Tonight I had my very first tango lesson and I loved it. I did my first steps at école air de tango on the main , a very warm and welcoming studio. The space is very velvety, remminessent of Buenos aires cafés. What struck me at first was the intimacy created between two dancers, in this case complete strangers, The feeling s involved are primarly trust and intuition.To practice they made us close our eyes and follow the lead of a partner. This was therapeutic for me because I usually ask others to follow my lead blindly. It was a small leap of faith, a dipping of my toes in this new world of tango dancing which I plan to fiddle with for the next few months. When I practice meditation, yoga, or even when I used to do a lot of massage therapy I always felt this space between the tissues, the physical tangible aspects of the body. This is how you address the stagnation, the lack of mobility, the need to embrace change, by addressing the silence and the space between things. I felt that with the tango , it was a bit the same. Trust the lead, feel the space and connect.
Sauver la face
It is winter, it’s cold , it’s grey and my skin is looking so dull and already exhausted from the weather’s mood swings. When you wake up looking like a pair of crocrodile shoes …this can’t possibly be good. So it is time for a little pampering at my favourites Montreal’s spas, and this time we will focus on facials so i can share with you the benefits of such treatments.
So i went around town for some pretty amazing treatments and they were very different from one another in both the way they felt and the way they benefited my skin.
The first was a microdermabrasion and it was very simple and surprisingly soft. The esthetician did passes on my skin with a small air gun the purpose was to deeply exfoliated the skin of its dead cells. It wasn’t painful at all and i was told the effect would be fully felt a few days later. She also made sure to rehydrate and rebalance my skin with a hydratant. My skin definetly felt smoother and looked clearer after the 90 minutes facial.
The second facial i got was a collagen facial and it wasn’t a hit for me. i was told midway through the treatment that it was extracted from the neck of baby cows and althought i am not a complete vegan i do not like the idea of animaI extractions as a way of getting beautiful skin. It was also very expensive and the results weren’t formidables. I much rather prefer taking my daily marine collagen extract with some silica to enhance the absorption. Collagen maintnance is a very important key factor in skin aging and i was told by a naturopath that taking it just before going to bed is the best way to consume it for its absorbancy in the body. So this is my preffered way to address collagen and of course staying away from the harmful sun rays which depleat the collagen in the skin and dammage it.
Well i was anyways very well exfoliated by the time i got my third facial. More in line withh my beliefs and my philosophy of skincare i got this fabulouschocolatete and rasshoul facial that felt and smelled amazing It was bliss full but i was curious as to why the esthetician did not performed extractions. I was then explained that this procedures are not always necessary to achieve a good facial and that in some case they can cause microlesions( small lesions on the epiderme)….This facial felt the more complete and I loved it because the ingredients were all natural and organic: chamomile rassoul, cchocolateblueberry, precious oils…How can this not be good for you? Shouldnt we be able to eat what goes on our skin?
Yummy. So i think it is important to be well informedwhen you get a facial about what exactly is being used on your skin. The skin is a membrane that absorbs what it is given and i feel much better putting chocolate on my skin that baby cow extract.
On this not i wish you all a very amazing valentines day
Julie
Heat therapy in Spas.
Last winter i was amazed at how many people around me got sick with the flu or some other nasty cold. I was equally amazed that even if i was in close proximity to all of theses poor friends of mine i never got sick myself. Of course it could have been simple luck but personally i am convinced that my weekly hot yoga class as well as my infrared wrap therapy treatments greatly helped my body resist all the bad bugs by strengthening my immune system. I felt a whole lot stronger and more energetic than i usually do in the winter’s months and in Montreal these months are usually pretty rough.
Heat therapy is hugely beneficial, sweating is underrated and in our sedentary societies we just don’t sweat enough.
Sweating is so important to our health and the integrity of the whole body. Without it we would poison ourselves quite fast. Sweating regulates the bodies tempurature , it is kick to the immune system as well as nature’s perfect way of cleansing the body. You want to sweat!
Spas traditionally offer a variety of treatments with the central premise of sweating, althought it is no advertise as such. Theses treatments are truly purifying and help the body purge itself of toxins. It also boosts our metabolism and activates the lymphatic system. Simply put sweating should be regarded as a healthy path to optimal health and beauty.
Ancient civilizations were very aware of the purification process and benefits involved in sweating. North american native indians had the sweat lodge, the moroccans had their hammam, the Indians their steam baths, and more recently a new and unique heat therapy, infra red therapy, which had carved a niche in the international spa market. The later is very unique because it uses infra red rays that penetrate deeply into the muscles of the body and gives the an even heat distribution that mimics a fever; which boosts the immune system, helps clear out cellulite and extra fat and makes the skin radiant. It can also be very helpful for people with joint pain and arthritis. When properly used infra red saunas or wraps are an amazing way to gently activate the cardio-vascular system : one hour of infra red therapy is the equivalent of running a marathon, in terms of calories lost!
