By Polly Lynn
posted
Nov 29, 2012
How, after a decade in business, one Rutland Spa has
perfected the art of rejuvenation
I'm late, again, and stressing. It's 10 a.m. and I'm ten minutes
away. As I frantically hop in and start speeding away, it occurs to
me how ironic it is that I'm rushing to relax. I was going to be
late for my first spa treatment in over three years and I
absolutely cherish such opportunities! Time has been scarce and
life simply too busy for me to take much time for myself. Yes, that
statement is a bit ironic too, for when do you need relaxation more
than when you're stressed and busy?
So, 10 minutes late my heart racing, I walk into Five Elements
Salon & Day Spa in Rutland and profusely apologize to everyone.
It is immediately clear that more offensive than my tardiness is my
frantic apology, the stress I was exuding was simply out of place.
Calming music and scents filled the air, there were candle-like
lights and simple décor with an Asian flair.
I sat down, caught my breath, before being called into a
treatment room for my facial. It was my first facial, ever. So
while I have nothing to compare it to, it left nothing to be
desired. After closing my eyes it was only minutes until I had the
sense that my stress was melting with the oils. The face, of
course, is very sensitive which makes each micro-movement well
perceived, thus, a facial must be precise and the practitioner
skilled. She quickly found the pockets of stress I had been hiding
(without my knowledge) and somehow was able to release these
leaving me calmer every minute that passed.
Next, I was treated to the Vermonter Massage. The warming oil
furthered my journey to full relaxation. Here, my shoulders
presented a challenging as the levels of tension I carry there
apparently won't just "massage away." But she made incredible
progress.
I can now understand why people take "spa days"- a concept that
foreign to me until this experience. The last thing I wanted to do
after the treatments ended was to go outside and be enveloped in
stress again.
Stress, of course, is always self-created, albeit difficult to
avoid as rarely do we control the circumstances that initiate the
anxieties. But I found it easier to avoid starting from a place of
peace and serenity. For me, stress is easily compounded building
and building through the ever-busy days and weeks. To start from a
calm base ever so often is crucial, indeed it is a therapy and
should not be saved for a cherished moment once every three years,
like I had done. Rejuvenation is essential, like the five elements
the spa is named after.
Celebrating a decade
On Dec 2, 2002 Kelly Sweck founded Five Elements Salon & Day
Spa in it's current location on 10 Stratton Road in Rutland. Over
the last 10 years she has continued to expand her practice adding
an addition on the building that now includes the massage treatment
rooms and the main office.
Sweck is a skilled practitioner herself specializing in multiple
healing modalities. She is a Reiki Master, a certified Kripalu
yoga-dance instructor and a Kripalu Certified Ayurvedic Consultant.
Sweck also specializes in Kripalu Danskinetics, a unique approach
to movement that combines the time-honored traditions of yoga and
dance and she recently completed an intensive certification program
at the world-renowned Kripalu School of Ayurveda in Stockbridge,
Mass. Ayurveda being the ancient Indian science of life and
wellness, a sister practice to Yoga.
The practice of Ayurveda seems to be evident throughout Five
Elements Salon & Day Spa as all treatments seek to balancing
the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual components necessary
for holistic health. The goal is always to restore the balance and
harmony of the individual, resulting in self-healing, good health
and longevity.
To celebrate 10 successful years, Sweck and her staff will be
traveling to New York City together to see the tree at Rockefeller
Center and enjoy the holiday festivities. They will also be
celebrating at the spa, "In appreciation for all of our customer
support throughout the past 10 years, Five Elements Salon & Day
Spa wants to thank it's loyal customers by offering 10% off all
services and products Wednesday, the 5th of December," said Kelly
Sweck. Also, those attending the 10 year anniversary celebration
will enjoy "complimentary refreshments and a chance to win a spa
day and makeover in a raffle," she said. The drawing for those
giveaways will be held on Dec. 8.
