Home Spa

Jane Heath teaches psychology at Ryerson Polytechnical University in
Toronto.

Home Spa is based on the premise that a spa “is more a state of mind
than an actual place.” According to the authors, having a spa
mentality means attending to all aspects of health—diet, physiological
and emotional fitness, skin, hair, and hand and foot care—as well as
the ways in which they interconnect. Home Spa shows us how to “live
the spa life every day.”

Ten easy steps to better health are detailed. The authors focus on
nutrition and exercise, and write lucidly about related topics, such as
stress reduction. We learn the mechanics of massage and aromatherapy.
(One expression of the latter is soaking in a tub with five drops each
of lavender, clary sage, marjoram oil, and chamomile oil, together with
the petals of three roses.) The final chapter consists of a daily
schedule for the home spa. Appended is a list of sources for bath and
beauty supplies, mud, seaweed, exercise equipment, and other sundries
employed for the purpose of toning, beautifying, and pampering oneself.

Those who would like to learn more about the spa experience will be
informed, entertained, and possibly inspired by this book, which can be
recommended as a source of both pleasure and good health.