Summer Skies

Woman Behind the Veil

I'm Blind.

I need to get out, There's something wrong 'round here. I have no doubt, We're all gonna die from fear.

Everything's dark, And I can not find
What I've been looking for, So I have to say

I'm blind.

But he can not see,Yeah he can not see,
he's blind. I'm blind Oh...

I'm blind.

Consumer Digest, June 2008

Beauty Therapy – The Ultimate Guide to a Stress Free Life

Everyday life evolves around work and activities, which in some cases can lead to stress. This is a common problem in many people and one way to help this is to relax and forget about all the other things around you.

This is where beauty therapy comes in handy. For centuries various beauty treatments have been used for the relief of stress and for the general well being of the body. In this edition of Consumer Digest we will take an in-depth look at the beauty therapies available and why they are good for us. We will start with one of the most widely known therapies, massage.

Massage:
Massage is the stroking, kneading, warming, rolling and pressing of skin and muscles.There are lots of different kinds of massage, each with broadly different origins and aims - some focus on soothing muscle pain; others on increasing energy levels; some aim to improve a specific physical condition; others simply to help you relax.Massage makes you feel good in lots of ways, and can have a positive effect on your whole body - your bones, your muscles, your heart, your skin, your breathing, digestion, and your mental health.

Massage works in various ways:

* It relaxes and refreshes tired or knotted muscles

* It increases blood circulation

* It stimulates deep circulation, both of blood and lymph which helps your body to heal, and generally work more efficiently

* It encourages your body to produce endorphins - the natural chemicals in your body that make you feel happy.

What is massage good for?

In its various forms, massage can help to cure and relieve a wide range of complaints. Research shows that massage is particularly good at relieving stress-related problems, from anxiety and panic attacks, through to high blood pressure. Scientists at the University of Leeds found that links between the neck muscles and the brain play a role in controlling blood pressure. Manipulating the muscles in the neck can lower blood pressure without using drugs.Massage encourages blood flow, which increases the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach your organs and tissues.

Whilst massage encourages your body to circulate the "good stuff"; it also encourages it to get rid of the "bad stuff" - waste products, toxins, carbon dioxide, and excess water.It can be used to treat specific physical injuries or difficulties, and to help with rehabilitation after someone has had an injury.

It can also help prevent further muscle or tissue damage.One of its greatest effects of most massages is that it can make you feel much better about yourself, more relaxed in your own skin, calm and peaceful. Precautions Before any massage treatment, avoid large meals or alcohol. It's also a good idea to drink plenty of water, which will help your body to flush the toxins out of your body.

You should always tell your therapist in advance if you:

* are, or think you might be, pregnant

* have any medical conditions or are receiving any treatment or medication

* have recently had an injury or operation

* are allergic to anything, particularly skin allergies

* have any broken skin or sores on your scalp* have a fever or infectionas this may affect the kind of oil and treatment you receive.

What to expect

Whatever kind of massage you are having, the masseur should ask you some basic questions about your medical history, lifestyle and general health.Masseurs will massage you with their bare hands, and possibly with their feet or elbows as well. They may use some oils to make it easier to glide their hands across your skin. The strength of pressure will vary according to the massage-type and the part of the body they are massaging.

The length of sessions varies. Treatments can last from half an hour to half a day, depending on what kind of massage you are having.

Facials:

A facial is a beauty treatment for your face. Facials use everything from oils, creams, gels and serums to electric currents, oxygen jets and massage to give you cleaner, healthier, brighter skin. As Mae West said, "You are never too old to look younger." There are so many brands and styles of facial available, and each spa and each brand describes them in a different way. But what does it all mean?

What is a facial good for?

This depends largely on the type of facial that you have. The titles and descriptions of facials give you a vague idea of their general intention.

The general aims of most facials are the same:
·To cleanse: to slough away the layer of dead skin cells and deep-clean pores to help prevent acne and dull skin.
·To balance the different areas of facial skin, and improve the texture, general health and appearance.
·To re-hydrate (moisturise) and nourish your complexion.
·To tighten and brighten, making you look younger, firmer, fresher and lovelier!Pretty much all facials will cleanse, exfoliate, tone and moisturise your skin. Just having a facial should make you feel pampered, and most facials will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed, and your skin feeling softer and cleaner.

