mind body soul holistic health news
LOOK INTO MY HEALTH
Referring to the eyes as windows to the soul might be a tad cliché, but how about calling them our windows to wellbeing? Iridologists use the eye to determine their patients’ health needs or concerns. Just as reflexologists consider the foot a map to rest of the body, iridologists say the iris is linked to our organs and tissues via the optic nerve and central nervous system. Iridology dates back to ancient Greece, Egypt and China, and became an internationally accepted alternative therapy in the 1950s.
The Four Seasons Koh Samui (tel + 66 (0)77 243000, www.fourseasons.com/kohsamui) is now offering consultations with qualified practitioner Jennifer Thompson. Readings are done in your villa and are completely pain-free – the iris is simply examined with a torchlight or magnifying glass. Jennifer says: “We can’t diagnose disease but we can help give you a thorough understanding of how your body works and why you may not be experiencing your optimum level of health.”
SEPTEMBER SPECIALS
What credit crunch? With deals like these, you have a perfectly decent excuse to de-stress. For Bangkokians, VIE Spa at VIE Hotel Bangkok (117/39-40 Phaya Thai Road, tel +66 23 093939, www.viehotelbangkok.com) is offering a complimentary facial treatment with any hour-long massage. From now until 30 September, if you book in for an Ayurvedic Indian head massage, lymphatic drainage, aromatherapy, or VIE’s balancing massage, you will be given a free 30-minute express facial.
All across Thailand, Sivara Spa (www.. sivaraspa.com) outlets are offering a two-anda-half-hour Lotus package – a floral-infused body scrub, wrap and massage for just 4,700++ baht. Look out for Sivara outlets at Amari Hotels in Bangkok, Pattaya, Koh Samui (left), Koh Chang, Krabi and Phuket.
feel good with jungle gyms, massage or yoga
FOREST FIT
Why fly to paradise and then work-out in an air-conditioned, enclosed gym? Th is is the question that prompted the bright sparks at Six Senses Destination Spa Phuket (32 Moo 5, Tambol Paklok, Amphur Thalang, tel +66 (0)76 371400, www.sixsenses.com) to off er guests an altogether diff erent fitness option. Their newly opened Jungle Gym lets you exercise in a clearing surrounded by coconut trees. All the equipment is crafted from natural materials, including wooden beams for balancing and river rocks labelled with their weight in the place of man-made dumbbells. Finish off with a barefoot run on the beach for a bit of cardio.
IN THE GROOVE
Singaporean instructors Rebecca Ng and Christine Toong are running Groove with Grace, a yoga holiday in Koh Samui from 26 to 30 November. The package includes two daily yoga lessons, accommodation and meals at the Moroccan-themed Absolute Sanctuary (tel +66 (0)77 601205, www.absolutesanctuary.com). Christine is trained in dynamic Prana Vinyasa while Rebecca’s background is in Anusara (rooted in the traditions of hatha and tantra). Both styles of yoga will be taught during the morning and evening classes, with healthy doses of the pair’s trademark cheerfulness. Says Christine: “We hope that celebratory, creative, fun-flowing yoga sequences will enable participants to tap into their own innate ability and strength.” Prices start at S$1,180 for twin share. Log onto www.nileyoga.com or email rebecca@nileyoga.com for more information.
ASK THE EXPERTS
Becky Wyton, director of Spa at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa in the Maldives ( tel +960 689 7888, www.shangri-la.com) reveals her spa secrets.
What spa treatment do you always try when you travel?
Treatments that are unique or indigenous to the area I’m visiting.
What to you is the most relaxing therapy?
Foot reflexology restores the body’s equilibrium and is good for your nervous and lymphatic system.
Most versatile spa ingredient?
Coconut. It boosts the immune system, reduces inflammation, alleviates dry skin, improves hair condition when applied topically, and it’s safe to use during pregnancy.
How can people get the most out of their spa booking?
Make sure you have time aft er your treatment to linger, drink your tea and continue the process of relaxation. Drink plenty of water before and aft er your treatment to rehydrate.
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