Blog Sha wellness clinic

Exercises to burn fat fast

SHA — Tue, 21 May 2013 07:20:24 +0000

One of the most frequent questions we receive, especially in these days before summer, is how we can burn fat fast and effectively.

Our philosophy is to maintain a healthy diet and practice daily exercise that allows us to not only burn calories but also to maintain long-term our health and physical condition, avoiding sudden changes in our body. However, our personal trainers have some tips for those people who need to burn fat quickly, thanks to some fatburn exercises that are known as High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).

High Intensity Interval Training is a functional training based on generating an “oxygen debt“, alternating series of exercises that require your full effort with series of lower intensity to get to burn fat faster.

When we train the best of our ability, our bodies can not send enough oxygen to the muscles, which generates an oxygen debt, which is what makes us to pant and feel exhausted. This oxygen debt causes that during recovery series, we have to breathe faster and faster to catch our breath, and this makes us burn calories faster, so it’s a good way to lose fat. In fact, the fatburn effect can last even after working hours, by what is known as EPOC (Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption).

The HIIT exercises as strategic cardio consist of making some kind of effort for a few seconds the best of our ability, interspersed with recovery times. Examples of this type of High Intensity Interval Training exercises would be:

- Running: Do sprints of 30 seconds at maximum speed we can, alternating with several minutes of walking.

- Skipping: periods of 30 seconds as fast as we interspersed with several minutes leisurely speed.

- Cycling, rowing, swimming…: as in the running, sprints intersperses with slowly periods for recovery. Any power exercise can serve as HIIT if we adapt it. Moreover, it is great that almost none of these sports need additional material or specific places to do them.

And best of all? That with only 20 minutes doing this type of fatburn workout we get to burn more fat that with an hour of normal exercise.

Are you going to try it?

Gluten free recipe for celiacs

SHA — Thu, 16 May 2013 07:34:39 +0000

Healthy Recipes: cake of millet for celiacs

Celiac disease is a disease that affects our digestive system and is characterized by chronic inflammation of the small intestine caused by gliadin, a component of gluten present in many cereals we commonly eat (wheat, barley, rye, spelled, oat …) and that people with celiac disease should stop consuming not to suffer celiac symptoms such as pains and intestinal problems.

However, whole grains are an essential part of a healthy diet so it is important for celiacs to know very well what whole grains they can eat so we can use them in gluten-free recipes for celiac diet.

There are some grains like rice, millet, corn or quinoa that are gluten free so they can be perfectly used in celiac disease diet and also help us to improve the health of our intestines and can even improve long-term our gluten intolerance as adequate food gets rebalance our body.

One of the grain that is helping celiacs is millet, an ancient and very energetic cereal, easy to prepare and cook in dishes or desserts. In addition, the millet properties are very beneficial for our health: it has high content in carbohydrates that give us the energy that our body needs, has lots of fiber so it helps regulate our intestinal flora and causes the vegetal proteins to be better absorbed, has a very low fat content and also many doctors recommend millet to help control blood sugar and cholesterol.

There are many recipes for millet but today we share with you our recipe millet cake with pumpkin, dried apricots and orange flavor: a recipe gluten very healthy, nutritious and balanced.

Ingredients of this recipe for celiac (approximately for 4 servings):

100 grams of whole grain millet
2 tablespoons of corn syrup
750 cl of apple juice
750g pumpkin
250g dried apricots
a pinch of salt
a tablespoon of grated orange peel
2 tablespoons agar-agar seaweed (natural gelatin which acts as a thickener and provides the necessary consistency for the cake)

Preparation of gluten-free recipe for millet cake:

Cook millet until it is brown
Boil in the apple juice with a pinch of salt for 5 minutes, then reduce heat and cook for 40 minutes at low heat in a small pot covered.
Once the millet is cooked, spread on a flat surface such as a baking sheet with a thickness of 3 cm or a specific mold according to the shape we want to give.
Cook in very little water (only until the vegetables are covered) the pumpkin into cubes, dried apricots and agar-agar seaweed for 10 minutes over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes.
Blend the mixture well and add orange zest to flavor. Extend on the basis of millet to create the cake and let it cool.
You can decorate it with more grated orange or even with some nuts to taste.

Would you like to try it?

Bhante Kondanna at SHA

SHA — Tue, 14 May 2013 07:08:58 +0000

Bhante Kondanna, the prestigious buddhist monk, mentor and meditation teacher of famous people such as Shakira, will visit SHA from May 16th to 18th.

