ila spa's rejuvenating bath salts and body scrub

Currently trying to follow a long list of resolutions? Among the numerous positive changes you planned, did you resolve to make more ‘me time’ in 2012? Dedicating time to oneself might seem a little less revolutionary (not to mention virtuous) than that health and fitness zeal, but it’s just as important. With our busy, rushed lives and endless to-do lists, taking time out can seem like a selfish choice – and a way of losing precious minutes and seconds when you could be doing something else. But if you can commit to one night a week of true, blissed-out relaxation and indulgence, you’ll find that tackling that task list and dashing around town seem a whole lot easier. Pour yourself a glass of your favourite tipple, dig out that novel you’ve not managed to read mid-commute and run a deep, soothing bath. And exhale…

ila spa’s natural products are a luxurious complement to an evening spent looking after number one; the ethical, sustainable beauty brand is dedicated to  emotional and spiritual wellbeing. First stop? The Bath Salts for Inner Peace. Pure mineral-rich Himalayan salt crystals aid the detoxifying process, so those healthy intentions get an extra boost, hurrah! Add in heady damascena rose otto and sensual sandalwood, and you’ve got a serene blend guaranteed to soothe – and make you feel like the moments spent on ‘me time’ are definitely worth it. The Bath Salts are designed to balance emotions and give a sense of calm and tranquility, while rejuvenating skin and boosting natural radiance. Simply add a generous measure of the salts to your tub, lie back and soak for at least twenty minutes, to give your body enough time to absorb the rich minerals.

Alternatively try the Body Scrub for Energising and Detoxifying; a cure-all solution if you’re feeling run down or tired after a particularly arduous week. Once again, there’s a high concentration of those magic Himalayan salt crystals, along with juniper berry, rose geranium and wild poppy essence – the scent alone is uplifting. Intoxicating fragrance aside, the scrub promises to stimulate the lymphatic system, easing those muscular aches and pains. Tend to wear vertiginous heels and carry heavy totes? This one’s for you. First massage the scrub onto damp skin, for a wonderfully revivifying effect that really wakes skin up, before sinking into a deep bath to let the mineral salts do their work. Both products are best served in a candle-lit setting, preferably with a glass of Malbec…

For more information, see ila spa’s website, or shop products online here.

The Organic Pharmacy's easy Detox...

Detoxing inevitably conjures up images of consuming allegedly health-boosting juices, spending unhealthy sums on fruit and vegetables before fighting with a blender to process said detoxifying substances. Or avoiding all social occasions for an entire month, as nothing on the menu is included in your detox plan. Truth be told, the detox can be almost a work-out in itself, leaving you tired and dejected rather than refreshed and reinvigorated.

And even if you have managed to pass on Christmas punch and boxes of chocolates being passed round, the benefits of a detox are unquestionable; you can expect increased energy levels and alertness, improved digestion and better health – not to mention banishing those extra pounds gained over the festive period. Detoxing means flushing out those nasty toxins which have probably been making you feel groggy, tired and a little lacklustre.

The Detox Plan from the Organic Pharmacy is a simple way to cleanse and revitalise, without having to renounce the occasional cup of coffee or glass of wine. The program involves taking three capsules in the morning and a further three before bed – with each dose containing natural substances such as chlorella, apple pectin and alfalfa. You’ll also see an improvement in skin and hair health – expect a more radiant complexion and shinier hair. The new year is the perfect opportunity to turn over a new leaf and face the coming twelve months with positivity, and the Detox Plan is an effortless approach to kick-starting wellbeing and feeling more healthy in 2012.

The Organic Pharmacy Detox Plan is available to buy online here.

A failsafe cure for the dreaded hangover?

Pounding headache? Mouth like a cat’s litter tray? Feeling of self-loathing and pity? Vowing never to drink again? It must be December-over-indulgence-hangover-time. To help ease the pain here’s a selection of Europe’s best hangover cures, road-tested and rated.

Italy – Coffee

Is it surprising that Italians have the most stylish hangover cure? After a night on the tiles, a short, strong espresso is an instant pick me up.

The Verdict: The caffeine buzz is fantastic, though the crash is possibly worse than the initial hangover.

