Chakras are sources of energy located along the spinal cord that govern specific organs and bodily systems. Chakra-based holistic spa herapies work to heal the whole body
Chakras are sources of energy located along the spine that correspond to specific organs extending from the top of the head to the lower lumbar region. Since ancient times the influence of chakras on immune system health has been incorporated into healing therapies. Today, many spas have incorporated the principles of chakra into their holistic spa services.
Ancient Origins
The word Chakra, after which many modern spas are named, is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning wheel and is mentioned in the Upanishad as well as the Stayananda Yoga traditions. In addition, chakras have been described in a wide variety of religious and medical disciplines in different parts of the world at the same and at different times. In China, the chakras are considered acupuncture points, and in Hindu cultures, chakras are associated with subtle forces connected to physical, emotional, and spiritual traits. Regardless of the culture, chakras are recognized as sources of energy associated with the body's core organs. In books dedicated to communicating with angels, the power of chakras is relied on for message interpretation.
In Yoga, the chakras are associated with specific mantras, which are recited to promote awareness, concentration, and health through the free flow of essential life energy, relaxation and deeper states of consciousness. The chakras are also associated with specific colors that reflect their energy fields. In Tantric tradition, chakra refers to the circle of energy surrounding and radiating from specific points.
Modern Spa Therapies
In the plaisir des sens facial, which was introduced in France and is now offered at luxury spas worldwide, charka therapy is combined with healing stones and massage for a step-wise facial treatment that restores the spirit as well as the skin.
At the Creative Chakra Spa, a holistic healing oasis spa in Marina del Rey California, the spirit as well as the body are addressed in a wide selection of chakra based therapies. At the Chakras Spa in Greensboro, North Carolina, therapies are based on chakra cultures and holistic traditions from around the world. At the Chakra Spa in Indianapolis’s Conrad Hotel, chakra therapies highlight the spa’s exclusively used Guerlain therapies.
Benefits of Chakra-based Therapies
The chakras are believed to be powerful energy centers located along the spinal cord. Tapping into the power of the chakras bring sin the universal life-force and allows it to flow through the body’s systems for optimal well-being. Ancient Egyptians, Chinese, Hindus, Sufis, Greeks, Mayans, Native Americans and Incas intuitively knew of these natural laws.
The seven chakras are symbolically depicted as lotus blossoms, each represented by a different color spectrum of light. Each governs a different part of the body and directs us to areas where we might be functioning out of balance. Like many ancient beliefs, the chakra system takes a complete view of human experience. It integrates the natural tendency for balance that makes up the whole or self, including the body’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual elements.
The copyright of the article Chakra-Based Spa Treatments in Spa Treatments is owned by Elaine Moore. Permission to republish Chakra-Based Spa Treatments must be granted by the author in writing.
Elaine, I was hoping to find a discussion group related to low-dose naltrexone (LDN). I see that you have a bevy of Suite 101 articles on autoimmunity, thyroid and LDN. I'm interested in learning more about LDN, so if you could redirect me or provide me with any relevant links or information, I'd deeply appreciate it. Unrelated, since my chakras need work (wink), I think a good article would be "spas for the not so rich and famous" -- a "bang for the buck" kind of article. Sincerely,
Apr 9, 2008 8:05 PM
Elaine Moore
:
Hi Lyera, I was thinking of writing an article on the the new view of spas. Long ago spas were only used for healing. Even the famous bath abbey reports that most of its services are paid for by government health insurance. Somehow, in the last few decades spas have been thought of as luxury items. In truth, I never went to a spa until I was over 50 and my husband got me a gift certificate for Christmas. Now, I've seen how spas are another component of a total holistic healing plan that can help a number of different conditions. Of interest, my hair stylist at a local Veda spa said Veda was introducing a new line of chakra products that had 7 products corresponding with the 7 chakras. The use of chakras in healing goes back to ancient times. I'll write an article on the holistic side of spas this week. And I should have some new information on LDN very soon. The MS study is being presented at a conference around April 20th.
In the meantime you might want to check out the website, Alternative Solutions for Thyroid Autoimmunity at www.ahsta.com One of my friends started this website and she's conducting a survey on the use of LDN in thyroid disease. Let me know if you find the site helpful. Best, Elaine
Apr 10, 2008 1:56 PM
Lyera
:
Hi Elaine,
My grandmother used a "spa" for tuberculosis. That was the European thing to do. Now, if my doctors would just send me on an all expenses paid trip to a spa for Graves'...! Yes, I think most of us think of spas as a "vacation" with all the costs associated with it. I know that acupuncture has been very healing for me, plus I'm no stranger to the sauna, but it would be nice to go to an (affordable) spa for chakra therapy.
I'm looking forward to your article on the holistic side of spas, too, and maybe some recommendations...?
Thanks also for the help with LDN information. The AHSTA site looks very interesting for thyroid disease and different ways to approach it in particular how it addresses it as an autoimmune disease rather than solely an endocrine one. Lyera
Apr 13, 2008 3:26 PM
Elaine Moore
:
Hi Lyera, Glad to hear you made it to the ahsta site and found the information helpful. I've gotten emails from 15 people in the last few days asking for information about LDN and thyroid disease, and I sent them there. I'm working on the holistic effects of spas and I'll try to find more info on insurance coverage for spa therapies. At the hospital where I work, therapeutic massage is offered and covered by many types of insurance as long as a doctor orders it. The therapeutic massage offered by local Veda spas is also covered although patients have to submit their own receipts and claims. Best, Elaine
