Like the earth, we need to extinguish the fire element of summer, finding time to rest and rejuvenate in the season of transition - Autumn.

What better time than Autumn to reap the benefits of restoring equilibrium and finding comfort in your inner sanctuary through meditation and/or contemplation.

In this edition of 'Keeping in Touch' we take time to contemplate the ancient Chinese philosophies of Acupuncture and Acupressure and their ability to help us breathe easy during the seasonal changes of Autumn. Our resident naturopath offers up some healthier, richer food choices to support and ground the body before sharing an old family recipe that includes organic honey and apples.

Crystals feature in our Spa Body section with a review on the powerful Crystal Balance Massage to enhance energy flow and bring deeper healing to the much loved 'hot stone massage'. The Four Seasons Resort in San Diego is our choice for our travellers review before a sneak preview on what we have to offer for Mum this Mothers Day, Sunday 13th May.

Enjoy the time this beautiful season brings.

Good Health & Happiness,
Lyndall

Spa Life - Breathe Easy this Autumn
by Hien Tran, Aurora Acupuncturist

According to Eastern Philosophy, which underpins Traditional Chinese Medicine, human beings are a microcosm of Nature, a miniature universe. We are an integration of cosmic and terrestrial forces. Nature is a unified holistic system, the Tao, with polar and complementary aspects: Yin & Yang. Life and Nature are in a constant state of cyclical transformation, with a dynamic state of balance being created.

We are inextricably linked and mutually dependent on our natural and social environment on an outer level and interconnected physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually on a personal level. There is no separation, we are all part of a unified whole.

It is developing an awareness of how we are part of an interconnected whole, maintaining a dynamic state of equilibrium of Yin & Yang, ensuring our Qi (life energy) is abundant and free-flowing and attuning to and harmonising with climatic & seasonal changes which are fundamental in maintaining health and well-being from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective.

Acupuncture assists the body/mind/spirit to reach a state of health and equilibrium by regulating the flow of Qi which traverses the body through a network of invisible meridians- similar to how rivers and streams flow throughout the Earth. When Qi flow is blocked, deficient or irregular, disease or illness ensues.

Working at the junction between matter and energy, Acupuncture therefore simultaneously benefits the mind, body and spirit to treat the underlying causes of illness as well as the symptoms. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine focuses equally as much on the prevention of illness as on the treatment.

Autumn is the season that is associated with the lungs, the element of metal, white/silver, the adverse climate of dryness which has the tendency to interfere with the circulating and descending functions of the lungs - manifesting perhaps a dry cough with a little phlegm, vulnerability to colds and flu, asthma, chest pain/tightness, melancholy or rigid thinking.

Since the lungs are considered the "Ruler of Qi" and thus regulate the Qi of the entire body, it is of utmost importance to preserve the function of the lungs. Any imbalance in the lungs will affect the entire organism. When our lung Qi is low or stagnant, our immune function is also weakened. We may also experience tension throughout the body from shallow or impaired breathing.

The lungs are also responsible for moistening of the skin. With the function of the lungs being impaired by external dryness, it is common for our skin to become dry during autumn.

The emotions related to the lungs and autumn are grief, sadness & melancholy. When grief, sadness & melancholy are processed they can be transmuted into surrender and acceptance. When the lungs are in a state of balance there is the ability to know when to let go of emotions, thoughts, people, situations etc, that you no longer need and to take in what is needed to nurture your soul and revitalise your body. Much like the process of breathing in and out.

It is therefore recommended to look after the breath of your lungs, especially during autumn to maintain health, vitality and well-being. It would be ideal to strengthen & regulate your lung Qi by:

• doing regular Tai Chi, Qi Gong or Yoga (all of which are Qi-cultivating exercises)
• deep breathing (directing the breath into the lower abdomen or dantien)/meditation
• getting regular acupuncture/ acupressure treatments
• learning about implementing healthy dietary habits (the lungs are supported by healthy digestion). Avoid overeating spicy foods as they injure the lungs.
• supplementing with herbal/nutritional medicine
• acknowledge, accept and surrender to any feelings of sadness & grief that may arise during the season
• getting adequate rest and relaxation
• having regular steam treatments to moisten the lungs
• using pungent & cooling aromatherapy oils such as Eucalyptus, Peppermint & Menthol

Spa Cuisine - Grounding Autumn Foods
by naturopath Lindy Cook

The days of bright berries, crisp salads and exotic summer fruits are behind us for another year. With autumn upon us it is time to slow down and allow our energy to slowly turn inward and contract. autumn is the season to regain balance, a time to pull inward and gather together on all levels, a time to store food and prepare for the approaching stillness of winter. Allow yourself to find comfort in your inner sanctuary through meditation and contemplation.

