<?xml version='1.0'?><feed xmlns:opensearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearch/1.1/' xmlns:s='http://jadedpixel.com/-/spec/shopify' xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom'><id>http://shop.relax.org.uk/blogs/news</id><title>Relax - Relax Blog</title><author><name>Relax</name></author><link href='http://shop.relax.org.uk/blogs/news' rel='self'/><link href='http://shop.relax.org.uk/blogs/news' rel='alternate'/><updated>2010-02-16T16:16:40+00:00</updated><entry><id>tag:db1@shopify.com,2010:articles/1482362</id><title>Can massage make you fit ?</title><summary type='html'><![CDATA[<p>The answer is yes! Massage can absolutely help you be more fit, but how? Most people believe that massage is just for pampering, but the reality is massage has numerous health benefits and should be part of everyone’s wellness or fitness plan.</p>
<p>But how does massage help you stay fit? How can something that feels so decadent be so good for you? One of the biggest reasons people give for over-eating is stress. Stress also depletes the immune system making it easier for disease to get a foot hold. Massage’s most proven benefit is the reduction of stress. Spending an hour lying comfortably on a table in a dimly lit room while soothing music plays is by itself very relaxing. Add to all that, the skilled hands of a massage therapist deftly manipulating the soft tissue of the body and stress doesn’t stand a chance.</p>
<p>Regular massage (at least twice a month or more) increases body awareness. Body awareness is just what it sounds like, being aware of your body. Most of us walk around oblivious to the body we live in. We don’t pay attention to what we put in it or how we treat it. Getting massage forces us to pay more attention to ourselves. We become more aware of the aches and pains that we ignore. When you do one thing that is good for you it snowballs and you want to do more good things for yourself. Massage encourages to take better care of ourselves.</p>
<p>We all know we need regular exercise to maintain good health, but how many times have you skipped your workout because of muscle pain or because you just don’t have the energy or perhaps because your not feeling well? Massage alleviates those muscle pains that plague us all. How massage soothes those aches and pains is no mystery. Massage increases blood flow to muscles and joints and releases natural pain killers found in the body, called opioids. When pain is decreased, movement is less inhibited, energy levels rise, and there are no more excuses not to keep up with your fitness routine.</p>
<p>Prolonged stress also makes us more susceptible to illness. When we our stressed our bodies go into what is called the fight or flight reflex which causes our bodies to release certain chemicals to increase the heart rate, inhibit digestion, dilate blood vessels in the muscles, among other things. The body reacts to all stress with same response, whether that stress is physical or emotional, real or perceived. When our bodies are busy fighting stress, they are not as diligent about fighting disease and you get sick. Reducing stress, reduces illness.</p>
<p>Still not convinced that massage can make you more fit? Need more proof? Massage can also:</p>
<p>• Lower blood pressure<br />
• Reduce anxiety<br />
• Increase circulation<br />
• Alleviate insomnia<br />
• Improve posture<br />
• Improve skin condition<br />
• Faster healing of soft tissue after injury<br />
• Alleviate the discomfort of pregnancy<br />
• Increase mobility</p>
<p>The list of benefits is almost endless.</p>
<p>Massage can definitely make you more fit. Taking the time to treat yourself to a massage is well worth the investment. Massage feels great and is good for you. Think of massage as chocolate cake for your body, but with all the vitamins you need to be healthy.</p>
<p>Call us now and book your body in!</p>
<p>Relax Soho<br />
Tel: 020 7494 3333<br />
E-mail: <a href="mailto:info@relax.org.uk">info@relax.org.uk</a></p>
<p>Relax <span class="caps">BBC</span><br />
Tel: 020 7087 9033<br />
