I become very picky when it comes to getting a massage in another Spa, and I sometimes ask if I can bring my own oil. The reason is, each time I go to the spa supply market ( I never buy beauty products but just studio supplies there!) I see the huge red plastic containers of oil with pin-ups on the bottle, and fake essential oils...A LOT of spas in Beijing use them.

Given the price or the questionable packaging with no information on the content,  I suspect they are petroleum based oils mineral oils, and their so called essential oils are just synthetic fragrances.

Is it even possible to buy real essential oils here?

Mineral oils have a long shelf life, but they can clog pores and have no therapeutic or dermalogical benefit. Same for the synthetic fragrances, and it can actually irritate nose and skin.

I would recommend when you go to a Spa for a massage, to ask about the oil, which carrier oil do they use?  Where are the essential oils from? Of course "you get what you pay for", and it's likely that if you have a cheap treatment, the products used are cheap too ;p.

If I go for a massage, I am going for the whole holistic experience, to heal my body and soul. I don't go just for the massage techniques,  but also for the service, attention to details, and for the quality of the products that I put on my skin, to provide nourishment and revitalize my whole being. I will soon make a list of my favorite spas!

About carrier oils, you can try:

*Almond oil: Gentle, rich in proteins and vitamins, it's a nourishing and softening oil, great for eczemas or irritated skin. If you have itchy skin after showering, this oil is for you!

Coconut Oil: Good to prevents hair dandruff! Smell is a bit strong for a massage, but some people like it!

Jojoba oil: Penetrates the skin very well, nourrishes hair and prevents hair loss.

Macadamia: Acids are very close to our skin's sebum, great for dry or mature skin.

Some spas will mix almond oil with olive oil, because olive oil is cheaper, and also almond oil is very easily absorbed by the skin. The essential oils will mask the smell of the olive oil. Ｉguess if it's a real and good olive oil, that is fine :).

Maika

I become very picky when it comes to getting a massage in another Spa, and I sometimes ask if I can bring my own oil. The reason is, each time I go to the spa supply market ( I never buy beauty products but just studio supplies there!) I see the huge red plastic containers of oil with photo of pinups on the bottle, and cheap fake essential oils... Given the price and the absence of any information on it, I suspect they are petroleum based oils mineral oils, and their so called essential oils are just synthetic fragrances. Is it even possible to buy real essential oils here?

Mineral oils have a long shelf life, but they can clog pores and have no therapeutic or dermalogical benefit. Same for the synthetic fragrances, and they can actually irritate nose and skin.

I would recommend when you go to a Spa for a massage, to ask about the oil, what is the carrier oil? Where are the essential oils from? Of course you get what you pay for, and it is likely that if you have a cheap treatment, the products used are cheap too ;p.

If I go for a massage, I am going for the whole holistic experience, to heal my body and soul. I don't go just for the massage techniques,  but also for the service, attention to details, and for the quality of the products that I put on my skin, to provide nourishment and revitalize my whole being.

And that is what I try to provide in Kocoon. I bring my essential oils from France in my suitcase every year, and I blend it with natural French sweet almond oil. It's a little more costly than other oils especially because it's immediately absorbed into the skin, but at last you will leave with a radiant moisturized supple skin!

I become very picky when it comes to getting a massage in another Spa, and I sometimes ask if I can bring my own oil. The reason is, each time I go to the spa supply market ( I never buy beauty products but just studio supplies there!) I see the huge red plastic containers of oil with photo of pinups on the bottle, and cheap fake essential oils... Given the price and the absence of any information on it, I suspect they are petroleum based oils mineral oils, and their so called essential oils are just synthetic fragrances. Is it even possible to buy real essential oils here?

Mineral oils have a long shelf life, but they can clog pores and have no therapeutic or dermalogical benefit. Same for the synthetic fragrances, and they can actually irritate nose and skin.

I would recommend when you go to a Spa for a massage, to ask about the oil, what is the carrier oil? Where are the essential oils from? Of course you get what you pay for, and it is likely that if you have a cheap treatment, the products used are cheap too ;p.

