1. What ingredients are  in the All Natural Facial?
 The All Natural Facial lets you experience the power of fresh  ingredients without any artificial additives. The ingredients  are freshly prepared before your treatment. The cleanser is cucumber  juice, the exfoliant is blended papaya, the moisturizer is fresh  aloe vera combined with olive oil, and the facial mask is kaolin  clay. Steaming is done with hot towels.

2. What makes your facials  special and different from other spas?
 The facials are designed for pampering and relaxing, and features  a lymph drainage face massage and full arm massage during the  mask procedure. Your skin immediately looks radiant and you emerge  glowing.

3. What is the Royal Licorice  and Green Tea Facial?
 This nourishing and healing facial mask lifts impurities and replenishes  minerals and vitamins to your skin. Through a cycle of warming  and cooling masks, allow nature’s gentle ingredients and  Mandala Spa’s careful pampering strokes to soothe, heal,  and restore your skin to optimum health.

4.  Why does Mandala Spa & Villas use natural ingredients, freshly  prepared?
 Mandala Spa & Villas believes that mother nature knows best.  Many active plant ingredients react very fast with the air and  have to be used fresh to have the desired effect.

Body Scrubs

1. What is a scrub ?  
 During a scrub an exfoliating paste is gently applied to the skin.  This will remove dead skin layers and give the skin a young and  natural appearance. A scrub also increases the circulation and  blood supply of the skin. After a scrub the skin looks refreshed  and glowing.

2. What is the difference  between a wrap and a scrub?
 During a wrap ingredients are mostly allowed to be absorbed by  the skin while during a scrub the ingredients are mostly used  to exfoliate the skin (remove dead skin layers).

3. Describe your body  scrub package?
 The Mandala Spa Body scrub starts with a footbath, followed by  a scrub, a shower, and a floral bath. It ends with a Mandala Signature  Massage and tea time. The scrub treatment is 2 hours and 20 minutes.

4. How would I benefit  from a body scrub? What would it do for me?
 A body scrub treatment exfoliates your skin and makes it smooth  and silky. Mandala Spa offers two kinds: the Mandi Lulur and the  Boracay Salt Glow. Inspired by luxurious and exotic Indonesian  treatments, Mandala Spa’s body scrubs smell wonderful, and  make you feel absolutely relaxed.

5. What is the salt glow?
 The salt glow is made of sea salt, blended with Mandala Spa’s  own relaxing aromatherapy oil blends. Sea salt has wonderful exfoliating  properties and nourishes the skin.

6. What is the Mandi Lulur?  Where does it come from?
 Mandi Lulur is an exotic treatment from Indonesia. Mandi means  ‘bath’, Lulur means, ‘coating’. It is  an ancient beauty ritual that begins with a lulur scrub, followed  by a yogurt splash on the body, leaving skin smooth and soft.  This is followed by a shower and floral bath and the Mandala Signature  Massage. Lastly, it’s tea time for a perfect ending.

Body Wraps

1. What is the Cool Cucumber  Aloe body wrap?
 Aloe cucumber is a body wrap, especially formulated for sun-exposed  skin, ideal for guests who like to sunbathe. Aloe is a skin food  and skin healer, while cucumber cools and tones the skin. When  blended together, the result is a cooling and healing treatment  for sun-drenched skin.

2. What are the benefits  of the Papaya Pineapple Body Polish?
 Both pineapple and papaya have enzyme properties that heal and  dissolve old skin layers on the surface. Pineapple and papaya  have been used for centuries for their natural healing properties.  

3. What is your wrap treatment  like, how is it done and what makes it special from other spas?
 Mandala Spa’s wraps involve all natural ingredients. The  treatments begin with a royal footbath ritual. Then the body wrap  begins with ingredients applied to your body. Your body is then  wrapped in banana leaves to induce perspiration and detoxifying.  During the wrap, you will receive a pampering, relaxing facial  massage, followed by a shower, and a floral bath. The treatment  ends with a Mandala Signature Massage. Total time is 2 hours and  20 minutes.

4. What is the best treatment  for cellulite?
 Cellulite is a medical condition and requires medical treatment.  The treatments will not cure cellulite, but will improve your  skin’s circulation and appearance. For poor skin tone, mild  stretch marks and aged skin, the Seaweed Wrap and the Green Coffee  Therapy are highly recommended.