Some treatments involve a consultation before the facial, where the therapist will work out your skin type and texture, and tailor the facial to meet your needs. This usually happens at the beginning of your appointment rather than beforehand. The success (or otherwise) of many facials depends on the products used, and also whether your skin happens to like them or not. If you have sensitive skin, it might be worth asking in advance if you can "test" the products to make sure that you don't have a bad reaction to them.

A facial should leave your skin feeling really fresh, soft and supple, and you probably won't want to put on make-up straight afterwards, but if you have to go on to work or on to a special occasion, remember to take your make up with you.For most facial treatments, all you have to do is turn up. The therapist will be happy to take off your make-up with some wonder product, so you can arrive and leave without any special preparation.

Take care! Some treatments do come with conditions. For example, there are facial products that react badly with make-up for up to 24 hours afterwards. What to expect from a facial This depends on the kind of facial that you're going for. Generally speaking, you will usually receive your facial while seated in a reclining chair, or lying down on a massage table. Your hair will be swept back from your face. Most facials feature some light massage, including your neck and shoulders, and are broken down into various stages that the therapist should talk you through beforehand.Depending on the kind of massage you are having, you will then have various creams, muds, masks or oils rubbed into your skin, using different motions and perhaps with a variety of towels, compresses or applicators.

Other features of a facial may include:
· acupressure or light pressure-point massage
· a light electrical pulse to stimulate your circulation and help the products penetrate your skin
· hot stones laid gently on the skin
· hot towels or compresses, often scented with essential oils

This should all be clear when you book, with a description of the components of the facial usually described in the spa treatment menu.

A facial can last from between 15 minutes to two hours, depending on which one you have and how many products and procedures they involve.

Manicures:

A manicure is a beauty treatment for your hands and nails. A manicurist uses a variety of tools, creams, oils, waxes and massage techniques to clean and shape your nails, care for your cuticles, and generally improve the look and feel of your hands.

What is a manicure good for?

A manicure should improve the texture and health of both the nails and the skin of your hands, as well as leaving them looking polished and perfect.

A good manicure will:

* clean, shape, strengthen and even "dress" your nails

* attend to any skin problems you might have around the nail, such as broken or sore skin

* use acupressure or hand-massage techniques to stimulate the blood and lymph flow to improve the health of your skin

* use oils, creams and waxes to exfoliate, cleanse and improve the texture of your nails and the skin of your hands.Apart from making sure your hands and nails look and feel good, a manicure often has the side-effect of relaxing and soothing you; there are pressure points on your hands that correspond to other areas of your body.

Precautions If you have an injury to your hand - a wound, or joint or muscle strain, or a rash or broken skin - you are well advised to wait until you recover before you go, or else make your manicurist very aware of your limitations.

How long will it take?

A manicure can last from 15 minutes to more than an hour, depending on what you're having done. Leave yourself enough time to get the full benefit of the treatment, and make sure you don't have to rush off. If for any reason it takes longer, it's hard to drive with sticky polish still drying on your fingers!

What to expect from a manicure

You'll probably have a fair idea what to expect when you book your manicure, as the advertised description and the time allocated will make this clear. Generally speaking, the longer the manicure the more you can expect.You will probably be one-on-one with the manicurist, who should tell you what she is going to do and check to see if you have any queries or concerns. She will sit opposite you and use a range of methods and tools to clean, shape and strengthen your nails, and also apply some creams or oils to soften and condition your skin. Some manicures also include hand massage.

A manicure is usually very soothing. It's nice to have someone touch your hands and nails, especially if the manicurist uses reflexology or other hand-massage techniques to relax you.A manicurist will usually dress your nails with your choice of nail varnish, and you can also go on to have more decorative patterns applied if you want to.

Pedicures:

A pedicure is a beauty treatment for your feet.A pedicurist removes dead skin, softens hard skin and shapes and treats toenails, and also massages softening and soothing oils and creams into your foot to make it feel as though you are walking on air.

What is a pedicure good for?

Good foot care treats and prevents skin problems such as callouses, as well as in growing toe nails and related infections. A pedicure can help your posture by enabling you to walk more comfortably. Combined with massage, hot stones, a herbal or aromatic rub or a soak in scented oils, a pedicure can also soothe and relax you generally.

