Review of Sivara Spa - Bangkok, Thailand

Sivara Spa is a luxury chain spa exclusive to Amari Hotels and Resorts in various parts of Thailand (Bangkok, Koh Chang, Krabi, Patttaya, Phuket, Samui, Trang)

On my last trip to Bangkok, I stayed at the Amari Watergate and Sivara Spa is tucked away on the 8th floor of the hotel and facing the swimming pool and health and fitness centre.

The Sivara Spa at the Amari Watergate Hotel in Bangkok is newly renovated to a modern and contemporary Thai style. As you walk into the reception, you can find a delightful interplay of bronze "lotus flowers", water walkways, stones, curtains, candlelight and flowers.

There are three spacious zen-themed double rooms and 5 single treatment rooms. Each of the themed double rooms is assigned to a signature treatment.

In the spa brochure own words, the various themes for the treatment rooms are:

The Mystical Forest room harnesses the spirit of the forest and allows guests to meditate on the power of nature. This botanically-inspired room features a tropical rain shower to wash away the stress of the day. The refreshing blends of essential oils used for the massages will leave the body feeling rejuvenated.

In Floral Bloom room, you can guarantee that tension will drain away and the spirit will be revived with a rose petal bath in this floral paradise. The fragrances of flowers will cleanse and purify your soul, whilst the ylang ylang, lavender and marjoram essential oils, used in the treatments, provide the ultimate feminine indulgence.

In the Herbal Inspiration room, the healing qualities of herbs - known for centuries, as nature's gift to mankind - are combined with luxurious pampering.

I opted for the "Sarada Package" (2hrs) treatment which comprises a oil massage & facial. I was not keen to do a facial and the receptionist was flexible enough to change the facial to a body scrub instead.

From the lighting and temperature in the room, to the volume of music and pressure applied during massages or scrubs, the therapist was so caring and considerate for my entire treatment. The gentle therapist at the spa truly live up to the gracious spirit of the Thai's spa culture.

For total relaxation, the Sivara Spa also offer a complete range of massage, spa, facial and body treatments. The selection of treatments include Thai and oil massages, body polishes and wraps, facials, and even a customized half day, full day, multi-days spa program. There is also the awesome 4-hands massage, which has become the signature treatment of high-end Thailand's spa, but due to time constraints, I could not find time for this famous treatment.

The prices in the Sivara Spa are typical of hotel spas and are hence slightly on the high side. If you are a guest of the hotel, make sure you pick up a discount voucher at the hotel concierge which will entitle you to a 10% discount and a free floral foot bath.

Location of Spa: Amari Watergate Hotel, 847 Petchburi Road Bangkok 10400

Size of Spa: Three couple treatment rooms, five single rooms

Facilities: Private Shower and jacuzzi in couple's room

Friendliness: Extremely polite receptionist and massage therapists

Pricing: Ranges from US$60 to US$120 for massage only. Between US$115 to US$220 for spa packages.

Katherine KC Xie visits Asia's best spa resorts, check out the various massage therapies and write reviews in her personal blog. Do feel free to check out http://www.best-spa-massage.com for more articles, write-up and reviews.

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The Top 10 Massage Products Revealed

Have you ever wondered what makes the difference between an at home massage and a massage from a registered massage therapist? Except for the lucky few who have massage therapists as a spouse or close family member the difference is really in the training, equipment and massage supplies that professionals use. All of these things combine to create a relaxing and therapeutic experience.

In order to achieve this type of experience for their customers massage therapists need the latest and greatest in equipment and supplies. Here are the top 10 massage products on the market today.

The Celesta Deluxe Medispa package offers massage therapists the ultimate in ergonomic style and comfort. This electric lift chair also offers patients the utmost comfort with their Aero-Cel padding and on command height changes that help ease tension.

If it is a lightweight and portable massage table you seek the Advanta Massage Table is for you. The unique ergonomic design of the Advanta table alleviates unnecessary reaching and twisting. Not only is this massage table lightweight and portable it has the ability to support up to 550 pounds.

What better way to offer your patients a feeling of comfort then by using a Premium Flannel Sheet set on your patient beds? This Premium Flannel Sheet Set is made of 100% unbleached cotton and are machine washable.