UK – Prairie Oyster

James Bond’s hangover cure of choice, the prairie oyster is made from raw egg, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco and tomato juice mixed together and downed in one.

The Verdict: If you possess the mental facilities to knock up this concoction, you are not hungover.

Ancient Greece and Rome – Deep-fried Canaries

Urban legend (i.e. the internet) has it that Romans and Greeks chowed down on deep-fried canaries when they’d over-indulged in the old vino. For those unwilling to shell out £10 for a pet shop canary, the 21st century equivalent – a three-piece chicken meal – makes an ample substitute.

The Verdict: Oh-so good at 2 a.m (isn’t everything), but as a preventative hangover measure, the effects are negligable.

Poland – Pickle Water

Perhaps discovered accidentally by a hungover fool confusing a jar of gherkins for a carton of milk.  Nonetheless, the combination of salt, sugar and water is second to none at replacing those all-so-important electrolytes.

The Verdict: The juice tastes as bad as you would imagine but the pickles are surprisingly soothing.

Scotland – Irn Bru

Anything that was banned in the US until 2002 must be good for you, right? Or maybe processing the colossal amount of sugar and colouring in a 330ml can momentarily distracts the body from its raging headache and inability to stand.

The Verdict: A pleasant alternative to cola. Goes well with crisps.

Turkey and Romania – Tripe

The mere thought of a soup made from cow intestines is enough to have those in a delicate state heading for the sick bucket but the slightly acidic pH aids digestion and it contains essential fatty acids.

The Verdict: Salty, garlicky goodness works a treat. Just try to not think about the ingredients.

Russia – Banya

The Russian take on a sauna, a warm banya comes with the added distraction of birch branches to beat your friends with. If sweating the alcohol out doesn’t work, you can up the ante by rolling around in snow or jumping into an icy river between stints in the sauna.

The Verdict: Top-notch.  Never underestimate the power restorative power of perspiring ethanol in the company of semi-naked friends.

UK and Ireland – Fry-up

Best served in a greasy café or by mum, the gut-busting British and Irish staple includes beans, eggs, hash browns, toast, mushrooms, tomatoes and as many pork products as it is possible fit on a plate, washed down with a mug of tea.

The Verdict: Scores points for flexibility to omit or add ingredients depending on what’s in the fridge/likelihood of vomiting.

And if all else fails? Try ‘hair of the dog’ in the form of a Bloody Mary!

Body sculpting essentials for svelte, smooth contours...

Bliss FatGirl Treatment Kit

Inspired by its signature, body toning spa treatment, Bliss have created a cellulite-busting kit to enable you to recreate the same benefits at home. Included are three of the brand’s most popular formulas fight to firm and diminish cellulite with the help of caffeine, a scrub to stimulate circulation and a rich overnight cream to soothe, decrease water retention and tighten skin.

Plus, you alsoreceive the most efficient hand-held body massager I have ever used, the FatGirlSlimulator, which vigorously attacks stubborn fat cells. Ideal for use on the thighs, love handles and buttocks, where circulation is lacking, simply use circular movements in the shower, to prep for your cellulite treatment.

Decléor Aromessence Sculpt Balm

If slackened skin and general loss of firmness is your primary skin concern, head straight to Decleor for natural, highly effective body sculpting. The wonder balm contains a cocktail of eight, 100% pure and natural essential oils, which help to drastically improve and maintain skin elasticity whilst correcting the appearance of stretch marks – perfect for use during or after weight loss.

The beautiful aromatic scent and velvety texture make it a luxurious treat to apply, as dry skin is comforted. Warm a small amount of the balm into palms and apply over body, concentrating particularly on problem areas. It’s also completely safe to use during pregnancy.

Liz Earle Energising Hip and Thigh Gel

The hips and thighs are notoriously difficult areas to improve and slim, so once the dreaded dimples appear, it’s time to take action with a serious skincare product. The Energising Hip and Thigh Gel by Liz Earle utilises highly stimulating plant extracts to tone and firm the skin, whilst detoxifying and revitalising the overall appearance and surface of these troublesome areas.

