Hilary Lowry, Author at Beauty Haven Belfast Online

Author Archives: Hilary Lowry

Reflexology and the effects on our body.
September 12, 2015 9:16 am Comments Off on Reflexology and the effects on our body.
Many of us find ourselves on our feet every day whether walking, jumping, running or basically to transport ourselves about. Therefore we place our feet under our weight, stress and strain and not to mention those fashionable shoes we love but our poor feet may not be as keen on! Yet with the strain we place our feet under we certainly don’t look after them in the way they deserve. The thing is, that stress that our feet carry, can also manifest itself in the other parts of our bodies. How many times do you hear the question if you are not well, feeling under the weather or even ill “Are you stressed?”

I for one am certainly on the phone to my GP when I think I could do with something more hard core than the over the counter medicine but I am also the one that you will find sprawled out on a treatment couch receiving that hit of relaxation, the benefit of being in the present in conjunction with my choice of treatment and in this case Reflexology.

Note that reflexology is certainly not a magic cure and should never be viewed as a substitute to medical care, it can work alongside conventional western medicine to promote healing and to relieve pain and stress, a fantastic benefit.

Reflexology is not a new practice, it is one of the most popular of all alternative therapies. Any-one who has ever experienced the treatment knows why,. Reflexology is a holistic practice based on the chinise principle that certain areas on the soles of our feet or hands – the reflex zones, contain millions of nerve endings that are connected to organs, glands and other parts of the body. Imagine walking outside with no socks or shoes and standing on a sharp nail (ouch). The pain we experience will obviously be in the foot, yet it doesn’t end there, the pain we feel will be transmitted through our nerve endings which sends signals to our brain leaving us with the memory of that discomfort. Next time we go to step out side barefoot do you think we will remember? Oh yes we won’t forget the last experience! Our bodies are so complex and we can tune into this with holistic treatments, as with reflexology it’s natural, so non invasive which heals through the sole of our feet. Our feet a part of our body we hardly regard with much thought which we abuse daily are home to literally thousands of nerve endings and by applying pressure with massage to certain areas we provide support for our bodies to repair.

STRESS RELIEF

Relieving stress had to be one of the top benefits of having reflexology. Hands up if you haven’t suffered from stress or anxiety, I can guess most of us have at some point as it’s almost completely unavoidable. The outcome of stress is it can be carried through our bodies in different ways some may suffer with insomnia, migraines, digestive problems or fatigue. The root of many health problems can be linked to stress, it is so damaging to our bodies. So Ladies/Gentlemen with reflexology it reduces that anxiety associated with stress by relaxing us and restoring balance to our bodies. I say “yes please”!!

CIRCULATION

Bloods needs to flow freely throughout the body carrying oxygen and nutrients to all the cells and removing the waste products and toxins. Stress and tension that consumes are bodies will make our internal system sluggish, by having reflexology it reduces the stress and tension within our body enabling the blood to flow easily and therefore improving the growth of damaged cells and faster healing.

MUSCLES

Tension, whether we are lifting heavy weights literally, carrying around emotional weight or sitting around in one position for long periods of time our bodies hold onto that tension like a child with a comfort blanket. When our bodies get clogged with tension and our muscles become stressed, the nerve ways which connect our muscles to the rest of our body can not function in the same way resulting in discomfort, pain, fatigue or irritability. A session of reflexology can help to stimulate those nerve endings in your feet to release this tension and in doing that will enable the muscles to relax providing you with relief.

HEADACHES/MIGRAINES

Thankfully I am not someone who suffers from migraines but headaches yes, and they are unwelcomed also. Headaches and migraines have been linked to overwork, stress, drastic changes in weather and even food allergies. Yet no matter what the cause is they are certainly debilitating. With the benefit of reflexology applying pressure to specific points (reflex zones) that releases the energy throughout the body to relieve us of the tension.