Bhante Homagama Kondanna Bhikku is a follower of the Theravada school that preserves the original purity of Buddha’s teaching and maintains that meditation is like the inevitable path to self discovery and liberation. This school has fans as famous as Richard Gere, Ricky Martin, Sharon Stone, or the late Apple founder Steve Jobs.

SHA guests are welcome to attend a conference that will be held during his stay in which he will talk about “How to live in peace and harmony through meditation”. He will also be giving group meditation classes.

Bhante, who has been a meditation teacher for famous celebrities such as Shakira, states that “the deepest concentration enables us to comprehend the nature of our thoughts, distinguish positive thinking from negative, develop what’s beneficial and reject anything that could harm us”.

Bhante Kondanna was born into a noble family on the 15th of April, 1939 in a village called Homagama (20 km from Colombo, Sri Lanka) which he was named after. He studied at Royal College, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Then he went to live and study in the United Kingdom. He graduated in automotive engineering and went to work for the company Rolls-Royce. He was ordained as a monk in 1978 (when he was 39) in the style of Ajahn Chah, a respected Buddhist master of the ancient Thai Forest Tradition of Theravada Buddhism. He started off on his pilgrimage around the world to disseminate his message of peace and spiritual concentration in 1983.

Nowadays, he is the director of the Siresena Meditation Centre of Moratuwa in Sri Lanka and he travels all over the world sharing his message of peace and spiritual concentration. He runs meditation retreats in Latin America and he gives talks on Buddhism and concentration all around the world. “Meditation is the only way to transform human beings, get them away from their bad habits, from their bad temper, from hate. We can change just by thinking, we can control our mind”, states the monk.

As a meditation teacher, Kondanna highlights the importance and the advantages of using concentration as a way to understand ourselves, learn how things happen in our mind, in our body and cleanse those continual stressful thoughts associated with modern-day life. He teaches others to live and shake off the problems of today’s society which include hate, greed or confusion.

If you would like to download the complete program, please click here.

Bioresonance Therapy

SHA — Thu, 09 May 2013 07:48:05 +0000

This novel bioresonance treatment takes advantage of the energy waves emitted by our body to promote their self-healing and improve their overall functioning naturally, boosting our immune system. Dr. Ines Cremades we respond to frequently asked questions (FAQ) on quantum bioresonance.

What is Bioresonance Therapy?

Bioresonance therapy assesses the energy performance of the human body as a whole. From there, the therapist orders the issuance of necessary bioenergy waves to help cure certain diseases or conditions and help improve the overall performance of our body.

How is Bioresonance Therapy? It is done through a specific bioresonance machine to fully customize this therapy through the combination of energy and electromagnetic waves frequencies appropriate to the individual needs of each patient.

Treatment consists of a first biological general assessment of the health state of the patient from a measurement of energy waves. The measurement is performed in the seven energy sectors in which our body is divided, and is carried out by means of electrodes attached to the patient in three areas of the body: head, hands and feet.

These measurements determine segmented energetic condition of the patient, its responsiveness, chronic conditions, and health status for each sector, allowing even diagnosing specific diseases such as asthma, rheumatism…

After these energy measurements, the therapist analyzes the results obtained by the system and determines the necessary treatment to be applied to improve the health and welfare of the guest, adapting the emission of certain electromagnetic waves to regulate and restore our body function properly.

Bioresonance therapy can be used as add-on to certain health programs such as weight loss, smoking cessation, improved sleep quality, stress regulation, etc. and treatments like lymphatic drainage, cellulite, deep tissue… to enhance their effects.

How reliable bioresonance therapy is?

The effectiveness of bioresonance therapy is proven empirically and is also based on extensive studies and research in the field of biophysics and quantum mechanics which establish the functioning of human body energy. There is scientific evidence that all living things are composed of electromagnetic fields and all biochemical processes are preceded by vibrations and subatomic particles that dictate individual physiological behavior that can be captured by bioresonance apparatus.

How secure bioresonance therapy is? Are there any contraindications?

Bioresonance Treatment is completely safe because the device cannot negatively alter our physiological waves but only help eliminate the pathological ones. In addition, there are no side effects or contraindications, although it is not applicable in people with pacemakers (because the levels would come altered) and, as a precaution, it is not recommended for use in pregnant women.

How long does bioresonance therapy take?

The initial biological screening takes about 20 minutes. After obtaining the results, the therapist will determine how many bioresonance sessions are necessary to obtain the best results.