5. What is Thalasso Suite?  
 Thalasso Suite is a loofah scrub with a seaweed wrap and a seaweed  bath, made from locally grown seaweed. It is a full program for  slimming and detoxifying, leaving your body glowing and revitalized.  This treatment is perfect for aged skin or uneven skin tone. Treatment  time is 3 hours.

6. What are the benefits  of a Body wrap?
 A body wrap is a deeper cleansing process that detoxifies and  nourishes the entire body. All natural ingredients are applied  on the skin, then your body is wrapped in banana leaves and sheeting  to induce perspiration which detoxifies the body. The wrap is  relaxing and revitalizing for your skin and body. The treatment  leaves your skin smooth to the touch.

7. What is the Green Coffee  Therapy by Pevonia?
 This luxurious slimming body scrub and wrap detoxifies your body  and firms the skin, as well as reduces the appearance of cellulite  and other signs of ageing. Your skin is revitalized, toned and  polished to reveal a youthful glow. An invigorating way to look  and feel great before hitting the beach!

Massages

1. What can a massage  at Mandala Spa do for me? How often should I have one?
 Massage therapy increases circulation, thus is nourishing to the  entire body. Massage also promotes the release of by-products  such as lactic acid, which is one of the causes of stiff and sore  muscles. We recommend a weekly massage for health maintenance  and to counteract the effects of daily stress.

2. What is so special  about the Mandala Signature Massage?
 The Mandala Signature Massage was designed by Mandala Spa. It  features Esalen long strokes, Myofacial stretches, rocking, tractioning  and movement of joints and other Swedish techniques. The massage  is designed for medium pressure. If you prefer strong pressure,  we recommend the Deep Tissue Massage.

3. What is the Deep Tissue  Massage?
 The Mandala Deep Tissue Massage is for clients who prefer strong  pressure. It works into deeper muscle layers via pressure points  and treats specific muscle groups. This massage often releases  long held tensions in the body. It is not recommended for allergic,  sunburned or sensitive skin.

4. What is the Lymph Drainage  Massage?
 Our lymphatic system aids the body in collecting and eliminating  pollutants and waste byproducts through delicate lymph vessels  which run beneath the skin. This very gentle form of massage improves  the lymph flow, which gets sluggish from stress. The result is  renewed energy and stamina, leading the way to better health and  vitality.

5. What is the Pre Natal  Massage?
 The Pre Natal Massage was designed by Mandala Spa to care for  pregnant women. As you lie on your side, supported by a body pillow,  gentle deep tissue techniques and stretches knead all tension  and fatigue. Those with difficulty lying face-down or upright  may also enjoy the benefits of this side-lying massage.

6. What is the Stone Magic  Therapy?
 Originating from the ancient Hawaiian Kahuna tradition of Pohaku  (“Healing stones”), Mandala Spa’s Stone Magic  allows you to experience the harmonizing energies of “living”  hot and cold stones in this massage ritual. Feel your body and  spirit yield to this exhilarating and powerful therapy.

Footbaths

1.  What is the Royal footbath?

 The  Royal footbath is 15 minutes of indulgence for your feet. All  Mandala Spa’s treatments begin with a footbath ritual, which  is a royal pampering and relaxing taste of wonderful things to  come. Your feet are massaged in warm water, fresh flowers, and  peppermint foot salts, and then dried by the therapist’s  gentle hands. A variation is the royal footbath that includes  a thorough scrubbing with a foot scrub. The royal foot scrub is  included in all the spa packages.

2.  Do you give Reflexology during the Royal footbath?  

 We do use similar techniques during the foot massage which comes  as part of the foot bath.

Mandala  Spa & Villas Legendary Floral Bath

What is the Mandala Spa  floral bath?
 The floral bath is an experience in luxury, where your body is  immersed in warm water with floating flowers all around you. The  bath is scented with a hint of aromatherapy. Floral baths are  found only in the best spas of the world.

Soul Connection

1. What is Watsu?  
 The word Watsu comes from Water Shiatsu. It is a technique where  you are floating in a warm pool and your body is moved and stretched  by your theapist.

2. What is Waterdance?  
 Waterdance is very much related to Watsu. In waterdance, the experience  is also taken under water and you will be wearing a pair of noseclips.