The ProLuxe Provence Treatment Table is an ergonomic adjustable treatment table that offers increased comfort to massage therapists. Its ergonomic design helps to alleviate unnecessary reaching and stretching helping to create a comfortable experience for both masseuse and patient.

The adjustable air bolster is designed to work best with massage therapy or physical therapy treatments. It is designed with dual air chambers making it adjustable to suit your client's individual comfort level. This bolster is suitable for use under the neck, knees, ankles or shoulders.

Seated massage is becoming more popular as it offers people the ability to sit down anywhere in order to receive a massage. The Portal Pro Massage Chair offers you the ability to take your practice to where the clients are. Offering complete access to cervical, thoracic, lumbar and shoulder regions the massage chair is ideal in order to provide stress relief within the workplace.

Biotone's DP Massage Crème offers the perfect combination of workability and absorption. This dual purpose cream contains arnica and ivy extracts to help provide the ultimate in soothing relaxation.

For all of you on the go Massage Therapists and Physical Therapists the BOSS All- weather Portable Massage and Athletic Treatment Table may be right for you. The BOSS table is fully portable and lightweight. It is both water and puncture resistant and is able to withstand a load of 600 pounds.

The BioTone Revitalizing Massage Oil is unscented massage oil that will help ease even the most sensitive of skin types. It is water soluble and made from a blend of Kukui, Almond and Coconut oils, offering superior smooth texture.

Have oil conveniently at your side with an Oil Bottle Holster. Made of durable ballistic nylon this holster will adjust to fit up to a 40" waist. This holster also comes equipped with an 8 ounce pump bottle.

Source1Medical is the web's leading supplier of massage therapy equipment and supplies. They also have a very informative medical equipment blog.

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Super Easy Spa Treatments You Can Do at Home

Today's spa treatments deliver more than pampering and making your skin buttery smooth. Today's treatments include the extra benefits of:

• More energy
• Better sleep
• Even better sex

Get a great night's sleep:

You can help relieve insomnia if you time your spa treatments just right. Do relaxation moves in the morning and not just at time may help you rest better. The idea behind this is to ward off stress before you start tossing around in bed.

• Do quick moves to keep stress-related cortisol levels low.
• Sprinkle some rose oil into your morning shower gel (this scent is calming without drowsiness)
• Angle the showerhead so the water hits between your shoulder blades (resembles a mini massage) to loosen up any stiffness
• During the day, press the area between your thumb and index finger every so often (this pressure point is what slows your heart rate)

In the evening:

• Give yourself a soothing foot rub, and do this as a ritual to help take your mind off the day
• Work lavender oil into your feet
• Press your thumb into your arch and run it down to your toes
• Squeeze the sides of your feet with your palm
• Rotate your feet in slow circles to help you unwind
• Then fall back into the sheets

BOOST YOUR ENERGY

• Exfoliate your body to make your skin smooth
• New buffing techniques actually stimulate your blood flow making you more energized afterward
• For an extra boost, take a dry loofah or body brush and sweep it over your skin. Work your way up from the ankles. This helps to flake off your top layer. It also speeds circulation
• Now, combine 4 T of sea salt, a splash of olive oil, and a few crushed mint leaves. Rub the mixture all over your body as a zesty exfoliant. Rinse it all off. Apply body cream. The secret to applying the body cream is to massage it into key acupressure points. Run the body cream over the backs of your knees, gently squeeze it into your shoulders and then pat it down your legs. The sensations should be "tingly and alive."

Facial Tricks

• Mist your face with a refreshing tonic to get a lift anytime.
• Fill a 3 ounce spray bottle with water
• Squeeze in a fresh orange
• Add the zest from the peel

The citrus helps to replenish your skin. The aroma perks you up and makes you feel more alive and alert.

Tension Release Tricks

• To ease tension in neck and shoulders, treat yourself to a tea-towel massage
• Roll up a few bags of chamomile tea in a steamed hand towel (dip in hot water and wring out)
• Wrap it around your neck
• Rub it from side to side
• The tea scent relaxes your muscles
• The heat may help to loosen up any stiffness
• Hold this for five seconds
• Repeat on the left side

The entire routine helps to undo tension in the lower neck, so you may actually feel a little looser all over.

