D-Brief
Edition 15
Spa & Wellness
D-Brief Bangkok, 08 December 2011
Much of what we expect from the perfect spa treatment is deeply embedded in the culture of the East. With its holistic approach, patience and attention to detail, Asia is the perfect choice for travellers looking to rejuvenate their body, mind and soul. Have you ever considered spending a couple of hours meditating in the serenity of a monastery? Or are you looking for the newest luxury spa treatments? Whether you wish to indulge in five star body wraps, signature facials and innovative massage treatments or join early morning Tai Chi classes and learn more about Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, this monthâ€&#x;s edition of D-Brief gives you an overview of our recommendations for the best wellness and wellbeing experiences around the region. We trust this edition will inspire you for re-vitalizing holiday ideas. Sincerely,
Your Diethelm Travel Team
Spa & Wellness Wellness and wellbeing, especially while travelling, entails so much more than simply beauty and spa treatments. Todayâ€&#x;s society is becoming more and more interested in being balanced, living a healthy lifestyle and having authentic spiritual experiences. With the non-stop distractions of our modern world, holidays are the perfect time to check-out from our surroundings and just “beâ€?. Where better to do this than in Asia, where holistic approaches towards wellbeing have been taught and practised for centuries. Nowadays the trend in the western world, is for the fundamentals of Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda: practices and treatments which promote balance between the body, mind and spirit.
We take you from China, where the flow of energy is the backbone for the teachings of an ancient medical system, to Sri Lanka, where Ayurveda provides
every person with his or her tailor made healthy lifestyle guidelines. For those who just want to rejuvenate at a luxury spa, we have roamed the Maldives to find the four most innovative spa concepts and for travellers, who say, wellness is good but please in small doses, we have created a wellbeing tour through Cambodia which includes authentic spiritual and enriching cultural experiences:
Traditional Chinese Medicine Cambodia Wellbeing Tour Maldivian Spa Experience Ayurveda in Sri Lanka
Traditional Chinese Medicine Home to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices, which are used widely throughout the whole of Southeast Asia, China is experiencing a revival of its ancient traditions. Naturally, traditional Chinese treatment methods are becoming more and more popular in the Western world.
Common TCM practices others, the following:
Many visitors to China consider TCM an alternative medicine, but what better opportunity is there to learn more about this ancient medical system than right at its source, while on holiday in China?
In the coming pages, we give you a short introduction to TCM‟s main theories and suggest wellbeing experiences, such as early morning Tai Chi, acupuncture treatments and meditation classes, introducing you to a different side of the Land of Dragons and Emperors.
The main difference between western medicine and TCM is that the holistic approach of TCM focuses on finding the root of the illness, rather than treating its symptoms. All treatment methods focus on Qi, the vital energy, which flows through our bodies.
• • • • •
include,
among
Qigong Herbal therapy Acupressure and acupuncture Diet for healing Chinese psychology
Energy Flow Theory of Qi Qi is the vital energy, which, the Chinese and many other medical systems believe, flows through all channels. This energy is, on one hand, the power that keeps things alive and, on other the other hand, carries conscious information. Due to the fact that Qi travels through the body and conveys messages from organ to organ, it is essential that it can flow freely at all times.
Meridian Theory Meridians are the channels through which the Qi flows. One can think of the meridians like a network of “streets” that link our major organs. If one meridian is blocked this will lead to a “traffic jam” and has negative effects in another part of the body. Acupuncture and other treatments can unblock a meridian to help energy flow freely again and put the affected organ back into balance.
Balance & Harmony Five-Element Theory TCM believes that humans need to live in harmony with nature and their surroundings. The universal five elements, wood, fire, water, earth and metal each stand for one of the five major organs which restrain and control each other. From ancient literature TCM doctors can identify how one organ is influencing the other and thus knows how to tackle a problem and bring all five elements back into balance. Ying/Yang Theory Ying and yang explains the theory of interdependency. The well known ying/yang sign shows us that these two complementary energies are never separate. The final goal of TMC is that ying and yang are not only in balance, but develop into a state of harmony, where the two energies unify together to form a new one.
