Sunday, 23 October 2011

How do your clients choose their spa in Brighton?


When your clients make a decision about which spa in Brighton to frequent, they look for a place where they can enjoy some "me time", where they can relax and experience a sense of well being and somewhere where they can pamper their bodies as well as their minds. They already understand that spa establishments are the ultimate when it comes to boosting one's morale. But when faced with today's diverse range of establishments, all of which are offering effective and innovative treatments, choosing a spa isn't always an easy decision to make. Since most spas are offering services and products that deliver results, it has become even more important to focus on the small details that help to retain a loyal clientele. We've done a general survey to help you identify the details that make all the difference to a client who is trying out a new establishment.


A "safe" environment

The welcome and setting, which create the ambiance and determine the quality of an establishment, are definitely key priorities to potential clients. A lightly fragranced room, with filtered lighting and soft music create an atmosphere that is conducive to a sense of well being. And spa enthusiasts have high expectations when it comes to these criteria. Having tried out a spa that prioritised profitability over clients' comfort, May, now pays attention to the smallest detail: "It is absolutely imperative that a space dedicated to promoting well being is peaceful and neat, without being clinical. It should also reflect uncomplicated elegance. A gentle fragrance in the air is also an absolute must. These criteria, which are evident not only in the décor but also in the products, played a role in converting me into a loyal customer. Whilst receiving body treatments, I also pay close attention to the therapist, who should be impeccably well presented." It is clear that cleanliness, a "safe" environment and a sense of comfort enhance the treatments and reassure the client. It also indicates that it is unnecessary and ill advised to fork out lots of money on extravagant décor that is hard to keep clean, because clients find simple, clean, refined settings more reassuring. The trick is to know where to add a touch of glamour or mystery, which your clients will lap up!

Polished service

Next, issues relating to the quality of the spa service, punctuality and friendliness of the staff were identified. Marie from Strasbourg highlights the importance of these elements: "I like the cosy feeling of some of the smaller spas that still offer high-tech equipment, but I am very conscious of service levels. As someone who doesn't have a lot of time available for spa treatments, I cannot afford to be kept waiting." In reality, clients are bound by time constraints and keeping them waiting defeats the whole objective of going to a spa, which is to experience a sense of peace and well being. And if it so happen that one of your treatments takes a little longer than anticipated, the therapist could always offer the client who has been kept waiting a little something extra, as was the case with Véronique, who was offered a free make-up trial the following week when she was kept waiting half an hour for her treatment. This loyalty tool was interpreted, quite rightly, as a sign of respect. Another factor is the warmth of the welcome received by the client which indicates a genuine interest. Clients are unanimous on this point: a smile, a sign of recognition and a chat are all acts that are greatly appreciated, as long as they are performed with discretion and tact.

Another practical but fundamental detail is the ease with which the establishment can be accessed. In Strasbourg, Marie had found the spa of her dreams but… it was situated in a highly inaccessible location. A beautiful spa positioned along a pedestrianized street, or somewhere where you cannot park closer than 500m away, does not encourage an influx of clients. If the clientele in the area can be easily developed, in order to attract a larger public, it is more important to give careful consideration to the placement of your spa.
Finally, in addition to the welcome, flexibility with regards to your treatment schedule is also a great way to win over your clients. Being able to pop in at your local spa for a spot of pampering after a long working day is greatly appreciated… and seldom possible!

Impeccable cleanliness in your treatment rooms

Next, comes the impression created by your treatment rooms. With clients being more informed and therefore more demanding than ever before, no detail goes unnoticed! While most establishments keep their instruments sterilized and replace used items, there are those who choose to overlook the basic principles of hygiene. And on that score there is no shortage of examples. For example, there are many that continue to use a single terry towel… perfect for transferring germs from one client to the next! Mélanie also looks at "floor surfaces, instruments, towels, the covers upon which one lies during treatments… Once in one of the big establishments, I had the unpleasant experience of finding myself lying on a cover of dubious cleanliness." These days more and more clients prefer throw-away products (gloves, gauze, wax…) for guaranteed hygiene. In return for entrusting their bodies and faces to the care of a third party, they are looking for comfort and absolute cleanliness. That is why women like Catherine always choose "treatments that rely on single-use products".

