Today, a multitude of spas have emerged promising luxury, extravagance and more. The lure of spas now is unbelievably infectious! Not only is the idea of indulging in some comfy spa treatment very enticing, but also offers a soothing escape from the monotony of everyday living.

Feels good

The mere mention of a spa swiftly conjures up images of a world with a soothing ambience where people can restore their beauty and health both. Indeed this is true! Spas across the country proffer a variety of treatments specially designed to treat specific concerns of their clients.

Personal pampering is an important facet in stress management. A facial, a body massage or a soothing soak in a warm water tub are just a few ways to renew your body and melt the stress off your mind. Plus, depending on your treatment, going to a spa has multiple heath and fitness benefits too. No wonder then that people throng spas with stunning regularity to feel fit and happy!

Since you’re now set to let your mind, body and soul relax completely, you can focus on the types of spas available in your city to get the best out of each. You’ll be surprised to discover a plethora of spas that accommodate a range of therapies—from skin to foot to even ear spas. To mention a few, there are destination, medical, health, beauty, resort and day spas; each fitting for the diverse requirements of the recipient [Read How to choose a spa below]. All these are created in a manner that will invigorate you at all levels, endowing you with mind and body health while you indulge in complete relaxation.

These treatments are no longer considered ‘girly’—the modern man too deserves special spa bliss and can avail of it anytime.

On the cards

From a tiny two-room day spa to a sprawling resort spa with fabulous facilities, spas and treatments can vary drastically. But basic services like facials, hair treatments, massages, body wraps / scrubs and baths are available in most. Others incorporate holistic wellness techniques like aromatherapy, Watsu [body massage performed while lying in warm water], Thai massages, Swedish reflexology, hot stone therapy, acupoints and Japanese Shiatu too.

Aleena Jetha, skin and hair specialist and owner of Mudd Salon and Day Spa, Mumbai offers a few pointers, which help us understand how basic spa offerings work:

Facials cleanse the skin while also tightening, hydrating and brightening it.

Head oil massages enhance blood circulation, improve hair growth, control hair fall and also help de-stress.

Body wraps detoxify and brighten the body. You feel relaxed as the treatment also includes a massage. It also improves the absorption of creams, lotions, essential oils, scrubs, masks, and seaweeds.

Reflexology renews energy throughout the body by massaging specific areas of the feet. Reflexology helps those who suffer from migraines, constipation, digestive problems, insomnia and aids blood circulation.

Spa bath offers a great way to relax and de-stress. The constant running of the water creates negative ions, which are beneficial to health, and the sensation of whirling hot water relaxes the body. The experience is enhanced, if you can couple this with fragrance therapy.

Organic spa focuses on wellness and provide meaningful therapies endowing real benefits to the recipient.

If new-age pampering beckons you, then age old healing is not far behind. Laxmi, a local ayurvedic therapist from Kerala works in Mumbai and believes in authentic, devoid-of-frills treatments which are medicinal, focus of specific problems and soothe. “Ayurvedic treatments, like Shirodhara and warm oil body massages [with broad, sweeping strokes], are excellent to unwind with numerous health gains.”

In addition, there are many other treatments from around the world at your disposal, all you need is to find the right spa [Read How to choose a spa for help].

Be their guest

If you are a beginner in this journey, the experience can be overpowering and confusing too. Thus, it is crucial to understand the function of spas, what different spas have on display and what to expect there.

• Identify your goal and look for a relevant spa. Check out its reputation, staff and rates.
• Inquire about staff training, licensing and certification beforehand.
• Request your therapist preference [male or female] ahead.
• Drop your inhibitions regarding nudity. Massage therapists are trained to respect boundaries and use suitable draping methods.
• Book an appointment in advance, if you wish to be treated by your favourite therapist. This is basic etiquette.

Be it a simple or an elaborate treatment, spa visits are the ultimate treat for your mind, body and soul. Not only are they an excellent way to wrap yourself in a world of wellbeing and health, but also a great happiness booster!

