Happy Mother's Day!
Say thank you to your mom by offering an exclusive spa treatment - She deserves to feel pretty!
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Say thank you to your mom by offering an exclusive spa treatment - She deserves to feel pretty!
Continue readingThis week you will have the opportunity to experience this unique body energy work at Kocoon spa's new space with our visiting practitioner Gyan Amin, who has more then 20 years of experience in this field, and more 10 years of experience giving sessions and teaching Thai Yoga Massage.
A Therapeutic Thai Yoga Massage session is a full body treatment for body, mind and spirit that clears energy blocks, makes muscles and joints feel young and free and put the client in a state of deep relaxation where deep, healing, spiritual experiences are possible.
Our special introduction price at Kocoon spa for this week is 60 min | 600 rmb.
In one hour Gyan will do a consultation, a body reading, a guided meditation and a short bodywork to give you a first impression of this special massage technique.
If you can, we recommend you to book a full body work session of 90 min | 800rmb (special introduction price).
Unfortunately we can only accept cash payment for the moment, we apologize for the inconvenience this may cause.
If you are interested make sure to reserve as soon as possible, as Gyan is only in Beijing for THIS WEEK!
Venue: Kocoon Spa, Taiyue Suites,16 Sanlitun South Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
To book your session: 137 178 434 06 or simply reply to this mail!
--- The Massage helps with low energy in the body, sore shoulders back or neck, stiff joints, lower back pain, muscles pain, nerves disorder and much more. First there will be a short interview with the client; finding out in depth the different body-mind-spirit issues which are happening for the individual. The session includes a physical check with special attention on body posture and spine alignment. Then the therapist will move to Thai style bodywork. Using thumbs, palms and elbow presses (and sometimes even feet and knees). He helps the receiver to relax tight muscles to release stiff joints and to free the life energy of the body. In addition Gyan will preform, based on the individual case, different Yoga-like stretches which support the opening and healing process.
"I just got my first Thai Yoga Massage with Gyan and it was amazing! A spiritual experience that combined meditation and an authentic, invigorating body work...feeling great, feeling free." Johanna
ABOUT GYAN:
Gyan taught Thai Yoga Massage and gave sessions in his home country Israel and in Taiwan where he lived for few years and studied Mandarin Chinese. At present he lives in Chiang Mai, Thailand. A wonderful place for a Thai Massage lover… For him, Thai Yoga Massage is a spiritual discipline, a way to express and share love and light. "Giving a session is a meditation of breath awareness and a chance of opening my heart in compassion, thus bringing the treatment to a deep level of spiritual communion and healing." Gyan Video about Thai Yoga Massage with Gyan ( with your VPN)
Continue readingStress relief can improve your vitality and state of mind: You will feel better and look better. Care of yourself and your body with our special offer:
Buy 10 massages or facials and get 2 extra for free.
Save up to 1760rmb!
购买10次身体护理赠送2次(限相同护理
购买10次面护赠送2次 (限相同护理 )
最高赠送金额1760元!
*Treatments are non exchangeable, offer valid until August 31st, 2013; 18 month validity, may not be combined with other offers and promotions
活动截止日期为2013年9月30日,有效日期为18月,优惠护理限购买相同护理10次
Continue readingSince I am in Beijing I tried a lot of different carrot cakes - with or without frosting - and they were all different. Some were too sweet, some too firm, some too dry, but the best and perfect one I ate was at Dareem Cafe in Sanlitun South. Therefore my goal was to make a carrot cake which was at least as delicious as Dareems'. It is the first carrot cake I made - Maika gave me the recipe - and it was simply delicious: succulent and just perfect! I did not any topping as it was already delicious, but I think for the next time I'd probably try some walnut cream cheese frosting...we'll see!
And here comes the recipe, inspired from Natalie Eve Garrett
Ingredients
1 3/4 cups almond meal (or 1 ½ cups ground almonds or other nuts)
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
a pinch of ground cloves
a pinch of salt
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
4 eggs
2/3 cup raw sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 ½ cups carrots (3-4 large carrots), peeled and finely grated (I used a food processor, but you can also use the smallest holes on a box grater. Or, in a pinch, you can buy a bag of pre-shredded carrots at a place like Trader Joes, though they’ll be drier; soak them for an hour or so first!)
2/3 cup raisins (optional)
Recipe
1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Grease a 9” cake pan with olive oil spray plus a drizzle or two more olive oil; set aside.
