5 pillars and effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

TCM is a alternative medical method. There are 5 pillars of treatment:

Accupuncture: blockades are dissolved by stimulation with thin needles or heat

Massage techniques: e.g. with dynamic movements, palpitation or accupressure

Breathing and movement exercises: Tai Qi and Qi Gong

Chinese dietetics: it is divided up into preventive and therapeutical diet. Food is categorised by its thermic effect, its energetic and its taste.

Chinese pharmacotherapy: the health situation of a patient is assessed by specific health symptoms as well as diagnose of the tongue and pulse and, according to this diagnosis, the patient gets a prescription of medicinal herbs.
This is supposed to renew the harmony of Yin and Yang of the organs and improve the function of organs and metabolism.

The fields of application of TCM are various and are such as dizziness, insomnia, depressions, sensitivity for infections, allergies, gastrointestinal diseases.

Read more about the tradition of TCM on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_Chinese_medicine

What is “Qigong”?

sport a-z

Qigong is a traditional chinese discipline to purify body and spirit. Exercises include routines to train breath, movement, concentration and meditation to improve the flow of “Qi” in the body. Qigong is supposed to extend life energy, strengthen frame of mind und supports demonstrably health prevention. Furthermore is is used for spiritual purposes.

“Qi” is the living energy of the body which moves the body and the world.

“Gong” means “work” or “ability”.

According to this “Qigong” means “continuous work with Qi” or “ability to use Qi”.

Find more information about Qigong and its roots on Wikipedia with the following link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qigong

Tivoli Victoria Vilamoura: Golf Resort, Conference & Elements Spa by Banyan Tree

with courtesy of Elements Spa Tivoli Victoria

with courtesy of Elements Spa Tivoli Victoria

 

 

Address:

Tivoli Victoria -Vilamoura
Av dos Descobrimentos nº 0
8125-309 Vilamoura, Portugal
Tel: (+351) 289 317 000
Fax: (+351) 289 317 345
E-mail: htvictoria@tivolihotels.com

Web Tivoli Victoria Hotel
http://www.tivolihotels.com

Web Banyan Tree
http://www.banyantreespa.com

Lodging:

280 rooms, including:
1 Presidential Suite
2 Executive Suites
14 Junior Suites
137 Twin rooms
3 Twin rooms – specially designed for disabled guests
126 double rooms

Dining:

2 restaurants
3 Bars

Leisure:

2 outdoor swimming-pools for adults
1 outdoor swimming-pool for children
1 Heated indoor swimming pool with hydro-massage circuit (available for those aged 16 and over)
Elements Spa by Banyan Tree
Fitness room

Beach – 7 min. from the hotel
Vilamoura Marina – 5 min. from the hotel
Vilamoura Casino – 10 min.
Aqua Park – 15 min.
Cinemas – 10 min.
Tennis Centre with 12 courts – 5 min. and a hotel court with synthetic grass and the possibility to play at night
Bowling Centre – 5 min.
Horse Riding Centre – 5 min.
Clubs, Bars, Restaurants, Shops – 5 min

Specials:

Gourmet in-room dining (24 hours)
Butler Service – exclusive for suites
Golf Desk, buggy parking, golf equipment storage room. Lockers and changing rooms for golfers.
Business Centre
Shopping Arcade with 9 international brand shops
Hairstylist
Art&Antique Gallery
Prêt-a-porter Designer shop – TM Collection
Banyan Tree Gallery
Underground garage with 173 places

Spa Pointer Interview with Elements Spa by Banyan

How would you describe the philosphy of your spa?

Banyan Tree Spa pioneered the tropical garden spa concept with Eastern therapies and a holistic focus on spiritual, mental and physical harmony. Banyan Tree Spa reintroduced an exotic blend of ancient health and beauty practices which have been passed down from generation to generation.

Like the tropical and sacred tree from which it got its name, Banyan Tree Spa hopes to provide guests with a sanctuary for the senses – a place for physical, mental and spiritual renewal.

Which influences melt together in your spa philosophy?

Banyan Tree Spa focuses on a non-clinical and holistic approach which celebrates the human touch and emphasises the use of natural herbs and spices. Banyan Tree Spa features an extensive array of indulgent spa experiences inspired by traditional Asian healing therapies. Every treatment adopts the healing sense of touch which reflects the essence of Asian traditions.

How would you describe the atmosphere of your spa in own words?

Located at Tivoli Victoria Hotel in the Algarve in Portugal, Elements Spa By Banyan Tree occupies a sprawling 1,200 square metres at the luxurious Tivoli Victoria Hotel. The Hotel is three kilometres away from the Marina, in close proximity to the Victoria golf course, offering panoramic views of the beautiful fairways and Portugal’s finest marina. The spa is the perfect sanctuary for the senses, featuring an extensive selection of Asian inspired spa treatments to rejuvenate the body, mind and soul. Our spa therapists are professionally trained at the Banyan Tree Spa Academy in Phuket, Thailand.

The Spa features four Double Deluxe Suites, each with an outdoor whirlpool equipped with hydro massage jets and a shower and steam room. The two Single Deluxe Suites are each equipped with a Rainmist room, a shower and steam room and a bathtub and one Single Deluxe Suite is equipped with outdoor whirlpool with hydro massage jets and a shower and steam room.

Guests may also luxuriate at the relaxation lounge before or after their spa treatments and make use of facilities like shower cabins, heated indoor dynamic pool, sauna and steam, heated jet pool and indoor relaxation lounge.

To enhance the experience, the Spa also offers a retail outlet, where an indulgent selection of spa merchandise including aromatic essential oils, massage oils and incense, Banyan Tree signature ceramic oil burners and candleholders, and pampering bath collections, are available to re-create the home spa experience.

