AltiraSPA

The Altira Health and Beauty Spa can be found in the following two Luxury Hotels in Cape Town and Hermanus, South Africa:

•  Arabella Western Cape Hotel & Spa, Kleinmond / Hermanus (Western Province, South Africa)
•  Arabella Sheraton Grand Hotel, Cape Town (Western Province, South Africa)

The name AltiraSPA is steeped in legend - Althea, the healing goddess and Saphira, the goddess of beauty. The union of the two is our mission. AltiraSPA can show you the path to the healing power of beauty, offering you levels of vitality you never dreamed possible. We combine traditional and modern therapies, fusing Far Eastern with Western knowledge and using the very best beauty products of the highest quality. The result is a unique and effective synthesis that regenerates the body and mind and leaves behind a feeling of complete wellbeing. After all, "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts".

The 7 Pillars of Well-Being / Altira Health & Beauty Spa South Africa

To be entirely free and yet simultaneously totally at one with yourself! True well-being yearns for the all-embracing notion of humanity, as manifested in the new AltiraSPA by ArabellaSheraton. The AltiraSPA concept is based upon seven principles or pillars of well-being: beauty (cosmetic treatments), harmony (massage, acupuncture), vitality (fitness, aerobics, swimming), aqua (sauna, Thalasso, Rasul), life-balance (Yoga, Reiki, Tai Qi), nature (incorporating nature in the décor and activities), nutrition (light cuisine, special diets). Each of these seven principles is based upon a solid foundation of professional expertise and the highest quality.

BEAUTY

Wellness should, quite literally, go under the skin. It is, after all, well known that real beauty comes from within – and from exclusive beauty care. Shiseido, Carita and Biosel are only a few of the AltiraSPA partners. Take the ArabellaSheraton Hotel Jagdhof at Lake Fuschlsee, for example, where a grooming programme has been specially developed for men, or the ArabellaSheraton Grand Hotel Cape Town in South Africa where 18 treatment rooms await you over the roof tops of Cape Town. Experience ultimate AltiraSPA beauty concept: make your inner beauty shine through balance and relaxation. Bathe in a warm light as your own personal relaxation music carries you off to a whole new realm. Enjoy caring treatments in our spas to tone the body, soothe the soul and replenish the skin with moisture. Treatments range from gentle bio scrubs for a fresh complexion to skilful pedicures.

HARMONY

Body and soul belong together but they are not always in harmony. In our fast-moving, hectic world it is not always easy maintain your inner balance. The best thing we can do for our bodies is sometimes nothing at all. This may sound paradoxical, but the body needs a respite to draw new energy, cleanse itself and strengthen the immune system. Treat yourself to a spa visit and the pleasant and beneficial effects of a wellness treatment: an ayurvedic massage, for example, during your next business trip, perhaps in the AltiraSPA of the ArabellaSheraton Grand Hotel in Munich. Recharge your batteries for your next business meeting with a reiki treatment. Find new balance with a traditional Swedish whole body massage or prepare yourself for your next ‘big evening’ with aromatherapy.

VITALITY

Regular exercise is essential for the circulation as well as for physical and mental fitness. AltiraSPA does not simply offer a straight fitness studio, but a holistic power-boosting programme for wellness and vitality. Take a little gentle exercise in a pleasant atmosphere. Cardio fitness and aqua gym – available with professional guidance on request – are just some of the countless in and outdoor training options on offer. The AltiraSPA trainers will take you through your individual fitness programme, often spurring you on to feats you hadn’t thought possible! For example in the ArabellaSheraton Jagdhof at Lake Fuschlsee and the Western Cape Hotel & Spa in South Africa with the latest fitness equipment and the best prospects – of the mountains, lakes and nature reserves, as well as of enhanced physical fitness.

AQUA

“Sanus per aquam” – AltiraSPA takes the basic spa idea literally and offers many opportunities for you to personally experience the beneficial effects of water. Regenerate in the wellness area, in the classical sauna or in the Turkish hamam, in the steam bath or in the ice grotto. Relax in the aromatherapy or algae bath. Enjoy thalasso treatments in the hotels of the ArabellaSheraton group on Mallorca. Or relax, floating free, in the floating pool of the Western Cape Hotel & Spa in South Africa. Even the Romans knew and appreciated the healing powers of water. You, too, can draw from this source of strength and vitality.

