After spending a relaxing week in Curacao in the Dutch Caribbean, we realized that this tropical paradise holds the secret to life. It can be found in the turquoise clear waters that surround this peaceful island.
Locals will tell you that the sea can cure any ailment. In fact, the Arawak Indians, the island's first inhabitants, used the natural spring waters in the ocean caves for their healing powers. If you have the flu, a sprained ankle or are even suffering from grief, they say, "jump into the ocean and everything will heal."
In the definition of spa - "sanitas per aguam," which in Latin means healing through water - I find that it's worth the dip. The number one cause of illness is stress - whether from work, relationships, or finances. There must be something we can do to relieve stress and promote healing from within. So do what the Romans did! The Romans took baths and used hot thermal waters to detoxify and relieve many symptoms including arthritis and other common problems. It was more than just your simple bath, salts and bubbles. The Romans created a bathing ritual that included bathing, sweating, steaming, massage and relaxation. Fortunately, here in the desert, we can enjoy a similar ritual at one of the many local spas to achieve peace of mind and body.
Start by feeling comfortable in your body, wrapped in a cozy robe. The spa is one place where you can be yourself: no discrimination, no comparison to the person next to you. The spa welcomes people of all shapes, sizes, genders and professions. It invites you to come as you are and to release the stress in your life. Sit quietly in the chaise lounge and explore the outdoors or take refuge in the dark relaxation room while allowing your thoughts to wander freely.
Start with a eucalyptus steam to sweat and draw out toxins, then apply a chilled wash to cool your face and neck. Next, step into the dry sauna to raise your body temperature and create dry heat relief. Add a tightening face mask while lying in the sauna or steam room, chilled cucumbers on your eyes and a Moroccan oil mask on your hair.
Then step into the healing waters of a warm bath filled with aromatic sea salts that encourage the soul to leave the body. The hot waters surround, bringing relief to the back, neck, shoulders, legs and arms. This allows for moments of self-reflection and the healing process begins. We escape to a stress-free world and become surrounded by water. The minerals contained in Dead Sea salts include bromide, sodium, magnesium, calcium and potassium. For thousands of years, since the time of the ancient Egyptians, people have used the sea to treat joint disorders, skin conditions, allergies and to aid in the aging process. These special minerals help calm the nervous system, increase blood circulation, relax stiff muscles, and promote lymphatic drainage. We typically look for expensive drugs to treat ailments when natural resources are often less than $2.00 per ounce.
Enhance your spa experience with more hydrotherapy by taking in an outdoor rain shower. Close your eyes and imagine you are standing in a waterfall with cool water flowing from head to toe. This will lower your body temperature and cause your blood vessels to contract, creating an awakening experience. Wash away your worries, along with face masks and hair products for a deep cleanse. By the end of this spa hydrotherapy ritual, you will feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
Enjoy spa services once a month along with a therapeutic massage to relieve tension and stress. A spa is not just about pampering. It helps you take care of your mind, body and soul. You may find that therapeutic waters can help alleviate back and body pain and eliminate stress from your life.