Acupuncture and Cupping Treatments One of the most well-known TCM treatments, which is also widely practised in the western world, is without doubt acupuncture. This treatment method refers to the insertion of needles into a patientâ€&#x;s skin at specific points, called acupuncture points. It is said that acupuncture helps against all sorts of pain such as back pain, migraine or sport injuries. Furthermore, the Chinese believe that symptoms including anxiety, insomnia and digestive problems can be treated with acupuncture. Another often practiced treatment method is called cupping. Here, the therapist uses glass cups which are placed against the skin. Right before putting the cup on the skin, the air inside the cup is heated with a match so that a vacuum forms and the cup sticks to the skin. This suction helps the blood to circulate better and promotes healing. Both treatments can be experienced during your stay in China, for example at the He Sheng Tang Therapeutic Centre in Sanya. Contact Diethelm Travel China for more information.
Meditation Class at the Wenfeng Monastery Around 8 kilometres to the southwest of Lijiang city, in Yunnan, the Wenfeng (or Wenbi Si) monastery offers great views and enjoyable walks in the surrounding area. Like all monasteries around Lijiang, Wenfeng is of Tibetan origin and belongs to the Karmapa (Red Hat) sect. Visitors have the opportunity to take part in a 1 to 2hour meditation session taught by the monasteryâ€&#x;s monks. Simple techniques accompanied by the monksâ€&#x; chanting and meditation music will set you in the most relaxed state of mind. The students should wear comfortable clothing as the class is taught sitting on a simple cushion on the floor. After the class, the visitors can enjoy a vegetarian lunch and will have time to chat with the monks. As no accommodation is available at Wenfeng, we transfer the clients back to Lijiang in the evening. This is a unique opportunity to experience the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism first hand. Diethelm Travel China would be happy to provide more information.
Morning Tai Chi Experience Every morning, Tai Chi is practiced by thousands of people in China. This ancient morning ritual takes place in parks, gardens and any open ground and is said to bring balance and harmony to one‟s body and soul. Slow, flowing movements combined with controlled breathing increase muscle strength and enhance the body‟s balance and flexibility. The soft movements also have a calming and meditative effect, helping Tai Chi students to cope better with stress and other problems in daily life. It is for this reason that Tai Chi is often referred to as “meditation in motion”. Are you interested in experiencing the serene and meditative state of Tai Chi yourself? Diethelm Travel China organizes private Tai Chi classes in the historical parks of Beijing, such as the Summer Palace, the Forbidden City or the Temple of Heaven. A professional Tai Chi master will teach you the basic movements in a two hour session, which you can then practice every morning in your garden or in a local park at home. Just a 15-minute practice session a day will result in better health and a relaxed mind. A long-lasting souvenir to take home!
Qigong at the Shaolin Temple The Shaolin Temple of Shong Shan and its famous Pagoda Forest in Henan Province are not only UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but the temple is allegedly the birth place of the Chinese martial art Kung Fu. That said, the Shaolin Temple is the ideal place to learn the art of Qigong. While Tai Chi was developed as a martial arts form some hundred years ago, Qigong is a health practice that has evolved over around 7000 years and is also taught outside of martial arts. As a result Qigong has many more styles than Tai Chi. Sign up for a day at the temple which will start at 7am with physical training, followed by breakfast and the rest of the morning spent learning the movements of Qigong. After lunchtime the students are taught the ways and secrets of Qigong and the day is rounded up with a Shaolin Zen Music Ceremony Show. Every participant receives a certificate by the Kung Fu School of Shaolin Temple. Contact Diethelm Travel China for more information and pricing.
