your health, study shows
Guest post by Andrew Newberg, M.D.
Original Post Here
(PHILADELPHIA) – Take off those Thanksgiving pounds with a week at a spa retreat. A new study shows that not only are they relaxing and nourishing, but they are safe and a week-long spa stay can correspond with changes in our physical and emotional well-being.
New research from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital evaluated 15 participants before and after their visit to We Care Spa, a health and wellness spa in Desert Hot Springs California, and found the program safe and helped to improve the participants' health. Their complete findings will be available in the December issue of Integrative Medicine, A Clinician's Journal.
"Programs such as these have never before been formally evaluated for their safety and physiological effects," says Andrew Newberg, MD, director of research at the Jefferson-Myrna Brind Center of Integrative Medicine and lead author on the study. The authors' pilot study is one of the first to attach scientific data to the outcomes of a health and wellness spa stay.
The week-long program included diet modification, meditation and colonic hydrotherapy, voluntarily participation in low-risk hatha and Vishnu flow-yoga programs, and a juice-fast cleansing very low calorie diet of approximately 800 calories per day. Stress management was provided through daily structured meditation and yoga programs as well as time for personal meditation encouraging deep breathing, heightened awareness and a calming effect.
In preparation, participants were asked to modify their diet three to four days prior to arrival by replacing a normal diet with fruit, sprouts, raw and steamed vegetables, salads, vegetables, herbal teas, prune juice in the morning, laxative teas or herbal laxatives nightly and avoiding pasta, meat, cheese, caffeine, alcohol and processed foods.
Andrew Newberg, M.D., is the director of Research at the Jefferson-Myrna Brind Center of Integrative Medicine. He is nationally known for his research on spirituality and the brain, but studies a wide variety of topics in spirituality and integrative medicine.
(Photo Credit: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital)
The participants, 13 women and two men between the ages of 21 and 85, with no history of significant medical, neurological or psychological conditions each underwent a physical evaluation including weight, height, Body Mass Index (BMI), blood pressure and an EKG test. They also received a complete blood count (CBC), liver function tests, tests measuring cholesterol and triglycerides, thyroid hormone testing, and the concentration of metals such as mercury and lead. In addition, psychological and spiritual measures before and after their arrival were measured.
An evaluation of the results showed that undergoing a spa program resulted in a weight decline of an average of 6.8 lbs., a 7.7 percent decrease in diastolic blood pressure as well as a decrease in mercury, sodium and chloride levels and a 5.2 percent decline in cholesterol level and mean BMI. Cholesterol level decline seemed to be curiously associated with a decline in HDL's, the good-for-you high density lipoproteins, which is of some concern, though they remained within the range regarded as beneficial. Hemoglobin increased 5.9 percent. No statistically significant changes in liver or thyroid function and no EKG changes were noted.
No serious adverse effects were reported by any individual, but the study noted changes in the participants' sodium and chloride concentrations, suggesting that those interested in going to a spa program should check with their physician to make sure they do not have any medical problems or medications that could put them at risk for electrolyte disturbances.
Improvements in anger, tension, vigor, fatigue and confusion were also noted as was a statistically significant improvement in anxiety and depression levels measured by the Speilberger Anxiety Scale and the Beck Depression Index. Participants also reported significant changes in their feelings about spirituality and religiosity.
While beneficial, it is not possible to differentiate the effects of each of the individual elements of the program to determine which components were responsible for the changes observed. "This," says Newberg "will require an evaluation of one or more elements—such as yoga, very low calorie diet or colonics—in isolation to determine which elements have the most significant effects." In the future Newberg and colleagues look to study the effects of a spa stay on specific disease population, i.e. diabetics. The authors also encourage spa participants to consult their physician before attending this or similar programs and research the center vigorously for safety and efficaciousness.
Source: Thomas Jefferson University
Original Post Here
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Unmasking the Power of the Mind-Body Connection guest post by: Kimberley Matheson Shedrick
That’s just the tip of the iceberg of the mind-body connection. Using your thoughts and memories to positively influence some of your body’s physical responses can decrease stress and elevate your mood. Recalling or imagining an experience can often generate similar mental and physical responses to those you have during the actual event.
There are a host of empowering mind-body exercises that have been proven to help people decrease anxiety, pain, and the use of medication; enhance sleep and recovery time from injury or illness; strengthen the immune system and one’s sense of control and well being.
The Practice of Keeping Calm
The goal of calming and relaxation exercises is to help change the way you perceive a situation and react to it: to help you feel more in control, more confident or secure, and also to activate healing processes within the body. Practicing these exercises for 10-15 minutes a day will help you achieve a quiet mind more quickly when a stressful situation arises, and as Carole Tessier points out in Happiness, the Best Medicine, could be the single most important thing we do for our health.
One Breath at a Time
Easily the most portable tool in your possession, your breathing practice can make for a world of difference anywhere, anytime. Oxygen is the source of all energy in the body, so everyone should be paying closer attention to breathing correctly. Proper breathing eliminates toxins in the body, purifies your blood, improves sexuality, and enables you to assimilate food better. Once again, Carole Tessier comes to the rescue with The Healing Breath, sharing calming exercises that will help get you on the right track.
After you’ve become comfortable with mindful breathing, try incorporating visualization of a happy event or memory. Talk about getting more bang for your breath!