LIFE BALANCE

Traditional relaxation methods such as yoga, tai chi and qi gong are more popular today than ever before. Bring body and mind into harmony and harness the expertise of our wellness specialists. With the professional guidance of the AltiraSPA team you can find out which of these methods brings the best results for you. Inhale deeply, relax your body and let your energy flow freely. Alternatively, let the hands of the wellness pros of the ArabellaSheraton group take charge – for example Dr Lu Zhang Tom, doctor and lecturer in Chinese medicine (TCM). With yoga, tai chi and pilates, Dr Tom and his team at the AltiraSPA of the Mardavall Hotel & Spa on Mallorca will get your energy flowing – either outdoors under an open sky or in the Japanese garden.

NATURE

At AltiraSPA, it no coincidence that our select hotels are situated in select locations. After all, we know full well that beautiful surroundings enhance wellbeing. Nature and outdoor activities are important sources of inspiration. The character of the surrounding landscape and regions also determines the colour, material and interior design of the wellness area and, not least, the architecture of the AltiraSPA hotels. In this way, the AltiraSPA of the ArabellaSheraton Alpenhotel at Lake Spitzingsee reflects the Alpine world with natural stone, cold water valley and natural-floored sauna. Warm colours and natural materials bring the expanse of South Africa into the spacious AltiraSPA of the Western Cape Hotel & Spa.

NUTRITION

A sensible and balanced diet plays an essential role for our daily wellbeing. AltiraSPA turns healthy eating into a wellness experience and a treat for all the senses. Be it Brain Food, Erotic Food or Energy Food, tantalise your taste buds with whichever regional specialities take your fancy from the kitchen of your ArabellaSheraton hotel. Supply your body with everything it needs for a healthy and enjoyable life. The book “raffiniert.kombiniert“, which was written over the course of two years by head chef of the Mardavall Hotel & Spa, Gerhard Berktold, together with a nutritionist, offers a new path towards healthy eating.

General Guest Etiquette for Health and Beauty Spas in South Africa:

•  Arrive on time or a little early.
•  Generally, you are expected to get undressed completely for dry treatments (such as massage) where a drape is placed over your body in order to protect your dignity. In the case of wet treatments such as scrubs and hydrotherapies, you will not be draped (swimsuits are optional in some treatments).
•  Give your therapist feedback. Let her / him know if your have any special needs or disabilities so that your visit is comfortable.
•  Know that you are in a professional spa environment and do not expect anything other than therapeutic or spa services.
•  Communicate your preferences during treatments so that therapists can adjust to you.
•  Be considerate to yourself and others. For example turn off your cell phone and be mindful of other clients space.
•  If the spa allows children, do not leave them unattended as this can be disruptive to other spa-goers and unsafe for your children.
•  You may relax for a while once a treatment has be completed, but please be aware that the treatment room needs to be prepared for the next client.
•  Establish from reception if gratuities are included or not - and be prepared (according to the quality of your experience and desire) to tip or not.
•  Do not take food or refreshments to a spa.


Health and Beauty Spas have become very popular holiday destinations for guests travelling within South Africa. South Africa features many hotels, resorts and game lodges which provide beautiful health and beauty spas where wellness, well-being and beauty are a priority. The following is a list of spa treatments, services and facilities provided in health and beauty spas (Wellness, beauty, spa treatments, spa facilities, sport activities and exercise).

ACCUPRESSURE

Finger massage designed to release muscle tension and promote healing by applying pressure to "energy points" or "meridians" in the body. The pressure applied to these vital points (the same points used in acupuncture) was identified by medical practitioners in China centuries ago and is believed to improve the flow of energy (chi) throughout the body. Similar in many ways to Shiatsu.

ACUPUNCTURE

An ancient oriental healing technique discovered and developed more than three thousand years ago, acupuncture is based on Taoist philosophy. The aim is to balance the energy meridians to permit the body to "heal itself. A relatively painless technique, it is administered by inserting fine needles at key points of the body that relate to different organs in order to relieve muscular, neurological and arthritic problems, cure disease and relieve pain (as in surgery). Alternative related techniques include the use of low voltage electric current (electro acupuncture), or pinpoint massage (accupressure) to those key body points.

AROMA BATH

The Aroma bath treatment is stimulating the nasal/olfactory senses, mental responses, circulatory and respiratory functions with essential oil steam and aromatic substances. Natural herbs are exposed.

