AuthorA Guest Post by Jean Deruiter  We should prioritize our health and wellness now more than ever. And it is no longer limited to our food and regular doctor's appointments. Our environment also impacts our health. This explains why you should have a wellness space in your home. It can be a little corner in your bedroom where you can meditate, do yoga, or have tranquility. And here are nine simple ways you can do that: Find the Right SpaceFirst and foremost, you need to find a suitable space. Ensure that it's kept away from loud, busy areas, like the kitchen and living room. See to it that the space that you choose is quiet and relaxing. You can spruce up a corner of your bedroom, a study, or, if you're lucky enough, a sunroom. Ideally, pick a room that gives you plenty of natural light. Clear Your SpaceDecluttering is vital to your wellness and your overall space in general. In fact, psychologists are saying that clutter tends to create plenty of chaos and stress. As a result, it distracts you from feeling that general sense of calm and wellness. If you get anxious about cleaning up, you can start small. Get rid of items that don't inspire anything, apart from the sense of calm. This might involve getting rid of certain technologies like your TV, computer, and cellphones. Moreover, it might also include getting rid of bright colors or bold artwork. Moreover, even if your bedroom isn't a dedicated wellness space, you can use this advice in your bedroom as well. Use it as space only for sleep and relaxation. Avoid electronics and checking late-night emails. You might consider keeping your phone in another area of your home during the evenings. Try to figure out how much room you need and where you'll be having the floor space. Enhance the LightNatural light is also best for wellness spaces. If you have windows, try to keep the curtains and coverings simple to let the natural light in. You can also keep the blinds and shades open to let the light in. If you have a windowless room, don't despair. You can install a LED light, one that has daylight variation. Sunlamps can also be especially useful, especially if a climate in a particular area doesn't get a lot of light. Bring Nature InBring a touch of the outdoors by bringing nature into your space. You can do this by incorporating wood or stone accents. You can also inject plenty of natural color into your room through potted plants and flowers. Houseplants tend to provide you a sense of calm while removing all toxins in the air. If you're looking for easy-to-care-for, low-maintenance plants, you can try getting peace lilies, jade plants, or ferns. Moreover, simply looking at nature helps promote feelings of well-being. During fine weather, you can open your window to keep the fresh air in. Stimulate the SensesSimilarly, you might also want to try choosing a scent that matches the room's mood, tying everything together. You can quickly achieve this using candles and diffusers. Ideally, pick elements that help stimulate your sight, smell, touch, and hearing. Doing so allows you to create a holistic environment that makes sense of calm within. Get Rid of Any DistractionsMake your wellness space a technology-free zone as much as you can clear the space from laptops, smartphones, or computers. If you listen to music or podcast using your phone, you should get a Bluetooth speaker instead. That way, you can distance yourself from the screen and listen only to the audio. Choose the Right ColorYou can also choose your preferred color palette. Note that certain colors like red and yellow can be energizing. Cooler hues like green, blues, and neutral tones can be great colors for wellness spaces. Use Non-Toxic Cleaning ProductsDo you know that many cleaning products contain dangerous components? Most of these aren't necessary to stay effective. Luckily, you can make your cleaning products at home using castile soap, white vinegar, and baking soda. At Planet Maids House Cleaning NYC, we always tell our clients that natural cleaning products are as effective as those found in the stores. Not to mention, they're safe and help your space smell great. Add a Furniture PieceApart from that plush armchair, what kind of furniture do you think will work well with a newly created wellness space? We recommend that you add furniture that's quite simple yet connects you with nature. If your wellness space is found outdoors, you might want to choose furniture pieces that you know can withstand the weather. An excellent example would be wrought iron chairs, as they are less likely to get damaged with sun, rain, and dust. Over to YouIn general, wellness is the deliberate choice to live a fulfilling life. This can include the food we eat, how we dress up and project ourselves, when we work, and when to get some rest. That said, you should have space where you can unwind and not be disturbed by other external factors (read: your phone notification).
If you want to have a wellness spot in your house, you can follow these tips: 1. Find the right space 2. Clear your space 3. Enhance the light 4. Bring nature in 5. Stimulate the senses 6. Get rid of any distractions 7. Choose the right color 8. Use non-toxic cleaning products 9. Add a furniture piece By doing so, you can have your cute little corner where you can achieve tranquility. With the opening of our refurbished spa at the Intercontinental Hotel, we wanted to share with you the incredible benefits that a session in a salt room can provide. Salt rooms are such great wellness boosters a type of therapy has been formed around them: Halotherapy. This article will teach you more about salt rooms, Halotherapy, and the various ways they can improve your health.
