Archive for the 'Spa Glossary' Category
February 14th, 2009 by spanusadua
Casino fountain in Spa-Belgium (photo by Grandmont)
The English spa term derives from the name of the famous health resort Spa in Belgium. This town rich of mineral springs was founded in the 14th century and sources trace back the naming of Spa to the Germanic word for spouting. During 18th and 19th century Spa got a lot of prosporous visitors and became a synonym for mineral springs and medicinal bath. That time also many British tourists visited Spa to have healing bath treatments and so the word found entrance into the English-speaking area. End of the 20th century the meaning of spa extended to wellness centers near a source of mineral water and to health areas of hotel resorts.
There is also an – often heard – argument that the word spa is actually an acronym based on the Latin phrase “sanitas per aquas” (“health through waters”) but there are no reliable sources to verify this. In fact the word spa was never used in the Latin culture and in the new-latin languages it is called “termae” (“terme” in Italian), therefore the acronym very likely is a later adaptation.
Related links: Spa in Belgium Official Website | Thermes de Spa (medicinal bath) | Spa-Belgium on Wikipedia
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September 18th, 2008 by spanusadua
Blossom filled bath and open-air treatment room at Sekar Jagat Spa
Lobby at Sekar Jagat Spa in Bali
In the mid 1990s spa in Bali started booming and today every major hotel and resort has its own spa. In tourist centers day spas and massage shops can be found at almost every corner.
Services vary from basic massages in local salons up to extensive treatment programs at super luxury resorts. The types of spa in Bali mainly are resort/hotel spas and day spas, few holistic spas and two thalasso spas.
Some spas provide open-air treatment rooms for couples who wish to share the experience.
Typical local spa treatments are Balinese massage, lulur body polishing and blossom filled bath, boreh healing mask, traditional hair spa and Balinese facial. To an increasing degree becoming popular is hot stone massage and Ayurvedic shirodara.
All these genuine treatments are based on ancient recipes and keep with the roots in traditional techniques.
Related links: Sekar Jagat Spa in Bali | Spa Glossary: Lulur | Spa Glossary: Balinese Massage | Spa Glossary: Boreh
August 31st, 2008 by spanusadua
Virgin Coconut Oil is achieved by using fresh coconut meat or what is called non-copra. Chemicals and high heating are not used in further refining, since the natural, pure coconut oil is very stable with a shelf life of several years.
Our high quality VCO is cold pressed, organic and unrefined. No preservatives, no added chemicals, no artificial colors or flavors. Free of cholesterol for a healthy living. Its very rich lauric acid content (>55%), similar to mothers milk, strengthens your immune system and has significant anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
VCO is also a natural health food and can be consumed regularly and will assist your body in maintaining good health and vitality. It tastes good, is easy to digest and is a quick energy source. Drink 3-6 tablespoons a day to keep you healthy. Enhancing the flavor of many foods it is an excellent cooking oil.
VCO is also used as massage oil and moisturizer. For centuries traditional healers in India and the South Pacific have used coconut oil for massage to soothe and cool the body. It is used to alleviate symptoms of eczema, and other milder skin ailments, such as nappy rash. Because it is absorbed quickly by the skin, it does not leave a sticky feeling.
Related links: Buy VCO from Balinese Natural Spa Products | Wiki Coconut Oil
May 28th, 2008 by spanusadua
Boreh is a healing pack originated by Balinese rice farmers, made from a combination of roots, herbs and spices. Many different herbs and spices are combined to make this paste but usually include cloves, ginger, pepper and nutmeg. Apply Boreh all over your body avoiding sensitive areas, and then wrap your body with cloth to keep the paste in contact with your skin. The sensation is of deep penetrating heat that melts away your tension. Boreh helps to warm the body, increases blood circulation, relieves aching joints, sore muscles and headaches and is fever-reducing.
Related links: Body Boreh treatment at Spa Sekar Jagat | buy Boreh from Sekar Taman Balinese Spa Products
May 22nd, 2008 by spanusadua
Often described as The Queen of Body Treatments, Lulur is an exfoliation and polishing process that has been practised in the palaces of Bali and Java for centuries and is still practised among Indonesian women and spa goers in Asia.
The health practitioner makes a paste of sandalwood, turmeric, ground nuts, rice and other scented woods. The paste is then painted on the body and is left to dry. The dried paste is then gently rubbed off, which polishes and exfoliates the skin.
Lulur beautifies and softens your skin and leaves your skin smoother and fresher looking. You can use lulur once or twice a week with no problem, after one or two month you could reduce to twice a month.
In “Mandi Lulur” (lulur bath) the treatment is completed with a warm bath filled with scented flowers.
Related links: Royal Body Lulur treatment at Spa Sekar Jagat | buy Lulur from Sekar Teman Balinese Spa Products
