Let me shout from the highest point that not only are they good for you but if everyone had a weekly massage, their health would improve out of sight.

There have been many studies done over the years on the benefits of massage, so let us look at some of the proven facts associated with these studies.

• School students from a university who were massaged before an exam showed a significant decrease in anxiety and respiratory rates, as well as a significant increase in white blood cells and natural killer cell activity, suggesting a benefit to the immune system.
• Preliminary results suggested cancer patients had less pain and anxiety after receiving therapeutic massage at a hospital in the USA
• Women who had experienced a recent death of a child were less depressed after receiving therapeutic massage, according to preliminary results
• Studies funded by the National Institutes of Health have found massage beneficial in improving weight gain in HIV-exposed infants and facilitating recovery in patients who underwent abdominal surgery.
• At another institute, researchers have found that massage is helpful in decreasing blood pressure in people with hypertension, alleviating pain in migraine sufferers and improving alertness and performance in office workers
• Studies show massage -

• reduces heart rate
• lowers blood pressure
• increases blood circulation and lymph flow
• relaxes muscles
• improves range of motion and
• increases endorphins (enhancing medical treatment)

Although therapeutic or remedial massage does not increase muscle strength, it can stimulate weak or inactive muscles and partially compensate for the lack of exercise resulting from illness or injury.  It also can hasten and lead to a more complete recovery from exercise or injury.

From my own experience and also stories shared by my clients that I massage, here are some more pearls of wisdom that all contribute to my philosophy –

A massage per week keeps the doctors at bay

• Massage reduced the effects of anxiety, tension, depression, pain and itching in burn patients
• Helps relieve stress and aids relaxation
• Abdominal surgery patients recover quicker than others after massage
• Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness
• Premature infants who were massaged, gained more weight and generally seemed better than those who weren’t
• Autistic children demonstrated less erratic behaviour after massage
• Alleviates discomfort during pregnancy
• Fosters faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments reducing pain and swelling
• Reduces formation of excessive scar tissue
• Reduces muscle spasms
• Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion
• Enhances athletic performance
• Rehabilitation after injury
• Treats injuries caused during sport or work
• Promotes deeper and easier breathing
• Improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids
• Reduces blood pressure
• Helps relieve tension related headaches and effects of eye-strain
• Enhances the health and nourishment of skin
• Improves posture
• Strengthens the immune system
• Treats musculo-skeletal problems

Massage helps both physically and mentally.  Most people lead very busy lives and are stressed for an extended period, heavily impacting on the adrenals. Stress related disorders make up the majority of ailments that are presented to the family practice doctors these days. What they are looking for is someone to listen, someone to touch them and someone to care.

Our society has become touch–phobic and one of the only places you can get touched in a caring way, is with a qualified Massage Therapist.  Nursing and doctors used to touch their patients in the olden days however through many lawsuits etc, this has now become a thing of the past.  It is a shame as this does build trust and rapport between people.

I believe massage is absolutely essential in the healing process not only in hospitals but any time and anywhere because it relieves stress, and this is fundamental in the healing process.

Have you been massaged lately!!!

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12.30 – 2pm for 6 Weeks for only $90

After returning from India where Shanti Maya spent her time studying and learning Yoga in the Himalayan mountains, she feels her life has changed soo much! She is much more balanced, calm, healthy and happy on all levels.  So Shanti Maya is excited to begin teaching this amazing way of life to you.  You will lay your mat out at the beautiful Casa Di Natura Day Spa Centre, overlooking the beautiful Flaxton landscape listening to the waterfalls and wildlife whilst being guided in yoga Asanas, meditation and Pranayama techniques.

Some Benefits of Yoga

Yoga comes into your life when you are ready to live in a balanced, tranquil and healthy way. Some of the benefits you will receive from Yoga will be a more peaceful & calm mind and body, regulation of hormones & emotions, toned body, strong body and mind, better posture & alignment, weight loss, better digestion, you will automatically want to be healthier in your diet and lifestyle, you will be happier & will receive many, many more benefits…

Yoga literally means “Unification” so when you follow the yogic path you are on a journey of unification of self and universe.

Our Yogic Style

Shanti Maya Yoga is based on RAJA DHIRAJA Yoga “The Yoga of the Kings” being a comprehensive form of Ashtunga Yoga. It is one of the most complete and all rounded forms of yoga.