3.  What is Reiki ?

The  word Reiki is Japanese and means Universal Life Force. During  a Reiki session this Universal Life force is channeled through  the therapist to the receiver.
 It has a calming and healing effect. Contrary to common misconception,  Reiki is not a massage. During the Reiki session the energy is  channeled by gently placing the hands on energy points.

3. What is Harmonic Ayurvedic  massage?
 Harmonic Ayurvedic massage is a highly specialized form of bodywork  which restores balance on a deep physical as well as energetic  level. By harmonizing the vital energies which control the inner  organs, good health is restored. On a physical level, deep-seated  tensions are released which makes for an improved posture and  appearance.

4. What is Ayurveda?
 Ayurveda is a natural healing system which is practiced in India  since over 5000 years. Ayurveda includes the use of herbs and  massage to restore health and harmony in the body.

5. What is Calamus root?  
 Calamus root (Acorus calamus ) has a strong herbal, warm, spicy,  cinnamon-like fragrance. Used in incense mixtures in ancient Mesopotamia  and by the ancient Egyptians and Indians, calamus root, also known  as ‘the sweet reed’, strengthens the nerves, improves  energy and is said to be helpful during times of emotional exhaustion.  In ancient times Calamus was considered a symbol of vitality and  worldly success.

6.  How is calamus root used in the treatment?

Calamus  root powder is blended with cold pressed Sesame oil and used during  the massage. This has a slightly exfoliating effect on the skin.

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• The cucumber cleanser  is a mixture of 100% fresh cucumber juice, and a hint of peppermint  essential oil essence. Cucumber is used the world over in cosmetics  as a toner and cleanser. When placed onto eyelids as eye pads,  tired, puffy eyes are relieved. Cucumber is also very soothing  and is an all-natural skin healer, used to soothe and cool sun-burned  skin

• The papaya exfoliant  is 100% fresh-blended papaya, with a hint of tea-tree essential  oil essence. Papaya is a natural skin exfoliant, known to be gentle  on sensitive and allergic skin. It contains ‘papain’,  a family of natural fruit acids (alpha hydroxy) with enzymatic  activity that dissolves dead skin cells, and sloughs off imbedded  dirt and debris on the skin’s surface.

• The olive and aloe vera  moisturizer contains 50% light olive oil and 50% fresh aloe vera  gel, grown from Mandala Spa’s own herb garden, with a hint  of lavender and chamomile essential oil essence. This superb combination  is excellent for skin healing and protection from sun, pollutants,  and other abusive substances that can damage skin. Olive oil is  a natural, age-old skin moisturizer, ideal for dry skin. It contains  anti-oxidant properties, and is the only pure oil that stays fresh.  Aloe vera is a skin food and healer that keeps the skin smooth,  and is easily absorbed easily into all 7 layers of the skin, healing  and rejuvenating every cell on each layer. It is a superb skin  healer for burns, cuts, scrapes, and is reputed to leave no scars  on wounds. Its emollient properties are cooling and soothing on  the skin.

• The clay mask is made  of Kaolin clay, a form of healing mud from the earth, that contains  a very high mineral content. It is so fine and dry that it easily  draws out impurities from the skin. This clay also evens out skin  tone into a fine, clean, even luster.

• The massage cream used  for the full arm massage, is imported from California, for its  collagen, moisturizing and extremely emollient properties. It  is non-sticky, and lighter on the skin than massage oil.

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 Best Rejuvenation Program in Asia, SpaAsia Crystal Awards 2004

Shodhana  Karma promotes healing and rejuvenation by removing environmental  toxins and stress by-products from the body so that vital and  regenerative energies can flow freely.

This  3-part treatment detoxifies and regenerates, while indulging the  senses with aromatic oils and exotic ingredients.

PART 1 Dislodging of toxins  from cells

Shodhana Karma starts with a  traditional footbath and a Mandala Signature Massage using cold-pressed  sesame oil, herbalized with Calamus root powder. The molecules  of cold-pressed sesame oil are smaller than those of our red blood  cells, so the oil is able to penetrate the blood stream, attract  oil-soluble environmental toxins, and dislodge them consequently  from body tissue. It aids effectively in the detoxification process.  Calamus root powder was highly praised since Mesopotamian and  Egyptian times, and is mentioned in the bible as an ingredient  to the holy anointing oil. Calamus strengthens the nerves, improves  energy and is said to be helpful during times of emotional exhaustion.