Source: Buford A. 5 Sexy New Spa Tricks. Cosmopolitan [serial online]. August 2008;245(4):97. Available from: MAS Ultra - School Edition, Ipswich, MA. Accessed August 1, 2008. vbb

Written by: Connie Limon To find more skin care articles and tips visit http://smalldogs2.com/SkinCareTips To find a variety of reprint articles visit http://www.camelotarticles.com

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Polarity Therapy

Polarity therapy was started by Dr. Randolph Stone, an Austrian born doctor. Stone's family immigrated to the United States in 1903 when he was 13 years old.

Stone was a doctor of Naturopathy, Osteopathy and Chiropractic. Between 1954 and 1957 he wrote a series of books on natural health. In these books he combined the ideas of Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Osteopathy, Craniosacral Therapy, Hermetic Philosophy and Quantum Physics into a therapy he dubbed Polarity Therapy.

This therapy combines bodywork, diet, exercise and self awareness techniques to balance the energy fields of the body. It is a truly holistic therapy, because it treats physical, emotional, and energetic aspects of health. According to polarity theory the body's energy can be negative, positive or neutral. The polarity therapist is trying to help you achieve neutral energy. Neutral energy is able to flow more freely. Energy that doesn't flow freely causes disease and dysfunction. Your therapist will do this using hands-on bodywork to neutralize positive and negative centers of energy.

Polarity therapy is more than bodywork. Your therapist will give you a cleansing diet to follow. Later you will be given a long term diet that will help you achieve optimum health. You learn energy balancing exercises, known as polarity yoga. You will also learn self awareness techniques to help you locate tension in your body and release it. These aspects of polarity therapy help give you control to maintain your own energy balance.

Polarity therapy uses a balance of Eastern and Western healing philosophies to help you optimize your health by increasing your awareness of your body and what causes you to experience dysfunction and disease.

Lovelyn Bettison is a licensed massage therapist who believes in a holistic approach to health. You can learn more about polarity therapy and other forms of bodywork at her website. You can also learn how to treat yourself using self massage and how to give a massage to someone else.
http://www.massage-therapy-benefits.net

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Acupressure Massage Therapy Restore Balance & Harmony

Clean out your system with an Acupressure massage. Acupressure massage is based on the ancient Chinese medical arts of acupuncture, but without the needles. Acupressure is accomplished by putting medium pressure on particular trigger points throughout the body. This type of massage therapy activates the body's energy to increase the effectiveness of the immune system and restore balance within the body. Now technology is being used to locate and stimulate your body's acupressure points in the premier massage chair brands of today.

Acupressure is a massage technique which helps to release blocked energy centers in your body. Science has confirmed the existence of meridian pathways using various electrical techniques. Chinese medical arts understood these meridian pathways to carry energy throughout the body. They noticed that certain junctures or centers could become inhibited or blocked causing the body to be out of balance. By applying pressure to certain pressure points in the body, the energy flow could be manipulated and restored. Science has now mapped out the body's acupressure points and has cataloged over 350 points in the body.

Acupressure massage is performed using kneading, tapping and vibration massage techniques. These massage techniques are used throughout the body in conjunction with stimulating the acupressure points. Delivering the acupressure massage is achieved by making rapid circular motions with medium pressure on particular trigger points. The trigger points are then stimulated in conjunction with massaging the body to release blocked energy. The energy flow is restored and the body returns to a normal balance.

Acupressure massage therapy has many positive benefits. It helps to alleviate stress, muscle tension, aches and pains. It helps to harness the body's own recuperative powers. The acupressure stimulations help diffuse the build up of toxins in the body. As toxins in the body build up, it causes stiffness in the muscles. This muscle stiffness puts pressure on the circulatory and lymph systems. This puts unequal pressure on your body putting it out of balance and harmony.

Massage chairs incorporate advanced technology to accurately locate the trigger points of the body. The software programs make a map of the users trigger points. The acupressure massage is then customized for each individual user. There are almost 100 trigger points in the back alone. Massage chairs have outstanding capabilities to stimulate your acupressure points and apply massage techniques such as kneading, percussion and vibration. These massage therapies are effective in relieving soreness, aches and pains in the back, shoulder and neck.