Heartier, richer dishes will support and ground the body. Add a little more sea salt and some extra oil to warm your body while avoiding the raw, cooling foods of summer. Brown rice, miso, lentils, tofu, tempeh, greens and root vegetables and mixed seaweed vegetables will provide the nourishment and sustenance required for the cooler months ahead.

Fruits are still plentiful throughout the autumnal season. Choose from an abundant array of apples - pink lady, gala, fuji, granny smith, jonathans, red delicious, golden delicious and snow! Another of nature's super foods, they offer countless health benefits. Make sure you always consume the outer peel as pectin levels are concentrated here. Pectin contains soluble fibre that slows digestion and helps balance the blood sugar levels, while also lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart disease. Research has shown that phytochemicals in the apple skin restrict the growth of colon cancer by 43 percent. Apples are also the richest source of the flavonoid quercertin, a powerful compound that protects the body from many cancers, exerts an anti-allergy action and reduces the risk of thrombotic strokes. Apples are delicious and can be prepared in countless ways. Grate them onto your cereal to make a juicy bircher-style muesli. Stew them with pears and apricots, add a dollop of natural yoghurt, a sprinkle of ground linseeds and serve as a sensationally sweet but healthy dessert. Alternatively, try baking apples with cinnamon and cardamom to warm and strengthen your digestive fires. Freshly juiced apples tone and cleanse the body by purifying the blood, promoting intestinal activity and easing constipation. Apples are rich in vitamin C and potassium.

Autumn is the season of balance. Allow a calming, grounded energy to bring focus in preparation for the peace and stillness of the winter months ahead.

Spicy baked apples with organic honey

300ml (or 1 1/4 cups) of apple juice
4 tbsp dark organic honey
1 cinnamon stick
4 cloves
1 split cardamom pod
4 large apples (your favourite type of course!)

Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350F/180C/gas 4. Put apple juice, honey, cinnamon stick, cloves and split cardamom pod into a small pan, bring to the boil, stir and simmer for 2 minutes. Peel, halve and core apples, place cut side uppermost in an ovenproof dish and pour over the syrup. Bake for about 30 minutes or until fruit is soft. Serve with natural yogurt.

Serves 4

Lymphatic boost juice

1/2 medium raw fresh beetroot
1 apple
1 pear
2 small carrots
2 sticks celery

This juice assists with the successful functioning of the immune system.

Preparation
Add all ingredients to your juicer and enjoy.

Spa Body - A Crystal Clear Autumn
by therapist trainer Leonie Magee

Autumn is a time when the body starts to slow down and we begin to prepare for the cooler months ahead. The element we associate with autumn is Earth. Earth helps with the transition from hot to cold; it grounds us by bringing us back down after the high energy summer months.

As autumn arrives, the earth's yang energy, which has been expanding throughout spring and summer, now changes direction. The cool breath of yin extinguishes the fire element and the natural world turns inward. Now the earth element exerts its influence. Like the earth, we need to rest in order to rejuvenate. We need to stop and allow life energy to accumulate and build back up. Autumn is the beginning of this vital process.

From the Earth comes Crystals, which are precious stones formed in the crust.

Historically, crystals have been used in sacred rituals, as healing aids and for ornamental purposes. One of the first reports on the healing powers of crystals comes from Egypt dated around 1600BC. Necklaces of Red Jasper, Malachite and Lapis Lazuli were worn to dissipate illness and disease. A more commonly used method was to crush the crystals, mix them with liquid and drink the blend. Over time the use of crystals became less popular with the advance of modern medicine and people started to search for a more scientific basis for crystal healing.

Crystals have the ability to absorb and transmit energy electromagnetically. They cleanse and transmute negative energy, which is one of the reasons they have become widely used in the modern world. As they are formed, a regular matrix of minerals are laid to create the internal structure of the crystal and this unique format gives each type a specific note or energy vibration. These minerals and vibrations will give each crystal unique therapeutic properties and benefits.

For example, copper, which is found in crystals such as Malachite, has anti-inflammatory effects on the body and strong anti-bacterial properties.