The post Why visit a spa appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

Eight glasses a day is the essential amount of water for everyone

Fact: The amount of water we should drink depends directly on our size, level of activity, age and other aspects like diet and stress intensity. A person living in a temperature-controlled environment does not require as much water as another doing vigorous physical activity. But, to remain healthy and hydrated, we should consume enough water to restore the quantity we lose each day. This amount varies from person to person, depending upon an array of factors such as age, physical condition, level of activity and climatic situations. The “8-10” glass per day “compulsory drinking” is just a baseline – not a decree… It only makes sense to boost consumption of water during periods of increased physical activity or other physical stress.

Mineral water is better than ordinary water.

Fact: We absorb most of our minerals from plant material [green leafy vegetables]; not from water. In due course, ingesting large amounts of inorganic minerals from other sources may cause health complications.

You can blindly trust home water-treatment device to make tap water safer and healthier to drink

Fact: People use water filters at home to improve the taste, smell and appearance of water. But, all this does not imply that the water thus obtained is safer and healthier to drink. All home treatment devices require customary maintenance checks from time to time. If the maintenance factor is ignored, water quality problems arise again.

Bottled water is invariably safer than tap water

Fact: Not necessarily. Studies reveal that microbes may grow in the bottles while they are on the shelves of the grocer’s store. One needs to be watchful of such bottled water and stick to brands that you trust.

Drinking excessive water helps clear out more toxins

Fact: The kidneys filter toxins from our bloodstreams. The toxins, then, are cleared through urine. Drinking large amounts of water tends to reduce the kidney’s ability to function as a filter. It’s a subtle but a definite decline. When we consume more water, all we do is produce more urine, but not more toxins in the urine.

Drinking huge amounts of water guarantees healthier skin

Fact: Adding a few extra glasses of water to an already water-rich diet has limited effect. It is a fact that water increases capillary blood flow in the skin – though it is unclear whether these changes have clinical significance too.

Guzzling gallons of water definitely results in weight loss

Fact: It is believed that drinking water is a supportive tool for dieters. It is devoid of calories and therefore with it, we can keep our mouth busy. But, it is certainly not a magic potion.

Water definitely is revitalising and stimulating. But, don’t unnecessarily compel yourselves to guzzle down glasses after glasses – think before you drink!

The post Distilling muddy waters: Myths associated with drinking water appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

Out of the 360 chakras present in the human body, pranic healing concentrates only on 11. The system staunchly believes that before rooting itself in the physical form, diseases first appear in the energy body. Any obstruction, unwarranted formation of energy or depletion hinders prana from flowing smoothly. In effect, the corresponding physical body experiences sickness. Practising pranic healing can enable one to scan these chakras, destroy the ailing energy, and revive it with sufficient prana; so healing can occur promptly. The actual method of doing it is to move the hands in a prescribed manner.

For Kaanan Shah, trained healer and instructor at the Pranic Healing Foundation, South Mumbai, this treatment is a “way of life”. She explains, “The application of pranic healing in health conditions has assisted a multitude of people worldwide to attain a better state of mind and body. In fact, even impending health problems such as diabetes can be diagnosed in advance to avoid future damages. Actually, we live in a sea of energies [ananta urja]; efficient use of these subtle energies helps in stimulating the body’s process of self-recuperation. And pranic healing teaches us to achieve exactly that. In a span of five years, I’ve successfully treated arthritis, hormonal disturbances and even seen painful deliveries turn normal. But of course, pranic healing does not aim to replace orthodox medicine; it is rather to complement it so that the healing process can be accelerated. What’s more, no prior skill or knowledge is essential to learn this therapy, so anyone inclined to learn is welcome.”

Pranic healing greatly emphasises the preventative aspect of diseases but healers often complain that patients arrive long after the disease has manifested itself.

“Cleansing is faster and much more effectual if applied in the earlier stages. If one allows the diseased energy to mature, the resultant effect will be dirty, sticky aura which will indefinitely harm the physical body” opines Kaanan.

Pranic healing is known to deal with diseases such as asthma, muscular skeletal problems, heart sickness, migraine, gastrointestinal ailments and stress-related disorders.