AROMATHERAPY

An ancient healing art dating back to 4500 B. C., Aromatherapy usually refers to treatments such as massage, facials, body wraps or hydro baths with the application of essential oils from plants, leaves, bark, roots, seeds, resins and flowers. These oils are used to treat emotional disorders, organ dysfunction, and skin problems through a variety of internal and external application techniques. Plants and flowers from which these oils are extracted include rosemary, lavender, roses, chamomile, eucalyptus and pine.

ASIA BATH

Various treatments in far eastern ambience. One example is the Japanese bloom bath where the guest submerges in a large tub filled with fragrant blends of cedar fibers and plant enzymes imported from Japan. The treatment stimulates circulation and metabolism. The treatment can be with or without cleansing bath in before.

AYURVEDIC

An ancient system of traditional folk medicine from India that employs a large variety of techniques to restore the organism to perfect balance. These techniques incorporate nutrition, herbal medicine, aromatherapy, massage and meditation.

BALNEOTHERAPY

A generic term for mineral water treatments, balneotherapy is the traditional practice of treatments by waters, using hot springs, mineral, or sea waters to restore and revitalize the body. Since antiquity, balneotherapy has been used to improve circulation, fortify the immune system, as an analgesic (pain reliever) and as an anti-stress treatment.

BODY & BEAUTY TREATMENTS

Various treatments provided by day and destination spas to enhance beauty and overall well-being. Beauty and cosmetic treatments include: beauty salon, facials, image consultation, makeovers, manicure/pedicure, and waxing. Body treatments include massage, cellulite treatments, herbal wrap, salt glow and seaweed wrap and various forms of hydrotherapy, including steam and saunas.

BODY SCRUB (also see Exfoliation)

Body Scrubs/Skin Care which include Brush & Tone, Dulse scrub, loofah scrub, paraffin treatment, repaichage and Vichy shower.

BODY WRAP

Strips of cloth soaked in herbal teas and cocooned around the body. Also called herbal wrap.

BRINE (SALT WATER) BATHS

Bath in water, saturated with or containing large amounts of a salt, especially of sodium chloride, either from natural sources or produced by adding natural brine. This therapy has relaxing and de-toxifying effect and stimulates metabolism.

BRUSH AND TONE

Dry brushing of the skin, intended to remove dead layers and impurities while stimulating circulation. This is one of many exfoliation techniques used as a pre-treatment for mud and seaweed body masks. The body is brushed in invigorating, circular motions to remove dead skin, followed by the application of moisturizing lotion that leaves the skin silky smooth, alive, and glowing.

CARDIOVASCULAR (Cardio Fitness)

Pertaining to the heart and blood vessels. Common cardiovascular conditions include coronary heart disease, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, stroke, and cerebral vascular diseases.

CLEANSING

To free and detoxify one's body from cumulative poisons.

CLEOPATRA BATH

Cleopatra bath is a oriental bath with milk and oil. It supplies the skin with minerals and vitamins.

COLD PLUNGE

Deep pool for the rapid contraction of the capillaries, intended to stimulate circulation after sauna.

COMPRESSES (cold and hot)

A folded cloth or pad applied so as to press upon a body part.

COOL-DOWN EXERCISES

Movements at the conclusion of your exercise session to give your body a chance to ease out of the routine while your pulse rate returns to normal.

COSY- WALL- SHOWER

The Cosy - wall -shower is a heated water wall which is used in connection with and between various treatments.

DEEP CLEANSING FACIAL

Use of sophisticated machines or manual techniques to open pores, extract blackheads by hand, purify skin, close pores, and revitalize skin.

DETOXIFYING TREATMENTS

Cleansing the body of accumulated poisons often from over-taxation due to addictive habits.

DULSE SCRUB

A vigorous scrubbing of the entire body with a mixture of powdered dulse seaweed and oil or water to remove dead skin and provide a mineral and vitamin treatment to the skin. This is a gentle treatment for sensitive skin which leaves the skin incredibly smooth.

ESSENTIAL OILS

Aromatic liquid substances which are extracted from certain species of flowers, grasses, fruits, leaves, roots and trees which are used in the medicinal, food and cosmetic industries. The positive effect of essential oils on blood circulation is due to bringing oxygen and nutrients to the tissues while assisting in the disposal of carbon dioxide and other waste products produced by cell metabolism.