E-mail: <a href="mailto:relaxbbc@relax.org.uk">relaxbbc@relax.org.uk</a></p>]]></summary><updated>2010-02-16T16:16:40+00:00</updated><published>2010-02-16T16:16:40+00:00</published><author><name>Thaisa Box</name></author><link href='http://shop.relax.org.uk/blogs/news/1482362-can-massage-make-you-fit' rel='alternate'/></entry><entry><id>tag:db1@shopify.com,2009:articles/1371722</id><title>Clarisonic Pro brush arrives exclusively at Relax</title><summary type='html'><![CDATA[<p>We are very pleased to announce that we are now exclusively stocking the all new hi-tec facewash sensation that is the clarisonic Pro Brush. Now available for the first time in the UK, after taking the US by storm. We will be also using this superb skincare system in all our facial treatments in store, and we can also confirm we are able to sell you one directly through our <span class="caps">BBC</span> and Soho stores, which we are very pleased about.</p>
<p>Clarisonic is the sonic technology proven to gently yet effectively loosen dirt and oil to clear your pores. The Clarisonic Cleansing System uses a patented sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to clean, soften and smooth your skin. In just 60 seconds a day, the Clarisonic micro-massage action cleans more than twice as effectively as manual cleansing. Benefits beyond just clean skin: Clarisonic improves the appearance of skin tone and reduces the appearance of pore size</p>
<p>Benefits of Clarisonic:</p>
<ul>
	<li>Removes 6x more makeup than manual cleansing</li>
	<li>Leaves skin feeling and looking smoother</li>
	<li>Cleanses so well that products absorb better</li>
	<li>Gentle enough for twice daily use</li>
	<li>Helps reduce oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes</li>
	<li>Helps reduce the appearance of visible pores</li>
	<li>Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles</li>
</ul>
<p>Product overview:</p>
<ul>
	<li>For different skin types</li>
	<li>For use with any non-abrasive skin cleanser</li>
	<li>Waterproof and rechargeable</li>
	<li>Four adjustable speeds</li>
	<li>Charge-level indicator</li>
	<li>Separate control buttons for on/off and speed</li>
	<li>Used and recommended by skin care professionals</li>
	<li>30-day money-back guarantee and 2-year warranty</li>
	<li>Developed by the primary inventor of the Sonicare® toothbrush</li>
</ul>
<p>Exclusive model used and sold by skin care professionals. Only available to buy instore at Relax.</p>
<p><strong><span class="caps">CLARISONIC</span> <span class="caps">PRO</span> &#8211; £175</strong></p>
<p>Also you will receive a <span class="caps">FREE</span> facial worth £60 when you buy a Clarisonic Professional Skincare kit</p>
<p>Please contact us directly to find out more or book a treatment using this product.<br />
Relax Soho Tel: 020 7494 3333<br />
Relax <span class="caps">BBC</span> Tel: 020 7087 9033</p>
<p>Find out more on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPbBqHcWCNA">YouTube</a></p>
<p><img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0022/3692/files/pro_and_body_brush.jpg?1260531978' alt='' /><br />
<img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0022/3692/files/aesthetician.jpg?1260894594' alt='' /></p>]]></summary><updated>2009-12-15T16:39:32+00:00</updated><published>2009-12-15T16:39:32+00:00</published><author><name>Thaisa Box</name></author><link href='http://shop.relax.org.uk/blogs/news/1371722-clarisonic-pro-brush-arrives-exclusively-at-relax' rel='alternate'/></entry><entry><id>tag:db1@shopify.com,2009:articles/1364332</id><title>Introducing Dr. Alkaitis new skin care range.</title><summary type='html'><![CDATA[<p>We are very pleased here at Relax to introduce a brand new skin care range, we welcome the award winning Dr. Alkaitis Skin Care Range.</p>
<p>Here is some info on the fantastic, and very popular line.</p>
<p>Dr. Alkaitis is a high performance,&#8216;living&#8217; skincare line, created by highly regarded and world-renowned research scientist, Dr. Saulius Anthony Alkaitis.Combining an in-depth scientific understanding with an extensive knowledge of the therapeutic properties of plants in their pure form, Dr. Alkaitis is like no other &#8220;Dr.&#8221; brand out there.We use certified organic, biodynamic and ethically wild-crafted ingredients in their raw state for the greatest effectiveness. There has to be no compromise with any of our ingredients and processes in order to deliver the very best results for your skin.</p>
<p><strong>Living skincare</strong></p>
<p>Dr Alkaitis treats the skin as a living organ and if you feed an organ healthy &#8216;living&#8217; food it will be healthier.Dr. Alkaitis personally makes all his own extracts ensuring they contain only &#8216;living&#8217; ingredients.‘Living&#8217; means the highest-quality plants, left in their natural state, rather than having their potency diluted in a laboratory.</p>
