Tara's Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 16:00:00 +0000

On April 11, 2017, the Tara Spa Therapy Production Facility and Distribution Center became 100% solar powered! According to Tara Grodjesk, Founder of Tara Spa Therapy and Emeritus Founder of Green Spa Network, “In being an eco-conscious company, it’s been an on-going commitment to progress on the path of sustainability. To have our warehouse become 100% solar powered is very rewarding and affirming. And especially in time for Earth Day on April 22, 2017, we are thrilled to have met this milestone!”

Over 80 solar panels were installed over the last month and tested repeatedly during the past week to ensure that they were fully operational. The full line of Tara Spa Therapy products are part of the Living Wellness^® ethos that well-being is “about what you do every day”…and every bit counts.

While converting to 100% solar power will significantly reduce energy bills, it will also reduce TARA’s carbon footprint. Tara is hopeful that as more companies implement an “earth first” mentality, it will create a growing trend as more businesses, large and small, take notice and implement sustainable and conscientious business practices on a continual basis.

NATURE'S GIFT: THE GRAPEFRUIT

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 03:24:00 +0000

An inventive, 18th century horticulturist on the island of Barbados cross bred a pomelo with an orange and the Grapefruit was born -- so named because it grew in a cluster like grapes. A member of the Rutaceae (citrus) family, Grapefruit has 3 Latin names: Citrus paradis (fruit of paradise), Citrus Racemosa and Citrus Maxima, but originally it was known as “the forbidden fruit of Barbados.”

GRAPEFRUIT IS AVAILABLE IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT FORMS

A delicious fruit to enjoy in its original form - The Grapefruit comes in a variety of colors – white, yellow, pink or red - and a full spectrum of tastes from quite acidic to sugary.
Grapefruit Seeds and Grapefruit Seed Extract - Commonly used in throat and nasal spray, mouthwash, toothpaste and shower gel.
Grapefruit Essential Oil* - The essential oil of the Grapefruit is extracted from its peel. When shopping for Essential Oil, be sure the grapefruit hasn’t been sprayed with pesticides or other harmful chemicals which concentrate in the peel. The oil should also be processed by a cold press procedure which preserves its beneficial compounds. Steam distillation can adversely affect the quality of the oil and any oil processed through solvent extraction is contaminated with chemicals. *TARA Grapefruit Essential Oil is both cold pressed and pesticide and chemical free.
Grapefruit has been used for hundreds of years for its many healing benefits. Long associated with dieting and weight loss, grapefruit has so much more going for it than that! It’s low in calories and packed full of nutrients, especially the powerful antioxidants Vitamins A and C. In fact, 1/2 grapefruit a day meets 64% of your Vitamin C needs!

Grapefruit Essential Oil contains several phytonutrients (all-natural, plant based chemicals). Limonene, the most abundant, is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Apigenin, with its anti-tumor properties has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer and Naringin, an anti-oxidant, protects vascular systems and reduces ‘bad” cholesterol. It’s also responsible for the bitter flavor of the grapefruit.Grapefruit extract and juice decreased blood pressure in those suffering from hypertension and also for normal, healthy patients

In addition to being one of the most hydrating fruits in the world (it’s 91% water), Grapefruit is an overall tonic that boosts immune response and tones the whole organ system. It also ensures the healthy functioning of the lymphatic system and boosts its activity – the perfect aid for spring cleansing and detoxification.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

Its antiseptic property, one of the first benefits discovered by our ancestors, treats sore throats and skin blemishes and helps heal cuts, wounds and bruises. As a disinfectant it offers protection against infections and eliminates infections already present.
The Vitamin C in Grapefruit helps fight skin damage caused by the sun and pollution and plays a vital role in the formation of collagen, the main support system that insures clear, healthy skin. It also protects skin cells against premature aging and tissue degeneration.
Helps maintain a healthy heart and lowers blood pressure.
Its antioxidant properties help combat the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer and can potentially slow or prevent breast cancer cell progression.
Improves insulin resistance.
Consumption of fresh grapefruit has been shown to assist in weight loss. It’s low in calories and has also been shown to act as an appetite suppressant.
In Ayurvedic medicine, grapefruit is a remedy for digestive problems as it stimulates the gall bladder and assists in the secretion of bile. It also prevents constipation and promotes regularity through its high water and fiber content.
As a diuretic, it helps keep the body light and free from toxins by promoting urination which keeps the urinary tract free from infection.
It stimulates the brain and endocrinal glands, promoting proper secretion of hormones and enzymes, keeping metabolism in order. It also stimulates the nervous system, making you more alert and active, the digestive system, the lymphatic system and the excretory system.
As a natural antidepressant, it uplifts, relaxes and induces positive feelings by stimulating hormones that have an uplifting effect on the brain. Helps relieves anxiety and stress.

