Spa
Life

Life in Balance
by Aurora Life Coach, Kate James

At the beginning of each year, people often take stock of their lives and think about what they can do to improve their quality of life. Many people focus on setting goals for the coming year, which is valuable. But I also think it's a time to consider what is really important to you.

As the focus of much of the work I do with my clients is balance, it is timely to consider what is actually meant by the term 'work/life balance' and look at practical ways to improve the balance in your life.

Regardless of whether you're in the workforce or at home taking care of young children, achieving a sense of balance can be difficult to attain and maintain. It's inevitable that what feels like balance today, will be different by the same time next year. This makes it essential that you continue to monitor how you spend your time and what you put your energy into.

There's no simple way to define what we mean by the term 'balance', because everyone's idea of it is different. True balance is only possible if you feel it as a state of being - it's the sense that you have when things are flowing in your life; when you're content both at work and at home. Some people believe it's about structuring your time methodically, so that you can fit everything into your week, but my feeling is that real balance is about the sense of harmony you feel when you have enough space in your life.

The space to stop and unwind every day and to re-evaluate your choices so that you can align your focus to the things that really matter. The space to reflect on what is already wonderful about your life rather than constantly striving for more. The space to breathe deeply enough to make room for a decent laugh each day.

Many of us would say we prioritise family, our health, friendship, creativity and being employed in a role that we love. We set elaborate goals for all of these different areas and then do our best to maintain the motivation to achieve them.

I think sometimes we forget about what really matters. A balanced and happy life is not always about achieving new goals. Creating better relationships with your partner, spending more time with your children, taking an art or cooking class, going camping, swimming in the ocean, walking every day, practising yoga...these things are more likely to restore your sense of balance than making more money, building a bigger house or buying a new car would.

Make this the year you focus on what really makes you happy. If you don't love your work - change it. If you never have time to relax - change your lifestyle.

Undoubtedly you'll have to sacrifice something, however your sense of balance or your peace of mind shouldn't be negotiable.

Books that Kate recommends:

"Forgiveness and Other Acts of Love" by Stephanie Dowrick
This is a beautiful book to remind you of six great human virtues: courage, fidelity, restraint, generosity, tolerance and forgiveness. It's the sort of book to keep on your bedside table so that you can flip it open time and again.

"Authentic Happiness" by Martin Seligman
Martin Seligman practises what he calls 'positive psychology'. His book is an in-depth exploration into what makes people truly happy. He believes you can learn to be optimistic and has links to web tools to assess your own behaviours and strengths.

Spa
Cuisine

Adore the Goddess within
by Lindy Cook,Naturopath, Nutritionist, Herbalist

For many, Mother's Day symbolises a time to show appreciation, support and love to the wonderful person who brought you into the world. For the wonderful women of the world, maybe one of the best gifts you can give to yourself is knowledge, for with knowledge comes empowerment. To understand your body and how your health impacts upon it is one of the greatest tools for continuing to live life to its fulfilling best.

Menopause

Most Australian women reach menopause between the ages of 45 and 55 years, with variation on either side. In more recent times we have seen menopause as a time to suppress or deny through the use of HRT. Many women are now viewing it as a time to value, for it signifies a powerful transition and personal growth. Natural therapies allow women to find some balance and sanity amidst all the changes they may be experiencing.

While not all women experience menopausal symptoms, most will experience some or all of the following: irregular menstruation and/or heavier bleeding, insomnia with or without night sweats, depression and anxiety, vaginal dryness, hot flushes with or without sweats and bladder irritability - all thanks to the drop in the hormone oestrogen!

Once the body stops manufacturing oestrogen it looks for mechanisms to support the production of oestrogen. This occurs in a couple of different ways. Firstly, via the adrenal glands, so it is critical that stress levels are managed in order to support their optimal function. The second way is via cholesterol production in the body.

