Following new trends for 2016

I've been reading a few industry magazines over the last week, looking a up and coming trends, seeing if there is anything I can add to my current treatments to complement what I already offer or maybe swap to something new.  So here is my my guide to what is going to be hot in 2016, without coming over all Absolutely Fabulous on you, sweetie, darling.

Kale is out, seaweed is in.  Seaweed's incredible profile of nutrients, skin-care benefits and it's potential  for combatting climate change means it is very hot right now.  Described as a miracle food due to its rich source of minerals, look out for Alaria Esculenta, a brown edible seaweed, which is harvested from the waters around the UK, which is a rich source of essential fatty acids and plant sterols.  It also contains powerful antioxidants to fight environmental stress, whilst stimulating collagen and Hyaluronic Acid prduction to combat the effects of ageing.  I have used seaweed based lotions for bodywraps in the past, and although you don't smell like Skegness sea front, they did leave a sticky residue to the skin, which, if I'm honest, did feel alot smoother than before the treatment.  Watch this space, should I bring seaweed back?

Mindfulness and wellbeing will be huge in 2016 as we all try to combat with the ever increasing stress in our lives(allegedly).  So are we all going to be wandering around in a state of hippy bliss a la Woodstock by Xmas? For a long time now, I've talked about how much better I feel now I've gotten back into regular Pilates classes and the physical benefits I've got from doing so, and urge clients to do the same, so they're preaching to the converted on this one.

Same too with mindfulness/meditation apps on your phone, we're on trend with these too as only the other week I posted about the Headspace/OMG I Can Meditate/Guided Mind apps I have been using.  We're on the ball here.

We're all going to be too busy this year to spend ages having our hair done, muscles massaged, nails clipped etc spending hours at a salon or treatment centre so instead we are going to want it done at home or place of work, and only for 30 min!  We're on trend here too, as I already offer 30 min treatments at offices around the city on select days (and always open to take more on if any of you are interested, then please get in touch), and The Wellbeing at home parties, where I bring my couch to your home for a gathering of up to 6 guests with 30 min treatments on offer.  All these details can be found in the link at the top & bottom of this newsletter.

All things come and go out of fashion, and following this is a trend for oil based cleansing of the face making a come back.  Imagine your granny's evening cold cream ritual to remove make-up and dirt, this modern version uses natural plant oils to gently cleanse the skin.  The concept is based on the chemistry of "like dissolving like" with the product gripping dirt, make-up and oils to it like a magnet.  Add some water and all is rinsed away leaving a clean, calm skin.  Fans of it say that their skin doesn't feel tight or dry after cleansing and it doesn't disrupt the skins' natural oils or ph level.  If I come across any products I like, I'll definitely be giving this a go.

Finally, the trend for activated charcoal as part of a skincare routine as the charcoal has the ability to detoxify and invigorate the skin as well as purifying it.  In addition, as the trend spreads, toothbrushes, toothpastes are emerging, claiming to whiten the teeth if used regularly (a claim my dentist was dubious t acknowledge when I asked him), drinks and soaps too are on the market.

(Don't answer the door wearing this if you are expecting guests of an ethnic background, they might just take offence)

So what is the principal behind it?  The charcoal has an increased surface area created by thousands of micropores created on its surface which allows it to adsorb more toxins and pollutants onto it's surface.  This differs from absorption which is one substance mixing into another.  To demonstrate the power of activated charcoal, 1 tsp has a surface area of 10,000 square feet.

So there you have it, the must see products/services for 2016.  What do you think?  Are you tempted by any of them?  Am I?  Get in touch and let me know your thoughts

  synergy_therapies@icloud.com

New Treatment for February

Good morning and how has your week been?