2. Combine almond meal (or grind your own in a food processor), spices and baking powder in one bowl; set aside.
3. Beat the eggs (with a mixer fitted with a whisk, or briskly with a fork). Slowly add the raw sugar and beat until it’s thick and ribbon-y. Add in the almond extract and olive oil, keep beating. Ahhhh that gorgeous almond smell!
4. Gently fold in the almond-spice mixture, and then slowly add the carrots and raisins.
5. Pour the batter into the cake pan. Bake for about one hour.
Fresh Lemongrass Tea and Homemade Carrot Cake at Kocoon Spa
Continue readingKocoon spa invites you to its Art Exhibition by Jiali Art Gallery. The exibition presents paintings from Seba L’allemand, artist and image maker from France.
His artwork: The Bubble
The bubble rises up and is pierced by the tip of the air; the shreds of its former life floating down onto the paper.
The promethean dancer may pour his whole energy into reaching the height of the bubble; yet he will never be able to push his physical being when his goal never stops limiting his movements. Seba brings him back to the page where the bubble is perched. He places his promethean dancer onto the photograph and leans over it to stare at what he sees.
Seba stares at the ground to create a painting which he will name Pinocchio.
From the ground emerge craters and black holes, meteorites and suns, a head and a body.
Who knows what is created, if this body and this head are the fruit borne of Seba’s work. Those materials that he mixes and kneads, do they pierce the bubble and tear the dancer apart?
From the bubbles that pop, from the dancer who throws himself, from the painting that emerges from the ground … is this the chain of creation? Are these works of art created in the same organic way the world was?
The only truth known for certain is the deep and encompassing unity of these three forces in Seba’s work.
About Seba Lallemand
Artist, image maker — Born in 1973 at Saint Martin d’Hères, France.
Seba Lallemand was born in Saint-Martin-d’Hères / France. He spent his childhood in West Africa (Gabon and Ivory Coast). After his art school studies (at ESAD / Orléans), in 1998, he joined Fabrica (Italy) directed by Oliviero Toscani where worked on visual projects and was the author of a short film “Afterwords”, which was presented at the Venice, Rotterdam, Paris, Croatia and Rome film festivals. Upon his return to Paris, he worked as a video director on the Gotan Project French Music Award 2002 and also as a freelance designer. In 2003, he set up “Eyesmile” an advertising and communication company in Hong Kong. In 2007, he worked as a cinematographer for Wang Bing (Brutality Factory), and as a cinematographer for Ai Weiwei’s Fairy Tale project in the Kassel Documenta international exhibition (Germany).
Since 2009, he is based in Trôo, a troglodyte village in France… From there, he decided to distance himself with the digital communication…
“On a sheet of paper, I’m drawing with a Bic and Tipp-Ex… On a sheet of paper or a canvas, I’m drawing painting with ink bubbles… Sometimes I add oil paints or pigments… I’m IN PROGRESS… Currently, I’m painting with oil colors… When I’m not in the workshop, I’m taking pictures…”
Continue readingAre emotions standing in your way when dealing with work and life obligations? In this short session Dalida will share mind-body techniques and mindfulness practice for better understanding on how to transform and use negative emotions for increased self-awareness, personal growth and improved relationships.
When: Thursday, July 11, 19:30-21:00
Lymphatic Detoxifying Massage with Kocoon's signature oils - 90 min | 620 rmb
Besides it's relaxing effects, this massage has many other benefits:
Skin care: For a clearer complexion and to lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in facial tissue, as well as reducing puffiness around the eyes. Old scar tissue can be reduced while the appearance of new scars can be minimized. It’s commonly used before and after cosmetic surgery.
Detox: At the end of winter, or after a period of high stress, the body will really benefit from lymphatic drainage, to reduce the sluggishness brought on by too many starchy, high fat foods and too little exercise.
Headache: Most headaches including sinusitis have a component of congestion that responds well to lymphatic drainage. Once tissue is decongested, blocked fluid and blood flow improve, reducing pain and discomfort.
Promote healing: After surgery or injury, the tissue may be swollen and sore. Lymphatic drainage is a gentle treatment that will help drain the tissue, reduce inflammation and improve healing.
Pregnancy and after: There is often fluid retention in pregnant women and lymphatic drainage can improve comfort especially in legs and feet. Breast feeding will be enhanced by this treatment, especially when there are problems with blocked ducts and sore tight breasts.
