LEARNING TO RELAX

Relaxation is a prescription for health. Along with a well-balanced diet, an exercise program, and a positive attitude towards recognizing and coping with stress, relaxation will help you balance the body and mind, even when you’re worried and under pressure.

WHOLE BODY RELAX

1. Lie down straight with shoulders relaxed and even on the floor.
2. Arms should be straight with elbows alongside the waist, palms turned upward.
3. Relax your head and close your eyes.
4. Breathe deeply; allow your body to sink into the floor.
5. Breathe out slowly; relax.  Focus attention on your breathing; listen as you inhale and exhale and see how quiet the deep breathing can become.

HEAD ROLL

To help ease tension around the head, neck and shoulders, try a simple head roll to start the relaxation process.

1. Begin with head straight down toward the center of the chest and roll the head slowly round to the right shoulder and then raise the chin.
2. Lower the head and roll back to the center and continue round to the left shoulder.
3. Repeat the movement five times.

Exercise combats stress.  The physically fitter you are, the better the body and mind can cope.  Even burning off steam without losing self-control can be beneficial: a competitive racket sport, thumping the pillow, or going for a long walk can all release built-up tensions.  Time of stress and emotional upset can make the body cry out for certain foods.  Resist chocolate, cakes, ice cream or addictive stimulants like caffeine or nicotine.  Feed the mind with a high intake of vitamin C from fresh fruit and vegetables, in particular citrus, berry and tropical fruits, and all of the B-complex vitamin.

MEDITATION TO A BETTER YOU

Expand your consciousness by meditating.

Meditation is transformation Meditation cultivates equanimity and compassion, allowing youto be present with a love done, clientorco-worker and really listen to what they are saying and what they may need.

As you meditate on a regular basis, you develop what is known as witnessing awareness the ability to calmly and objectively observe a situation and consciously choose how you want to respond.

Meditation is one of the best tools we have to counter the brain´s negativity bias, release accumulated stress, Foster positive experiences and intentions, and enjoy the peace of present moment awareness. Having a regular meditation practice produces tangible benefits for mental a physical health including:

·         Decrease blood pressure and hypertension.

·         Lower cholesterol levels.

·         Reduce production of stress hormones.

·         More efficient oxygen-used by the body.

·         Increase production of the anti anti-aging hormone DHEA.

·         Improve Immune function.

·         Decrease anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Give it a try!

In the morning put your alarm clock eleven minutes before your wake up call. Before you start your day you can do some meditation.

Sit in a cushion with your legs crossed in easy position, lift up your back and bring your hands over your lap. Once you are comfortable close your eyes and direct your sight to your third eye. Visualize a Golden ball. Sit still in the position you have chosen. Do not manipulate your breath just let your breath breathe your body. As you inhale internally silently say “Let” and as you breath out internaly silently say “Go”.

Each of us have different experiences so no teacher can tell you what you will experience. Normally the benefits are seen after your meditation during the day in the way we eact to situations, others might have calls to do things related to creativity and projects. Slowly you can deepen your practice to 20 minutes.

The ideal time to meditate is 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes in the evening. 

VOTE MESASTILA ON Spafinder.com Wellness Travel Awards 2014

Spafinder Wellness 365™ would like to again congratulate the entire team at MesaStila - Wellness Retreat (previously Losari Spa) for being nominated for a prestigious Wellness Travel Award. These esteemed awards honor destination spas, hotels, resorts and retreats that offer exceptional experiences and programs to people seeking healthy travel and recognize an elite category of best-of-class properties around the globe. Voting for the finalists has now begun and will continue through September 19; award winners will be announced during the World Travel Market, which takes place November 3-6, in London.


http://www.spafinder.com/wta

5 health benefits of drinking lemon water

      Supports the immune function :

      Lemons are high in the antioxidant vitamin C, known for its supportive role in a healthy immune system, which may reduce the risk of respiratory infection. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) found in lemons demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects, and is used as complementary support for asthma and other respiratory symptoms. Lemons also contain saponins, which show antimicrobial properties that may help keep cold and flu at bay. Last but not least, ascorbic acid enhances iron absorption in the body; iron plays an important role in the immune systems function.

      Alkalize the body :

      Although the tartness of a lemon may make them seem acidic, lemons are actually one of the most alkalizing foods for the body. Lemons contain both citric and ascorbic acid, weak acids easily metabolized from the body allowing the mineral content of lemons to help alkalize the blood.

        Aid digestion :

      Citrus flavones are believed responsible for lemon’s traditional use as a digestive tonic. Believed to stimulate and purify the liver, lemon juice is traditionally understood to support digestive hydrochloric acid in the stomach further aiding digestion. Vitamin C status has been associated with reduced risk of peptic ulcers caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori.