I've just finished watching a programme on Channel 5, something along the lines of Botched Celebrity Bodies, where experts try to ascertain who has had what done and in some cases try to rectify some of the nightmares people have put themselves through all in the hope of making themselves look more youthful and/or more attractive.  I'm not against this per se, only when it is taken to such ludicrous extremes or becomes an addiction, as it would seem to be the case with one of my all time heroes, Pete Burns from Dead or Alive.  In an attempt to make himself look better, it looks to me, to have had the reverse effect

In the process, he has nearly died, lost a career and is now bankrupt.  Now, I'm sure some of us know someone who has had a spot of work done to "enhance" their features and delay the ravages of time, but I'm slightly worried about the longterm reprecussions of having some much unnatural stuff done to you and injected into you, and no-one really knows what damage some of these products may have on the internal organs  I was once on the Pete train(when he still looked fairly normal) and would tell friends I was gonna have this and that done.  Thank god I never had the cash to follow it up or I'd probably have wonky slanty eyes and a massive trout pout by now.

Now, I can't promise to make you look like a teenager again but I can offer to rejuvenate your skin without painful surgery, needles and with no hefty price tag too.  Introducing Collagen Natural Lift, an anti-ageing facial treatment that rejuvenates the skin by increasing levels of collagen in the deeper layers of the skin to firm and naturally lift the skin, softening fine lines & wrinkles, evening out skin tone and improving radiance without the use of a needle, chemical or scalpel.  Effects can last up to 7-10 days, multiple treatments gradually lengthen  the amount of time the collagen is retained by the skin before it is removed naturally by normal bodily processes.

Each treatment is 30 mins long (first appointment will be 10-15 mins longer to talk you through the treatment, assess suitability etc).   For a real luxurious treat, choose the 60 minute option which also includes a facial mask and massage
30 mins £25
60 mins £35
For February only, save £5 on the 60 min treatment £30

Clients I have tested this treatment on, have all noticed a difference after their first visit and have returned regularly for top up sessions to retain the natural lift effect.

Any questions?  Send me an email Michael at synergy_therapies@icloud.com and I'll be happy to answer them for you.

Treatments, Prices T's & C's 2016

Prices of therapies & treatments listed below are  for my home studio only 

*Prices at Riverside may be more due to room rental*

(card payments now available for a 50p charge on your treatment)

Massage Treatments

Choose for relaxation, de-stress or deep tissue, massages are priced by treatment time required

Choose back, legs, feet etc or any combo you prefer
30 mins £23 – 45 mins £30 – 60 mins £35

Indian Head Massage

Relaxing seated massage to back, neck, shoulders & scalp

30 mins £25

Skincare Treatments

Restore lost vitality & achieve noticeable improvements to your skin

Relaxing Holistic Facial (up to 60 mins) £35

Incl; Cleanse, exfoliate, mask, relaxing face/neck massage

Skin Conditioning (up to 60 mins) £35

 Addresses problematic skin, (oily, dry, acne), to restore balance & vitality

Collagen Natural Lift Treatment

A gentle non-invasive anti-ageing treatment that tightens the skin, improves skin tone, softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, producing a natural looking result.

30 minutes £28

For a special treat, go deluxe and include a mask and relaxing facial massage

60 minutes £40

Holistic Rejuvenating Facial Massage

Using a relaxing blend of essential oils to calm the mind and reduce stress.  The treatment includes the face, neck, decollete, and arms, to reduce the signs of age on the face, improve skin tone and softness, boost the skin's natural healing ability and to detoxify the facial tissues 

35 minutes £30 

Hopi Ear Candles 

Relaxation, headaches, ear/sinus problems, excessive ear wax 45 mins £25

Eyes

Lash tint £8 – Brow tint £6 – Lash + Brow £12

FITNESS PILATES;What's available?