Reduce swelling: After long periods of immobility such as air travel or lessened mobility, fluid tends to stagnate in the tissue making it puffy and tender.
Conditions such as arthritis often have joints that are congested with fluid. All of these respond well when fluid is reduced with lymphatic drainage.
Relaxation: Because it is such a gentle treatment, it is one of the most relaxing. And the relaxation is enhanced as the cleansing and rejuvenating effects relieve stress.
(Source & More information: WATERWORTH, Sue: Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage)
Beat the Autumn blues with a creative and fun experience making your own fabulous piece of jewelry. Fanny Grillon is a French jewelry designer, she will show you how to do it yourself! We provide all the material you need to crate your own necklace on Nov 5.
Fanny Grillon began creating jewelry ten years ago in France, and she has continued to pursue her passion in jewelry making after her move to Beijing six years ago. She is inspired by new objects and concepts daily, but her poetic style remains the same-sophisticated and elegant. During her travels across Europe and Asia, she has collected various beads and accessories, all of which contribute to her unique style. You can find Fanny Grillon's new collection call "La Douceur" at Kocoon Spa.
Continue reading
5 Ways To Prevent Getting Sick
While the changing of the seasons might be all anyone can talk about right now, it’s fun to look back to the warm summer months, which were such a fantastic break from catching colds and flu. As the cool air arrives so does the onset of spreadable germs, causing sneezing, coughs, sore throats – you name it. It’s definitely exciting to break out our favorite fall gear – like rain boots and cozy sweaters – but catching a cold is no fun at all. Here’s a look at how to ride through fall looking and feeling your best with 5 ways to prevent getting sick.
Article written by David Zinczenko from The Huffington Post.
Spinach
It may be green and leafy, but spinach is no nutritional wallflower, and you know from reading Eat This, Not That!. This noted muscle builder is a rich source of plant-based omega-3s and folate, which help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis. Bonus: Folate also increases blood flow to the nether regions, helping to protect you against age-related sexual issues. And spinach is packed with lutein, a compound that fights macular degeneration (and may help your sex drive). Aim for 1 cup fresh spinach or 1/2 cup cooked per day.
SUBSTITUTES: Kale, bok choy, romaine lettuce
FIT IT IN: Make your salads with spinach; add spinach to scrambled eggs; drape it over pizza; mix it with marinara sauce and then microwave for an instant dip.
PINCH HITTER: Sesame Stir-Braised Kale > Heat 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 Tbsp. minced fresh ginger, and 1 tsp. sesame oil in a skillet. Add 2 Tbsp. water and 1 bunch kale (stemmed and chopped). Cover and cook for 3 minutes. Drain. Add 1 tsp. soy sauce and 1 Tbsp. sesame seeds.
Yogurt
Various cultures claim yogurt as their own creation, but the 2,000-year-old food's health benefits are not disputed: Fermentation spawns hundreds of millions of probiotic organisms that serve as reinforcements to the battalions of beneficial bacteria in your body. That helps boost your immune system and helps provide protection against cancer. Not all yogurts are probiotic, though, so make sure the label says "live and active cultures." Aim for 1 cup of the calcium and protein-rich goop a day. And choose wisely: Use our Best and Worst Yogurts.
SUBSTITUTES: Kefir, soy yogurt
FIT IT IN: Yogurt topped with blueberries, walnuts, flaxseed, and honey is the ultimate breakfast -- or dessert. Plain low-fat yogurt is also a perfect base for creamy salad dressings and dips.
HOME RUN: Power Smoothie > Blend 1 cup low-fat yogurt, 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, 1 cup carrot juice, and 1 cup fresh baby spinach for a nutrient-rich blast.
Tomatoes
There are two things you need to know about tomatoes: Red are the best, because they're packed with more of the antioxidant lycopene, and processed tomatoes are just as potent as fresh ones, because it's easier for the body to absorb the lycopene. Studiesshow that a diet rich in lycopene can decrease your risk of bladder, lung, prostate, skin, and stomach cancers, as well as reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. Aim for 22 mg of lycopene a day, which is about eight red cherry tomatoes or a glass of tomato juice. For the best picks in the produce aisle, click here.
SUBSTITUTES: Red watermelon, pink grapefruit, Japanese persimmon, papaya, guava
FIT IT IN: Pile on the ketchup and Ragú; guzzle low-sodium V8 and gazpacho; double the amount of tomato paste called for in a recipe.