Clients also value places that bear charming names. If, for example, you have more than one treatment room, it is a good idea to name each room. Simply by naming a room as a "cocoon" endears it and invites clients to feel safe and secure. Most clients are in agreement that the setting in which a treatment takes place is just as important as the quality of the treatment that is being administered. These may be subjective criteria but they are certainly of capital importance to clients when selecting a spa in Brighton.

Competitive prices

However, if clients choose their spa based on the image it projects, this is not without some consideration for the prices of the services offered. The relationship between quality and price is the second priority for clients. Having signs and certificates displayed within the salon helps to make the client feel secure in the therapists' credibility and know-how but the therapist must also give serious consideration to her pricing to ensure that her rates are affordable to a larger number of people. It is also her job to educate clients about the efficacy and safety of the products used during her treatments. She should also be in a position to explain the technologically advanced nature of the treatments as this is a means of justifying the prices to clients. Isabelle chose an establishment that was a bit more expensive than the average spa because she believed that the quality of the treatments and the efficacy of the products merited the costs. An excellent spa is obviously going to cost more but it should also meet the specific needs expressed by the client. Isabelle sees her trips to the spa as a "type of investment" and admits to being very satisfied with the results achieved by the high end products used during her treatments.

A spa service in the broad sense

Another area, where clients have certain expectations relates to the experience of the spa therapist. In addition to take care of the client and ensuring that she is comfortable, the therapist also needs to offer the client a service that is tailor made to suit her requirements. After diagnosing what the client's specific needs are, the therapist needs to administer a treatment that is not only of a high standard but one which also meets the needs of that client. Furthermore, she should confirm what the client's needs and expectations are at the start of each treatment. Finally, she should never put herself in the position where she is administering treatments that are beyond the scope of her capabilities or experience. In these instances, she should rather refer the client to a specialist. For example, Emma recounts: "I thought I had terribly oily skin and chose all the wrong products to care for my skin. It was, in fact, a hormonal problem and my spa therapist referred me to a medical specialist. Luckily this put me on the right track to getting my skin sorted out. The diagnosis was most welcome." Similarly, thanks to her spa therapist, Catherine has learned to understand the changes in her skin caused by factors like changing seasons, hormonal imbalances and ageing: "Her advice has been like gold because she has taught me how to care for the changing needs of my skin."

Next, comes the quality of the products and the services offered. Clients are particularly demanding in this area. Single usage ampoules and single application products are increasing in popularity. In those instances where a therapist does not use single application products, masks and creams must be stored in a cool, dry place. Véronique had the dreadful experience of having a mask, which had already gone off, applied to her face. Clients know that once a product has been opened, it loses its effectiveness after a few months. On the same note, it is also not advisable to prepare products for treatments in advance. Véronique also had the misfortune of experiencing this: "The treatment I received where I was not able to see the products being prepared, definitely left me under the impression that it was not as effective. Worse still, I felt a real sense of uneasiness throughout the treatment." Organic and natural products are highly sought after at the moment. Faced with numerous warnings outlining the dangers of certain creams and beauty products, clients are turning towards natural products. Catherine says she prefers organic or marine products. She recounts that "Marine products contain an impressive number of mineral salts and trace elements which are excellent for the skin as well as for boosting the morale. What is more, the faint sound of a distant wave during my treatment enables me to relax completely. I also appreciate it when my therapist gives me some samples o take home to help prolong the effects of the treatment.