<p>Plant extracts are often broken down into &#8220;actives&#8221;, taking what is seen as the therapeutic content, and discarding the rest. This goes against Dr. Alkaitis&#8217; ethos of celebrating the full power of plants in their biological state.All the extracts contained within Dr. Alkaitis skincare are never heated above the body&#8217;s temperature, so preserving and increasing their therapeutic benefits.</p>
<p>When we say pure, we mean it. You won&#8217;t find the &#8220;plant derived&#8221; ingredients, chemicals, synthetics, trans-fats (which the body finds hard to break down), and GMO&#8217;s that are common in most skincare. All of our products are safe to eat – though we prefer to put them on our skin.</p>
<p><strong>Skin conscious</strong></p>
<p>Because it is a range of truly pure and natural skincare, Dr. Alkaitis products work with your skin&#8217;s natural functions – not against. Due to the &#8216;living&#8217; complexity of the formulations they act like adaptogens for the skin, adjusting to each individuals unique skin type, so bringing the skin into balance.Therefore you won&#8217;t find separate products for oily, dry or sensitive &#8220;types&#8221;. The products correct the individual balance of the skin of each user to bring it to optimum health and healthy skin is always attractive.</p>
<p><strong>History in your hands</strong></p>
<p>In working with &#8216;living&#8217; materials, Dr. Alkaitis carries on an age-old and almost forgotten tradition. From the first civilisations, there has always been a sophisticated knowledge of the natural world. This natural approach to healing has a long and honourable history of preserving the body&#8217;s health and wellbeing.In comparison, synthetic products have been in use for little more than a century, and their effects are still largely unknown.</p>
<p>Winner of The Wallpaper Magazine Award for Best Facial products.</p>
<p><strong>Products List</strong></p>
<p>Organic Day Cream<br />
Organic Night Cream<br />
Organic Eye Cream<br />
Organic Purifying Facial Cleanser<br />
Organic Replenishing Serum<br />
Organic Soothing Gel<br />
Organic Nourishing Treatment Oil<br />
Organic Universal Mask</p>
<p><img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0022/3692/files/Dr.Agroupweb.jpg?1260531866' alt='' /></p>]]></summary><updated>2009-12-11T11:47:47+00:00</updated><published>2009-12-11T11:47:47+00:00</published><author><name>Thaisa Box</name></author><link href='http://shop.relax.org.uk/blogs/news/1364332-introducing-dr-alkaitis-new-skin-care-range' rel='alternate'/></entry><entry><id>tag:db1@shopify.com,2009:articles/1362502</id><title>Which massage is right for you ?</title><summary type='html'><![CDATA[<p>Here at Relax we believe that understanding what you need is the very important. If you are unsure which kind of massage to go for then let us explain more about the treatment&#8217;s that we have on offer.</p>
<p><strong>Deep Tissue Massage</strong><br />
&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;.<br />
Perfect to get rid of deep-rooted knots and tension points, especially in the neck and shoulders. A strong treatment and a superb way to relax.</p>
<p>1 hr £70<br />
1/2 hr &#8211; £40</p>
<p><strong>Swedish Massage</strong><br />
&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;.<br />
If you’re hankering after some long-lasting stress relief and a fantastic feeling of wellbeing, choose a transforming hour of light or intense hands-on Swedish Massage.</p>
<p>1 hr £70<br />
1/2 hr &#8211; £40</p>
<p><strong>Sports Massage</strong><br />
&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;.<br />
Focuses on areas of tension or injury to stimulate and improve blood flow to the area and kick-start your body’s own natural healing process.</p>
<p>1 hr £70<br />
1/2 hr &#8211; £40</p>
<p><strong>Aromatherapy Massage</strong><br />
&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;.<br />
Ease your muscles and soothe your senses with fragrant aromatherapy massage, using a blend of essential aromatic oils prescribed especially for you.</p>
<p>1 hr £70<br />
1/2 hr &#8211; £40</p>
<p><strong>Lymphatic Drainage Massage</strong><br />
&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;.<br />
This is a gentle, rhythmic and deeply relaxing massage that helps chase away toxins, while reducing water retention and giving your immune system a boost.</p>
<p>1 hr £70</p>
