Excitingspas

Hatha Yoga is one of India's oldest and most comprehensive traditions, encompassing a vast array of physical and mental techniques designed to gain control over the nervous system, and to achieve states of transcendence. Although yoga's highest purpose is to help practitioners maintain daily happiness, yoga has a number of secondary goals, such as physical health, mental harmony, and emotional balance. In its most integrated form, yoga seeks to unlock our human potential.

The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word "Yuj" meaning to yoke, join or unite. This implies joining or integrating all aspects of the individual - body with mind and mind with soul - to achieve a happy, balanced and useful life, and spiritually, uniting the individual with the supreme.

In India, Yoga is considered one of the six branches of classical philosophy and is referred to throughout the Vedas - ancient Indian scriptures and amongst the oldest texts in existence. The Upanishads are also broadly philosophical treatises which postdate the Vedas and deal with the nature of the "soul" and universe.

What are the potential benefits of yoga?

• Improves flexibility, posture, muscle tone
• Improves breath control, mental focus
• Enhances overall body strength
• Eliminates mental "chatter" by quieting the mind
• Detoxifies and stretches key muscle groups, strengthening the entire body
• Restores health

The concern for, and maintenance of, health and wellness has been very much a part of Eastern culture since time immemorial. This has allowed the practice to develop into something of a fine art, and in Malaysia, influences from various ancient therapies have been infused into modern spa therapies. Spa and wellness programmes in Malaysia that combine traditional methods alongside modern ones in a designer ambience can offer you a delightful experience.

Malaysia, being a multi-cultural country, has at its disposal a huge range of traditional spa treatments handed down from generation to generation. Age-old Javanese beauty and wellness regimens, ancient Ayurvedic treatments from India, reflexology, accupressure and Shiatsu practices founded in China, among others, have a deep understanding of the human body, dispensing herbal recipes for baths, massage oils and scrubs.

Today, these curative and relaxing treatments are available at spas designed to create peace and tranquility within the soul of the visitor. Set against a lush tropical backdrop, and presented with nutritious and detoxifying fresh food and herbal drinks, most of these luxury spas are also equipped with jacuzzis, steam rooms, saunas, swimming pools and double baths. Malaysia has recently seen an influx of designer spas in the capital of Kuala Lumpur, but most spas are tucked away in resorts, nestled in lush rainforests or overlooking the lapping sea shore.

While regular medical check-ups take care of our physical health, some suggest that regular spa sessions not only enhance emotional and mental well-being but also serve as oil would to a well-functioning machine. Malaysia provides a serene and picturesque backdrop for the health rituals that are among the oldest in the world. So, whatever your stress-relief needs might be, the time is now, the place is Malaysia.