Ivy, horse chestnut and butcher’s broom have been carefully selected to naturally invigorate. Combined with essential oils of grapefruit, sweet orange and rosemary to uplift the senses and leave skin feeling ultra smooth. It can also be used daily, to tighten the stomach and upper arms.

Mama Mio Get Waisted Body Shaper

Specially formulated to shrink fat cells around the waist, Mama Mio’s Body Shapper diminishes those wobbly bits and boosts fat-burning,  through seven silhouette-enhancing ingredients. Derivatives of brown and red algae, alongside amino acids, break down stored fat cells and heighten micro-circulation, which also contributes to the destruction of fat.

By massaging two pumps of this clever cream into the skin for half a minute, the waist immediately feels much tighter. Use long, sweeping motions, in a clockwise direction to reduce tummy bloating and improve digestion. Free from horrid synthetic substances, you can be sure you are applying a skin-friendly formula.

NIP + FAB Cellulite Fix

To battle the appearance of orange peel on the legs and arms, NIP + FAB’s Cellulite Fix, is the answer to your worries. It really is made for the lazy girl, as you don’t even need to massage the gel into your skin, simply smooth over targeted areas, for fast action.

With three key benefit – releasing fatty acids, reducing fat deposits and improving an irregular skin surface – it’s all you need in one tube. Indian forskolin and caffeine combine to remove waste substances, which can be enhanced by dry body brushing, prior to application.

A serene, relaxing interior in the spa

You can almost feel the delicate aromas gently pulling you through the door at Aromatherapy Associates’ new Treatment Rooms and Boutique. A welcome break from the bustle of tourists and London’s well-heeled crowd outside, the spa positively embraces you with an air of warmth and well-being. So, what can you expect from one of spa’s most celebrated names? Given the location in Knightsbridge, the go-to capital for Russian oligarchs et al, the boutique is in keeping with its prestigious neighbours, presented as a luxurious yet comfortable ‘home-from-home’ that’s filled with soft furnishings and finished in rich shades of gold.

As you would expect the prices on the Spa Menu fit the local bill too with a facial costing £90 and a full body treatment amounting to £120; but if you want quality, you absolutely pay for what you get. I’m here to experience a ‘City Stress Buster’ – buzzwords that have grown in popularity as people – particularly clock watching urbanites – accept they should set aside more time for their emotional and physical wellbeing.

Sophie, my therapist, is a dream: informative and nurturing, she gets the consultation – which establishes my current emotional state – out of the way quickly. The treatment is administered with experienced hands, enough to put even the most spa-shy at ease. First she works around my head, using firm finger presses to stimulate my sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system: two areas, which control the rest-and-digest and fight or flight response respectively. The soothing effects of which continue to flourish for days after…

Next, using an oil teeming with geranium, rose and frankincense prescribed specifically for me, Sophie massages her way through tense shoulders and fatigued limbs. The oil, following aromatherapy thinking, works its magic on two levels: first through smell, and second through the absorption into the body’s system. The oozy, lustrous quality of the oils is at the heart of everything AA does and one half of the company’s founding duo, Geraldine Howard, has even installed a unique ingredients bar to help more of us understand their rich, far-reaching effects.

There might not be a steam room or sauna in sight, but the AA Treatment Rooms’ big sell is its expert sensory massages and treatments that never dip below its exceptionally high standards. It’s all about the healing power of touch, and – thanks to the natural beauty of AA’s oils – the spa is set to be one of the best places in London to power down.

For more information and to book, see the Aromatherapy Associates website.

The Aromatherapy Associates Treatment Rooms are a welcome break from the bustle of tourists in chic, upscale Knightsbridge

October is breast cancer awareness month

October is breast cancer awareness month and with breast cancer being the UK’s most common form of cancer, according to figures released by Cancer Research UK RIH have chosen to highlight the scale of this disease in the UK to coincide with the national ‘Wear It Pink’ day which helps to raise awareness about breast cancer.

Many people are unaware that breast cancer affects men can as well as women, although breast cancer in men is rare. Research shows that 300 men in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, whereas 46,000 women in the UK are diagnosed with the disease which mainly affects women over 50 years of age.