<p><strong>La Stone Therapy</strong><br />
&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;.<br />
An amazing treatment that combines oil and comfortably hot and cold stones. Superb for inflammation or painful joints and a wonderful way to feel full of energy and tension-free.</p>
<p>1 hr 15 mins £87<br />
1 hr 30 mins £105</p>
<p><strong>Shiatsu Massage</strong><br />
&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;.<br />
Keep your clothes on to enjoy this relaxing acupressure massage that works to balance the energy, or ‘chi’, that flows through your body. We can provide loose fitting clothing for you.</p>
<p>1 hr £70</p>
<p><strong>Thai Massage</strong><br />
&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;.<br />
This clothed massage helps you unwind with acupressure, stretching and applied yoga techniques. Don’t worry, your massage therapist does all the work!</p>
<p>1 hr £70</p>
<p><strong>Reflexology</strong><br />
&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;.<br />
A light pressure is applied to key acupressure points in your feet and hands, which works magically to affect other areas of the body. Great for releasing and restoring your energy balance.</p>
<p>1 hr £70<br />
1/2 hr &#8211; £40<br />
1 hr £70</p>
<p><strong>Reiki</strong><br />
&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;.<br />
This natural healing process is a very gentle way to rebalance the body’s energy, especially if you’re feeling emotionally as well as physically tired.</p>
<p>1 hr £70<br />
1/2 hr &#8211; £40</p>
<p><strong>Pregnancy Massage</strong><br />
&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;.<br />
A soothing and relaxing treat for mums-to-be who are 12 weeks pregnant or more. It’s a safe way to relieve water retention and ease back pain too.</p>
<p>1 hr £70<br />
1/2 hr &#8211; £40</p>
<p><strong>Indian Head Massage</strong><br />
&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;.<br />
Close your eyes and let go of all that tension in your head, neck and arms. This is a wonderful massage for boosting circulation, improving your focus and enhancing your concentration.</p>
<p>1 hr £70<br />
1/2 hr &#8211; £40</p>
<p><strong>Relax Detox Foot Spa</strong><br />
&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;.<br />
Did you know a great detox can start from the feet up? We use a natural electro magnetic system to release toxins out of the 2000-plus pores you have in each foot. Feels lovely too.</p>
<p>Call or email us now and book your body in!</p>
<p>Relax Soho<br />
Tel: 020 7494 3333<br />
E-mail: <a href="mailto:info@relax.org.uk">info@relax.org.uk</a></p>
<p>Relax <span class="caps">BBC</span><br />
Tel: 020 7087 9033<br />
E-mail: <a href="mailto:relaxbbc@relax.org.uk">relaxbbc@relax.org.uk</a></p>
<p><img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0022/3692/files/10430_168205929784_147262314784_2532717_591892_n.jpg?1260465523' alt='' /></p>]]></summary><updated>2009-12-10T17:31:46+00:00</updated><published>2009-12-10T17:31:46+00:00</published><author><name>Thaisa Box</name></author><link href='http://shop.relax.org.uk/blogs/news/1362502-which-massage-is-right-for-you' rel='alternate'/></entry><entry><id>tag:db1@shopify.com,2009:articles/1358512</id><title>The benefits of massage</title><summary type='html'><![CDATA[<p>There is definitely more to massage than just getting the rest and relaxation that your body has been craving for all these time. Yes, while it&#8217;s true that there is probably no more effective way to relax and recharge than to get oneself a pleasurable and sensual massage, research studies over the years have proved that there are more important benefits that one can acquire from getting a massage.</p>
<p>Since people recognize the healing power of touch, massage has been a frequent topic of a diverse collection of studies and research. The mind is one area where the benefits of a therapeutic massage can be seen. Here are just few of the many mental benefits of massage:</p>
<ul>
	<li><strong>Stress Management</strong> &#8211; Experts show that a high number of health problems root from stress. Stress from work, relationships and day-to-day living contribute largely to many diseases. And because it&#8217;s impossible to eradicate stress on the face of the earth, a good option is proper stress management. Massage is an effective way of managing stress because it allows to you to have momentary peace of mind and a relaxed mental state which are important in keeping yourself mentally healthy.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
