Does drinking 7 glasses of water a day keep my skin moist?

Apart from my Mum always telling me to drink lots of water, I remember reading this for the first time in Woman’s Day Magazine and being despondent because I found drinking water to be the world’s most boring thing. I preferred Orange juice, Coke and a room temperature Elderton Shiraz.

So is it true that you need seven glasses of water a day to keep skin moist and dewy?

Answer: No. Despite years of having this drummed into our heads, this is not true. It is good to keep your body, including your skin, hydrated, however the outermost layer of skin does not absorb water since it is made up of dead skin cells. Moisture level of skin is not determined by internal factors, but rather external ones, such as cold or hot air, dry heat and by the number of oil-producing glands you have. So if you want to hydrate your skin, exfoliate it weekly with a sea-salt scrub or other exfoliator to remove dead skin then apply a rich moisturizer while skin is still damp. Want to hydrate your insides then by all means, drink your 7 glasses of water a day.
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My own interest and passion of reflexology was aroused in my late teens over 25 years ago whist in the Army (IRAR) on my first active tour of duty in Malaysia and Thailand. For anyone who has travelled to Asia or the Sub Continent, you would know how massive this experience is with Reflexology/Foot Massage being offered on just about any street corner.

And guess what???

After years of sampling many treatments myself, I decided I could have a crack myself.  So I did some research and signed up with one of Perth’s leading reflexologists and a lovely man named Bert Davis. What I loved about Bert was his simple approach (thus the name of one of his books Reflexology Simplified) and he ran his Reflexology Academy of WA - Diploma Class, out of the Tuart Hill Tafe, which I joined in 2000.

Ever since completing my diploma, I have performed and continue to study reflexology.  Although I don’t practice much these day’s I’m still involved with passing my knowledge onto the Blush staff. We’ve even developed our own Reflexology training module here at Blush, which Sonia and I use with all our wonderful staff.

But, before I get ahead of myself, let me explain a little history and how it works…

Reflexology origins are from ancient Egyptian times around 2330BC and made its way to India and China in 2000BC. The process works as a system of communication between the therapist and the client to release blockages and bring about a return to harmony and balance within the clients body.  The clients feet (hands or ears) are worked (massaged) in a holistic way on 4 levels simultaneously.

1.Physically – Through a reflex action of stimulus and response – on areas of the feet that reflect parts of the body, by using touch techniques to stimulate blood flow and energy to the body to release any blockages.
 
2. Mental    3. Emotional   &  4. Spiritual – By focusing our attention on underlying patterns of disease, discomfort, disorder or distress, it is possible to bring about permanent changes for the client.  Reflexology helps the client to make lifestyle changes for themselves and heal from within, promotes an overall harmony, well being and brings the body back to its own balance.

Let me explain just a few of the benefits of Reflexology…

• Non Intrusive…
• Promotes internal balance… 
• Improved circulation…
• Reduces stress & tension…
• Stimulation of body’s immune system…
• A feeling of peace & well being…
• Improved sleep…
• Its completely drug free – no side effects…
• It can help pinpoint areas of stress before they become apparent physiologically  
• Helps to remove emotional blockages in underlying  patterns of being, so that it becomes no longer necessary  to manifest disease…

How do we do it at Blush???

We follow the simple techniques and philosophies I’ve learned and include some secret Blush techniques to make the experience very special. We always ensure the client is comfortable, snug and warm. At Blush we like to get the client horizontal to allow the maximum relaxation possible.  A tingling sea salt and hot towel treatment to sterilize the feet is performed to start off this very relaxing treatment. Next, we ensure that the both entire feet are worked on with heavenly massage techniques and pressure point moves: such as thumb walking, hook and back up and rotating on a point, thus releasing blockages and giving you an all over feeling of harmony and relaxation. Lastly, we finish off with a double foot massage and a hot towel treatment…and a whole lot more, but you’ll have to make a booking to find it out for yourself.