Above I have listed common aliments that I am sure we have encountered as every day living in general can be hectic and stressful and with that comes tension hand in hand. That tension we carry through our energy channels which can only have a negative effect on our body, so yes from time to time depending on our own situation we all could do with a bit of “ME TIME” with no guilt. Thousands of physician/ therapists have been using reflexology with positive results all over the world, so I ask you ” if there are alternative treatments to treating more than a dozen health conditions affecting various parts of our bodies, is it not worth getting a foot treatment or two?” Afterwards you can decide for yourself!
Electrolysis Vs Laser Hair Removal
September 2, 2015 10:03 am Comments Off on Electrolysis Vs Laser Hair Removal
Armed with the knowledge that waxing, threading, shaving and plucking to name a few are only temporary hair removal methods, we are now left with the dilemma of electrolysis vs laser for the more permanent option.

Hair growth is natural but some people will grow more hair than others due to genetics, age or hormonal imbalance, and certainly using any of the above methods as a temporary solution has the benefit of being instant. Yet for clients that are fed up ( myself included) with the constant battle of removing unwanted hair, thankfully treatments such as electrolysis and laser are on hand as effective more permanent hair removal.

ELECTROLYSIS

Electrolysis uses a sterile disposable needle which carries an electric current to travel down the hair shaft to the root of the hair for that instant removal. For anyone thinking in horror ” A needle??” it is so fine it’s hardly visable and no, you won’t feel the insertion as it is entering into the open hair follicle, panic over! Once the needle is correctly inserted the therapist will release the current with a button which travels down to the root, cauterizes the blood supply in allowing the release of that troublesome hair. The therapist will need the aid of tweezers to hold the hair so it can glide out. More so, electrolysis doesn’t just remove the hair – it destroys the hair follicle that produces the hair , after a series of treatments complete destruction of the hair follicle ensures that no hair can be produced from it again.

With treating each individual hair there is a drawback it can be a lenghtly process which each client must take into consideration. As we are working very closely in a concentrated area, the time has to be limited due to the clients skin sensitively, the least time being 0-10 minutes with the longest time being 30 minutes. With this being a factor you do find electrolysis is more commonly carried out on facial hair as it is ideal for individual coarse hairs, rather than large areas such as the legs.

Pain, I can hear you ask, well that depends on a few factors. Firstly no pain is caused by the insertion of needle, it is the current that clients will feel and it resembles a slight sting sensation, nothing unbearable I assure you. The intensity of the current you will feel hugely depends on the strength and resistance of hair. The coarser the hair is, the higher the current needs to be; between the client’s pain threshold, skin sensitivity and resistance of hair, the therapist will adapt a treatment plan.

A major plus side of electrolysis as your choice of permanent hair removal, is that it can treat all skin types and hair colour whereas with laser hair removal treatments, the clients see better results if they have pale skin with dark hair. Recovery time is quick with localized reddening for a few hours after treatment depending on the skins sensitivity.

Take into account the process of electrolysis is using an electric current, so clients with pacemakers would be contra indicated as would diabetics due to their skin healing very slowly. Metal plates and pins are also contra indicated but with a detailed consultation with your therapist all contra indications and concerns would be out lined and explained.

LASER/IPL Hair Removal

Laser hair removal has come a long way since it was first introduced to the world of beauty in the mid 90s.At Beauty Haven we use the Ellipse Intense pulse Light (IPL) with this laser system it filters the light from the flash lamp to ensure that only the correct wavelengths reach your skin safely. The pigment in your hair absorbs the light and then converts it to heat ( very high tech), it is the heat that destroys the hair follicle. So, similar to electrolysis but less time consuming for working on larger areas like legs . Depending on the area its being carried out, treatment time will vary, for example upper lip can be completed in around 10 minutes, whereas both legs could take 1-2 hours. Unlike electrolysis the hair will not be removed that day, in between each session you will have a fall out phase, normally 1-3 weeks after a treatment. Then a couple of weeks later the hair will start to grow again, yet a lot smoother and finer with a 20% reduction each time. With laser it’s more of a short sharp heat sensation that is quite mild in comparison to the sting of electrolysis, again everyone’s pain threshold varies. Due to laser treatments having more contact in general with the skin we recommend clients avoid heat treatments including hot baths, saunas and steam rooms for 24-48 hours. You MUST avoid the sun and sunbeds for a minimum of 30 days before and after treatments but don’t fret ladies fake tanning products can be used either side of a treatment just ensure its all scrubbed off before the next session, the laser can’t tell if the tan is false or not and will still be drawn to the pigment!!