Personalised treatment

Finally, in addition to demonstrating her technological know-how, the therapist must also personalize her interactions with each client. It is indispensable that she informs her clients about the evolution of professional techniques and she should be well acquainted with her products. A therapist is, first and foremost, a professional advisor! Catherine remembers how, for a long time, she used to do the opposite of what was recommended as far as her cleansing routine was concerned. Then her spa therapist showed her how to use only a little cleanser followed by more toner. In her story, based on the recommendations of her therapist, Isabelle started "a moisturising programme in the morning, complemented by firming products in the evening in order to restore my skin's firmness. I also learned how to apply cream gently, something which I had never done previously. I had been under the incorrect impression that applying my cream with a few vigorous gestures would reduce wrinkles. That was a complete fallacy as I was only adding to the problem… My therapist's advice helped me to preserve more youthful looking skin." 

Today, spa therapists have become very close to their clients: they have learned to bridge the gap between psychology and technology. They understand that a large part of their clients' motivation for coming to the spa is to relieve stress and boost their spirits. That said, Catherine feels that a therapist must "prove that she is trustworthy rather than offer empty flattery." The ability to listen is a crucial part of the relaxation process as it establishes a rapport between therapist and client. Catherine says, "I am very sensitive to the quality of listening exhibited by my therapist. Our conversations are even more invaluable when they can be conducted discretely and I don't need to worry about other patrons listening to what we are saying… When I leave, not only has she taken care of me during our session, but she also enables me to prolong the benefits of my treatment and most of all she has helped me to feel happy in my own skin. It is no real surprise then that she has become my best friend..."

Conclusion

The final word from clients who are overloaded with information about the latest treatments and spa techniques is that they appreciate the challenge involved in being a good spa therapist. Because, in addition to keeping up to date with technology, their relationships and involvement with their clients are a fundamental part of their business. The therapist alone is responsible for ensuring that clients stay loyal to their spa.

Thursday, 20 October 2011

Nadine Burzler : Contemporary Wedding Photographer and Bloger Reviews Little Jasmine Therapies {Operation 118} Before the Big Day - Authentic Thai Massage in Brighton.

“Good morning!”, a petite Thai lady says, and hands me a pair of comfy white slippers.
“Welcome. Would you like some herbal tea or a glass of water?”

“Herbal tea, thank you”, I said with a childish like grin on my face. If it wasn't obvious already, I was very excited to be getting a massage that day.

My Thai masseuse, Anne prepared my tea, whilst I swayed my shoulders innocuously from side to side, taking in all the visual curiosities around me. It was as if I was in another country. Thailand to be exact. I found myself staring at the orange logo on the counter which is the Buddhist/Thai colour for good energy and confidence which Kiriakos, one of the owners, later tells me, is essentially the spirit of the business.
80% of everything in Little Jasmine's was imported directly from Thailand, which is why the space has such a foreign and tranquil feel to it. Even the huge wooden massage beds are from Thailand, and there are 4 of them!

Meet the team.

Little Jasmine Beauty Salon and Spa is owned by a local husband and wife team. May and Kiriakos. It fuses Western and Eastern elements and provides traditional Thai massage and modern beauty treatments at an affordable price. “How much”, I ask? Massage starts from as little as £35 for a 60 minute session and for regulars who book block packages beforehand, a 60 minute massage can cost as little as £25 per hour.

The business originally started in Kiriakos and May's living room a few years back and has grown organically to what it is today. May's team of personally trained masseuses have now grown from one to four, consisting of 2 employees from Thailand, one from Spain and another from England.
May is originally from Thailand and used to be a Radio Producer for Grammy. Upon meeting and marrying Kiriakos and moving to the UK, May was faced with a different set of opportunities and decided, to take part of a normal health regime in Thailand, and bring it to the UK with her.
“How did you come up with the name?”, I asked. May's grandmother's name was Jasmine and so May's nickname as a child, was “little Jasmine”. Unfortunately, May's grandma has since passed away, however her legacy lives on in the little haven they've created in the heart of Brighton.

Kiriakos shared with me, that they have a 40 to 60 balance of male to female frequenters and that their customers are loyal and consistent, especially since the environment is private, small and very cosy. They cater to everyone from singles to couples to husband and wife, and they can also shut down the entire salon for groups of girls on their hen weekend. Kiriakos assures me that when it comes to bespoke packages, with enough notice and reason, they can cater for groups of up to 12 people. The best part is that, because the salon is run by it's owners, at the helm, you get way more than your money's worth.


