The ancient Egyptians used essential oils like cedar-wood, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and myrrh in embalming and Cleopatra used essential oils in her beauty regimes. Hippocrates, known as the father of medicine also used them to balance the mind, body and soul.

How does aromatherapy work? It works in four main ways.

Via the olfactory – our sense of smell affecting the part of the brain that helps regulate all the hormonal systems in the body.

Via touch – we all know that touch is therapeutic especially during a massage.

Via breathing – inhaling aromatherapy during a massage treatment.

Through the skin – essential oils are absorbed though the skin and into the blood stream in about 20 minutes or so. So by the by time your massage is finish the therapeutic properties have began to affect in the whole body.

For an aromatherapy massage, essential oils are mixed with a carrier oil, in our health spa we have chosen rice bran oil for a number of reasons. Rice bran oil is a 100% pure and nourishing, It’s a powerful skin protector, rich in gamma-oryzanol that replenishes the skin.  Full of antioxidants and phyto-terols, helps reduce inflammation, soothes discomfort, wonderful for itchy prone skin. Has long been used in Japan to protect and moisturize. Rice Bran oil is one of the richer carrier oils, mildly anti-bacterial, it feels soft and velvety. So you get the benefit of the essential oils and the carrier oil during your massage.   The reason essentials oils are diluted into a carrier oil, is because essentials oils are highly concentrated pure plant compounds too concentrated to put on the skin straight from the bottle. It is important to buy good quality pure essentials oils.

Like herbs there are hundreds of essentials oils with varying healing properties and like herbs there are some very well known and popular essential oils we have all heard of essential oils like lavender known for relaxing muscles and the mind, or tea tree with its reputation for helping all sorts of conditions especially fungal problems, eucalyptus essential oil for improving the respiratory system, or lemon essential oils for cleansing.

There are contra-indications – if you are pregnant or take certain medication or if you are a child or suffer epilepsy or an adult with high blood pressure.

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The Australian Natural Therapists Association Limited (ANTA) is the largest national democratic association of ‘recognised professional’ traditional medicine and natural therapy [Complementary Medicine] practitioners who work in the areas of health care and preventative medicine.

The word massage is most likely to have emerged from the Greek word ‘Massein’, meaning ‘to knead’ or the Arabic word ‘mas’h’ meaning ‘to press softly’. Massage is the oldest form of physical medicine known to man and can be traced back to the early Chinese medical manuscripts around 400BC. Massage was advocated by Hippocrates who was born in the fifth century and was known as ‘the father of medicine’. It was widely used and written about in Roman times with history recording how Julius Ceaesar received massage to relieve neuralgia!

Very little was recorded about massage in Europe between the Roman times and the early Middle Ages, but by the sixteenth century medicine slowly started to re-learn what had been lost. Between 1776 and 1839, a Swedish professor, Peter Ling, created a scientific system of therapeutic massage known as Swedish massage and established a teaching institute in Stockholm.

Today, massage therapy is one of the fastest growing forces in the field of health care.

How does it work?

Massage is simply the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body – the muscles, tendons and ligaments. A massage therapist’s hands are his most important tool through which he not only treats the patient but also detects physical and emotional problems. The massage therapist palpates the patient’s body to determine the condition of the tissues and the likely source of any pain, and thus the correct form of remedial treatment.

Massage works through the various body systems in one of two ways, a mechanical action and a reflex action. A mechanical action is created by moving the muscles and soft tissues of the body using pressure and stretching movement, thereby cleansing them of acids and deposits. This mechanical action breaks up fibrous tissue and loosens stiff joints.

A reflex is created when treatment of one part of the body affects another part of the body, much like pressing a light switch on a wall to turn on a light in the centre of the room. Just like this electric connection, so too are different parts of the body connected to each other not just by flesh and bone but by nerve pathways, or flows of energy known as ‘meridians’. So, by using reflex action, some therapists will treat a patient’s stomach complaint by massaging the arms, and will alleviate pain in the legs by massaging the lower back.

