Ayurveda

Ayurveda, the science of life, originated in India more than 5000 years ago and is believed to be the oldest healing science in existence, from which all other systems emerged.  The Sanskrit term Ayurveda is a combination of two words:  ayu (life) and veda (knowledge).  The literal translation of Ayurveda is  “knowledge of life” or “right living”.

This ancient healing system has three main focuses:

1. Healing illness
2. Prevention of disease
3. Longevity, age reversal or rejuvenation

Ayurveda offers a unique interpretation of the laws of nature, its effects on our health and it is an uncomplicated approach to healing.  Its concepts originate from a direct observation of nature and manifestations of natural laws.

The five basic elements combine in different proportions as Doshas (3 bio energies) in our body, which makes each one of us temperamentally and constitutionally unique.  Our unique constitution is called Prakruti, or nature.  By living our lives in a manner appropriate and supportive of our prakruti, we should be able to maintain good health.

Ayurveda is concerned with living well.  Living well by achieving a balance within the body, mind and spirit through yoga, nutrition and herbal remedies.

Abhayanga

Abhayanga is part of a larger science known as Ayurveda. This massage is very soothing and designed to release toxins from the cells and subcutaneous tissues. The treatment begins with an Indian Head and Scalp Massage with a special blend of herbal oils from India. After the initial seated massage you are led to the treatment table where your entire body is massaged with a warm rejuvenating treatment oil prescribed in Ayurveda as an antidote to stress, exhaustion and overwork. Holtz Spa has also added a beautiful Ayurvedic Facial to this classic massage which includes a natural herbal exfoliant, a natural plant mask to nourish and purify the skin, and finally, a facial massage with Miraculous Beauty Fluid prescribed in Ayurveda to illuminate the complexion and even out skin tone.

Shiroabhayanga

Performed with warm herbal oils, Shiroabhayanga stimulates the nervous system, drains toxins, increases circulation and is excellent for headaches, pain or stiffness due to long hours on the computer.

The Shiroabhayanga works on all the senses and is a deeply healing treatment, especially for those coping with:

•    Headaches
•    Eye troubles
•    Allergies and other respiratory disorders
•    Congestion
•    Colds
•    Frequent exposure to pollutants
•    Overstimulating environments
•    Most neck and head disorders

Interested in finding out more?  Browse our ayurvedic services online now!

Thai Massage: An Ancient Healing Art

Background

Thai massage has its roots in ancient India, where it was practiced over 2,500 years ago, well before thee time of Buddha.  It is believed that the  founder of Thai massage was a doctor in northern India by the name of Shivaka Kumar Baccha who was the Buddha’s personal medical advisor.  His teachings on herbal medicine and massage arrived in Thailand along with Buddhist teachings by the first Buddhist monks around the 2nd and 3rd century B.C.

Once in Thailand, knowledge of this healing art spread and techniques were handed down orally from teacher to student.  The ancient massage arts gradually gained a reputation for their abilities to alleviate backache, headache, stomach ache and nervous tension.

Thai massage reached its peak about 200 years ago, then began to fall in decline.  It was revived by King Rama III (1824 – 1851) who had all existing knowledge about techniques inscribed on stone tablets and erected at Wat Po in Bangkok, where they remain today.  The tablets depict diagrams of the human body showing the body’s key energy lines, where massage is applied to stimulate the circulation and effect healing.

Technique-wise, Thai massage is based on the concept of invisible energy lines running along the body.  This is linked to ancient Indian yoga philosophy, which states that we receive life energy, or prana, via a network of 72, 000 energy lines that interconnect along our bodies.  Thai massage focuses on ten key lines, known as a “sip sen” (ten lines) in Thai.

The energy along these lines powers all our physical, mental an emotional processes, so when there is an energy imbalance, the body’s harmony is disrupted, causing pain and disease.  Massaging along these energy lines can break up the blockages, stimulate the flow of prana and restore general well-being.

Application

A key difference from western massage is that Thai massage is applied without oils, and the recipient remains fully clothed.  Unlike the continuous strokes of Swedish massage, the Thai method uses pressure, muscle stretching an compression, practiced in gentle, rhythmic, rocking movements.  All the movements are flowing and smooth.  The masseur uses not just the hands, but also feet, knees and elbows.  The massage is usually preformed on a mattress on the floor.

Some people may ache after a Thai massage in places where they didn’t ache before.  This is because when a person is suffering from internal stress or anxiety, muscle tension in the form of frowning for example, may be so minute as to be unnoticeable.  Prolonged tension results in headache, backache or muscle pain in other parts of the body that become unnoticeable to the sufferer after a while.  When these habitually tensed muscles are massaged, their energy blockages are released, thus resulting in discomfort.  This can be remedied by a few more massage sessions.