WAYS TO USE GRAPEFRUIT EXTRACT AND ESSENTIAL OIL

Inhalation - Inhale Essential Oil directly from the bottle or add 2-3 drops to a diffuser or onto a cloth.
Massage - Dilute Essential Oil with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba in a 1:1 ratio. Massage with Grapefruit EO will release muscle and joint pain, cramps and headaches and help reduce cellulite.
Topically - Do a patch test of Extract or Essential Oil on small area of skin before applying topically. It represent a cheap and effective antiseptic topical treatment option even for antibiotic-resistant strains. For Athlete’s Foot, it can be applied full strength to the problem areas. Apply a few drops of Essential Oil onto skin to stimulate lymph nodes.
Internally - Grapefruit Oil has been approved as a food additive by the FDA, but shouldn’t be taken internally without advice of experienced practitioner or health professional. Grapefruit seeds can be taken orally or a few drops of the Extract added to water or a smoothie will help support liver and kidney function.
Cleaning - For laundry, add 10-15 drops of Grapefruit Seed Extract to the final rinse. For general cleaning of cutting boards and kitchen and bathroom surfaces, mix Extract with water in a spray bottle.

CAUTIONS

The Extract or Essential Oil can cause skin irritation if exposed to strong sunlight after application. They should also be avoided when taking certain medications, such as calcium channel blockers, sedatives, cholesterol lowering drugs, and estrogen replacement, or if dealing with a kidney condition which can be adversely affected from too much potassium. Its enzyme binding ability will send medications through the bloodstream easier and faster than normal.

Eating Healthy As A Lifestyle

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 03:19:00 +0000

On a recent trip to Colorado, I did John Douillard’s 2-week Colorado Cleanse. I impressed myself by how much I was able to stay focused and not get tempted by what other people were eating, even one night when I was visiting with relatives.

For dinner the family had spaghetti with butter and cheese along with bread and butter, second servings of both and no greens in sight. Weight issues pervade in this family and are taxing their health. As much as spaghetti was a comfort food when I was a kid, I felt thankful that over the years I developed balanced eating practices and now maintain a healthy dietary lifestyle. It was hard to watch not only because my food choices were restricted on the cleanse, but mostly because it amplified for me the differences in our eating habits. I’ve also lived with those challenges of cravings and unconscious eating.

It’s a lifelong path of behavioral change that I, too, struggle with and must constantly monitor. My recent cleanse was very empowering and enlightening -- it also prompted me to want to help other people who find themselves unable to control their eating habits. Unfortunately and unconsciously, unhealthy eating habits are passed on to children and are thus perpetuated through generations.

As a way to break old patterns and improve eating awareness, try the following for 1 week:

Keep a diary of everything you eat each day.
Before you put food in your mouth, ask yourself if you are really hungry or just wanting to eat for some other reason.
Try not snacking in between meals. Have just 3 meals a day with the main meal being midday, and having something light for dinner such as soup.
Try not eating past 7p.m. This creates a natural 11- 12 hour fast which is a great break for your digestive system. Then begin each day with a glass of hot water and lemon to help alkaline the system and aid in lymph drainage.
And if you really want a significant shift in digestive health, eliminate sugar, alcohol and caffeine.

NATURE'S WAY TO HELP EASE FLU SYMPTOMS

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 22:31:00 +0000

TARA EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL

Now, more than ever, you are looking for ways to cope with the stronger strains of flu and other viruses you face today. TARA Eucalyptus Essential Oil is a balancing anti-viral decongestant excellent for inhalation therapy and chest colds.

Fill a bowl with steamy water and add 2-4 drops of TARA Eucalyptus Essential Oil. Drape a towel over your head, lean over the steam and breathe deeply and evenly.

STAY WARM & LOWER YOUR ENERGY BILL!