What is Halotherapy? Basics About the Salt RoomThe salt room is a relaxing space in which you can inhale microscopic particles of pharmaceutical-grade salt in a controlled environment. This practice was actually discovered in the 1800’s when scientists realised that salt mine workers did not suffer from many of the respiratory problems that others around them experienced. Breathing in controlled amounts of salt has a long list of skin, respiratory and lifestyle benefits for people of all ages. This is thanks to salt’s antibacterial nature and it’s high absorbency. While you breathe in the salt, it will gently thin the mucus in your respiratory system, dislodging pathogens, debris and pollutants. Meanwhile on your skin, inflammation is reduced, natural regeneration is promoted and your pH is regulated to its ideal natural level.
Skin BenefitsIt may sound too good to be true, but simply sitting in a salt room can help improve your skin’s health and appearance. The little salt particles are incredibly absorbent, so they can get deep into your pores and absorb oils that would otherwise lead to excess shine, acne and blemishes. Absorbing excess oil and fluid also reduces swelling and inflammation, which is useful if you suffer from eczema or psoriasis. The salt is also great at dislodging dirt from your skin or inside your pores. All together, you will leave the salt room with visibly improved skin that’s clearer, cleaner and softer.
Respiratory BenefitsWith all of the pollutants we encounter on a daily basis, the salt room’s power to improve your breathing is useful for people of all ages. Even if you don’t suffer from any particular respiratory problems, a buildup of pollution in your respiratory system can cause anything from discomfort to serious health complications like lung cancer, strokes, high blood pressure and heart attacks. Salt room sessions counter this build up by helping to remove these toxins and keep your air circulation moving along smoothly. This also prevents these harmful substances from remaining in your respiratory system long enough to be absorbed into your blood, and affecting the rest of your body. Thanks to salt’s antibacterial and anti inflammatory nature, swelling and irritation is reduced, making your breathing more comfortable and giving your immune system a helping hand. These same properties make a session in the salt room ideal for people who suffer from asthma, allergies or other respiratory ailments. Salt Therapy During the Covid Crisis In these times many people have some lasting complications after recovering from Covid-19, especially breathing problems. From congestion to shortness of breath, the anti-inflammatory and strengthening nature of Halotherapy is perfect for some much-needed relief. Your lung function is improved, as well as your immune system, helping in your long-term recovery progress.
Physical & Mental Health BenefitsHalotherapy is calming for both the body and the mind. The immune, nervous and lymphatic systems all benefit from salt microparticles, as well as the body’s energy levels and sleep patterns. All of this can improve your mental health as a side effect, but a salt room session also directly helps your mental health by reducing stress and headaches. Unsurprisingly due to all of this, you may even find that your mood is improved. Benefits to AthletesSalt rooms are also popular among athletes for many reasons. Firstly, the salt room’s improvement to an athlete’s respiratory system will help improve stamina and performance. This improved breathing helps avoid the likelihood of an injury during training, helps reduce the buildup of lactic acid in muscles and the resulting soreness, and even helps reduce the chance of cramps. Better oxygen intake also reduces chances of dehydration, improves heart rate and boosts energy recovery.
ConclusionsAs you now know, enjoying Halotherapy in a salt room isn’t just a simple relaxation session. It will also boost your physical and mental health, as well as your appearance. The power of salt microparticles to improve your life is surprising in itself, and surprisingly effective given how simple and stress-free this therapy is. Other Articles You May Be Interested InAs an employee, it's okay to look forward to your day off. More so if you're in the middle of a rough work week. However, some people dread the idea of being idle during their day off. That said, we have listed nine ways you can have a productive day off from work.  Catch Up with FamilyYou spend most days of your week at work. Thus, even if you live in the same house as your family, you're not always present because you're working. That said, your day off is an excellent time to catch up with them and be present in the moment. You can play board games, make a whole night out of it, or hang out in the living room or the backyard, relaxing with their presence. Spending time with the people you love is a great way to keep your energy up for the week ahead. MeditateWhen you spend almost an entire day in the office, your mental health usually doesn't get breaks even when you clock out. That's why it's a good idea to spend a moment doing an activity that requires you to devote your time and focus on one thing, which is your mental health. Given the hectic lives that people lead, a simple way to incorporate that during your break is meditation. Meditation can help you feel more tethered to reality and less stressed out about your life. Simultaneously, it can boost your mood, make you feel more present, and allow you to be more grateful for everything in life, which is always a good thing. Plan a DIY ProjectSome people think that relaxing is about chilling by the pool or watching a movie. Some believe that devoting yourself to a personal project is also relaxing. If you belong in the second camp, then consider planning out a future DIY project. This project should require planning, and