Spa
Life

Work it out
by Jason Cook, Personal Trainer

A detox leg workout in winter need not require the latest pair of Nike shoes and a personal trainer calling you at 6am in the morning to remind you it's time to "rise and shine''. Detox leg workouts are active leg workouts that incorporate dry body and skin brushing.

Dry body brushing, like exercise, stimulates the flow of lymph and blood around the body, cleansing tissues and removing waste. The removal of waste, or detoxification, helps improve overall wellness and wellbeing, while the physical action of the brushing stimulates circulation.

A detox leg workout over winter can help to:

• tighten skin
• reduce cellulite
• stimulate circulation, keeping you warmer!
• increase your metabolism

Dry body brushing is suitable for all skin types, except if you have open wounds or inflamed skin. Ideally, dry body brushing should be included in your beauty regime 365 days a year, but it's particularly important in winter.

What you will need:

1. A good-quality wooden body brush - preferably made with natural bristles of horse hair, goat hair or vegetable fibres. At Aurora, we stock a Swedish bath-brush brand called Funkis that is made entirely from natural materials.
2. A warm, comfortable area to perform the brushing ritual.
3. Massage oil (optional); If considering the use of massage oil when detoxifying the legs, ensure you use a base oil that incorporates essential oils that purify and cleanse. An effective detox blend, such as Aurora's Detox Bath & Body Oil, should contain pure essential oils such as mandarin, spearmint, caraway and lemon that focus on stimulating the lymphatic and digestive systems.
4. A pure Essential Oil Blend - to incorporate essential oils that have anti-viral and anti-fungal properties in your treatment. Aurora's Essential Bliss Blend has anti-fungal and anti-viral oils such as bergamot, geranium, clary sage, german chamomile and sandalwood, making it effective for this workout.

How to do it:

• Apply a teaspoon of massage oil to the palm of your hand and lightly apply it to the bristles of the dry brush. (optional)
• The lower legs are a common area for water retention. Dry brushing can help alleviate this condition. Place the brush near the ankle and stroke firmly upward toward the knees. Work your way around the leg. Repeat on each side twelve times - more if you have puffiness around the ankle.
• If you have puffiness around the knee, this sequence will be helpful. Place your brush just below the knee, on the front of the leg. Brush back around the knee targeting the lymph nodes behind the knees. Repeat seven times on each side.
• The thighs are an area full of lymphatic vessels and are prone to congestion and stagnation. Dry brushing helps to stimulate circulation, which aids in the cleansing and detoxification of these tissues. When brushing, always brush towards your heart. Start just above the knee and work up the leg towards the heart; repeat this sequence 12 times.
• Always wash your brush with a mild soap after using it and dry the bristles on a clean towel. This prevents damage to the wood and bristles
• To further enhance the treatment, continue the workout by sprinkling six drops of essential oil in your shower, turning the water on before you get in. Take six deep breaths - the benefits of the inhalation will relax your body and lift your spirits.
• After you have finished your shower, complete with hot and cold alternation. This temperature change will exercise capillary walls and tone tissues, encouraging better circulation. Turn the water to cool and count to 30, then back to warm and count to 30; repeat this four times.
• Now that you have completed your body brushing workout, you will feel invigorated and ready to take on your winter day with renewed vigour.

Spa
Cafe

Eat your way healthy
by Lindy Cook,Naturopath, Nutritionist, Herbalist

With grey skies hanging heavily outside, the chilly weather of winter can keep us snuggled cosily inside our homes. It is only natural to turn to food for comfort and warmth, with the serving size gradually creeping up without us realising it. Who doesn't feel like indulging in a larger serving of that carbohydrate-based dinner along with a sweet, warm, sticky dessert? And did anyone mention exercise? Well, let's just say that motivation dwindles at this time of year. Kicking off the covers for that early morning workout just seems a bit more challenging. Yes, winter is traditionally a time of weight blow-out and lowered immunity! However, keeping your weight and health under control is truly not as difficult as it seems. Now is a great time to apply simple, effective and easy-to-achieve holistic detoxification strategies to keep your internal organs clean, your weight on track and your health primed.