Home remedies for headache

SHA — Tue, 07 May 2013 07:22:44 +0000

Hello everyone!

Today we share with you the most effective and natural home remedies for headache from the hand of Kenneth Prange, expert in nutrition and natural therapies.

Unfortunately, headaches and migraines (common in over 12% of the world population), often accompanied by dizziness and even fever, are becoming more common in today’s society and the fastest and more common solution (but not the best) is to take painkillers. But regular consumption of analgesics and aspirin can be very detrimental to our health, especially if your body gets used to that kind of artificial substances, preventing them to work and help us relieve our headaches.

Therefore, it is best turn to home remedies that help relieve headaches and frequent migraines in a natural way.

The causes of headache are often unexplained although it is normally associated with periods of stress or overexertion, muscle tension, wrong diet, poor posture, long hours at the computer, and so on.

There are several types of headaches, according to which we can give different advice. For example, for frontal headache, we recommend chewing a small handful of gomasio (a natural mixture of sesame seeds and unrefined sea salt) or a tekka teaspoon (a Japanese seasoning made from miso, sesame paste, sesame oil, lotus root, carrot and burdock). Both condiments are very mineralizing and act as natural painkillers. Externally, we can apply a cold compress made of, for example, tofu, because cold relieves frontal headaches.

To the rear headache Dr. Prange recommends drinking a glass of fresh apple juice or tea with a little kuzu and rice syrup. Externally we can apply a hot towel on the back of the neck.

For secondary and constant headaches we recommend taking a miso soup with chives per day as its highly alkalizing and it help us reduce the common headache. As an external application, recommend alternating hot and cold compresses to the sides of the head. These home remedies are also used for headaches associated with specific health conditions such as headache at pregnancy or headache during menstruation.

For deep inside headache, one of the most effective home remedies is to eat cooked apples, hot apple juice or warm water mixed with a teaspoon of rice vinegar and a teaspoon of rice syrup.

For occasional headaches we have recommended you in other occasions to take the umeboshi Japanese plum, a very effective natural painkiller. Umeboshi can be taken in paste, added to any of our dishes or as small natural umeboshi pills.

Other remedies for headaches in general acupuncture, shiatsu massage, ginger compresses applied from the kidneys, intestines, etc…

We hope you find useful these tips to relieve headache! If you have any others that we have not mentioned, please let them in the comments.

Wish you a good an healthy day!

Healthy Recipes: Rice Porridge

SHA — Thu, 02 May 2013 07:14:05 +0000

What is porridge? Porridge is one of the most famous and international healthy breakfasts, usual in many homes as a fundamental part of a healthy and balanced diet. It is usually made by cooking for a long oats, rice, other grains or even legumes.

Today we share with you our healthy recipe of rice porridge for a healthy and hearty breakfast, with the necessary energy (carbohydrates) that whole grains provide. Porridge recipe is a very easy and low cost recipe that provides the energy our body needs throughout the morning. We also recommend serving it with some Japanese umeboshi plum because it is a very powerful natural alkalizing that also helps us to have a clear and active mind during the whole day.

The ingredients we need for a healthy breakfast with rice porridge are:

1 cup of organic brown rice per person
5 cups of mineral water for each cup of brown rice
umeboshi or seasonal fresh fruit as we prefer

The preparation is simple but time consuming, so we always recommend preparing it the night before:

Soak the rice for at least 5 hours (or overnight) in spring water
Place the rice in a pressure cooker with soaking water
Add a pinch of salt or a small piece of kombu seaweed for each cup of rice
Bring to a boil and cook on a low flame with a diffuser for 50 min
Turn off and remove the pan from the heat leaving it to cool naturally
Serve the cream of rice with a little bit of umeboshi or other fruits

As mentioned, although this recipe is for rice porridge, we can also prepare oats porridge (oatmeal porridge) or other whole grains, according to our personal taste.

No need to add sugar because the porridge takes the natural sweet from grain so this unsweetened porridge recipe is very healthy for a complete and healthy breakfast.

Do you like the porridge? Do you have any other way to prepare it?

Home remedies for constipation

SHA — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 07:54:12 +0000

What is constipation? Constipation is an illness or discomfort with the lack of regular movement of our intestinal system that makes our bowels not to be empty when it is due. In our society, constipation is increasingly common due to our sedentary lifestyle and wrong eating, with lack of liquids and fiber. In addition, some situations such as travel and movements (and subsequent changes in water and food), times of stress or pregnancy often also cause constipation.