Key Aspects

There are six key aspects to Traditional Thai Massage:

1. Yoga
2. Exercise
3. Meditation
4. Reflexology
5. Acupressure
6. Energy Healing

Benefits

The holistic benefits of Thai Massage are:

• Relieves pain and muscle tension
• Strengthens and rejuvenates the body
• Improves blood and lymphatic circulation
• Frees blocked energy flows
• Increases flexibility through passive yoga postures
• Increases ability to absorb food
• Enhances elimination of wastes and toxins
• Invigorates the nervous system
• facilitates relaxation

Interested in finding out more?  Click here to contact Holtz Spa for more information about Thai Massage

Healing with the Thai Touch

Throughout rural Thailand, massage is a part of daily life.  Massages are given with friendly abandon among family members and free massage sessions are available for the elderly at village temples.

What is known as Traditional Thai Massage or Thai Yoga Massage is a formal healing art with its roots in Theravada Buddhism, Thailand’s national religion.  The philosophy of traditional Thai massage originated as a spiritual practice derived from the teachings of Buddha, and in the early days was only taught and practiced in temples.  Even today, the most important massage school in Thailand is at Bangkok’s Wat Po, or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

When a masseur gives a Thai Massage, he or she is practicing the physical application of Metta, or “loving kindness” advocated in Theravada Buddhism.  A truly good Thai masseur performs his art in a meditative mood, starting with a prayer to centre himself on the work he is about to perform.  In this mood he massages with meditative awareness, mindfulness and concentration.  A massage performed thus differs vastly from other types of massage such Swedish, sports or aromatherapy, because it is this meditative mindfulness that gives thee masseur the power to sense energy flows in the body and successfully treat the person according to his or her needs.

While it may appear that Thai massage requires great physical exertion from the masseur, when done properly, the giver isn’t exhausted at all.  Instead the masseur is relaxed and refreshed, because Thai massage is an act of giving and compassion.  By acting generously, a sense of well-being is – this nourishes both the giver and the recipient.  When combined with a nutritious diet and healthy lifestyle, Thai massage may help a person reach (and maintain) a high level of fitness.

Interested in finding out more?  Click here to contact Holtz Spa for more information about our Thai inspired services

Spirit of the Forest – new Award winning treatment

This unique 80 minute healing experience involves the ancient, majestic, and beautiful vibrational resonance of Canadian Forest Tree Essences.  Following the lineage of Bach Flower remedies, tree essences have special healing qualities that touch the sphere of emotional well-being and vitality.

The treatment includes a brief energetic assessment to determine the Tree Essence or combination of essences that will be used during the treatment.  The Essences are then taken orally to initiate a process known as Vibrational layering.  The entire body is then dry brushed to open pores, increase circulation and prepare the body for the second layering of Tree Essences, applied as a spray and blended with essential oils to induce relaxation.  The third layer of Tree Essences are blended with organic oils and are gently massaged over the entire body.  The final layer is applied to the therapists palms with the intention of creating an energetic channel to connect the healer with the specific Tree Essences chosen.

Vibrational Energy Work is directed at addressing the emotional, physical and phychological imbalances held within the body/mind.  On completion of the treatment, the guest will take home his or her Tree Essences to continue the healing process.

Why use tree essences?

• Take care of emotions associated with health issues
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Meet life’s challenges
• Help to handle life’s transitions
• Heal emotional wounds and pain
• Gain release from unwanted emotional patterns

Read a review online here

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Massage 101

Ever wonder about new sounding massage listings on your spa menu?  Skip your regular Sweedish this week and try something new!! Here is the breakdown of massage treatments Holtz offers, their benefits and effects:

Therapeutic Swedish Massage
Therapeutic Massage acts on the nervous system to counteract the body’s response to stress, relaxing muscle tension and allowing heart rate, blood pressure and circulation to return to normal.

Book this massage for: A deeply relaxing treatment for over-all wellbeing.
Specific ailments: Chronic Pain

Prenatal Massage
This safe and nurturing massage relieves the stress and tension placed on a woman’s body from the changes occurring during pregnancy.  Preformed on a pregnancy massage table, which enables a client to lie on their stomachs at any point in their pregnancy.
Book this massage for: Tension, stress and muscle pain relief during pregnancy

Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is an ancient art and science using the healing power of aromatic essential oils, distilled from organic plant sources.  Essential oils can have many effects on the body, mind and spirit.  Essential oils can have sedative, stimulating, antispasmodic and antibacterial properties.

How does it work? During the massage, the aromas are perceived by the nerve endings in the nose, and signals are passed to the limbic system in the brain.  Additionally, the small molecules of essential oils are absorbed through the skin.  This allows them to flow around the body, to relax and stimulate, detoxify and regenerate.  Holtz Spa offers their own custom blend of Aromatherapy Oils depending on the season.

Sports Massage
Sports Massage is designed to enhance athletic performance, loosen and warm up muscles before you play a sport, and help recover afterwards to reduce soreness.  Sports massage involves much less pressure but more stretching.

Book this massage for: Muscle-pain relief, general well being or simply loosen up before or after you play!

Deep Tissue

Deep Tissue Massage is used to release chronic muscle tension through slower strokes and a more direct and deep pressure.  Friction may also be applied across the grain of the muscle.  Deep tissue massage uses invigorating techniques to detect stiff or painful areas by determining the quality and texture of the deeper layers of musculature then slowly working into the deeper layers of tissue.

