A spa is based on total well being. In India, the idea of holistic health has existed for centuries, where the aim is to achieve harmony of body, mind and soul. In other words, the spa treatments should be such that they allow our physical, mental and even spiritual energies to flow together in harmony. So, provide an ambience that is close to nature.

First of all, what you will need is a place to lie down, ingredients for massages, scrubs and masks, bowls to mix them, small and large towels, scented candles or pot pourri and music.

Find a place in your home which is peaceful, a place where you can relax totally. If you can have the luxury of a tub bath at home, there is nothing like it. But, even a shower bath will do. Some greenery can work wonders.

Fragrance has a wonderful effect and really helps to create a spa ambience at home. Have scented pot pourri in the room, or light an aromatherapy candle. Remember that lavender is said to induce relaxation, while jasmine heightens the senses and uplifts the mood. Rose calms and refreshes the mind, while cinnamon is said to relieve fatigue.

Music plays an important role in creating the mood. It is said that the sound of water is extremely soothing. So, you can have sounds of pouring, or gurgling water. Or, just soft instrumental music. 

Ingredients

Exfoliation: Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells and also stimulates blood circulation to the skin surface.

Crush sesame seeds (til) coarsely and mix it with honey. Add dried mint leaves. It has a stimulating effect. Or, you can mix rice powder with almond meal and yoghurt. Add a pinch of turmeric.

Massage oil: Use pure olive oil or sesame seed (til) oil. If you wish, you can add fragrance to the oil and derive aromatherapy benefits from it. To 50 ml oil oil, add 8 to 10 drops of essential oil. Remember that essential oils should never be used by themselves.

Mask:  To ripe papaya pulp add one part honey, 2 parts yoghurt and one part orange juice and 4 parts oatmeal.

Honey is a powerful moisturiser and skin softener, while papaya and yogurt can lighten skin colour. Orange juice or rose water would tone the skin.

Body Lotion: Mix together 6 tablespoons rose water, 4 tablespoons orange juice and one teaspoon pure glycerin.
Treatment

Start with exfoliation. Mix the scrub ingredients and apply them. After 10 to 15 minutes, rub gently on the skin and wash it. Next, take a shower, or a tub bath. If you can soak in a tub bath, add half a cup of rose water and some scented flowers, to heighten the spa experience. Or, after your shower, end with a bucket bath, to which you can add a few drops of essential oil or rose water.

Then have your body massage with oil. If somebody can give you a massage, there is nothing like it. You can also massage yourself. Use medium pressure. Long up and down stroking movements can be followed for arms and legs. Work along the natural muscle contours. Small circular strokes should be used on the joints of the arms, like shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.

The abdomen should be massaged with circular movements, starting out from the navel and going outwards. For the upper abdomen, the direction should be from right to left, while for the lower abdomen the circular strokes should be from left to right. All massage sequences should end with upward strokes towards the heart.

Skin "brushing" helps the elimination of toxins. The entire body surface can be brushed, using a rough cloth. Begin from the feet and go upwards. Then brush from lower to upper arms. Go across the shoulders and back.

Brush gently on the chest and abdomen.

Give yourself a luxury treatment with ripe papaya body polish. Apply the pulp on face and body. Lie on a mat and just allow your body to absorb the vitamins and enzymes. Rub gently all over and wipe off with a soft moist towel. Then, apply your mask. Lie on the mat and relax while the mask dries, listening to music and taking in the fragrant and peaceful ambience. After washing off the mask, apply the body lotion. After 15 minutes, wipe off with a moist towel.

One can build exercise, meditation and diet into the treatment. The main idea is to get away from it all, and also be able to unwind, relax and reduce stress. All in the comfort of your home!

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Beginning this week, Living will carry a monthly column on beauty and grooming by renowned beauty expert Shahnaz Husain. Feedback is welcome. Email: dhliving@gmail.com