There are times when we all need to take refuge from the demands of everyday life. Retreating from the world for a few precious hours gives us time to soothe and re-energize our over-tired bodies and over-stimulated minds with some much-needed pampering. This book provides all the encouragement you need. Prepare your sanctuary with warm towels, soft lighting and gentle music, and lose yourself in a reverie with your preferred products: rich and creamy herbal soaps, scented bath and body oils, natural hair rinses, and nourishing creams and lotions. In this book the author reveals the therapeutic powers of top-to-toe body care, deep relaxation and quiet contemplation. The suggestions will help you to create a sense of well-being that will remain with you as you emerge to face the world, rested, refreshed and fully restored.

In a society where a blemish or "bad hair" can ruin an otherwise perfect day and airbrushed abs dominate the magazine rack, many of us feel ashamed of our bodies. If dissatisfaction with your looks is a distressing preoccupation, this compassionate book offers a way to break free from the mirror. Harvard psychologist Sabine Wilhelm leads you through a step-by-step program that helps you fight the urge to spend hours "fixing" your skin and hair, working out, or shopping for flattering clothes. Reality-check exercises based on cognitive-behavioral therapy demonstrate how to identify unfounded beliefs about your appearance. Once you understand the negative thoughts and feelings that distort your self-image, you'll be able to shed lengthy grooming rituals and overcome the embarrassment that keeps you from enjoying life. With Dr. Wilhelm's expert guidance, you'll learn to replace self-doubt and insecurity with confidence and a positive outlook. Whether you've spent thousands on plastic surgery or avoid trips to the beach, dating, or socializing, you owe yourself this opportunity to make peace with your looks. If you or someone you care about is struggling with a body image problem, effective care is finally at hand. Health care professionals, see also the related treatment manual: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Body Dysmorphic Disorder.