Cathy Turvill, co-owner of Nurture Spa Village, had suggested that I pay them a visit in Tagaytay and try out one of their newest spa treatments, the Nilaib Spa Treatment.

According to Spa Manager Chuchi Silva, this spa treatment is actually developed by and unique to Nurture Spa.

And since I’ve only been to Nurture Spa Village once and was impressed, I had readily agreed and scheduled a trip to Tagaytay and spend a day there.

Checking in a couple room, we were greeted by two (2) masseuses trained by Spa Professionals and a cozy room with carefully made up spa beds. The warmth and hospitality plus the over-all peaceful atmosphere had helped eased us into a calming and relaxing spa experience.

After changing into our robes, our feet enjoyed a little treat via a Foot Wash which involves soaking our feet in warm water with rose petals and essential oils. Then scrubbed and exfoliated using organic liquid wash with crushed corn kernels.

After the foot wash, our feet were further treated to a Philippine foot massage technique called Dagdagay, a traditional foot massage which hails from the Mt. Province region.

Dagdagay, as Chuchi had explained to me, uses Bamboo sticks that are rubbed between the toes, targets pressure points, pinching/scratching, basically, to stimulate sensations and blood circulation in the feet area.

Settling face down on the bed, I notice that aromatherapy is also at work. They’ve prepared a water with flowers and essential oils in a pot which is placed directly where you will be facing. You won’t miss the scent. Definitely. This helped in the relaxation part of the treatment.

Then comes the massage. I was first treated to an amazing Hilot massage. “Hilot” is a Filipino word which directly translates to “massage”. It’s a traditional Filipino massage technique popular for its medicinal effect. Not only do your muscles feel relaxed, it actually also helps in making you feel better from an ailment like fever, cough and colds, etc.

Thoroughly relaxed, the treatment’s not over. It’s time for the “main event” — the Nilaib Treatment. And it’s time to take the lid off the basket that holds the stars of the show, the steam pouches.

Chuchi informed me that the steam pouches consist of fine sand, lemongrass, essential oils (for aches & pains), and Sambong (local herb) sealed in a fabric pouch then wrapped in banana leaves. They’re kept in a bamboo steamer until the desired temp.

Seemingly using the same idea as “hot stones”, these steam pouches are then laid on targeted points on the nape, shoulders, back, arms and legs. Note that instead of lying face down on the spa bed, you’ll be lying on there face up so the experience will be more comfortable — comfortable enough that if you’re the type who falls asleep during massages like I am then you surely will.

The treatment basically helps in relieving stress. The components of the treatment have medicinal attributes that will help deal with certain health concerns like colds and such. Even the banana leaf is known for its antibacterial ingredient.

Capping the treatment off is a refreshing cup of herbal tea. This is all part of the detoxifying aspect of the massage. My nose actually felt congested and they simply explained that it’s a normal occurrence after getting a massage. It’s a sign that the body is undergoing detoxification (and that you did have a proper massage).

After the treatment, I’m grateful that Chuchi had taken the time to sit with me and answer a few of my questions regarding the Nilaib treatment. She tells me that it is recommended for individuals who are looking for a spa treatment that can help in relieving flu, colds and is even great for post-pregnancy concerns.

The Nilaib Spa Treatment is exclusive to Nurture Spa Village with locations in Tagaytay and Abe’s Farm in Pampanga. The whole treatment costs Php 1,800.00 (roughly around $36).

Photos © 2009 Sasha Manuel

Post from: eBeautyDaily

I actually find it practical to, at least, bring with me an insect repellent and a hand sanitizer, on top of the other usual toiletries I’d pack. Taking my last trip to Vietnam and Cambodia as an example, I knew I had to be a bit careful since I’m not too familiar with the sanitary condition of these countries AND how my body will react to such exposure.

On this trip to Australia, I’m quite glad to have received an Amu’in gift that’s especially put together by Cathy Turvill of Spa Essentials aptly calling it The Anti-Jetlag Survival Kit.

It comes with a variety of Amu’in Aromatherapy products like body mists (one to help me stay awake during the times I need to stay awake and the other to help me sleep during the times I need to sleep), linen spray (which will help me sleep, too), insect repellent, hand sanitizer and a stress-relief balm (for headaches and insect bites).

(Feel free to check out Style Manila for more information.)

It even comes with its own special Amu’in atravel kit.