My Experience.

May and Anne ( Picture taken with Iphone 4)
Anne placed my tea next to the seating area and handed me a consultation form where I could jot down any necessary health related information I wanted her to be aware of before my massage. I handed the form back and noticed her uniform, which had black, brown, deep red and gold patterns and details. That's so unique, I thought. Everything in the room matched perfectly, even the uniforms. The wall art, the pillows, the little decorative items that make up this little spa and beauty salon, the music, the atmosphere. They've cut off all stimulus from the outside environment. This is one of those places, where you fully immerse yourself, escape the hustle and bustle of your every day life and just allow yourself to be pampered and transported to a happy place. A happy Thai place.

From the moment you step inside, you can feel you've discovered a very special little space. It's warm, comfortable, cosy, quiet and absolutely peaceful with soothing and relaxing music playing softly in the background and a faint whiff of luxurious massage and aromatherapy oils adds to the experience. In fact, it's the perfect place to take a little chilladay. (you know, a relaxing mental holiday?)

It was Monday, I just arrived back in Brighton after a crazy and fun filled hen weekend with the girls in London and thought a full body massage would be the best way to recover from “boogy-ing” the weekend away. I booked the Thai Fusion Massage and had no idea what to expect. All I knew was that it costs £45 for an hour, it's full body massage and it involves some hot rocks. Hmmmm, heaven... My only concern was whether it would feel like it was all over to soon. You know that feeling? But I was assured that the massage time would start from the moment one's head rests on the wooden massage bed, rather than the moment you walk in the front door. What a relief...

Anne lead me up the stairs to the smaller massage room. She politely asked me to undress, keep my knickers on and then left the room. Around 5 minutes later, I heard a soft knock on the door, which made me feel at ease. No one was going to barge in, I thought. It's so lovely that one gets to have one's privacy respected.

May walked in with a bucket full of hot rocks in hot water, she placed them on a table and asked me if the room temperature was ok. By this time I was already lying face down on one of the authentic Thai massage beds, staring at a water lilly in a bowl on the floor under the table. I heard a squishy sound and realized Anne was bathing her hands with massage oil. As soon as I could feel Anne's tiny hands on my back, I switched off completely and focused my thoughts on complete relaxation.

Anne started on my shoulders, then my lower back and as she was kneading away the mountain sized knots on my back I started to think about how massage should not be considered a luxury, it should become a right. I thought, I'm going to make this a regular thing and try my best to come back at least once every month. Yeah, why not? With so much time spent in front of my computer every day, editing pictures, catching up on e-mails, blogging etc, my lower back has been feeling the strain. Not to mention when I'm out and about carrying my camera and lenses with me. I previously mentioned that I'd like Anne to focus on my lower back and she kindly obliged.
It looked a little something like this...
I have no idea how Anne managed to hop on the massage bed so quickly and quietly, especially since she's so petite! It would be hard for her to apply the same pressure from standing beside me, so without a noise, one second she was standing on the floor, and the next she was kneeling beside me on the massage bed. Anne was amazing. The entire time I was covered up from head to toe by a sheet and as Anne moved from one area to another, she would discreetly lift the sheet and upon completion place it back where it was. Initially feeling a bit body conscious, there was not a moment where I felt exposed. Anne made me feel completely comfortable and her respectful nature made me trust her instantly.

Anne massaged my back with the hot rocks also known as Basalt stones (or lava rocks as she manipulated the deeper layers of connective tissue, which as I learned, helps to retain heat and deeply penetrates into the muscles, releasing tension. This was HEAVEN.
Anne (left) and May (right)

Anne moved on to massage my arms, lower back, then my calves, feet and thighs. She would then gently bend my arms, thereafter legs and then lower back (at various stages of the massage) in Yoga-like positions in order to help me stretch and help my joints become more supple. This was different?, I thought, and then I realized how important it is that I stretch every day to not only maintain my flexibility and reduce muscle fatigue but also to increase my mental and physical relaxation.