So ladies and gentlemen….go ahead , visit a spa and break a sweat! You will feel all the more healthy for it. Heat therapy: #1 for Montreal’s frigid winter: 0. ha!
Dernièrement nous avons beaucoup parlé du fait que nos produits utilisés en cabine sont biologiques . En fait, nos produits de soins sont fabriqués pour nous exclusivement par nos artisants herboristes. Fait à la main et de qualité incroyable, nos produits comprennent des ingrédients de sources biologiques ou “sauvage” donc cueillis dans leur milieu naturel avec respect pour l’environnement. Nous avons deux herboristes. Une petite sorcière , Marie Christine, qui est responsable des consultations à même le spa , de la fabrication des produits pour nos facials 100% bio, et de l’élaboration du contenu pour notre ligne maison. Nous faisons affaires de plus avec une herboriste maître aromathérapeute qui travaille au Vermont, à deux heures de montréal, et qui fabrique plusieurs produits pour le spa. Par exemple l’enveloppement au miel bio du Vermont et fleurs de jasmin offert au spa espacenomad. Un autre point intéressant est notre programme “Plantez un arbre pour chaque massage signature espacenomad” Pour chaque massage signature espacenomad s’engage à planter un arbre au travers du programme de carbone boréal. Nos arbres seront plantés dans une forêt de recherche pour y étudier l’effet de ces épinettes sur les émissions et la captation du co2. Très interressant et surtout un projet québécois constructif avec une belle vision:)
For Immediate Release
HOW GREEN IT IS
Espace Nomad, one of Montreal’s eco-friendliest spas
MONTREAL, June xx, 2009 – What is Espace Nomad’s favourite colour? Green! As one of Montreal’s eco-friendliest spas, this relaxing retreat is devoted to doing its part to take care of the environment and the community.
“Giving is at the heart of what we do,” explains Julie Mercier, co-founder of the spa. “With our clients we are dedicated to the well-being of their bodies and their spirits. But that concept of wellness goes much deeper; we are also creating ways to focus on the welfare of our community and the planet.”
Instant Karma’s Going To Get You!
Along with associating with partners and businesses that espouse a similar planet-friendly philosophy, Espace Nomad is excited to announce two new initiatives that give back to the community. Karma Massage is a unique event that allows patrons to do a little good while enjoying something good for themselves. All the profits amassed from massages during the day-long event will be donated to a local organisation. The first Karma Massage will take place on July 8th, benefiting the Dr Gilles Julien foundation for social paediatrics. Future events will be announced on the spa’s website at www.espacenomad.ca
Espace Nomad…Going Carbon Neutral
Featuring an Asian herbal treatment to relax muscles and a combination of massage techniques that are guaranteed to soothe the most frazzled mind, it’s no wonder that the Espace Nomad Signature Massage is such a popular favourite. But now there is one more reason to love it. For every Signature Massage booked, the spa will have a tree planted in the Boreal forest through Carbone Boreal, a Université du Québec à Chicoutimi based programme designed to offset green house gases. In order to keep its carbon foot-print at zero, Espace Nomad also plants additional trees each month through Carbone Boreal to offset any additional energy it might use. For more information about the programme, please visit www.carboneboreal.uqac.ca/english.php
1/2
A Greener Point of View
From heated floors designed to lower energy consumption to using non-VOC paint and NU-Board panels that contain no toxic emissions, Espace Nomad makes every decision it takes as green and as responsible as possible. It uses garbage bags, hand towels, recycling bags and other cleaning materials that are 100% biodegradable and compostable. The spa’s treatments also embrace this philosophy. Along with paraben-free products and 100% organic massage oils that are devoid of silicone and other harmful chemicals, the spa also has a certified in-house herbalist who creates organic treatments that are designed to optimize skin’s beauty.
Caring for the planet while caring for clients – what could be better?
Espace Nomad is located at 4650 Saint-Laurent blvd., 514-842-7279, www.espacenomad.ca
- 30 –
Your Green Ecological Spa
Espacenomad Green Manifesto
Our philosophy:
Espacenomad is defined as magical and entrancing, a place of well-being in the heart of Montreal offering the best of massage therapists and organic body treatments. We are not a regular spa, we have a team dedicated to your well-being, and also respect our planet. That is why we make every effort to be green, by diminishing our footprint on this planet. Here are a few of the efforts done by our team:
Space conceived with recycled materials or that had a minor transformation.
Paint used has no VOC. NU-Board panels, which has no toxic emissions.
Heated floors that lowers energy consumption.
Organic treatments created in the spa by our certified herbalist.
Organic products of high caliber without preservatives.
Associated with partners and distributors that have the same philosophy as us, such as Conscience Verte.