An holistic detoxification program incorporates all the organs of the body involved in the elimination process, generally enhancing their capacity to eliminate wastes and those unwanted toxins.

Although we primarily think of the liver when it comes to detoxification, there are other organs critically involved in this process that will also respond with glee to extra support in enhancing their capacity to eliminate. The organs involved are:

The Skin

Physiologically, the skin is the largest organ of the body and one of its many roles is to help excrete toxins. You can greatly enhance this process by:

• Skin Brushing: Skin brushing stimulates circulation and the lymphatic system and is easy to do daily before you shower or take a bath. Use a pure-bristle brush or exfoliation mitt to make small, circular motions, slowly working your way upwards (from feet and legs) towards your heart. This process is carried out over the entire body - remember that the motion must always be in the direction of your heart.
• Saunas or Steams: A great way to warm up over winter and so relaxing! The sweating induced by saunas and steams encourages the release of chemical toxins and aids the detoxification process. Of course, drink plenty of filtered water to stay well hydrated.
• Epsom Salt Baths: Epsom salts encourage elimination of toxins through the skin. Simply add two tblsp of Epsom salts to a warm bath, burn some relaxing oils, light some candles and you are good to go. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes once a week.

The Bowel

Good, regular bowel function is a great sign that your body is detoxifying well. Ideally, we should aim to have a bowel movement at least once per day - anything less than this could indicate that you are recycling wastes, placing greater stress on all the organs of elimination. If you feel as though you could be more regular or would simply like to give your bowels extra support, try taking a good probiotic formula before breakfast and dinner to ensure you have the right balance of good bacteria in your gut. Including both soluble and insoluble fibres also helps keep things regular. Soluble fibres also help to lower cholesterol due to their ability to attach to fats and carry them from the body. These foods include oats, pectin (found in apples, cherries, carrots), legumes and psyllium husks. Insoluble fibres, as the name suggests, can't be broken down by the body and bulk up the stool. It includes the bran of grains. Much fibrous vegetable matter is also insoluble, so munch on celery sticks and add some wholegrain barley, brown rice or millet to your soup or stew to keep your bowel in good working order. Chow down on the great winter breakfast of organic oats (the wholegrain kind, not the packet, processed type) with grated apple, blueberries, soy milk and a tblsp of psyllium husks and/or rice bran with a little manuka honey to sweeten if desired.

The Lungs

Gentle exercise such as walking, tai chi and yoga not only calms the mind but supports the detoxification process. Deep breathing is also very beneficial. Incorporate exercise you enjoy over the winter months to keep your metabolism up. The more vigorous the exercise, the better the oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange, and therefore the more beneficial it is to your lungs.

Kidneys/Lymphatic System

Lymphatic drainage massage is a great way to tone and support the lymphatic system, thereby supporting the elimination process. The lymphatic system works in conjunction with the circulatory system to collect excess fluid, waste and toxins from the cells. During any detox the release of toxins is stimulated and consequently the lymphatic system may become overloaded and require extra support.

Give your kidneys the love and care they need during a detox by drinking two litres of purified water daily. Add a little freshly squeezed lemon or lime for flavour to keep things interesting. Ensure your salt intake is low and try substituting potassium-based flavourings, garlic, ginger or fresh herbs for salt in cooking and on foods. Coffee and alcohol are natural diuretics and place stress on your kidneys, so try to avoid them. Fresh vegetable juices and soups are a great source of potassium, are highly nutritious, easily absorbed and naturally supportive of kidney function. Not much beats a delicious vegetable and lentil soup on a cold winter day.