Amazingly, the Pranic Distance Healing method allows the curer to treat patients who are not physically present in the room. Yes, distant healing – healing someone who is in another city or country is also possible! This treatment is no less effective and the parameters that need to be followed remain the same.

Another significant aspect of pranic healing is the Twin Hearts Technique. Astoundingly simple, yet renowned for its integrated advanced medication procedure, it is based on the activation of the heart and the crown chakras. It assists in achieving illumination or “universal consciousness” by blessing the earth with unconditional love, peace and joy. Blessing the earth with prayers leads to inner peace and calm unparalleled by any other.

Prolonged concentration on mantras like Om and Amen too stimulate awareness and enhance healing powers. A wholesome personality, healthier body, brighter and well-balanced chakras along with serenity and organised mental faculties is what is achieved by practising this meditation regularly.

Thanks to augmented advantages, pranic healing is currently taught to doctors, nurses, massage therapists, acupuncturists, homemakers, chiropractors, engineers, students and individuals from all walks of life. Numerous courses are offered in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Chennai as well as other cities. With so much happening, India is soon bound to become a major hotspot of Pranic healers and the Grand Master’s dream “A pranic healer in every home” will finally be true.

However, to the layman, pranic healing could conjure images of Reiki. But, of course, there is a sea of difference. Pranic healing stresses greatly on cleansing before the energising aspect. Healers are of the opinion that energising without first cleansing is like pouring water on a ducks back; it simply won’t reap results. A plethora of healers affirm that the new millennium will witness a descent of tremendous spiritual energies with India as a crucial point. Pranic healing can aid people in dealing with these energies and help them grow and comprehend better. A touch of prana can certainly heal your heart and soul like none other!

The post Energy healing appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

• Introduction: Mantras and Islam
• How Does Chanting Help?
• Understanding and Practicing Islamic Chants
• Five Powerful Islamic Chants
• Benefits of Chanting Mantras
• Chanting the Name of God as a Mantra

Introduction: Mantras and Islam

A mantra is a repetitive chant that creates positive vibrations within. Mantras are synonymous with Hinduism. Little do people realise that chanting of mantras is widespread in other religions as well. Islam, for one, greatly stresses on chanting of mantras to attain prosperity, wealth, health and peace of mind.

The term “mantra” is derived from two Sanskrit words, man and tra which mean mind and freedom respectively. Therefore, in the literal sense, “mantra” signifies freeing oneself from the mind. Being an effective tool, chanting of mantras eventually liberates an individual from the countless hassles of life, accelerates the healing process, relaxes and assists in making optimal use of the mind too.

Truly a mystical experience, mantras help in bringing the body, mind and soul in tune with each other. Moreover, it is a unique therapy though which a person can feel one with the Supreme God.

In Islam, there are 99 names through which Allah [God] is recognised. Reciting various names, as mantras, is believed to be the best way to attain spiritual growth, satisfaction, purification and rejuvenation.

An enriched mind devoid of tension and anxieties decides the quality of life. Everyday chanting, prayer or meditation, helps surmount psychological disturbances, uneasiness and senseless rage. The purpose of mantras is to train the mind to become more adaptable and less vulnerable. Additionally, regular chanting also balances both sides of the brain and augments intuition too. Thus, along with tranquillity, a state of harmony and infinite bliss can be achieved.

How Does Chanting Help?

Our body is made up of vibrating energies and is comprised of cells that move in unison. When the natural movement and rhythm of these cells is disturbed; diseases and disorders crop up. Our cells respond to the chant [sound] within our bodies and vibrate to restore the harmony back. It also resonates with the chakra system, activates the flow of subtle energies, uplifts mood, balances the mind and, in effect, leads to a state of blissful joy.

Yet, most people complain that even after spending years of chanting mantras, they fail to develop an inner core of practice, or any sort of experience. If one recites them without understanding, in a parrot-like pattern or with no devotion to God, it is probable the chant won’t have any affect!