Despite incredible medical advances, over 12,000 women die of breast cancer every year in the UK and it is estimated that one in nine women will develop breast cancer at some point in their life regardless of lifestyle choices.

So, what is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and is the leading cause of death in women aged between 34 and 54 years of age.

It is a disease whereby malignant (cancerous) cells form in the breast tissue. The damage caused to the DNA of these cells result in uncontrolled cell division and growth which eventually accumulates to form a lump. The cancerous cells start to attack the surrounding breast tissue. These cells can deviate from the primary lump and spread to lymph channels or the blood stream, meaning that the cancer can spread to other organs resulting in the formation of secondary lumps (metastases).

The breast is divided into ducts and lobules. Invasive ductal carcinoma is the most common form of breast cancer which arises from the ducts. Cancers arising from the lobules are less common and are referred to as invasive lobular carcinomas. As with most cancers, the key to successful treatment is early diagnosis – before the cancer has the chance to spread to other organs.

What causes breast cancer?

The exact reasons for why women and men develop breast cancer are still unknown; however research has shown that it is an amalgamation of genetic predisposition, environmental and lifestyle factors.

The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are examples of genetic predisposition. Women who carry one of these genes have a higher chance of developing breast cancer in comparison to woman who do not.

Other risk factors which can affect a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer include:

● Getting older – 80% of breast cancer cases are in postmenopausal women – it’s relatively unusual in younger women

● Having a significant family history of breast cancer, which may be associated with inherited gene mutations

● Having no children or women who have their first child later in life

● Starting your periods early or going through the menopause late

● Certain types of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for the menopause over a prolonged period

● Being overweight

● Drinking excess alcohol

Are there different types of breast cancer?

Yes, there are numerous forms of primary breast cancers, one of which is inflammatory breast cancer – a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. Only 1 to 2% of breast cancers are this type. It is called inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) because the breast tissue becomes inflamed due to cancerous cells blocking the smallest lymph channels in the breast. The role of the lymph channels is to drain excess fluid away from the tissues and organs, when blocked their
primary function is reverted and as a result the breast becomes swollen, red, hard and hot to touch. Other symptoms include thickening, ridges and pitting of the skin of the breast. The nipple can become inverted and there may also be discharge from the nipple too.

How can men develop breast cancer?

As with women, ageing is one of the biggest causes of breast cancer in men, with most men being diagnosed with breast cancer between the ages of 60 and 70. However, there are other factors which attribute to the development of breast cancer in men including:

Men can be affected by breast cancer

● High oestrogen levels – At puberty both males and females produce the hormone oestrogen, which is completely normal. However, breast cancer in men has been linked to high levels of oestrogen which can occur due to genetic conditions, obesity and chronic liver conditions like Cirrhosis.

● Radiation – Men who have been exposed to high levels of radiation, particularly if they were young are more likely to develop breast cancer.

● Family history of breast cancer – especially mothers or sisters, as men too can inherit the faulty genes that cause breast cancer.

● Klinefelter’s syndrome – Men that are diagnosed with Klinefelter’s syndrome are approximately 20 times more likely to get breast cancer, than men who do not have Klinefelter’s. Klinefelter’s is a rare genetic condition where a man is born with an extra female chromosome meaning that he is XXY instead of XY.

The most common symptom of breast cancer in men is a lump in the breast area.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

If you have noticed any of the following symptoms you should see your GP straight away – it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have breast cancer but it’s always safer to get it checked out.

● Lump or thickening in an area of the breast
● A change in the size or shape of a breast
● Dimpling of the breast skin
● A change in the shape of your nipple or sinking of the nipple into the breast
● Blood stained discharge from the nipple
● Rash on the nipple or the surrounding area
● Swelling or lump in your armpit

What should I do if I find a lump?

Should you find a lump or notice something abnormal about your breast you should make an appointment to see your GP. Your GP will examine you and if necessary, you will be referred to a breast specialist clinic for further tests. Via the use of an ultrasound or mammogram the specialist will be able to detect whether the lump is a fluid filled cyst or a solid lump. If it’s a solid lump the doctor will take a biopsy of the tissue to test for cancerous cells.