it would be something that you work on outside of your, well, work. The satisfaction that you'd get and an improved sense of self-reliance is a great reason why you'd want to work on a DIY project. Have a Spa DayYou don't even need to go to an actual spa to get the benefit of a spa day. However, it will take the weight off of your shoulder to have to organize everything. You need to leave it in the hands of professionals. Even though that is the case, it doesn't mean that you won't be able to enjoy a spa day at home. It can even provide joy in a different way when you do it at home. You can use it as a time to bond with your family, friends, and so on because you can do it together. At the same time, if you've purchased a lot of spa items, this is your time to use them. If you haven't been lighting that scented candle or using that fancy lotion, now is the time to be using them. Clean Out Your ClosetThe Cleaning Exec Maid Service NYC people recommend cleaning your home bit by bit instead of spending the entire day doing so. That said, consider devoting a few hours to cleaning out your closet. Get a few boxes and put in clothes that you want to throw away, keep, give away, or sell. It will make your closet a lot cleaner, and you'll have more space for newer clothes that you want to wear. Simultaneously, if you donate the clothes, you are also helping a charity or a friend/family member out with the free clothes you gave them. Read Personal Growth BooksMany people are fond of reading, but you probably think of fantasy books and fiction when you think of reading as a hobby. If that's not your jam, there are all sorts of books out there for you. One thing that can tickle your fancy is personal growth books. These books help you find different ways to improve your life as other people have tried themselves. VolunteerIf you're the kind who thinks sitting still at home isn't relaxing, you might want to consider getting into volunteerism. With volunteerism, you can be productive while also doing something good for other people who need help. It's always satisfying to know that you've helped make the world a better place, no matter how minuscule it may be. Get Yourself MovingWhen working, unless your job is a physical one, you're probably glued to a chair for most of your work. This constant state is not suitable for your body, which is why it's a good idea to get your body moving more, especially when you have the free time to do so. It will help you stretch out unused muscles that don't get any exercise. Plus, it's good for your overall health anyway. Feng Shui Your HomeIf you're in the mood for it, consider following the principles of feng shui to organize and change around your furniture placement. Many people have found that these minor changes have made their living environment a lot more organized and easier to move around daily. Feng shui principles when it comes to organizing your home can help make natural pathways around a room. This explains why it's suitable for transforming the house without doing anything drastic to it. The nine ideas listed above are excellent in ensuring that you do something you're going to like during your day off. Whether you're a homebody or outdoorsy, there's something in this list that should inspire you to maximize your day off. So try these tips out on your next day off!
Carisma Spa at the Intercontinental Hotel has been refreshed with brand new facilities and stylish decor. In addition to the refurbishments, you can now enjoy a brand new Salt room and treat yourself to a luxurious spa session. This location is ideal for a pampering spa day in Malta, so this article will break down all the facilities you can enjoy during your wellness break.
The FacilitiesA Turkish Hammam Carisma is famous for its Turkish bath in addition to its world-famous massages in Malta, and at the newly refurbished location you can now enjoy a luxury getaway in this gorgeous marble room once again. The marble of this room heats up along with the air to maintain a blissfully warm experience that envelopes you in relaxation. After some time in the Hammam, your muscles relax and your pores open making the deep exfoliating massages that you can enjoy in the Hammam even more effective. This is the ultimate relaxation experience, reducing stress or aches and pains. Steam Room A steam room is a cozy experience that allows you to relax and loosen your muscles thanks to a humid heat created by boiling water. This humid head provides unique health benefits like reducing your blood pressure and loosening stiff joints. A session in a steam room also clears your breathing, aiding in the healthy functioning of your sinuses and lungs. The condensation from a steam room also rids your skin of toxins and dirt that it would have absorbed, even opening up your pores for deep cleansing from other treatments.
Sauna A sauna provides the health benefits associated with dry heat. During a sauna session, your heart rate increases and your blood vessels widen, improving your circulation substantially. This improved circulation has many benefits, including allowing your muscles and organs to receive organs quicker. People who use saunas regularly are even less likely to suffer from cardiovascular health problems! If you have high stress levels, muscle soreness, joint pain and even asthma, regular sauna visits during a spa day in Malta can give you a boost of wellness and help ease your discomfort. Couple Massage Facilities Couples’ massages are a wonderful way to spend time with your partner or treat them for a special occasion. Specialized decorated couples’ rooms create a romantic setting in which you can enjoy a wide range of world-famous treatments together, at the same time. A couples’ massage can even be part of a luxurious couples’ spa break that can include free access to facilities, a healthy lunch or even luxury tea or prosecco.