EXFOLIATING PEELING (SEE ALSO FACIAL)

Skin treatment where the upper layer of dead skin cells is sloughed off. A variety of techniques can be used and the treatment is called accordingly: loofah rub, salt scrub, body glow, brush and tone, etc.

FACIAL

There are many types of facials. A standard facial usually includes massaging the face, cleansing, toning, steaming, exfoliating and moisturizing. Other types of facials, mask and skin treatments are available at most spas. They include a European facial (similar to a standard facial except the products are European); a peeling mask designed to lift dead skin and encourage new skin growth; a paraffin mask, which helps increase circulation and rehydrate the skin; and a deep cleansing facial which purifies and revitalizes the skin.

FANGO TREATMENT (THERAPY) (FANGO BATH)

The Italian word for mud. Used in treatments, a highly mineralized mud may be mixed with oil or water and applied over the body as a heat pack to detoxify, stimulate the circulation and relieve muscular and arthritic pain.

Sometimes only an area such as a shoulder is covered. Otherwise the whole body is dipped or covered. "Parafango" is similar, using mud mixed with paraffin. This treatment relaxes the body, alleviates sore muscles, and softens the skin.

Fango creates an all-encompassing, gooey warmth and works like a poultice, softening the skin. Natural ingredients, such as peat moss and sea kelp, often are mixed into the mud to help contain the warmth and increase mineral content.

FINNISH SAUNA

A simple form of traditional bathing aimed at cleansing the body through perspiration. A pile of stones covering a stove is heated by wood, preferably birch, spruce or pine until it turns red hot. Water is then thrown over the heated stones to generate steam; leafy birch twigs are used to stimulate the circulation by beating the body.

FITNESS & CONDITIONING (EVALUATION)

A test for aerobic capacity, flexibility, and strength administered under the direction of an exercise specialist. Results enable a spa to design an individualized program, based on personal goals, abilities and lifestyle.

FLEX AND STRETCH

Continuous movement exercises intended to increase endurance, flexibility, and muscular strength.

FREE WEIGHTS

Hand-held dumbbells or barbells whose use allows isolation and toning of selected muscle groups.

HAMAM

The Hamam is a traditional Turkish cleansing bath in communicative atmosphere with sauna, cleansing and relaxing areas . Drinking tea between the treatments is part of the traditional ritual. The Dschamken is a special room/ area for the tea ritual. The pool allows relaxation and privacy with poolside showers and completes the Hamam.

HAND AND FOOT TREATMENT

This often includes a standard manicure and pedicure, followed by a seaweed or paraffin mask to soften and smooth the skin.

HERBAL WRAP (hot and cold) / AROMATHERAPY WRAP

The body is wrapped in warm linen or cotton sheets which have been steeped like tea bags in a variety of aromatic herbs, then covered with blankets or towels, preventing the moist heat from escaping. Additionally, a cool compress is applied to the forehead. Herbal wraps help relax the muscles, soothe soreness and soften skin. However, some people find the heat oppressive and the cocoon effect of the wet sheets and blankets smothering. To avoid feeling claustrophobic, the arms may remain outside of the wrap. See also aroma bath and herbal bath. top ^

HOT PLUNGE

Deep pool for the rapid expansion of the capillaries.

HYDROTHERAPY

Long a staple in European spas, this is the generic term for water therapies using jets, underwater massage and mineral baths (e.g. Balneotherapy, Iodine-Grine Therapy, Kneipp Treatments, Scotch Hose, Swiss Shower, Thalassotherapy, and others. It also can mean a whirlpool bath, hot Roman pool, hot tub, Jacuzzi, cold plunge and mineral bath. These treatments use physical water properties, such as temperature and pressure, for therapeutic purposes, to stimulate blood circulation, dispel toxins and treat certain diseases.

JACUZZI

A patented design of a whirlpool bath or a mechanism which swirls water in a bath with underwater jets.

JAPANESE ENZYME BATH (FLOWER BATH)

A three part treatment lasting about an hour. First you are served hot enzyme tea, then you submerge in a large wooden tub filled with fragrant blends of cedar fibers and plant enzymes imported from Japan. The enzyme bath stimulates circulation and metabolism.

KNEIPP BATHS (THERAPY/TREATMENTS)

Treatments combining hydrotherapy, herbology, and a diet of natural foods, developed in Germany in the mid-1800s by Pastor Sebastian Kneipp. Includes the use of herbal bath oils, eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary, meadow blossom, spruce, pine, juniper, chamomile, and hops to comfort body and mind as a component of treatment. See Kneipp Kur System.

