* 15 min. Aromatherapy Tension Relief Back Massage with Kocoon Signature Blend using 100% organic essential oils

* 65 min. Soothing Water Lily Facial

* Post treatment tea by Tranquil Tuesdays or fresh IF juice

80 min of relaxation and bliss, 450rmb

Promotion extended until end of September! Non compatible with other promotions and discounts

Soothing Comfort! Relieve painful sunburn and immediately decrease your skin's temperature with Pevonia After-Sun Soothing Facial. A cooling gel of Waterlily with Green Tea and Essential Oils is applied. The properties of the massage mask reduce irritation and inflammation deep in the skin’s tissue, leaving it calm and soothed while deeply repairing and banishing free radicals. The treatment includes a facial cleanse and a stress melting scalp, shoulders and arms massage.

 Kocoon Spa is listed in Louis Vuitton City Guide 2014! You can order your copy on Amazon or find it in all the Louis Vuitton flagship stores. Just ordered mine! ;) These guides will serve as doors for discovering the best that the cities has to offer. And Kocoon Spa is in it!! 

Can Eating Chocolate Help You Lose Weight?

Eating chocolate before and after your meals is the newest weight-loss tactic. But is it too good to be true?

Eat Chocolate, Lose Weight. If the title of the new weight-loss book from neuroscientist Will Clower, Ph.D., isn't enough to grab your attention, its promise might: Eat chocolate 20 minutes before and five minutes after lunch and dinner to cut your appetite by up to 50 percent.

Um, what? This set off our "this has got to be too good to be true" alarm, so we did some digging to find out if the chocolate diet really holds any weight.

MORE: How Chocolate Can Help you Lose Weight

It turns out, the sweet stuff can fight sugar spikes. In one study from the University of L'Aquila in Italy, people who ate a candy bar's worth of dark chocolate once a day for 15 days in a row decreased their potential for insulin resistance by almost 50 percent.

While researchers credit flavonoids for reducing insulin resistance, weight-loss specialist and board-certified internist Sue Decotiis, M.D., notes that dark chocolate also contains healthy fats, which slow the absorption of sugar into the blood stream. That helps prevent the dreaded insulin spike, which is famed for shuttling sugar straight into your fat cells. "Insulin spikes turn off your body's fat-burning mechanisms and make you hungry again several hours later," she says. Over time, they can also lead to insulin resistance and diabetes.

MORE: Health Benefits of Chocolate

Meanwhile, Swiss scientists have found that dark chocolate reduces the metabolic effects of stress, and University of Copenhagen researchers have shown that dark chocolate curbs cravings for sweet, salty, and fatty foods alike.

And that brings us to the fine print: This only works if you reach for dark chocolate (i.e., types that are made up of at least 70 percent cacao). "White and milk chocolate has a lot of added sugar and contains milk (also a type of sugar), while dark chocolate has less added sugar, contains monounsaturated fatty acids, and has a bittersweet taste that reduces the amount you eat," says Decotiis.

Plus, while it's hard not to take chocolate's weight-loss benefits as an excuse to pound chocolate bars like they're going out of style, Clower says each helping should be no bigger than the end of your thumb. Eat more than that, and not only could you overload on sugar and fat, but you could also ruin your dinner, says Decotiis.

A Guide to Happiness via Self Forgiveness

Top cleansing and detox books of 2014 to start the new year

By relaxnews

After days of engaging in wanton gluttony, holiday revelers are slowly emerging from their food comas, eager to purge their bodies of that last chocolate bonbon and that second and unnecessary helping of turkey.

To help you along, here are a few of the best book releases from 2014 meant to offer readers tips on how to eat clean, nourish the body and begin the new year with a fresh start.

Clean Slate: A Cookbook and Guide by editors of Martha Stewart Living
Over 160 pages, the editors of the Martha Stewart Living empire offer a variety of recipes that are meant to do everything from replenish, restore, reenergize and relax. Mostly a plant-based cookbook, recipes include roasted mushroom tartines with avocado; spinach and white bean dip; as well as wild salmon, asparagus and Shiitakes in parchment. Recipes emphasize clean eating, whole, unprocessed foods. The book includes a menu plan for a 3 to 21-day cleanse.
Retail price $26 USD

10-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse: Lose Up to 15 Pounds in 10 Days! by JJ Smith
It’s the bestselling book in Amazon’s Detox and Cleansing category and was also a New York Times bestseller in 2014. Designed to ‘jumpstart’ weight loss, the book provides step-by-step instructions on how to undergo a 10-day juice fast packed with leafy greens and fruits. The book includes a shopping list, recipes and detailed instructions on how to follow the diet.
Retail price $15.99