Special FREE 30 minute Reflexology session included in October 2009 – Blush News

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At Blush we get so many requests for a Hot Stone Massage that I thought it make a great article, to let you in on a few secrets about this devine experience…

Please let me explain exactly what happens…

It is a deeply relaxing and therapeutic treatment which uses smooth, dark, volcanic stones. The stones have an extraordinary energy and with the right combination of heat, oil and a well trained & passionate therapist, the experience can be an almost Euphoric as described by many of our clients. The massage itself, involves placing the heated stones on and under the body. The massage is a slow rhythmic, top to toe experience and begins with heat penetrating from above & beneath the body.  Natural grape-seed massage oil is applied and the stones are used to apply additional heat & pressure. This wonderful experience generally lasts for 75 minutes at Blush, which is perfect timing to perform the treatment to it’s optimum. We also have a P.S. – I Love You Spa Package which includes a Hot Stone Massage also.

Why do we like to keep our massage rhythm slower at Blush?

The rythum of the massage will determine the effect it has on our clients, as they usually come to Blush for relaxation and to destress. Fast strokes tend to stimulate, while longer & slower strokes are more sedating & soothing. With a slow rhythm, the heat of the stones also has a greater chance to penetrate the superficial tissues & get into the muscle.

But, before I get ahead of myself, let me tell you a little history, if you’re interested…

At Blush our stone sets, are made up of 60 different shapes and sizes, all specifically chosen for different parts of the body. They are made from basalt, a composition of many minerals, perfect for their ability to absorb and penetrate heat, as well as their healing powers. 

Because of the extraordinary quality, we chose stones from Chile, a place that is vitally active and has a healthy environment. In Chile the healing women of the Mapuche tribes have used the black stones (heated to 125-135 degrees) for thousands of years, in their healing work and for divination purposes.

Please let me tell you about some of the benefits of Hot Stone Massage…

Physical…

• The lymphatic system is stimulated with better elimination, fresh lymph to the area & removal of toxins, eg; lactic acid.
• Circulatory system increases, flushing toxins & increasing nutrients to the area, increasing the body’s energy reserves. Metabolic exchanges between blood & cells accelerated.
• Muscular system is warmed, relaxed & stretched relieving stress & tension.
• Relaxation of soft tissue and increases mobility by warmth.
• Nervous system is soothed and relaxed by warming pressure points.

Spiritual…

• Neutralises negative energies…
• Re-energises the depleted areas
• Induces feelings of emotional & physical balance…
• Deep self awareness & relaxation… and more

There are many contraindications to Hot Stone Massage, let me just tell you a couple?

• Any condition where the client has a loss of sensation, including neuropathy, Diabetes, Peripheral Vascular Disorder, High Blood Pressure or is Post Surgery, injury, or trauma where nerves have been affected…
• Pregnancy, due to the rise in body temperature
• Psychotic conditions, epilepsy
• Any dysfunction of the nervous system
• Anyone with depressed immune system, including Lupus, Epstein Barr, Mononucleosis, HIV/AIDS, Cancer- anyone on Chemotherapy or Radiation treatments
• Sunburn, Psoriasis, skin cancer, burns, Dermatitis, Eczema, Acne, Shingles, Herpes, or any acute skin condition

Things you should know to do after a hot stone massage?

• Drink plenty of water
• Relax before going home
• Have someone pick you up
• Take it easy for the rest of the day

FYI…Let me explain how we care for these precious stones at Blush…

To ensure you get a very high standard of hygiene, after every massage the following procedure is followed by our highly trained and professional staff…

• Each stone is meticulously cleaned in warm soapy water.
• Then laid on a clean, dry towel & sprayed with sanitizer.
• At Blush we allow the fresh air to dry the stones.
• Each week, we sprinkle the stones with sea salt and place outside in the sun/moon light to rejuvenate their organic energy.