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TRIP A    8 Night Custom Tour of Panama

Day 1 Arrive Panama City. You will be met at the airport Two different tours full of adventure and fun, experience all Panama’s amazing hidden beauty and surprises from the rainforests to the Panama Canal, from the mountains to the coast – a world of wonder awaits you. You will be looked after from beginning to end as everything is organized for you, taking the hassle out of your trip, leaving you to concentrate on just enjoying the moments. and taken to your hotel by private car & driver. A 4 star HOTEL, where you will stay for the next 2 nights is centrally located for shopping, restaurants, & nightlife.

Day 2 Take a full day tour of Panama City, including the Panama Canal locks.

Day 3 Transfer to the Panama City domestic airport. You will then check-in for your flight to David, in the northern part of Panama. Upon arrival in David, you will be transferred to your hotel in Boquete, land of crystal mountain springs, beautiful flowers, birds, & amazing coffee. You will stay the next 3 nights at the Zen-like HAVEN SPA and Hotel. It is located in a beautiful, serene setting, but just minutes from downtown Boquete, & the many excellent restaurants. You can spend your free afternoon enjoying a massage, or other spa treatments. Your stay includes a light breakfast, 1 massage per person, complimentary use of the gym, Jacuzzi, racquet ball, exercise pool & infrared sauna.

Day 4 Full day tour beginning with a hike in Falling Waters Nature Reserve, a remote virgin cloud forest. The trail borders a gorgeous creek, at the base of Volcan Baru. You will explore an underground cavern, and lunch beside an exquisite waterfall – bring a bathing suit! Then you will travel to the La Luna Coffee Farm, to taste some of the best coffee in the world. Lunch included.

Day 5 With more than 35 world-class whitewater runs in Chiriqui Provence alone, there is no paddling destination better than Panama. For this trip, you will drive an hour and a half to Rio Chiriqui Viejo, near the Costa Rican border. The river is 128 km long, and offers several different sections of excellent whitewater, ranging from class 2 to class 5. The section we select will depend on your experience, skill and desire. Lunch included.

Day 6 Today you will drive to the Pacific ocean, about one and a half hours from Boquete, to Boca Chica, a small fishing village. From there you will pass through forested islands of Laguna de Chiriqui, to Golfode Chiriqui National Marine Park. This scenic park encompasses 14740 hectares of scenic water vistas and uninhabited islands, serving as a refuge for howler monkeys, leatherback & hawksbill turtles, dolphins, & scores of exotic fish. We will spend the day snorkelling, swimming, sea kayaking, & fishing. A short drive to the SEAGULL COVE LODGE with beautiful views over the ocean and surrounding islands. Includes breakfast.

Day 7 Spend the day exploring the area

Day 8 Morning transfer to David Airport. Transfer to Panama City for your last night.

Day 9 Transfer to airport for your flight home.

Costs Include: 8 nights accommodations, meals as indicated, 1 massage at the Haven Spa, sightseeing and entrance fees (excluding Miraflores locks), transfers from airport, use of kayaks and snorkeling gear, and services of a local naturalist guide.

Not Included: Air transportation Miami/Central America/Miami; Panama city David: passport/visa fees; baggage/accident/travel protection plan; tips to guides, and items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages and laundry.

Airfare: For all programs, airfare is an additional cost.

Terms & Conditions

Reservations: To reserve your place, an advance payment of $300.00 per person is required at the time of reservation, is non-refundable, and is payable by Visa or MasterCard.

Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure, or at time of booking.

Travel Protection Plan: It is highly recommended that you purchase travel protection and medical insurance from your travel consultant.

Smoking Policy: Smoking is allowed only in designated outdoor areas.

Note: Itineraries and prices listed are as of publication date, and are subject to change.

Transportation companies reserve the right to impose surcharges based on increases in the company’s actual cost of fuel.

CANCELLATION POLICY – Number of days prior per person: 60 or more days $300.00, 59–30 days 20% of trip cost, 29 days or less 50% cancellation

For Reservations: Contact us for more information or to book in English or Spanish              info@boquetespa.com    or     admhaven@gmail.com

Price: including taxes is $1655.00 per person, double occupancy excludes air flights.