Don't fear, help is at hand:

• Hot Flushes: Pick some fresh sage leaves from your garden and brew them over night. Drink 2 cups per day. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, sugar and spicy foods, as they can all trigger hot flushes
• Include some organic butter, coconut milk and regular milk in your diet to provide cholesterol for the manufacture of oestrogen
• St John's Wort is an excellent herb to treat the mild depression associated with menopause. Always see your naturopath to ensure the dosage is correct
• Include phyto-oestrogens in your diet. These oestrogen-like compounds are found in foods such as tofu, soy beans, soymilk (especially BonSoy), miso, flaxseeds and pomegranates

Osteoporosis

It is estimated that in Australia alone, approximately 60% of women and 30% of men over the age of 60 will suffer an osteoporotic fracture in their remaining lifetime. Worse still, once you have an osteoporotic fracture you are at a higher risk of another. Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease because no symptoms are exhibited until a bone is broken.

Unfortunately, there is no one single cause for osteoporosis. Just simply having adequate calcium in your diet is not always enough to prevent the onset of this insidious disease

There are certain, well-known risk factors that place you at greater risk of developing osteoporosis:

• Decrease in sex hormone production (oestrogen) in women post-menopause
• Poor diet
• Lack of weight-bearing exercise
• Low body weight (below 58 kilos)
• Long-term use of medications such as cortisone and prednisone
• Smoking
• High alcohol consumption

Some practical tips:

Consume adequate calcium in your diet
The recommended intake for adults is 800 - 1000 mg per day, and for post-menopausal women and elderly men 1000 - 1500 per day. Don't just rely on dairy for your calcium intake. Non-dairy alternatives include unhulled tahini, fish with edible bones, hummus and green leafy vegetables. Try adding 1 tablespoon of unhulled tahini to your diet daily to increase your dietary calcium.

Ensure your supplement has all the essential co-factors
For many people, consuming the amount of calcium needed through the diet alone is difficult, perhaps due to dietary sensitivities or restrictions. If you need to take a supplement, ensure it is of a high quality. Put simply, certain calcium supplements are absorbed better than others. The commonly prescribed calcium carbonate is not absorbed well. Better forms include calcium hydroxyappetite and calcium orotate. Generally, calcium is prescribed in conjuction with magnesium and other critical co-factors including Vitamin D, manganese, boron and zinc. If your supplement does not contain these nutrients, there are better ones available!

DHEA
DHEA is one of the latest 'anti-ageing' treatments and is a product of healthy adrenal function. In other words, when our bodies are responding well to the levels of stress in our lives, our DHEA levels tend to be adequate. While DHEA has many functions, it has been shown to significantly increase bone mineral density in post-menopausal women. There are holistic treatments aimed at supporting its natural production through the use of herbs such as korean ginseng, tribilulus and rehmania. Taking DHEA is generally not recommended, due to its association with certain cancers.

• Avoid carbonated drinks
  Excessive amounts of phosphorous (found in carbonated drinks) is associated with bone density loss
• Have adequate Vitamin D intake
• Work out!!
  Weight-bearing exercise helps to reduce bone loss, as well as maintain muscle strength. Try walking, jogging, playing tennis or general exercise classes
• Limit your coffee consumption
  Caffeine is known to be a powerful stimulant to the adrenal production of the stress hormone cortisol. Elevated levels of cortisol are associated with bone loss, so substitute normal coffee with good, organic, brewed green tea and 5 drops of Korean ginseng to support adrenal function and production of DHEA.

Finally, and most importantly,

• Access preventative medicine
  Your naturopath can organise hormonal assays from your saliva to assess adrenal function and DHEA production

Spa
Body

Uncovering the myths behind pregnancy & massage
by Leonie Magee, Therapist Trainer

There are a multitude of changes which happen throughout pregnancy, and massage can help keep the body in balance and ease some of these physiological changes, as well as emotional stressors faced by the mother-to-be.

Always see a therapist who is properly trained in pregnancy massage. There are certain areas which need to be avoided during pregnancy and it is vital that your therapist be trained and experienced in pregnancy massage.

All of the changes happening in the body can often leave the mother feeling vulnerable and stressed, so it is important that you are confident and comfortable with your therapist. Make sure you have a thorough consultation before your treatment to discuss your concerns and what you want to achieve from your treatment. Pregnancy affects every woman differently, so be open and honest with your therapist, as this is the best way for them to understand your needs.

Things to know before having a massage

Massage is generally not advised during the first trimester of pregnancy. This is because it takes around 11-12 weeks for the placenta to completely form. It is a time when the body is going through a lot of change so we recommend waiting until the mother and baby are more settled before placing any external influence on the mother's body.