To help balance the body with the Earth element, Aurora offers The Crystal Balance Massage. It is a fantastic treatment which assists in grounding the mind and body, creates clarity and brings the body back into alignment. This treatment begins with a hot stone massage using unique zebra stones from the West Australian Kimberley region. These stones are thousands of years old with layers of minerals which help to ground and protect the body. The rest of the massage is then performed with the therapist's hands focusing on any areas of concern. Throughout the treatment, crystals will be placed over major energy centres in the body. Each crystal is specifically related to the energy centre they are used with and together they enhance the energy vibration released from the crystal. Eastern pressure points are used to ground the body. The treatment is finished with a Tibetan singing bowl which is used over the crystals to enhance the vibration and therefore, the benefits.

Aurora's Crystal Balance Massage is a great way to incorporate the healing benefits of crystals in autumn.

Spa Events - Mother's Day
Sunday 13th May, 2007

Discover a world of heavenly bliss this Mothers Day, Sunday 13th May, with a spa gift voucher and gift set from Aurora Spa Retreat. Uniquely Australian and purely indulgent, Aurora's Mothers Day Spa packages and individual gift vouchers can be purchased from 28th March 2007. One of our friendly client services team members can help or you can purchase online at www.aurorasparetreat.com. Take the effort out of the frenzied search for a sensory gift of gratitude for Mum this Mother's Day at Aurora Spa Retreat.

...a journey to be discovered full of sugar & spice, of good girly magic & everything nice, slippers, pyjamas & heavenly bliss, a spa wonderland for Mum sealed with a kiss...

Mystical Wonderland $290
2 hour treatment of choice gift voucher, luxury terry bathrobe & carry bag

Dream $210
1 hour signature treatment of choice gift voucher, Aurora spa pyjamas, bed time herbal tea & infuser

Queen of Hearts $165
1 hour treatment of choice gift voucher, Aurora Bliss body & bath oil and dry body massager

Fairytale Beginnings $165
Carefully designed for pregnant and nursing mothers. 1 hour treatment of choice gift voucher, Aurora pregnancy oil & gentle baby soap

Heavenly Bliss Gift Set $115
Phytomer HydraContinue body milk, HydraContinue hand cream, bath & shower gel and exfoliating body mitt

Spa Shop

Ilcsi Skin Care - Good enough to eat!

Purchase an Ilcsi Organic Starter Set, for Dehydrated or Senstive skin, this Autumn and and receive a 20ml complimentary hypericum eye wrinkle cream suitable for all skin types concerned with ageing.

The Ilcsi Organic Starter Set for Dehydrated Skin contains a 20ml Apricot Whip Moisturiser, 20 ml Pumpkin and Orange Gel Mask, 20ml Rosehip and Maize Exfoliant and the Ilcsi Organic Starter Set for Sensitive Skin contains a 20ml Rosehip Whip Moisturiser, 20ml Peach Cream Gel Mask, 20ml Rosehip and Maize Exfoliant

Beautifully presented, Ilcsi's Organic Starter Set is ideal for those wanting to address concerns such as premature aging, sun damage, acne, loss of vitality, tone and radiance.

Recommended Retail Value $120
Your Season of Transition Price $89.95

Offer ends 31st March or until stocks last.

To order call (03) 9536 1130 or email us at info@aurorasparetreat.com

Bluewick Candles

All Bluewick candles stocked at Aurora are 100% soy wax farmed and contain pure essential oils. Candles in this range are lead free, contain unbleached cotton wicks and are completely hand-made in micro-batches to monitor quality and consistency. No Bluewick candles contain colorants, additives, toxins or carcinogens.

Designed to evoke good spirit, the Bluewick candles range burn with less soot and smoke than regular candles containing harmful petrochemicals and toxins.

Life certainly smells good with the beautiful range of organic aromas produced by this unique collection of candles.

Our favorite? The Bluewick Tangier - an essential soy blend of tangerine & vanilla.

Pocket travel candle, 15 hour burn time $8.90
Clear glass tumbler, 85 hour burn time $43.50

SIGG Water Bottles

SIGG reusable bottles are a Swiss design, ultra-lightweight, durable, 100% recyclable, safe drinking bottle. Aluminium drinking bottles are a more popular alternative to plastic, disposable bottles as aluminium drinking bottles do not retain taste or odour and do not leach harmful synthetic residue into the liquids contained within this type of bottle. Independent studies in Germany have shown that the leading manufacturer of aluminium water bottles, SIGG was the only manufacturer to produce bottles with an inner coating that is resistant to fruit acids and isotonic drinks. This high-tech Swiss company uses a complex manufacturing process to incorporate a water based interior coating over an anodised aluminium inner to ensure there is no synthetic residue released into the drinking water whilst stored.