In between each treatment no waxing, bleaching (can make hairs coarser), threading or plucking is allowed, the hairs can only be shaved.

HOW TO CHOOSE?

The key here is to get advice on what will work best for you, your skin type and hair colour. Our lifestyles , needs and especially time are all so different, so the right treatment for your friend or relative might not be the right one for you. Get some professional advice, book a consultation to discuss your options to help you determine which permanent hair removal is best suited to YOU.
WAX MY BODY : wax your way around my body
August 26, 2015 1:21 pm Comments Off on WAX MY BODY : wax your way around my body
When it comes to hair removal we all want fuzz free results that last!!

Hair removal is one of the most tedious aspects of personal grooming, along side false tanning (I am fair skinned with that lovely blue tint, you see) Hair removal is time consuming, messy and lets be honest can be painful.

Over the years working as a therapist I have treated women of all ages, different skin types, hair type and skin concerns all wanting hair removal from various parts of their body. Who hasn’t had the tweezers in their hands trying to shape their brows, stating “only a few” to look in the mirror in horror as bald patches are evident wondering ” how on earth did that happen?” Or the lovely aroma of the hair removal cream on their bikini line walking like John Wayne when the unexpected phone call comes through or of course you need something from the other room. Or even the razor especially the men’s, the ones adverts promote to give you that really close shave leaving you with baby soft skin, yes I am guilty also. Only to emerge with nicks and cuts as skin has been removed from our shins and backs of knees because we didn’t prep correctly! It certainly not the look we were wanting to achieve and I don’t think it’s going to take off.

Martin Luther once said “The hair is the richest ornament of women”

How true this is regarding our hair that crowns our lovely heads, but hold on not so true for the hair on many, if not every other part of our bodies. As women and nowadays (and rightly so) men we are subjected to the appearance of the rich and famous and torn with our own appearance. Any wonder we are left standing with those tweezers, tube of hair removal cream or that razor, but when using these methods the removal takes place only at the surface level rather than deep down at the root. Whereas with waxing it removes hair directly from the root with no need to think about the hair growth for 3-6 weeks HOORAY! I know what I opt for.

EYEBROWS

Well shaped brows can completely change your look, although I need a tint to go along side that with my fair brows God graced me with. Brows show off your eyes and polish your look off. Its quick yet so effective.

LIP & CHIN

Excess hair in women is a lot more common than you might think. Approximately one in every three experiences hirsutism. Hirsutism is the medical name for excessive hair growth in woman on areas of the body where hair doesn’t normally grow. Waxing is very convenient, cost effective when compared to other methods such as laser with the results of clean smooth skin, no hair at all remaining and the down time is short.

UNDERARMS

It is one of the most sensitive little spots that requires a lot of upkeep, especially in the summer. Many people may cringe at the thought of wax being applied here (that’s the nice part) but with crucial benefits,and honestly it is quick, by the time you have yourself worked up its over. We all know with shaving, firstly its so ackward to do yourself and it seems that we have only put the razor down and we can see those hairs trying to respout, with waxing typical regrowth 2/8 weeks depending on your hair’s natural cycle. The benefit of the ouch factor,the hair is removed from root leaving no more shadowy patches, so with that I have the confidence now in my summer tops not fretting about regrowth, 5 o’clock shadows and razor burn.

BIKINI LINE

Bikini waxing definitely has it’s advantages , believe me if it didn’t I for one wouldn’t brave the pain factor . There are a few things you can do to prepare yourself and make the experience more comfortable, if that’s the right word. Avoid waxing within a week before your period, as you are extra sensitive to pain. Aim to have it done a week or two after, when your pain threshold is higher. Take a pain relief (any one of the brands) it makes a difference in reducing the feeling of pain, I have sampled with and without and I state with confidence it works, might be the placebo effect, I don’t care, so remember 30 mins before your waxing appointment. Aside from instant results waxing takes less time and money compared to permanent treatments like electrolysis and laser. After years of embracing the standard bikini line wax, we now have the added complications of Californian, . Brazilian and Hollywood, what are they?? Big question which one should I opt for?

