ARTICLES
KEI SHEN HEIKEN:
ORIENTAL MEDICINE IN A MODERN WORLD
hough we may not know for certain where the currently used word of “massage” originated, we can still appreciate its benefits. “Massage” possibly originating from the ancient Greek word “massin”, meaning to knead, or from the Hebrew word “mashesh” meaning to press. Whatever the origin we now widely enjoy the healing power of touch. Among some of the earliest recorded touch therapies, come from Egypt, Persia, India, Japan, and China, and can be traced back 2500 years. They all had oriental influences, which modern practitioners have used to create their own versions, including acupressure, sports massage, deep tissue, and lymphatic drainage. Many of us enjoy the benefits of traditional Chinese therapy in the western world, and among other countries outside of Asia, including Costa Rica, where I am currently located. Commonly known oriental therapies include shiatsu, acupressure, and Thai massage. Traditional Chinese Medicine has been around since 2000 B.C., and I’m sure even before that. The theoretical practice of oriental medicine focuses on the prevention of disease, and treating the balance of the body, mind and spirit, as a whole. Looked upon with more than our conventional view, it is more energy based, using the 5 elements of water, fire, wood, metal and earth to fight disease. It is generally a Taoist belief, that everything is interconnected, and we have the power to affect them. Though widely different from Western techniques, many of the therapies we use today have roots in these ancient therapies. The founder of modern physiotherapy was a student of Anma, and studied traditional Chinese medicine. Anma is an ancient Chinese practice of massage, to balance the body. Used in the time of Emperor Huang, over 2000 years ago. Now more commonly know as Tuina, this form utilizes the push/pull method, to align and balance the body. Anma can be broken into two parts, “an” meaning “press” and “mo” meaning “rub”, while Tuina translates to “tui” meaning “push” and “na” meaning grasp”, hence the push/pull method. Our modern chiropractic and osteopathic studies were influenced by Seitai, a Japanese body correction therapy from the Meiji period (1800’s). Other examples include Amatsu, to align the posture and enhance movement, originating in Japan, a 5000 year old history, with applications still appropriate today. Jin Shin Jyutsu, the ancient art of harmonizing the body with gentle touch, Su Jok, and Jin Shin Do. The majority of these therapies combine similar philosophies, focusing on energy pathways (meridians), and dispelling the three causes of disease, deficiency, excess, and stagnation.
Today many oriental therapies have been inundated into our common uses in the modern world. Shiatsu and Nuad Bo’rarn (Thai) are now used at the Stanford Cancer Center. There is an innate calming response to being touched and using touch as a healing therapy. The Stanford Cancer Center has incorporated these alternative therapies to aid in the physical and emotional well being of their patients, with a high level of efficacy. Of course these are with a doctor’s approval, and not in place of medical cancer therapy. Discuss more options with your doctor if necessary, as many medical practitioners now react positively to a combination of massage with traditional cancer therapy.
In my years as a body worker I have utilized the wisdom of many therapies to develop my own style and connection with my clients. Whether they are a passing tourist, or regular patron of body work. It is the responsibility of therapists in the field to continue educating theirselves, so we can pass that knowledge on to our clients, and better help them to reach whatever goal they are pursuing with us. I have been drawn to the mystery and theory of eastern lifestyle and massage practices. I spent what time I could in Southeast Asia, learning traditional Thai, from long time healers and teachers of this ancient art. Since then, I have researched, experimented with, and tested different theories and protocols of the oriental therapy. I have combined many of these therapies to develop a system called Ki Shen Heiken Yogic Massage, loosely translated to mean “energy of spirit and balance”. This combines pushing, pulling, stretching, acupressure, rocking, deep compression, and Swedish style massage. The protocol I have developed, uses the aid of balancing bars or rope, rooted above the massage table. Allowing the therapist to do manipulations while balancing above the body, and on the body. While there are other therapies that utilize an oriental bar system. I have been specific to detail this therapy to include the Thai stretching techniques, and rocking compression along with real therapeutic result and holistic relaxation of so many separate therapies. Each client I have worked with, has highly complimented the treatment, and received more benefit than they had originally expected from an alternative therapy. I always love to have clients try new therapies and expand both their spa experience and massage knowledge, creating a moresophisticated and long term client. Some of the physical benefits to this type of therapy are body alignment, released physical and emotional tension, increased flexibility, and open wind channels. The theory of opening wind channels is to expel wind invasion in the meridians, which can cause headaches, sinus problems, colds, and imbalance in the harmonious body, among other problems. With my foreign work in Costa Rica, and my schedule as a spa consultant, it is difficult to provide regular training sessions to my colleauges and other interested body workers. I do still find time to provide on site training sessions for staff at spas and resorts. For further information on scheduling training at your facility, please contact me directly at liz@thelotuseffects.com. I hope to encourage you to strengthen you body-mind connection, find your Qi (chi) and a therapy that works for you.