With interest increasing, here are thee options currently available and where:

FP 1:2:1 sessions.  1 hour duration available at my home studio  or at The Riverside.  £30
FP+1  These are the same as 1:2:1 sessions but you can bring your +1.  Partner, best friend, it's up to you. The Riverside only.  £40
FP+Massage  A 40 minute FP session followed by a relaxing back massage.  75 minute treatment time in total.  The Riverside.  £45

Well-being at home events

In the comfort of your own home with a maximum of 4-6 people enjoy some relaxing treatments.  The host receives their treatment free, guests pay £15 for a 25 minute treatment.  

Choose from Back Massage, Leg Massage, Foot Massage, Indian Head Massage.
£10 fuel cost to enable me to get to your event
MY LATEST FINISHING TIME IS 9.30PM

Try to give at least 24 hrs notice for a cancellation.  Failure to do so may result in a 50% or £20 charge, whichever is greater, for appointments that cannot be filled.

Appointments available over 7 days, with evenings on request

I look forward to welcoming you soon

.Appointments with Michael are available within the NG2 area of Nottingham; to the east of The Embankment at his home studio, and at Riverside Natural Health Centre to the west, below Top Knot hairdressers.

For more information on either venue, please don't hesitate to ask.
7 day availability in some instances and evenings

Studio Availability;
Mon-Fri 12-7pm, Sat 10-3pm, Sun 2-5pm

Riverside Availability;
Tues-Fri 2-6pm, Sat 10-2pm

Booking & cancellation policy;   Book well in advance, wherever possible, to avoid disappointment.

Whenever possible, allow a minimum of 24 hours before your appointment if you have to cancel.  This enables Michael, and The Riverside staff to try and fill the slot with another client either for himself or another therapist.

Late arrivals;  Clients who arrive late must be aware that their appointment will still finish at the time agreed at time of booking and the full amount will be charged. Occasionally an extension of the time may be possible.

Clients who do not arrive for their appointment and fail to inform either Michael or The Riverside, will be charged a £20 fee which will be noted on a clients consultation form and will added to their bill during their next visit.

Thank you for your understanding.

Just do it

Belated Happy New Year,
Did you wake up in 2016 with a bad head or were you sensible?  For the first time I was pretty reluctant to neck any booze down me as I knew Xena would have me up at 5 begging for biscuits and to be let out, so I showed some uncustomary restraint and was sensible.

As for resolutions, well it is the 4th and we've probably broken them already anyway :)  One thing I am going to work on is not to put anything off.  Early last year I went to visit a friends elderly parents, Barrie & Pauline, whom I have remained in contact over the last 28 years since I first moved to Nottingham and they were kind enough to feed me, offer me a place to sleep and were non judgmental regarding my lifestyle and style of dress.  Over the years we remained in touch by phone, Christmas cards etc and the occasional visit.  Last February was the first time I'd visited in years and it was lovely to catch up in person and I promised I'd visit again in the summer.  So what happened?  You guessed it, work and life in general got in the way and it was December again.  I was determined to visit and drop off my card to them.  The month passed by so quick and with bookings etc I had no time to go visit so I posted the card saying to myself I'd pop up after New Years.  Alas, on Christmas Day, Pauline suffered a heart attack and deteriorated very fast and died on the 29th, a sad loss to her family and friends.  Such a very kind lady I felt such a disappointment that i had not gotten round to go see her for what would have been the final time.  So my message this week is learn not to put off seeing those who mean alot to you as we never know what is around the corner and don't put off what you want to do as our time here is far too short.

Til next week, good health to you.

New Treatment for 2016

New for 2016

Relax, Renew and Refocus

Relaxology Massage treatment incorporates a mixture of gentle and firm flowing strokes over the body to  relax and stretch soft tissues, draining away toxins and releasing pent up muscle tension.  A personalised blend of oils, a gift to you, will be used in your treatment which you can then take home to use as bath oil, skin moisturiser or in an oil burner, allowing you to continue to reap the benefits of your treatment with this aromatic blend in the comfort of your home.

A calming musical soundtrack lends itself to re-energise and invigorate body and soul and create an overall sense of wellbeing and a happy state of mind.  A guided meditation at the end of your treatment allows your mind to relax, renew and refocus.