A Brand New Salt Room Salt rooms are excellent at improving your wellness, especially your respiratory health, making them an excellent treatment to enjoy during current times. A salt room session helps you regain your energy and health, whether you feel generally weak or have recovered from coronavirus and wish to help give your body a wellness boost. In fact, salt rooms provide a treatment called Halotherapy, i.e. therapy that improves your health through the breathing of salty air. Halotherapy in a salt room can help relieve various health concerns in both adults and children: asthma, allergies, respiratory concerns, sleeping problems and even skin conditions. These treatments are becoming more useful over time, as the increase in pollution around us irritates delicate membranes in our respiratory systems. Salt rooms are also great for your mental wellness, as well as your physical health. They provide the benefits of stress relief, and give your mind a break from a constant stream of concerns that may be affecting you during daily life.
Wrapping UpIf you wish to enjoy any or all of these facilities, Carisma Spa at the Intercontinental Hotel is ready to welcome you to a world of physical and mental wellness. You can make an inquiry or a booking here on our website. Other blogs you may be interested inNestled in the luxurious, modern Hugo’s Hotel one can find Carisma Spa’s newest location. Recently opened, this elegant Spa offers a stylish location to pamper yourself with world-class treatments and facilities.
The FacilitiesIndoor Pool Carisma Spa at Hugo’s Hotel allows you to enjoy a relaxing swim in a luxurious marble indoor swimming pool that ignites the senses and creates an intimate setting that can be enjoyed alone or with loved ones. You can enjoy the gentle exercise that swimming provides in a beautiful location that takes you away from the stresses of everyday life. Steam Room A steam room is a cozy experience that allows you to relax and loosen your muscles thanks to a humid heat created by boiling water. This humid head provides unique health benefits like reducing your blood pressure and loosening stiff joints. A session in a steam room also clears your breathing, aiding in the healthy functioning of your sinuses and lungs. The condensation from a steam room also rids your skin of toxins and dirt that it would have absorbed, even opening up your pores for deep cleansing from other treatments. Sauna A sauna provides the health benefits associated with dry heat. During a sauna session, your heart rate increases and your blood vessels widen, improving your circulation substantially. This improved circulation has many benefits, including allowing your muscles and organs to receive organs quicker. People who use saunas regularly are even less likely to suffer from cardiovascular health problems! If you have high stress levels, muscle soreness, joint pain and even asthma, regular sauna visits can give you a boost of wellness and help ease your discomfort.
Hammam Carisma Spa is famous for its Turkish Hammams, so it’s unsurprising that our Spa at Hugo’s Hotel includes a beautiful marble Hammam room bathed in gentle light. This impressive room is made from antibacterial marble that heats up along with the rest of the room to maintain a blissfully warm experience that envelopes you in relaxation. After some time in the Hammam, your muscles relax and your pores open making the deep exfoliating massages that you can enjoy in the Hammam even more effective. This is the ultimate relaxation experience, reducing stress or aches and pains. Hammams can also be enjoyed with loved ones as a couple or a group, and such intimate shared experiences have been proven to boost your mental health, giving you all a cathartic release from anxiety. Couple Massage Facilities Couples’ massages are a wonderful way to spend time with your partner or treat them for a special occasion. Specialised decorated couples’ rooms create a romantic setting in which you can enjoy a wide range of world-famous treatments together, at the same time. A couples’ massage can even be part of a luxurious couples’ spa break that can include free access to facilities, a healthy lunch or even luxury tea or prosecco.
The TreatmentsMassages Carisma Spa offers a wide range of specialised massages to meet any and all of your particular needs. Whether you want a massage simply to relax, or have a specific goal, you are sure to find the right treatment. You can choose massages from all over the world; from Hawaii to Bali, each with their own health benefits. One can also choose specialised massages to deeply relax muscles, relieve stress or treat a sports injury. Carisma also offers its Carisma Signature Massage which includes a full body massage treatment involving techniques from all over the world followed by Carisma’s signature tea. Facials Carisma’s range of facials takes your skin’s needs into consideration while addressing a particular concern, ranging from skin type problems to pigmentation or irritation. Facials for men are also available, taking men’s unique skin needs into consideration.
ConclusionIf any of this sounds like something you’d love to experience, you’re in luck! Carisma Spa at Hugo’s Hotels will soon be open again and ready to welcome you to a world of wellness. oTHER bLOGS yOU mAY BE INTERESTED INHeadaches and Migraines can range from an annoying inconvenience to a debilitating event that interrupts the way you live your life. Unfortunately, not all common remedies for these conditions work on everyone, and some people even find themselves unable to find any relief. However, the tips that will be provided in this article may be solutions that you may not have considered yet. At the very least, spa solutions to headaches and migraines are excellent stress and pain relievers, which are often the culprits behind these problems or serve to make them worse.