It is also important to know that constipation can also be caused by some other disease such as thyroid, menopause, bowel obstruction or inflammation of the liver and gallbladder.

The most common symptoms of constipation are stomach pain, abdomen inflammation bloating and swelling feeling caused by not going to the bathroom. Usually doctors consider that a person is constipated when not going to the bathroom in 3 or 4 days, but the best thing for our health is to go to the bathroom at least once a day.

To prevent constipation, Yvonne Rojas -expert in colon function- primarly recommends a colon flush or colon hydrotherapy, a natural therapy that helps to eliminate the accumulated faeces in our intestines by applying water at different temperatures.

However, you can also fall back on some home remedies for constipation that will help us go to the bathroom regularly and will avoid those pesky stomach pains, both to us and to the many kids and babies who suffer from baby constipation and we can relief them with some of these tricks and tips for constipation relief.

Natural Remedies for Constipation:

Stop consuming dairy. Dairy products cause constipation. For this and for many other reasons, it is good to substitute cow’s milk for almond milk, rice milk or oat milk, much more digestible and healthy.
Reduce salt intake, since hypertension can also lead constipation.
Recieve a shiatsu massage or lymphatic drainage to stimulate bowel movement naturally. And if you prefer to do it from home, you can always rub the belly with olive oil in a circular motion.
Eating natural papaya regularly or natural supplements made by fermented papaya as Immunage. Papaya is one of the most popular natural remedies for constipation.
Replace white bread with whole grain bread, refined pasta and flours by whole grains for a healthy diet, because they provide more fiber and make our digestive system to work harder and better.
Eating vegetables high in fiber like cabbage. The cabbage has large amounts of insoluble fiber to stimulate the movement of our intestines and facilitate evacuation
Drink about 2 liters of water daily

In addition, we recommend daily moderate exercise and try to train our gut: make our body get used to go to the bathroom at a specific time, for example, after breakfast, to habituate our colon.

If we suffer occasional constipation we can use linseed (flax seeds), all natural laxative. We can take them in a infusion, macerating them in hot water for 12 hours, intaking a linseed oil spoon or even mixing the linseed directly in some soup or vegetables cream.

It is not advisable to use artificial chemical laxatives because they may adversely affect our intestinal flora and reach cause dependence.

If you suffer from chronic constipation it is best to visit a specialist to help you, but all these remedies will surely help you, especially the colon flush, as it will be helpful to remove accumulated feces.

Hopefully these tips to avoid constipation will be useful to you. If you have any more, please share them with us in the comments!

Eight reasons to try t’ai chi

SHA — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 07:49:36 +0000

What exactly is t’ai chi?

It’s a question we are regularly asked by people who are interested in t’ai chi’s fusion of physical exercise and meditative technique, but aren’t quite sure how they work.

Thought to have originated in 13th-century China, the slow and deliberate postures of t’ai chi ch’uan, or taijiquan, (often abbreviated to t’ai chi in English) were initially conceived as a martial art. However, over the last century the combination of gentle body movements, spiritual focus and meditative breathing techniques have made it popular among those who are more interested in its beneficial effects on physical and mental health.

But what are these benefits? We spoke to Joan Carratalà, t’ai chi teacher and member of the Hun Yuan T’ai Chi System, to find out why this ancient Chinese art is so beneficial.

1. T’ai chi gives you energy: T’ai chi is related to the theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine which state that Qi, the flow of energy that sustains living beings, moves through the body along meridians, or pathways. When these pathways are blocked, illness and lethargy ensues. The movements of t’ai chi are designed to prevent or relieve blockages and allow Qi to flow freely through the body, leaving the practitioner feeling energised, alert and focussed.

2. It calms the mind: The slow movements associated with t’ai chi are a carefully formulated set of postures designed to strengthen the body and focus the mind. Aided by deep breathing techniques, they allow the practitioner to focus on achieving a meditative state, reducing mental and physical symptoms of stress and anxiety.

3. Regular practice helps reduce blood pressure: As both an aerobic exercise and a meditative technique, T’ai chi can lower blood pressure.

4. And can relieve headaches, backaches and even insomnia: By stimulating the movement of Qi around the body, t’ai chi can reduce and remove energy blockages which cause aches, pains and other maladies.

5. The postures strengthen your arms and legs: Despite the focus on slow, deliberate movements, t’ai chi is an effective physical exercise – after all, it was initially designed as a martial art. Movements flow into one another, keeping the body in continuous motion and resulting in a strong core, arms and legs.