Wellbeing in Cambodia Cambodia might not be the first choice when it comes to wellness destinations, however, that does not mean that the country is not ideal for a relaxed tour focusing on general well-being and authentic experiences. Diethelm Travel Cambodia has designed an itinerary for the soul and senses, including the following highlights: • • • • •
•
Experience a spiritual cleansing by monks Have high tea in a stunning location Start the day with sunrise yoga at one of the temples in the Angkor complex Discover the art galleries at one of South East Asia‟s top art enclaves Enjoy a beach extension and sail to the virgin islands near Kep Recharge with yoga sessions and meditation, while staying at the beach and having blissful spa experiences
Additionally, the tour includes plenty of time to discover the temples of Angkor where clients meet with a researcher from the German Apsara Conservation Project. Guests can go biking in the countryside, have a coconut drink with the locals, hop on an ox-cart and take a traditional wooden boat to see the floating villages at the great Tonle Sap Lake. In Phnom Penh, guests will get an idea of the capital‟s architectural fusion, from colonial to modern post-independence, by relaxing in a cyclo as they are transported through Phnom Penh‟s central districts and local markets; a time travel through the architectural periods. The journey is rounded off with a stay at the exquisite lifestyle resort of Knai Bang Chatt in Kep. Contact Diethelm Travel Cambodia for the full itinerary and pricing information.
Spiritual Cleansing by Monks Contrary to the alms giving ceremony which happens every morning on the roads of Cambodia and where you see monks going from house to house to receive alms from the people, it is also possible to experience a private alms giving and spiritual cleansing ceremony at a pagoda. Diethelm Travel will prepare the alms, which usually include incense sticks, candles, tea, sugar and a monkâ€&#x;s robe, for you. The participants sit in front of the monks in a praying position while the monks are chanting and sprinkle them with water out of a bowl. It is believed that these water blessings will keep one grounded throughout life and that the ritual brings good luck and prosperity. This form of spiritual cleansing has a long tradition in Cambodia and can be performed in any situation to purify the beneficiaryâ€&#x;s spirits. After the blessing, each participant presents his or her alms to the monk and there is an opportunity to chat with them. The whole ceremony is relaxed and a wonderful experience providing lasting memories of Cambodia.
Sunrise Yoga at Angkor Wat A unique opportunity to experience Angkor Wat and discover why the complex was originally constructed for meditation, yoga and prayer. “Sunrise Yoga at Angkor Wat� gives your customers a real chance to connect with the energy of the temples and to do something good for themselves. Rather than an intense, sweaty and workout style yoga session, guests experience the temples in a unique manner, while at the same time connecting their body, mind and heart. We recommend a 1 to 2-hour session. Natural fibre woven yoga mats, which work well on stone and grass, as well as meditation cushions are provided when necessary. The hatha yoga sessions and guided meditation take place at spots that are tucked away from the crowds, with cool shade and beautiful scenery; ideal locations for yoga and meditation. Contact Diethelm Travel Cambodia to receive more details. We are sure this will be an incredible and unforgettable experience at the ancient temples of Angkor.
Maldivian Spa Bliss With probably the highest concentration of luxury resorts in the world, the Maldives is simply a heaven for spa and wellness junkies. Whilst all spa treatments are designed to provide pure relaxation and follow similar patterns the world over, healthy competition between Maldivian hoteliers and spa teams have resulted in innovative wellness experiences, being unique to the Maldives. Stay at a Maldivian retreat and indulge in the tranquillity and serenity of the turquoise ocean, but be prepared to be surprised by unique spa concepts. We have roamed the islands to find the most exciting new treatments for you. How about gazing at brilliantly coloured fish during your massage in the worldâ€&#x;s first ever underwater treatment rooms?
Alternatively, an exhilarating sand scrub, prepared from the white sea sand the Maldives is so famous for, will give you the softest skin imaginable. A unique experience not to be missed is the newly introduced Night Spa concept which turns your luxury spa experience into something even better at night. Going with the trend, the little ones do not miss out and receive their own Ice Cream Spa, complete with chocolate or cool mint flavoured body scrubs. Read more about these exciting experiences, that will make your stay in paradise even more relaxing. Thereâ€&#x;s plenty of time to unwind and give your brain and muscles a well deserved rest.
