Chai And The World: An Introduction To Indian Tea

As the second largest producer of tea in the world, India is renowned for chai, that milk-infused, sweet-spicy drink that has gained immense global popularity over the years. While international café chains such as Starbucks and Costa offer fancy concoctions such as chai latte, chai frappuccino, and the unfortunately named dirty chai, most people in India swear by the humble roadside variety. Here’s a look at how this beloved beverage came to be, and the cultural hot spot it’s brewing up.

Origins

Like any great history, the origins of chai are steeped in legend and contradictory accounts. But the general consensus seems to be that this rejuvenating drink originated as a healing concoction, brewed with herbs and spices beneficial to the body. In fact, the early ‘chai’ did not contain any tea leaves, and recipes differed according to the seasons and available ingredients.

When the British came to India, they established tea plantations as an alternative to the expensive Chinese tea they were habituated to consuming. In order to tap into the local market, tea was initially dispensed free of cost to the Indian population, and soon, masala chai was born, a hybrid of Indian and British tradition.

Variations

While masala chai is the perhaps the most loved and widely consumed form of Indian tea, there’s no end to the variations available. In fact, different parts of the country are known for their unique brews, with some of the most popular options being Mumbai’s cutting chai, the rich Irani chai of Hyderabad, and the delicate pink Kashmiri chai.

Masala chai itself can contain different spices depending on the region and the season, with popular ingredients being cardamom, cloves, ginger, and fennel.

Then, of course, there is the method of preparation, which truly determines the quality of the brew. Roadside stalls are an excellent place to watch the art of thickening the chai to just the right consistency and boiling it long enough for the flavors to really steep.

Chai Culture

No matter where you are in India, you’re probably not very far from a chai stall, little roadside shacks that go by different names in different parts of the country. Tea sold at these humble outlets is often the cheapest and most delicious, the ideal refreshment in every kind of weather.

Even in homes, chai is the ultimate conversation starter, served to anyone who visits. Most people have at least two cups a day, once with breakfast and again in the late afternoon, much like the British.

Despite its link to a painful history of British imperialism, chai is the ubiquitous Indian drink, its consumption transcending all lines of class and status. It takes practice and patience to brew or even find the perfect cup, but when you do, there’s nothing else quite like it.

Source: http://theculturetrip.com/

Benefits Of Going To The Spa

The times we live in make us want to escape into another world every so often, even if it's just for a few hours, to shut off from external stimulation. This urgent need to 'get away', especially in the urban scenario, is becoming an increasing reality.

So what do you do? This is where a day spa can be a blessing, a place that helps you indulge in some much-needed 'me' time, to switch off and relax, recharge, reflect, detox and beautify. Modern-day spas cater to a range of health-promoting experiences. The healing powers of touch therapy have been expounded on since ancient times. Spas and touch therapies are thus intrinsically connected. The nurturing touch of a skilled therapist's hands on one's body has benefits that go beyond the realm of the physical. So here's my list of  benefits you can achieve through Spa massages.

• A massage session is a break from your job, your family, friends... to slow down and de-stress.
• - A massage improves blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells.
• - Massage stimulates the lymphatic system, which carries away the body's waste products.
• - It has been proved that massage releases a hormone called Serotonin that enhances the body and mind's "feel good" state. When you receive a spa service, your mind, body and soul are in harmony.
• - Professional athletes and fitness freaks, along with physical pampering, experience great relief in easing muscle tensions and cramps through trained therapists and relax every part of their body through deep tissue massages.
• - Pre-natal and post-natal benefits for women is one of the most important factors for experiencing a massage.
• - Massage therapy can help with pain management in chronic conditions such as arthritis, sciatica and muscle spasms.

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