The Causes Behind Headaches and MigrainesTo tackle these health problems, we have to address the source of the problem; what causes headaches and migraines in the first place.
A Spa Day to Relieve Tension and PainTreating yourself to a spa day can work wonders on a headache or migraine that just won’t go away. Taking a dip in a jacuzzi or pool is an excellent stress-reliever, making a spa day a good remedy for tension headaches. Additionally, these relaxing experiences serve as a good way to relieve pain or at least distract yourself from it. Simply switching off from your daily routine and electronic devices that always need your attention can be enough to relieve a headache or migraine caused by the stresses of work or everyday life.
Massaging a Migraine AwaySome researchers have suggested that a constriction in blood flow to the brain can trigger, if not even cause, migraines. Since facials and massages are excellent treatments to improve your circulation, they can provide relief or prevent a headache or migraine from happening in the first place. Many massages that include neck and shoulder attention will also help ease neck, jaw and shoulder tension, which also may be contributing to your problem. A Turkish Massage may also be a good solution, since the warm heated marble room improves blood flow. You can even enjoy specialised spa treatments that target specific headache or migraine causes. For instance, an antistress massage is perfect for the job, while a Hammam stress breaker package will give you both the benefit of stress relief and a circulation boost in the pampering Turkish bath. A Carisma signature facial can also help you release stress, as it includes a back relaxation treatment as well as a facial treatment.
Restful SleepAs mentioned in the causes section, sleep problems can be the reason behind your headaches and migraines. The first problem to tackle is your sleep schedule, which you must keep as consistent as possible not to disrupt your body’s natural clock. It’s also important to determine how many hours you need to sleep to feel rested, usually between 7 or 9 hours, and maintaining that amount of rest. Both sleeping too much or too little can be a trigger for health problems, including headaches and migraines. If you struggle with exhaustion and a lack of sleep, spa treatments like massages are excellent at relieving some tiredness and giving you a burst of energy afterwards.
Meditation & YogaStudies have shown that meditation or yoga may be useful tools in your arsenal. These practices center you, help you become more self-aware and reduce stress. It helps reduce the number and severity of migraines, and gives you a feeling of control over them. Nowadays, you can find specialised apps that will guide you through the process if you are new to meditation. If you want more hands-on guidance, Carisma’s Spa Club Membership includes free Yoga meetups as part of its many benefits.
ConcludingMigraines and headaches can be a frustrating interruption to your life, so we hope that some of these tips will be helpful in reducing or preventing them from happening, or at the very least relieving some of the discomfort they cause. Other articles you may be interested in:Unless spa visits are a regular part of your lifestyle, you probably have some questions or misconceptions about what a spa visit entails, and what it can do for you. This article dispels 7 common myths that you may have, and helps you get a little more familiar with the ancient well-loved forms of self-care a spa provides.
Spas are Only for WomenThere is a common misconception that self-care, especially skincare, is something that mostly women enjoy, so it’s not a surprise that the same myth exists about the spa. In actuality, there are specialised facials for men that consider male skin’s unique needs; for example, cleansing pores that get blocked by the elements, as well as soothing skin that’s dull and irritated after daily shaving. Men can also benefit from any of the wide variety of world-class massages available, just like women do, depending on their health needs. You can find a massage essential for stress relief, healing from sports injuries, the release of muscle tension or even simply taking a break from a stressful day. Spa professionals can also recommend the best professional products for male skin according to your skin type. If you’re unsure where to start when it comes to products, you can take a look at our guide to men’s face products for a breakdown.
I Don’t Know What to ExpectIt’s understandable to be apprehensive if you’ve never had a particular treatment, or if you’ve never visited a spa at all. Thankfully, expert therapists at Carisma can guide you on what to expect from any treatments you are interested in. Before and throughout your session, you will also be guided on what will happen next if you wish. If you want to learn more about specific treatments, you can read our articles on the Lomi Lomi Massage, the Thai Massage, the Hot Stone Massage, the Ayurvedic Massage or even how you can best boost your wellness during a Spa Day.