Liver

We had to get there in the end! Of course, the liver is the organ everyone thinks of when it comes to detoxification, and for good reason. This organ is responsible for the breakdown of drugs, hormones and other toxins. It carries out elimination in two very distinct stages and anyone who is serious about detoxing should get these pathways assessed through pathology testing, which is organised by your naturopath. This test, known as a functional liver profile test, determines if the detoxification pathways are too slow or too fast, and proper treatment can achieve the crucial balance needed to support optimal detoxification. Certain foods and teas also support liver function. Try drinking green tea and dandelion root tea regularly. Start the day with lemon juice in warm water and sprinkle some lecithin on your morning cereal to help the liver with fat metabolism. Garlic, onions, carrots, celery, avocado, ginger, turmeric, parsley and mint all support the body's natural detoxification process. Cruciferous vegetables are very important "functional foods" for detoxification. They contain antioxidants along with constituents that help break down hormones and may prevent oestrogen-dominant cancers, while also stimulating the liver to break down potential carcinogens. Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cabbage, garlic, brussel sprouts, asparagus, turnips, rocket, bok choy, cauliflower and chinese cabbage. Include a minimum of two serves daily. Your naturopath may also prescribe herbs such as St Mary's Thistle and Schisandra, along with specific liver nutrients such as choline and methionine to enhance the liver's detoxification capacity.

Mind

Of course, an holistic detoxification program would not be complete if it failed to incorporate a 'detox for the mind'. Or, should we say stress management? Stress is a very normal part of our everyday lives; it keeps us motivated and task-focused, responding to deadlines and the eternal pace of everyday life. A by-product of stress is the hormone called cortisol, and this too can be detoxed, thereby better equipping us to deal with the demands of modern-day living. Meditation promotes production of the peaceful alpha brain state and strengthens your immune system. Yoga combines meditation with organ toning and muscle strengthening, while hypnotherapy may help you to feel more in control of your emotions and achieve that peaceful state. What is critical is that you find your way to de-stress and incorporate it into everyday living. Make an appointment with yourself to ensure stress management becomes a part of your world on a regular basis. Herbs and nutrients provide further support and can include siberian or panax ginseng, withania, bacopa, oats, schisandra or chamomile, along with magnesium or B-group vitamins and the amino acid tyrosine.

Food

Now, the only thing missing from your detox program is food. So what do you eat over winter, while still managing to stay satisfied and comforted? Start by giving your body a break and avoiding sugar, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and all non-essential drugs. This allows the accumulated toxins to be broken down with greater ease. Focus on fresh, organic foods, avoiding processed and packaged foods. Grains should be unrefined (not the white, high-sugar type) and try to include adequate protein at every meal to stop the blood-sugar swings. Emphasise vegetarian proteins (tofu, pulses, tempeh) and fish while detoxing as these are more easily digested. If possible, avoid red meat for a two-week period, gradually incorporating it after that point. Why not try introducing a few wheat-free grains such as millet, brown rice, aramanth, quinoa and oats to give your body a break from its usual fodder. There are plenty of great recipes on the internet these days if you are unsure how to cook them. Aim to drink a fresh vegetable juice once or twice a day and include vegetable soups regularly.

So, stay warm over winter. And remember, eating and staying well over these colder months is possible, and keeping those organs of detoxification primed can actually be enjoyable! Latch on to a few of the ideas suggested here - your body will thank you for it with good health

Spa
Body

It's a Wrap
by Vivienne Serafin, Spa Therapist

Body wraps, mud wraps, mud packs... these terms are commonly used in the spa and beauty industries, and are treatments that you're likely to find on any spa menu worth its weight in mud.

However, to the average consumer or spa goer, it is easy to get bamboozled by the concept of body or mud wraps, let alone fully understand why you would choose to have one and what benefit it offers you.

What are the benefits of a body wrap?

First of all, it is useful to outline what you are hoping to achieve from your treatment so you can make an educated choice as to which type of body wrap to go for.

Our skin is our largest organ of detoxification. Body wraps that use algae, seaweed, mud or clay are usually classified as detox treatments that help rid the body of toxins through metabolic stimulation. Body wraps using shea butter and rich lotions are hydrating treatments geared towards softening the skin. Both types of body wraps will assist in soothing tight or stressed muscles due to the use of heat, as well as providing a rare moment of time-out that most of us do not allow ourselves unless we are in the hands of a skilled therapist.