If I go for a massage, I am going for the whole holistic experience, to heal my body and soul. I don't go just for the massage techniques,  but also for the service, attention to details, and for the quality of the products that I put on my skin, to provide nourishment and revitalize my whole being.

And that is what I try to provide in Kocoon. I bring my essential oils from France in my suitcase every year, and I blend it with natural French sweet almond oil. It's a little more costly than other oils especially because it's immediately absorbed into the skin, but at last you will leave with a radiant moisturized supple skin!

I become very picky when it comes to getting a massage in another Spa, and I sometimes ask if I can bring my own oil. The reason is, each time I go to the spa supply market ( I never buy beauty products but just studio supplies there!) I see the huge red plastic containers of oil with photo of pinups on the bottle, and cheap fake essential oils... Given the price and the absence of any information on it, I suspect they are petroleum based oils mineral oils, and their so called essential oils are just synthetic fragrances. Is it even possible to buy real essential oils here?

Mineral oils have a long shelf life, but they can clog pores and have no therapeutic or dermalogical benefit. Same for the synthetic fragrances, and they can actually irritate nose and skin.

I would recommend when you go to a Spa for a massage, to ask about the oil, what is the carrier oil? Where are the essential oils from? Of course you get what you pay for, and it is likely that if you have a cheap treatment, the products used are cheap too ;p.

If I go for a massage, I am going for the whole holistic experience, to heal my body and soul. I don't go just for the massage techniques,  but also for the service, attention to details, and for the quality of the products that I put on my skin, to provide nourishment and revitalize my whole being.

And that is what I try to provide in Kocoon. I bring my essential oils from France in my suitcase every year, and I blend it with natural French sweet almond oil. It's a little more costly than other oils especially because it's immediately absorbed into the skin, but at last you will leave with a radiant moisturized supple skin!

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Throw yourself into Pureness.  Feel the pureness of air, water, earth, space and fire. Returning into the purest you, what will you see and who will you become? Through purifying yourself, how beautiful and natural are you!

Kocoon's friends can enjoy 5% discount on ay of the packages!

RSVN and inquiry at darshanayogashanghai@gmail.com or +8613524442004

Date: Oct 31 (Wed) – Nov 4 (Sun) (or Nov 1–4 (Sun) is optional for residents in Japan

Location: Aso Mountrain, Kumamoto, Kyushu Island JAPAN

Program:  1^st and 5^th day (Oct 31/Nov 4) 1 meditation class 2^nd – 4^th day (Nov 1/2/3) 530-6am Meditation/6-730am Asana/330-5pm Asana/830-9pm Meditation and the following hike;

 - Aso the mountain, one of the most significant mountains

 - Takachiho, a mountainous region of Japanese mythology

Accommodation:

1^st and 4^th day: Japanese Traditional Style Hotel

2^nd – 3^rd day: Aso Folk School 

1.  Oct 31 – Nov 4 RMB9,000

2.  Oct 31 – Nov 4 JPY64,000

3.  Nov 1 – Nov 4 (open only to residents in Japan) JPY56,000

1 includings;  international flight ticket, insurance of international flight, accommodation, transportation, meals, yoga classes, local tours.

2 and 3 includings all above but NOT international flight ticket and international insurance, and transportation from where you come from to the retreat venue

1, 2 and 3 excludings; personal sourenir and shopping, JAPAN visa

note 1: air cost is non-refundable whatever reason so called.

note 2: penalty of cancellation before Sep 15^th will cause 50% refund, after the airfare deduction.  That after Sep 16^th will cause no refund.

Matej Jurenka

Born in 1978 in Bratislava, Slovakia, Matej is the founder of Shrivatsa Vinyasa Yoga - a unique method of realizing the full human potential.  Besides yoga he dedicates his free time to the studies of ancient healing techniques.  For the last 10 years he has been teaching in Spain, Germany, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Slovakia, South America etc.  More info at www.jurenka-yoga.sk

Waylon Belding

Waylon was born in the forest of British Columbia, Canada. 
He spent the first six years of his life with the animals and trees. His youth was consumed with a need to heal himself and help the world.  From the moment he began yoga, Waylon had found his home.  A new sense of mindfulness, vitality and happiness were discovered. In the temple he was privileged to have studied with many Sadhus, Baba's, yogi's and Mahatma's from India. Since then, he has travelled the world over studying and practicing with the worlds greatest teachers.  Waylon is the founder of Zuddha Yoga - that challenges fear based habits and will help the earth and all its beings, community and simple sustainable yogic lifestyles by enhanced love and calmness. 