Treatments are Painful or UncomfortableSome people carry the misconception that a facial treatment, for example, may irritate or stretch skin through rough movements, strong products and massaging. In actuality, professional spa therapists know how to massage your face in such a way to stimulate the skin and deep tissue without causing damage. Moreover any products used will be gentle and professional-grade, chosen especially for your skin, so they won’t have adverse reactions like over-the-counter products may have. For the same reason, spa treatments like waxing and body care will cause far less distress and discomfort when done by a professional. Massages can also be as intense as you wish. For example, while a Thai massage can be intense if you wish to tackle deep muscle tension, you can also ask your massage therapist for a gentler treatment.
Can’t I Just Do The Treatments Myself at Home?While you may enjoy a facial or a waxing treatment at home, there are various reasons why a professional version exists. As you have read above, professional treatments at the spa will be gentle on the skin and cause no damage, unlike their at-home variants. Additionally, professionals have access to years of knowledge and training, so they will recognise your skin and body’s unique needs. They then have access to professional products and techniques to address these needs.
Massages are Only for RelaxationWhile they are amazing at relaxing you, massages are also ancient healing rituals that can improve your health in many ways. They can improve your mental health by releasing tension and stress, and can even help you sleep better. Massages and facials stimulate better circulation through their movements, as well as help release knots of tension in your muscles. Specialised massages can even target scar tissue left over from a healed sports injury and help prevent future injuries from happening by relaxing the muscle.
Hotel Spas are Too Expensive for MeMany people are put off visiting a luxury spa out of concern that it is outside their budget. However, spas are becoming more and more accessible with special packages or spa memberships to allow you to enjoy all of the pampering of the spa for less. These also make excellent unique gifts for loved ones. In addition to treatments, these packages and memberships can include free access to luxury spa facilities like a sauna, indoor pool or jacuzzi. You may even enjoy complimentary luxury teas, prosecco or a healthy lunch.
ConclusionWe hope that this article has dispelled some misconceptions about Spa visits, and that you have found out some interesting facts along the way! other Blogs You May Be Interested InAuthorA Guest Post by Mira Adora  At a certain point, medical equipment and medications become commonplace and tiring. Massage, on the other hand, can act as a grounding exercise for the patient and bring them rest. What Causes Breast Cancer?Breast cancer happens when the code (like a computer code) in a breast cell mutates or changes. The cell becomes cancerous, attacking other breast cells. Our immune system can fight some of them off, but others can grow into a lump or tumor as they continue to attack. While the cause is still unknown, what we can be sure of is that our underwire bras are not causing breast cancer. However, it is certain that the wrong kind of bra will put undue stress and strain on your breasts, so the right thing to do is still to find the best fitting bra for you. Benefits of Massage for Breast Cancer PatientsPain Relief Breast cancer patients can experience tenderness in their breasts and chronic pain. One possible way to relieve pain, with the guidance of medical personnel, is through a breast massage. The Oketani massage in particular, which focuses on where the breast tissue is connected to the chest muscles, is effective. It also reduces handling of the breast proper, which might be too tender to massage in the normal way. Relieving the tissues of some stress will reduce overall pain. One simple massage you can do to yourself is to put the arm of the breast you will massage behind your head. That will free up the area. Then, with your opposite hand, use the three first fingers to slowly and carefully massage around and over the breast in circular motions. Decreased Anxiety Physical activity has long been considered a grounding exercise for therapists. Grounding exercises help patients reactivate their nervous systems, pulling them out of the up and down of emotional responses. A breast cancer patient who receives a massage may see their symptoms of anxiety lessen. These include insomnia, high blood pressure, or mild panic. If they are able to rest and sleep during the massage, it also gives the body and the immune system the boost it needs to help the mind believe it can manage the situation. A regular massage, especially by a trained masseuse who does not need you to lie on your stomach during the session, can decrease anxiety. Nausea reduction in chemotherapy recipients Chemotherapy, especially general chemotherapy, slows down the growth of cancer cells and reduces their attack speed. However, it also slows down the growth of many healthy cells, especially the fast-replicating ones. This is why it is normal for chemotherapy patients to suffer fatigue, nausea, and a general lack of good feeling. Massage therapy helps relieve general pain by relaxing muscles and reactivating the nervous system’s contact with the outside world. Pain tends to cause muscle tension as the patient attempts to deal with it, but the tension contributes to the overall loss of well being. Anxiety and stress also cause tension that can be relieved by massage therapy. Improved mood If massage therapy is carried out regularly, for long periods of time, it counteracts the buildup of stress and anxiety in a person’s body. Since the tension is not given a chance to build up, the patient’s window of tolerance—for pain, stress, anxiety, and others—is widened. Breast cancer patients, like all other cancer patients, deal with long term pain, stress, and uncertainty. Regular