How can I find out more about breast cancer?

● The NHS Choices Health A-Z section features further information on the symptoms, diagnoses and treatment of breast cancer.

● Cancer Research UK has more information and statistics on breast cancer and a range of other cancers on its cancer stats page.

Or, for information on the different types of breast cancer, including diagnosis, treatment and breast health, see the Breast Cancer Care website.

Foods on the menu from The Kind Diet

November 1st is World Vegan Day marking the anniversary of Donald Watson founding the Vegan Society. Born in 1910, Donald became a vegetarian at age 14, but made the change to veganism several years later, stating that ‘our present civilisation is built upon the exploitation of animals’. In August 1944, he decided, along with Elsie Shrigley, that it would be a good idea to coordinate ‘non-dairy vegetarians’, and on November 1st the Society held its first meeting.

Today veganism is slowly on the increase as people become more aware of the effects that eating meat and dairy can have on their bodies and on the environment. What started as a stand for animal rights has now come to be closely associated with the battle to reduce global warming and to educate people about healthy eating.

The China Study, published in 2005 by Colin T. Campbell, looked at the relationship between mortality rates in 6,500 people in rural counties in China. It found that plant-based diets reduce the risk of a number of chronic diseases. There is increasing amounts of evidence that eating more plants and fewer animal products can lower the risk of heart disease, certain cancers and digestive disorders. And of course, there is the environmental impact of intensive livestock farming. Producing one burger emits the same amount of carbon dioxide as driving ten miles. What’s more, cows themselves can release up to 25 to 125 gallons of methane a day – each! Those cows have to eat, so as well as using land to house them, we use land to grow crops to feed them – a major cause of deforestation and an efficient way to feed the world. Bottom line: the meat industry sucks.

My own path to veganism took a rather slower route than Donald Watson’s. I have been a vegetarian for over a decade and, hand on heart, I have never once missed meat. But I never really considered veganism. I like cheese, I love cream and a world without egg custards is not a world I want to live in. Plus, didn’t vegans all wear odd clothes and sensible shoes?

Turns out the answer is no. Natalie Portman was vegan even before her pregnancy, Glee’s Lea Michele is vegan, and for any men who need convincing there are Mike Tyson, Woody Harrelson – and even Bruce Lee. It is no longer the sole domain of hemp-wearing hippies.

Add to this the compelling health and environmental evidence and I made the leap to become 80% vegan (give or take). Yes, 80%. That’s allowed now. Modern veganism is no longer about denying yourself unequivocally – it has loosened up to become more inclusive. Just as ‘Meatless Monday’ allowed people to experiment with vegetarianism rather than commit, outspoken vegan campaigners such as Alicia Silverstone are advocating starting with veganism in moderation in order to make the switch less daunting. Because no matter how virtuous you are, sometimes it is hard when the cheese, or the cream or the easy way out whispers your name from the fridge.

So, no rules as long as you give it a go and join the movement towards a healthier diet, a healthier earth and, if you make sure what meat or dairy you do eat is free range, more humane farming practices.

However, while no one ever questioned my vegetarianism, family and friends still to look at me slightly askance when I mention the other V word. How do you get protein? Isn’t vegan food brown and boring? 80%?! What do you do when you go to a restaurant?

Ok. Deep breath. Let’s take these one at a time.

How do you get protein?

The body needs 20 different amino acids to function properly (twelve made in the body, eight from food). Meat contains all eight of those we need to ingest – but it is by no means the only way to get them. Quinoa is also a ‘complete’ protein and many beans and vegetables contain a mixture of those 8 amino acids. Protein is not a problem. The two things you really need to watch out for are getting enough B12 and iron. Iron is found in foods such as tofu, pumpkin seeds, lentils etc, but B12 is little trickier. The best thing to do is to take a daily supplement.

Boring, brown and bland? Far from it!

Isn’t vegan food brown and boring?

