ISBN: 9789810593537 Hardback 336 pages Pub Date: 2008 Price: S$55.00

The Indian Spa by Kim Inglis, photography by Luca Invernizzi Tettoni The Indian Spa is the first book of its kind to cover the plethora of wellness therapies that originated in the subcontinent. It contains an in-depth analysis of the country's four healing systems - Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Tibetan traditional medicine - as well as coverage of yoga, meditation, pranayama, naturapathy and more. Even obscure practices such as mud wrestling and martial arts are covered, along with cultural subjects like Vedic astrology and classical dance. India's ancient beauty treaments are also unearthed, with facinating essays on facial, body and bathing therapies; more unusual treatments include healing with metals, minerals, crystals and gemstones as well as chakra alignment and the art of henna body painting. A comprehensive chapter on exotic venues in which to try the treatments, including luxury spas, resorts, Ayurvedic institutions, yoga retreats and schools and more, is also offered. The book ends with a historical section on India's herbal heritage, along with a listing of key botanicals and various suggestions for natural products.