SUSTAINABILITY AND THE FURTURE:
Combining wellness with wisdom
s an individual or group we can make a difference in a stranger's life. Tapping into the wealth of individual instinct, we can encourage change, creating momentum in such projects as building sustainable housing in developing countries, and working with companies that support that. It is imperative that we focus on disaster management, increased preparedness and mitigation in order to make a difference in sustainable global living.
What do the indigenous people of Costa Rica, an international spa consultant, a non-profit foundation, and a vegetarian restaurantuer turned financial consultant have in common? For starters, their companies and interests in global wellness, have taken root in Salt Lake City. Utah is a place where roots seem to hold strong, the attraction of mountains, valleys and changing seasons, along with a high concentration of health minded individuals and practitioners, pursuade those from out of state to stay, and those with wanderlust to find their way back.
As one of the latter, I feel at home returning to the familiarity, and old friends, after years of living and working outside of the U.S., in the spa and beauty industry. It has been an interesting trek, resulting in an acummulation of knowledge that I hope to project in upcoming ventures, while I plant my own local roots.
One aspect of this process is seeking out fellow members of the wellness community, in initiating a strong, far reaching web of interconnected and mutually beneficial relationships that share the goal of contributing to the lives of others. I invite individuals and businesses to participate directly in this goal, by supporting the quality of life, and self sufficiency among indigenous tribes of Costa Rica, while still attending to thier own needs.
You can help us put some beautiful ideals into real motion, by making conscientous purchases and supporting select companies. Allowing us to reach a collective goal of lessening global borders, and producing tangible results for sustainable living on this planet.
I decided it was time to integrate my collected knowledge and contacts to bring about awareness, and ecourage greater cooperation, by invoking the local and international wellness industries, to bring about an innovative mix of beauty, wellness, community and fundraising that would get some results.
I became wholly aware of the call for individual involvement, in my personal experiences. As director of a spa consulting and management company, and a foreigner, I was exposed to both sides of the economic scale and foreign relations in Costa Rica. My first hand experience of the severe inbalance in economies, made this a personal project for me, along with watching the fearful neglect of important issues that allows a perpetual loop of passivity, where topics are more easily forgotten than dealt with. To make the goal of an interconnected web of community health and fundraising a reality, I have combined efforts with local and foreign affiliates who will be key in the role of promoting change.
One such person is, Mark Machalis, financial wellness consultant, and previous owner of Park Ivy café. Our common interests are what encouraged the pursuit of this project. Mark now contributes to Wellness Capital Management, a financial institution geared towards spas and
hospitality. He also believes that combined talents and business cooperation are key to creating a viable way to achieve both our business and altruistic goals, while forging ahead in gaining support and funding for sustainable housing and communities in developing countries. With participation of an impressive team of people, and the generosity of others, we are on the way to reaching that goal.
The importance of these strategic partnerships can be seen with some background on two key companies. The RAW BOTANICALS® company, not only supports the local Costa Rican community they live in, but allow us to raise funding by designating a percentage of products sold at fair market value, towards global wellness, particularly, the type of affordable and sustainable housing provided by the Domes for the World Foundation. Each time you purchase product from any of their amazing lines, these generous business owners, will provide 25% of total sales for project development. Created by founders and owners, Molly & Adam McBride, these organic products are hand made with the freshest Costa Rican ingredients, especially with the enviromentally conscious person in mind. Easily shop online and find the best products for your skin at rawbotanicals.com You will also receive a free gift with your purchase.
With this funding we can begin to work towards providing educational opportunities, sustainable housing, community, and teach much needed labor skills to hundreds of indigenous people who have been pushed to the border of the rainforests. Thier culture almost forgotten and consumed by the encroachment of strong foreign development, lack of govermental involvement, increased tourism, and youth with a taste for American capitalisim and branding.
We will be able to do this with the support and skilled labor of the Domes For The World Foundation (DFTW), an organization that promotes practical, affordable and safe housing efforts in underpriviledged lands. Their EcoShell technology ensures homes can be built using 50% less material than other construction methods, without consuming local resources, or increasing deforestation.