Zero Belly Diet: Lost up to 16 lbs in 14 days, by David Zinczenko
Release date: December 30, 2014
In his latest book, Zinczenko, author of the New York Times bestselling series ‘Eat This, Not That!’ takes a genetic approach to dieting in his latest book and explains how some foods actually ‘turn on’ our fat genes, causing weight gain. The book identifies nine power foods that can help turn off the switch and offers tips on how to lose excess belly fat, which increases the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
Retail price $26

The Blood Sugar Solution 10-Day Detox Diet: Activate Your Body’s Natural Ability to Burn Fat and Lose Weight Fast by Mark Hyman
Also a New York Times bestseller this year, Dr. Hyman’s approach to weight loss is to keep the body's insulin levels low. The book claims to teach readers how to ‘reprogram’ their metabolism, shut off fat-storing genes, and control appetite. Meal plans, recipes, and shopping lists are included, as is advice on supplements and exercise.
Retail price $28

The Balinese Massage

New treatment at Kocoon spa: Kocoon's Balinese Massage

Balinese massage is an approach to massage developed in the Indonesian province of Bali, with influence from the traditional medicine systems of India, China, and Southeast Asia.

Balinese massage techniques include acupressure, skin rolling and flicking, firm and gentle stroking, percussion, and application of essential oils.

Balinese massage is a good treatment to choose if you want to experience a variety of massage techniques, need some help to relax, or if you're feeling a bit low. A relaxation massage with attitude, this treatment will help you feel calm, but it will boost your circulation and target knotted tissue to address physical issues as well.

Balinese Massage Origins

The Balinese Massage, as one of Balinese healing treatments inspired  by classical Hindu medical science based on Ayurvedic texts. Over a thousand years ago, merchant ships regularly traveled through the Spice Islands – modern day Indonesia. Hindus from India brought healing massage techniques and oil massage as well as herbal treatments. Buddhists from China brought acupressure techniques. Western writings and modern documentation on Balinese traditional  medicine was pioneered by a Dutch medic, Doctor Wolfgang Weck, back in 1930, with his prominent book entitled “Heikunde und Volkstum auf Bali”. Anthropologist Dr R Goris wrote The Balinese Medical Literature. These notable figures investigated the detail and complications of Balinese traditional medicine, especially on theories, diagnosis, medicinal ingredients, and methods of concoction.

Today, Balinese massage consists of several massage therapy techniques that the people of Bali have adopted from different cultures. Bali massage was originally the more painful healing massage technique. As tourism grew, foreigners began to request more relaxing massages.

What is Balinese massage good for?

Balinese massage techniques work to soothe damaged tissue, and relieve strained muscles and joint pain. The boost to your circulation will help reduce stress and rebalance your body, and the aromatic oils can also boost your mood. As this massage targets deeper layers of muscle, and boosts circulation, Balinese massage is useful for sports injuries.

As with all spa treatments, you should tell your therapist if you have any medical conditions or are taking medication.

What to expect from a Balinese massage

Balinese massage is usually performed on a massage couch, but can also be performed on a floor mattress. Aromatherapy forms an important part of a Balinese massage. The use of scented massage oil can be very therapeutic, with the aroma of the essential oils soothing your mind. The massage oil also helps massage strokes become fluid and free of friction, which makes for a more comfortable treatment.

Expect the therapist to use quite deep pressure during the massage, in order to work on deep, knotted tissue and muscle damage. Your therapist will also use long, gentle strokes and kneading to relieve tension and improve circulation in the muscles closer to the surface of the skin. Sessions usually last about an hour.

You will feel all kinds of wonderful after a Balinese massage: relaxed, refreshed, re-energized. You will probably smell fantastic after all those essential oils, too. If you have the chance to lie down afterwards, take it. Soak in the wonderful feelings of relaxation and realignment for as long as you can.

Different types of Balinese massage

Bali is just one of hundreds of islands that make up Indonesia. Many of these islands have evolved their own special kind of Indonesian massage. All of the massages fuse ancient traditions and practices into treatments that will help your body to heal physically and spiritually, and leave you feeling wonderful. Here are a few examples:

• Sasak massage
• Lombok massage
• Urat massage
• Balinese Boreh ( a massage created by rice farmers to ease pain using a preparation of a paste of ground spices)
• Javanese Lulur Ritual (traditionally performed on brides in preparation to marriage).