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 16:00:00 +0000

It's easier to change your body temperature than the room temperature, not to mention more eco-friendly. Instead of turning up the heat, use these tried and true methods and let TARA help you save on your energy bills!

WARM UP WITH AN HERBAL-EASE® UNI-PACK

Place it across your lower back while working, reading or watching TV. Also, place a warm Uni-Pack under the covers for about 5-10 minutes, then crawl into a toasty warm bed...sweet dreamzzz!

TAKE A HOT BATH WITH IMMUNE BOOSTER BATH SALTS

A great way to relax your muscles and warm your body, especially after a stressful day, while also boosting your immune system.

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 20:39:00 +0000

I just returned from Sundance Resort where I developed a new concept and treatment menu for their spa. What a wonderful spa team led by Adrianna Stephan! It was very special to be in this magical, snow-covered canyon to breathe in the crispness of the air and walk snow covered paths lined with pine and fir trees.

Being at Sundance always reminds me of my connection to the Earth due to the powerful energy in that space. It’s from the rich history and heritage, and the environmental stewardship the Redford family that has ensured for so many years, inspired by the spirit of the ancient Land, the natural elements and the vital life force they exude. I share the urge to want to protect it and to honor how sacred the Earth is.

One way to honor the Earth is to be conscious of the energy of seasonal change and the rhythms of Nature. Winter is a time for hibernation...so hard in modern society. Consider it a time for reflection - to reflect upon what you created in your life this past year and what you want to put forward for the coming year.

What are your intentions? For me, it is a balance of personal well-being. And being in Nature always inspires me. It is my temple where I receive inspiration, rekindle my connection to the Divine and where I open up to the possibilities of what I want to create in my life.

Tara's Touch Stones for Living At Peak

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 15:00:00 +0000

Wake Up – Stay conscious and aware rather than going numb. Some people numb themselves with alcohol, food, drugs, TV or digital entertainment. To really live life at peak, we must be awake and aware of our world – the inner world, our microcosm, and the outer world, our macrocosm. Take time to allow your mind to connect with your body and be aware of what’s going on. Observe the observer. Being awake, you can observe your emotions, both negative and positive, your physical sensations, cravings and desires - all that moves us in life. Being awake allows you to make conscious choices, to choose a new path, to choose positive over negative, to choose what supports you rather than what undermines your greatest opportunities in life.

Make Up – Make peace with the past. Resolve inner conflicts and make up with yourself rather than fighting with yourself. Forgiveness is a heartfelt way of healing the past and restoring harmony. Recognize the lessons learned from trials by fire and trust that it all has served a higher purpose on your path. Making peace with yourself and others allows you to be in the present instead of living in the past. And being in the present allows you to embrace and savor the moments of now, which are precious pearls of life.

Live It Up - Identify what things in life give you the most joy. What are you passionate about? Include those things in your life NOW. When we’re engaged in activities that we enjoy and are excited about, we feel most vital and alive. Weaving that which you love to do in with your responsibilities and “have to’s,” will bring more balance and pleasure to your life.

Time Out - It’s essential to make space for reflection by unplugging from our digital world. Savasana, or corpse pose in yoga, represents a time of surrender after exertion. Giving ourselves down time, or conscious rest, allows the body to restore and the mind to calm. We need time out from our “fight or flight mode”, the persistent urge to make things happen, to do it all, and from being “at battle” out in the world with our defenses up. Time out is refuge for the soul. It’s a time to drop defenses, slow down and recharge.

Get Out - Take time to be in Nature, to reconnect with the Divinity of the Universe. The splendor of natural wonders is awe-inspiring and expands our view of life. Breathing fresh air, moving our bodies and reaching out to the world, gives us a greater appreciation for our individual lives and for our planet. We have a relationship with all things in the Universe; by exploring what is beyond our daily realm, we cultivate an appreciation for things beyond our own self-focused being.

Clean Out - Let go of old entanglements and anything that doesn’t serve you anymore. Old “baggage” is like toxins and waste products in your system. It serves no purpose other than to bog you down, congest you and cloud your vision. The physical and mental run parallel in this principle. Cleansing the body in a gentle way, through a simplified diet and detoxifying herbs and supplements will help rid the body of that which doesn’t support optimal physiological function. In turn, cleansing the mind of negative thoughts and destructive patterns will create new space for invoking positive thoughtful affirmation and clear intention.

