BEAUTYHealing handsand <strong>the</strong>ir bountiful benefitsWho doesn’t love a day at <strong>the</strong> spa? While it’s all very well totreat yourself to a relaxing massage or pampering pedicure,<strong>the</strong>re are plenty of <strong>the</strong>rapies that offer substantial healthbenefits as well as excellent relaxation time.By Toni MuirSalt <strong>the</strong>rapyAmani Spa at <strong>the</strong> RadissonBlu Hotel in Sandton is <strong>the</strong> firstspa in Africa to have a <strong>the</strong>rapeuticsalt room. Salt <strong>the</strong>rapy, also calledhalo<strong>the</strong>rapy, can be traced back to<strong>the</strong> mid-18th century, when a Polishhealth official noticed that saltminers were never taken ill with lungdisease. The natural microclimate of asalt mine is replicated in Amani Spa’ssalt room, where ionised salt, obtainedfrom natural sources, entirely covers<strong>the</strong> walls and floor – five tonnes oforganic Kalahari salt in total.Being non-invasive andmedication-free, <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>rapy ishighly suited to children as wellas adults, and is completely painfree.In fact, it is quite relaxing toundergo. Salt <strong>the</strong>rapy has been usedsuccessfully to treat a multitude ofailments, including allergies, asthma,bronchitis, sinusitis, colds and flu,ear infections, hay fever, emphysema,dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis andcystic fibrosis.In addition to its many treatmentrooms and <strong>the</strong> salt room, Amani Spaalso has a heated vitality pool, a hydroretreat, Vichy showers, Kneipp pools,a caldarium, sensation shower, andsauna. Contact Amani Spa at <strong>the</strong>Radisson Blu on +27 11 245 8088 ore-mail radisson@amanispas.co.za.Bellabaci massageThe Bellabaci massage is amodified and simplified version ofancient Chinese cupping <strong>the</strong>rapy. This<strong>the</strong>rapeutic treatment has been foundto affect <strong>the</strong> body as deep as 10 cminto <strong>the</strong> tissues.The use of <strong>the</strong> silicone Bellabacicups during a treatment creates bothsuction and negative pressure. Astoxins and inflammation are pulledfrom <strong>the</strong> body to <strong>the</strong> surface of <strong>the</strong>60 I S S U E 1
BEAUTYskin, <strong>the</strong>y are eliminated by <strong>the</strong>lymphatic system, which is 300%stimulated.Bellabaci massage brings greatrelief to a vast spectrum of ailments,including lymph drainage, detox,congestions, muscle aches and pains,bad circulation, cellulite, decreasedjoint movement and colon blockages.And it does wonders for <strong>the</strong> skintoo. Expect softened scar tissue,smoo<strong>the</strong>ned stretch marks and betterskin tone, texture and suppleness.The treatment is notpainful, though it can be a littleuncomfortable, especially if you arein dire need of its benefits as I was.Some light bruising afterwards isnormal and, actually, a way to tellthat <strong>the</strong> treatment was effective.A slight headache can also result,largely because of <strong>the</strong> detoxifyingeffects of <strong>the</strong> massage.Fairlawns Spa employs a holisticapproach to wellness and offers anextensive selection of facials, massage<strong>the</strong>rapies and body treatments,including <strong>the</strong> Bellabaci massage. Thespa was named runner-up in <strong>the</strong> LesNouvelles Es<strong>the</strong>tiques Best Day Spain South Africa Awards 2007, and isamong <strong>the</strong> best 100 spas in SouthAfrica. Contact Fairlawns on+27 11 804 2540/1/2/3 or e-mailspa@fairlawns.co.za.Tibetan sound <strong>the</strong>rapyThe ancient practice of sound<strong>the</strong>rapy is a spiritual journey thatuses <strong>the</strong> enchantment of sound. While<strong>the</strong> sound waves work on <strong>the</strong> chakrasof <strong>the</strong> body, <strong>the</strong> logical mind issilenced and a state of blissful balanceand quiet is achieved.Gongs, cymbals, Tibetan singingbowls and bells are all known for <strong>the</strong>irmultiple uses through <strong>the</strong> vibrationof sound to balance and restore <strong>the</strong>body’s natural energy centres. Thebowls are placed on various chakrapoints of <strong>the</strong> body, with <strong>the</strong> soundreverberating through <strong>the</strong> chakras,creating a system of balance in <strong>the</strong>physical body. This sound vibrationis believed to penetrate deep into<strong>the</strong> cells, increasing circulation andcreating a sense of well-being.Our favourite spot to indulgein this incredible <strong>the</strong>rapy is at <strong>the</strong>Saxon Spa and Studio, located in <strong>the</strong>Saxon Boutique Hotel in Sandhurst,Johannesburg. Here, <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>rapy isconducted on a heated water bed withbuilt-in colour <strong>the</strong>rapy enhancers,making <strong>the</strong> healing experience evenmore powerful and creating a senseof weightlessness. Contact <strong>the</strong> SaxonSpa and Studio on +27 11 292 6000 ore-mail reservations@saxon.co.za.A weekend of wellnessIf you like to make a weekendof your spa experience, we highlyrecommend Karkloof Spa in KwaZulu-Natal.Situated on a 3 500 ha gamereserve, Karkloof is <strong>the</strong> mostexpansive, eco-friendly spa in Africa,and boasts a team of hand-pickedThai <strong>the</strong>rapists and an excellent listof available treatments, <strong>the</strong>rapies andfacilities.Built to embrace <strong>the</strong> indigenousnatural environment, <strong>the</strong> spafeatures 17 spacious treatmentrooms, all with incredible views of<strong>the</strong> surrounding valley. The spa’sfacilities include a Rasul chamber;flotation pool; a hydro<strong>the</strong>rapy area,including Kneipp pools, a steam room,sauna, jacuzzi and Roman bath; arelaxing reflection lounge, and anall-day cafe. Meanwhile, Karkloof’sfive-star boutique lodge has 16beautiful, luxury villas and embracesa philosophy of ‘timelessness’, whichmeans that <strong>the</strong>y allow guests toset <strong>the</strong>ir own schedules for mealsand activities. Now that’s an idealweekend away!Contact Karkloof Spa on+27 33 569 1321 or e-mailreservations@karkloofspa.com. ✥Spa etiquetteKeep <strong>the</strong> following general tips inmind when visiting your favouritespa:- Arrive on time or even a littleearly.- Give your <strong>the</strong>rapist feedback andalso let him/her know about anyspecial needs or disabilities youmay have.- Convey your preferences duringtreatments so that <strong>the</strong>rapists canadjust accordingly.- Be considerate. For example,turn off your cellphone and mindo<strong>the</strong>rs’ space.- Feel free to relax for a littlewhile following your treatment.However, remember that, in mostcases, <strong>the</strong> treatment room needsto be prepared for <strong>the</strong> next client.- Establish from reception whe<strong>the</strong>ror not gratuities are included in<strong>the</strong> price of <strong>the</strong> treatment.- Do not take food andrefreshments to a spa.(Courtesy: HealthSpas.co.za)<strong>Progressive</strong> women in business 61
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