WHY WE PAMPER OURSELVES

There are many ways to pamper ourselves and many reasons why we should.

Here we look at 7 of the most popular pampering treatments from head to toe:

1. FACIALS.
   They make you look amazing, your skin feel amazing and they’re wonderfully relaxing! They range from traditional cosmeceutical facials through to facials incorporating peels and skin technology. Facials can help restore self-confidence and self-esteem as we often feel we are being judged by our faces and looks, particularly in the case of acne and as we age.
   
   A facial is more than just a skin treatment - when we look good, we feel good and have much more confidence.


2. MANICURES & PEDICURES.
   Manicures are like facials for the hands, whilst pedicures are like facials for the feet. Our hands and feet are often neglected but they just love being touched and massaged.
   
   Mani’s and Pedi’s can relax tired, stressed hands and feet and leave them feeling softer, smoother and hydrated.


3. MASSAGES.
   Relaxing and therapeutic all rolled into one! A good massage can relax and release tight muscles and tension, encourage blood flow into the muscles and they feel so good. They can also help us release pent up emotions and free our minds of worry.
   
   With so many types of massage available, chat to your therapist about the best massage to suit your body at that moment in time.


4. REIKI.
   Not many people are aware of this beautiful, gentle energy treatment. Reiki focuses on treating the person as a whole, including the physical body, emotional body, mental body and spiritual body. It promotes self-healing, inner peace and very deep relaxation.


5. REFLEXOLOGY.
   A healing massage using the pressure points on your feet to stimulate body processes, promote deep relaxation, achieve optimal body balance and encourage healing from within. Many people report they feel like they’re "walking on a cloud" after a Reflexology treatment.


6. KINESIOLOGY.
   A system of using muscle testing to identify structural, chemical, emotional and energetic imbalances in the body. It uses a range of techniques to promote a whole body balance and a sense of peace and relaxation. It can help to "take the weight of the world off your shoulders".


7. ACUPUNCTURE.
   Uses ultra-thin needles to tap into the body’s meridians, promoting a better more balanced flow of energy (qi – pronounced chi) around the body, encouraging healing and body homeostasis (balance).
   
   Acupuncture has a range of health and wellbeing benefits including reducing stress, anxiety, depression, pain relief, promoting better working of body organs and infertility.

It’s so important at all stages of life to give ourselves the time to relax and enjoy a pamper session. Often we find we give so much of ourselves to others - be it family, friends, even our employer, but we must remember and make it a priority to give back to ourselves on a regular basis. It’s good for our body, it’s good for our soul, it’s good for our mental health.

Some of the reasons why we SHOULD indulge in a regular pamper session include:

• Rewarding ourselves for achieving a goal
• Taking some downtime from life’s stresses
• Reconnecting with yourself
• Having some "me" time to recharge
• Looking to achieve a health or beauty objective
• Promoting balance in your life
• Restoring your energy and vitality

The best part – pampering doesn’t have to cost a lot. So if you’re on a tight budget there’s a whole range of luxurious treatments available that are affordable to all, plus some therapists may have the option to claim your treatment through your health insurance (always ask so you don’t miss that opportunity).

It really is ok to have a personal indulgence on a regular basis – you deserve it!