6. The physical practice can also unlock joints, preventing ailments such as arthritis: The low impact postures of t’ai chi are gentle on the joints but still increase mobility and range of motion in ankles, hips and knees.

7. T’ai chi can reduce the risk of falls and injuries: As it improves strength, range of motion and spatial orientation, t’ai chi reduces the risk of falls or other injuries associated with frailty and loss of balance.

8. T’ai chi improves the respiratory and cardiovascular systems: Although the heart rate decreases during t’ai chi, blood flow is increased, strengthening the cardiovascular system. In addition, the deep breathing techniques build up lung capacity, increase the amount of oxygen inhaled into the body and expel more waste gases and stale energy.

So, if you are looking for a holistic remedy to lethargy, stress or physical ailments, then you might just have found your answer…

Do you practice T’ai chi?

The 15 key benefits of meditation according to Stuart Bold

SHA — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:54:30 +0000

Today we talk about natural health and evidence-based health and wellbeing benefits of meditation and mindfulness in people’s life.

Quite simply, the range of health benefits (physical, mental and emotional) are extensive and quite incredible. The learning and practice of meditation is highly effective for pro-active healthcare, for improving health and wellbeing and for addressing and managing health challenges, illnesses and long term conditions.

There is actually nothing else, at all, like meditation and mindfulness that enables access to such a vast array of health and wellbeing benefits –and many other benefits-, such as greater brain power and cognitive function, enhanced happiness and quality of life, improved personal and work performance, better self-esteem, better relationships etc, etc.

The 15 key benefits of meditation are:

Stronger general health
Stronger immune function, quicker recovery from illness/injury, reduced risk factors (cardiovascular health, stroke, Diabetes, neurological conditions)
Lowering of high blood pressure or hypertension and reduction of atherosclerosis
Reduction and management of stress, anxiety, worry and also depression –for example, meditators have significantly lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) than non-meditators-.
Reversal of aging, youth enhancement and healthy ageing –for example, meditators have significantly higher levels of DHEA (the youth hormone) than non-meditators-.
Natural weight loss and management of weight
Stronger mental health and mental and emotional resilience
Management and potential reduction of pain and chronic pain
Improved sleep (and quality of sleep) –for example, meditators have significantly higher levels of melatonin in their system than non-meditators.
Management (physical, mental and emotional) of long term conditions and illnesses, such as cancer
Reduction of migraines and headaches
Improves breathing and helps to reduce diseases such as asthma
Eliminates many of the Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Helps control hormones during menopause
Fertility and healthy pregnancy and birth

The practice of meditation and mindfulness (and the meditation techniques are easy to learn and take only a small amount of time each day) provided extensive and cumulative health and wellbeing benefits. Once a meditation and mindfulness practice is learnt and brought into life (in practical and modern ways), then that practice can lead to a huge array of multiple and mutually reinforcing and supporting benefits and feel much better both inside and outside.

Meditation is an excellent tool for life!

Article written by the acclaimed therapist Stuart Bold. He is an expert in meditation and mindfulness, positive psychology and energy therapies such as Reiki to improve the health and wellbeing of people. Bold is a guest therapist at SHA Wellness Clinic until April 25th, 2013.

The effectiveness and outcomes of his treatments and therapies have been tested not only for its many satisfied customers but also by prestigious universities and scientific studies have shown that meditation and energy therapies can improve people’s quality of life. If you want to learn more about Stuart Bold, do not miss this interesting interview:

What is serotherapy?

SHA — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 07:16:02 +0000

If last week we talked about the benefits of ozone therapy, today we present another new treatment in Biological Medicine. It is the biological serotherapy, a treatment based on intravenous serums completely customized according to specific needs and goals of each person, both within health and wellbeing and physical appearance. Dr. Rosario Garcia answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) on treatment with serotherapy.

What is serotherapy?

The definition of serotherapy would be: “Treatment that consists of the administration of specific serums that promote self-healing of our body from a selection of vitamins, trace elements and natural biological agents according to our specific needs: slimming, beautifying our skin, improve health of our hair, etcetera “.

How is biological serotherapy applied?

Serotherapy is usually performed by intravenous application, ie incorporating our custom serum directly into our blood flow.

Is it true that serotherapy has a powerful detoxifying effect?

