Shinta Mani to introduce new range of Holistic Treatments

Sanctuary Resorts, the Hong Kong based holistic resorts' management-company is bringing a new range of holistic treatments to its 18-room luxury boutique resort, Shinta Mani, in Siem Reap.

The Sanctuary Spa, one of the key elements of the recently opened resort will add its latest "Masters in Residence" session with Rich Brown to its already impressive range of treatments. Art of Simplicity, which will be held from 01 June until 15 July 2004, will focus on enabling the guests to return to the natural healthy state of being through a combination of Qi balancing activities and integrated body works using ancient Chinese therapies.

Rich, who is a Health Practitioner and certified Massage Therapist, maintains a private Health Promotion Practice in the San Francisco Bay area where it facilitates students and clients in their journey to wellness and in exploring the art of simplicity. He teaches qigong, tai ji, yoga, kung fu, principles of stress management, and nutrition. Additionally, Rich practices integrated bodywork that includes techniques from Tui Na, Jin Shen Do, Thai massage, and Swedish/Esalen.

Rich holds a Certificate and Master's Degree in Integral Health from the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco, where his training centered on Taoist health practices. In addition to his formal academic preparation, he received his massage training from the San Francisco School of Massage, the Acupressure Institute in Berkeley, California, and the Massage School of Santa Monica. He completed his yoga teacher-training course with the US Yoga Association and has studied extensively with Qigong Master Sun-Da Jin, the former Assistant Director of the Qigong Institute of Medical Science and Research in Hang Chou, China and current director of the Genesee Valley Taoist Hermitage.

At Shinta Mani, Rich will hold workshops on Qigong for Health and Vitality, which cultivate and circulate the vital energy or "Qi" which animates our bodies and sessions of integrated bodywork which include a combination of techniques from Tui Na, Thai Massage, Jen Shen Tao Acupressure, and Swedish/Esalen Massage.

Rich's use of traditional treatments blended in his signature Integrated Body Works includes aspects from:

"Wind & Water" Tui Na

This traditional Chinese massage focuses on balancing the subtle energies of the body. It employs a variety of stretches, brush strokes, and acupressure therapy to loosen tight joints and circulate the body's subtle energy encouraging relaxation, a sense of harmony, and good health.

Thai Massage

Traditional Ancient Thai massage is a unique form of bodywork that incorporates Hatha Yoga, acupressure, and reflexology. The Thai method uses point pressure, muscle stretching, and compression, done in a rhythmic movement of gentle rocking. In Thai massage it is not just the hands that are used to free tension from the recipient's body, but the therapists feet, forearms, knees, and elbows as well.

Jen Shen Tao Acupressure

This ancient healing art, developed in China thousands of years ago and later refined in Japan (as Jin Shin Do), replenishes and harmonizes the vital energy of the body and brings balance and strength to both the body and the spirit. The technique uses finger pressure to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body's life force to aid healing.

Swedish/Esalen Massage

This style of bodywork integrates the deep muscular massage techniques of Swedish that are excellent for relaxation and increasing circulation, with the long, slow, gliding strokes, and gentle style of Esalen that integrate the body. Oils are used for this method.

These dynamic mind/body exercises require little physical effort and are extremely gentle and easy to learn. Daily practice will encourage an overall sense of balance and will also help:

- Enhance Immunity
- Increase Strength
- Improve Chronic Conditions
- Relax & Energize Breathing
- Restore Vitality & Physical Energy
- Retard Aging & Encourage Long Life
- Relieve Stress-related Illness
- Encourage Restful Sleep
- Improve Digestion
- Quiet the Mind

Properly pursued, Qigong leads quite naturally to increased longevity. Qigong's approach to internal and external harmony is simultaneously multidimensional and concerns itself with the mental, spiritual, and physical condition of the practitioner viewed as a total system.

Rich's "Masters in Residence" session follows "Energetic Healing" which is conducted at Shinta Mani by Michael Hallock from 08-22 May and Terry Liew's "Healing Stones at Angkor" which was held in December 2003.

Shinta Mani funds and operates a non-fee paying vocational training centre for young Cambodian's at risk adjacent to the resort. Shinta Mani opened recently with 18 rooms, a restaurant featuring Melbourne's star chef Paul Hutt and the Sanctuary Spa.