Leave No Muscle Unturned
Progressive muscle relaxation involves sequentially tensing, and then relaxing, specific muscle groups in the body. By isolating and addressing one area at a time, and progressing through the entire body, you can ensure that nothing is missed, and bring the benefit of relaxation to your entire body.
The key to this exercise is to tighten a specific muscle group for at least 5 seconds until you feel the tension, and then release the muscles for 10 seconds. Start by relaxing the muscles in your feet, then your legs, up through your torso, and work up through each muscle group to your neck shoulders and scalp. With each group, keep awareness in your mind of how the muscles feel while being tensed and then after being relaxed.
Staying Sharp Without the Stress
Sometimes it seems like an impossible task to avoid stress in the modern world. We intensely feel the pressures of work, raising a family, keeping up socially, and maintaining our homes, We almost feel that juggling all of theses demands requires a hyper-alert consciousness, and that we’re falling short that’s not what we’re bringing. Here’s the problem: this near constant state of “fight or flight” causes stress on our minds and bodies that will, sooner or later, take a toll on our health.
If only there was a way to be alert, aware and productive without the stress....well, there is. Kristin Shaw explains it all here in Meditation for Clarity. You can have it all.
A Hands-On Approach
Once thought of as a frivolous luxury, it is now understood how healthful Massage Therapy can be. The act of releasing stress from our muscles by kneading, applying pressure, and stretching is the most obvious benefit. What isn’t as apparent is the reward to our minds...the time spent “letting go” while our bodily tensions are being addressed can bring about a state of long-lasting mental relaxation and clarity. And as if that weren’t enough, our emotional life is cared for as well during massage - the attention of kind and loving hands can bring about healing of a different kind.
It has always been a mission of mySpaShop to “bring Spa home”. In A Touch of Bliss, we offer some easy yet effective massage techniques that you and your partner can use to keep each other healthy and happy.
Listen Up
Music Therapy - what a pleasurable way to bring about physiological, psychological and emotional well bring. A combination of soothing or energetic music and therapeutic techniques simply makes good sense as a healing ritual. Music comes in through our ears, is perceived and comprehended by our brains, and makes its way down into our bodies, either relaxing us or getting us moving! It can raise and lower our heart rates, bring us joy or sweet nostalgia, and flood us with happy memories.
In Overcoming Stress With Music and Sound, Dudley Evenson reminds us of the many ways in which music can be a healing force to reckon with.
There are so many ways in which we can connect our minds and bodies, creating a holistic approach to relaxation and clarity, and bringing our emotional life along as we progress. mySpaShop wants you to be healthy, fullfilled, and joyful, and we will keep bring you tools to help unmask and unleash your happiness.
Healthfully yours,
Kim
Follow Kim at MySpaShop:
http://www.myspashop.com/our-community/spa-buzz-blogs/spa-blogs-health-wellness/stress-management-wellness-products-mind-body.html?world=community&goback=%2Egde_2164088_member_186339455
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
Conference Time for SpaGypsies Blog!
I'm preparing to go to the PhoCusWright Conference this November in Phoenix. It will be my 13th or 14th conference. I've gone as speaker, attendee, exhibitor, sponsor and press. This year I hope to go as Press again and will be reporting on new companies from the Travel Innovation Summit..a really good roundup of the up and coming online travel companies who compete to win funding as well as the prestigious recognition of winning, or even placing in this contest. While the smallest and earliest of stage companies also participate, the big mega companies present their latest as well. I don't think there is any bias towards the larger organizations, expect for the entry price, which is $10,000 (ouch!). I've seen some great companies present there, many pre-launch or in early launch phases. It's a great event and I am amazed that my friend Philip Wolf was able to make it as important as it is today. When he first launched it, running prior to the most important online travel conference in the world, The PhoCusWright Executive Conference, few attended, and most that did had meetings and networked during the event. Not so today! The conference room is packed with impressive attendees. The judges are well, lively, and in most cases, very knowledgable about the online travel space. I did get a big chuckle last year when a woman VC judge told Rearden Commerce's new travel app DEEM, for small business or individuals team that she was "glad they had done something with all that money". I don't think she was very knowledgable about managed business travel or she would have known how much money goes into managing the large enterprises for travel. Made me chuckle.
When the main event begins on Wednesday afternoon, it's quite the spectacular. Philp Wolf is magnificent and his whole team is top notch. So far, being bought out my Northstar Travel Media has not changed the event. I hope they never do. It is by far, the best show in town for the industry and the big guys attend. Like Richard Barton, Founder of Expedia and Zillow, Bill Marriott, Barry Diller, Jeffrey Boyd, and so many more. Great content, great presentation and the best networking, deal making event there is. I have personally brought more than 1 company to the show, as consultant or employee, introducing them to the travel industry. Getting a CEO or top executive face-to-face with the best in the industry.
This year, my focus is reporting--blogging, tweeting and sharing. While I'm soon to launch my new venture, SpaGypsies, a revenue generating niche social network, directory and review site for those who share a common passion for spas, health &wellness, beauty, spirituality and travel, the time is not right. I wish I had the budget to pitch it at the Travel Innovation Summit--maybe next year.
Here's Philip from the opening Monologue last year:
In the meantime, I'll keep you posted from Phoenix. If you're interested in the online travel business, check out the event here:
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