How does this sound: mango for breakfast (colour: orange), beetroot humus and crudités for a snack (pink, orange, green), tomato soup for lunch (red) with green leafy salad and a dinner of Mexican fajitas with avocado salsa and kale (red, orange, green). Finish with some dark chocolate, which is, admittedly, brown. You will be surprised how much of what you already eat is vegan, or how easy it is to substitute. The growing interest in vegan cooking also means that there are lots of recipe books out there to help you. Check out the list below for ideas.

80% Vegan?!

Sometimes a girl’s just got to have an egg custard. And every so often, why not? There are no rules and no one is judging, I simply try to be as vegan as I can. Every meal I manage without animal products is a step in the right direction. If that’s seven days a week, fantastic; if it’s only five days, it’s a good start and I’ll try harder next week.

What about when you go out?

Don’t be afraid to ask what they can substitute in a dish. Combine side orders, or take your friends to a delicious veggie restaurant. Thai food is often vegan, as is a lot of Indian and Japanese cuisine. And if it just seems too much, have whatever you want on that evening and be good the rest of the week. No rules, remember.

So go on, give it a try. Here are a few helpful sources to get you going…

● Chef Chloe – Chloe Coscarelli won the Food Network Cupcake Wars – against non-vegan chefs.

● The Kind Diet -  Alicia Silverstone’s book is a compelling argument for veganism and a gentle introduction to 80%. The accompanying website is a good source for vegan products and tips.

● Abel and Cole – UK veggie box people Abel and Cole have lots of recipes that’ll have you getting inventive with your vegetables

● Skinny Bitch – If you need more of a push than a gentle shove, Rory Friedman and Kim Barnouin’s no-nonsense book tells it like it is.

● Vegan Diner – Who knew that a burger and chips could be deliciously vegan? Or hollandaise sauce and scrambled ‘eggs’. Julie Hasson has all your comfort foods veganised!

● The Leon cookbook is not strictly vegan, but has lots of vegan-friendly recipes helpfully labelled.

Chloe Coscarelli’s Avocado Pesto Pasta

Contraception: a woman's responsibility?

The ‘c’ word. Let’s be honest, it’s a bit of a mood killer – even for the most sexually confident among us. At that crucial moment the effects of discussing you-know-what can be devastating. If the rustling of that small square foil packet isn’t enough to put you off, the reminder of the risk of pregnancy or an STI certainly will. That’s why back in 1960 the pill was welcomed with opened arms, and why it remains one of the most common forms of contraception in the world. Apparently it is currently used by over 100 million women worldwide. And why? It’s less messy, less fiddly, and divorces the risk – of pregnancy at least – from sex pretty much entirely.

For those in a relationship, it’s safe to say (if everyone is playing nicely) that fears of STIs are nil. The main reason for contraception therefore, is to prevent pregnancy. Unfortunately, plans for a contraceptive pill for men are still very much in their infancy. And so, besides condoms, the options do lay at women’s feet. In as much we have largely taken contraceptive responsibility from men. Good for us I think. I’m grateful that I alone am in charge of my own body and have the final decision of what does or does not grow inside it. But, on the other hand it does raise the question: has the pill made men complacent?

Most women I know travel solo or with a female friend to their GP or family planning clinic to get the pill. Seldom do we go with a man. Unless planning a family or in a long term relationship, it’s rare that men accompany women – it’s aggravating in a way. That women have to make important decisions about motherhood from as soon as they become sexually active, something which for most men – especially young men – it doesn’t even factor into the equation.

When outside a relationship however, pregnancy is not the only concern, and responsibilities shift dramatically. We want men tall, dark and handsome – and carrying a condom. Regardless of what it shows about him, responsible and respectful or a presumtuous womaniser, we expect one nonetheless. Its not like we’d have one, would we?

I’m of the impression that women should carry such precautions for such eventualities. We are, after all, supposedly to be sexually liberated. And so it’s interesting that the idea of putting a condom in your purse is perhaps an alien concept to most. But why? What impressions would that give most people about the aforementioned young lady? That she’s a slut most probably. Or that she’s a bit forward. Most wouldn’t dream of being so prepared. In some clubs and pubs you can buy condoms in girls’ toilets, but I’d be lying if I said I’ve ever seen a girl use the machines for anything other than buying tampons.