Treatment includes;
A 25 minute massage to the back or head/neck/shoulders or face and upper body
A free personalised blend of essential oils
Gentle hand massage
Placing of crystals to rebalance the chakras for renewed vitality
A short guided meditation

Introductory price of £30 (normally £35)
Call Michael on 07794084666 to book your Relaxology Treatment.

Who feels bloated like a puffer fish?

Did you have a good Christmas?  Despite all your protests did you in fact stuff yourself silly and are now sat there feeling like a bloated lump?  You're not alone.  After 2 days of eating curries, sandwiches, chips and kebab meat (yes all festive wasn't it!!), I got to the gym yesterday morning and felt like a helium balloon, fit to burst.  Who remembers Weebles?  Well I felt like one of those too

So after all that over indulgence, I'm back on the sensible train again (until New Years?) and just cheating at the weekends as I've always done.

Over the Xmas period I did something productive other than feed my cake hole, and put together the bare bones of a new project to help clients come to terms and manage their stress levels through massage, meditation and a stress reducing blend of essential oils.  It's not finalised yet, more to come early in the new year.

Which leads me to wish you all a Happy New Year, many thanks for your continued support & patronage, see you in January.



Til next week, good health to you.

Tips for a stress free Xmas

So, as the 25th speeds towards us, are you prepared, spent all your cash on gifts and food, or are you in panic mode wondering how you are going to get everything done?  Then read on to my HANDY HINTS TO AVOID XMAS STRESS and learn how to get the most enjoyment out of the holiday season.

1. Plan ahead;  as far in advance as possible.  Make detailed lists so as not to forget things, delegate tasks to other family members, learn not to micro manage everything.
2. Shop online;  yes I know we have to protect our independent retailers and our high st generally, but this once, when the streets are packed to bursting, it's chucking it down outside, just this once, buy as much as you are comfortable with ONLINE.  If doing your Xmas food shop online reread point 1 and do this as far ahead as possible.
3. Christmas cards;  Do you really need to send all those cards out to folk you've not seen in years and never reply to you?  Do you need the added stress of stupidly expensive postage?  Do what I do; send only to family members and friends you have contact with who do not live locally.  Most of the people we see on a daily basis are on social media.  Tag them all into a single Christmas message on facebook, instagram or twitter.  Saves money, time and expense.
4. Learn to keep calm;  burn some incense or essential oil, play some relaxing tunes whilst you are preparing things, make it more fun.
5. Seating; If you are having someone over to dinner or tea whom you or other family member doesn't get on with, arrange seating so that they are as far apart as possible.  If no-one likes this person, is there a way you can avoid inviting them?  Remember, we are doing stress reduction eg YOURS!
6. Avoid prepping whilst drinking caffeine laden drinks, it will only make any stress worse.
7. Practice your breathing; learn to take slow, deep breaths, again this will aid in controlling your stress levels
8. Have an escape plan;  if all else fails and you are second away from ramming a chicken drum stick down great aunt petunia's throat, make an excuse to leave the room, say you are just going to call someone to wish them a happy holidays, popping out to check on a neighbour who is alone, be imaginative.  Even if it's just for 10 minutes of escape.
9. Make time for exercise; Again this will help reduce stress levels.  Go for a walk outside, walk the dog, go for a bike ride, jog, get outside and breathe in the fresh air, you'll feel much better afterwards.
10. Try not to hit the bottle too much;  it's tempting to neck it back in the hope of making out a situation, but not only may you say something you may regret later, you will feel like crap the next morning.
11. Finally, try and have fun and enjoy it all.  It's only once a year after all and thankfully not everyday if Roy Wood would have his way.
12. Before I forget, finally, finally.....get an invite to someone else's house and let them have all the worry :)

Til next week, good health to you.

For any enquiries, email Michael at synergy_therapies@icloud.com