Who would’ve thought that Aromatherapy on travels can help you deal with jetlags and stuff? So far, I’ve found the body mists and esp the linen spray exceptionally useful. It does help me fall asleep even when the idea of sleeping is still very much far off.

How about you folks? How do you deal with jetlags? Have you ever considered Aromatherapy for your travels? What’s in your travel kit?

P.S. If you folks are interested in Amu’in products, feel free to check them out!

Photo© 2008 Sasha Manuel

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This experience is one of the many common things we go through each day. Little did we know that it contributes to the deterioration of one’s health. Yes, stress-inducing things like traffic, work, or finding yourself under poor time management can negatively affect one’s well-being and I’m not just talking about stress affecting temperaments. Think health in every sense of the word.

Getting Back to Basics

“Are you familiar with Aromatherapy?” Dr. Mike Turvill had asked. I know I should be asking the questions but I appreciated having been asked this particular question. Reason is that my own definition actually falls short of what Aromatherapy is all about.

Initial impression was that Aromatherapy was just all about scented candles, incense, or burning scented oils to create a scented atmosphere in a particular space (bedroom, office, etc). Scents being the operative word.

“Volatile essences have healed people since the dawn of time…” — Rene Maurice Gattefosse, French Chemist

According to Mike, Aromatherapy is the systematic use of essential oils distilled from plants as holistic treatments to improve physical and emotional well-being. Yes, it’s actually more than just lighting a scented candle or having scented baths. They’re just a part of the whole thing. Key to better understand the process are the words: aroma + therapy.

Scents play a large role in the healing and therapeutic processes and essential oils, larger. Though it doesn’t stop there.

The Essentials and Centuries-old Healing Wisdom

This brings us to the use of essential oils. Before all the modern science were made available for our health needs, people turn to ancient healing rituals or practices to cure ailments and the main component of such rituals/practices is essential oil. It worked then so why can’t it work now?

Mike shares that every ancient civilization used essential oils for healing and therapy. Essential Oils have therapeutic abilities that not only improve health but also help prevent disease. Apart from killing bacteria and virus, these are known to stimulate the immune system. Essential oils are also anitseptics and disinfectants and were once used to clean medical instruments and rooms in hospitals.

Essential oils number by the hundreds and around 300 are known to have healing and therapeutic abilities (there may be more); most are currently used in Aromatherapy like the following: Lavender, Lemongrass, Tea Tree, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Palmarosa, Rosewood, Ylang Ylang, Sweet Orange, Cedarwood, May Chang, Mangosteen, Lemon, Citronella, Mango, Rosemary, etc.

Like what was previously stated, scents are the most obvious part of the therapy and, scientifically, whatever we smell can be ingested. The same thing with essential oils. Applied onto the skin, these are absorbed and goes into the blood stream, thus more potent than by just inhalation.

Aromatherapy + Spa

Spa places administer Aromatherapy in their sessions. These places often create a certain calming atmosphere from the get-go by applying the Aromatherapy principle of stimulating the olfactory senses. It’s all part of the Spa experience. Places like Nurture Spa Village and the Chi Spa of the Shangri-La Hotels (located in Edsa Shang, Mactan and Boracay) take it to the next level by incorporating Aromatherapy in their services, making full use of essential oils in their baths, scrubs, massages — Amu’in and Futuresse, respectively. It’s actually good to know if the spa place you frequent actually use genuine essential oils and not just plain carrier oils, scented or not.

DIY Aromatherapy

Learning more about these essential oils helped throw out the notion that using scents like strawberry, peach or chocolate in Aromatherapy is the real deal. We’re not saying that these scents are unpleasant because it does leave a particular space smelling good, though the healing benefits you may expect in DIY Aromatherapy will not be present. Mike even had to point out the importance in making sure you use real essential oils and have shared ways to determine if the bottle you’re purchasing from a seller is genuine (not fabricated). He strongly advises that we look for the scientific name of the essential oil on the label. And he further shared that a 10ml bottle of essential oil can go for as low as Php 300.00 for the common like Tea Tree to as high as Php 3,000.00 for the special sort (due to scarcity).

Mike told me that there are certain essential oils that can be applied directly onto the skin, i.e. Tea Tree, Lavender. But there a lot of these oils that need carrier oils for the reason that they’re too expensive (and impractical) to use alone.

You can look into Amu’in for Aromatherapy products you can use at home. They offer products to help you relax, heal, re-energize and even for a bit of romance.