Perhaps the detoxification of the body is the main application of this treatment, since the intravenous application of sera represents a therapeutic method that activates the body’s self-healing capacity (strengthening the immune system) and promotes the elimination of toxins through physiological pathways removal.

How long do the effects of biological fluid therapy?

Its therapeutic effects are fast, allowing to restore the normal functions of the organs and accelerating altered biological recovery of patients regain vitality, organic deterioration stop and start living a more fulfilling life. Serotherapy in healthy people can prevent disease and optimize physical and intellectual activity.

How many serotherapy sessions are needed?

The sessions required will depend on the needs and expectations of guests but we recommend a minimum of 2 sessions.

How is the sera customized?

Sera used in the treatment of serotherapy are completely customized according to individual needs and health benefits that are desired. We have an initial consultation with the patient to determine what are his or her needs and goals and then we ellaborate the sera we consider appropriate. For example, there are sera combinations to:

Improve the health and beauty of our skin

Improve the health and beauty of hair

Lose weight and fight obesity

Detoxifying the body

Stress Therapy

Protecte the immune system

Anti-Aging Serum

Revitalize our energy

Regulate insomnia

Improve digestion

Improve vital harmony

Improve cardiovascular health

Improve mental performance, memory and overall brain health

Strengthen our bones and joints

Improve sexual health and wellbeing

Reduce nicotine addiction

Can serotherapy be combined with other beauty treatments?

Of course, serotherapy is perfectly compatible with other beauty treatments because the recovery is immediate after application and, in fact,it is recommended to do it in combination with ozone therapy to multiply their effects and benefits.

Facial rejuvenation without surgery: Thermage CPT

SHA — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 07:15:51 +0000

How to rejuvenate your skin with laser

Is your skin wrinkled and aged and do not know how to remedy it? With the style of life we live today and the multitude of external agents to which we submit (sun, pollution, snuff, stress…), it is normal that from 35-40 years we notice that our skin is not so young and smooth as we would like. So today we’d like to talk about the beauty treatment Thermage CPT, a safe and clinically proven way to firm and give contour to the skin, achieving improvements in tone, contour and texture without surgery through the stimulation of your own collagen without going through surgery or put anesthesia…

The third generation laser Thermage CPT (Comfort Pulse Technology) employs a patented radiofrequency (RF) tecnhology heated with absolute certainty that the deeper skin layers is controlled by a cooling system on the surface, which stimulates collagen and promotes existing growth of new collagen to give a more youthful appearance to the skin, getting very good results. Moreover, this new treatment does not break the skin or introduce any substance into the body because it is the skin itself which is building its own collagen in reaction to the effect of laser. All terminals are single use and are different depending on the body area to be treated.

Dr. Maria Dolores Anton, specialist in medical aesthetics, says: “Thermage is a laser designed for all who want their body to look younger and do not want to suffer a postoperative, allowing the immediate return to normal life after its realization because it leaves no marks or bruises”.Normally this procedure for rejuvenation by radiofrequency is performed in a single session that can last from 20 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the area being treated because although it is used especially for facial rejuvenation, Thermage CPT is also suitable for the wrinkled skin and flabby belly, knees, legs, arms, hands and and it is especially effective to rejuvenate the neck and neckline. In addition, many men are particularly interested in the rejuvenation of jowls and eyelids.Thermage is a laser compatible with other aesthetic treatments and it requires no surgery neither injections. Improvements are immediately visible and continue up to six months, even if 100% of the result obtained past 12 months. It can be repeated the following year to improve the results or wait three years for keeping them.

Would you like to try it?

What is ozone therapy?

SHA — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 08:51:06 +0000

Biological Medicine: Ozone therapy

Although ozone is generally thought of as the layer that protects us from ultraviolet radiation, the truth is that this molecule, though it is toxic, applied in small controlled doses has other more direct applications that are equally beneficial to health. Dr. Rosario Garcia, Licensed in Medicine and Surgery andexpert in Biological Medicine and Anti-aging Medicine answers some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about this therapeutic treatment.

What is ozonetherapy?

Medical ozone therapy consists in applying a mix, using the so-called “ozone generators”, made up of ozone gas with medicinal oxygen, in the human body using various techniques (intradermal, intravenous or intradiscal) with therapeutic purposes.

What is an ozone generator?

An ozone generator is a hyperbaric ozone therapy machine that is used to carry out the revitalisation sessions in an automated manner. Blood enters the vein with the help of a precise, safe and automatic pump system called autohemotherapy.

What is autohemotherapy?