It’s interesting how generally contraceptive responsibility falls on women’s shoulders when in a relationship, but when out of a relationship it falls on men. Responsibility should be shared wherever possible. It’s true that the pill does liberate us and allow us to plan pregnancy, which is so very important. But sadly, we’ve got a long way to go before we see Durex in clutch bags on a night out.

Soothing away stresses and strains...

I was pre-warned that it wouldn’t be wise to plan an eventful evening or even drive home straight after my pampering session at the Sanctuary Spa in London’s Covent Garden, but I didn’t imagine I’d be so blissfully zoned out afterwards that the two-minute walk to the tube station, or indeed, remembering to get off at my home stop, would prove as much of a challenge.

Sanctuary’s new Spa Therapies treatment trio, and complementing product range, are designed to either Relax, Revive or send you to Sleep; each 55-minute session is tailored specifically to individual needs and carried out in one of the spa’s cosy, low lit rooms. In this instance, after a consultation with my therapist Theresa, I chose Relax. The thought of a ‘calmer body and mind’ and shiatsu-inspired massage won over the promise of being sent into a deep state of ‘physical dreaming’ using Ylang Ylang, Patchouli and Frankincense, and slumber-inducing rocking motions in the Sleep option. Equally, at 6.30pm on a Wednesday evening, the idea of being revived and revitalised by grapefruit, lemongrass and orange essential oils sounded a bit too rock and roll – rather one for the day when there’s shopping to be done, or before a night out.

The combination of a giant hot water bottle (or to refer to it by its official name, hydrotherm mattress), essential oils of Cedarwood, Vetivert and Labdanum (the latter a woody scented resin used in ancient medicine for pain relief), the right pressure points being pushed and long, sweeping, uninterrupted strokes, left me in that aforementioned zombie state. The hydrotherm mattress was key to the treatment’s success. I silently scoffed at the ridiculousness of it when Theresa first peeled back the towels and advised me that that was what I would be lying back on for the session. Trying to get myself up on to it was an amusing episode in itself; thankfully I was left alone for that bit. But, as soon as the first dose of warmed Melting Body Fondant was applied and Theresa was able to massage my back without me having to turn around midway through the treatment I wondered why no one had thought to invent this before. I’ve always hated that point in a massage when you have to wake yourself up enough to turn around.

I lay there floating effortlessly as pressure points were pushed along both sides of my spine, down my calves and ending at my feet, inhaling and exhaling deeply with each one as I was instructed, to help ease tension and encourage circulation-boosting lymphatic drainage. The added movement from the water-filled cushioning creating a sensation of being massaged my more than one pairs of hands at once; a rather surreal, but wonderfully indulgent feeling. My neck and shoulder, something I noted as a concern on the pre-treatment questionnaire, were given special attention with extra pummelling. A glow-giving facial using the spa’s Polishing Hot Cloth Cleanser, Pore Refining Toner and Therapist’s Secret Facial Oil, and Indian head massage were other highlights of the treatment.

My Relax session culminated in Theresa talking me through the homecare advice she’d drawn up as an on-going solution to ease reoccurring muscle tension and help rid my mind of the daily worries that can sometimes keep me awake at night. A recipe for a homemade detox drink first thing to cleanse the liver; a trio of yoga postures to align my spine, stretch my shoulders and back, and unwind muscles – which she demonstrated – and motherly advice such as wearing a scarf on chillier evenings to stop the cold getting into my neck, were all part of the tips I was given before being sent on my dozy way. All in all a fantastic treatment, which actually feels like you’re getting your money’s worth. Just make sure you have a chauffeur waiting to take you home at the end.

The Sanctuary Spa Therapies treatments are available at the Covent Garden Day Spa or at the Sanctuary Boutique Spas in Bristol, Richmond and Cambridge. For more information visit  The Sanctuary Spa website.

The Spa Therapies range of products has been expertly blended with essential oils for the ultimate in mind and body benefits

Boost fitness levels with Bikram Yoga...

Founded by Calcutta-born Bikram Choudhury, this hot yoga is designed to stimulate and improve blood flow to every muscle of the body, the heat helping to detox, relieve tension and stretch limbs further without causing injury. Sessions are 90 minutes long and consist of 26 Hatha Yoga poses and two breathing exercises, or Pranayama, carried out in the same sequence every time, in a room heated to 40 degrees.

