Prepare to be inspired with our new season, new look, hot off the winter press on-line news. This winter we're proud to introduce our resident life coach, our naturopath, our acupuncturist, our therapist trainer and our personal trainer to our already talented team of Keeping in Touch writers.

With winter upon us it's an ideal time to detox and align your body with the rhythm of nature. In this edition our Aurora Life Coach gets us thinking about how the relationship we have with ourselves affects our ability to live in detox. Our resident Naturopath explores the world of winter foods and our Aurora Trainer convinces us that it's good to stimulate liver function and clear stagnation in the season of stillness - winter.

We've served up the first of our delicious winter recipes with a hot pot of organic chicken and vegetable stew before we take you on a journey of sensory Scottish bliss to Stobo Castle Health Spa in Scotland.

Take some time to rest, eat well and replenish your spirit in this beautiful season of stillness.

Happiness and wellness,

Lyndall

Winter is the perfect time to detox. Most detox programs focus on reducing or eliminating physical vices such as unhealthy foods, caffeine, cigarettes, alcohol and recreational drugs while at the same time, increasing exercise and implementing other techniques for reducing stress. All of these things are wonderful but an even better alternative to a regular detox program is to create a 'detoxed lifestyle' that is enduring - a change that allows you to enjoy life's pleasures at the same time as caring for your health every day.

The place to begin this process is to understand what drives us toward the vices in the first place. Most of us live extremely busy lives where we have little time for ourselves. Without the time to relax and reflect, people often operate on automatic pilot, being carried along by their current projects and social groups without stopping to consider whether their lives are really fulfilling. Without continually reviewing our levels of happiness, we sometimes find ourselves filling up the empty spaces with things that provide us with short term pleasure, like a block of chocolate or half a bottle of wine. If we take the time to think about what is really in the void (it might be a need for love or a need to be understood and validated) we often eliminate the need for the vice.

Western society doesn't place as much importance on creating time for reflection in the way eastern cultures do. We're very much driven by 'affluenza' - the desire to accumulate more materially. As a result, we work longer hours, the pace of our lives is faster and often our quality of life diminishes.

Studies of positive psychology (or what makes people really happy long term) have found that there are three key elements to enduring happiness. The first of these is to live in a society that is democratic and not poverty ridden; the second is to have a meaningful and lasting partner relationship and the third is to create extended social networks and a fulfilling social life.

Winter is the perfect time to stop and reflect on how well your life supports enduring happiness. It's a great time to think about how you can be more fulfilled in a range of different areas so you won't need the vices that have a toxic effect on your body and mind.

Make an honest assessment of how satisfied you are with each of the following areas and create a list of the elements that would make up your ideal life:

• partner relationship
• friends and social life
• career
• health
• finances
• creativity
• community

As you review each area, try to reflect on what you think your biggest unmet need might be... this may provide a clue as to why you seek the vices you choose.

Ten Strategies to help you live a detoxed lifestyle:

1. Find someone to love. Most people want a partner - some just don't want to admit it to themselves because they fear it won't happen. Don't be afraid to be proactive.
2. Connect with others. People who have a good social network are the happiest. If you don't have great friends, make it your mission to get out and meet new people.
3. Exercise regularly. Exercise is not only a means of improving your physical health but a great way of creating time for you. Aim to exercise at least three times a week to a point that you work up a sweat and get your heart rate up for at least twenty minutes.
4. Schedule time to relax. Even if it's only fifteen minutes each day, slowing down is essential for all of us. Meditation is a wonderful way to calm the mind but if it's not for you, lying down listening to your favourite piece of music will do wonders.
5. Nurture yourself. Prevention is the key to a successful lifestyle detox program. Book a massage treatment once a month and make the next booking before you leave so you remember how important it is to prioritise self care.
6. Breathe. Create mini-breaks in your day where you take the time to do at least ten deep breaths. Extend the breath deep into your belly and exhale slowly to really purify your system.
7. Stretch. Performing a couple of stretching exercises (if you know the yoga sun salutation poses, they are excellent) is a wonderful way to start your day.
8. Enjoy your vices in moderation. Have a glass of wine or two each day (ideally allowing two alcohol-free days per week) if it's what you enjoy. The important thing here is moderation. There's no point in detoxing for a month and then going out on a bender once you've finished.
9. Eat well five days a week and relax for the other two.
10. Talk to someone. Don't wait until you're feeling overwhelmed or depressed before getting help. Have a couple of sessions with a counsellor or life coach to talk things through. Often you'll find that just the process of airing your concerns is enough to lift a weight from your shoulders.

