Here at the spa, we think that cancer patients deserve some special TLC. As many of you have heard, on March 6, 2011, we held our first Cancer Comfort Day. Our goal was to de-stress and pamper our cancer patient guests. With the help of our generous neighbors here in Willow Glen, we were able to achieve this.

Spring is a time of renewal. What things do you change or start when the days start getting longer? Most of us are getting ready, if you haven’t already done so, to start the big Spring Clean! Cleaning our homes from the buildup of fall and winter is important, but did you know that you could be “Spring Cleaning” your health too?

Love is a magical thing. We know that love feels good. We know it can bring butterflies to our stomachs, make us stumble over our words and keep a smile stretched across our faces. But love is actually good for your health. It can boost your immune system, lower your blood pressure and even boost your metabolic rate!

We’ve all heard of the benefits of a great massage, but how often are you actually treating yourself to one? I have loved massages long before I started working in the spa industry. I was fortunate enough to have parents who both worked as health care practitioners and thoroughly embraced herbology, meditation and massage.

I had the luxury of being home with a minor cold. I turned on the fireplace, cooked my favorite English breakfast–smoked bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes with a couple fried plantains on the side. With this, I could already feel the happiness surrounding me. I started a pot of ginger tea, made with fresh ginger roots, pounded and boiled– so aromatic! With a touch of honey, it does wonders for nausea. (It’s a must try if you are pregnant!) I popped an Il Divo disc in the player and then sunk into a warm, lavender essential oil bath.

Aromatherapy is not simply about pleasant smells; the use of essential oils heighten the therapeutic value of virtually every treatment.