This price is based on high season, which is from December through May. Low season rates will be less.

TRIP B    9 Night Custom Tour of Panama (includes some options)

Day 1 Arrive Panama City. You will be met at the airport and taken to your hotel by private car & driver. A 4star HOTEL, where you will stay for the next 2 nights is centrally located for shopping, restaurants, & nightlife.

Day 2 Take a full day tour of Panama City, including the Panama Canal locks.

Day 3 You will be picked up at your hotel, and taken to San Blas, on the Caribbean side of Panama, where you will have an opportunity to visit with the Kuna Indians, & purchase some of their famous “molas”. You will transfer from San Blas to theCORALLODGERESORT by boat (1 hour). Your 2 night stay in over the water bungalows includes all meals, & transfers. Diving, optional tours, & spa treatments available for an additional cost.

Day 4 Free to enjoy an optional tour or spa treatment. If you wish to dive, it must be arranged in advance.

Day 5 You will enjoy sightseeing on your 2-1/2 hour drive back to the Panama City domestic airport. You will then check-in for your flight to David, in the northern part of Panama. Upon arrival in David, you will be transferred to your hotel in Boquete, land of crystal mountain springs, beautiful flowers, birds, & amazing coffee. You will stay the next 3 nights at the Zen-like HAVEN SPA and HOTEL. It is located in a beautiful, serene setting, but just minutes from downtown Boquete, & the many excellent restaurants. You can spend your free afternoon enjoying a massage, or other spa treatment. Your stay includes continental breakfast, 1 massage per person, complimentary use of the gym, Jacuzzi, racquet ball, exercise pool & infrared sauna.

Day 6 Full day tour beginning with a hike in Falling Waters Nature Reserve, a remote virgin cloud forest. The trail borders a gorgeous creek, at the base of VolcanBaru. You will explore an underground cavern, and lunch beside an exquisite waterfall –bring a bathing suit! Then you will travel to the La Luna Coffee Farm, to taste some of the best coffee in the world. Lunch included.

Day 7 Option 1With more than 35 world-class whitewater runs in ChiriquiProvence alone, there is no paddling destination better than Panama. For this trip, you will drive an hour and a half to Rio ChiriquiViejo, near the Costa Rican border. The river is 128 km long, and offers several different sections of excellent whitewater, ranging from class 2 to class 5.The section we select will depend on your experience, skill and desire. Lunch included.

Or

Option 2 Today you will drive to the Pacific ocean, about one and a half hours from Boquete, to Boca Chica, a small fishing village.From there you will pass through forested islands of Laguna de Chiriqui, to Golfode Chiriqui National Marine Park. This scenic park encompasses 14740 hectares of scenic water vistas and uninhabited islands, serving as a refuge for howler monkeys, leatherback & hawksbill turtles, dolphins, & scores of exotic fish. We will spend the day snorkeling, swimming, sea kayaking, & fishing. Lunch included.

Day 8 Morning transfer to David Airport. Transfer to Panama City for your last night.

Day 9 Transfer to airport for your flight home

Costs Include: Accommodations, meals as indicated, 1 massage at the Haven Spa, sightseeing and entrance fees (excluding Mirafloreslocks), transfers from airport, use of kayaks and snorkeling gear, and services of a local naturalist guide.

Not Included: Air transportation Miami/Central America/Miami; Panama city David: passport/visa fees; baggage/accident/travel protection plan; tips to guides, and items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages and laundry.

Airfare: For all programs, airfare is an additional cost.

Terms & Conditions – Reservations: To reserve your place, an advance payment of 300.00 per person is required at the time of reservation, is non-refundable, and is payable by Visa, MasterCard, or American Express.

Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure, or at time of booking.

Travel Protection Plan: It is highly recommended that you purchase travel protection and medical insurance from your travel consultant.

Smoking Policy: Smoking is allowed only in designated outdoor areas.