Progress can be seen in the success of similar DFTW projects, in collaboration with members of the United Nations, individual philanthropists, grants, and downright hard work. Villages in several countries, will begin to rebuild homes, and lives, after tragic disasters, with DFTW EcoShell technology, within the next few months. The same technology we will secure for the sub-tropic climate of Costa Rica, to save energy, and local resources, while protecting inhabitants from insects and climate changes.
You can find out more about this technology and upcoming projects by visiting monolithic.com.
Rebecca South, Managing Director for the DFTW, states that “We live in a global economy, and we cannot ignore one nation and hope that wealthier countries will pick up the slack.”
This sentiment is shared by a significant group of individuals, and we should acknowledge the power of “one”. Individuals can come together to enact change and educate the public. “We are all interconnected and we cannot ignore that anymore. If we have a global economy, where half of our brothers do not have access to clean water, something needs to change.” remarks South, who is passionate when she speaks of what the DFTW can do to bring housing and change to global communities.
With their support, established technology and experienced personnel, we can help sustain the viablity of communities for sub-tropic tribes. To do that we need your support.
Part of my being a consultant, and my personal call to action, is to provide valuable information to new or exisiting businesses, and help them to find a way to change the present for a better future.
This is not only true in business, but in life. I've been fortunate in meeting individuals who look towards a better future and streamline change. They share like minded interests in combining logical strategies with real issues to get a human return on investment. Not just monetary investment.
As our world grows more chaotic and we ourselves are unsure of how to create change, it should be in the forefront of our minds to seek out opportunities that sustain the interconnectedness of all of our lives, familiar and foreign. This project directly promotes that sentiment. We have global leaders who swear dedication to the elimination of impoverished regions, however, with the continuing lack of fair distribution of goods, food, healthcare, and housing, do we want to leave those decisions solely up to our leaders?
By utilizing our promotional powers and media exposure, we will be able to gain influence and support within Costa Rican borders. We ask beauty and wellness communities, and individuals not just locally, but around the globe to join in our venture. We invite you to explore your own future ideals, and make a smart decision to combine global wellness with daily living, by purchasing a great product. Support not only the Costa Rican economy, but raise funds for development of safe, sanitary housing.
Feel free to contact me with your feedback and opinions on how we can continue to make equalizing economies a global priority. Individuals can make a difference. Find out more information, how you can be directly involved, or to purchase products for yourself, your spa and beauty business or as gifts. Take advantage of a certified organic product using the best herbs and oils, for hair, skin and body. Don't forget when you purchase with our reference code you will receive a free gift, and know that you are making a difference. You may purchase directly online at rawbotanicals.com, just use the sustainable global living code #4W6SCMA.
All inquires and questions for this project, will be answered at liz@thelotuseffects.com . I look forward to hearing from each of you.
If we have the ability to help another person, why do so many of us hesitate to take that step or wait for the next person to make a move? I challenge you to create your own path, with that first step, keeping in mind, opportunities are made, not taken. I want the fullfillment of making this part of my personal journey, will you make it part of yours?
Liz Galloway, a native Utahn, international spa consultant, and Executive Director of Lotus Effects, LLC., has been looking into the expansion and development of foreign spas and standards globally. Working with high profile people and the DFTW, she and Mark have spearheaded this project in hope of raising funds for indigenous tribes and to create a viable consortium of businesses in Salt Lake with a goal towards global wellness.
FINDING SOLACE IN A MYRIAD OF CHOICES
hile the seemingly overwhelming spa industry continues to grow, technical abilities increase, and newcomers enter the scene, we may find ourselves zig zaging from one direction to the next. Looking to find where we as therapists, directors, physicians, editors, speakers and so on will be most comfortable, somewhere to hone our skills, and be recognized for them. It’s hard to stand out in a crowd of apples, if you’re just another apple, so why not try to be an orange. Well, you get my point. We seek to devour information and success but to be celebrated for our individuality.
I have always had an insatiable appetite for learning, and true to my trade, I am continuously pursuing the web, reading trade magazines, researching trainings, following conferences and making contacts with like minded people. It was in this search that I located an informative and friendly site for all aspects of the industry. This web page, stood out among the 100 thousand others, not because of a flashy web master, but because I could refer to it for all of my needs. And being as I was currently on a contract project in Costa Rica, I needed to search a little harder, and locate information that may otherwise be readily available to someone in the U.S. I relied on internet connections and online trade information, to minimize that distance, and keep me informed. I utilized this site to locate quality products for a start up spa, answers to questions on subjects from esthetics, operational questions, industry updates, interview suggestions, business mentoring, and if there was something that I couldn’t find immediately, I could locate the answer in an online forum, hosted by the site. A place where you can easily converse with people from around the world, on any industry subject.