A seaweed body wrap has many advantages that help the body to feel better and remove toxins. It helps to reduce excess interstitial fluid in the body, which is why wraps are sometimes referred to as a quick weight-loss solution.

Seaweeds are a rich source of vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, E, pantothenic acid, folic acid and niacin. They also supply over 60 trace elements and 12 minerals including sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, iodine, zinc and manganese. They have been used since ancient times for nourishment and healing, and in recent times have become a popular method used in spas, for the oxygenation, toning, revitalization of the body and firming of the skin.

Most body wrap treatments take about one hour, though longer treatments are available at most spas.

What can I expect from a seaweed or algae body wrap?

Body wraps tend to work in two stages. The first step for a seaweed body wrap is to increase microcirculation to the skin either by dry body brushing or exfoliating the skin. Your therapist will use swift, deft strokes in the direction of the heart. This is a wonderful way to warm the skin and body and will better prepare your skin prior to application of the seaweed mud.

After your skin has been exfoliated, your therapist will then apply a seaweed or algae-based mud to the front and back of your body. Your therapist will wrap you in either a plastic sheet or towels, and will then continue wrapping your body with thermal blankets that help the body to maintain optimum heat levels, promote sweating and aid in the reduction of interstitial fluid.

The mud is usually left on the body for half an hour to an hour, depending on the depth of skin toning, relaxation and sweating you wish to accomplish.

Your therapist will then ask you to rinse off the mud in the shower. Some spas offer an upgrade to their standard body wrap by incorporating a swiss shower program. A swiss shower is a specially designed shower with interchangeable shower nozzles that run the length of your body and spray from all directions, eg. front, back, left and right side. Swiss showers utilise specific, timed changes in water pressure and temperature to help increase circulation to the body and improve lymphatic drainage. This is an excellent addition to any body wrap, and will make you feel refreshed and fabulous.

Finally, your therapist will finish the treatment with an application of a hydrating body milk or lotion to help keep your skin smooth and supple.

For people who have difficulties with dry or cracked skin, a seaweed body wrap is wonderful. The skin absorbs all the minerals, amino acids and vitamins to produce a healthier glow and retain moisture more effectively.

If you suffer from aching bones, arthritis, joint pain or water retention, a weekly seaweed body wrap can be beneficial also. Many users have reported that they have fewer aches and pains after a seaweed body wrap. However, wraps should not be used as a substitute for the care and medications of your professional healthcare team, but can be an alternative to discuss with your doctor.

Some medical conditions are contraindicated for body wrap treatments, such as high blood pressure, heart conditions and pregnancy. This is due to the increase in body heat necessary to achieve treatment results. Seaweed wraps in particular are not suited to those with iodine allergies. For those who suffer claustrophobia, a wrap may not be the best treatment choice.

How do I maintain the benefits of my body wrap?

To get the maximum gain from your treatment, it is wise to stay away from any form of caffeine, sugar, fried food and alcohol, and to drink at least four to six glasses of water within 24 hours to help rehydrate your body.

Seaweed wraps are also excellent short-term solutions for getting rid of excess body fat when you are desperate to look good for that special occasion. Be warned: although it is a quick fix for getting rid of those extra inches, the result is only temporary. As soon as you rehydrate your body, the size benefits can quickly disappear.

To take advantage of the weight-loss benefits associated with seaweed wraps, you must find a reputable therapist who will work with you for at least six to eight weeks, once or twice a week.

It is imperative to incorporate detoxification into your everyday lifestyle, as the build-up of harmful toxins acts as pollution in our bodies. The seaweed wrap is an external form of detoxification, with the therapeutic benefits provided by its origin - the ocean. The proven healing nutrients in sea water are trapped in the seaweed, which then seeps into your skin to provide you with the healthy renewal your body craves.

Combined with a healthy diet and regular, consistent exercise, the results can be incredible.

Eco
Spa

Go, you Green Thing.