massage therapy can relieve their tension, decrease their pain, and widen their window of tolerance for the normal stress that comes with battling cancer. These regular times of rest and grounding help them face the continuing fight. Reduced fatigue Pain, stress, anxiety, and chemotherapy all contribute to an increase in fatigue. If the patient persists in their studies or work, or if they are a full-time house wife, they may find themselves less able to manage their day-to-day tasks. One massage therapy session, usually between 30 minutes to one hour, gives the patient time to relax and ignore all emails and text messages. At the same time, they feel themselves relaxing under the therapeutic massage. As their muscles release tension and stress, the body begins to heal and refresh itself normally. In that way, the patient’s fatigue is reduced and they can better handle their daily tasks. Better immune function The immune system works best when it can rest once in a while, and when it is supported by proper diet and exercise, or by external supplemental medical practices such as massage therapy. The immune system requires our body’s energy to fight off sickness and heal, which is why we leave ourselves open to sicknesses when we are tired. Massage therapy lowers our heart rates and blood pressure, and makes it easier for blood circulation. Blood circulation is one of the main carriers of healing to all parts of the body. Massage therapy also rests the body, giving the immune system a chance to regain energy and charge up to fight the cancer. Relaxation All of those benefits add up to one simple one: relaxation. Being intentional about getting a massage, or going to massage therapy, also shows us the different muscle groups in our body. As they are identified by the massage therapist, we can also work on relaxing and releasing them when we feel ourselves begin to tense up in that area. Regular massage therapy will also show us how to take more part in helping ourselves relax. TakeawayNot sure what we mean? Try it out for yourself! We recommend that you start with a very gentle massage, like the Swedish massage, and don’t forget to mention any health conditions to the massage therapist.
While standards of beauty have varied by region and changed over the years, one thing has not changed: People have strived to feel and look their best since ancient times. In fact, many of the techniques our ancestors used have been passed down over the generations, and survive today in their modern variations. From beauty-focused facial rituals to healing massages, in this article you will explore some of the ancient techniques that serve as the foundation for many of our modern spa techniques.
MassagesHawaii: The Lomi Lomi Massage The Lomi Lomi massage was brought to Hawaii along with the Polynesians who settled it. Despite being persecuted by missionaries and colonisers as a heathen practice, it endured as a well-loved healing ritual. The principle idea of Lomi Lomi has held strong to this day: to provide the client with a space that is calming and nurturing, allowing them to connect mind and body. In this space, the practitioner uses fluid strokes, often described as ‘loving’, avoiding excess pressure (especially on sensitive areas). Much like other massage techniques, these movements work wonders on your body’s circulation and lymphatic systems, leaving you feeling refreshed and relaxed. Native practitioners of Lomi Lomi now perform this massage around the world, since it has become popular and well-loved.
Thailand: The Thai Massage The Thai massage is estimated to have been developed around 2500 years ago in Thailand by a friend of the Buddha who had extensive medical knowledge. The Thai massage is a dry massage technique, meaning that no oils or lotions are used. Pressure is applied to various areas of the body to stimulate circulation while relieving pain and tension in targeted muscles. The Thai massage motions may remind you of yoga, and similar to yogo this massage will improve your flexibility, relax you and even improve your sleep!
India: Ayurvedic Massage Ayurveda is a system of medicine that emerged in ancient India, based on the idea that keeping the body in balance is the best way to prevent and heal illness and injuries. Ayurveda may be the oldest system of medicine that we know of! This principle led to the development of a massage technique that seeks to balance the client both physically and mentally, since body and mind are seen as intrinsically linked to each other. To this day, this massage technique uses heated oil to stimulate energy points in the body, with pressure and a light touch. This makes Ayurvedic massages incredibly relaxing and useful for relieving tension and stress, and can be included regularly as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Turkey: The Hammam Baths have been well-loved for centuries, and the Turkish bathing technique is no exception. The Hammam was one of the first baths to be open to all, leading to their quick popularity in ancient times. Hammams quickly became a popular way of maintaining one’s health, hygiene and mental relaxation, all while socialising with others. Nowadays one can experience the same heated marble room alone if they prefer, or with family and friends as our ancestors did. The beautiful marble room with its gentle, relaxing heat helps open your pores and prepare your skin for exfoliation by a therapist. This means that by the time your session is done, your skin has been cleansed deeply, and is incredibly moisturised.
Facial TreatmentsGreece: Clear Skin and Protection from the Environment The ancient Greeks idolized the goddess Aphrodite, and strived to match her youthful beauty by keeping their skin clear and protecting it from the elements. Face masks were an integral part of their beauty routines, used to remove facial impurities that build up during their day. Face masks are still well-loved today for the same reason, and are perhaps even more important since our skin is exposed to pollution as we walk in busy areas.