Ashtunga Yoga is the 8 Limbed Yoga consisting of-

1. 1.     Yama – Regulation of Conduct.
2. 2.     Niyama – Regulation of Behaviour/thought.
3. 3.     Asanas –Yoga Postures.
4. 4.     Pranayama – The science of Breathing & control of vital energy.
5. 5.     Pratyahara – To withdraw the unsteady mind so it can be directed to meditation.
6. 6.     Dharana –To concentrate the mind on a specific point.
7. 7.     Dhyana – Is meditation in an uninterrupted flow.
8. 8.     Samadhi – This is the goal when all 8 limbs are in balance you reach Samadhi. It is the union with cosmic consciousness.

Cost of a Yoga Class

The cost is only $90 for your 6 week Beginners Course.
The Course will Begin on Monday the 20th of May 2013 at Casa Di Natura Day Spa Centre – 144 Ensbey Road, Flaxton   QLD   4560
Once you have achieved the 6 week course there will be options to continue your growth with more classes and courses..

Please call 07 5478 6331 or 0404 863 212 to book your yoga course today or email sallyhanna78@hotmail.com or info@casadinatura.com.au

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A magnesium pool helps not only to relax but also to give your body back what is often missing. Magnesium is extremely important to our bodies and if the body does not get sufficient amounts, then a variety of serious conditions can result. One common symptom of magnesium deficiency is chocolate cravings, because chocolate is rich in Magnesium.

 When Magnesium is deficient, some of the symptoms include neck and back pain, anxiety, fatigue, migraines, muscle weakness and spasming, loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, insomnia, abnormal heart rhythms, diarrhea and muscle twitching.

Only ½ hour bathing in a MagnaPool™ regularly will start the healing benefits. A MagnaPool™works naturally in three ways. Magnesium Chloride one of the main components is known for its use as an antiseptic.The MagnaPool™’s special filtration process naturally removes organic impurities and phosphates before bacteria and algae can feed on them and grow. Lastly, MagnaPool™Hydroxinator naturally produces a non-synthetic chlorine in a process very similar to one that takes place within our own bodies to fight bacteria and disease.

These natural and efficient processes leave the pool clean and clear, with mineral water that is gentle on the eyes and beneficial to skin and the body The Magnesium Chloride mineral as you bathe and swim, can be absorbed through the skin (transdermally) at a cellular level. The process is called Mineral Science Therapy.

Enjoy your next swim!!!

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As FAR Infrared is natural and already part of our everyday life, this makes it very safe for use in saunas. The human body needs FAR Infrared energy to sustain life. The FAR Infrared sauna experience means we are not exposing ourselves to unsafe or unnatural conditions like that of a traditional or steam sauna.

 The heat generated, melts fats to remove toxins, helps heal tissues as it stimulates circulation, resulting in slowing down the aging process. The steam & exceptionally hot air generated in traditional saunas contacts the body’s skin, quickly resulting in a sweat that starts at the top layers of skin. This engages the body’s natural cooling mechanism – sweat. The instant sweat generated in a traditional sauna, is made up of approximately 97% water and 3% toxins and fatty acids.

The benefits of a FAR Infrared Sauna are numerous. . . This is by FAR, one of the best things you can do for yourself on a regular

basis. Why not take the challenge … and give a FAR Infrared Sauna experience a go … you will not regret it!!!!

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Our bodies, all of its’ parts, and the unseen energy systems surrounding us are constantly communicating with each other. This goes on without any conscious thought on our part. All our cells, atoms, Wei Qi, glands etc can sometimes have a break down in communication, which in time, leads to emotional issues, physical conditions and sickness. We are very capable of re-programming and healing ourselves with a little help ensuring that all of the elements of our body can continue to communicate with each other openly and efficiently.

The Body Talk System reconnects these lines of communication enabling the internal mechanisms to function at optimal levels, which repair and prevent disease simultaneously accelerating the healing process. This system stimulates the body’s inner wisdom enabling it to balance and heal itself on all levels. The BodyTalk System™ is simple, safe and delivers result fast. The beauty of this system is that it can be used as a ‘stand alone’ to address many chronic and acute health problems and can be integrated into any healthcare regimen to increase its overall effectiveness.

You might ask what is a session like, and will it address my condition or back pain or emotional issue or depression … the answer is YES! Let’s start with what happens in a session. Let me highlight from the start, that a Body Talk session is safe, easy and very comfortable. You mainly lie face up and fully dressed. You can also have seated sessions if you so desire. Duration of the sessions can vary … be guided by the practitioner (generally 15 mins to 1 hour).

Your body / mind complex knows exactly what it wants to heal in what order and how it needs to go about it. It knows how many changes and corrections it needs to perform on itself, it knows when to finish the session and when you should return for your next visit.