Note: Itineraries and prices listed are as of publication date, and are subject to change. Transportation companies reserve the right to impose surcharges based on increases in the company’s actual cost of fuel.

CANCELLATION POLICY  Number of days prior per person: 60 or more days $200, 59–30 days 20% of trip cost, 29-15 days 50% of trip cost, less than 15 days No refund

For Reservations: Contact us for more information or to book in English or Spanish

Price: $2198.00 per person, double occupancy

This price is based on high season, which is from December through May. Low season rates will be less.

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just click here Hang Over Cure (can take anything from 5 to 20 seconds)

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What benefits does the VIC card give you?

50% off all our standard spa menu of treatments like massges or facials (with exception of pedicures and manicures which will be $12 and $15 each – 50% off does not apply)

The VIC card – 50% off also applies to Osteopathy, Acupuncture and Naturopathy or mix the spa and health treatments – there is no limit (other than being a resident in chiriqui).

No limits on frequency of treatments

10% off all our special offers and treatment packages (not off facilities memberships or packages)

20% off for your family and visiting friends

30% off hotel rooms for you family and friends.

Exceptions: cannot be used on Public holidays.

Booking required

The Haven VIC Card cost – enquire at 507 730 9345

For The Haven Members a FREE card is included (three months or more memberships)

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Here are some of the statements that have been written by critics (in italics) -

* Iridology is the study of the iris to diagnose disease.

Answer – Iridology is a study of the iris but not to diagnose disease. It is used as part of many observations to observe someone’s state of health. It is not a tool to diagnose disease it never has been and never will be. It can indicate a weakness in certain areas but with a case study and urine and blood tests where necessary. It is only part of a jig saw puzzle.

*It is not part of the curriculum of any medical school and its practitioners are not usually medical doctors. (Naturopaths are not medical doctors.)

Answer -Does that mean anything done by practitioners rather than doctors has no value? There are many things not taught at medical school, including an indepth knowledge of nutrition.

*Iridology is not regulated or licensed by any governmental agency in either Canada or the United States.

Answer – That doesn’t really mean anything – the drug Vioxx was licensed and supposedly well tested and safe but was eventually taken off the market after it killed too many people.

*……….that one can determine whether an organ is healthy or diseased by examining the iris rather than the organ itself.

Aswer – No responsible practitioner would say or believe this.

Iridology is the study of the iris to help alternative practitioners by help build up a picture of clues a long with a good case study and other observations. Responsible changes in lifestyle and nutrition should be advocated and not an excuse to prescribe a bucket load of supplements.

Married to an acupuncturist and I have seen over the years acupuncture work, a practice that has survived thousands of years, with little scientific basis and is not taught at medical schools but there is a mountain of research that shows acupuncture works and the World Health Organization lists many conditions acupuncture is good for.

The body is like a hologram, you can see the whole thing in just part of the hologram. All the parts of the body are reflected on the ear, as in auricular acupuncture, practiced by some acupuncturists. The whole body is reflected on the feet and the hands as practiced by good reflexologists. And all parts are reflected in the iris.

So you have choices, which is always a good thing. You can wait to get sick (most people’s option) get prescribed some medication, hope the medication solves your problem and only suffer minor side-effects. So what do I mean by this? For instance your blood pressure goes up, your cholesterol goes up and you weigh more than before. Your doctor will prescribe medication for the blood pressure and some for your cholesterol levels. He will advice on losing weight and give out some token diet advice. Or you can start taking some responsibility for your own health. The good thing is we still have choices.

Sonia Jones is a naturopath trained in iridology and is available at The Haven as take of a case study to help you achieve a better state of health.

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It is possible to get help to naturally:- lower your cholesterol and high blood pressure, regain your energy, sort out why you get headaches or aches and pains, and help your reduce your weight for life. We have helped people over the years with various conditions. One of our more recent is a guy who had 20% kidney function (according to two specialists) and was taking 15 medications a day – legs hugely swollen with oedema, feeling pretty terrible and pretty frightened. His wife forced him to see us. Six months later with intensive naturopathic therapy and acupuncture his kidney function is up just under 50%, his legs are not swollen and he has gone from 15 a day to 2 medications a day. He has lost a lot of excess weight, has more energy and is not in a constant state of anxiety about his condition any more.