PART 2 Elimination of  toxins from the body

Following the massage is a sauna  ritual (swedana), which integrates several sauna cycles, aromatherapy,  and herbal tonics to further aid in the elimination of environmental  pollutants from the body through perspiration. Since ancient times,  the sauna has always been traditionally used as a sanctuary for  healing and regeneration. Through exposure to sauna heat, the  immune system is stimulated and the endocrine glandular functions  are regulated. Ginger, the universal medicine, is one of the main  ingredients in the preparation of tonics used in this endeavor  which also assists in detoxification. The Rosemary oil used in  the sauna water, on the other hand, has a stimulating and invigorating  effect.

PART 3 Purification of  the skin from toxins

Shodhana Karma closes with the  removal of the impurities through the Ubvartan springtime Body  Scrub – a gentle exfoliation process, using only traditional Ayurvedic  ingredients. The properties of the oil blend are chosen to balance  the emotions and to restore mental and physical equilibrium. Sandalwood  connects us to our soul, Geranium is emotionally balancing, Cardamom  alleviates hypertension, and Lemongrass is a kidney tonic.

Ayurvedic Medicine is an Indian  system of well-being as ancient as 5,000 years old.
 It espouses a holistic approach to health and is known for it’s  various approaches toward cleansing, detoxification, and purification.

Length of treatment is 2 hours  and 30 minutes.

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Spa  guests’ guide on how to fully enjoy maximum benefits from  your Mandala Spa & Villas treatment

To receive the maximum benefits  from your chosen massage treatment, Mandala Spa suggests the following:

• Arrive 15 minutes before  your scheduled treatment. Prior to your massage, you will receive  a sarong to change into. We strongly suggest that all clothing  and jewelry be left in your locker. If you feel more comfortable  leaving your undergarments on, that’s fine too. During your massage,  your therapist keeps your entire body draped, and only undrapes  that part that is being massaged.
 • Once you are with your therapist you will be asked certain  questions, such as whether there is anything you feel that you  need to convey. Feel free to express your needs so as to receive  specific attention to tense or trouble spots. Your therapist will  ask you a few questions to ascertain the most optimum treatment  for your session.
 • Relax. This is time for you, your body and your mind,  to release the worries and stresses of the day. Deep breathing  and closing the eyes will assist in your complete relaxation.  
 • Let your therapist know if you are comfortable or uncomfortable,  too warm or too cold or if the massage pressure is too light or  too intense.
 • Trust your massage therapist to move your limbs in whatever  position is necessary for and during the massage.
 • Enjoy the massage and know that you are doing something  very good for your body and your mind. You deserve this healthy  interlude.
 Here’s how to drift into bliss with a Mandala Signature  Massage

The Mandala Signature Massage  is a gentle approach to deep relaxation and energy balancing.  Deep relaxation promotes healing for the body and soul. Pressure  applied is gentle to medium. To receive the maximum benefits from  this exceptional bodywork we would like to make the following  suggestions:
 • Be aware of your breath.
 • Communicate with your therapist about your comfort level  on the pressure and stretches.
 • Let your mind drift away and allow yourself to relax into  the touch of your therapist.
 • Drink herbal tea or water after the massage to further  enhance the benefits.

How to make the most out of your  Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Therapy addresses  chronic tensions in deep muscle layers. Your therapist will progress  carefully and gradually with from medium to strong pressure. For  you to receive maximum benefits and to avoid discomfort, we would  like to make the following suggestions:
 • Stay present and listen to your body. Be aware of areas  of discomfort or pain.
 • Be aware of your breath. Inhale and exhale with the massage.  If you feel the need to verbalize your feelings while exhaling,  please do so.
 • Communicate with your therapist about your comfort level  on the pressure and stretches.
 • After your session, drink plenty of water to assist your  body in flushing dislodged toxins.

