Spoil yourself in herbal heaven...
Monday, 09 March 2009
If you’ve never been rubbed all over with steaming, aromatic herbal balls or had hot volcanic stones lodged between your toes then you’ve really missed out on something in life.
And if you’ve never been to Cocoon Thai Spa where these are just two options in a range of exquisite beauty and massage treatments, then really you haven’t lived at all.
Established for six years Cocoon Thai Spa specialises in relaxation, detoxification, skin nurturing, and revitalisation of the mind, and body. Step through the front door and you enter another world – a tropical paradise to rival some of the top international spas of Asia.
Owner Gaye Fasher has provided a haven of tranquility where clients can experience a range of therapeutic massage and steam treatments to alleviate physical discomfort and ease anxiety or daily stress. Offering a variety of single treatments and spa packages, Cocoon is considered by many as the ultimate indulgence.
In particular, the spa’s famous herbal balls consisting of muslin-wrapped herbs, which are steamed then rubbed over the body to provide quick pain relief for aching muscles, improved blood circulation and firming of the skin, have been described as ‘pure heaven’.
The herbal compresses are said to date back some 2500 years to Dr Shivakomathad, personal doctor to Lord Buddha. Likewise the spa’s incredible restorative volcanic stone massage is another sought after treatment.
Believed to be a part of Asian cultures for about 2000 years, this unique therapy combines elements of deep heat, pressure and Swedish massage with a touch of cooling relief. Flat, basalt stones are sterilised and water heated before being used to relieve aches, pains and muscular tension.
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“Placement” stones are strategically placed under the body, particularly the back with smaller stones being tucked between the toes. “Worker” stones are used as part of the massage process, their warmth expanding the blood vessels so that the blood is pushed through the body creating a sedative effect on the nervous system.
In conjunction with this, cool, healing crystals are placed at integral points such as the throat, sternum and navel to help restore spiritual balance. These cooler stones also constrict the blood vessels and stimulate the nervous system. This intermingling of hot and cold stones serves to soften muscles and warm one through yet also provides a sense of clarity. With the hot oils also soothing and penetrating the skin, the outcome is one of deep relaxation, release of physical tensions and, in many cases, a sense of profound, emotional calm.
Of course the herbal balls and the volcanic stones are just two traditional treatments. Cocoon also provides a unique form of Thai massage and stretching techniques to access deep tissue pressure points, reducing stress and relieving muscle soreness.
Then there is a much more modern innovation, the Starlight11 Space Capsule for relaxation, conditioning and weight loss. The capsule incorporates infrared heat therapy, steam and vibration to accelerate blood circulation. The concentration of oxygen in the blood helps stimulate cell activity and improve the body’s metabolism.
In addition Dead Sea mud masks, mineral body wraps, steaming facials and spa baths are also included in sublime spa packages that make the ideal gift treat.
After locating two Chapel Rd sites in Dannemora, Cocoon Thai Spa moved to its third Chapel Rd site in Flat Bush two years ago. It now encompasses six treatment rooms, two fully equipped bathrooms with sauna, showers and spa baths, reception and lounge area. Outside there is ample off street parking.
Open seven days, Cocoon Thai Spa offers a unique experience and warmly invites you to experience the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation. Ask about Spa Specials and gift vouchers.
Cocoon Thai Spa,
166 Chapel Rd, Flatbush,
Ph 274 9489
www.thaispa.co.nz