PINCH HITTER: Red and Pink Fruit Bowl > Chop 1 small watermelon, 2 grapefruits, and 1 papaya. Garnish with mint.
Carrots
Most red, yellow, or orange vegetables and fruits are spiked with carotenoids -- fat-soluble compounds that are associated with a reduction in a wide range of cancers, as well as reduced risk and severity of inflammatory conditions such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis -- but none are as easy to prepare, or have as low a caloric density, as carrots. Aim for 1/2 cup a day.
SUBSTITUTES: Sweet potato, pumpkin, butternut squash, yellow bell pepper, mango
FIT IT IN: Raw baby carrots, sliced raw yellow pepper, butternut squash soup, baked sweet potato, pumpkin pie, mango sorbet, carrot cake
PINCH HITTER: Baked Sweet Potato Fries > Scrub and dry 2 sweet potatoes. Cut each into 8 slices, and then toss with olive oil and paprika. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes at 350°F. Turn and bake for 10 minutes more.
Blueberries
Host to more antioxidants than any other North American fruit, blueberries can help prevent cancer, diabetes, and age-related memory changes (hence the nickname "brain berry"). Studies show that blueberries, which are rich in fiber and vitamins A and C, also boost cardiovascular health. Aim for 1 cup fresh blueberries a day, or 1/2 cup frozen or dried. Try this amazing blueberry smoothie!
SUBSTITUTES: Acai berries, purple grapes, prunes, raisins, strawberries
FIT IT IN: Blueberries maintain most of their power in dried, frozen, or jam form.
PINCH HITTER: Acai, an Amazonian berry, has even more antioxidants than the blueberry. Try acai juice from Sambazon or add 2 Tbsp. of acai pulp to cereal, yogurt, or a smoothie.
Black Beans
All beans are good for your heart, but none can boost your brain power like black beans. That's because they're full of anthocyanins, antioxidant compounds that have been shown to improve brain function. A daily 1/2-cup serving provides 8 grams of protein and 7.5 grams of fiber. It's also low in calories and free of saturated fat.
SUBSTITUTES: Peas, lentils, and pinto, kidney, fava, and lima beans
FIT IT IN: Wrap black beans in a breakfast burrito; use both black beans and kidney beans in your chili; puree 1 cup black beans with 1/4 cup olive oil and roasted garlic for a healthy dip; add favas, limas, or peas to pasta dishes.
HOME RUN: Black Bean and Tomato Salsa > Dice 4 tomatoes, 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic, 2 jalapeños, 1 yellow bell pepper, and 1 mango. Mix in a can of black beans and garnish with 1/2 cup chopped cilantro and the juice of 2 limes.
Walnuts
Richer in heart-healthy omega-3s than salmon, loaded with more anti-inflammatorypolyphenols than red wine, and packing half as much muscle-building protein as chicken, the walnut sounds like a Frankenfood, but it grows on trees. Other nuts combine only one or two of these features, not all three. A serving of walnuts -- about 1 ounce, or 7 nuts -- is good anytime, but especially as a post-workout recovery snack.
SUBSTITUTES: Almonds, peanuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts
FIT IT IN: Sprinkle on top of salads; chop and add to pancake batter; spoon peanut butter into curries; grind and mix with olive oil to make a marinade for grilled fish or chicken.
HOME RUN: Mix 1 cup walnuts with 1/2 cup dried blueberries and 1/4 cup dark chocolate chunks.
Oats
The éminence grise of health food, oats garnered the FDA's first seal of approval. They are packed with soluble fiber, which lowers the risk of heart disease. Yes, oats are loaded with carbs, but the release of those sugars is slowed by the fiber, and because oats also have 10 grams of protein per 1/2-cup serving, they deliver steady, muscle-friendly energy. Or have a sandwich, from our list of the Best and Worst Breakfast Sandwiches.
SUBSTITUTES: Quinoa, flaxseed, wild rice
FIT IT IN: Eat granolas and cereals that have a fiber content of at least 5 grams per serving. Sprinkle 2 Tbsp. ground flaxseed on cereals, salads, and yogurt.
PINCH HITTER: Quinoa Salad > Quinoa has twice the protein of most cereals, and fewer carbs. Boil 1 cup quinoa in 2 cups of water. Let cool. In a large bowl, toss it with 2 diced apples, 1 cup fresh blueberries, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, and 1 cup plain fat-free yogurt.