Right On – Doing what is right serves the highest good. Acting with integrity and upholding ethical behavior cultivates positive energy, which is rewarding and fulfilling to heart and soul. Doing good in the world sows seeds of goodness that will support the best in mankind. Doing what is right is doing no harm. Doing what is right is clear, clean and empowering.

Shine On - Live in the light. Be the bright light. Be an inspiration to others. Let your light shine. Your beauty will radiate from the vibrancy within.

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Sat, 21 Jan 2017 16:00:00 +0000

STAY WARM IN WINTER WITH HERBAL-EASE® PILLOWS

Cold weather has a significant impact on your health and staying warm helps boost your immune system. Filled with 100% natural Aromatherapy herbs, our Herbal-Ease® pillows, packs, booties and mitts are the perfect choice for staying warm during the harsh winter weather. Exceptionally durable and made with earth-friendly materials and packaging.

Realigning Energy

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 15:36:00 +0000

As we move past the hectic Holiday season and welcome in the New Year, this is the most important time to realign our energy so we can go out into the world and manifest our visions and dreams. We are all so busy with family and work, yet making sure we are doing the supportive things that help us maintain our balance is critical to being effective in all that we do.

Some of my intentions for moving into the New Year with health and vitality include:

Remembering to breathe to release stress and tension held in the body and mind and to alkaline the blood, which oxygenates the body
Making sure I have quiet meditation moments where I say affirmations or prayers throughout the day
Moving my body in ways that strengthen and stretch it to support my physical alignment, which ultimately helps my core, center and overall balance in life

What are the ways you realign? Share with me at tara@taraspa.com.

TARA Helps Save Bees

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 14:51:00 +0000

TARA is sponsoring a beehive in Colorado to help further the cause of protecting the precious bee population.

As most of us know, bees are a critical link in the sustainability of our ecosystem and Bumble Valley founded a great cause that we wanted to support. Their bee hive farm is 40 miles from any other agriculture to protect the bees from pesticides and also to prevent cross pollination with GMO crops. Bumble Valley is nuturing and growing the bee population!

Tara and Amber were at the August SpaBuzz Emerging Leaders event in Denver that introduced Bumble Valley. The SpaBuzz group built beehive boxes and it was so inspiring Tara decided to donate to Bumble Valley and become a Sponsor for a hive. We will be excited to get photos of our hive and our Bee Family throughout the year!

Energy Balancing Technique

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 15:00:00 +0000

Years ago, in my early 20’s, I was a hippy living in a geodesic dome that I built at a Northern California hot springs property. I slept on a hay bed and the dome had triangular skylights that allowed the moon to shine through and illuminate my space. I would hike on moonlit paths and lay in meadows bathed by the soft light. I always say that this was one of the best years of my life, being immersed in Nature and it’s natural rhythms. It was there that I learned about the power of lunar energy, which in Ayurveda, is considered the Feminine expression and is cooling, soothing and sedating. According to Ayurveda, the Sun expresses Masculine energy, with active energy that is intense and warming.

In Ayurvedic healing we bring awareness to the balance of Solar and Lunar energy that resides within us in our inner universe, the microcosm, and the outer-universe or macrocosm. We practice specific yoga postures and pranayama breath exercises and gem therapy and dietary guidelines to restore balance of our energetic, physical and emotional aspects of our whole being. This is what true wholistic health strives for - a balance of Active and Passive, Masculine and Feminine, Hot and Cold, Hard and Soft, Yang and Yin.

One very simple but powerful balancing technique can be practiced at your desk, or on a yoga mat, or while lying in bed before you start your day. It is alternate nostril breathing. The basic concept is to inhale through the left, exhale through the right. Then inhale through the right and exhale through the left. Use your thumb and ring fingers to open and close the nostrils, as you inhale fully and exhale slowly. You will find that this calms down the nervous system but also awakens the energy. It is a balance of left and right sides of the brain and of the energy meridians of the body. The left side in Sanskrit is called “ida” and right side is called “pingula.” This ancient balancing technique is simple yet powerful. Try it, for a series of 8 breaths. And notice how you feel. I trust it will be beneficial and supportive to all!

Healing Benefits of Cinnamon

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Fri, 13 Jan 2017 14:35:00 +0000

Cinnamon is one of the most delicious and healthiest spices on the planet as well as one of the oldest spices known to man. It’s loaded with antioxidants, is an anti-inflammatory, can lower blood sugar levels, reduce risk factors for heart disease, protect against cancer and, especially appropriate for this season, helps fight respiratory infections.