The entire massage lasted all of 60 minutes and it was by far the best massage I have ever had. So good, in fact that I didn't want to leave and so asked at the last minute if I could have the luxury facial as well. During this time Anne left the room, as I laid my head back down and closed my eyes. I heard a soft knock on the door and then May entered the room and proceeded to give me a gorgeously luxurious facial.

After paying and thanking them for treating me so well, I left that day, feeling completely revitalized and relaxed. I'm sure on my way home people must have wondered why I had a huge smile on my glowing face.
That night I had, probably the best night's sleep I've had in a long, long time.

May and Kiriakos were kind enough to offer a discount on all their massage packages for individuals, couples and hen parties for my blog readers.

If you live in Brighton or will be making a visit to this great city of ours, do make sure that an Authentic Thai massage is one of the items on your list of to-do's.
You can pre-book your visit on their website http://www.little-jasmine.com/booking , or you can just call them on 01273 381 045 quoting “Nadine Burzler Photography Blog”. You will then receive a 10% discount( first time customers) on any of their services. How great is that!?

Please note, that this review is completely unbiased, as I was a paying customer and had the experience first hand. I can guarantee that you will be treated like royalty from the moment you walk into the front door to the minute you walk out, because that is exactly how I was treated on my first visit. Little Jasmine's is a true gem located in the Brighton Laines which is very central and easy to find. 53A, 1st and 2nd Floor, Gardner Street, Brighton, BN1 1UN

Book your pamper session today, take a look at their website for more information. http://www.little-jasmine.com/ and make sure you like their Facebook page for some very useful tips on how to stay happy and healthy, both physically and mentally. Now you know where to look for a massage in Brighton!

Thank you, Kiriakos, May and Anne.

See you again next month! x
http://www.nadineburzlerbrightonweddingphotographer.com/

Discover the Therapeutic Benefits of Massage in Brighton

The health and wellness benefits that massage offers are more abundant than once thought. Emerging research points to a growing list of advantages that range far wider than simple anxiety, tension, and pain relief.


One of the most interesting benefits uncovered is a possible link to improved immunity. Studies have shown that those who receive regular massage have lower cortisol levels in their saliva. Cortisol is the "stress" hormone, and it is linked to a lower immune function.

Cortisol actually kills off the cells that are necessary for healthy immunity. Lowering this hormone in the body not only can lead to greater immune response to foreign invaders, but it also leads to lower stress and anxiety levels. Lowering cortisol levels has also been linked to a greater ease in losing weight and keeping it at a healthy level.

The mental health benefits from lowered stress levels and regulated anxiety are probably worth it alone. However, there are even more advantages your body reaps from getting massaged regularly.

Studies have indicated that regular massage helps with hypertension. Massage helps reduce anxiety, which contributes to high blood pressure. This is probably a part of the reason that it helps to regulate blood pressure.

However, there is also another factor that contributes to this function. The vagus nerve actually helps regulate a person's blood pressure, and massage helps to stimulate this nerve into action.

The more obvious benefits of massage are its excellent ability to temporarily reduce and manage pain. It can be used to relieve muscle pain, pain associated with nerve damage, and even joint pain. The manipulation of the soft tissues helps increase circulation, which may aid in healing as well.

Enhanced circulation also leads to better skin tone and healthier soft tissue. This enhanced circulation and manual pressure also helps to deliver oxygen and vital nutrients to the cells.

Massage is even believed to help enhance the elimination of toxic substances which are transported out of the body by the lymphatic system. This lymphatic drainage, while beneficial, needs to be helped along by you. Hence, it is always recommended that one drink plenty of purified water after a massage, to push the toxins through the elimination process quicker.

Overall, massage in Brighton a great way to reduce stress, unwind, and enjoy some "you" time. It's important to remind yourself of the other benefits that massage offers if you start to feel a little guilty about it. Massage can be an excellent complement to an otherwise healthy lifestyle and diet.