The Autohemotherapy revitalisation or intravenal ozone therapy consists in extracting around 150ml of the patient’s venous blood, which is mixed with the ozone is a sterile glass vial with anticoagulant and is immediately reinfused in the patient using the same entry point. The entire process is performed in a closed and sterile system that connects the patient with a glass vial which is in turn connected to the ozone generator. Another form of application is rectal ozone therapy, where the ozone is applied with the aid of a cannula through which 200-300mls of ozone is insufflated. Both procedures take about 20 minutes, after which the patient can return to their normal activity.

What are the benefits of ozone treatment?

Dr. Rosario Garcia assures that “medical ozone therapy, positioned as one of the latest techniques in various technical specialities is scientifically proven to be an effective technique that results in an overall significant improvement of many of the body’s physiological processes, improving quality of life and work capacity“. Ozone therapy stands out due to its oxygenating, revitalising, antioxidant, regenerative and immunomodulatory power, providing people with positive effects that last over time. Some of the most highlighting health benefits of the ozone therapy are:

- Relieves headaches and migraines

- Improves blood circulation

- Activates blood circulation and, therefore, reduces cellulite and orange peel and even reduces varicose

- Reduces cholesterol and uric acid

- Enhances mental performance and alertness, preventing neurogenerative diseases such as Alzheimer

- Improves the immune system and thus helps the prevention and cure of diseases

- Improve the overall appearance and beauty

- Produces an overall sense of well being, increased energy and vitality

What diseases is ozone therapy recommended for?

Ozone treatment is normally applied to treat different diseases, mainly in orthopaedics, cardiology, neurology or rheumatology. In fact, ozone therapy treatment for herniated disc is one of the most successful applications. Nevertheless, as Dr Garcia says “it is also used in the field of Anti-Ageing Medicine, offsetting and slowing the deterioration that happens in the body with age, and is one of the most effective revitalising treatments and very compatible with other treatments such as serotherapy“.

To whom ozone therapy is addressed?

This biological medicine treatment is aimed at people over 25 who want to regain their biological balance quickly, efficiently and with the lowest possible toxicity achieved while rejuvenating and feel much better, especially if they suffer from diseases such as cronic back pain, herniated or slip disc , fibromyalgia or arthritis.

How many ozone therapy sessions are needed?

The dosage of the ozone to be administered will depend on the patient’s general state of health, their age, the base disease and the number of sessions tend to be 10, recommending a minimum of 5. From a clinical point of view, the improvement in the patient is seen between the 5th and the 10th session and the cycles can be repeated every 3 months.

Does it have any contraindications?

The only contraindication is about people suffering the favism disease, a very specific haemolytic anemia that only affects to a very small percentage of the population, although it is not recommended to pregnant women.

Related posts:

How to control hypertension

SHA — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 07:56:01 +0000

Information and advice about high blood pressure

Last 7th April was the World Health Day and the WHO (World Health Organization) decided to dedicate it this year 2013 to hypertension disease, also known as high blood pressure, to promote and aware of the importance of controlling this health problem that is so prevalent in today’s society.

From this blog we want to join this initiative with this explanation about hypertension, its main causes and symptoms and the most appropriate ways of measuring, controling and preventing the high blood pressure by the hand of Dr. Alicia Garcia.

Hypertension is a cardiovascular disease that affects more than 30% of the world population and reaches almost 70% in people over 65. In addition, hypertension is the major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and carries a high risk of other diseases such as stroke or stroke and myocardial infarction.

Today heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, being high blood pressure the most common of them. In fact, according to recent WHO studies, the mortality rate from cardiovascular disease accounting for 47% of the total, making it clear that maintaining stable blood levels will improve our health and will increase our life expectancy. But…

What exactly is blood pressure?

When our heart beats, it pumps blood into the arteries and creates pressure on them to get the blood to circulate throughout the body. Systolic pressure (also known as “low pressure”) is the one recorded in the arteries when the heart beats and diastolic pressure (also known as high pressure”) is what occurs while the heart rests between beats. So when measuring blood pressure is always given two figures, one higher first and one lower then.

When can you say that a person has high blood pressure? What are the normal levels of blood pressure?

Dr. Alicia Garcia explains that it depends very much on each person because there are individual factors that may change a lot the levels, although when the patient has values from 140/90 it is normally considered first degree hypertension.

What are the main symptoms of hypertension?