For the lower body, many manufacturers have developed air compression systems. The air compression systems incorporate specifically designed airbags with special nodes to activate trigger points in the lower body. When the air compression system activates, the airbag inflates and the node pushes gently into the trigger point. These are most commonly found for the back of the calves and for the bottom of the feet. Stimulating these trigger points help to induce total body relaxation and release accumulated tension.

New studies of acupressure massage are showing that it can help alleviate headaches, insomnia, dizziness, digestive disorders, constipation and in some cases even motion sickness. We are just beginning to understand the power of acupressure which has been known for centuries in China. Modern technology is being employed in the best massage chair recliners to deliver more effective acupressure massage treatments. The true effectiveness of acupressure massage is when it is done on a frequent basis. Remember stress accumulates daily, so the stress must also be released periodically. Massage chairs are the most cost effective and convenient way of receiving the benefits of acupressure massage.

Your health is your most important asset. Protect it with the best chair therapy massage for your total health needs. Research massage chair recliner brands from Panasonic, Omega and Sanyo. Peruse our massage chair reviews to help you find the best massage chair for your needs.

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The Hidden Health Benefits of Massage

Many people love to get massages because they feel great, but what most people may not realize is that massage also provides health benefits. When massage therapy and techniques are done properly, massage can decrease stress levels, provide muscle relaxation, and improve your immune system. Massages can help to relive pain in the body and cure headaches. Massage can also be used for healing injuries and retaining muscle and joint mobility. If you are having any type of problems with these areas, and traditional medical procedures are not working for you, talk to your health care provider about alternative therapy options like massage.


There are many different types of massages and a professional will usually practice one or two of these. Do your research and visit someone who can help you with your specific problem areas. There are Swedish massages that focus on relaxation or deep tissue massage and others that focus on loosening up muscle tissues.


There are various types of massages that target certain parts of the body. A Cranio-Sacral massage will focus on your neck, head, and spine to get it properly aligned and working normally. This massage also loosens up tight muscles in the body. Chi Nei Tsang is another type of massage that focuses on a person's abdominal organs to help with digestive pain or disease. If your joints are giving you problems, consider using the Trager Approach. This type of massage is able to improve your life when it is done properly. You can also use this massage in connection with the Swedish massage or other types of massage to target specific problems and relax the whole body.


Other types of massages provide relaxation or relieve stress like the Rosen Method. All massages should make you feel physically and emotionally better. There are a few types of massage, like the deep tissue massage, that can be a little painful and should only be used if your physician recommends this type of treatment for you. An example of this type of technique is rolfing. Rolfing works to align tissues the right way and straighten the spine. After this type of massage, you should feel better and not worse. If your condition worsens, you need to speak to your doctor and take alternative measures immediately.


There are some types of massage that are used specifically for healing. These include the Alexander technique, acupressure, feldenfrais, reflexology, Reiki, and Shiatsu methods. There are different ways to use these techniques and research should be done before attempting to use these alternative therapy methods for healing. You can also find information on how to perform simple massage techniques on yourself to improve your comfort level, or you can purchase a massage chair for your home or office. Your doctor or massage therapist can help you decide what form of massage therapy would be best for you and what your body is able to handle.


So the next time you need to relax or relieve body aches, consider using massage therapy to obtain relief.


A self-proclaimed information addict, Sandi H. has come to the conclusion that knowledge is power when it comes to finding alternative healing methods to traditional medicine. Go to http://www.alternativemedicineinfoguide.com to find more information on alternative healing methods to meet your specific needs.


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Getting Advanced Body Therapy Massage

Most people love massages, but understand very little about them. That is understandable because many really don't have any idea about the techniques or science behind them. There are several varieties of advanced body therapy massage that you can choose from. The hot stone massage, Craniosacral Therapy, Rolfing and Shiatsu.

The hot stone massage is probably the most popular. Ever seen someone at the spa, lying face down with black stones aligned on their back? That's the hot stone massage; it is really what the name suggests it is. The therapist gives a Swedish massage using heated stones for pressure. Proper training is needed for this as you need to ensure the safety of your client; an amateur could burn their client or apply too much pressure.

The craniosacral therapy may sound uncomfortable, because it has something to do with your brain. But it is actually a gentle massage of the head and neck. This is done to bring fluids to the brain to balance the fluid in your brain and spine. It can help alleviate fatigue, migraines, neck pain and nervous disorders. Before getting this massage, make sure that you are getting it from someone who has experience in this technique.