       Clear skin :

      Vitamin C and other antioxidants in lemons combat free radical damage. Free radical damage — especially as caused by UV exposure and environmental toxins — is responsible for many symptoms of aging. Antioxidant intake can help offset this damage, minimizing wrinkles.

      Promote healing :

      Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), found in abundance in lemons, promotes wound healing, and is an essential nutrient in the maintenance of healthy bones, connective tissue, and cartilage. As noted previously, vitamin C also displays anti-inflammatory properties. Combined, vitamin C is an essential nutrient in the maintenance of good health and recovery from stress and injury.

CARRIER OILS / BASE OILS

Carrier oil, also known as base oil or vegetable oil, is used to dilute essential oil and absolutes before they are applied to the skin in massage and aromatherapy. They are so named because they carry the essential oil onto the skin. Carrier oils do not contain a concentrated aroma, unlike essential oils, though some, such as olive, have a mild distinctive smell. Neither do they evaporate like essential oils, which are more volatile. The carrier oils used should be as natural and unadulterated as possible. Many people feel organic oils are of higher quality. Cold-pressing and maceration are the two main methods of producing carrier oils.

Carrier oils or base oils are normally extracted from nuts or seeds and each has its own particular quality.

Sweet almond oil is one of carrier oils used in our Hammam Spa at MesaStila; is probably the best all-purpose carrier oil because it is neutral and non-allergenic.  It can be used for massaging babies.

Walnut acts as a co-ordinator and balances the nervous system; sesame is ideal for stretch marks; apricot kernel, peach kernel and evening primrose oils are all good for cell regeneration.

Walnut and evening primrose oil help alleviate menstrual problems including pre-menstrual tension.  

Wheatgerm acts as an anti-oxidant and will help preserve a mixture.

These oils are all rich in nutrients, and are ideal for most dry and sensitive skin types.  The most important thing when buying these basics is to check that they have been naturally processed and not chemically treated.  Cold-pressed is the best.

Picture courtesy of :

- http://www.essentialoils.co.za/images/carrier-oils.jpg

- http://www.myworldhut.com/product_images/k/argan_oil__51213.jpg

MesaStila HEALTHY FOOD CONCEPT

One of MesaStila’s six elements: Nutritional Excellence

Here are the main aspects of our Healthy food concept

1. Natural Ingredients: 

Minimize processed & refined food.  Our Healthy Cuisine uses/serves good, fresh and natural   ingredients.

2. Seasonal Appropriate:

Most of our Healthy Cuisine incorporate seasonal ingredients. It ensures that the ingredients are always available and as fresh as possible.

3. Colorful: 

Oftentimes, meals served at retreats are colorful. The more color food on your plate, the more nutrients, vitamins and minerals you consume.

4. Well-balanced Nutrition:

Well-balanced healthy meals have many variety dishes which consist of balanced nutrition & calories.

5. Quality Ingredients: 

To ensure that all food ingredients have a high quality standard of products

6. Taste and Flavor:

Healthy food focuses on delivering appropriately portioned dishes, high quality products, taste and flavor.

7. Uniqueness and Creativity:

To create variety of healthy recipes using natural ground spices & ingredients.

Here are the definition of “SLOW” that becoming our slogan.

·         Sustainable   

      Selection or processing of food must be sustainable; meaning ingredients should be

            available at all times, must be something which can be consist and cooked to a standard that             doesn’t change.

·         Local               

      Products from our property or from the surrounding villages. 

·         Organic          

      Selection of products used without chemicals

·         Wholesome   

             To keep as many original vitamins as possible and

Conclusion:

Healthy food is not always as expensive as we think, it is more about the proper selection of materials containing well-balanced nutrition & calories with the correct cooking process.

Stay healthy and be happy J

VOTE US !! MESASTILA NOMINATED ON 2014 WORLD LUXURY SPA AWARDS

We are proud to be nominated as a Finalist of
"2014 WORLD LUXURY SPA AWARDS"
and would really appreciate your support to help us win
Vote between 17 February and 18 March 2014

http://www.luxuryhotelawards.com/node/add/vote-spa/810

7 Keys to Weight Loss

Recent research shows that we are not victims of our genetics. The fact that your genetic makeup may predispose your body to put on excess weight does not mean you’re destined to be obese. We are not slaves to our genes! Your habits alter the genetic expression of your genes. There is no “quick fix” solution – those who lose weight and keep it off maintain a healthy lifestyle and form permanent habits of staying active and eating healthily. Once you’ve been obese, you will not be able to return to the amount of calories that a normal person of your size should eat unless you’re particularly active. This is particularly true of childhood obesity, which changes your genetic predisposition. Who wants to look and feel great, live longer healthier, and thrive?