How to receive the maximum benefits  and relaxation from a facial

•  Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled facial treatment to allow  ample time to change into the sarong that will be provided to  you (remove all clothing and jewelry from your upper body) and  to fill out a client history card. The skincare information allows  your therapist to determine the best spa treatment and home recommendation  for you.
 • Your facial will consist of thorough and deep cleansing  to purify, nourish and tone your skin. A woman can expect all  of her makeup to be removed. Both men and women should advise  their therapist as to whether or not they are wearing contact  lenses.
 • Relax completely. A basic facial will take one hour to  perform. Close your eyes. Breathe deeply and take this time to  release the worries and the stresses of the day.
 • Let your therapist know if you are comfortable or uncomfortable,  too warm or too cold, or if a product is over stimulating. Your  comfort and care is of utmost concern and priority.
 • Enjoy your facial. The results will be visible and lasting.  
 
 How  to take a seaweed bath

Taking a seaweed bath is like  taking a bath in a diluted medicinal tea and absorbing the healing  properties through the skin instead of the digestive system. The  water in the tub is hot and filled to the point where you will  be covered when you recline. The leaves will turn a beautiful  green while the water will turn a rich brown, as the plants release  their minerals. As you soak, the gel from the seaweed will transfer  onto your skin. This coating increases perspiration to release  toxins from your system, and replaces them with minerals, by osmosis.  Rub your skin with the sea leaves during the bath to stimulate  circulation, especially areas where cellulite appears. When the  sea greens have done their work, the gel coating dissolves and  floats off the skin, and the leaves will shrivel – a sign that  the bath is over. Thirty minutes is usually about right to balance  the acid-alkaline system, encourage liver activity, and the release  of cellulite and fat.

Improved skin tone color and better  circulation are usually noticeable immediately.

A hot seaweed bath is one of the  most effective treatments in natural healing and beautification,  but use it with care. If you suffer from Iodine disorders, heart  disease or have high blood pressure, check with your physician  before having one.

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Why  should I go on a Detox Holiday?

Our  bodies are exposed daily to toxic chemicals and pollutants from  the food we eat, water we drink, and the air we breathe. Our liver  and lymph systems are under constant attack and often experience  difficulty eliminating accumulated toxins. This often manifests  in problematic skin, bad breath, decreased immune function, hormonal  dysfunction, psychological disturbance, heart disease and even  cancer. Mandala Spa & Villas provides the ideal environment  and treatments, using the right herbs and essential oils to rid  the body of toxins, thus returning good health, radiant skin,  reduced stress, increased mental clarity and vitality, as well  as the elimination of water retention. If you are determined to  lose weight holistically, this is also a good reason to sign up  for a Detox holiday.

Which  among Mandala Spa & Villas therapies promotes natural detoxification?

1.  Shodhana Karma
 Derived from the ancient Indian approach to holistic cleansing,  detoxifying and purifying, Shodhana Karma removes environmental  toxins from the body through a three-part ritual. The 2 1/2 hour  treatment begins with a massage using herbal sesame oil which  penetrates the blood stream, attracts oil-soluble toxins and carries  them out as waste. A sauna ritual follows, integrating aromatherapy  and herbal tonics that aid in the elimination and purifying process.  The ritual closes with the Ubvartan Body Scrub, a gentle exfoliation  process that removes impurities using exotic oils and ingredients.
 
 Sauna is considered one of the most effective of all detoxification  treatments. Heat speeds up the chemical processes in the body.  Mandala Spa’s diuretic herbal teas also aid in the elimination  process.

2.  Thalasso Suite
 Thalasso Suite re-mineralizes cells with nutrients fresh from  the sea. The loofah scrub prepares the skin for the seaweed wrap  and the seaweed bath. Mandala Spa’s unique formulation stimulates  metabolism, improves skin tone and promotes cell renewal. Through  its drawing properties, this therapy is also ideal for cellulite  reduction.

3.  Clinical Aromatherapy
 Clinical aromatherapy is a total treatment for the entire body,  induced through the skin and by inhalation. Aromatherapy is an  integral part of our massage treatments and the sauna ritual where  essential oils are added to create a detoxifying aromatic steam.

4.  Lymph Drainage Massage is a  light pressure massage designed to detoxify the tissues and stimulate  waste elimination. It is effective in diminishing cellulite brought  about by poor circulation.
 
 What is the difference between the Cleanse and Detox holidays?

Cleanse  Detox

Food  intake Fresh raw vegetables, fruits, nuts fruit and vegetable  juices, liver flush drink (olive oil, garlic, cayenne, fruit juice)  
 All liquids, no solids

Supplements  
 Taken before manual colon irrigation
 
 Taken 3-5 times daily, depending on program designed based on  guest diagnosis

Colon  irrigation
 Depending on length of program, 1-3x
 
 1-2x daily, depending on program design

What  is manual colon irrigation and how does that differ from colema  and colonics?