More info at www.zuddhabuddha.com

RSVN and inquiry at darshanayogashanghai@gmail.com or +8613524442004 LIMITED TO 16 students

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I almost did not want to disclose the places I have discovered in Thailand. I would like to keep them pristine as long as possible... but then I would not have known them, if someone had not shared it with me... On Kochang island, I avoided the crowded beaches, and went for the jungle on the east side. No beaches, 7 / 11 or shops... I stayed at the Spa Kochang, a sanctuary for people looking for peaceful relaxation in a healthy environment.

 The Spa Kochang

Opened by a couple who believe in the benefits of a healthy diet and fasting, their award winning restaurant offered a menu for meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans, as well studied program for fasters. I ate like a queen, had a wonderful massage, swam in their pool, and took a yoga class in the morning.

After Kochang, I spent a week in Chiangmai, and I was blessed to have as a caretaker Gyan, an inspiring person who is Thai Yoga Massage practitioner and teacher. We met a few years ago in Beijing. Through Gyan, I also met a whole community of passionate people, making their dream become true,  sharing their knowledge and gifts to the world:

Marike, herbalist and founder of Arunthai, a fair trade based, cruelty free company that hand makes the finest massage, spa and body care products using first class Thai ingredients and centuries-old herbal traditions (I got addicted to their coconut oil! )

Pranesh, leader of The Womb meditation center, and his lovely partner Monly. I could not say in better words his expression of it: "The Womb is a holistic center cultivating the silence and beauty of the Buddha nature. Our Center is not part of any tradition or religious belief system; it simply provides the space for you to learn the art of tuning into your own silence in a spontaneous and alive way."

The Womb

Betty, naturopath and yoga teacher traveling around the world, Poncho with whom I had an amazing yoga experience, the community center Namo where one enjoy daily yoga and massage classes, ConstanceFaClara joyful family,  Laetitia & the magical orchestra, David & Christophe, owners of CM Blue House... did not resist to Chiangmai's charms!

Namo Community Center

A few years ago, I came to Thailand with my mother, and we decided to create our own concept of spa, a platform for well-being. This year as I returned, I feel energized and ready to nurture a need for more learning.

I hope that you too, you have the opportunity to travel and find your promise land. A supportive environment where you can open your heart and feel motivated to become the creator of your life.

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"Chinese medicine concepts of food and energy"

by ALEX TAN

Traditionally, autumn is the harvest season. It is the time for our bodies to harvest and gather energy for the colder months ahead. In autumn, the yang of summer gives into the growing yinenergy of the approaching winter. There is less activity in the colder months, but more emphasis on substance, nurturing, and supporting and building our organs, fluids and blood. After summer, autumn is time to clear excess heat from the body, and then as temperatures drop, it is time to start warming the body, against extremes. While this may seem contradictory, summer heat saps strength, while internal warmth supports strength.

With the arrival of the strong drying winds, the deciduous trees lose their leaves in autumn. The wind and falling temperatures push the energy in and downward. While we feel the effects of wind on our skin, internally, the wind attacks the Lungs. Heat and dryness trapped in the Lungs can easily cause coughs and other Lung disorders.

In Chinese medicine, wind can drive external pathogens into the body but also can stir up internal blockages and emotional excesses. The emotions are largely regulated by the Liver and Gallbladder systems, so we must not forget to support the other organs, not only the Lungs in autumn.

The function of the digestive system often becomes deficient in autumn. Gastro-intestinal conditions are common at this time of year, and take extra care and eat well to prevent disease finding its way in through the mouth.  Read more here 

A Unique Blend of Eastern Medicine with a Western Perspective

Straight Bamboo TCM Clinic is open 5 days a week for acupuncture and related treatments.