Winter mornings are such a beautiful time of the year for solitude and taking time to focus on yourself and your health. There is such a stillness and crispness to the air that you can't help but feel it must be better for you to get rugged-up and step outdoors. Take a deep breath on a crisp winter morning and note how delicious this feels for your face and lungs.

During the cooler months it can be tough maintaining the motivation to be active and watch your weight. We tend to spend more time indoors with the lights on, heaters blaring and all of our tech gadgets switched on to keep us entertained. Health and physical activity tend to become a lesser priority as we enter hibernation mode. Furthermore, our utility bills and carbon emissions tend to skyrocket at this time of year.

While it may be more of a struggle to crawl out from under a snuggly doona on a winter morning, doing so brings many benefits for the mind, body and environment. If you need a bit of inspiration to get out of bed, take a look at Green Thing.com, a new online community for the environmentally conscious. Green Thing aims to inspire people to perform one "green" task each month. The idea is to set an easy-to-perform task that will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For example, one of last year's tasks was to walk to your destination, rather than using your car.

It is unfortunate that most of us travel less than five kilometres to work, school or the shops and yet we still choose to drive. At a time of year when physical activity is quite low, Green Thing is onto a good thing by inspiring people to get out of their cars and onto the footpath.

Users will list the number of times they've done this month's task, when they've done it, and how. Green Thing will then estimate how many kilos of carbon dioxide have been saved. At the end of each month, Green Thing announces the total reduction in greenhouse gas achieved by the entire community.

The site even has podcasts available for downloads, to help make your walks more enjoyable.

It's easy to add more steps to your day to help increase your level of activity, as well as reducing your environmental footprint.

Here are some suggestions:

• For short trips, leave the car at home and walk instead.
• Go for a walking lunch break with your workmates. Not only does this benefit your body, but your mind will thank you for it, too.
• Take the stairs instead of the lift.
• Use the "Green Gym" - parks and green spaces near your home or workplace.
• Walk some or all of the way to work.
• Take public transport. Get off one stop early and walk the rest of the way.

Keep things interesting on weekends. Winter is a beautiful time to explore green spaces such as national parks and river walkways. Not only is there an abundance of wildlife but the trees are greener and the air is cooler, making it more likely that you'll stay outdoors and continue exploring.

Your time spent enjoying nature also saves energy, as you're not using household heating and appliances. And you'll feel better for that, too!

Spa
Events

2 Special Offers to Double Your Happiness!

Purchase your favourite Ilcsi Organic moisturizer and receive your choice of any Ilcsi treatment mask FREE.

+

Indulge in a divine couples 1 or 1½ hour massage package and receive a COMPLIMENTARY Geisha Spa for two.

Call us on 03 9536 1130 or visit Aurora Spa Retreat to take advantage of this special offer. Limit one booking per customer.

Offer available till 30th June 2008, or while stocks last.

Spa
Shop

Detox products to get you through winter

Revive Herbal Blend
$13.95

Revive, re-focus and revitalize the body with this complex blend of whole calendula flower, red clover tops, licorice, dandelion and burdock root. Excellent in assisting liver support.

This tea is a detox remedy positioned to encourage the body to purge. The dandelion root also assists with blood purification.

Oligomer - Sea Water Bath - Lyophilized (freeze-dried)
RRP - Individual Sachets - $12.00

Oligomer is de-salted, freeze-dried sea water. The majority of Phytomer products contain Oligomer. It is used to remineralise, relax and optimize penetration of active components.

Each bath sachet contains 40g of Oligomer, ideal to use as part of a body contouring program.

Gommage Corps Tonifiant - toning body scrub with marine salt crystals
RRP $55

Rich in Oligomer and marine salts, this toning scrub eliminates dead skin cells, and provides the mineral salts and trace elements essential for the vitality of the epidermis. Skin is softer, smoother and more hydrated.

Greenridge Multivital Herbal Tonic
From $23.40

Ideal for people who are feeling tired or run-down, have low energy levels, demanding workloads, play a lot of sport or are generally needing more energy to meet the demands of everyday life.