During pregnancy, the mother's body will over-produce a hormone called relaxin. This hormone softens the ligaments to help the joints move (particularly around the pelvis) to make room for the baby and prepare for the birth. This is why deep tissue massage is not advised during pregnancy, as well as excessive stretching, to avoid weakening of the joints. The massage does not have to be deep to achieve some amazing results.

If you have had any complications during your pregnancy or previous pregnancies, it is advised that you seek your doctor's advise before proceeding with massage treatments.

Having a massage

Positioning on a massage table is an individual thing. Pregnancy pillows have a hollow in the abdominal area to accommodate the baby and allow the mother to lie on her stomach. This is not suitable for all women nor during all stages of pregnancy. Depending on the size of the abdomen, it may be advisable to lie on the side. A full body massage can still be performed in this position.

In later stages, lying on the side is preferable to reduce the pressure placed on the abdomen. Laying on the back is also contraindicated in later stages due to the weight of the baby placing pressure on the aorta and vena cava and restricting blood supply.

Make sure you are comfortable - the extra weight places extra stress on joints, so move if you need to.

Let your therapist know if you are starting to feel light-headed or unwell.

Avoid longer treatments in the third trimester to avoid toilet breaks and becoming uncomfortable. Have multiple shorter treatments instead.

Although deep pressure is contraindicated, you can get some amazing results with firm relaxation. Deep pressure is not always the answer - just relaxing the muscles will reduce tension and ease the discomfort within the body; relaxation massage is also a great way to reduce stress and assist with sleeping and digestive problems.

Always get help in sitting up after your treatment. Massage assists the circulation and it is common to feel light-headed when you first sit up. Take your time to get up and get dressed.

Be guided by your body - if something doesn't feel good, ask your therapist to change it - whether it's your positioning or the massage techniques.

Changes to the mother's body

Did you know that during pregnancy the blood volume increases by up to 30%- 50%, the heart increases in size and the ventricles must dilate further to accommodate the extra blood volume? The lungs are working harder to keep the increased blood supply oxygenated. Blood flow is also increased to the kidneys by up to 35%, which in turn increases filtration. Pressure on the bladder by the uterus increases urination and urine leakage.

The digestive system works harder to handle increased food intake to nourish both mother and baby, and the intestines, stomach and diaphragm are pushed upward to make room for the baby.

With the extra weight at the front of the body, the centre of gravity changes and as the baby grows, the entire posture must change to stop the mother toppling forward. The added weight places extra strain on the hips, knees and ankles and, along with increased fluid retention, the joints are often sore and swollen.

Hormonal changes can create havoc with the skin, so rashes, breakouts, and discolouration are common.

The body produces a variety of hormones during pregnancy to stimulate things such as milk production, cessation of menstruation, development of the placenta etc. These hormones also affect the emotional state and create mood swings when their levels increase and decrease.

Benefits of massage during Pregnancy

• Massage assists the circulation and by doing so the load is taken off the heart and keeps blood pressure in check
• Massage helps to eliminate waste products and excessive fluid through the circulatory and lymphatic systems, which will reduce fatigue and help mum to feel more relaxed
• Muscular tension in areas of load - such as the lower back and legs - can be alleviated, and cramping, tightening and stiffness reduced
• Massage helps to soothe the nervous system and relieve depression and anxiety, which are caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy
• Inflammation can be reduced in the legs and feet
• Massage stimulates glandular secretions and regulates hormone levels
• Increased local blood supply brings more oxygen and nutrients to the cells of both the mother and the foetus. This will mean greater vitality and less fatigue for the mother and greater nourishment for the foetus
• Massage reduces nervous tension, which helps to alleviate sleeping difficulties
• Massage is very beneficial to the emotional needs of the mother as it is calming and relaxing, helping to reduce stress for both mother and baby
• Regular Massage helps to prevent the onset of muscular tension and the build-up of stress and tension
• Regular massage helps to keep the skin hydrated and nourished with nutrient-rich oils

I have seen some remarkable results for clients having massages during their pregnancy - particularly when they are having regular treatments. On both an emotional and physical level it will balance, revive and rejuvenate the expectant mother. Taking the time to nurture the body is invaluable to both mother and baby.