Saturday, 15 October 2011

Natural ways beat stress and anxiety in Brighton

These hard economic times bring along with them record stress levels as people cope with a variety of anxiety-inducing issues. Instead of resorting to prescription drugs, many people have begun to seek natural alternatives for controlling stress and anxiety.


Relaxing therapies like massage, yoga and reiki have enjoyed an increased popularity over these past few years as people struggle to cope with a range of burdens. Massage therapy, which used to primarily be used by women, has experienced a huge surge in male patronage. Massage has a variety of benefits that extend beyond the relaxation of the session itself.

Regular massage can improve your circulation, reduce chronic anxiety, promote natural bodily healing processes, relieve muscle tension, and lower blood pressure. Regular massage is usually characterized as once or twice per month. Reasonable packages can now be found in several massage service chains, as well as locally owned businesses.

Yoga is another excellent stress relieving practice that can also tone the body and provide excellent fitness benefits. Yoga is particularly helpful in managing stress even after your regular sessions because it helps you to master deep breathing. It helps you to control your respiration during stressful times, which eases the impact of anxiety on the heart and other body functions.

Yoga has also been associated with lower blood pressure, improved mood, better immunity and improved gastrointestinal health. Often times stress is associated with digestive and gastrointestinal discomfort, high blood pressure and poor immune function. For many people, yoga really helps with curbing stress and a lot of its related physical manifestations.

Exercise, in general, is an excellent antidote to anxiety. Multiple studies have shown that regular aerobic exercise reduces the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, circulating in the blood stream. Exercise also elevates our levels of feel good hormones such as serotonin. Serotonin, one of the main neurochemicals responsible for elevated mood, can be greatly reduced by periods of anxiety.

Increasing the circulation of these natural chemicals in the body greatly increases our ability to deal with distressing or frustrating situations. The simple act of intense aerobic activity also can help you vent your frustrations and distract you from ruminating about a particular problem.

Reiki is another practice that has gained in popularity the past few years. Reiki originated in Japan. It is a healing and relaxing therapy; whereby, the practitioner transfers his or her healing power to the patient via light touch on affected body parts. It is primarily used to help heal physical ailments, but also has been used as a relaxation and meditation therapy.

If you are looking for a natural supplement that can help reduce anxiety, there are a few that seem to be helpful for a majority of people that take them. The first is St. John's Wort, which is used as both a natural antidepressant and anxiety remedy.

Passion flower is used for relaxation and easing of tension associated with chronic stress. Kava is another herbal remedy that is used to help combat anxiety and calm nerves. Kava is also very useful as a natural sleep aid.

Here at Little Jasmine Therapies in Brighton we believe that everyone should be able to experience the long term benefits of massage therapy and that is why we offer discount loyalty packages that give you up to 30% off on your regular massage treatments.

Friday, 14 October 2011

25 ways to improve your health and happiness in 2012

The New Year is quickly approaching us, and for many people, it includes a New Year's resolution for achieving improved health and happiness in 2012. Here are twenty-five health-enhancing ideas to help you accomplish that goal.

#1 - Replace sodas or soft drinks with tea or water.

#2 - Commit to eating one raw fruit (or serving of vegetables) at every meal.

#3 - Add just 5 minutes a day to your exercise routine. Don't have an exercise routine? Start with 5 minutes a day!

#4 - Get more sunshine!

#5 - Learn some Pilates. It's probably the #1 exercise system for core strength and flexibility.

#6 - Drink a superfood smoothie every day.

#7 - Buy more indoor plants: They purify the air in your home.

#8 - Take a quality, wild-harvested fish oil supplement that contains vitamin D.

#9 - Eat more quinoa: It's a high-protein, low-carb "grain" that can easily replace rice or couscous.

#10 - When you get out of bed each morning, do five sit-ups first. It sounds simple, but just 5 sit-ups a day can make a difference.

#11 - Instead of trying to find a parking spot so close to the grocery store, park farther away. You'll get a little more walking exercise and a little more sunshine.

#12 - Get a good water filter so you can stop drinking tap water (or bottled water).