As I was looking for more career training, and wanting to increase my knowledge base and evolve as a spa consultant, I knew as an analytically minded person, I needed a no nonsense approach. The most quantity in the amount of time provided, because like so many others, my time was limited. I have passed up many advertisements and invitations on trainings because, I didn’t want an infomercial, with promises of free stuff, bonuses, or jam packed solutions, with no real sustenance. It is easy for an insincere salesperson to tap into your innate knowledge, presenting simple answers that have ultimately been extracted from within you. The spa industry at its core is about the human condition. If someone is pitching another well worded slogan, consider what the motive is.
I have always read industry articles from this site with enthusiasm, authored by Douglas Preston, they are succinct in subject matter. I have also located his expertise on other web searches, for answers to esthetic questions, product and business matters. So naturally I was enticed when I found he would be providing a course in precisely what I was looking for, career advancement. As I had already had a feel for what he was able to present, I trusted it would be worth the long day of travel, and expense. On the first day of our course, I was pleased to find we had an intimate class with a total of five ladies from varying backgrounds, with like minded interests and ambitions. As I had flown in to the California conference from my present position out of the country, I was first in distance, with the second runners up from Canada, and Colorado. We also had a couple of local girls from, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Some of us already well established as consultants, or sole proprietors, and all of us being experienced in the nuances of spas. I knew we were all searching for that next step, a little support, and for me personally to light a fire that would propel me to reach beyond my previous motivators. I had hope that we would learn from each other as well as the host of the seminar.
As the course of the day went on, I found the information was informative, well organized, and that the former esthetician/spa owner and creator of the multi faceted company Preston Inc., was a high energy speaker and well known motivator in his personal and professional life. It was just what I had needed, and I fully enjoyed my time there.
As I am now back to work, I continue to read articles, and press releases, but feel I now have more personal information and tools to build on. I continue to be a frequent visitor to the site, and as I have now met the author in person, I can appreciate the nuances of his writing and am familiar with the references. I have confidence that his ability, experience and past accomplishments are the real deal!
I believe in sharing as much of our knowledge and information as we can, teach, talk and share with your associates. If you find yourself resistant to this you may consider that it is not your fear of sharing knowledge but the fear you will be become obsolete by doing so. Not valuing what you have to personally offer will limit you. And inevitably you will limit yourself right out of a job.
I have realized that I can choose to surpass my dreams, expand my career, and not be limited in offering my unique talents, to my colleagues. After attending this career training, I returned with new excitement to my position. When I finished my contract, I sought to find a way to work with the dynamic presenter. After solidifying my own Consulting Business, armed with new information, and a pool of talent to back me, I continued to work as a consultant in Costa Rica for the next year. When I made the decision to make the states my home base once again, I knew it was time to begin some real work with Preston Inc. We recently joined forces, and I now work with the Preston Consulting Group, a “partnership” of expert and motivated individuals, providing real solutions for your spa and the bottom line. Though for now, I miss my escapes to the beach, lulling in and out of sleep with the waves of the rising tide. I am clear, and ready to go forward with the practical application of my Preston inspiration and the support of our team.
HOW COSTA RICAN SPAS RATE IN
GLOBAL TRENDS AND QUALITY STANDARDS
ith tourism being a large attraction and vital currency source of Central American countries, including Costa Rica, it is no surprise there is also a surge in North American influences and foreign investments. When it comes to amenities and bringing our creature comforts, as they say, to less developed countries, there is definetly a demographic that appreciates luxury living. There are already a variety of destination retreats, spas and training centers in operation with more “spa communities” with on site spas, currently in development. While some have gained recognition, and are backed by a management company that ensures quality standards, there are still quite a few who have yet to receive recognition in the industry, or provide key quality standards. With healthy living, on the rise, it is almost a pre-requisite for any medium to large hotel or destination spot to include their spin on the benefits and uses of the local indigenous flora and fauna, and entice you with promises of tropical spa delights. Whatever the location you find yourself in, I encourage you to be aware of the level of spa standards and the training of the staff, after all you are paying good money your experience.
I have reviewed 10 popular spas in Costa Rican spas, and will leave it up to you to make the final decision. Since I have been based in one of the most popular destination spots, on the Central Pacific coast of Manuel Antonio for the past four years, I took an in depth look at our local community spas, and how they have followed trends, or not, and where they fall in global standards ratings. I have also reviewed some major players in the Central Valley, and north to Playa Herradura, Papagayo, and Playa Grande. With the International Spa Association, and Spa Quality LLC, who both provide assessment and monitor compliance with internationally recognized standards, as my guide, I will be looking at the following main points. Experience of the therapists, number of treatments offered, customer care, quality of environment, extent of facilities, health and safety, nutritional or medical consultations, water based therapies, along with display of trade association memberships, and accreditation logos. Accreditations are usually displayed quite openly, since it is a way for spas to differentiate themselves from other non-accredited spas, and boast high standards, that is a perceived added value for clientele, which is always good for business.