Manual  colon irrigation is the process where a tube is inserted into  the anus and water is allowed to enter the colon. An enema (e’  ne ma) is an example. A colema is like an enema where instead  of 2 liters of water, 16 liters of water is used. The water container  is placed on a high stool and uses gravity to make the water flow  and therefore can be done at home alone. Colonics is a form of  colon irrigation which uses of a machine and requires a trained  technician to administer. The colema is an integral part of the  Cleanse and Detox programs.

Can  anyone do the Cleanse and Detox Programs?

Prior  to getting started on the program, a questionnaire is filled out  in order to find out lifestyle habits and to gather health and  medical information. The treatment program is then designed according  to one’s specific needs and lifestyle. Those suffering from  advanced stages of diabetes or other serious conditions, for instance,  are provided with holistic medical advise with regards to their  conditions and specific health concerns, in private consultations  with Mandala Spa’s program director.

One  may eat as much of the fresh fruits and vegetables as s/he wants  in the Cleanse while in the Detox, one may drink as much of the  fruit juices and broth as s/he wants, although that will slow  the detox process. In addition to the juices, those in the detox  program are also given psyllium (sil’yium) shakes. Psyllium  supplies the fiber in the system and is quite filling.

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The  body’s natural line of detoxification and defense come from  the eliminatory glands of the lungs, kidneys, skin and intestines,  as well as the lymphatic system. Understanding how they are interrelated  and the complex roles they play in our body’s elimination  process will provide more insight into the organs which will need  the greatest amount of support during detoxification.

The  Liver
 Everything we ingest, from food and beverages to environmental  pollutants are absorbed by the liver. The liver then chemically  restructures these to extract their poisons and converts them  so they become water soluble. These are then transported to the  bile, which carries these waste products to the intestines in  preparation for excretion. Symptoms of an overburdened liver include  bloating, nausea, indigestion and a furry tongue.

The  Lungs
 This organ is made up of millions of tiny air sacs. As oxygen  is moved into these air sacs, it moves into the bloodstream while  the waste products of respiration, carbon dioxide and water, are  exhaled. In addition to this life-giving function, the lungs also  deal with airborne pollutants such as smoke from factories and  cigarettes, carbon monoxide and smog, and numerous toxic polymers  such as chemical solvents, paints and cleansers. Congestion, constant  sneezing, chronic runny nose and catarrh are all signals that  this organ is reaching its toxicity breaking point.

The  Kidneys
 The kidneys filter the blood of toxins and waste products through  protein decomposition and producing urine. They also direct nutrients  back into the bloodstream, and act as a buffer in controlling  the body’s alkaline-acid and water levels. Oriental medicine  sees the kidneys as the “root” of the body, from which  symptoms of ill health are detected, from sexual and reproductive  imbalances, hair-loss problems, bone injuries, especially in the  knees, compromised growth of body and mind, and excessive fear  and insecurity.

The  Skin
 This is the body’s largest detoxifier. Toxins surface and  are purged through sweat, pores and sebaceous glands. Body toxicity  makes itself known through signals in the skin such as acne, rashes,  sores that do not heal, cellulite and congested, blotchy skin.  

The  Lymphatic System
 Lymph is channeled throughout the entire body, from the top of  the head to the toes. It filters body fluids and transports the  toxins found into the bloodstream. It works to break up concentrations  of toxins to stunt, disassemble and prevent the growth of infectious  substances, funneled through lymph nodes. The lymphatic system  tells you it is in need of detoxification with the following symptoms:  frequent colds and flu; consistent tiredness and exhaustion; general  puffiness in the face, arms, legs, abdomen, dark circles under  the eyes and the appearance of cellulite.

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In  today’s modern world, the environmental and chemical stressors  are innumerable. As a result, there are actually very few people  who would not greatly benefit from a detoxification program. Below  is a partial listing of those persons who are particularly prone  to suffer from a variety of health challenges imposed by contemporary  lifestyles and dietary practices.

