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Spa Index News October 2000 Welcome, and thank you, for subscribing to Spotlight on Spas, a free newsletter brought to you by the team at SpaIndex.Com. We are excited to be developing this website for our visitors, watching it grow and take off, and seeing spas flock to us to offer services to you. As part of that development, you asked for and we’ve compiled a recurring newsletter which will spotlight spa deals, news, and interesting facts and information about the spa lifestyle. This is your newsletter. It's written for you and about you, so we'd like to hear from you. As part of our effort to bring you information of interest to you, and to serve you better in general, we're counting on you to send us your comments and suggestions. We also welcome you to forward our newsletter to those you feel may be interested. A word about forwarding, however... as much as we’d love to be forwarded around the globe, please invite your friends and family members with Spa Lifestyle interests to visit our home page and subscribe to their own copy of the free newsletter. This helps keep our readership high which in turn encourages spa providers to send us as many spa deals and tidbits as possible. Help us help you! Thank you! -- The Spa Index Team SPA BARGAINS We are happy to provide our subscribers with a sampling of limited time offers for special packages, special rates, and workshops from spas that provide this information to us. You will find the full list on our Spa Deals page at the site. You’re welcome to submit a spa-related giveaway, special offer, event, etc., please email it to newsletter@spaindex.com. TREATMENT EDUCATION Are you curious as to the meaning of the various terms you see used in the spa brochures and articles you read? Starting with this first issue, we’ll spotlight various treatments requested by our subscribers. We’ll also be adding a comprehensive Glossary of Terms at the site so be sure to check that out, too! "I’ve seen Ayurvedic Massage and Ayurvedic Treatment mentioned in a few brochures for wholistic retreats and health resorts. What is it, and is there a difference? I’m not sure if I want it or not, yet!" Maura T., Sarasota, FLA Dear Maura: Thank you for writing. Ayurvedic Treatment is a reference to the ancient Indian "Science of Life" which holds that the skin is the mirror to inner health, and that the body manifests everything that happens inside. Ayurveda utilizes the curative properties of plants, herbs and essential oils to improve the skin's health and relieve the stress, tension and emotion of daily life. And, as the name implies, Ayurvedic Massage is the practice of using Ancient Indian massage techniques. There are six common techniques of Ayurvedic Massage. They are Abhyanga - an individually prepared herbal-oil massage for deep penetration of the skin, relaxation of the mind and body. Abhyanga breaks up impurities and stimulates both arterial and lymphatic circulation, as well as enhancing the ability for nutrients to reach starved cells, and to remove stagnant waste. Proponents believe it heighten awareness and direct the internal healing system of the body. Vishesh - a deep muscular massage that breaks up adhesions and improves circulation deep within the muscles. Pizichili - a continuous steam of warm herbalized oil soothingly poured over the body by two ayurvedic therapists as they massage the body in unison. Gives us deep tissue cleansing and promises a heightened state of awareness. Udvartina - a deeply penetrating herbal paste lymphatic massage. This exfoliating treatment conditions the skin while pressing stagnant lymphatic toxins out of the body. Shiro-Ahhyanga-Nasya - a luxurious combination of a deep head, neck and shoulder massage, a facial lymphatic massage, followed by deep inhalation of therapeutic aromatic steam and a nasal and sinus nasya with herbalized nose drops. It promises to balance most head, neck and respiratory disorders. Pinda Swedna - a deep cleansing treatment where rice boiled in milk and herbs is massaged deeply into the tissues and joints, for a relaxing, rejuvenating, and detoxing experience. If you are planning a trip to a retreat specializing in these techniques, the team at SpaIndex wishes you a wonderful experience! Readers, send your treatment questions to newsletter@spaindex.com. – Spa Index Team THE ROMANCE FACTOR Santa Baby, hand me the loofah! What couple doesn’t need a weekend away to recapture romance and intimacy? Watch this section in our next issue for weekend getaway ideas, and recipes for creating a romantic spa weekend at home – just in time for the holiday season. FOOD FACTS, RECIPES, AND HEALTHY EATING Have you tried Edamame? It’s pronounced Ed-a-ma-meh, and it’s a sweet soybean in a bright green pod. Recent studies have shown us that eating soy products benefits us in numerous ways, from lowering your risk of breast cancer to helping you through menopause. Edamame is nutritious, easy to make (just boil and eat), all natural, low in fat, and protein rich. Look for them in your grocer's freezer. You can find Edamame at Trader Joe’s in the Western States, numerous health food stores in the Eastern states, or online at Halloween and Thanksgiving are just around the corner, and we’ve done some searching to find recipes that let us make new traditions out of traditional ingredients. In this issue - Pumpkin. Pumpkin contains high concentrations of the antioxidant beta carotene, the carotenoid that helps your body fight the effects of cell-damaging free radicals, which potentially could lead to cancer. Two more carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, give pumpkin even more cancer-fighting power, and also help prevent your eyes from developing cataracts. While typically pumpkin treats are high in sugar and fats, the Spa Index Team has found and tested a delicious recipe for pumpkin muffins which are both nutritious and tasty. Enjoy, and thanks to Abigail’s Pumpkin Recipes at Pumpkin Oat Bran Muffins 1 1/2 c Oat Bran 2/3 c Brown Sugar, firmly packed 1/2 c All-Purpose Flour 2 ts Baking Powder 1 ts Pumpkin Pie Spice 1/4 ts Salt 1 c Mashed cooked pumpkin 1/2 c Skim Milk 2 ea Egg Whites, beaten 2 tb Vegetable Oil Vegetable Cooking SprayCombine first 6 ingredients in a large bowl; stir well. Make a well in center of mixture. Combine pumpkin and next 3 ingredients; stir well. Add to dry ingredients, stirring just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Spoon batter into muffin pans coated with cooking spray or paper liners, filling two-thirds full. Bake at 425 F for 20 minutes. Remove from pans immediately; serve warm or at room temperature. Particular good with a dollop of cranberry relish. BEAUTY PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Herb Fragrances We already know the soothing qualities of aromatherapy, and how nature affects our mood and sense of well being. Fredericksburg Herb Farms has taken that earthy and soothing quality found in fresh herbs and transformed it into scented bath and body products. A wide variety of ingredients are available for you to design custom colognes and products, including basil, eucalyptus, and lavender. Call toll free 1-800-259-4372 to find out more. IN OUR NEXT ISSUE Spa treatments for expectant or new mothers; romance packages at home and holiday cooking.
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