There are two types of cinnamon: Ceylon, which is referred to as the “true” cinnamon, and Caisia, which is the one commonly found in our markets. Because of the large amount of the compound “coumarin” found in the Caisia variety, it is not recommended to be taken in large doses.

HOME TIPS
Courtesy of Mercola.com, here are some of the benefits of Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil. Because of its potency, It’s recommended that whenever applied topically, it is blended with a carrier oil or lotion. Its germicidal properties make it an excellent disinfectant for cleaning appliances and all the surfaces in your home.

For a mouthwash, add 1-2 drops of Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil to water and gargle.
In a diffuser, Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil will ease chest congestion and bronchitis.
For a mood elevator, combine 3 drops Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil, 3 drops Bergamot and 3 drop Ylang Ylang.
Cinnamon is one of the “secret” ingredients in our Bindi Ayurvedic Body Oil. Whether for self-massage or spa massage, it will ease muscular aches, help reduce stress and provide an energy boost. This unique ingredient also improves circulation, aids in removing blood impurities and helps fight viral infections, coughs and colds.

HEALTH TIPS
Thanks to Health.com for these suggestions using Ground Cinnamon:

Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to a filter with your ground coffee, or add to steamed milk along with some honey and cocoa powder for a delicious latte. Tea drinkers, enjoy a cup of TARA Ayurveda Vata or Pitta Organic Tea, both of which contain cinnamon.
Sprinkle cinnamon on a bowl of warm oatmeal along with some chopped walnuts and maple syrup. For a low cal, fat busting treat, sprinkle cinnamon on slices of baked apple.
For a throat soother and to calm a scratchy cough, soak cinnamon sticks in cold water for several hours, and then sip. A water soluble fiber in cinnamon called mucilage, coats and soothes the throat.
Cinnamon is a featured herb in TARA Herbal-Ease® Uni Packs and Neck Pillows. Heat the pillows and enjoy the warming and soothing benefits of moist heat therapy.

FOR THE FEET
Anti-oxidant rich cinnamon softens rough, tired skin. Here's a great recipe for a footbath from Elizabeth TenHouten's book, Cooking Well-Beautiful Skin:

Juice of 5 lemons
1 T olive oil
1/4 cup whole milk
1/2 cup water
2 T ground cinnamon (or add 7-10 drops Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil)

Soak feet for 15 minutes.

Tara at Ayurvedic Pharmacy

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Mon, 28 Oct 2013 18:57:00 +0000

I had the opportunity to work with the Ayurvedic pharmacy to make Ayurvedic poultices for hot compress massage. in Kerala, India.

My journey to India...

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Wed, 23 Oct 2013 21:00:00 +0000

It was a difficult decision to miss ISPA this year since I've only missed 2 in over 20 years. But my journey in India and my Ayurvedic research have called me. I look foward to sharing this experience with my spa friends and colleagues when I return. Please stop by the TARA booth to say hello virtually! It will mean so much to me and my team.

Tara's Daily Routine While in India

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Wed, 23 Oct 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Marari Beach Resort in Kerala, India

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Tue, 22 Oct 2013 22:00:00 +0000

Our group at the Marari Beach Resort and medical center for a tour, lecture, wonderful lunch and tea. — with Wendy Nierel Bosalavage and 3 others in Kerala, India.

Ayurvedic Clinic in Kerala, India

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Tue, 22 Oct 2013 15:30:00 +0000

Ayurvedic Pharmacy in India

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Tue, 22 Oct 2013 03:30:00 +0000

2013 Trip to India

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 05:12:00 +0000

My trip to India has been amazing in so many ways. I have great photos, some of which are included in an album posted on Facebook - click here to see the photo album.

The first few days included a tour of Old Delhi by rickshaw, a visit to a sari store where our group of women picked out saris for the Bollywood gala to be held at Taj hotel. The day included a cooking class and lunch in the private home of Prabeen, a well known Indian chef, TV personality and author. To be in someone's home in Delhi was a wonderful experience.
The next day a group of us went to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. Wow! No words can descrivpbe it's magnificence. Lunch at the Agra Oberoi was sensational. A gorgeous classical design hotel and some of the best Indian food we would have on the entire trip!