Chanting mantras, according to Islamic belief, is a path through which one can cultivate intimate relations with Allah [the Divine]. Therefore, the greater your faith in Him, the more powerful and enhanced your mantra-repetition becomes.

The recital of any mantra in Urdu is termed as vird [referred to jap in Hindi]. Vird could either be part of a prayer, meditation session, or a means to stay connected with the Lord. Generally, vird is done after [or, during] daily namaz [prayer offerings] with the use of a tazbeeh [Lil beads or mala], but it can also take place depending on the individual’s convenience or time. It is of essence that the mantra recitation be accomplished with understanding, feeling, love and full concentration.

Understanding and Practicing Islamic Chants

From overcoming difficulties to dispersing calamities to attaining peace of mind and honour —there’s a chant for everything found in Islamic books. Typically, recited as duas [prayers] these chants act as an invocation to Allah and open the doors to blessings though which recovery, healing and progression manifest.

Though chanted primarily in the Arabic language, these can be translated and used accordingly. Yet, it is best to use them in their original form. Jawshan-e-Kabir is an excellent example of the Islamic book of Duas that can be used for everyday reference.

Five Powerful Islamic Chants

Here are five Islamic chants that are easy to remember and have great power:

Allahu Akbar

This is perhaps the most well-known of Islamic chants. It simply means God is great.

Ya Salaam

With its recital, we get connected with ourselves and the Divine, so its quite powerful and effective. The purpose of reciting this is mainly to gain peace of mind. It is recommended for those who get stressed easily due to various pressures.

Bismillah Al-Rahman, Al-Rahim

It means “In the name of Allah, the most compassionate, the most merciful”. One of the most powerful Islamic chants, it acknowledges and thanks the Lord for His constant pouring of Divine Love.

Ya Ali Madad

“Imam Ali” is the 1st Imam out of the other 12. He is one who is greatly respected. His name is chanted often but mostly during times of pain and trouble; the mantra is recited to call upon his help and blessings. Pleading for help from the Imam, this prayer requests for His support to enable one to follow the true path.

Allaahumma Innee As a Luka BI-Ismika

“Allah, I beseech Thee in Thy name.” A great mantra to seek forgiveness.

Benefits of Chanting Mantras

1. Dissolves the ego/self

Mantras are spiritual “formulae” that aid the person to release or “let go” of the self and conquer heavenly ecstasy and satisfaction. Recital of mantras not only produces vibrations within oneself, but also fills the surrounding atmosphere with positive energy. Its force and effect, however, largely depend on the faith, attitude and concentration of the individual. If conducted with full sincerity, mantras help us connect with our inner self and personality. And, while we’re meditating on that one phrase and analysing the deep shades within us, a state of happiness and serenity is felt. In time, mantras assist in uniting us with our real soul.

2. Improves brain function

Since chanting mantras is all about devoting our mind towards a single chant, a significant effect on the brain is observed. Everyday recitation leads to sharper memory and enhanced concentration levels. Thanks to this, the invoker experiences subtle layers of confidence building up and becomes positively charged.

3. A feeling of calmness

Undoubtedly, an intense feeling of calm and silence is felt when one chants mantras.

4. Boosts energy

Since chanting leaves us more energised and fills us with fresh prana [life force], the process of healing is accelerated.

5. Connection with God

Most evidently, chanting of mantras is a tool through which a follower can stay unified with the Lord. They are prayers that invoke the blessings of the Almighty and help us lead a peacefully gratifying life. Chanting of mantras is not merely a continuous process of repeating words, it is an effective tool to awaken our senses and connect with celestial powers.

Chanting the Name of God as a Mantra

In the case of the Hebrew tradition, there are 72 names of God, each representing some aspect of God. In the Islamic tradition, there are 99 names of God, which again represent various aspects of God. Many people believe Hinduism has many gods, but again, each individual god in Hinduism represents some aspect of the ultimate reality which is beyond thought or conception.

Belief is the most important aspect of mantra repetition. You have to really believe what you’re saying, or have the feeling of belief in what you’re saying for it to really work.

The post Understanding and Practicing Islamic Chants appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.