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As it turns out, using sunscreen is important, not only when it’s hot outside, but even if you work in front of a computer all day,  and all-year-round. Whether or not you know it, the sun is constantly giving off harmful UV rays. Yes, even in the winter time, you are being exposed to this.

Therefore, it is important that you always protect yourself…

All of us, in our lifetimes, will come across someone we either know personally or through someone else who has skin cancer.

Prevention is better than cure…

The worse thing you could do would be to walk around thinking that it would never happen to you. Today, it is not uncommon to come across someone who has skin cancer, and nine times out of ten if you talk to them, you will find out that they were diagnosed with it after they spent a considerable amount of time in the sun.

What typically happens when someone has skin cancer is that skin is grafted from another part of their body to replace the infected skin.

Anyone can get skin cancer.

Of course, this risk is higher for those who spend a lot of time in the sun and don’t properly protect themselves. For instance, many golfers, footballers and other athletes are at an increased risk. This is why it is so important to purchase a great UV 30+ Sunscreen for those days when you know that you’re going to be out in the sun for extended periods of time.

Tanning beds are also another thing that puts people at risk for developing problems…

Remember Clare Oliver from the TV adverts. Yes, she actually died from Melanoma cancers proven to be from a direct result of tanning in a solarium.

She’s also responsible for single-handedly  bringing down the solarium business in Victoria with over 100 Tanning studios already closed .

If anything, tanning beds are worse because you are getting direct concentration of UV light. If used properly, tanning beds aren’t that bad and can be safe. However, as is the case with a lot of other things, many people misuse or abuse this. When you use a tanning bed, you should still apply sunblock or sunscreen. Another thing worth mentioning is the fact that before you go out into the sun or before you use a tanning bed, make sure that you apply your sunscreen at least 30 minutes to an hour prior to exposing yourself to the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Whether you are out in the sun or not…

You’ll also want to make sure that you have plenty of moisturizing cream and/or Aloe Vera around. When your skin is exposed to UV rays or harsh elements such as dry air, it dries your skin out, robbing it of essential moisture that it needs. When your skin dries out, this will often lead to cracking, peeling and the all too familiar sun burn. If you do get a sun burn, make sure that you apply plenty of hydrating lotion every hour.

Remember, it is important to take care for your face & body; you’ve only got one!

Products I personally recommend:

SPF 30+ SHEER MOISTURIZER – Platinum 50ml

HYDRATING SUNBLOCK FOR BODY SPF 30+ – Platinum 168ml 

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At Blush we’ve always had a lot of questions from clients as to why we have Steam Units in all our spa rooms, and how come we don’t have spa’s? Well there’s so many reasons.

Let me explain just a few…

Firstly, what is a steam unit,? Well often referred to a Swiss Shower or Turkish Steam Shower, it’s like a normal shower unit, with a lots of bells and whistles. It has jets like a spa and heat like a sauna. Only the steam is wet heat as compared to a sauna which is dry heat.

Just the sheer convenience of having a private steam unit makes the treatment room so much more multi functional. The steam units are compact yet spacious and allow all body spa packages to be performed in the same room. There’s none of this getting up and trudging  off to another spa suite or communal steam room YUK!!.

The units are safe and simple to use and yes the client can  control the steam and showering functions themselves.Which again is a huge advantage for client satisfaction and safety.

They’re very hygienic and environmentally friendly…

The Units are very hygienic, easy to clean and maintain and with so many water restrictions these days they waste very little water while steaming , apart from when the client is showering. Steam and water are the ideal combination for relaxing and reviving the body and mind. People have appreciated the therapeutic powers of steam since the dawn of time. No wonder then that the culture of steam showering has been popular in many different parts of  the world and still an integral part of people’s everyday lives. Just take a deep  breath, sit back in the comfortable seat, relax and enjoy.