	<li><strong>Emotional benefits</strong> &#8211; It&#8217;s easy to see how a calming and soothing massage session can give one&#8217;s spirits a lift, resulting in much happier and more cheerful person and perspective on life.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
	<li><strong>Satisfaction of craving for nurturing touch</strong> &#8211; Babies are not the only ones who long for another person&#8217;s loving touch. Even grown-ups do. And because it&#8217;s not possible to have everybody within a hug&#8217;s reach every minute of the day, a massage will give you the nurturing touch you&#8217;re unconsciously longing for.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
	<li><strong>Better sleep quality</strong> &#8211; It is for this reason why people diagnosed with insomnia love getting massages. Massage is way better than sleeping pills.</li>
</ul>
<p>and of course&#8230;</p>
<ul>
	<li>Reduction of anxiety and fatigue.</li>
</ul>
<p>But the mind isn&#8217;t the sole recipient of massage&#8217;s positive effects. In fact, it also does wonders for the body and a person&#8217;s physical state. Some of the countless physical benefits of massage include:</p>
<ul>
	<li><strong>Muscle Relaxation</strong> &#8211; Massage has been found to dramatically reduce stress by relieving muscular tension and stiffness as well as aid in relaxation of the muscles.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
	<li><strong>Pain Reduction</strong> &#8211; Because massage can reduce muscle spasm and give comfort to aching muscles, those who have back pains or muscle pains often go to massage centers to alleviate pain.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
	<li><strong>Enhancement of blood circulation</strong> &#8211; This is why those who are diagnosed with circulatory problems are often encouraged to get massage therapies.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
	<li><strong>Improvement of flexibility,athletic performance and range of motion</strong> &#8211; It&#8217;s not a surprise that many athletes indulge in massage. Not only does this improve their performance, it is also a good way to prevent injuries.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
	<li><strong>Easy rehabilitation</strong> &#8211; A massage facilitates easy recovery from an injury such as a leg sprain.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
	<li><strong>Treatment and improvement of some medical conditions</strong> &#8211; Such as Arthritis, Hypertension and musculoskeletal problems.</li>
</ul>
<p>True enough, the value of massage therapy is priceless. With the countless of benefits one can get from a massage, it is just right to treat yourself with a session every once in a while.</p>
<p>Call us now and book your body in!</p>
<p>Relax Soho<br />
Tel: 020 7494 3333<br />
E-mail: <a href="mailto:info@relax.org.uk">info@relax.org.uk</a></p>
<p>Relax <span class="caps">BBC</span><br />
Tel: 020 7087 9033<br />
E-mail: <a href="mailto:relaxbbc@relax.org.uk">relaxbbc@relax.org.uk</a></p>]]></summary><updated>2009-12-09T12:24:50+00:00</updated><published>2009-12-09T12:24:50+00:00</published><author><name>Thaisa Box</name></author><link href='http://shop.relax.org.uk/blogs/news/1358512-the-benefits-of-massage' rel='alternate'/></entry><entry><id>tag:db1@shopify.com,2008:articles/496092</id><title>Welcome</title><summary type='html'><![CDATA[<p>Hello all,</p>
<p>Here at Relax we thought to help you de-stress and stay calm we would write a blog for you to check and refer too when your under pressure. Giving you tips and techniques on how you can beat the blues and stay focused. Our trained therapists will be recommending products and how to use them to there full effect. As well as suggestions on how you can use massage at home on a loved one or friend. We will also have full explanations on what is the most suitable massage for you and how the benefits of massage can help you stay healthy and vibrant.</p>
<p>We hope this helps you, and look forward to more blogging.</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Thaisa Box<br />
Relax Director</p>]]></summary><updated>2008-11-11T12:16:08+00:00</updated><published>2008-11-11T12:16:08+00:00</published><author><name>Thaisa Box</name></author><link href='http://shop.relax.org.uk/blogs/news/496092-welcome' rel='alternate'/></entry></feed>