& Individualised and personal treatment with a focus on holistic health, effective communication & information for English speakers
& Treatment and assistance designed to help you understand your imbalance and what you can do about it using Chinese medicine dietary therapy, Qigong, positive psychology and daily rhythms
& Acupressure, Moxibustion, Cupping, Gua-sha & Massage
& Lifestyle Consultation - How to gain greater health & happiness using ancient Chinese health knowledge - for people who want to increase health awareness and discover balance through positive interventions.

Clinic locations & times:
The Hutong - www.thehutong.com
Sunday               9am-6pm
Monday               8am-7pm
Tuesday              8am-6pm
Wednesday         8am-6pm
Thursday             8am-6pm
Price: 250rmb for 60 minute treatment/consultation

Kocoon spa lounge and elixirs@ The Opposite House - www.kocoonspalounge.com
Monday            8am-11am
Tuesday            8am-10am
Wednesday        8am-10am
Thursday           8am-10am
Price: 350rmb for 80 minute treatment/consultation

Note: For any cancellation within 24-hours of an appointment, cancellation fee of 100rmb applies
Call or email Alex Tan for appointments and more information:
Email: straightbamboo@gmail.com
Visit: www.straightbamboo.com 
Phone: 150 115 103 63

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As the saying goes: "Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper."

I'm compiling a list of places in Beijing where you can go early, eat a decent breakfast with coffee, and access wireless.

1) Colibri @ The Opposite House, in Sanlitun

On weekdays, 29rmb gets you coffee/ tea/ or milk and egg, bacon and toast or croissant with pastrami beef and arugula. Pretty good deal!

2) Cafe Flatwhite on Xingdonglu

2 eggs benedict and bacon for 55rmb! Rickshaw Roasters coffee.

3) Darren Coffee, Sanlitun Bar Street

Not too much breakfast food option, but they have an outdoor terrace, delicious home made cakes and tarts and they roast their own coffee.

4) Cafe Zarah on Gulou Dajie

Many breakfast package options, from muesli to german or continental breakfast. Love the fact that they serve cafe latte in a bowl. Great teas as well!

5) Comptoir de France Bakery in Xingfucun

I bought a nice and crunchy 3/4 baguette for 9rmb, and they served it on a plate, with butter! For the price of  29rmb for the whole set, it's easy to make it an addiction!

6) Royal Smushi on Sanlitun

Attentive service, you can find pastries such as croissant, pain au chocolat, cinnamon roll etc...Coffee was a bit small to my taste though!

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A sudden desire for sweets or chips? Try somehting else and satisfy this crave with some healthy, tasty almonds!

Almonds are known for their high nutrient and vitamin contents. They deliver important unsaturated fats and mineral salts like magnesium and calcium as well as a large amount of vitamin B and E.

 

By eating only 60g per day you can already provide diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and a high level of cholesterol. This recipe combines almonds with healthy garlic and rosemary, which has a memory improving effect.

 

 Bon appetit!

 

10 g butter*

 

200 g almonds

 

2 big cloves of garlic (crushed)

 

1 handful of rosemary leaves

 

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

 

1 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. smoked paprika

1/2 tbsp. Brown sugar

2 tsp. Seasalt flakes

1 tbsp. native olive oil

Melt the butter in a cast-iron or stainless steel skillet, add the almonds and stir until they're heated through and starting to brown. Take off the heat and add the condiments, stirring through. The residual heat of the pan should cook the garlic just enough to take off the edge without burning it (which results in a bitter taste).

Instead of the brown sugar you can also take some honey, which gives a beautiful color and a delicious taste!

* I used to prefer the taste of olive oil for this purpose, but I do not like to heat vegetable oils in order to avoid transfats, so I have got used to using butter or ghee for this recipe.  

Recipe found at The passionate cook

 

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In 2 big topper wares, I mixed a bag of:

• Dried green grapes
• Dried red grapes
• Almonds
• Walnuts
• Cashew Nuts
• Pecan Nuts
• Pumpkin Seeds
• Dried pineapple

Its delicious and nutrituous! 

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