Is it the same as chiropody?

A chiropodist is a medically trained professional who is qualified to treat diagnosed medical problems and do preventative care on your feet. This may involve minor surgical procedures such as cutting off dead skin, and treating in growing toenails.

A pedicurist is not a chiropodist; a pedicure is not a medical procedure, although a regular pedicure can support the work you're having done by a chiropodist, and in fact prevent you from needing further treatment.

How long will it take?

A pedicure usually takes between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on what kind of foot treatment you're having. Allow time afterwards to ease yourself back into standing up! Precautions If you have any fungal or other foot infections, it is better for your feet and, frankly, for your therapist, if you get those treated medically first.

What to expect from a pedicure

A pedicure usually begins with a therapeutic footbath or spa, where your feet are soaked and cleansed in warm, scented water. Some footbaths are like a mini-Jacuzzi for your feet.Creams and aromatherapy oils will be massaged into your feet to refresh and soften your skin. Many pedicurists will give you an acupressure or reflexology-based foot massage to really relax you. Some pedicures include the use of hot stones. Others use mud, wraps and even algae.Some pedicures include a healing or antiseptic oil or cream on your feet.

You may also have an exfoliating rub with salts or minerals to slough off dead skin.Your cuticles will be removed, and your toenails cut and shaped, using oils to soften them beforehand.Your pedicure will usually close with a massage of your feet and lower legs and possibly another soak in the footbath before a good quality polish is applied to your nails.

Scrubs and Body Polish:

A scrub or body polish is a spa treatment, which exfoliates the skin on your body leaving it feeling fresh, smooth, moisturised and soft. An abrasive product is rubbed vigorously, and massaged across and into your skin, and is then rinsed away to reveal a moisturised layer of fresh, clean and smooth skin.

What is a scrub good for?

There are many benefits to a body scrub or polish. A body scrub will exfoliate your skin, sloughing off dead skin cells and rubbing away hard and flaky skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. Scrub or polishing products usually include an oily base, which moisturises and soothes your skin as it is scrubbed.

A good body scrub or polish forms the basis of other body treatments:

* it prepares your skin for an even tan

* it opens the pores and wakens the skin before a wrap or mud treatment

* the oils used can relax or stimulate your senses ready for any similarly-focused treatment that you might be having afterwards. Precautions Scrubs and body polishes are suitable and safe for just about everyone. It's not an invasive treatment, and doesn't involve you assuming any odd positions.You should not have a scrub if you have cancer or if you have a fever.

You should also seek expert advice if you are allergic to anything or have a skin condition of any kind.Anyone with fragile, broken or sunburnt skin is well advised to skip this treatment as well, as a very vigorous scrub may hurt more than heal, however this is really something that a good therapist will take into account.

What to expect when you have a scrub or body polish

Different spas have different facilities, and so give scrubs in a slightly different way. It is usual to have it lying down, and if you're lucky on a heated plinth or table to keep you warm while you have your treatment. The table or plinth will get wet during the treatment as the product is washed off your body. The therapist should screen you discreetly, or leave you for a few minutes while you take off your robe and lie down between towels already laid out for you on the table. Somehow, despite the fact that they scrub and wash your whole body, you'll be almost entirely covered for the whole treatment, as towels are expertly rolled and folded to maintain your dignity.Before the treatment begins, the therapist may ask you what kind of product you prefer, giving you a choice of smells or asking whether you want to feel relaxed or revitalised by the body scrub. They should also tell you something about the product and procedure so that you know what's going to happen.

The scrub will usually start with one side of your back, and the product will be swept up and down your body simultaneously - this is really invigorating. The therapist will then work across your body, rubbing, scrubbing and massaging one area at a time, and then rinsing you off with warm soft water and covering you with a towel before moving on to the next part.At the end of the treatment you should be left to have a good shower to get rid of any remains of the product. The treatment usually takes about 30 minutes.

Many a times men feel they can’t be part of these beauty therapies, in fact men need to treat themselves just as much as women do, so book yourself and your partner into a spa or salon and treat yourself and your body to one of these stress busting beauty therapies.

We hope this has given you an in-depth insight into the world of beauty therapy and will help you make a move towards a relaxed lifestyle.