You might say that this case is an extreme situation and that this doesn’t apply to you. The point to this is most people wait until their health deteriorates to a level where they have to do something about it. Don’t be one of those people. Don’t wait until you have to do something.

You know deep down as well as we do that your lifestyle has contributed to your high cholesterol or high blood pressure or low energy levels or constipation or weight gain and more. From our experience people know it and would like to do something about it. The questions people often ask ‘how and what can they do’, ‘how and where do they begin’? Information is confusing and misleading.

The food industry feeds the public half-truths. Many people have become addicted to certain foods and drinks. Do I really mean to use the words addicted? Yes I do. If this was not the case it would be easy, for instance losing weight or eating healthier, the world would be full of slim people and far less diet related chronic diseases, which are all on the increase.

Even when people eat what they consider to be a relatively healthy diet, in fact it isn’t.

In reality people worry more about losing weight than they do about their health or how wise their diet choices are  to their health.  In other words people will undertake all sort of hazardous behaviour hoping to lose weight. They often do lose the weight they were hoping to. Here is the bad news as the research has revealed, the losing weight is the relatively easy bit compared to keeping the weight off over the longer term?  The evidence has shown over and over again that 90 to 95% of people who have lost weight will put their weight back on within 2 to 5 years. It’s a depressing thought. All that effect.

At the Haven we see people who tell us the same story, they lose weight often to the detriment of their health only to end up back to ‘square one’ putting their weight back on, or worse some people weigh more than before. So why is this? A couple of main issues, one people jump to devour the latest “quick fix” solution, lotion, potion, pill, drink, diet etc. A lot of people want to lose their weight very fast. Here lies the first problem. This approach does absolutely nothing to address any problems and 99% of quick fix gimmicks are not sustainable. In the mean time the food and diet industry have made yet more money but people still remain over weight and still have health issues.

Secondly, this one-size fits all also doesn’t work. This is where The Haven team differs, they take an in-depth case study of each individual noting all their signs and symptoms (they all mean something like a set of clues). A plan of action is worked out set a round this case study as well as any relevant urine tests and blood test the client brings with them. It is then the job of the team to educate and empower the individual on lifestyles changes, here is where the negotiation with the client begins working together to come up with a do-able plan that incorporates short term and healthy long term lifestyle changes.

As these changes are geared a round health strategies, over time signs and symptoms gradually improve. What do I mean by this? In the case of high blood pressure that begins to gradually drop and/or cholesterol levels start to drop. People find they sleep better or they have more energy and of course lose weight. Other people’s skin condition improves or their aches and pains get less troublesome. It is different for different people and as already mentioned the course of action is different for different people’s set of clues.

You will learn how to maintain your weight loss and your health gain beyond the 2 to 5 years. A lot of people have told us, it doesn’t even take that long for them to regain their weight and lose their energy again or for their aches and pains to return.  One of the advisors is a published author of three books internationally and now has compiled a 4^th book that goes with the individual lifestyle plan that enhances the experience, giving you a helping hand with advice and recipes.

We have programs at The Haven Health Spa that are 3, 7 or 12 days. These consist of a “kick (not quick) start”, this kick start helps to educate the taste buds and to prepare the body for a new healthier start, case study, education, and use of all the facilities – infrared sauna (known to help detox and weight loss), Jacuzzi, steam, gym, vibration trainer (known to help weight loss), exercise pool, racket ball and more.

The healthy lifestyle losing weight gaining health for the long term is not about counting calories, it is not about artificial sweetener, it is not about a high protein diet, or meal replacements, and it is not about any extremes or fads.

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Low-level laser therapy is the application of red and near infrared light over injuries or wounds to improve soft tissue healing and relieve both acute and chronic pain. Low-level therapy delivers cold laser light energy direct to the body’s cells without injuring or damaging them in anyway.

We have this therapy here at the health spa.

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