{"id":14561,"date":"2020-03-13T16:59:24","date_gmt":"2020-03-13T16:59:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog-omnihotels.flywheelsites.com\/?p=14561"},"modified":"2020-03-13T16:59:24","modified_gmt":"2020-03-13T16:59:24","slug":"cactus-inspired-self-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.omnihotels.com\/blog\/cactus-inspired-self-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Cactus-inspired Self-care"},"content":{"rendered":"

A little prickle never hurt anyone… at least that’s what beauticians across the country are saying. They’re flipping the script when it comes to prickly plants with the new trend in self-care: cactus. Our very own Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa has turned what sounds like an oxymoron into a specialty with its Nopal Cactus Massage. We needed more information to get on-board with this trend, so you probably do too.<\/p>\n

The Plant<\/h2>\n

The nopal cactus, also known as the prickly pear cactus, is commonly found in in the Southwest and Mexico, as it thrives in hot, desert-like conditions. The flat, round pads grow in trees up to 15-feet tall and blossom a vibrant, red fruit during the summer.<\/p>\n

\"Mexican<\/p>\n

Both the pad of the cactus and the prickly pear fruit are edible and regularly used in Mexican cuisine, found in recipes like nopalitos cactus salad<\/a> and prickly pear cactus margaritas<\/a>. Similar in texture to okra, the pad is crispy and sticky with a tart flavor. Try using nopal in your next salad for an added crunch or grilling the nopals for 10 minutes to slice and serve.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Prickly<\/p>\n

As for the prickly pear, don\u2019t let the name fool you\u2014this pear-shaped fruit has no relation to a pear at all. The fruit, often referred to as \u201ctuna,\u201d has a sweet, mild flavor profile that tastes like a cross between a ripe melon and bubblegum. From juices to jams, prickly pear fruit can be served both cooked and raw to experience its unique taste.<\/p>\n

The Nopal Cactus Massage<\/h2>\n

Now, onto what we know you’re all wondering about. The cactus massage trend is here to stick but fear not \u2013 that\u2019s the only sticking related to this treatment. All cactus spines are removed before spa guests ever encounter the plant. The service begins by the spa attendant soaking six nopal pads in warm water to heat the pulp of the plant and loosen the skin. Once the pads are warm, the skin of the pads is removed, and the pulp is extracted. The warm, soothing nopal pulp is liberally applied to the back so that the muscles can fully-benefit from the heat and properties of the plant. While the pulp is drying, a cranial massage is given to deepen relaxation.<\/p>\n

\"Women<\/p>\n

After the pulp has been fully absorbed, the excess is removed from the skin, and the juices from the nopal are used for an invigorating massage. Arnica, lavender oil and peppermint oil are added to the massage as an added aroma therapy experience for the senses.<\/p>\n

Nopal Wellness Benefits<\/h2>\n

Packed with high doses of vitamins, calcium and fiber, it\u2019s no wonder that this desert plant has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal and healing properties.<\/p>\n

When ingested, the plant is known to have the following benefits:<\/p>\n