Underwater Treatment Rooms at Huvanfen Fushi At the forefront of innovation, LIME Spa at Huvafen Fushi boasts the worldâ€&#x;s first ever underwater treatment rooms. Building on the fact that there is nothing more relaxing and calming than watching a school of fish circling the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean, the treatment rooms were built with large windows looking into the deep blue ocean. The interior of the spa is contemporary, making sure that nothing distracts from the exotic marine world and gorgeous coloured fish that like to swim by and say hello during the treatment. Each treatment room features soft fabrics which remind one of corals and sponges. The extensive spa menu features treatments such as aromatherapy facial and body treatments, detox treatments and water therapy, all of which are perfectly in tune with the surroundings. Contact us if you wish to experience the luxury of being pampered underwater. Diethelm Travel Maldives would be happy to make a reservation for you.
Ice Cream Spa at Conrad Maldives Rangali Spas all over the world recognize that it is not only the adults who like to get pampered, but kids and teens enjoy tailor-made spa treatments just as much. The thought of being refreshed after a long sunny day of play, covered in a delicious ice cream body wrap, ranging from flavours of tropical fruit to chocolate and cool mint, is no longer a dream for kids visiting the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. At the Ice Cream Spa housed at the Maaja Children‟s Club, kids are treated like little princes and princesses and given the time of their lives. Designed to have the ambience of an old-fashioned ice cream parlour, the Ice Cream Spa offers a wide variety of treatments including manicures and pedicures, icy body scrubs and massages with a wide range of flavours and optional toppings to choose from. Unfortunately, the scrubs and wraps are, as delicious as they sound, not edible. The Ice Cream Spa also offers the “I‟m a Boy” facial and fake tattoos, especially designed for the boys. The “Clean me up” and “Calm me down” facials are ideal to soothe the skin after a day of fun in the sun.
Sand Massage at Waldorf Astoria Enjoy a unique experience at the Modun Spa whilst listening to the sound of the waves: its signature Maldivian sand massage. Relax and take a deep breath as an expert therapist wraps your body in pure Maldivian coconut oil and kneads through your skin, making it soft and supple before exfoliating it with soft white sea salt sand. This traditional Maldivian sand massage is specifically designed to revitalize and energise the body, wearied by the stresses and strains of daily life. The sand massage is also a good remedy for aches and pains due to the unmatched healing properties of sea-sand, recognised as a recipe for health problems throughout the ages. You can unwind and experience the healing powers of the Maldivesâ€&#x; white sand at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives. Diethelm Travel Maldives works in close partnership with the property. Contact us for more information about prices and availability, and we would be happy to arrange your stay.
Night Spa Experience at Four Seasons Ever wondered why a spa treatment can only be enjoyed during the day? Wouldn‟t it be great to enjoy a heavenly spa experience just before slipping into bed? Four Seasons is thinking along the same lines and has come up with an innovative new service, the Night Spa. The resort‟s spa is located on a private island just minutes off the coast of the main resort island. Taking a traditional Maldivian boat, a dhoni, to the spa, with the stars glittering on the surface of the dark ocean, is an experience in itself. The operating hours are from ten o‟clock until one in the morning every night and especially designed night treatments are available to set you in the right mood for a sound sleep. It is recommended to try the „Harmonise‟ experience, which nourishes the skin and gives you a healthy glow, especially during a full moon night. All treatments are aimed at lasting at least two hours, but then what else is there to do at night than just let go and listen to the waves? For more information and rates at the Four Seasons Maldives, please contact us.
Ayurveda in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka is not only an island of immense beauty, colourful history and warm-hearted people; it is also home of renowned Ayurveda centres and health resorts. What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is a holistic well-being system; meaning its goal is to provide directions as to what kind of lifestyle people should pursue to live and stay healthy. Originating in India, it has a history of several thousand years and entails unique characteristics when compared to western medicine: • Recommendations with regard to which lifestyle a person should follow differs for each individual, depending on the energetic forces, called “doshas”, which influence nature and all human beings.