Contraindications:

• People who suffer from cervical problems or articular problems
• If it is the first massage you receive maybe choose another type
• Not recommended for pregnant women

Time: 60 min

Price: At The Opposite House: 600rmb / At Taiyue Suites: 485rmb

Review by Cityweekend magazine:

"You might not be able to book a trip to Bali this winter, but we heartily recommend the next best thing: a traditional Balinese massage at Kocoon Spa."

Spa Review: Kocoon Spa

Bali Beautiful

The version offered by Kocoon Spa features a body oil composed of an intoxicating mix of lavender, rose, mandarin orange and neroli. The 60-minute treatment (RMB600/60 minutes at Opposite House; RMB485 at Taiyue Suites) is somewhat similar to a Thai massage, but much less aggressive.

There are some gentle stretches, but nothing too challenging. Our therapist’s hands were smooth, using the fist to roll into the tissues of the muscle. You leave feeling relaxed and smelling faintly of spiced cloves, a scent that stayed with us throughout the day, making us feel a tad bit closer to the beautiful beaches of Bali. Read the review.

How to pack your carry on to fly “first class"

By Kocoon’s co -founder, Maika Endo

Packing my carry-on bag for a long flight is the start of my journey whenever I travel. I have perfected this art to a point where to me, flying has become a wonderful pampering experience and something I look forward to. Indeed, who can bother you once you reached the sky? Make the best out of this solitary time, to recharge your batteries!

What to pack:

Getting cosy to write:

I would start the first couple hours of the flight by relaxing into my seat with warm and cosy accessories, imagining myself in front of a fire place. I would ask the stewardess to fill my thermos with hot water and steep a relaxing herbal tea. Reserve that time of the flight where you still have energy to be productive, to let your mind wander, write plans, mind map, or simply journal. 

1) Wool & angora socks to feel like a happy baby and because it’s always too cold in the flight 

 

2) Cashmere slippers to feel at home and keep your toes warm

3) Cashmere hoodie so you can tuck your head in when it’s time to sleep without being disturbed 

 4) A small thermos & a selection of herbal tea bags: I would bring Verbena as an after meal digestive, Camomile for sleep, and tulsi leaves and rose petals tea for spa time.

 5) A nice pen & a beautiful notebook: I believe that if you admire your notebook you are encouraged to write! I only write with fountain pens!

Sit back and learn “passively":

A day before, I will prepare my music and podcasts library. Some music for writing, for spa and meditation time. In terms of interesting podcasts, I like to listen to Tropical MBA, a podcasts for location independent business entrepreneurs. 

1) Earphones and smartphone

2) A nice bag for all electronics (computer, phone, cables etc…) to make the processing through customs easier and faster 

 

Preparing your in-flight spa and sleeping time:

After brushing your teeth, turn on your spa music, make yourself the Tulsi tea and make yourself comfortable for your spa experience. Clean your hands and face with an aloe vera wipe, moisten your face with the mist, apply generously some lip balm, and your face mask for about 20 minutes. Finish off by applying some face moisturizer. Put on your earplugs and cover your eyes with the herbal eye pillow. Optionally, put on your hoodie as a “do not disturb” sign. 

1) Toothbrush with built-in toothpaste

 

2) Aloe Vera Hand & Face wipes (at Watsons)

3) Face mist: You may find the travel size at Watsons. I like to sprinkle my face every couple hours, to refresh myself (At Watsons)

4) Moisturizing lip-balm to protect your lips (Kocoon’s lip-balm is 100% natural with peppermint essential oils and Shea butter)

5) Face mask sheet for a moisturizing and cooling effect (at Watsons)

6) Sample size face moisturizer (Kocoon’s Elemental Herbology free samples with your facial treatment)

7) “Steam Eye mask” 

8) or“Herbal Eye Pillow” with Lavender

9) Ear plugs

Who can bother you once you reached the sky? Make the best out of this solitary time, to recharge your batteries!

Maika

Feel free to share with us, what other items you would include, and we will be happy to send you a Kocoon surprise gift!

About Maika...

Maika Endo, is a Japanese-French wellness entrepreneur. After several years in marketing and public relations, Maika felt pulled toward a deeper calling. 
After attending a series of international spa market research programs, including a Spa Management course in Toronto, Shiatsu training in Tokyo, and an aromatherapy course in Paris, she founded Kocoon, Beijing’s first holistic spa, with her mother. Kocoon represented a unique combination of East Asian healing arts, Thai hospitality, and European elegance. In 2013, Maika brought Thai Yoga Massage to Beijing by teaching Thai Yoga Massage courses and offering treatments herself. She has continued to leverage her entrepreneurial experience in the wellness arts by offering consultation in spa set up and management and advice to talented wellness practitioners on how to effectively establish and market their services.