Towels and bathrobes in organic bamboo.
Organic teas and beverages.
Organic bamboo relaxing clothes.
Products that do not contain parabens.
Healthy organic snacks.
Spa cleaning with “ATTITUDE” products, since they do not contain any harmful products against the environment.
Garbage bags, hand towels, recycling bags and other materials for cleaning are 100% biodegradable and can be composted.
We use 100% organic massage oils without silicone and other harmful chemicals.
http://espacenomad.ca/en/organic-green-ecological-spa.php
Espacenomad se définit comme un lieu de bien-être magique et envoûtant au cœur de montréal, offrant le meilleur de la massothérapie et des soins corporels. Nous ne sommes pas un lieu ordinaire, nous abritons une équipe ayant à cœur votre mieux-être mais aussi celui de notre chère planète. C’est pourquoi nous nous efforçons toujours de diminuer notre empreinte sur la planète avec notre démarche verte. Voici quelques uns des efforts rendus par notre équipe:
Espace conçu avec des matériaux recyclés ou ayant eu le moins de transformation possible.
Peinture utilisée sans VOC. Panneaux NU-Board sans emissions nocives.
Plancher chauffant limitant la consommation d’énergie.
Soins biologiques fabriqués sur place par notre herboriste.
Produits haut de gamme biologiques libres d’agents de conservation .
Association avec des partenaire s et fournisseurs tel Conscience Verte ayant la même philosophie que nous.
Serviettes et robes de chambre en bamboo biologique.
Tisanes et brevages biologiques.
Vêtements de détente en bamboo biologique.
Produits sans parabènes.
Collations santé biologiques.
Produits de nettoyage du spa ATTITUDE non nocifs pour l’environnement.
Sacs à déchets, serviettes à mains, sacs à recyclage et autres articles pour le ménage 100% compostables.
Utilisation d’huiles à massage 100% biologiques sans silicone et autre agents de conservation.
http://espacenomad.ca/fr/spa-biologique-ecologique.php
Espacenomad holistic spa, your getaway to 100% organic spa treatments!
espacenomad specializes in massage therapies and exotic organic body treatments from around the world . espacenomad is the first spa in Montreal to offer 100% organic treatments in an earth friendly environment.
In this peaceful and inspiring space you’ll meet a team devoted to improving your quality of life, using massage , yoga and corporal treatments and packages. In a luxurious ambiance and with a line of products inspired by Indonesian beauty rituals , you will be transported in an exotic dream!
Our promise: to take the time to give you a professional massage tailored to your needs, so you can relax and recharge your batteries; and to offer luscious body treatments.
Spring in montreal goes like this : First we don’t beleive its coming, then without any warnings we trade all Sorels, hairy legs and our bear-like grumpiness for fresh smiles, legs and flip flops. And it usually all happens over one sunny week-end. With the groggy winter months behind us we Montrealers are ready to show our happy faces once again. We then tend to feel a little more conscious about ourselves and our bodies. When Spring comes I love a good detox or trainning program to feel as renewed as the fresh Spring air. A good inside out cleansing – mind, body and soul.
I am a dedicated spa-goer and in Montreal there are plenty of great spas to visit. For each season there are spa treatments! With the coming of Winter, i usually get massages to relax my tense and uptight muscles. In the Spring i feel like i need more of a good clean-up, a good draining of all the toxines that can get trapped in our tissues and that are lingering and ready to go .
Traditional Swedish is a good addition to any detox program because of its effects on the blood, and tissue systemes. Long deep maneovres bring the blood to those main veins and directly to organs whose functions are to filter those unwanted debris . Lymphatique drainage is also a treatment of choice because it works towards cleaning the lymphatic system of its toxins. Montreal has plenty of great spas where you can get theses classic treatments.
Another great spring cleansing ritual is to renew your skin in Montreal’s spas with a full body exfoliation. Nothing like two hands filled with aromatic salts, sugars and essential oils rubbing onto your skin to elevate the senses, move the toxines out of the body and help the skin aquire a natural healthy glow. Exfoilants can be made of sea salts, sugar, maple sugar, rice powder , essential oils, flowers, herbs, among other ingredients. I usually make sure they are organic and i personally prefer the sugar based ones because they accentuate the glowing effects on the skin.
Follow this with a wrap made of warm honey which ancient properties include cell rejuvination and skin tightening and you will feel brand new…and hungry perhaps!. The actions of the grains in the exfoliants actually prepares the skin to receive the active components in any body wraps. I love honey because its a classic queen of Egypt treatmement that hydrates the skin so well.
This spring when you visit one of Montreal’s great spas, be sure to try one of the above and you too will feel renewed and refreshed –mind body and soul
Namaste
Julie
spa espacenomad , montréal
www.espacenomad.ca
Commentaires récents