Eco
Spa

Autumn in the patch
By Vivienne Serafin

The term 'organic gardening' is used so easily and frequently, but how many of us actually know what this means, let alone how to put it into practice?

Put simply, organic gardening is about feeding the soil, not the plant. The approach is that if the soil is healthy, the plants that grow there will be too.

Autumn is a lovely time of year to get out in the garden and time spent preparing and planning your winter vegetable and herb garden will see you reap the benefits, with a garden full of fresh and healthy produce. With the use of good-quality cow manure, mulch or compost you are halfway to preparing your organic garden.

What to plant in Autumn?

The marvelous thing about autumn is that it is a good time for hard, physical work. This is the time when you can plant those vegetables that love winter.

In a cooler climate, such as Melbourne or Tasmania, there is quite a selection of vegetables that are suitable to plant in autumn. Try broadbeans, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, leek, lettuce, onions, parsley, peas and rhubarb.

Companion planting

Chemical pesticides and fungicides have no place in an organic garden. There are plenty of things you can do to naturally protect your garden from bugs, whilst maintaining the purity of your plants.

Companion planting is a simple way to keep your garden interesting and help minimise pests. By mixing insect-attracting flowers in with your vegies you can help to attract predatory insects such as spiders, lizards and birds which can help to control the damaging insects.

Herbs can act as an excellent deterrent for some insects, as well as making for an interesting and aromatic inclusion to your garden bed. They are also great to have on hand for culinary and medicinal applications too.

Basil planted with tomatoes can help to deter whitefly; marigolds help discourage nematodes (microscopic pests that attack the roots of plants causing them to wilt and die), and sage is said to repel cabbage, white butterflies and carrot flies.

To attract beneficial insects, try planting daisies, parsley, dill and coriander amongst your vegetables and ornamentals. Grow some cosmos, mint, sunflowers or zinnias near your vegetable garden to give them a higher chance of insect assistance.

To garden organically, you may need to accept that there will always be some pests. If all your natural bug solutions don't quite cut it, look for natural insecticides such as Dipel (a natural bacillus) or Success (made from a soil organism) for caterpillar control.

Tips

• When planning a new organic vegetable garden, get some good-quality compost to get your seedlings started. If you don't make your own compost, you can purchase some from your nursery.
• Instead of using them in the compost heap, bury vegetable and fruit scraps in the garden beds so that natural organisms have a chance to break them down.
• Mix flowering plants with vegetables and observe the results. The flowering plants attract beneficial insects and help to keep pests in check.

Most organic gardeners have their own little secrets for their garden. One idea in another garden may not work for you, so you should experiment with companion planting.

"A Slice of Organic Life"by Sheherazade Goldsmith
"A Slice of Organic Life" has some great information if you're interested in learning more about organic gardening, as well as other environmentally friendly ideas for the home. This book has some beautiful photography too, so it would look right at home on your coffee table. To find out more go to www.aurorasparetreat.com

Send us an email at vivienne@aurorasparetreat.com with your ideas on organic gardening, or any other environment-related subjects that you would like us to explore.

Spa
Events

Remember Mum this Mother's Day, Sunday 11th May 2008

Take mum to a place where tired spirits are renewed, fresh vigor gathered and life's balance restored, with a Mother's Day gift voucher package from Australia's luxury boutique spa.

Available from the 26th March at Aurora Spa Retreat or by phone on (03) 9536 1130

Paradise

1 hour treatment of choice gift voucher, Aurora Bliss Body & Bath Oil, and Native Flower & Peppermint Exfoliating Body Salts. $175

Nest

1 hour pregnancy treatment of choice gift voucher and luxury terry bathrobe & carry bag. $175

Night Owl

1 hour signature treatment of choice gift voucher, Aurora Spa PJs created for Aurora by Peter Alexander & "Better Than Chocolate" bedtime read by Simon Reynolds. $225

Sanctuary

2 hour Aurora retreat gift voucher, French marine moisturising body milk, cleansing & exfoliating seaweed soap, seawater bath treatment, Aurora organic bliss tea & organic cotton body wash cloth. $295

