May 2009 Interview

Gem Therapy

Dazzling red ruby, scintillating sapphire, the sheen of polished platinum – we all know that gemstones and minerals look good. But are they actually good for you? The ancients certainly thought so. Now some modern medical researchers, along with a handful of adventurous healers, are beginning to consider the possibilities

While the EAU SPA’S BEJEWELED COLLECTION of facial and body treatments is unabashedly luxurious, it is also rooted in ancient philosophies as well as up-to-the-minute medical research. In fact, these carefully crafted rituals of renewal have their genesis in the work of Fredericka Fairchild, a Shelter Island, New York and Palm Beach, Florida-based psychotherapist with degrees in religion, philosophy, and clinical psychology and who has extensive knowledge of both eastern and western mysticism.

Fairchild creates homeopathic elixirs, DAILY ELIXIR, employed in the Eau Spa’s Bejeweled Collection, that impart the healing properties of various stones. Distilled in crystal bowls and sunlight during new and full moons in the tradition of Tibetan Medicine, each elixir is intended to balance the chakras and have specific nourishing effects on the mind, body, and spirit. Each formula alters a guest’s state of consciousness in a particular manner. For example, the Awaken Diamond formula, when imbibed or applied to the body, triggers neurological brain responses that lead to clarity of mind, enhanced memory, and focus. The Rejuvenate Ruby formula increases the user’s state of motivation and stimulates feelings of inspiration.

Fairchild was inspired by the the yoginis of ancient Tibet, described in Buddhist texts as being in such a purified state of consciousness that they would eschew food and instead drink gemstone-infused waters to nourish themselves spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

"I don’t think we ever lose the knowledge that people have had throughout history;" says Fairchild. "It may go underground but will once again emerge whenever a culture is ready for it. The knowledge that we have in these waters is ancient, but we are actually ready for it again."

By Katherine Stewart, May 2009