Californian: Is one of the most popular choices and is the least painful. popular for many before holidays or regular swimmers without the worry of those stray “spider legs” appearing when you get out of the pool, we’ve all had that uncomfortable moment.

Brazilian: Now we are going much further into the bikini line, it will leave a thin strip of hair. You can experiment with how thin you would like that strip, we do get braver.

Hollywood: Bare, yes in that, I mean everything off, from every nook and cranny that’s a Hollywood. It is definetly not for the faint hearted but remember it is only temporary pain and the effects are worth it.

LEGS

In warmer months 73% of women remove leg hair at least three times a week, (time consuming and annoying). The great plus with waxing is it can removes large amounts of hair at one time and with that it’s long lasting, voile sorted. The only drawback from waxing may be ingrown hairs and red bumps this is more likely to occur when waxing areas with thick hairs especially the first few times. A great product to help with this is INGROW GROW £ 10.95 available at Beauty Haven.

MEN CHEST/BACK

Waxing for men is on the increase, I can understand it may not be a topic conversation at the local pub with the lads but as a therapist it is certainly a treatment that is growing in popularity. Guys no pain, no gain and the results are well worth it, please bear in mind as your back and chest are particularly prone to irritation wear loose fitting clothes, refrain from touching and avoid heat treatments, including the gym for 24-48hours. As my husband can tell you after his 1st waxing experience and hitting the gym caused a flare up with a bout of rashes, In his words ” sweating is to be avoided at all cost, cancels out the purpose altogether”.

Lets embrace grooming, its part of our everyday lives!!
7 Illnesses a Hot Stone Massage Can Help
August 19, 2015 12:27 pm Comments Off on 7 Illnesses a Hot Stone Massage Can Help
Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone therapy is an exciting massage treatment sweeping the country where basalt stones are heated and applied to the body providing a highly relaxing, stress reducing massage. The treatment promises to truly harmonise, restore and invigorate the body at its deepest level. The treatment incorporates traditional touch techniques in addition to the placement of the hot stones. Maximum pampering and indulgence is experienced as the heat generated from the stones infiltrates deeply through any aching or tense muscles providing a result that human touch alone cannot achieve.

So anyone who has ever had the pleasure of a hot stone massage knows the intense feeling of relaxation it leaves you with, but in addition to that the many benefits are medicinal.

Here are 7 medicinal benefits that Hot Stone Therapy will aid

INSOMIA

I am sure I am not alone in saying that on occasions I myself have experienced those long nights when you just cannot switch off and get to sleep! Just how difficult is it to function after one of those nights? There are 2 types of insomnia and this particular one is classed as Primary. In more severe cases sufferers may have sleep problems due to a health condition such as asthma, depression, cancer, pain or medication that has been taken and this is classed as Secondly Insomnia. With hot stone massage it has shown great success in helping, with the warmth of the stones leaving you in a calm and relaxed state which in turn will enable less trouble falling asleep. It will also help your mind to be as relaxed as possible to aid in sleep duration and to begin the next day full of energy.

FIBROMYALGIA

Fibromyalgia is a long term condition that can cause pain all over the body it is frequently associated with depression and stress. Hot stone massage can help reduce stress, help relieve the pain, decrease the feelings of anxiety and aid in general overall well being – all of which is great to ease the symptoms for people with fibromyalgia. Out of all the different massage techniques hot stone therapy has been found to work best on people with fibromyalgia as the heat application of the stones promote circulation and clear the body of build up of toxins within the muscles.

DEPRESSION

We all go through spells of feeling down or being so fed up with the build up of every day things getting on top of us, but when you are depressed you can feel like that for weeks or even months.

