Spa School
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.
For more quick and easy home spa recipes, please read the following posts on the Homespunspa blog:
Top off your day with a cherry
Squeeze some lemon verbena into your home spa
Stay cool as a cucumber this summer
Pumpkin goes to the spa... a home spa pumpkin facial recipe
In Flanders Fields the Poppies Grow
A home spa manicure...it's like a bubble bath for your hands
Spritz and spray some Christmas cheer this year
Three wise home spa gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh
9 ways to spring forward with chamomile this weekend
Happy St. Patrick's Day the Homespunspa Way
Celebrate Earth Hour and Day with flowers and clay
Put your feet up, a home spa masque recipe for the feet
Wrap your loved ones in bathrobes this year
Let your Sense of Smell Guide you Home for Christmas
Homespunspa Book
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.
Schools of Thought
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
Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for their specific healing properties in applications such as massages and baths. Please see the home spa ingredients list for more information on the benefits of each essential oil.
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.
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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 Scent Groups
Citrus: lemon, lemon verbena, lemongrass, orange, mandarin, grapefruit, lime, tangerine, lemon balm, bergamot, petigrain, orange flower water
Spicy: clove, black pepper, nutmeg, pumpkin pie, juniper berry, cinnamon, cardamon, mustard
Tropical, Exotic: lemon, lemongrass, orange, mandarin, lime, tangerine, coconut, ginger, macademia nut, grapefruit, pineapple, ylang ylang, jasmine, cocoa butter, mango butter, vanilla
Floral, Rose: rose, geranium, neroli, palmarosa, rosewood, ylang ylang, jasmine, cherry blossom, petitgrain, orange flower water, rose water, calendula oil, evening primrose oil.
Orchard Fruit, Berry: apple, pear, apricot, plum, pumpkin, chamomile, strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, cranberry, apple cider, cinnamon, oat.
Licorice: anise, basil, echinacea, fennel, licorice root, star anise
Cooling Scent Groups
Minty: peppermint, spearmint, cajeput, eucalyptus, tea tree, chocolate-mint.
Mediterranean, Herb: rosemary, oregano, olive oil, honey, lemon, lavender, basil, sage, thyme, clary sage, dill, marjoram, chamomile, witch hazel distillate
Woodsy: pine, cypress, sandalwood, cedarwood, juniper berry, peppermint, spearmint.
Earthy, Nutty: vetiver, carrot, patchouli, black tea, walnut, almond, hazelnut, sesame, frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, cocoa powder
Fresh, Aquatic: eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint, spearmint, rosemary, lemon, grapefruit, cucumber, ginger, eucalyptus citradora, kelp, sea salt, witch hazel distillate, seaweed extract
Tea: green tea, black tea, peppermint tea
Thalassotherapy
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
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.
Please visit my blog post, "Are you a walking coat hanger? (part 2) for more information on this topic.
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 the home spa Ingredients List for more information.