LA STONE TREATMENT

La Stone treatment is a relaxing massage with hot (+60°C) and cold (-10°C) stones.

LIQUID SOUND POOL

The Liquid sound pool is used for water balancing treatment. Weightless floating in warm salt water pool ( 27%). Sounds and light under and above the water aid in relaxation and stress reduction. Further the treatment supports the de-toxifying effect on the body.

LOMI-LOMI

Hawaiian rhythmical, rocking massage.

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

A therapeutic massage using a gentle pumping technique to drain away pockets of water retention and trapped toxins. Considered by many European cure doctors as a premier anti-aging treatment. Lymph drainage can be achieved through manual massage, hydro massage, or with aromatherapy massage.

Sometimes called lymphatic drainage massage, it requires serious knowledge of the location of the lymph nodes. Be sure the masseuse or masseur knows what she/he is doing. Sometimes done on the face and neck, other times the entire body, lymph massage helps stimulate lymphatic circulation, which boosts the body's ability to eliminate wastes and absorb nutrients. It can also reduce swollen or puffy tissue and tone underlying tissue.

MANICURE

A cosmetic treatment of the fingernails, including shaping and polishing.

MASSAGE (THERAPY)

Manipulation of skin, muscle and joints (usually by hand) to relax muscle spasm, relieve tension, improve circulation and hasten elimination of wastes. It also stretches connective tissue and improves circulation. A wonderful antidote to stress and muscle tension, massage does not rub away weight, but will rub away fatigue, inducing relaxation.

Various forms of massage include: Accupressure, Reflexology, Rolfing, Shiatsu, Sports Massage, Swedish Massage.

MUD BATHS

See Fango therapy.

NUTRITION / SPA CUISINE

Fresh, natural foods low in saturated fats and cholesterol, with an emphasis on whole grains, low-fat dairy products lean proteins, fresh fruit, fish, and vegetables and an avoidance of added salt and products containing sodium and artificial colorings, flavorings, and preservatives.

PACKING (see Compresses and Wraps)

Used on head, throat, chest, foot, knee, legs, abdomen.

PEDICURE

Nail care and treatment of the feet. Includes soaking feet in warm soapy water and removing dry skin with a pumice stone or a special razor. Also includes a foot and leg massage and concludes with polishing of nails, if desired.

RASSOUL

The Rassoul bath is an old Arabic treatment using curating soil for whole body peelings by special program.

REIKI

Meaning "universal life-force energy," a scientific method of activating and balancing the life-force energy present in all living things. Techniques are applied to the entire body, channeling energy to organs and glands, and aligning the chakras (energy centers). Intended to relieve acute emotional and physical conditions. See also Radiance Technique.

RELAXATION

To become less formal or tense; to relieve from strain.

RELAXATION AREA

The relaxation area has the purpose to offer the guests a place to relax between the treatments in a communicative atmosphere.

REVITALIZATION

Therapy used to stimulate fatigued or aging organisms, which assist an organism in defending itself and resisting the wear and tear of time and aging.

RUSSIAN (STEAM) BATH BANJA

A steam bath.

SAUNA

A dry heat treatment (at less than 10% humidity) in a wood-lined room with temperatures of 70°-100°C (160-210° Fahrenheit), designed to bring about sweating to cleanse the body of impurities. After a sauna, a cool to cold shower closes the pores and brings down body temperature.

In the Finnish bath tradition, where this practice originated, even higher temperatures are sought as heat is generated by a stove containing a heap of stones (kiuas) over which water is thrown to produce vapor (loyly).

SEA MUD TREATMENT

Applications of mineral-rich mud from the Dead Sea in Israel. Used to detoxify skin and body; also used to ease painful symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis.

SEAWEED (BODY) WRAP

Similar to herbal wraps combined with heat packs, using sea water and seaweed with a balance of the ocean's nutrients; minerals, rare trace elements, vitamins and proteins, which are soaked into the blood stream, to revitalize skin and body.

SHIATSU (MASSAGE)

Means "finger" (shi) "pressure" (atsu), a cross between acupuncture and massage developed in Japan by Tokujiro Namikoshi in the 1940s. Like accupressure, Shiatsu works with vital points and energy meridians and uses finger-thumb-palm pressure. Unlike accupressure, Shiatsu also manipulates other parts of the body in the course of treatment. Intended to stimulate the body's inner powers of balance and healing.