•    Lives in a high-stress environment, physically or emotionally;
   • Has excess body fat and wants to lose weight;
   • Drinks and bathes in chlorinated, and/or fluoridated    water. Both of these substances are considered to be poisonous,    killing micro organisms necessary for vital health;
   • Inhales air rich in carbon monoxide, the signature of    city smog and pollution;
   • Suffers from lack of rest or sleep-deprived. It is when    the body is at rest that it is able to do crucial repair and    maintenance functions;
   • Consumes medications which burden the liver and tissues    with biochemical states of stress with which the body was not    designed to deal with;
   • Smokes, or is exposed to cigarette smoke;
   • Drinks alcohol regularly;
   • Takes, or has taken, any sort of hormone-altering medications,    including cortisone, prednisone and birth control pills;
   • Has undergone surgery, an extremely taxing process;
   • Has a genetic predisposition to any sort of health ailment,    especially cancer, heart disease, obesity, kidney or liver malfunction,    diabetes, and endocrine, immune and lymphatic dysfunction;
   • Consumed, or has consumed, multiple stages of antibiotics;
   • Eats anything made from processed oils, especially hydrogenated    oils;
   • Ingests refined sugar, refined and bleached carbohydrates    like bread, rice and pasta, and any foods canned, heat-treated,    preserved, artificially flavored, genetically-altered or treated    with pesticides, herbicides and fungicides;
   • Consumes refined salt or monosodium glutamate (MSG);
   • Eats a diet high in animal-based products, particularly    red meat, pork, animal organs;
   • Eats, or was raised on, pasteurized and homogenized    milk and milk products like butter and ice cream;
   • Was not breast-fed as an infant;
   • Maintains a tendency to eat quickly, or to overeat;
   • Eats food that is not ripe when harvested, and foods    that are gassed, colored or coated (These are now routine agricultural    procedures in most places);
   • Consumes hormone-stimulated meats or milk products;
   • Travels by plane regularly, without properly supplementing    one’s antioxidant stores;
   • Cooks all food he/she eats, meaning that little-to-zero    fresh foods enter the bloodstream;
   • Eats a diet rich in shellfish, such as crabs and shrimp,    and fatty fish like salmon.                          

 A few of the many physical symptoms that arise from the lifestyle  characteristics mentioned include the following:

Lethargy,  weight problems, constipation, chronic bad breath, lack of clarity,  poor memory, pronounced body odor, excessive gas, skin disorders,  poor complexion, bloodshot eyes, poor vision, slow reflexes, general  need for more sleep, prone to addictions, mood swings, and any  other malfunctions of the body. All of these are profound signs  that the body is in need of support, which the Mandala Spa’s  Detox Holiday provides.
 

 •    Lives in a high-stress environment, physica

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The  Mandala Spa & Villas Detox Holiday is centered around purifying  the excretory organs of the kidneys, lungs, colon and lungs and  restoring proper blood -pH balance. As this happens, organs, tissues  and cells are cleansed. With the release of much physical debris  and toxins, emotional baggage and mental clutter tend to fall  away as well. This means that one’s Detox Holiday may become  a very inward time. For this reason, you are encouraged to document  feelings, thoughts and emotions that arise, in the journal provided  by Mandala Spa. You may also find plenty of comfort and support  from the staff, and ample benefits in Reiki, Watsu and Yoga which  are available at Mandala Spa & Villas. It is our hope that  you never feel alone while with us.

Mandala  Spa’s spa offerings luxuriously lull your body into the  physical release of stored toxins through the art of skillful  tissue manipulation, deep relaxation body work and hydrotherapy  like Watsu, several detoxifying treatments such as Shodhana Karma  the award-winner for Best Rejuvenation Program in Asia  (SpaAsia Crystal Awards 2004), Stone Magic Therapy, Lymph Drainage  Massage, to name a few, and yoga classes. In the natural and serene  grounds of Mandala Spa & Villas, we aim to cultivate a very  private and supportive atmosphere that supports your unique needs  with the wisdom of time-tested therapies.
 
 The key to the intestinal detoxification program resides in the  potent combination of the herbal supplements and the psyllium-bentonite  shakes. These agents work together to rid the body of debris and  purge Mucoid plaque from the elimination system. While one may  languish in a Detox Holiday for up to a month, we advise all new  guests to begin with the mildest phase of the program. You are  welcome to return again after you successfully undergo this initial,  intensive system.

