We had an opportunity to chat with Loisaba spa therapist Diana Mitchell to find out more about the spa treatments offered at Loisaba Tented Camp, including the very unique 90-min Samburu Celebration Journey therapy.

Why did you become a spa therapist?

I wanted to help others by making people feel good about themselves. The most rewarding part of being a massage therapist is helping those in pain, recovering from injury or suffering from stress. This type of therapy speeds up the healing process, improves circulation and can even restore emotional balance.

What massage techniques have you studied?

I’ve studied different techniques including:

• Effleurage: this technique involves a repeated circular stroking movement made with the palm of the hand and is used to increase the flow of the lymphatic system.
• Kneading: this technique is applied with pressure by lifting the muscle in circular and upward motions and helps treat tight muscles, increase flexibility, and decrease pain.
• Friction: this involves compressing tissue against bone using firm pressure or rubbing, helping to increase circulation and release areas that are tight, using thumbs and fingers.
• Tapotement: this technique involves rhythmic tapping or patting of the soft tissue structures, mostly using a cupped hand, helping to stimulate the skin, “wake up” the nervous system and increase energy.

What is your favourite part about your job?

The most important aspect for me is to help people feel better, when people are satisfied, I feel fully fulfilled. Also, the flexibility that comes along with the job helps to contribute to job satisfaction. Lastly, job security is helpful, as there is the “human nature” of massage therapy which is hard to replace with technology. There is also a sense of independence or self-reliance after learning the skills which leads to satisfaction with my work.

What makes the Samburu Celebration Journey so unique?

First, the time frame is longer than the other treatments, lasting 90 minutes, which includes the foot ritual, body cleanse (scrub) and then a delightful, relaxation massage therapy. This generally makes the body relax by first exfoliating the skin to allow it to breathe which then gives the skin have a more youthful, glowing appearance. This is followed by the massage that helps one relax and rejuvenate the body.

What do you do in your own life to find moments of relaxation?

I have a few different methods to help me relax. These include:

• Mediation: listening to my own breathing and clearing my mind of any stress
• Listening to music: playing something like classical music or finding a song I like that fires happy memories.
• Visualisation: finding a quiet place, taking deep breaths, and imagining myself as detailed as possible in a calming mood.
• Reading a book: loosing myself in a good book reduces levels of stress and helps me relax.
• Swimming: forgetting the outside world as the water carries me along helps me by lowering stress levels, improving my sleep patterns and lower anxiety.