Depression is a genuine health condition, a real illness with, guess what real symptoms. I am not stating that hot stone therapy is your cure but what I will support is, it can aid and help those symptoms of anxiety, constant tiredness, sleeping badly and various aches and pains.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

MS is an autoimmune disease, an abnormal response of the body’s immune system. The cause of MS is still unknown, however it is suspected to be a result of genetics, environment or perhaps a virus. Massage is important for maintaining flexibility and decreasing the tone in tight muscles which will help prevent stiffness in the joints. Stress (again) is one of the triggers of an MS flare up and massage is one of the best ways to reduce stress. Regular massage is indicated for treating the symptoms of MS.

ARTHRITIS

In the UK around 10 million people have arthritis, affecting people of all ages including children. The connection between arthritis and massage is the arthritis relief.

“Last month I had a sore big toe, sore to the point I couldn’t put pressure on it at all, I was truly miserable. As each day passed so did every-ones patience and when the sympathy ran out I ran to the doctors to be diagnosed with Gout.” I can only touch the slight surface on the discomfort and pain that arthritis suffer daily. Hot stone massage unfortunately will not take away your arthritis but what it can do is give relief which can give you pain free days and greater flexibility.

CIRCULATION

Now poor circulation isn’t a condition in itself but can be a result from other several other health issues. There are several conditions such as obesity, diabetes, heart conditions and arterial issues that can lead to poor circulation. In the case of diabetes, a patients blood sugars are not the only thing that is affected, poor circulation is another and will cause discomfort, pain and cramping in calves, thighs and buttocks. As with any medical conditions it is very important that the client, along with their consultant are monitoring their medication, diet, exercise and stress levels. As results have shown massage releases endorphins which calm the nervous system and this in turn reduces the stress hormones.

STRESS

I have ended on one that we can all relate to, STRESS. No one can avoid stress from entering their bodies during their life time. Stress is the Number one root cause of alot of diseases, stress from work, home, lifestyle or daily tasks. The result is the same through health problems. I can remember my training and one of the teachers whom is very spiritual, emphasising the importance of protecting ones self with an invisible bubble to protect yourself from the stress from negative energy. I know that in every day life we can’t live in a bubble nor can we ran away and therefore the only way to deal with the stresses and strains is to manage them efficiently.

So please be kind to yourselves, take the time every once in awhile and relax your mind and body. Release the stress that our bodies hold on to and have a hot stone therapy massage.
Reflexology and your body- how everything is connected
August 12, 2015 11:56 am Comments Off on Reflexology and your body- how everything is connected
Reflexology is a complementary therapy which is based on different points of the feet representing different areas of the body. It can be carried out as a relaxation treatment or can be used to improve the health and wellbeing of a client. Each treatment can be tailored to suit the needs of a client. The general benefits of Reflexology are better sleep pattern, reduce stress levels, improved energy levels and can even help with headaches, migraines and other ailments. Reflexology can be used as an alternative to medication to help ease certain symptoms with a client, although a well trained Reflexologist will not claim to cure, diagnose or prescribe.

Zone therapy which was another term for Reflexology many decades ago was founded by William H Fitzgerald. This consisted of a method of pain relief through applying pressure to certain locations of the inner body. Fitzgerald divided the body into 10 vertical zones, five on each side, which extended from the head to the fingertips and toes, and from back to front. Every aspect of the inner human body appears in one of these 10 zones, and each zone has a reflex area on the hands and feet. Fitzgerald and a colleague demonstrated this by applying pressure on an area of the body which could alleviate pain in a corresponding area. A further discovery was made back in the 1930’s into this claiming that pressure points on the feet were situated in a mirrored image of the corresponding organs of the inner body. This then lead to each hand and foot being divided up into 12 pressure zones to furthermore create the treatment of Reflexology.

Prior to a Reflexology treatment your therapist will go through a consultation to ensure you receive the most out of your treatment. This will include information on any healthcare issues to assess if you have any underlying health problems. A treatment regime will be put in place for the needs of each individual depending on their reason for treatment. During the treatment there may be some areas more sensitive than others and the therapist may also even find what is known as crystals. Crystals are blockages/tension within the Reflex channels. Once the crystals have been broken down or removed energy starts to travel through the channel again to the organ or gland which it is connected to. This gives a great feeling of relief to the client.