Spa Signatures Retreat

Soothe the mind, activate the senses and ground the body with Aurora's indigenously inspired, lusciously extravagant, ultimate spa retreat package. This full-day package incorporates the crème de la crème of signature therapies, BMW pick-up and drop-off (within 20km of St Kilda), a glass of French Champagne on arrival, lunch and a fresh fruit smoothie. $855

Revive Beauty Kit

Sarah Priddy Intensive hand repair, nourishing cuticle treatment cream, Aurora Revive loose leaf herbal blend & tea ball, Bare Essentials mineral mascara and Bholu embroidered journal. $125

Spa
Shop

More gift ideas that Mum will LOVE

Bare Escentuals Tutorials Smoky Eye Kit Limited Edition

Bare Escentuals Tutorials Smoky Eye Kit is the first in a series of Bare Escentuals Tutorials. This Limited Edition Smoky Eye Kit by Bare Escentuals has everything you need to define your eyes and instructions to how to achieve smoky eyes. $79.00

Read more about this product

True Grace candle in Amber

This candle is a truly sexy, sophisticated, evening scent which includes fresh top notes of Lemon & Bergamot, sensual middle notes of Jasmine, Lavender & Violet and gorgeous woody base notes blended with Amber, Musk, Vanilla and Myrrh. Perfect for the season of transition. $49.95

Read more about this product

TRUE GREEN @ Work by Kim McKay and Jenny Bonnin

Whether you work in an office, shop or factory, run your own business or manage a corporation ... taking care of the environment is easier than you think. In True Green @ Work, Kim McKay and Jenny Bonnin, part of the Clean Up Australia team, and along with business journalist Tim Wallace, offer 100 simple ways to be greener, leaner and more productive in the workplace. This essential and practical guide will make a great gift for the environmentally conscious. $22.95

Read more about this product

Kevin Murphy Luxury Jetpack

Kevin Murphy haircare products are renowned for providing premium quality haircare whilst using gentle and pure ingredients. The Luxury Jetpack contains 5 x 30ml bottles perfect for your travel pack, including the Luxury.Wash, Luxury.Rinse, Born.Again, Body.Wash & Body.Lotion. A great gift to make Mum look and feel special. $24.95

Read more about this product

Spa
Comp

E-voucher Mum this Mother's Day

Purchase an online gift voucher to the value of $150 or more between Wednesday 26th March and Sunday 11th May to go into the draw to win a Paradise Mother's Day gift package for you and Mum post-Mother's Day.

Package includes a 2 x one hour treatment of choice gift voucher, two Aurora Bliss Body & Bath Oil, and Native Flower & Peppermint Exfoliating Body Salts.Valued at $350.

Mum will LOVE you for it!

Prize drawn on Monday 12th May, 2008 with details posted on our website that day.

Good luck!

Spa
Travel

Burke Williams, Santa Monica, LA
By Lyndall Mitchell

Originally, the concept of the Burke Williams Spa was to create an urban oasis by transforming the usual resort-style spa facilities into the heart of the city. Now with nine full-service spa locations in California, this urban spa provides a tranquil rest from the hectic Santa Monica hustle and bustle.

Everything is catered for at this spa, with separate changing facilities fully equipped with two large jacuzzis - one dimly-lit to encourage quiet and relaxation, and the other brightly-lit to encourage group interaction. The relaxation areas also offer choice, with a traditional lounge area equipped with fireplaces or a dimly-lit room with individual recliners curtained off from one another.

Environment and facilities

Burke Williams employs over 800 staff, so this is a very polished spa experience. The Santa Monica facility was about to have a re-furbishment and on the day I had a treatment, the music wasn't working, so it was hard to get an accurate feeling of the spa's ambience. The change rooms were very well-appointed with 2 x whirlpools, steam rooms, saunas, misting rooms and cold plunges for both females and males.

I personally visited the Santa Monica spa and like all the Burke Williams Spas. I would advise arriving at least one hour before your treatment to make the most of your spa experience.The separate locker room and bathing facilities are extensive and ideal as a pre-treatment experience.

The Burke Williams philosophy is focused on everyday wellness and integrating healthy lifestyle practices into your daily routine - something that resonates with me and something I appreciate in a spa experience.

I really enjoyed this spa operation - it was managed so professionally and graciously. The spa experience itself was great and the range of treatments available was extensive.

Overall score: 8/10

Website address: http://www.burkewilliamsspa.com/