With the colder months upon us, now is the time to nourish and warm your body from within with the foods you eat, working in harmony with nature and the winter season. One way of achieving this goal is to flavour your foods with pungent herbs such as ginger, garlic, cayenne, tumeric and small amounts of chilli. These foods gently heat the body and stimulate the circulation while garlic has the added benefit of fighting both bacterial and viral infections and breaking down mucous. Garlic is a great natural remedy for colds and flus; add it to your cooking or mix it with lemon, warm water and honey for a really powerful immune system kick.

Another way of protecting your body from the winter chill is to ensure your foods are 'warm' or heated rather than served cold. Winter is not the time for salads or too many cold fruits. Always add ginger to any fresh juices and stew fruits (served warm) to harmonise the cold element. Cook up hearty, nutritious soups and stews filled with as many vegetables you can manage. A big pot of organic chicken and vegetable soup (with added garlic and ginger of course) is a nourishing winter feast and another great way to aid recovery from illness.

Seasonally, winter is a time to eat root vegetables. Higher in energy-giving carbohydrates, our bodies need this fuel to keep the inner winter fires burning. Choose from sweet potato, carrots, pumpkin and beetroot. The orange vegetables are naturally high in betacarotene, an antioxidant that helps protect all the mucous membranes of the body, including the lungs. Smokers can help reduce the risk of lung cancer by consuming higher levels of betacarotene. Beetroot gently enhances liver function thereby aiding digestion and helping to relieve constipation. It is considered a natural 'blood tonic', and can help boost iron levels. These delicious foods can be roasted, blended into dips, stewed, added to soups or steamed.

Fruits tend to be better suited to the warmer weather. However, the deliciously sweet, Australian navel orange is in season. High in vitamin C and alkalising to the body, oranges make a great winter fruit. Start the day with a fresh orange, carrot and ginger juice to keep the immune system primed and fight off any potential colds and flu's. Make sure you include some of the pith from oranges in your juice as this helps ensure vitamin C is well-absorbed and gives extra anti-viral action.

Remember to choose organic or biodynamic foods whenever possible. Not only are you ensuring your food has maximum nutritional value, your body does not have to break down the cocktail of pesticides, chemicals and additivies found in conventional foods that are linked to so many chronic disease states. Organic foods contain on average 50% more vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients! Plus, knowing you are doing your bit to support our environment is a great feeling.

Organic Chicken & Vegetable Stew
Wheat-Free, Dairy-Free

• 1/4 cup organic unbleached white flour or organic rice flour (if wheat free recipe is desired)
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/8 ground black pepper
• 4 free range organic chicken breasts
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 large stalks celery, chopped
• 1 cup chopped carrot, peeled if desired
• 1 cup chopped and peeled parsnip or turnip
• 2 cloves crushed garlic
• 1 cup fresh sliced shitake mushrooms
• 1/3 cup pearled barley
• 1 quart free range chicken stock
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

In a medium bowl, combine the flour with the salt and pepper. Toss the cubed chicken into the flour mixture, coating all sides and reserving any left over flour. In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat. Brown the chicken on all sides and remove to a plate. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Stir in the celery, onion, carrots, parsnips and mushrooms, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Cook the vegetables, stirring for two minutes.

Add the barley and continue to cook, stirring for an additional minute. Stir 1/4 cup chicken stock into the remaining flour until completely blended. Add this along with the rest of the broth back into the pot. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer, uncovered, and stirring occasionally, cook for one hour or until thickened into a stew. Garnish with chopped parsley.

For thousands of years the science of acupressure has been an important component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the prevention and treatment of pain and disease.

In TCM theory, there is a system of channels within the body through which Qi and blood flow. Qi is the essential life force or energy within us which maintains the vital and functional activities of the body. Each channel forms a network over the body, linking the tissues and the organs into an organic whole. When energy or blood is not flowing freely through these channels it is referred to as stagnation and this stagnation of blood/Qi can cause pain, illness or disease. By applying pressure to these points of stagnation with fingers, thumbs or elbows, blockages can be eliminated and the free flow of Qi can be restored to return health to the body.

Seasons and elements are important factors in the diagnosis of health in TCM. Climatic change will affect our physical and emotional selves in various ways. To encourage the flow of Qi and reduce stagnation, Aurora have created each of our seasonal massages with specific pressure points aimed at addressing these seasonal issues.