Every organ, gland and area of the body can be worked on through reflexology. An example of this is the large toe corresponds the head, which when worked on with the appropriate pressure can alleviate headaches or migraines. The arch of the foot corresponds the spinal region which in some cases can ease tension down the back. The middle of the foot corresponds the inner organs such as the Liver and stomach. The areas of the body are split into two categories, the solid organs and the hollow organs. The solid organs are the Liver, brain, spleen pancreas and glands such as the thyroid, adrenals, ovaries and testis. These areas usually require more pressure to ease any tension. The hollow organs are the lungs, stomach, bladder and gall bladder which usually require less pressure.

Post treatment it is vital to drink at least 2 litres of water daily to flush out the toxins. You may feel relaxed, sleep better and even pain free from certain ailments that you may have been experiencing prior to treatment. It is important to record how you feel after your sessions and report this back to your therapist as it could influence how you feel during and after your next session.

Reflexology could be the answer to your problems, whether it is increased stress levels, headaches or digestive problems, why not come to Beauty Haven and see how good you feel after a session. To book either call the salon on 02890 666628 or use our online booking system 24/7 at www.beautyhavenbelfast.com
How to decide on the right time for your electrolysis treatment
August 5, 2015 8:44 am Comments Off on How to decide on the right time for your electrolysis treatment
Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal method which uses a needle with electric current to travel down the hair shaft to the root for instant removal. Electrolysis is great for individual, coarse hairs as only one hair can be removed at a time. Multiple sessions may be required to reduce the hair growth. A session is booked in for a time period depending on how long each person requires. The least time for the treatment is 0-10 minutes with the longest time being 30 minutes a session. This can vary from clinic to clinic. The treatment is usually carried out on facial areas such as upper lip and chin. It may also be carried out on areas with individual hairs such as the breasts, feet or abdomen.

A frequently asked question within the beauty industry is ‘which hair removal method should I go for?’ With Laser, waxing and electrolysis on the market, it can be challenging for a client to know which one would work best for their needs. Laser is most effective for a large area of dark, coarse hair which can be stubborn to remove. Waxing is great for any type of hair for quick removal. It is an alternative to laser for people who do not have the best hair colour or skin type although it could take years for the hair to reduce. Electrolysis is perfect for smaller areas where hairs are scattered for individual removal.

If someone has finished a course of Laser hair removal but are left with patches of fair hairs which laser cannot remove, electrolysis would be the most effective treatment to permanently remove these. If you are having electrolysis treatments it is best to let the hairs grown in between your sessions rather than plucking or shaving. Trimming of the hairs with scissors can be done if necessary but it is best if you find the hairs growing back, to have another session. If you remove the hairs yourself between sessions, when it comes to the electrolysis treatment, removal could be more difficult meaning the machine may need a higher energy, resulting in the treatment being more painful. The hairs do need a bit of growth visible on the skin as tweezers are used to lift the hair once the current has been used.

Initially post an electrolysis treatment the skin can be red, a little bumpy or blotchy. These are normal side effects which should disappear within 24 hours post treatment. It is advisable not to have an event planned within this time to give the skin a chance to heal. Makeup tends to block the pores of your skin and could have irritant ingredients so it is best to avoid this also. If you are going on a sun holiday it is advisable to have your last session a couple of days prior to this as you should avoid sun exposure for at least 24 hours.

If you are a new client to electrolysis we would recommend a consultation prior to treatment to ensure this is the most suitable treatment for your concerns. During the consultation we require your medical history as there are some contraindications which would affect commencing treatment. Occasionally this may mean you are not be suitable for Electrolysis or we may need to wait a certain length of time before starting treatment. Pace makers, Epilepsy and blood disorders would result in no treatment allowed whereas sunburn or recent scar tissue would need time to heal prior to treatment. If your medical history is fine, we would trial a treatment of 0-10 minutes to check how you get on and how the skin reacts to treatment. The therapist would then be able to recommend a treatment programme which is best suited for your needs. How often treatment is needed, the length of time for your treatment and advice on what you should and shouldn’t do prior and post treatment will be included in your consultation.

If you are interested in having an Electrolysis treatment, either book online 24/7 at www.beautyhavenbelfast.com or phone the salon on 02890 666628

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