Rolfing involves the manipulation of the connective tissues to align them properly. When it first became popular, there were many reports about the pain you experience while having the massage. But proper training nowadays has rid Rolfing of that reputation. Tissue alignments are now nearly pain free.

The most popular massage is probably the Shiatsu. It is a massage that uses pressure and stretching to manipulate the energy flow in the body. This style works much like acupuncture, but instead of needles, you have the massage for the pressure. Shiatsu can reduce stress, improve circulation, regulate blood pressure and increase your body's energy level.

Advanced body therapy massage is a great way to reduce stress and to escape from your work. But make sure that your therapist is a certified one and has a proper training to ensure that no problems arise during the massage. Our body's circulation and joints are very sensitive to pressure, so an untrained therapist may have a negative health effect. Also, for those who are pregnant or those who have back problems, make sure to consult your doctor before massage therapy.

Katie Appleby is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about advanced body therapy massage, please visit New Massage Therapy for current articles and discussions.

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The Beauty of Facial Massage!

Tension can build up within our facial muscles from the pressures of everyday life without us realising it. It can be easy for certain thoughts and emotions to become habitual, locking themselves into expressions on our faces - sometimes over the duration of a whole lifetime. Under such conditions muscles can actually "dry up" and contract, inhibiting freedom of expression. This can encourage ageing and the formation of wrinkles as the face loses its muscle tone and elasticity and begins to sag.

Facial massage is designed to be a gentle, non-invasive approach to looking younger. It works primarily by freeing constrictions both within the facial muscles and in the connective tissue.

Through gentle massage of the face, we can help to delay the ageing process. This is achieved by using simple massage techniques and energy balancing, thereby giving the facial muscles a lift and a new lease of life.

The facial massage involves a sequence of massage techniques which act as a natural facelift with no need for surgery, helping you look (and often feel!) younger. We all have tension which builds up in our facial muscles and many of us would love to reduce wrinkles, so it's not surprising that this is a very popular and sought-after treatment.

The routine releases stresses and traumas locked deeply into the muscles and energy of the face, head and neck. Our face is often our mask, hiding who we really are, and it takes much energy to maintain this "front". To experience dropping the mask can be the door to profound relaxation and inner ease.

The Benefits of Facial Massage

• Improves skin suppleness
• Reduces and releases any muscle tension in the face and jaw
• Reduces expression lines and wrinkles
• Relieves stress symptoms such as insomnia, headaches and eye strain
• Tones and helps to tighten the skin and underlying muscle
• Stimulates rejuvenation and cellular activity
• Aids lymphatic circulation, increasing the elimination of toxins and the supply of nutrients to the cells
• Aids the removal of dead skin cells
• Maintains a fresh, youthful appearance
• Improves blood circulation
• Enhances mental and physical relaxation
• Makes you feel great!

Tips on Giving Yourself a Facial Massage

When cleansing and moisturising your face, use this as an opportunity to treat your skin to a facial massage. An easy movement to do at home is roll patting, just under the jaw line. Try patting the flat of your fingers onto your face and rolling them forward before the next pat to help tone this sag-prone area of skin. Use generous amounts of cream, especially if your skin is a little dry. If too little massage cream is applied, the hands will not glide over the skin, creating excessive stimulation

You can also use palm frictions, where you squeeze the back of the neck with one hand, to help loosen tension. Use your entire palm when massaging a wide area. In the direction of facial curves, massaging should be done in a rhythm of inner to outer motions. If you do not massage in the direction of facial curves, wrinkles can be formed. Again, use plenty of cream.

If you suffer from headaches (and we all do from time to time!), then small circular frictions of your own temples will really help to alleviate these. This is particularly true for those stress related headaches.

The frequency of massaging should be appropriate to the skin's condition. Those who fear skin problems may continue a gentle, effective treatment on a daily basis, limiting the time to short periods. For those who do not routinely massage their skin, massage every 3-4 days with a good massage cream.

Facial massage releases powerful "Feel Good" endorphins. Incorporate regular facial massage into your routine, and you'll be amazed at how good this can make you feel!

Val Wilson

For more information on facial massage, go to http://essentialfacialmassage.com

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