The Global Spa and Wellness Summit held at the Oberoi kicked off on Oct. 4, hosting delegates from around the world- industry leaders. The conference provided many dynamic presenters and interesting information for the future of our industry. But for sure the Dali lama was the highlight. He addressed our conference for about 90 mins and laughed and smiled and showed us with unconditional love and compassion. I saw him many years ago at UC Santa Cruz college campus, but twice in a lifetime held special meaning for me.

Our post conference excursion was to southern India, to the Kerala backwaters. Kerala is known as the motherland for Ayurveda. A group of 20 of conference attendees stayed at the Coconut Lagoon and enjoyed endless buffets of Indian cuisine for breakfast lunch and dinner, along with authentic Ayurvedic treatments. The waters are so beautiful in the morning and evening light. I went kayaking with Jim Chenevey from Living Earh Crafts, and Roberto Arjona from Rancho La Puerta and our new yogini friend Stacy, also from California.

Each morning we did sunrise yoga in a primitive hut that looked out onto rice fields and water ways. One morning as I was doing sun salutation I looked up and saw a soft he of a rainbow. It felt so auspicious, I tried to capture it in a photo.

Each day we had Ayurvedic treatments which were quite surprising to some in our group. Though seasoned spa goers, the authentic Ayurvedic treatments included sitting naked on a stool for an Indian Head massage, being pounded with hot herbal compresses, then massaged with generous amounts of herbal infused oil, then followed by a cleansing with an herbal paste and a rinse with buckets of warm water.

We visited an organic garden, had a cooking class in an open air kitchen in the garden followed by a traditional lunch served on a banana leaf, where we ate with our hands.
After lunch we visited an Ayurvedic pharmacy and watched herbal oils and medicines being made. I got to stir the pot and also make herbal blouses, or compresses.

Leaving Kerala for another Ayurveda and Yoga Retreat, Four of us left the backwaters and lagoons for the mountains. What mapquest said would take 5 hours, ended up taking 11! What a long journey!

Now in the mountains in the tea growing region, it is so lush and colorful. The air is so clean here. Our program begins with a consultation with dr, mouli, Ayurvedic physician. We are given medicine specific for our individual prakruti or constitutional make up and to adress specific ailments. In my case it is lymes disease manifesting in my knee joints. Medicines are dispensed 6 times a day- beginning at 6 am., then after breakfast, lunch, tea time , dinner and bedtime.. The capsules are fine, but the herbal liquid is so difficult to swallow! Yuk!

Yoga begins at 6:30 and again at 12:30 and 4:30.Meditation is at 4:30, and two treatments a day are scheduled I between. There are many interesting guests that have come from all over the world to seek Ayurvedic treatment for health conditions, or to study Ayurveda, or Yoga teacher training. Most guests are staying for weeks or months at a time. We take walks in the afternoon through the tea plantation hills and through villages where the children run out to greet us. We see how people in this region live- very simply in small one or two room houses.

I am thrilled that my knees are doing well and I feel I am rebuilding my strength.

Tara at the Taj Hotel in New Delhi, India

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Wed, 09 Oct 2013 20:53:00 +0000

The Taj Hotel New Delhi pulled out all the stops to put on a magical party for the Global Spa Summit ... complete with fireworks and Bollywood dancing! Thank you GSWS 2013 for a memorable night!

Think Beyond Plastic

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Plastic Bottles Causing Harm to Our Environment (Huffington Post article)

Tara Spa Therapy has made great strides in reducing our plastic footprint, leading the spa industry in plastic packaging reduction and recycling. We won the Green Spa Network’s Plastic Reduction Challenge during the Plastic Pollution Coalition Conference in June, 2013.

The Benefits of Bath Salts

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 16:00:00 +0000

After a long day, a nice long soak in a hot bath with aromatic bath salts is just the ticket. Whether you have sore, tired feet from standing all day or a stiff back from working at your desk, bath salts can help improve the way you feel and ease stiff, sore muscles and aching feet and legs. Bath salts help to improve circulation and reduce tenderness and are recommended for people with back pain, arthritis, muscle tension or spasms and minor work and sports injuries.

Bath salts open the pores to purify the skin, cleansing away dirt, sweat and toxins. They aid in the exfoliation and healing of dry skin, making skin softer and more supple. Salts can also help improve common irritations such as insect bites, minor rashes and calluses on feet as well as more serious skin conditions, such as athlete's foot, eczema and psoriasis.