Follow me!

 

 

Kocoon spa's February Spa Promotion | 二月促销活动

Geishas were famous for their beau­ti­ful facial skin. The secret of their wrin­kle free skin even in advanced age was the famous Shi­atsu Tech­nique. This nat­ural and effec­tive treat­ment uses deep flow­ing move­ments and acu­pres­sure points. Our February Spa Promotion invites you to sample 3 different treatments to rejuvenate your skin and complexion,  and discover the pleasures of Japanese traditions. 

日本艺妓因拥有美丽的肌肤而闻名。使她们即使在老年时期也可以让肌肤没有皱纹的秘密在于著名的指压按摩技术。这自然而有效的护理采用深流运动和穴位按摩技术。诚邀您参加二月促销活动，我们提供3种不同的护理来使您的肌肤恢复活力，焕发光彩，并且让您享受日本传统所带来的乐趣。

Upper Body Massage with Cocoa Butter (Back, neck, arms, hands)

Relieve skin itchiness or irritation with this luxurious and warm blend made of sweet almond oil and cocoa butter!

The antioxidant qualities of cocoa butter and sweet almond oil certainly take care of most signs of aging, but cocoa butter also provides a
barrier for the skin
that will protect it from outside agents as well.

Express Facial

A per­fect pick me up for those on the go, your skin will feel clean, smooth, and refreshed! Includes; cleans­ing, exfo­li­a­tion, ton­ing and moisturizing.

Kocoon’s Anti-Aging Face Shiatsu

Geishas were famous for their beau­ti­ful facial skin.The secret of their wrin­kle free skin even in advanced age was the famous Shi­atsu Tech­nique. This nat­ural and effec­tive treat­ment uses deep flow­ing move­ments and acu­pres­sure points. A Face Shi­atsu can:

- Relax tired eyes
- Pre­vent dark cir­cles and puffiness
- Smooth lines and plum-up skin
- Release ten­sion in the upper and lower face
- Pre­vent dehy­dra­tion and wrin­kles around the mouth
- Reg­u­late sebum production

Japanese Matcha Green Tea

Geishas are famous for their elaborate tea ceremonies. Green tea is loaded with polyphenols, but did you know that one cup of matcha green tea has as many antioxidants as 10 cups of regular tea!

Total treatment time: 90 minutes, 750RMB
Promotion not available on weekends

Reservations:

Fastest and best way: 24/7 Online reser­va­tion with real time schedule
Call, email or mes­sage our Spa Advi­sors dur­ing busi­ness hours:

(86) 132 416 960 21 | (86) 137 179 434 06
Wechat: Kocoon_spa

 @kocooning             Koconspa

可可黄油按摩上身，包括（背部、颈部、手臂及手部）
使用甜杏仁油和可可黄油制成的奢华温暖的精油来缓解疼痛和愤怒情绪。
可可黄油和甜杏仁油的抗氧化功效能够帮助抗衰老，而且可可黄油还可以提供抵抗外界化学剂的屏障。

快速面部护理

对于忙碌的人来说，它将会是一个完美的选择。你的肌肤将会感到非常干净、光滑、清爽！此项护理包括：深层清洁、去角质、爽肤、保湿。

日式面部抗衰老按摩

日本艺妓因拥有美丽的肌肤而闻名。使她们即使在老年时期也可以让肌肤没有皱纹的秘密在于著名的指压按摩技术。这自然而有效的护理采用深流运动和穴位按摩技术。
日式面部抗衰老按摩能够缓解眼部疲劳，去除黑眼圈和眼部浮肿，平滑肌肤，淡化细纹，缓解面部压力，防止唇部干燥和产生细纹。

日本抹茶绿茶
日本艺妓的茶艺特别著名。 绿茶含有多酚，但你知道一杯抹茶绿茶中含有的抗氧化剂是普通茶的10倍。

护理时间： 90分钟， 750元 （周六日不提供服务）

预约：
最快捷、最好的预约方式：24/7 在线预约，可以看见真实的预约时间
或者用智能手机下载MINDBODY CONNECT应用

请在营业时间内电话，邮件或者短信联系水疗顾问

(86)132 416 960 21 | (86)137 179 434 06
微信：Kocoon_spa