N a t u r a l   H e a l t h

The World of Gaia

by Jenice Gharib

I stepped off the busy streets of La Jolla, pushed open the glass doors, and entered the magical world of Gaia Day Spa. Here the emphasis was on the physical: nourishing it, paying attention to it, treating it with care and respect, looking upon it as a thing of beauty. I was to find out, however, the physical was only the beginning, a gateway in a sense, to the nurturing of the mind, the emotions and the spirit.

My afternoon started with a Facial Rejuvenation session skillfully done by esthetician Scott Truel. With deft hands and using organic and natural products, Scott massaged my face, neck and shoulders. At times his hands moved above me, working on my energy. My arms tingled down to the tips of my fingers and one gentle touch on my shoulder sent a column of energy right down to my toes. Scott is the only known practitioner of this unique combination of facial and massage-called the Burnham System Facial Rejuvenation-on the West Coast. According to Scott, Facial Rejuvenation ''addresses the effects of aging by improving underlying muscle tone and circulation, while simultaneously improving one's energetic balance.'' Regular Rejuvenation sessions, he said, are much less expensive than a face lift.

My face glowing, my body wrapped in a fluffy white robe, I made my way to the Eucalyptus room where I met Amy Martin my companion for the next two hours during my Banya treatment. Banya is unique offering at Gaia. It is based on the Russian and northern European tradition of alternating hot and cold-like going in the sauna and then laying in the snow-in order to move lymph and create good health.

Amy started me off with a massage. We then moved into the private sauna. There Amy coated me with mango-honey oil, massaging it into my skin. A wet towel over my face kept my rejuvenated skin hydrated and me cool. Then came one of the more unusual aspects of the Banya. With branches of eucalyptus leaves, Amy whacked me up and down my body to stimulate my system. Unusual perhaps, but not painful.

While still in the sauna, I placed my feet in a bucket of ice water. It shocked me out of my drowsiness and let me know in no uncertain terms that I was alive. I followed my foot bath with a tepid shower and a few splashes of ice water (the brave can dump the whole bucket over their head) to cool my body down. Then it was back on the table for a short massage, my body temperature back to normal.

The treatments were over but as I sat in the deep, comfy chairs sipping lemon water and eating slices of apple, I realized that my body was relaxed, my mind was no longer racing, and I felt ready to tackle the world once again. I walked out into the street. Something told me I'd be carrying the world of Gaia inside me for some time.

Gaia Day Spa's services include skin care, massage, body wraps and spa treatments. Their day spa packages include aromatherapy, energy, balancing, renewal and replenishing treatments. Also Banya, healing waters and contouring treatments. Their facials include aromatherapy, hydration, radiance, and vitamin C. Gaia carries Jurlique and Eminence natural and organic skin care products, makeup, jewelry, meditation cushions and other items in their store. For more information, please call 858/456-8797 or visit www.gaiadayspa.com