TARA Bath Salts contain certified organic herbal extracts and pure essential oils. They are based on traditional hydrotherapy approach called "immersion bath therapy." The minerals and salts help to soften the water so the active immune boosting herbs and essential oils can be better absorbed into the tissues, or more bioavailable to the body. This formula is very helpful for boosting the immune system as a preventative or pro-active approach during cold and flu season, but it is also really helpful to use if you are already coming down with something because it will help to move it out of the system more swiftly.

The Essence of TARA

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Fri, 30 Aug 2013 18:00:00 +0000

I am passionately committed to the holistic philosophy of health and well being and to the value of balance in one's personal and professional life. I continually seek high quality organic and natural products that support individuals in living wellness.

When I started this company many years ago, my dream was to offer the purest, most health-sustaining products possible. We named the company TARA, not after me personally, but in celebration of Tara the Goddess, who came to earth as a star. What better name to invoke the timeless wisdom of the Divine Mother and to honor the divinity that resides within? As the first physical manifestation of the Divine Mother, she represents the Universal feminine energy that resides in each of us. The essence of Tara is nourishing, compassionate, inclusive and embracing - all the qualities I hoped our company would reflect.

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP (EWG) - 2013 GUIDE TO SUNSCREENS

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Fri, 19 Jul 2013 18:00:00 +0000

http://www.ewg.org/2013sunscreen/

Everything you need to know about sun protection in one easy to use location:

* Beach and sports sunscreens

* Moisturizers, lip balms and make up with SPF

* A complete guide to understanding SPF and sunscreen ingredients

VIDEO: Alexandra Cousteau (Explorer, Environmentalist, Mother) explains how EWG's Sunscreen Guide has helped her to protect her family from the dangerous effects of sun exposure:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14ueFLqybdg

TARA SPA THERAPY HONORED FOR PLASTIC REDUCTION

noreply@blogger.com (Tara) — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 22:00:00 +0000

ED BEGLEY JR. ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF GREEN SPA NETWORK'S PLASTIC REDUCTION CHALLENGE DURING PLASTIC POLLUTION COALITION’S CONFERENCE

The winners of Green Spa Network’s first ever Plastic Reduction Challenge -- created in concert with the Plastic Pollution Coalition's (PPC) -- were announced by environmentalist and actor Ed Begley Jr. June 13 & 14, 2013 at PPC’s inaugural Think Beyond Plastic competition and conference held at the David Brower Center in Berkeley, CA.

After a year-long campaign, two GSN spa industry members tied to win for Alternative Product Packaging - Tara Spa Therapy and Coola Organic Skincare.

Tara Spa Therapy wellness focused body care line has reduced the amount of plastic sample containers that they use by 50%, and have a goal of reducing to 98% by the end of the year. They have also reduced the internal small bubble wrap usage by 71% for the entire company. They also implemented a Pregis air smart machine to reduce the volume of packaging used, which has completely eliminated large bubble wrap usage entirely. In March, the Tara Spa team spent 2 weeks reclaiming foam sheets from a local college construction project, and employees hand cut these large sheets to meet internal shipping requirement where applicable. Lastly, Tara Spa created a partnership with a local re-cycling center to become a recycling drop off center. They pull what they can to reuse for their own packaging.

GSN launched the challenge by sharing a resource guide for plastic alternatives for spas and spa product companies including sources for:

Stainless steel or glass water bottles
Water Filtration systems to eliminate single-use bottles - Stainless steel cups & straws
Reusable utensils, dishes & cups
Reusable bags – including dry cleaner & garbage bags
Recycled post-consumer waste, paper or glass packaging

The six-year old non-profit spa network also developed a Plastic Reduction Calculator for its members to help them measure their progress during the year.

"Tara Spa Therapy is an inspiration to all our members that they too can take a proactive role in this crucial issue. “explains GSN President and Rancho La Puerta Spa Managing Director, Roberto Arjona. “The Plastic Pollution Coalition is leading the global charge to reduce toxic plastic waste on the planet and we are honored to have partnered with them on the competition and the awards ceremony in this year of firsts for both our organizations."

Click here to learn more about the Plastic Pollution Coalition: http://plasticpollutioncoalition.org/