Author Archives: Hilary Lowry

  1. Pumpkin Health & Beauty Secrets

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    Many of us often think of a pumpkin as a vegetable, but did you know it is technically a fruit because it is a member of the squash family? This nutritious fruit is not only great in our daily diets but also in our beauty regimes.

    Pumpkin seeds contain powerful anti-ageing anti oxidants, as well as vitamin E and essentials acids which are vital for skin growth. The minerals and vitamins found in the seeds help to perk up the skin structure, ensuring it stays soft and flexible. They can protect your skin from ultra violet sunrays, smoothen it and protect it from production of dark freckles on the skin.

    Another great benefit of pumpkins is that the combination of zinc and selenium in them helps fight against acne. Vitamin A is present in high levels in pumpkins and is very beneficial for the repairing of damaged and broken cells. Vitamins A & E and the fatty acids found in pumpkins are also very beneficial in keeping your hair and nails healthy.

    To get into the Halloween spirit and expand your beauty regime, why not try a homemade pumpkin facial! Here’s a easy to make masque that will leave your skin feeling soft, clean and supple:

    > Make a paste using a teaspoon of cinnamon powder, half a tablespoon of milk, a half tablespoon of honey, and 2 tablespoons of pumpkin.

    > Wash your face and then apply the masque paste, leaving it on for 15-20mins.

    > Wash the masque off using lukewarm water.

  2. The Benefits of Massage

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    Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. Perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress.

    While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can without a doubt help manage stress. This translates into:

    • Decreased anxiety.
    • Enhanced sleep quality.
    • Greater energy.
    • Improved concentration.
    • Increased circulation.
    • Reduced fatigue.

    At this time of year, with the seasons shifting and the daylight hours getting shorter, we all need a little uplift; both mentally and physically.

    Here at Beauty Haven, we offer a range of massage therapies:

    • Back and Tension Massage (£25) reduces stress and tension in the lower and upper back
    • Full Body Massage (£45) relieves tension and fatigue, as well as promoting a sense of deep relaxation
    • Hot Stone Back Massage (£35) direct heat applied via the stones alongside manual masssage relaxes muscles and reduces tension
    • Hot Stone Full Body Massage (£60) gives a deep massage using application of water-heated basalt stones alongside manual massage. Creates sensations of comfort and warmth.
    • Balinese Massage (£70) uses deep stimulation techniques and body weight of the therapists to achieve a new depth of massage
    • Reflexology (£40) an ancient foot therapy which eases stress and tension to help bring a state of emotional wellbeing to body, mind and spirit.

    There’s no denying the power of massage. Regardless of the adjectives we assign to it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.

    To book yourself in for a treatment, call the salon on 02890666628.

  3. Nervous tics in children: Reflexology can help !!!!

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    What is a Tic?

    A tic is a sudden, repetitive movement or sound that can be difficult to control. Common motor and phonic tics are, respectively, eye blinking and throat clearing.

    Simple tics occur in about 10 per cent of the population with boys outnumbering girls three to one, and often beginning around the age of seven.

    Tics are most likely to be seen when a child is bored, stressed or tired.

    Last September 2013 my primary age son (age 8) came out of school blinking his eyes multiple times.He had been absolutely fine when I left him to school that morning !! At first I thought he had something in his eye, he couldn’t seem to stop blinking. I contacted both my GP and optician who diagnosed a tic. I was distraught, his teacher had commented on it and then his friends began to make fun of him. I trawled through the internet looking for answers, all the advice was the same ‘Don’t mention it or draw attention to it ‘ IMPOSSIBLE’ when everyone was mentioning it to him. The idea that this could be a lifetime affliction was causing a lot of stress so I decided after a couple of weeks to try Reflexology.

    Reflexology is a gentle but strong foot massage aimed at re-energizing the body. It is a therapy that works on the feet to heal the whole person and is used to restore and maintain the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

    There are many different theories as to how Reflexology works – a unifying theme is the idea that energy flows in vertical zones throughout the body and areas on the feet are mapped out and correspond to the organs and systems of the body within these zones.

    Due to everyday stresses and illnesses blockages can occur in these energy zones. By working on the reflexes on the feet, Reflexology helps to clear these blockages allowing the free flow of energy in the body thereby restoring a state of balance. It also helps to induce a relaxation response within the body, thereby reducing stress and anxiety, which are contributors to the many health problems we experience in today’s society.

    Reflexology does not claim to cure, diagnose or prescribe. It helps the client to cope at physical, spiritual, mental and emotional levels, encouraging them to heal and maintain good health.

