The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach

Created by therapist Jeff Erik Wallace, astrological counselor for 12 years
with an eight-year career as a massage therapist.

Each of these treatments was uniquely designed for the The Ritz-Carlton Spa, South Beach and is an 80 minute journey -- a union with one of the classical elements: fire, earth, air, or water. The treatment uses key essential oils, evocative music and specially developed techniques that combine the best of a wide variety of massage modalities (from Swedish to neuromuscular, to Lomi Lomi, Tai, Trager, sports Massage, and stretching, etc.). Simply put, this experience is designed to connect you with your essential nature. It's elementary! The guest's astrological birth sign is used to enhance his/her own element; however, one can also select the polar opposite element for balance. Once can even book a series of all four treatments for complete balance.

The concept of four elements has been part of the western tradition for thousands of years. So with this innovative new bodywork, we are exploring and connecting to our western spiritual/philosophical traditions. (By contrast, the Chinese have a very different system of five elements).

These essential energies have been with us since the days of the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and throughout European history, right up to modern times. The four elements are still a vital part of our spiritual heritage, as they live on in modern astrology. Each one relates to a part of the human body. The signs correlate to a body zone in descending order from head to feet: Aries through Pisces. As you are immersed in the element based on your birth sign, each 80 minute treatment will have a special focus on three different areas of the body related to that element. If this sounds complicated, just remember; working with the basic elements of life is just that: it's basic.

Astrology is an important part of scientific history. Although it is often called a "spiritual science," it has no exclusive connection to any particular religion. Throughout history, it was an essential part of the medical model up until 300 years ago. Many of our medical terms are based in astrology like veins (Venus) or solar plexus. "...as may be seen from the medical terms that were in use...that defined different human characteristics according to astrological influences from the Sun, Moon and plants, such as mercurial, saturnine, lunatic, venereal, jovial and martial. These terms are still in common use today..." - Susan Hysen

"In a rare book uncovered from the English archives on medical astrology, it was stated that as late as the 1700's, those who entered the profession as "doctor of medicine", either in England or other European countries, were obliged to pass an astrological examination." - Dr. Charles McWilliams, a noted author and research in the world of Medical Astrology. He also holds many seminars each year lecturing on such things as clysmology, massage, detoxification and rejuvenation.

Like massage, astrology was at one point thrown out of our medical model. But like massage, we can bring astrology back into our healing process today, in what is perhaps another example of "going back to move forward." Either way, the new Astro-Balance treatment at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach represents a holistic reunion of these "lost worlds."

The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach opened December 31, 2003 as Miami's newest oceanfront hotel and is a complete restoration of the original 1953 Morris Lapidus-designed landmark DiLido hotel in the city's historic Art Deco district. Its centerpieces include The Ritz-Carlton Spa featuring Carita and Prada Spa, a multi-million dollar art collection, the world's only Tanning Butlerâ„¢, the only VIP level of any South Beach hotel, The DiLido Beach Club (the only oceanfront restaurant on South Beach) and the only resident DJ of any Ritz-Carlton in the world. The hotel is ideally situated in the heart of internationally acclaimed South Beach and is steps away from myriad dining, shopping, entertainment and nightlife options, including those on fashionable Lincoln Road, a thriving ten-block pedestrian mall. For additional information about The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach please phone (800) 241-3333, the hotel directly at 786-276-4000, a travel professional or visit The Ritz-Carlton web site at http://www.ritzcarlton.com/.