The steam feels like balsam on the body and soul…

The steam treatments are absolutely divine after a full body scrub, mud
wrap or even a massage. It cleanses, stimulates circulation, detoxifies the
body, frees the respiratory passages, fights bacteria, reduces stress/tension
and fights disease – especially during the wet and colder seasons.

A temperature of 45-50 degrees Celsius with an air humidity of 100% is sufficient to relax the skin, making it wonderfully soft and glowing. The steam clouds embrace you completely, giving you a sense of relaxation and security.

Finish your steam treatment with your selection of tropical rain, cascade
waterfall and body jets, then finally a cold shower. You will leave the treatment room a new person. Eucalyptus essential oil is always added to your steam unit, the benefits are; Head clearing, refreshing, stimulating, uplifting, invigorating, respiratory, decongestive, antiseptic, cooling, cleansing, antiinflammatory, anti-spasmodic a & analgesic.

BENEFITS OF YOUR STEAM TREATMENT:
After 10 minutes – You inhale deeply. The warmth and humidity will warm you through and through. The body reacts instantly. Circulation is stimulated, you perspire, the pores open and the body is detoxified. The blood pressure rises.Blood enriched with carbon dioxide, comes to the skins surface. The accelerated renewal of your skins cells and the improved collagen production lead to healthier and younger looking skin.

Your head feels clear…

Minor aches and pains have disappeared. The mental powers are restored. The warmth has activated the chemical process of your body and strengthened your metabolism and your immune system. You may enjoy a steam treatment as often as you like.

Let’s recap the benefits:

• Cleanses the body and mind…
• Stimulates circulation…
• Detoxifies the body…
• Frees the respiratory passages…
• Fights bacteria…
• Reduces stress and tension…
• Fights disease …
• Regenerates the cells…

HERE ARE SOME CONTRA-INDICATONS:

• High blood pressure or Epilepsy ( we do not use eucalyptus oil)
• Asthma

SPECIALISED PRODUCTS:

• Eucalyptus Essential Oil – Head clearing, refreshing, stimulating,
  uplifting, invigorating, respiratory, decongestive, antiseptic, cooling,
  cleansing, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and analgesic.
•  Orange Essential Oil – Relaxing, astringent, refreshing, uplifting and
  anti-depressant.

So, now that you know a little more about our steam units, I think you’ll enjoy your next steam a whole lot more. If you’re booked for a treatment that doesn’t have a steam, simply call 92011088 and ask Kelly or Michael, if there is any chance of adding on a complementary steam, if there is a vacancy we’d be certainly more than happy to accommodate you.

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But I’ve realised I’m not looking after myself physically and mentally and that’s why I needed some help….

So I jumped on the net and stumbled across this website “LIFESTYLE IMPROVERS” and I gave the guy – David a call and asked for his help. What I immediately liked about David is his honesty and integrity, he actually does practice what he preaches. A Humble Family Man, David and an elite sportsman himself, he actually listens to what YOU WANT as well as giving you his expert advise as well.

I was so impressed by David I’ve joined his Starters program…Personal Fitness Training Perth

David’s helping me achieve my goals (lose some weight, more exercise, eat better etc…) and I’m heading in the right direction. Anyway, no matter where you are in life, no matter what your age, isn’t it fantastic to realise that you control your own destiny? Think about it. Doesn’t it just blow your mind to realise you can get what you want if you want it enough and take the right actions to get it?

Self-awareness is a beautiful thing…

And that brings me to why I’m actually writing this article. For all of you who know me well, will understand my need to share things I’m passionate about. So I asked David if I could share his details with you and he was more than happy for me to do that. “LIFESTYLE IMPROVERS” it’s all on the web or just Call Dave on 1300 339 685

David has also written an E-Book – How to Manage Your Energy Levels and Mindset – Valued at $27 that he would like to give to you as a gift for FREE! So if you live in the Morley area and surrounds I hope you can join me on some of these crisp early mornings, you see I can’t do it alone.

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