The really great thing with the BodyTalk System is that it is cumulative and stores the changes made by the brain during the tapping process building on the links & formulas from before. The body actually remembers the previous sessions and continually adds to your health ‘bank balance’ keeping you in good shape.

There is a real momentum building with this modality around the world particularly in USA, Canada, Germany, Japan and now in Australia. Some very respectable & reputable doctors, scientists and health professionals are becoming full time BodyTalk Practitioners as the results speak for themselves with their clients. It is one of the new holistic healthcare systems that is underpinned with Quantum Physics and can truly help you to heal yourself for any condition. Controlled testing around the world has already commenced to provide evidence on the system’s healing potential and power.

Have you experienced the BodyTalk System? Are you keen to try it for yourself?

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In this blog, we will talk about Reiki, a natural therapy  that will complement other treatments and enhance your overall experience at the Day Spa.  The trend in wellbeing and relaxation is to provide people with holistic centres where they can leave their stresses behind and truly relax and unwind … to mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually rejuvenate.

Ever since I can remember, I have heard of Reiki but haven’t always known what it was.  In simple terms, Reiki is a safe and gentle healing form that balances the body in a very subtle manner allowing you to restore your own peace and wellbeing … it leaves you feeling relaxed, glowing and radiant.

Its known origins start around the 1920s with a Japanese Buddhist who developed a spiritual practice that today has spread throughout the world and is practiced in nearly every country on the planet.  Reiki is a healing system in its own right and does not interfere with any medical or complementary therapy treatments, in fact the opposite … it will enhance your wellbeing.

The benefits of Reiki are numerous and can be quite powerful for the individual.  Like any natural healing therapy, it is different for everyone and a very personal experience.  Here are just a few benefits that people have indicated that they have received –

• Provides deep relaxation and calmness
• Reduces stress, fatigue, pain and frustration
• Natural and holistic healing
• Improves the immune system
• Revitalizes the mind, emotions, body and spirit
• Unblocks energy pathways
• Cleanses toxins and impurities
• Promotes the release of unhealthy emotions and stress
• Renews your strength and vitality
• Promotes kindness and caring

Reiki as a ‘stand alone’ session can take anywhere from 30 – 90 minutes depending on your requirements.   In a Day Spa setting, you are usually lying down fully dressed to receive the treatment, although if you are pregnant or have a physical restriction, you may like to receive the treatment in a seated position.   Both positions work very effectively.

During your session, you may experience some of the following – energy flow, colours, warmth in areas, coolness in areas, sleepiness, tingling sensations, calmness or no feeling at all, moving pictures in your mind’s eye, different body sensations, release of muscle tension, release of emotional build up etc – all experiences are natural and what your body needs at the time.

Combining Reiki with Day Spa treatments really enhances your overall experience and deepens your relaxation.  Here are some suggestions on how they fit really well together –

• Combination Massage and Reiki – a true marriage made in heaven, coupling the calming effects of a Relaxation / Swedish / Aromatherapy Massage and Reiki.
• How about a Facial and Reiki – a true natural sleeping tonic.  As the therapist works her magic de-stressing your face, head and jaw with lovely potions, smells and  soothing moves whilst cleansing, exfoliating and massaging, receiving Reiki whilst your mask is on can be a completely calming experience.  By the time you have finished off with the moisturizer, it feels like you have been on a mini holiday.
• How tired are those feet of yours – combining peppermint products, a foot treatment and Reiki really helps to put a spring in your walk again and you will feel like a new person.  Your feet will feel like they can walk by themselves.

Always ensure that you have a qualified therapist performing your treatments and offer feedback where possible.  Remember, the service you get is enhanced by the feedback you give, constructive or complimentary. 

The aim for you, is to leave the Day Spa feeling nourished, relaxed, de-stressed and rejuvenated after combining healing and pampering.  Don’t you feel like going there every week now?

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The most common types here in Australia are – Beauty Spas, Day Spas, Destination Spas, Medical Spas, Mineral Springs Spas and Resort/Hotel Spas.