Winter is a time of stillness and as a result the body slows down and stagnation can accumulate. Our Detox massage utilises specific acupressure points to stimulate liver function, boost the circulation and immune system, eliminate toxic build up within the body, relieve built-up tension and stimulate energy. We associate winter with the element of water, like a deep still lake, and in this season we focus on detoxifying the body and turning the still lake into a flowing river.

With the first day of Winter upon us Aurora Spa Retreat is proud to launch its NEW Oora Organic Signature Facial (translation - Fire) and Wangarie Signature Retreat (translation - Pretty Face) to it's already popular range of Signature treatments. Be sure to book in quick as we expect they'll be long waiting lists for these scrumptiously new signature treatments.

Oora Organic Signature Facial (Fire) – $210
Aurora’s signature facial, the Oora Organic, is a intensely invigorating, revitalising treatment designed to detoxify, stimulate and rejuvenate the skin. This 1.5 hour workout for the face infuses the skin with organically grown herbs, fruits and vegetables whilst increasing peripheral blood circulation to the face. A delectably active treatment that incorporates the therapeutic benefits of paprika, capsicum, apple, grape, lemon grass, rosemary, rosehip, peppermint, lavender and more. Includes dynamic stretching, an energising acupressure scalp massage, foot mask, foot massage and traditional fanning.

Wangarie Signature Retreat (Pretty Face) – $285
Clear your mind, focus your thoughts and re-balance your skin with Aurora’s 2 hour Signature retreat for the face and body. Designed for total relaxation this lusciously extravagant retreat incorporates a tailored facial treatment, two richly organic face masks, gentle stretching, back massage, hand massage, hand mask and foot massage. Red rose petals, rose oil and vitamin C work alongside carrot, marigold, linseed and vanilla to firm, lift and significantly brighten the skin. A deeply relaxing and seasonally inspired experience to instill inner peace and tranquility.

Begin your winter 'detox lifestyle' with a unique offer from Aurora Spa Retreat.

Be one of the first 10 emails to purchase and book a 1.5 hour treatment in the month of June and receive a complimentary 1/2 hour Detox Spa and Aurora Detox Tea valued at $87.90.

To enter, send your email titled 'detox me' to: info@aurorasparetreat.com

Good Luck.

Overview

Stobo castle is situated in the lush green countryside of Scotland amongst rolling hills, shade trees and a picturesque loch (minus the monster!). Stobo Castle is a traditional Scottish health retreat offering accommodation retreat packages and day visits. Its fusion of 19th Century architecture with 21st century comfort makes it a must on any travel itinerary through the UK. When I visited Stobo they were in the final stages of completing their new hydrotherapy area, pool, juice bar and spa shop. These new facilities will make it even better. Stobo can accommodate around 63 guests at any one time and has the most fantastic spa menu. Whilst being shown around the retreat and formal dining areas I saw lots of guests eating what we would call a pretty formal lunch in white fluffy bath robes. Very English, but it worked.

Environment

This retreat has kept its castle accommodation authentic to the region and its time. The rooms and facilities are all Scottish in design and set back in the time of the castle's development, only with the addition of more modern day conveniences. The décor wasn't really my thing but the treatments are great and with the view from the castle, that was the last thing on my mind. The rooms are stunning and have completely uninterrupted views of the surrounding countryside. The retreat is popular for group bookings.

Facilities

This large property offers rural activities alongside its high tech spa experience. Both day visitors and residents can plunge into the hydrotherapy area with a good variety of options available to choose from.

All bedrooms are centrally heated with en-suite bathrooms, hairdryers, tea and coffee making facilities, satellite TV, radio and direct-dial telephones. In the drawing room a selection of newspapers are available. They provide a variety of daily exercise classes. Yoga, make-up lessons and other activities are given in the evening. There are recreational facilities including a 25m ozone indoor pool, hydrospa, cycling and tennis. Golf, fishing and riding may be arranged locally.

Drawbacks or improvements

From my impression it was a primarily female health retreat with about 2-3% of the group being males. This may not be a particular drawback but it would be good to be aware before you go. From my tour it felt like it would be a very memorable retreat experience as the castle effortlessly sets the scene for something special.

Score out of 10: 8.5 (for facilities and environment - as I didn't stay to experience Stobo)
(10 being exceptional)

Website address: www.stobocastle.co.uk

You have received this newsletter because you have visited or contacted Aurora Spa Retreat. To unsubscribe from this e-newsletter list, simply email info@aurorasparetreat.com and write "Unsubscribe" in the subject field.

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