With my visit to Bath, England last October, I saw for myself the impressive lengths the people of our past went to, to enjoy the traditional taking of waters for health, and the history behind it. At Agua Sulis the ancient natural hot baths, water provided social and physical health benefits, and the aesthetics that surrounded it, suggest the first ingenious influences that create the serenity of spas today. Spas today still turn to tradition with hydrotherapy treatments, such as thalassotherapy, watsu, and water therapies, and continues to be a rating standard for global affiliation.. The renovation of the ancient Bath Spa, projected to open this year is eagerly awaited.
As a spa consultant, who has also put my time in as a body worker, spa manager, and sports clinic owner, I am able to asses a wider scope of key points that can qualify a location as a major world class spa. In my personal experience, there are key things that suggest a caring and knowledgeable staff, which are consistency, cleanliness, certifications and the experience level of staff. In other words, a back room, or one massage table under a “toldo”, does not a spa make.
Industry trends for 2006, have a growing list of treatments, that reflect the changing face of spa travel. According to Spa Finder, the largest spa marketing and media company, arising trends and evolving demand include, acutonics, spa culinary schools, peptides, skin brightening, manaka tapping, idebedone, indigenous ingredients, eco-spa, detox, and other exceptional and less known treatments.
I have provided the spas and their locations from my review below, and given them a rating on the amount of points it met in my experience and the where they stand in trends and quality. Five points being they met the most standards of treatments, therapists, amenities and property, with one & two needing some work.
Sea Glass Spa, Manuel Antonio: Overall rating 3 ½
Serenity Spa, Manuel Antonio: Overall rating 2
Shangri La, Manuel Antonio: Overall rating 2
Pacifica Spa, El Parador, Manuel Antonio: Overall rating 3
Raindrop Spa, Manuel Antonio: Overall rating 2
Los Suenos Fitness & Spa, Marriot, Playa Herradura: Overall rating 4
Pura Vida, Alejuela: Overall rating 4 ½
Martino Resort & Spa, Alejuela: 4
Nosara Retreat, Guanacaste: 3
Four Seasons Spa, Papagayo Peninsula: 5
Overall not many of the reviewed spas, provided many of the rising, trendy treatments on our list, or had the training support for it, though many provided great treatments of their own. There were some who had a form of hydrotherapy or water therapy, detox, anti aging, and indigenous ingredients, but they didn’t provide a separation within the global standards, or boasted many accreditations. That is not to say they are not working towards meeting more of those standards, and we can agree that the spa arena is an ever developing industry that demands keeping up on development. One thing that seemed to be repetitious was the type of treatments offered on spa menus, too many of the same thing, more focused on the indigenous product than accrued benefit or creativity. Though I agree if something works, don’t fix it, it is also sometimes nice to distinguish yourself, and if you are a spa adventurer looking to try several Costa Rica spas, you may find yourself choosing from very similar versions of the same thing. This is most likely due to the remote areas of some, and the lack of resources to provide training or product, and in some cases a lack of knowledge. I would suggest that where needed, spas should invest in follow up training or certifications to keep staff knowledgeable and consult a professional when necessary. With a more remote location, it is sometimes difficult to entice qualified therapists, which makes the overall quality less. It also shows at a larger volume facility, when they are not able to get staff up to date on the variety of menu services they offer, or keep up with staff turn over, they may not be ready for the investment of training, or upgrading.
Each experience is your own, and I encourage people to try whatever is within their reach. You may enjoy your experience at a lower rated spa, but I would recommend looking for some of the points listed above, and don’t be afraid to ask questions, your therapist or the director should welcome it. One thing you may not be aware of, is you will be paying prices comparable to the U.S., so you want to be sure to get the best value and your money’s worth. To be fair, staff, standards, treatment, and overall experience may have changed. Though at the time of publishing, everything was up to date.
If you would like further information on spa suggestions, including the destination details of the spas reviewed in this article. Along with my favorites, or locating and researching a spa or retreat for your next vacation, please feel free to contact me with your questions. I am also happy to provide information for other types of retreats, and medi- spa treatments. My best to you in your travels, and happy tropical spa adventuring!