• A diagnosis is made by observing, asking questions and direct examination. Results are then compared to knowledge gained from ancient texts. • Ayurveda acknowledges a strong link between the mind and the body; hence, all treatment methods are based on both physical and mental wellbeing. Ayurveda contains two Sanskrit words: ayu means life, while veda means knowledge of. Put together Ayurveda can be translated to “Knowledge of Life”. Over the next couple of pages, we will introduce you to a variety of ayurvedic principles and treatments which can be enjoyed at spas and health centres in Sri Lanka. A visit to Sri Lanka presents the perfect opportunity to learn more about this ancient medicine system and revitalise before returning to our stressful world.
The Ayurvedic Diet The Ayurvedic diet is based on three body types or “doshas� forces. While each person has parts of each dosha in him or herself, one dosha is usually predominant. Each dosha requires a different lifestyle and diet in order to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Vata dosha: Vata persons tend to be delicate in health and are easily troubled by loud noise and exposure to cold. They should eat warm foods and get a lot of rest to keep their body in balance. Pitta dosha: Generally pitta types are very disciplined and good leaders. They should eat cooling and non-spicy food and avoid excessive heat. Additionally, their bodies do not deal well with a high salt intake. Kapha dosha: Kaphas benefit from a calm and steady mind, however they often catch flu-like diseases or sinus congestions. They do not deal well with water related conditions, such as wet and foggy days and tend to have a slow metabolism.
Ayurvedic Massage Abhyangha, the ayurvedic oil massage, is an integral part of the treatment and healing process. Benefits of this massage, which involves large amounts of oil, include deeper sleep at night, increased circulation, calming of the nerves and softer skin. The best time of the day to benefit most from the massage is in the morning before taking a shower. This assists in releasing all the toxins which have accumulated over night. The oils used for the massage vary depending on the weather, climate and the “dosha” of each client. Sesame, coconut, mustard, almond and herbal oils are often used and the professional blending of the oils creates a double benefit. The herbs help nourish the skin and promote faster healing, whilst the esoteric characteristics of the oils balance the mind and emotions. Abhayagha can be enjoyed at any spa on Sri Lanka; however, to get the most out of the treatment it is recommended to have a consultation with an ayurvedic doctor, who will suggest the best oil combination for your “dosha”.
Shirodhara - Oil Dripping During this very relaxing treatment warm liquid is gently dripped on the forehead. Also called the “third eye”, a spiritual spot above one‟s eyebrows, it is, in Ayurvedic teachings, the gate which leads to the soul. The liquid used for treatment can be oil, milk or in some cases buttermilk. The 60 to 90 minute long treatment starts with a massage, before a vessel with a small hole is prepared over the forehead of the client. The liquid then slowly drips on the clients head putting the client in a relaxed and meditative state. Entirely stimulating and almost hypnotic, Shirodhara is a wonderful experience that should not be missed while in Sri Lanka. Not only does it increase relaxation, but the treatment is used to help with tension headaches, remove shoulder and neck pains and treat anxiety or depression as well as insomnia. Try it at one of the many Ayurveda Centres and spas all over the island. Diethelm Travel Sri Lanka recommends staying at Siddhalepa Ayurvedic Health Resort located in Wadduwa, approximately 65 km from Colombo International Airport.
Visit an Ayurveda Doctor Since Ayurveda focuses on all aspects of your life, a visit to an ayurvedic practitioner can be a life changing experience. In a nutshell, an ayurvedic examination can be divided into three parts: Observation: A first step is to look at the patient and asses his or her general health by analyzing the skin colour, facial lines, the shape of the nose and body movements. Touch: The doctor then applies pressure on certain parts of the body, taps and listens to sounds made by the inner organs. Questions: Finally, the patient is questioned about complaints and the doctor inquires about the general wellbeing of the patient to come up with a diagnosis of the health problem and a tailor made treatment plan for the patient. Diethelm Travel Sri Lanka would be happy to recommend Ayurveda Centres with well known practitioners, for example the Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions in Negombo on the West coast of Sri Lanka. Contact us for more information.