    Research is ongoing in the area of Reflexology to determine its effectiveness in treating particular conditions. There is much anecdotal evidence to suggest it can have many benefits including:

    •  Promoting deep relaxation through reduction of stress
    • Improving sleep patterns
    • Improving circulation
    • Assisting removal of waste products from the body
    • Activating the immune system
    • Bringing balance to the systems of the body
    • Encouraging the body to heal itself at its own pace
    • Reduces tension

    Reflexology has also been shown to be effective for:

    •  Back pain
    • Migraine
    • Infertility
    • Arthritis
    • Hormonal imbalances
    • Digestive disorders
    • Stress related conditions such as IBS, asthma, insomnia, depression, anxiety

    I treated my son twice a week and by week three his tic had practically gone, we continued with sessions once a month for a further 3 or 4 months. We were delighted and thought he was cured but then lo and behold this September again (2014), two days before school started back, his tic returned. This time I started the Reflexology immediately and after three sessions it had gone again. We now know that in our case this tic may reoccur from time to time but at least we know now that the Reflexology works for us, it may not work for everyone but its worth a try.

    If you would like any further advice please call us on 02890 666628

  4. Great Expectations!

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    ‘Peel’refers to the process of applying a chemical solution to the skin. Depending on the formulation of this solution, skin may or may not physically ‘peel’ off after the treatment

    Benefits:

    Effective in reducing wrinkles,pigmentation and blemishes.

    Relatively little downtime and safe for all skin types.

    So what can you expect?

    Chemical peel treatment removes the layers of dead skin to reveal fresher looking, brighter and rejuvenated skin. Milder ‘superficial’ skin peels can be used as an extension of your beauty regime and repeated at certain intervals.

    Duration and Recovery

    The whole process usually takes around 30 minutes.

    Some chemical peels are single treatments and involve no downtime. Others require a course of treatments with a 7 to 10 day recovery period and the use of sunblock as your skin can be quite sensitive. After any chemical peel you are free to leave the clinic as soon as you feel comfortable to do so.

    How to maintain a glowing complexion.

    Facial peels can be used as regular skin treatment to help keep skin looking smoother and fresher. Our fully qualified therapists will assess your skin and provide recommendations for ongoing or regular treatments.

     

     

  5. Rosacea Research

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    Rosacea is a skin condition that mainly affects the face, causing areas of the skin to flush red. While an exact cause is unknown most sufferers are able to identify triggers that make their rosacea worse. Avoiding these triggers will help control the condition and lessen the symptoms.

    A new awareness campaign called ‘Act on Red’ has recently been launched to support rosacea sufferers. The programme aims to raise awareness and understanding by using research that assesses the effect the condition has on sufferers. In volume 1/issue 10 of the Aesthetics monthly medical journal it’s stated that, “62% of people with facial redness agreed it embarrasses them” and also, “46% believe their rosacea changes others’ perception of them”. Researchers have discovered that those suffering from rosacea are more likely to be percieved by other people as less intelligent, reliable, successful and trustworthy compared to people without redness. Additionally, people are more likely to assume rosacea sufferers are stressed, tired, unhealthy or sick. The results of this research correspond with psychological studies that show a single glance of a face is enough for people to make automatic judgements.

    There are variuos treatments/products that can help. If you would like to discuss with one of our therapists please contact the salon and book a consultation.

  6. Nude Is The New Black

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    London Fashion Week saw an abudance of barely-there nail trends; hinting that this nude look will be the big splash for Autumn/Winter 2014 while leading into Spring/Summer 2015. Another big colour for Autumn/Winter 2014 will be berry reds and purples – incase you love a splash of colour.

    The natural look for Autumn/Winter 2014 and Spring/Summer 2015 isn’t just limited to nails – natural makeup is huge as well.

    It was only a matter of time before somebody took the whole “no-make-up make-up” trend and simplified it by sending the models onto the catwalk with totally bare faces. Marc Jacobs and François Nars did just that at the designer’s Spring/Summer 2015 show.

    Following from this, everyone in the beauty world has been talking about Kylie Jenner’s look recently. 90’s grunge inspired makeup – natural base, natural eyes with fluttery lashes and finally the show-stopper:  nudey-browny lipstick (of which the make and shade has been kept secret!)

    Healthy, natural nails, hands and faces are going to be huge – from what the catwalks have told us. We have a stunning range of OPI nail polishes in naturals and nudes, as well as beautiful berry shades, so get yourself booked into Beauty Haven for a Luxury Manicure to make sure you’ve beautiful hands to go alongside a beautiful colour!

    We also stock Jane Iredale’s makeup range – both retail and professional – which is perfect for this seasons trend of creating a flawless, natural look; why not book in for a colour match to find your perfect shade?

    For more information, call Beauty Haven 02890 666628