SIGG water bottles come in a variety of styles and sizes and all have the exact same threaded neck giving you the choice of a variety of caps and drinking stoppers to choose from.

SIGG water bottles have an unlimited useful life and are a great way to support the environment.

SIGG water bottles are available from Aurora Spa Retreat and begin at a recommended retail price of $25.95.

Nickel Super Clean Men's Scrubbing Gel

Nickel, a cutting edge French skincare brand specifically designed for men is now available at Aurora. Nickel's Super Clean Scrubbing Gel eliminates impurities and strips unwelcome dead skin cells fast. It's exclusive ball-bearing jojoba beads and pistachio extract nourishes the epidermis to give back its elasticity and softness.

Recommended retail price $50.00 for 125ml

Spa Competition

Autumn is the season of transition and a time to ground the body with Aurora's Balance range of treatments.

Be one of the first 10 emails to purchase and book our 1.5 hour Crystal Balance Massage in the month of March and receive a complimentary Spa Therapy Kit containing a Phytomer Cleansing Milk for the face, Rose Visage Toner, Face Brush, Spa Waffle Sponge and Tuberose & Hyacinth Bath Soap for yourself valued at $59.95.

To enter, send your email titled 'Autumn Spa Therapy' to info@aurorasparetreat.com

Good Luck.

Spa Travel - Four Seasons Resort Aviara, North San Diego

Overview

This resort is 30 minutes north of San Diego, in Southern California. It has quite an extensive spa and an Arnold Palmer-signature golf course. This Four Seasons Resort has a distinctive Spanish Colonial- style architecture, which is designed to harmonize with the surrounding landscape. The spa is newly renovated and has a Spanish European theme. This is an ideal romantic spa experience for couples.

Environment/Facilities

The newly renovated 15,000-square-foot (1,400-square-metre) spa is equipped with indoor and outdoor private treatment rooms, an indoor glass atrium-style lounge area, whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms and locker and dressing areas. In-room massage is available if reserved 24 hours in advance. Hair, nail and make-up services are provided by the on-site José Eber Salon. The highlight of the spa is the couples suite, designed with luxury and romance in mind, which is perfect for those celebrating a new marriage, an anniversary or another special occasion. Amenities include an intimate lounge area with marble fireplace and shower for two, an attached treatment room with side-by-side massage tables and a private patio with whirlpool.

The Fitness Centre offers cardiovascular equipment furnished with individual monitors and wireless headsets, as well as weight training machines and free weights.

Positive highlights and improvements

The U.S. Weather Bureau describes San Diego's weather as the most perfect in America. The average year-round high temperature is 21ºC. The yearly rainfall is light, with most of it falling during the months of December, January and February - so weather-wise you can't go wrong.

The couples' packages are the signature experiences – the private suite is beautiful, spacious and luxurious. Try any of these:

Couples suite rejuvenators

1. Sunset package
   Enjoy a quiet end to the day with a bottle of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, two 50-minute massage treatments, and a signature spa amenity.
2. Half-day indulgence package
   Delight in a romantic morning or afternoon with our four-hour indulgence package. Your day includes two 50-minute massage treatments, two 50-minute facials, a light spa snack and a signature spa amenity Wellness package Rejuvenate mind, body and spirit with our wellness package including two 50-minute massage treatments, two 50-minute body wraps, two 50-minute facials, a private pilates or stretching class, spa lunch served in your private suite, two lush keepsake spa robes and a signature spa amenity.
3. Day of serenity
   Surrender to an entire day of luxurious pampering and relaxation. Your eight hours of bliss includes two 80-minute massage treatments, two 50-minute facials, two 50-minute body wraps, two 25-minute eye-lifting treatments, a delicious spa lunch served in your private suite, two lush keepsake spa robes and a signature spa amenity.

Score out of 10: 8

Website address: www.fourseasons.com/aviara

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Aurora Spa Retreat
2 Acland Street
St Kilda VIC 3182
T 03 9536 1130
F 03 9525 3729
E info@aurorasparetreat.com