Judy Chapman’s series of books goes beyond spa treatments. Her third, in-depth book on the subject (the previous ones are Aromatherapy Recipes for Your Oil Burner and More Aromatherapy Recipes from Around the World), simply and effectively titled Spa – Bathing Blends for your Home, is a collection of over 200 recipes with suggestions to make bathing a ritualistic experience.
Artistically photographed and styled by Katie Mitchell, this beautiful and practical book guides you through the simple task of bathing in an evocative and therapeutic manner.
Judy’s contention is that she uses a series of simple, easily available oils and combines and blends them with other complimentary oils and natural ingredients. The later could range from yogurt to frangipani flowers and papaya or sea salt. The contents are divided into creating the right ambience and essential tips and checklist of items for the ‘Spa Rituals’ at home. This chapter reveals, among many specific baths, an after-work wind-down; citrus rejuvenator; mineral mud bath and meditation dew for a few minutes of peaceful meditation.
In ‘Family Spas’ there are the Feminine and Masculine treatments and baths for the baby such as fresh yogurt and cocoa and a post-natal bath for mothers. The seasons – autumn reflections, warming winter, spring shower and summer rain – are welcomed in ‘Bathing with Nature’; while one is made to connect with and explore air, fire, earth and water in ‘Bating with the Elements’. ‘Lovers’ Baths’ are sub-divided for romance and as wedding rituals and include a papaya embrace, infinite love and soulmate glow. In the ‘Therapeutic Bathing’ section, the author discusses how hydrotherapy has the potential to heal many ailments – from headaches to common colds and muscle injuries and pain. There is help for those suffering from insomnia or menopausal syndrome or premenstrual syndrome. Even a hangover or sunburn.
A directory lists spas in the Asia-Pacific region, and a glossary of ingredients explains the method of extraction of oils.
Along with her sister, Jessie Chapman, the author has created a series of Yoga Spa Ayurvedic retreats, ‘Radiance Retreats’ (www.radianceretreats.com), which are held in various countries all year round.
Spa - Bathing Blends for your Home
By Judy Chapman © 2002
HarperCollins Publishers |
Other Articles
Book Reviews
|