#13 - Pick up a "gentle" art like Tai-Qi or Yoga. It will reduce your stress and improve your physical stamina.

#14 - Take a relaxing hot bath with epsom salts and soothing herbs like lavender. It will do wonders for your mind and your muscles.

#15 - Get a professional massage! Massage therapy is really, really healthy, and it's a great way to reward yourself for some of the other accomplishments you're making.

#16 - Grow your own sprouts! With a simple, low-cost sprouting machine, you can grow and eat your own sprouts. Eating just one ounce of sprouts a day still had a huge impact on preventing cancer and boosting immune function.

#17 - Prepare for a Spring garden, make a commitment to start a garden this Spring, and you'll reap many health benefits in the months ahead.

#18 - Get a mini-trampoline and do some rebounding in your living room. You can even watch movies or documentary DVDs at the same time.

#19 - Make a point to get at least eight hours of sleep for 2-3 nights a week (or more, if you can). Most people are sleep deprived, and the health cost is enormous.

#20 - Start visiting local farmer's markets so that you eat more local food in 2012. You'll be healthier and happier as a result.

#21 - Got a job you don't like? Quit it! Downgrade your lifestyle to live on less money, then pursue what you really enjoy. Being happy in a small house is better than being miserable in a big one.

#22 - Get off those medications! Make a point to learn how to safely and gradually get yourself off all the medications you can by eliminating underlying imbalances or illnesses. The fewer medications you take, the healthier you'll be!

#23 - Throw out your television! Are you still watching cable TV or satellite TV? It's a complete waste of your life (but you already knew that). Disconnect the cable. Read more books and get your information online where news sources are more independent and intelligent.

#24 - Make a decision to think of food as nourishment instead of entertainment. Eat what your body needs, not what your taste buds desire.

#25 - Teach others how to be healthy! The more you talk with others about healthy habits, the more you'll follow them yourself. :-)

That's it! I hope you enjoyed these 25 ideas for improving your health in 2012 (and beyond).

Of course, one of the best ways to keep improving your health in 2012 is to keep vising Little Jasmine Therapies in Brighton!

We are looking forward to sharing a great year with you!

Tuesday, 11 October 2011

What Is A Spa Treatment?

Spa treatments are the services that a spa provides. The most popular spa treatment in the UK and a good place to start is massage. It has been around for thousands of years and has a number of health benefits.

Other popular spa treatments include facials and body treatments like salt glows and body wraps.
Most spas have a nail salon offering spa manicures and spa pedicures . Spas with salons offer hair cutting and styling services.



Once you've tried the basic spa treatments, you might want to branch out to different types of massage like Thai massage , hot stone massage or reflexology. You should talk to your esthetician about what facial services or body treatments would be most appropriate for your skin type.

Remember, the most important thing you can do to enjoy your trip to the spa in Brighton is arrive at least 15 minutes before your treatment is scheduled to begin. That way you can check in, change into your robe, and start to relax. If the spa has facilities like a sauna, steam bath, or hot tub, arrive even earlier.

Sunday, 9 October 2011

Stimulating body’s natural energy field in Brighton can promote healing

Researchers now say that practitioners don’t have to use a lot of force or pressure to elicit the body’s own healing response as the body has its own energy or "biomagnetic field" produced by the heart and circulatory system. That field can be altered by acupuncture needles, light and touch therapies, homeopathy, massage, and even by the therapists' own positive thoughts.

Studies in the past have shown scientific evidence that this type of energy medicine works. Orthopedic surgeons use small amounts of electrical current to stimulate the healing of bone fractures and doctors use electrical nerve stimulation to help ease pain. Thus researchers say, alternative therapy practitioners who are sensitive to their patients can use their own energy field to help stimulate the healing response.

Tiny fields [of energy] have big effects on cells hence, therapy can be done with less energy and more effectiveness . Treating a shoulder injury could be a matter of getting the right amount of energy in the right place. In conclusion researchers say practitioners should use their intuition to help them figure out how much is the right amount of energy for each patient.