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The  Exhale treatment is a “designer” treatment created  by Mo-ching Yip, Mandala Spa& Villas consultant, therapist  trainer and yoga instructor. Exhale is for those who would like  to participate in their treatment and delve deeper into their  healing process. This treatment takes you through a guided journey  into the layers of your own self, where you access insight into  your health and different areas in your life. Exhale is interactive  between the giver and receiver. Mo-ching welcomes questions pertaining  to your health and well being.

Exhale begins with a footbath,  followed by a guided journey through the energy centers of your  body called ‘chakras’. The back, head and neck, where  energy centers are located, are massaged with your choice of deep  tissue or light touch. The treatment ends with a floral bath that  allows you time to relax and reflect on the treatment.

What is the human energy  system?
 In the Exhale treatment, you are guided through a journey into  your life, through worlds within and around you. It begins in  your body, and is your own personal quest. Make yourself comfortable  within your body, exhale and let go. There is no requirement for  spiritual or religious training to gain benefits from Exhale.  Many people find this guided journey expands their spiritual awareness.
 
 Bio: Mo-ching Yip was born in Hong Kong and raised  in the U.S. most of her life. She has been deeply involved with  the healing arts for the past 20 years, and continues to research  and develop treatments professionally. Her teaching and practice  ranges from meditation, yoga, medical herbalism, anatomy &  physiology, and massage therapies. She is the spa consultant and  trainer for the Mandala therapists and is the in-house yoga instructor.

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Perhaps the most admired and discussed  symbol of Buddhist religion and art is the ‘mandala’,  a word which, like ‘guru’ and ‘yoga’,  has become part of the English language. Its popularity is underscored  by the use of the word mandala as a synonym for sacred space in  scholarship circles and in English-language dictionaries and encyclopedias.  Both broadly define mandalas as geometric designs intended to  symbolize the universe, and reference is made to their use in  Buddhist and Hindu practices.

The mandala idea originated long  ago before the idea of history itself. In the earliest level of  India or even Indo-European religion, in the Rig Veda and its  associated literature, mandala is the term for a chapter, a collection  of mantras or verse hymns chanted in Vedic ceremonies, perhaps  coming from the sense of round, as in a round of songs. The universe  was believed to originate from these hymns, whose sacred sounds  contained the genetic patterns of beings and things, so there  is already a clear sense of mandala as world-model.

The word mandala itself is derived  from the root manda, which means ‘essence’,  to which the suffix la, meaning ‘container’,  has been added. Thus, one obvious connotation of mandala is that  it is a ‘container of essence’. As an image, a mandala  may symbolize both the mind and the body of the Buddha. In esoteric  Buddhism the principle in the mandala is the presence of the Buddha  in it, but images of deities are not necessary. They may be presented  either as a wheel, a tree, or a jewel, or in any other symbolic  manifestation. The origin of the mandala is the center, a dot.  It is a symbol apparently free of dimensions. It means a ‘seed’,  ’sperm’, ‘drop’, the salient starting point. It is the gathering  center in which the outside energies are drawn, and in the act  of drawing the forces, the devotee’s own energies unfold and are  also drawn. Thus it represents the outer and inner spaces. Its  purpose is to remove the object-subject dichotomy. In the process,  the mandala is consecrated to a deity.

In its creation, a line materializes  out of a dot. Other lines are drawn until they intersect, creating  triangular geometrical patterns. The circle drawn around stands  for the dynamic consciousness of the initiated. The outlying square  symbolizes the physical world bound in four directions, represented  by the four gates; and the midmost or central area is the residence  of the deity. Thus the center is visualized as the essence and  the circumference as grasping, thus in its complete picture a  mandala means ‘grasping the essence’.

The visualization and concretization  of the mandala concept is one of the most significant contributions  of Buddhism to religious psychology. Mandalas are seen as sacred  places which, by their very presence in the world, remind a viewer  of the immanence of sanctity in the universe and its potential  in himself. In the context of the Buddhist path, the purpose of  a mandala is to put an end to human suffering, to attain enlightenment  and to attain a correct view of Reality. It is a means to discover  divinity by the realization that it resides within one’s own self.

Perhaps the most admired and discussed  symbol of Buddhist religion and art is the  ‘Mandala’, a word which, like ‘guru’ and ‘yoga’,  has become part of the English l

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