• A Beauty Spa is primarily focused on beauty services such as waxing, tintin, nails (manicures/pedicures), facials, wraps, scrubs, tanning and massage. These Spas are excellent if you want services done, in a timely fashion and in a central location.
• A Day Spa is a Spa where you go to luxuriate and get pampered … to have an experience! These Spas are usually located in attractive surroundings, possibly in a natural environment, and cater more for health, wellbeing, rejuvenation and relaxation.
• A Destination Spa is a Spa where you stay over which focuses around health and wellbeing to develop healthy habits. These Spas have multiple programs on offer which includes some or most of the Day Spa services and in addition, fitness activities, healthy meals, breathing, diet and nutrition education, yoga, meditation etc.
• A Medical Spa is a Spa where there are medical professionals in attendance which perform certain procedures eg facelifts, laser treatments, surgery, rehab for addictions etc.
• A Mineral Springs Spa is a Spa where there are natural mineral, thermal or seawater treatments and therapies. The focus is on hydrotherapy used in conjunction with mud baths, milk baths, floatation tanks, massage, facials, body treatments and other beauty care.
• A Resort / Hotel Spa is a Spa that is located within a resort or hotel and offers a family or couple other options if all members of the party do not want to partake in Spa activities.

Whichever Spa experience you decide to go for, you are sure to relax and unwind from the stresses of everyday life. The Spa industry is built on making people’s dreams come true. A relaxing atmosphere, comfortable rooms, exciting and effective treatments, warm and friendly staff are all things that every Spa should offer. A Spa is there to help its’ clients understand what their bodies need to enjoy deep relaxation, vitality, good health and wellbeing. People who have not experienced the luxury of a Spa, may wonder if this indulgence is really necessary. If you have the desire to relieve yourself of stress and finish the day feeling completely relaxed, than the answer is yes! There are wonderful experiences to be had, for every budget. I hope you really enjoy your next Spa experience and make sure it is not too far away!!!

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It is fair to say that I, like most women (and an increasing number of men), like a good spa.  In fact, I would go as far to say I love them; it’s a passion of mine and when I find a good one I like to shout about it.  I have been massaged in the Maldives, hot-stoned in Spain, algae-wrapped in the UK, manipulated in Goa (in more ways than one, but that’s another story…), and I feel cheated if I encounter an average therapy, for it’s a well-deserved treat we all look forward to.  Those are my credentials, now it’s up to you to read on and find out what I have discovered about wellness here on the Sunshine Coast…

So, let’s start with the word spa.  It is derived from a Latin word meaning ‘health by water’, which is known today as hydrotherapy.  A truly original spa will offer hydrotherapy as well as other healing, rejuvenating, calming and sometimes beauty therapies.  The Sunshine Coast is home to many spas, but I wanted to find a couple that really encompass the hydrotherapy and spa experience.  It’s a hard life, I know, but in the name of research I found two very different experiences.

I stumbled across my first spa quite by accident whilst researching this article.  (Maybe rather than stumble it was a wrong click of my mouse on a search engine, but some things are just meant to be…)  Nestled in 8 acres of breath-taking beauty, in the petite village of Flaxton, lies the newly opened Casa Di Natura, a day spa for women.

On my journey there the winding roads through the stunning Blackall Range Mountains and down an unmade track got me wondering whether my temperamental GPS had gone bonkers again – but thankfully this time it was correct and added an unexpected dose of anticipation to the experience.  At the bottom of the aforementioned track it opened up into a smooth driveway and the sign of Casa Di Natura welcomed me.

As soon as you step into the tranquil day spa you can leave your cares and troubles at the door, and embrace the healing, calming energy that prevails throughout.  Casa Di Natura is owned by Sue Broughton, beginning as a seedling of an idea that she had over seven years ago.  To say Sue has continued to develop her professional expertise is an understatement; in the reception area of the spa there are diplomas and accreditations of the many holistic therapies she has studied.

So what is on offer at Casa Di Natura?  There are two large therapy rooms (which can also be converted into conference facilities), along with an infrared sauna and spa bath.  The main focal point in the spa is a beautiful magnesium swimming pool with a cascading waterfall.  Magnesium is known for its wonderful healing properties, especially for aches and pains.  The waterfall, with its negative ions bouncing into the pool, adds an extra dimension to the healing energy that radiates from this gorgeous pool.  In addition, at the end of the pool there is a bubble bed – the first of its kind here in Australia.

There are a number of therapies on offer at the spa, including massages, facials, crystal healing, Reiki, colour therapy and Body Talk, which allows the body’s energy systems to be re-synchronized so it operates as nature intended.

I was booked in for a remedial massage given by Sue.  Without spoiling it for any of you who may visit the spa, I can honestly say it was one of the deepest, most connective massages I have ever had.  When I got home I slept for 2 hours in the afternoon (thank goodness the children weren’t around), was in bed again by 8pm that night, and had one of the most nourishing night’s sleep I have had in a while!  Casa Di Natura is a place to escape and indulge on your own or with a few girlie friends; it ticked every box for me (but can we keep it our secret?).

Written by Nikki Deighton from My Destination, November 2011

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