Alternative Therapies

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils as a complementary therapy to aid wellbeing. Because essential oils are highly concentrated, only a small amount is necessary for optimum results.

Aromatherapy oils can be used either directly applied to the skin, usually at pulse points, or positioned in a steam room or sauna, where they will penetrate the hair follicles and sweat glands, be absorbed into the body fluids, helping to kill off bacteria and stimulate the body's immune system.

Different oils offer different benefits. For example, jasmine is a powerful relaxant, while others help with the elimination of toxins and others aid circulation. There are claims that essentials oils can promote new cell growth and encourage the body's natural ability to heal itself.

Reflexology

Reflexology involves the application of deep pressure to energy channels or "reflex points" in the hands and feet. The benefits go beyond comforting relief for just those areas.

Over 5,000 years ago in China, India and Egypt, specific points on patients' feet and hands were manipulated to affect healing in other parts of the body.

Treatments are based on energy channels (qi or chi in Chinese and Japanese medicine, prana in Hindu) that flow through specific meridians or zones in the body.

In the early 1800s, Dr. William Fitzgerald identified each channel's "reflex points" and their corresponding muscles, organs and functions and plotted detailed maps of the hands and feet.

Reflexology is said to loosen calcium obstructions and free the nerve pathways. Relaxation is one of the goals in practicing reflexology.

Warm water reflexology can unblock energy channels.

Chromatherapy

Light has a profound effect on our moods and peace of mind. Just as we all need exposure to sunlight, we benefit from the specific properties of the individual colours in the spectrum. Each colour has its own wavelength and energy vibration - and a different effect on us.

Red: Stirs passion and desire for transformation.
Green: Creates a feeling of satisfaction with living in the moment.
Blue: Bestows a sense of tranquillity, peacefulness and contentment.
Violet: Promotes feelings of intimacy.
Teal: Facilitates a balance of logic and emotion.
Purple: Invigorates creativity and appreciation of the arts.

Massage

Warm water massage performs the ultimate spa mission: relaxing muscles, relieving pressure on nerves, and reducing the effects of stress. It boosts circulation and accelerates the body's natural healing process.

Hydro massage relieves stress.

Watsu

Watsu combines water with Shiatsu, a form of Japanese "finger pressure" massage applied to the body zones defined by chi, or the body's energy channels. Watsu was developed in 1980 by Harold Dull, who traveled to Japan to study Zen Shiatsu, a form of massage using stretches and touchpoints to release blockages. Back in America, Dull promoted the benefits of performing Shiatsu moves and stretches in warm water. Watsu, like reflexology, can enhance feelings of well-being and relaxation.

A warm spa (95 to 97 degrees F or 35 to 37 degrees C) is a perfect environment for a Watsu aquatic bodywork session. Floating in water supported by the Watsu practitioner, the Watsu receiver passes into a state of complete relaxation as gentle stretching is applied to specific points.

Watsu promotes the flow of energy.