Modern & Indigenous2

If you like Sea Salt Scrubs try Javanese Lulur

The word ‘Lulur‘ is a Malay (the official language of Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, and Indonesia) term for ‘body scrubbing.’ Javanese Lulur is a ritual traditionally administered to Malay couples before they wed. Prior to their wedding ceremony, the bride and groom participate in a tradition called ‘Mandi Lulur’, a special bath scrub with natural ingredients, including turmeric powder. This ritual derives from Hindi traditions; indeed, Hinduism was the most prolific religion in the region before the advent of Islam.

At Kabuki Springs Spa in San Francisco, this luxurious two-hour treatment can be admin- istered to couples or to a single client. It begins with a Balinese-style massage that incorporates skin rolling and light, rhythmic strokes using an oil fragranced with jasmine and frangipani. Next, the guest is lightly exfoliated with Lulur powder containing traditional ingredients. Once the sloughing is complete, the body is slathered in a yogurt mixture and wrapped, further hydrating and nourishing the skin. The treatment concludes with a luxurious soak in a bath filled with fresh-picked flowers.

“One of the true benefits of this treatment is to allow each person to experience her own beauty”, says Kabuki Springs Spa Director Kathy Nelson. “You cannot have this treatment and not feel beautiful, sensual, and in touch with a goddess energy.”

Ancient Therapies

Temazcal Ritual

The Spa at Mandarin Orienta, Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo, Mexico

(800) 526-6566

www.mandarinoriental.com

Abhyanga

Chopra Center & Spa at Dream Hotel, New York, NY

(212) 246-7600

www.chopracenterny.com

Javanese Lulur Body Treatment

Kabuki Springs & Spa, San Francisco, CA

(415) 922-6000

www.kabukisprings.com

Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy

Spa Bellagio, Las Vegas, NV

(888) 987-6667

www.bellagio.com

Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation

Peninsula Spa, Beverly Hills, CA

(800) 462-7899

www.beverlyhills.peninsula.com

Ayurvedic Soak and Self-Massage

Recipe courtesy of Julie Raistrick, Spa Director, Spa Montage, Laguna Beach, California

Ayurvedic medicine recommends regular self-massage with lightly warmed oil; a ritual that helps energize the body and relax the mind. To boost the healing effects, precede the massage with an ayurvedic bath that takes advantage of the magical powers of ginger, whose healing benefits have been enjoyed for centuries. Because of ginger’s immune-boosting properties, this bath is especially good for anyone suffering from a cold or flu-like symptoms, or fighting off a headache.

3 tbs. fresh ginger, grated or sliced

1 cup sea salt or Epsom salts

1 sprig fresh rosemary

4 drops eucalyptus oil

massage oil, such as jojoba, sweet almond or sesame, warmed

Set aside the massage oil, reserving it for later. Put all the other ingredients in the bathtub, and fill with warm water. Soak for 15-20 minutes to absorb the healing benefits. Rinse off, then apply massage oil all over the body with long, repetitive strokes.