Book this massage for: Deep muscle tension relief

Lymphatic Massage
Lymphatic Massage is a gentle massage to relieve congestion in the lymphatic vessels to enhance lymphatic circulation and immune function.

Book this massage for: This massage is particularly effective for edema, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia or as part of a detoxification regime.

Raindrop Massage
Raindrop Therapy combines the healing effects of aromatherapy, massage and acupressure to gently balance the bodies energy.  Our own blend of essential oils are dropped like soft rain onto key energy centres of the body.  A relaxing a mild application of the oils creates an amazing sense of body awareness and stimulates the senses.

Book this massage for: Centering, stress-relief, and overall well being.

Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a Japanese word that means “finger pressure”.  A Shiatsu treatment involves finger, thumb, knee and elbow pressure to the body’s meridian system to promote the flow of KI or CHI (energy) that is essential to preventing disease.    Touch is the essence of Shiatsu.  The sustained pressure on acupoints and meridians relaxes the parasympathetic nervous system response to create a deep sense of peace.  Shiatsu is performed fully clothed on a futon mat.

Book this massage for: Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, Shiatsu can address any health condition including emotional or physiological.

Thai Yoga Massage
Thai Yoga Massage is an ancient healing art with its roots in the traditional medical systems of Yoga, Ayurveda as well as Chinese Medicine.  Thai Massage uses pressure and a multitude of stretches to open the Sen channels allowing energy to flow freely.  Thai Massage is perfored fully clothed on a futon mat.

Book this massage for: To encourages healing, release muscle tension, increas flexibility and circulation, lower blood pressure and stimulate the release of endorphins.

Tui Na

To a westerner, Tui Na is a form of Asian Bodywork that most resembles conventional Swedish Massage. Many of the techniques are similar with the addition of vibration and shaking.  Despite the similarities, Tui Na is more specifically therapeutic and less of a relaxation massage.

Book this massage for: Tui Na treats chronic pain associated with the muscles, joints and skeletal system.  Tui Na also treats chronic sciatica, muscle spsms, insomnia, headaches, constipation and tension associated with stress.

Arizona Hot Stone Massage
This relaxation massage begins with the placement of heated Basalt Stones along the spine.  The entire body is then massaged with the hot stones and later stones are placed on the chakras, between the toes and in the hands for added relaxation. The massage consists of long strokes and circular movements.

Book this massage for: The combination of strokes and heat is extremely relaxing, so this is a great massage to combat stress and improve circulation.

ShiTao
This unique treatment offers the guest a sample of 3 types of massage plus the moisturizing effects of Babors ScenToa Moisturizing Body Oil.  The combination of Japanese Shiatsu, Swedish Massage and Hot Basalt Stones creates an intense relaxation experience.

Book this massage for:

Abhayanga
Based on the Ancient Medical System Ayurveda, from India, this treatment is a ritual that not only relaxes but detoxify’s and tonifies the entire body.  The treatment begins with a foot soak and Indian Head Massage with specific oils designed for the scalp.  The treatment then proceeds with a full body massage which utilizes warm herbal Ayurvedic oils and both stimulates and detoxifies.  To end the treatment, an Ayurvedic Facial with herbal exfoliation, herbal mask and facial oil massage.  A truly unique experience.

Book this massage for: Relax, detox and tone the entire body

Couples Massage
Two beds, two therapists and two Swedish Massages. The couples massage is performed in the same room and can also be performed as a Pre-Natal or Hot Stone Massage.

Reiki
This Japanese technique involves a very light touch to stimulate the self healing abilities of the body through directing healing energy through the body and eliminating any blockages in the body’s energy flow. 

Book this massage for: Relaxation.  Also excellent for both physical, emotional and psychological conditions.

Reiki Chakra Balancing
Utilizing the power of intention, Chakra Balancing combines specific essential oils for each Chakra, healing Reiki and verbal affirmations to inspire and open the heart.

Book this massage for: Relaxation, centering, and reuniting the body and spirit.

Sacred Sound Healing Ritual
Crystal Singing Bowls, Tibetan Bowls, Tuning Forks, Ting Shaw’s, Aromatherapy Massage and relaxing music create a healing ritual that enters deep into the body and soul.  Sound Therapy works with vibration to stimulate the self healing abilities of the body mind.  An incredible experience exclusive to Holtz Spa.

Book this massage for: Relaxation, centering, and reuniting the body and spirit.

Spirit of the Forest
This unique 80 min. healing experience involves the ancient, majestic and beautiful resonance of Canadian Forest Tree Essences.  The treatment begins with a personalized verbal and energetic assessment to choose which Tree Essence or combination will be used during the treatment. Once the Essence is chosen it will be taken orally by the guest and then infused with a healing herbal massage oil.  The body is then dry brushed to open the pores and sprayed with a Tree Essence Aroma Mist.  A gentle body massage and healing Reiki is performed.

Book this massage for: Vibrational energy work is directed at addressing the emotional, physical and psychological imbalances held within the body/mind.  On completion of the treatment the guest will also take home their Tree Essence to continue the inner work at home.