Japan: Exfoliate Old Skin Away Since ancient times, clear fresh skin has been prized as a sign of beauty and health around the world. Japanese Geishas achieved this skin perfection by creating pastes mixed with sea salt crystals that helped remove old skin through abrasion. Modern exfoliants still work in the same way, and you can still find many exfoliants that include sea salt as a key ingredient
ConcludingAs this article has shown, you would be surprised at how many ancient wellness routines are still alive and well today. Much of our knowledge is based on our ancestors' skills and experiences, passed down to us and improved and we learned more and understood our health better. Other blogs you may be interested inAs many people transitioned to working from home, normal routines and lifestyles were disrupted. It’s not uncommon to feel as though your physical and mental health have been put on hold until life returns to normal. In this blog post you’ll find recommendations to help boost your wellness by adapting to your current situation, whether it’s tips to try at home or ideas for a safe outdoor spa break to get away from it all.
Establish a RoutineYou might be tempted to abandon your usual routine now that you’re stuck inside. Maybe you no longer have a long commute to work, your workplace has temporarily closed or you find yourself eating your meals at any time of day. This can be a major disruption to your productivity, metabolism, mental health and sleep cycle. Your Productivity Regardless of when you now wake up or how you structure your day, it is important to maintain a level of regularity. This doesn’t just go for work tasks, but for self-care, chores and breaks too. This will mean that you don’t invest too much time into one task at the cost of others. The advantage of working from home can also help you create the best routine for yourself, if your time allows it: maybe you prefer to start work earlier and take an afternoon rest or you’re more of a night owl who gets more done at night. Regardless of your preferences, establish a daily routine that works for you and stick with it, and you will see other aspects of your life improve as well.
Your Metabolism The temptation to delay meals to get more done, or to snack often can get much worse if you’re inconsistent with your schedule while stuck at home. This can confuse your metabolism and will definitely disrupt any attempts at staying fit or healthy. You can avoid this by setting fairly strict meal times: make sure to set aside time when you can start off your work day with breakfast, take a lunch break and eat dinner. If you’re finding it hard to make meals that regularly, consider making meals in advance that are freezable or can be pre-prepared. You can even consider getting your required nutrients (especially those important fruits and vegetables) through healthy smoothies.
Your Mental Health Taking moments of self-care can often be forgotten when you’re juggling the stresses of a change in routine during a global pandemic. Set aside some time for yourself each day, whether its simply taking a bath or enjoying a hobby. It’s also a good idea to take a break from the usual sight of your home, though be sure to do it safely. If you choose to take a break by visiting a gym or having a stress-relieving massage, make sure the location you visit is following guidelines to keep you safe.
Your Sleep Regularity promotes restful sleep, so setting up a routine and fixed bedtime will help you tackle any sleeping problems. Having a ritual you perform every night before bed; having a shower, applying your favourite face cream or even taking a short amount of time to relax shows your body and mind that it’s time to sleep, and stimulates the production of melatonin to begin your body’s sleep-wake cycle. If you’re struggling with insomnia or waking up tired even after you’ve slept, consider reading our article about getting better sleep for some tips.
Have a Separate Work AreaWhen working from home, you don’t have a commute and a workplace; rituals your body and mind get used to. Instead your own home must be a workspace, which is why creating a separate space is another important way to bring yourself into the correct mental state to be productive. Don’t worry if you don’t have enough space in your home. Creating a workspace can be as simple as removing auditory and visual distractions and setting up your laptop. At the end of the day, especially if you don’t have a dedicated workspace, file or store away your work. You may also choose to keep a written list of tasks that you can update at the end of each day, and take a look at the next morning to ground yourself. This sets up a structure both in your mind and in your physical space.
Be Patient With YourselfUnexpected events will occasionally disrupt your well-laid plans, and in these unprecedented times it's important to cut yourself some slack. There will be days where not leaving your home for days at a time will wear on your mental health, so listen to yourself and consider your needs. Some days you may realize that you should modify your plans to give yourself a mental break, or treat yourself to a nice pampering session. You may also find it difficult to have a quiet workspace to yourself if you live in a small space with other people, so negotiating a compromise may be tricky. If it all seems a little overwhelming, consider some beginner meditation or yoga to focus yourself and let go of things that you cannot change.
ConcludingAs you now know, setting up a planned routine for your workday is the key to successful telework, and still experiencing wellness in your home. It’s important to keep work, health and self-care in balance other blog posts you may be interested in: |
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