A breakthrough in herbal nutritional health. Formulated by one of Australia's leading herbalists, the 15 ingredients have been specifically chosen and blended for their ability to benefit key body organs and systems.

Spa
Comp

Win a 2 Hour Aurora Retreat

Purchase a 2 Hour Retreat gift voucher online and go into the draw to win a 2 Hour Retreat for yourself!

The 2 Hour Retreat incorporates a one-hour massage of your choice, an express facial and a meditation hand soother. What a divine gift (and you'll love the time out, too!)

Valued at $235!

Prize drawn on Monday 1st September.

Spa
Guru

Spa Guru - Introducing your online beauty Q&A

In this day and age of countless spas and beauty salons, it's tricky to know what to look for when all you want is a relaxing facial or a glorious, glossy manicure.

Enter Aurora's Spa Guru - our interactive hub for the most up-to-the-minute, accurate and practical advice based on your spa, skincare and wellness concerns. Think of the Spa Guru as your online consultant for everything spa. Just fire the Spa Guru an email at spaguru@aurorasparetreat.com and we will endeavour to answer your questions in the next issue of Keeping in Touch.

As this is the first article for Spa Guru, we've taken the liberty of selecting a topic that is very current in the spa world and one of the fastest-growing business trends: nail spas.

Nail spas fall into the category of the Fast Spa market - an idea targeting beauty solutions on the run. Nail spas have become increasingly popular in the past five years, with more and more popping up faster than you can think of a colour to paint your toes.

However, while inexpensive and convenient, some quickie nail salons may be compromising your nail health. Health experts are finding that there has been a significant increase in the number of patients diagnosed with acute nail and cuticle infections.

So, how can something as basic as a mani or pedi lead to such catastrophic conditions for our cuticles?

In order to keep running costs down and treatment prices at a minimum, some nail salons may reuse nail tools over and over again, failing to sterilize between clients. As a result, undesirable and destructive fungal and bacterial infections such as Staphylococcus aureus and tinea can fester, resulting in poor nail health displayed by way of nail discolouration, inflammation, pus, thickening, crumbling and flaking of the nail plate surface. Not the greatest way to remember your pampering experience!

Another aspect of some nail spas that could be potentially damaging to your health is their choice of polish. Most polishes contain known carcinogens such as toluene, formaldehyde and DBP. Studies have shown that exposure to low levels of formaldehyde irritates the eyes, nose and throat, and can cause allergies affecting the skin and lungs, while exposure to toluene can lead to respiratory irritation and depression of the central nervous system. This is a frightening thought, and something that we all need to be aware of in order to make healthier choices for our nails and our overall health.

Most nail polishes on the market today were created over 15 years ago, at the height of the artificial nail trend. As artificial nails are a synthetic surface, regular polishes will adhere well. However, with the nail trend moving towards a more natural look, it has become vital to choose a polish that not only omits the harmful chemicals, but also has staying power on the nail bed.

So, things to note when choosing a nail spa or salon are: regular sterilization of all metal implements by autoclave, a device that exposes items to steam at a high pressure in order to decontaminate the materials or render them sterile; all non-metal implements such as buffers and files should be brand new with each client and then discarded after use (or given to the client as a take-home nail-care kit).

Also, it's worth noting the brand of polish to ensure that it remains chemical free.

At Aurora, we have sourced Zoya lacquers, an advanced, high-quality formulation that has staying power to out-do the most coveted polish brands on the market. Zoya lacquers were created to focus on colour, safety and durability, and have managed to develop a polish that is free from toluene, formaldehyde and DBP, as well as remaining chip free and glossy for weeks and weeks. Of course, we also adhere to the rules of sterilization to ensure that your experience with us does not give you a take-home infection (however, we will give you a take-home nail-care kit!).

So go on, spoil your hands and feet, armed with the knowledge of how to choose a nail spa or salon that won't give you any nasties, just a glam and glossed set of talons.

Your Spa Guru

What's your current beauty or spa question that you need answered?

Email spaguru@aurorasparetreat.com detailing your question and we'll strive to answer your questions in the Spring issue of Keeping In Touch.