Feature Article: Multicultural Arizona

Discovering what’s multicultural about Arizona is a relaxing, delicious and educational experience. First stop, the Spa at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix for an 80 minute Native American inspired Deam Catcher aromatherapy massage. The dream catcher, a small hoop with a net, feathers and beads, used by the Woodland Indians, is placed in the room, “to catch the guest’s stresses or any negative energy,” explained Laura Geis, spa sales manager. Then warm basalt stones from Arizona river beds, used by Native Americans as a healing art, she said, are placed on your back. “The energy from the full moon recharges the stones and we incorporate them into the massage, placing them along the spine,” Laura said. Then, essential oils are dripped along the spine. Thus, “Raindrop” therapy, she explained, brings energy from the sun, and this La-Kota practice is incorporated into the massage. The eight Chakra oils used include lavendar for self empowerment, bergamot for vision, patchouli for wealth eucalyptus for communication and lotus for wholeness. Can a centuries old practice work on modern day stresses? By the end of the massage, my blackberry weary fingers felt better, and at the same time that I was completely relaxed, I had also thought up a great idea for my company’s Multicultural Speakers Showcase.

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FEATURE ARTICLE: THE NATIONAL BLACK TOURISM NETWORK: LITTLE KNOWN MISSOURI

Missouri has a rich heritage of African American history and tourists to the state are being encouraged to explore it along with the state’s more well known attractions. In an effort to attract African Americans, campaigns from the Missouri Division of Tourism and the efforts of experts like Angela daSilva of the National Black Tourism Network (a full service travel company that specializes in tours of the African Diaspora) highlight the history and rich heritage of African Americans in Missouri.

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