Yoga Retreat on Sri Lanka Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years. It not only teaches how the mind and body connects, but promotes stress and pain relief, flexibility and increased strength. Whether you are an experienced yogi or a novice, a yoga getaway is a great way to refresh and relax. The retreats are usually set up in scenic surroundings, close to nature where everybody can recharge. Additionally, a wide range of holistic treatments, which further encourage physical and mental well being, are available. Sri Lanka, with its long Ayurvedic tradition is, unsurprisingly, home to one of the world‟s best yoga retreats. Ulpotha, an eco-village in the centre of Sri Lanka, is the perfect place to unwind and just “be”. With a maximum of 19 guests staying at this little paradise, the twice daily yoga classes, conducted by world renowned instructors, are as intimate and laidback as the rest of the resort. A stay of at least one week is a must as you regain yourself. Interested? Ask Diethelm Travel Sri Lanka for more information about a stay at Ulpotha.
Ayurveda Cooking Class Aryuvedic cuisine teaches us that eating the right food is the first step towards a healthy life. It is believed that most illnesses are a result of having too much or the wrong combination of food. Based on different body types, each food has different effects on the body and mind. Food is therefore categorised in three types: Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. Satvic food such as fresh fruits and vegetables promote clarity, harmony and balance, while rajastic food including rice and sour cream provides energy and tamsic food such as alcohol or meat evokes resistance, grounding and darkness. Depending on each personâ€&#x;s personality (or dosha), a different combination of these food types is required to stay healthy and prevent illness. For clients who are interested to learn more, Diethelm Travel Sri Lanka can organise Ayurvedic cooking classes on request. Contact us for more information.
“Gaeng Karee Kung” – Rock Lobster Curry Creamy and full of flavour, this month‟s “Gaeng Karee Kung” recipe comes from Chiva-Som Health Resort in Hua Hin and is a mouthwatering example for great tasting cuisine at affordable calories. Bon appétit!
Ingredients (serves 4) 250 80 10 40 2 1 400
ml ml tbsp g tbsp L g
200 320 80 2 2
g g g tbsp tbsp
coconut milk curry paste miso paste grated palm sugar tamarind juice vegetable stock potatoes cut into 2 cm (1 inch) cubes and boiled for 8 minutes onion, cut into 2 cm (1 inch) cubes rock lobster, shelled and sliced shallots, quartered, to garnish sliced red chillies, to garnish sliced ad toasted shallots, to garnish
Nutrients Per Serving Kilocalories Protein Carbohydrate Fat, total
438.37 kcal 23.58 g 54.53 g 16.25 g
Preparation Method 1. Pour half the coconut milk into a large heavybased pan over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. 2. Stir in the curry paste and cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and thoroughly blended. 3. Add miso paste and palm sugar and mix well. 4. Add the tamarind juice, vegetable stock and remaining coconut milk and bring back to a boil. 5. Then add the cooked potato and onion, reduce the heat and simmer for several minutes. 6. Add the rock lobster and cook for 3 minutes. Remove from heat. 7. Garnish with shallot quarters, red chillies and toasted shallots and serve.
Recipe
Monthly Festival: Trongsa Tshechu, Bhutan (21-23 Dec 2011) Bhutanese festivals (Tshechu) are religious ceremonies that are usually held in a Dzong or monastery. While all festivals share the same themes and offer visitors an opportunity to see the colourful mask dances and religious art forms of Bhutan, each festival has its own special flavour. The dances known as Cham bring blessings upon the onlookers, with the aim to instruct them in the teachings of the Buddhist dharma, to protect them from misfortune and to exorcise evil influences. It is believed that one gains merit by attending a festival and as a result, this yearly social gathering brings people from all over the country together, dressed in their finest clothing and jewellery. Being more remote, Trongsa Tshechu is less visited than the more popular festivals and hence provides travellers with a more intimate atmosphere and a better opportunity to experience the event. The dress code for visitors will be formal. Hats are not permitted inside the monasteries and men should wear long trousers and full sleeved shirts. For women the same attire or a long dress would be appropriate.
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