Please describe the services of your spa in few words and how the services are influenced by your philosophy

Banyan Tree Spa emphasises on the traditions of Asian-inspired healing therapies that celebrate the human touch and the use of natural ingredients such as herbs, spices, flowers and fruits. We do this by remaining true to our Asian roots, and offering the best experience, be it the therapists, products, treatments or ambience. When creating the menu for each of our spas, a strong emphasis is placed on the use of indigenous products and ingredients of that country in our recipes for body treatments, to impart a local flavour and to give our spa guests a “sense of place”.

As an integral component of the accommodation experience at Tivoli Victoria, Elements Spa By Banyan Tree presents carefully selected traditional Asian therapies, such as the signature Thai Essence package to pamper both the leisure and business travellers. This signature Thai therapy takes a holistic approach to balance and rejuvenate the body, mind and soul. The therapy begins with a warm Thai Herbal Scrub which gently removes deep-seated grime from the skin. The Thai Acupressure Massage follows to release tension from the body. The Herbal Pouch Massage, using East-meets-West techniques and a herbal pouch dipped in warm Sesame Oil, helps to improve blood circulation and release muscular tension. The Lavender Orange Bath completes the rejuvenating experience.

Another popular treatment is the Hot Stone package, where heated river stones are soothingly massaged over the body along with the use of sesame oil, exerting warmth and pressure on energy points. This Massage, long practiced for its detoxifying effects, helps to boost blood circulation, promote healthy skin and relief muscle tension. The treatment begins with a Seaweed Scrub to cleanse the body of dead skin cells. A Body Wrap and Face Massage follow to cleanse the body from top to toe, preparing it for the Hot Stone Massage. This experience will induce a state of deep relaxation and bring the mind into ultimate tranquillity. In addition, Elements Spa By Banyan Tree provides traditional Asian therapies like Ayurvedic, Chinese, Indonesian and Thai treatments as well as a comprehensive range of massages, facial and hand and foot treatments.

How would you describe the choice and composition of personalities and professions in your spa team?

Spa enthusiasts are ensured of a high level of service standard at Elements Spa By Banyan Tree as our spa therapists undergo professional training at Banyan Tree Spa Academy.

As Asia’s leading spa operator, Banyan Tree Spa is known for its high standards of service within the spa industry. Heavy emphasis is placed on the consistency and quality of services provided by our Banyan Tree Spa therapists to maintain our competitive edge.

All our therapists undergo at least 350 hours of formal rigorous in-house training at Banyan Tree Spa Academy in Phuket in Thailand, Bintan in Indonesia or Lijiang in China. The Banyan Tree Spa Academy Phuket was set up in 2001 and is accredited by Thailand’s Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health. Banyan Tree Spa Academy was also established in Bintan, Indonesia in December 2003 and is licensed by Indonesia’s Ministry of Education. Banyan Tree Spa extended its reach into China, with the opening of Banyan Tree Spa Academy in Ljiiang, China in March 2007 to train dedicated Chinese spa therapists, well-versed in delivering the high service standards of the Banyan Tree Spa experience in China.

Gallery (pictures with courtesy of Banyan Tree Spa)

A – Z Spa Treatments: D

spa treatments a-z


D
Dead Sea Mud
Dead Sea Mud is a treatment that uses mud to smooth damaged skin, balance blood circulation, release skin toxins, and relax tired muscles.

Deep Sea Pearl Massage
A deep sea pearl massage is a treatment wherein high quality ground pearl and a special blend of Vitamin E and Royal Jelly is applied to the body to nourish the skin.

Deep-Tissue Massage
Deep-Tissue Massage includes a mixture of slow and short strokes plus penetrating finger pressures that target the deepest layers of muscles to release tension and stress. The therapist uses thumbs, forearms and elbows during the massage.

Destination Spa
A destination spa includes two to three nights of indulgence wherein the patient is provided with mind and body fitness, healthy eating and complete relaxation to loosen up and eliminate troubles and tensions.

Detoxifyng Lymphatic Massage
Detoxifying Lymphatic massage is a technique that increases lymph flow to remove harmful substances from the tissues and increase immunity. This treatment is best for people suffering edema, sports injury or lack of energy.

I have back pain from carrying my golf bag – what can I do?

PicFitnessLifeColumn

Question:

I’m a 14 year old and am trying out for the school golf team in the fall. I have been practicing walking, but I get very severe back and shoulder pain for days after. I want to know any muscles or exercises I can use to build muscle in the areas used. I, unfortunately don’t have access to any equipment except two 5 and 10 pound dumbbells. Thanks for providing any useful information.

 

Answer:

Hi,

the most important muscles for the game of golf as well as carrying the golf back and most day to day activities are the intrinsic muscles and the larger abdominal and back muscles. You should get involved into a regular golf fitness training which would include especially core and balance exercises. Besides, you can do strength exercises for the larger muscle groups, and your pair of dumbbells is enough for this at first.

For your core:

planks (front & side): you hold yourself in a push up position or a lateral position and keep your body stable

balance training on a rolled mat or any kind of instable surface with movements of your hip as well as lateral rotations of your upper body

for your strength:

do a circuit for the larger muscles such as squats, bent forward rows, shoulder presses, push ups, arm curls and triceps presses.

Make sure that you learn how to stabilize your center (in Pilates called “Power House”), because this is a major issue in playing golf on a high level in a healthy way. When you get back pain from carrying, daily movements or playing golf it might be that you need to work on your body posture, release the muscle tension with mat and pilates roller stretches or mobilization exercises as well as improve your full body stability.

Hope it helped!

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