Bikram Yoga: What to Expect

Day One

Monday – 5pm class. The heat I’d been warned about was so much more bearable than I’d anticipated. I didn’t pass out – my main worry – or have to sit down and rest, as was advised by the teacher for any Bikram virgins. It promised to be suitable for beginners and it was. The moves were explained clearly and repeated two or three times, so that after a few classes you’d know exactly what to expect next. After an hour and a half of sweating, stretching, at times almost fainting, I went home in a tranquil daze; feeling so spaced out I didn’t care that my fellow tube travellers might be wondering why I was beetroot red at half eight on quite a chilly night. I slept soundly that night, waking up raring for my next class.

Day Two

Wednesday – 7am class. There were less than ten of us strong-willed enough to crawl out of bed at such a cruel hour to get there on time. I looked around and spotted women with enviable abs – one even had a six pack – toned limbs and healthy glows. The temperature felt more manageable than my first time, and I felt rejuvenated by the end, ready for work. An hour or so later, I felt headachy and incredibly lethargic, with basic tasks proving to a challenge. I put it down to dehydration, as whereas with the evening class I had the whole day to fuel up and drink water – particularly the recommended two litres prior to the class – my early start meant that I hadn’t eaten or drunk anything. A couple of pints of water later and I felt back on form and much more focused.

Day Three

Friday – 6.45pm class. My best and worst class yet. I was able to balance for longer, stretch a little further, and master the trickier postures without falling over. The downside to that was also sweating more than ever – more than I ever have in my life! – my heart beat was as fast as if I was doing interval runs on the treadmill, and the heat felt almost unbearable. It was hard. Harder, I decided as I walked home after, than when I ran a marathon earlier this year. Despite the struggle, the sense of achievement and calm I felt after was incredible.

The next week I was back to my usual treadmill routine, and the effect the classes had had on my cardio fitness was significant. My breathing was more controlled, even during intense interval sprints, which would normally leave me breathless and bright red in the face, and my knees didn’t ache as much as usually do post-workout. I am determined to make it a permanent addition to my fitness, especially through the chilly winter months, when I’d rather be at home comfort eating than heading to the gym.

Who is it for?

Everyone, from complete beginners to pros. There’s no pressure to be perfect straight away or uber toned, each person is so focused on checking their own body alignment and posture in the mirror to stare at anyone else. The teachers encourage newbies to take it at a manageable pace, sitting down if it gets too much, until you get used to the heat. Pregnant women should speak to the instructor before taking part.

Pros?

All that heat and muscle engaging burns serious calories, expect to lose approximately 500 – 1,000 a class. Unlike other yogas I’ve tried, this one really feels like a proper workout. Plus, there is the multitude of health benefits you’re said to reap, ranging from combating sleep disorders, depression, memory loss and fertility issues, to relieving sciatica, arthritis and migraines, as well as improving cardiac, kidney and liver health – a real top to toe conditioning session.

Cons?

It’s expensive. Expect to pay around £15 a class, although buying in bulk can save you quite a bit. If you can find the budget for it though, it’s definitely worth it.

What to wear and tak with you

Something light and non-restricting. I wore my ¾ length running trousers, sports bra and vest top – until I got too hot to care about covering up and ditched the vest; others wore teeny tiny shorts or leggings and crop tops. Take along a big bottle of water, 1.5 litres is ideal; two towels – one for the mat and one to shower. Mats are provided, but if you decide to become a regular, with such a sweaty workout, it’s nice to have your own.

Where to try it

I visited Bikram Yoga Primrose Hill in London, a plush studio with chandeliers hanging from the ceilings and complimentary Jason products in abundance in the changing rooms. The three different instructors I had were a great advertisement for the sport and very welcoming to new starters, making sure you’re not left to struggle at the back. The company has three other studios in London, in the west, city and north. For more information and to find out about their special ‘20 classes for £20’ offer for newcomers, see the website.

An introduction to Bikram Yoga and what to expect in your first class