About Dr. Mike Turvill

Has been in the Spa industry for the last six (6) years. Co-owner and President of Spa Essentials (makers of Spa Products like Amu’in), Spa Professionals (trains global standard Spa therapists) and Nurture Spa Village (Tagaytay and Pampanga). Earned a Degree from University of Bath and his Doctorate in Organic Chemistry from University of Nottingham. He’s a Chartered Chemist awarded by the Royal Society of Chemistry. And he used to be the Regional Technical Director, Asia Pacific Subsidiary for UNILEVER.

Photo: Copyright © 2008 Sasha Manuel

Image: amuinwellness.com

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All Day
Hand Wash
Lavender

Experience the rich moisture hand wash that leaves your hand clean, fresh ans soft.

I’ve been in the market for a bottle of hand wash which will sit comfortably in my now pink en suite. Initially, I was only looking for something functional and not really gunning for anything “pretty”. I reckon anything that works and inexpensive will do but a trip to a warehouse type supermarket lead me to discover this particular brand imported from Thailand.

For you folks who are familiar with aromatherapy, you’d know that Lavender (Lavandula Argustifolia) is known for its relaxing attribute. And, personally, I love its scent. It doesn’t hurt that it’s in purple that will match the motif of my en suite (and room) perfectly.

Now I’m using something that looks pretty (something that matches!) and beneficial (skincare + aromatherapy) too.

Best bit about the purchase is that it’s pretty affordable. I got it for only Php 89.00 (around $1.75). This made me think that it’s a good gift idea for the holidays. Have you guys done your Christmas shopping yet? Perhaps you can grab a bottle of this hand wash for your friends!

P.S. I’ll soon share something on aromatherapy real soon. Stay tuned!

Photo: Copyright © 2008 Sasha Manuel

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Antica Farmacista ‘Home Ambiance’ Fragrance Gift Set (Nordstrom Exclusive)

The newest fragrance Fico Verde (Green Fig) — fresh green notes of cut grass, luscious notes of fruit and soft violet, the sweetness of wild fig and powdery notes of sandalwood round out this harmonious scent; reminiscent of a stroll through a sun-drenched fig grove. Paired with one of their best-selling fragrances, Magnolia, Orchid & Mimosa, a spirited, feminine scent that blends the fragrance of the majestic white magnolia flower with the aromatic orchid, one of the most treasured flowers of the plant kingdom. When enhanced with mimosa, the result is reminiscent of blooming flowers on a warm, humid night.

I’ve already mentioned how the alternative medicine, aromatherapy, plays a key role in achieving a lower stress level in your work week. It does help improve your mood or health. It will depend on what you will use as scent, though.

How this will work — simply light a stick EDIT: They are actually reed sticks into which the perfume oils rise up in and give off fragrance. Then you just turn over the sticks every few days to freshen up the scent. (Thanks, Teri!) to create a scent that will fill the room you’re in. It can be used as an alternative to scented candles. It’s a way to create fragrances that will aid in relaxation and set the proper mood for unwinding.

I do love these sort of little luxuries, don’t you?

Available only at Nordstrom

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Issey Miyake ‘L’Eau d’Issey’ Anniversary Set (Nordstrom Exclusive)

L’Eau d’Issey offers an invigorating sensation of pure, sparkling floral notes with musky undertones.

From that moment I saw Christina’s post on Nordstrom’s Beauty Exclusives, I knew I had to check it out. So you know, Nordstrom’s having their Anniversary Sale. On her list are Bare Escentuals Beauty On the Go, MAC’s Novel Twist Cool Eyes and PINK Clarisonic Skin Care Brush. So, I thought I’d list some of my own.

First up is this anniversary set from Issey Miyake. Yes. I’m talking luxurious time of relaxation. Aromatherapy is a big deal. Creating a relaxing atmosphere helps a whole lot, you see.

This elegant gift set includes three items exclusive to the set, Eau de Parfum (1.6 oz.), a Miniature Scented Candle and a Moisturizing Body Cream (1 oz.).

How will this work? Simply set aside a time for a long luxurious bath, light up the candle while in the bath and relax. Preferably, this should be done before sleeping so when you put on the moisturising body cream after the bath, you can curl up on the bed, read a book then go have a restful sleep. You can surround yourself with the memory of this relaxing time by using the perfume the following day for work. Simply because scents can trigger memories and that will help.

Of course, I’m aware that we can’t do this everyday. I reckon once a week is alright, granted we do find the time. But I do recommend making time for it. You do deserve some elegant pampering every now and then.

Available only at Nordstrom

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