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Fiji

Fiji travel destinations
A Fiji Kava Ceremony was at the top of my Bucket List for years. So, getting the opportunity was a dream come true. Kava kava (Piper methysticum) is an herbal medicine; that’s also experiential, especially during a traditional South Pacific Kava Ceremony. In the modern world, anyone can buy it as a supplement, ensuring its calming properties. However, I believe the communal connection in the South Pacific winds as the essence of the traditional ceremony, enhances Kava’s healing effects.

Kava Health Benefits
First, I will briefly explain Kava’s health benefits. Then I will tell my spontaneous Kava story on Dravuni Island, Fiji. Kava is a member of the pepper family (Piperaceae), indigenous to the South Pacific. This tropical shrub contains psychotropic constituents called kava lactones found mainly in its roots and rhizomes. Kava has 4 significant medicinal

    Fiji Tifajek Mud Bath
    FijiTravel Wellness Trips

    Fiji’s Tifajek Mud Baths for a Rejuvenating Spa Day

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac
    written by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac

    An authentic way to immerse yourself in the Fijian culture is through the popular Tifajek or Sabeto Mud Pool and Hot Springs. It offers a rejuvenating day of healing travel.  On the main island, Viti Levu, I enjoyed an excursion from Lautoka to this spa resort for some TLC. So, I love sharing tips on a getaway at Tifajek Mud Pool Fiji & Hot Springs. Also, I stopped at Garden of the Sleeping Giant to experience the beautiful orchid gardens.

    Garden of the Sleeping Giant

    IMG_8503
    Orchids at Mountain of the Sleeping Giants

    Driving by sugar cane plantations, we made our way to our first destination.  Garden of the Sleeping Giants is a sanctuary at the foothills of the Nausori Highlands.  Its jungle walk takes you through a large lily pond, native forests and most vividly, the orchid displays.  Overall, there are more than 2,000 different kinds of vibrant orchids showcased.

    Tifajek Mud Pool Fiji & Hot Springs

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    Mud Bath and My Guide

    Welcomed by a guide at Tifajek Mud Pool & Hot Springs, we surrendered to the therapeutic process of this day spa.  Overall, I immediately perceived an authentic and unpretentious spa experience mostly outdoors.  Firstly, in my swimsuit my guide helped me pat a thin coat of mud on my exposed skin. 

    Mud Baths are therapeutic because they contain minerals, such as, sulfur, magnesium, zinc and bromine.  These relax the muscles, extract impurities from the skin, relieve pain from inflammation and joint pain.  Also, the mud exfoliates dead skin cells and improves skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis. 

    IMG_8534
    Massage Time

    After allowing the mud to dry on my skin, I soaked in the hot springs to clean off the mud.  Then, I got a Fijian massage lying on a floor mat to furthermore, release toxins and relax. 

    Lunch and Kava Ceremony

    Taro Root
    Fijian Lunch with Taro Root

    After a rejuvenating Mud Bath and Massage, I enjoyed my Fijian lunch, including the native white Taro dish.  Taro root is an excellent source of fiber, which improves the digestive system.  Also, its high levels of vitamin C and E help maintain a healthy immune system.

    Kava Time
    KAVA Time

    Then, we enjoyed a simple Kava Ceremony with 2 Fijian ladies, with a good sense of humor.  They giggled and introduced us to the ceremonial stages.  Before taking the bowl, she claps her hands once and says, “Bula!” (normally a greeting, but in this setting it’s an expression of gratitude) Then, she takes the bowl with both hands and drinks it all at once. With a grin, she lets out a big sigh of happiness and hands the bowl back to the host and then claps (along with everyone else) 3 times, saying, “Bula!”

    Related: Fascinating Fiji Kava Ceremony at Dravuni Island

    Then, along with the 2 guides and 2 other guests, I repeated this ritual.  Almost immediately, I feel my tongue, mouth and lips beginning to tingle and go a bit numb. The relaxing wave moved through me, leaving me even more relaxed after my Mud Bath and massage.

    Overall, Fijian Tifajek Mud Pool

    This is the ultimate day of rejuvenating in a Fijian paradise.  The combination of the therapeutic minerals from the mud baths, along with a massage and Kava Ceremony is good for the soul. Overall, it’s a testament to the healing power of Mother Nature, pure and simple.

    Read More!
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