SKIN MASKE (MASQUE)

A preparation usually applied to the face and neck to stimulate local circulation, tone, cleanse and tighten pores and remove dry skin. Ingredients are varied to accommodate specific needs of one's skin type and condition.

SPORTS MASSAGE

Deep-tissue massage directed specifically at muscles used in athletic activities. This massage can be either preventive or corrective in approach. Because it is given to those whose body tone and condition is tied to performance, it can be as specific as working over of leg muscles (in a runner, for example), or kneading muscles to assure optimal flexibility appropriate to the sport the person is engaged in.

STAIR MASTER

A patented exercise machine that simulates climbing stairs.

STEAM BATH

Steam Bath Types: head, foot, tent, local, full body The classic steam bath leads to relaxation and stimulation of circulation respectively. Steam bath with saturation of air humidity (haze).

STRETCHING

Use of different body positions to extend various parts of the body, aimed at relieving tension and stress, and increase flexibility. See flexercise.

SWEDISH MASSAGE

The most commonly offered and best known type of massage. Devised at the University of Stockholm in 1812 by Henri Peter Ling, this technique employs five different movements (long strokes; kneading of individual muscles; percussive, tapping movement; rolling of the fingers; and vibration) and oils beneficial to the skin. Used to improve the circulation, ease muscle aches and tension, improve flexibility and create relaxation. Swedish massage is done with the person covered by a sheet, where each part of the body to be worked on is exposed in turn and then re-covered. The massage practitioners use kneading, stroking, friction, tapping and even shaking motions. Oil is used to reduce or eliminate friction and to facilitate making long, smooth, kneading stokes over the tissue and muscles of the body.

TAI CHI

A Chinese Taoist martial art form of "meditation in movement" which combines mental concentration, coordinated breathing, and a series of slow, graceful body movements. While this ancient system looks like a slow-motion dance of graceful movements and deep, relaxed breathing, it is a mobile meditation, used for health, relaxation, self-defense and to induce energy. It's widely practiced in the Orient by people of all ages.

THALASSOTHERAPY

An ancient Greek therapy (thalasso is Greek for sea) these treatments use the therapeutic benefits of the sea, and sea water products for their vitamins, minerals and trace elements, which can heal and reinvigorate skin and hair. Various treatments include: Individual baths of fresh seawater equipped with powerful underwater jets for deep massage; or a therapist applies manual massage to body with hoses. Body wrap, similar to herbal wrap, but using seaweed or sea algae paste, to eliminate toxins, restore minerals and skin elasticity. As with most wraps, it usually involves seaweed paste rubbed on the body, which is then covered with sheets and sometimes blankets for 10 to 20 minutes.

Use of sea water and sea air to treat a disease; living near the sea, bathing in the water and breathing sea air.

VICHY SHOWER

Invigorating shower treatment from several water jets of varying temperatures and pressures applied while lying on a waterproof cushioned mat. This treatment is often followed by exfoliating treatments such as Dulse scrub, loofah or salt-glow.

WATER BALANCING

Floating in body temperature saltwater alone or balanced by a physical therapist.

WAXING

Warm wax (usually honeycomb wax) or cloth dipped in wax is applied to various parts of the body, including legs, arms, upper lip or brow for removal of unwanted hair. Just as the wax dries the strip is pulled quickly and hair is removed all the way to the roots. Results last for three to six weeks. Can be painful for delicate areas, but achieves smoother results than shaving and removes hair for a longer period of time. Also called depilatory waxing.

WHIRLPOOL

A hot water pool with circulation through high pressure jets on the sides of the pool. With water at temperatures between 40°-45°C (105°-115°F), this treatment soothes sore and overstrained muscles and is used for relaxation.

YOGA

An ancient Hindu system of stretching and toning the body through movements or postures (asanas), composed of deep breathing, relaxation methods, and diet. Yoga is frequently part of stress-reduction programs. It helps improve muscle tone, flexibility and mobility; reduces stress and anxiety; and induces a sense of well-being. The word "yoga" denotes a concept of discipline leading to union. The body and the mind form a continuum of consciousness and life that, when achieving a state of focus and clarity, may unite with Universal Spirit.