Keys to Lose Weight and Keep it Off : 

                                                               http://www.winstonsalemevents.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/weight-loss2.jpg

1. Start a resistance-training program. Growth hormone is boosted via intensely exercising fast-twitch muscles for brief periods of 10 – 30 seconds. Cardio, aerobics and even many strength-training exercises do not increase growth hormone, thus minimizing their efficacy for weight-loss. For growth hormone to be activated, you need to work out intensely, and sweat profusely. At Mesastila we have resistance training as part of our wellness program. You can also book private Personal Training sessions, and work out at our outdoor jungle gym, or indoor gym facility. There's a range of options to choose from.
2. Focus on your digestion. I suggest Chi Nei Tsang (Abdominal Massage) as the best way to stimulate weight loss outside of what you eat. This is because it stimulates detoxification and addresses the underlying emotional stress that is causing the issue. 
3. Improve the quality of the food you eat. It’s not as simple as just calories in/calories out. It’s the quality of calories that counts. I teach 3 really simple principles to get this right: Organic, Raw and Alkaline. 
4. Avoid bad fats and get plenty of good fats. It’s important to develop an understanding of good fats versus bad fats. Good fats are found in Paleolithic sources like raw nuts, organic greens, wild animals, wild fish (not farmed) and seeds (hemp and flax seed are my favorites).
5. Avoid sugar. Sugar addiction is another thing that can easily lead to yo-yo dieting, so avoid sugar, high fructose corn syrup, fructose, and other hidden sugars. Instead of sugar-laden, over-processed hot chocolate, invest in cocoa – available in your nearest health store – an amazing food source of muscle-relaxing magnesium and antioxidants for muscle recovery. 
6. Keep your immune system in great health. The two primary culprits I come across for suppressed immune function, are fatigue and stress. Get plenty of rest and relaxation, and listen to your body. If you’re going to use supplements, Maca is my number one superfood.
7. Keep meal portions small especially if they’re cooked. If you do eat cooked food, eat it with raw food – as cooked food alone leads to a reactive immune response. Combining raw and cooked is the solution. Keep your blood sugar levels consistent throughout the day via regular nutrient-rich snacks and meals. My favorites are raw nuts and berries, especially delicious with a dab of organic yogurt. Consider also adding green vegetable juices and smoothies. I recommend the fabulous "Peak MesaStila" (pear, cabbage, celery, watercress, lime).

I hope these simple tips will help get you on the path to better health and feeling better about yourself.

To kickstart your digestion and weight-loss journey, see David, our Visiting Naturopath for a Chi Nei Tsang, Wellness Consult or other specialised treatments when you join us.

QUESTIONS to KICKSTART Life Transformation

Getting the most from your holiday may include taking time out to re-assess how you’re doing in your life, as in are you achieving your dreams. Do you even have dreams? Many people are so burnt out that they’ve forgotten to dream, and to dream big! You deserve to achieve your dreams! The quality of the questions you ask yourself is the key determinant in unlocking, inspiring and activating change. Do you want a better life for yourself and your loved ones? People don’t ask enough questions of themselves, and it takes an outside professional to give them the objective insights that will kickstart a life transformation. For instance, a simple question for a person with a bad habit, is “why do you do that”. The follow up is key – “can you think of other ways of handling that?” I believe people do have the answers inside them. They just need to be asked the right questions and then find the leverage with which to make the desired change they want. Your hopes and dreams are there for a reason. You may have ignored them your whole life, yet, now is the time to give them some energy. Most people who consult with me are seeking increased happiness or more fulfillment. Some have achieved financial wealth, yet yearn for spiritual wealth. Some do yoga but can’t seem to get ahead in their careers. I’m sure you’ve heard before – there is no success or failure – only feedback. Perhaps you’re in a “bad” situation and instead of seeing it as a learning point, or stimulus for making a change, you’re stuck in the perceived shock or drama of it. If a relationship or job ends, it is not the end of the world even though it may feel that way. Some of the greatest leaders have suffered spectacular failures.

These are SIX quality questions that will kickstart you on the path to achieving your dreams: 

1. What do I dream of doing and how can I be paid to do it?

2. What is the ONE action step I can take today to get me closer to achieving my dreams?

3. How can I learn from this?

4. How have I chosen this, and when will I start taking complete responsibility for everything that happens in my life…?

5. What am I truly grateful for ?

6. How can I start sharing my dreams with others in a way that empowers myself and my dream, and empowers others too?

Take advantage of the opportunity to book a personal consultation with David G Arenson ND (our visiting Holistic Specialist) for a LIFE TRANSFORMATION session at MesaStila (December 2013 – February 2014)