Homespunspa Spa School and introduction to techniques for relaxation

For centuries, people have visited natural, mineral-rich springs, otherwise known as spas, to immerse themselves into the universal healing powers of water.

These days, although the spirit of spa remains the same, the spa concept has evolved to include body massages, manicures, pedicures and facials as well as steam baths and saunas. It is an umbrella term covering all things healthy, suggesting a holistic approach to living that embodies physical fitness, emotional well-being, good nutrition and skin care.

collage of Lorin meditating and deck chairs with ocean view.

RECIPE BOX
Bath Bombs	Moisturizing Cream

For more quick and easy home spa recipes from Maria's book, How to throw a home spa pajama party the Homespunspa way, please read the following posts on the Homespunspa blog:

For an in-depth look at the secrets of the spas, buy your copy of Maria's book, How to Throw a Home Spa Pajama Party the Homespunspa Way today. Just $24 CAD plus shipping.

There are many more ways you can blend a spa experience into your own life. Here are a few schools of thought which may inspire you create your very own Homespunspa.

Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for their specific healing properties (see ingredients list) in applications such as massages and baths.

Essential Oils are produced by extracting the purest, most vital elements of a given plant, either from the roots, bark, flowers, fruits or leaves, and recaptured as oil. As a result, the best of a plant's beneficial qualities become so concentrated and so potent, that the oils can be used to treat conditions like Anxiety and Zits and many common health complaints in between.

Thalassotherapy originated in France around 200 years ago. Named after Thalassa, the Greek personification of the sea — hence "sea therapy," — it uses the abundant supplies in Poseidon's playground to create impressive treatments for health and well-being. Sea salt, seaweed and mud, and of course the water itself — all rich in calcium, magnesium and iodine — help relieve stress, exfoliate skin, stimulate circulation, and eliminate toxins from the body which are objectives facing any spa no matter how luxurious. For a fresh take on the ocean and the beach, please go to Ewesletter 11, August 2003.

Reiki (pronounced "ray-key,") is a Japanese method of revitalizing and healing the body, mind and spirit. Through gentle, non-intrusive hand placement, Reiki practitioners transfer universal energy to consenting participants to encourage relaxation, release stress and restore feelings of well-being.

SCENT GROUPS
At Homespunspa, you can customize many of our products (massage oils, room sprays, lip balms, etc.) according to your favourite fragrance groups. Choose from: Citrus, Spicy, Tropical, Exotic, Floral, Orchard Fruit, Berry, Licorice, Herb, Woodsy, Earthy, Fresh, Acquatic, Tea. You can also choose stand alone/plain scents like: Lavender, Orange, Rose, Vanilla or Chocolate.
WARMING	COOLING
Citrus: lemon, lemon verbena, lemongrass, orange, mandarin, grapefruit, lime, tangerine, lemon balm, bergamot, petigrain, orange flower water	Minty: peppermint, spearmint, cajeput, eucalyptus, tea tree, chocolate-mint.
Spicy: clove, black pepper, nutmeg, pumpkin pie, juniper berry, cinnamon, cardamon, mustard	Mediterranean, Herb: rosemary, oregano, olive oil, honey, lemon, lavender, basil, sage, thyme, clary sage, dill, marjoram, chamomile, witch hazel distillate
Tropical, Exotic: lemon, lemongrass, orange, mandarin, lime, tangerine, coconut, ginger, macademia nut, grapefruit, pineapple, ylang ylang, jasmine, cocoa butter, mango butter, vanilla	Woodsy: pine, cypress, sandalwood, cedarwood, juniper berry, peppermint, spearmint.
Floral, Rose: rose, geranium, neroli, palmarosa, rosewood, ylang ylang, jasmine, cherry blossom, petitgrain, orange flower water, rose water, calendula oil, evening primrose oil.	Earthy, Nutty: vetiver, carrot, patchouli, black tea, walnut, almond, hazelnut, sesame, frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, cocoa powder
Orchard Fruit, Berry: apple, pear, apricot, plum, pumpkin, chamomile, strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, cranberry, apple cider, cinnamon, oat.	Fresh, Aquatic: eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint, spearmint, rosemary, lemon, grapefruit, cucumber, ginger, eucalyptus citradora, kelp, sea salt, witch hazel distillate, seaweed extract
Licorice: anise, basil, echinacea, fennel, licorice root, star anise	Tea: green tea, black tea, peppermint tea

CAUTION

The content of this website is of a general nature only and is not intended as medical advice. Please discuss any noteworthy health concerns with an accredited medical professional.

We are not responsible for any misadventure resulting from the use or misuse of our products. We are not responsible for any misadventure resulting from the use or misuse of information contained in any Homespunspa literature including the pages of this website.

External Use Only
Essential oils are for external use only and should not be injested. They also should not be placed directly on the skin without diluting first in a carrier oil such as vegetable oil.

Skin Test
In order to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients or treatments, please conduct a patch test on your skin before proceeding with a full recipe. Simply place a drop of the mixture on an inconspicuous part of your arm, place a bandaid over it and wait 24 hours.

Pregnant Women
Please be aware of the many herbs and essential oils which may affect your pregnancy negatively. Many have uterine stimulation properties which may induce pre-mature labour.

Children
Please use extra caution when considering aromatherapy for children. Read and learn how to use essential oils properly to avoid allergic reactions.

Those with Epilepsy or High Blood Pressure
Please note that some herbs and essential oils may be physically aggravating for those diagnosed with Epilepsy or high blood pressure.

See Ingredients List for more information.