High blood pressure can seriously affect the functioning of not only our hearts but also in our brain and kidneys. It usually has no obvious symptoms but, however, high blood pressure exponentially increases the risk of diseases such as strokes and brain hemorrhages, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, heart failure, kidney failure or even blindness.

How frequently is desirable blood pressure to be measured?

Although it is usually recommended to take the blood pressure at least once a year from ages 35-40, the truth is that today, and with the facilities that we have (there are devices that allow you to do it at home very easily) as recommended would start taking blood pressure from young and do so more frequently. Dr. Alicia Garcia recommends taking the blood pressure at least once a week, especially in those with previous hypertension in their families or those suffering from other diseases commonly associated with high blood pressure such as renal diseases.

In addition, there are times and situations like pregnancy where we have to watch very carefully our blood pressure levels. Hypertension in pregnancy is quite usually; especially when you consider that during the period of gestation increases the amount of blood in our body and, therefore, our blood pressure. Normally this is a slight increase almost irrelevant but there are times that hypertension in pregnancy can lead to big problems for the mother and her unborn child so it is very important to have your blood pressure checked and measured every day if necessary.

When should we take the bloof pressure? Is there a recommended time?

Dr. Alicia Garcia always recommended to take the blood pressure at the same time of the day and ensure that the patient has rested a few minutes previously and has not ingested coffee, alcohol or other harmful substances that alter the levels. The blood pressure must be taken in a calm and relaxed environment and the patient should be seated with the horizontal arm located at heart level.

Note that sometimes appears what is called as ‘White Coat Syndrome‘. The White Coat Syndrome happens to many patients that are nervous simply because they know that a doctor is taking their blood pressure and this raises the levels immediately, so efforts should be made to reassure and take tension as naturally and calmly as possible.

What are the main causes of high blood pressure?

There are two basic types of hypertension: essential or primary hypertension and secondary hypertension.

Essential hypertension or primary hypertension is not from specific or certain causes but it is usually caused by hereditary issues, lifestyle, etc. It is very difficult to draw precise causes of this type of high blood pressure and we must try to prevent it simply by following a healthy lifestyle and, if it appears, have it checked and controlled.

On the other hand, secondary hypertension is produced directly coming for some reason such as kidney disease or intake of certain medications. Our kidneys are closely linked to our blood pressure and its malfunction can result in what is known as renal hypertension, ie high blood pressure caused by narrowing the arteries that go the kidneys.

How can you prevent this health problem? Are there natural remedies or treatments against high blood pressure?

Although it is very difficult to cure high blood pressure permanently, there are several of healthy lifestyle habits that can help prevent it and, if it occurs, reducing its values and keep it more controlled. The advice of Dr. Alicia Garcia:

Reduce salt intake
Eat a balanced and healthy diet
Maintain an ideal weight: Obesity is a major cause of hypertension
Practice at least 20-30 minutes of exercise a day (fast walking may be worth)
Avoid alcohol, coffee or any other noxious
Give up smoking

And you, how do you take care of your blood pressure levels?

Massage Therapy

SHA — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 07:41:43 +0000

Body massages at SHA

“Everyone should take a massage a week“. This sentence was said by our therapist Paco Aviles in the interview we did to him. But he is not the only one who thinks so. Increasingly, therapists, doctors and experts say that massage therapy is one of the best ways to take care of our health and wellbeing, as therapeutic massages provide multiple benefits for our body and mind. In fact, the importance of therapeutic massage tailored to individual needs as directed by appropriate experts is increasing in many international medical systems.

The most requested massage at any spa is usually relaxing massage. The relaxing massages achieve a state of calmness and deep relax in body and mind, eliminates the contractures of our muscles and joints and promote blood circulation. The relax massage has anti stress effects as it calms nerves caused by stress and achieves greater oxygenation, in a peaceful environment using essential oils.

At SHA we have a relaxing massage with our own signature called SHA Massage. Fruit of the fusion of different oriental techniques and essential oils from the west, it producen an amazing awake of your senses.

Another famous relaxing massage at SHA spa is Hot Stone Massage. Hot Stone Massage is a warming therapy used to perform a complete and deep massage which helps release tension, relax muscles and reduce stress. It is the perfect combination of hot and cold stones and essential oils. The massage acts and creates sedative responses, producing deep relaxation in the recipient.

If you suffer from frequent headaches the best massage is craniocervical massage. Craniocervical massage release tension and allows relaxation. This massage helps to balance your mind, to release fatigue and weariness. Manual treatment using craniocervical massage aimed at freeing tension and energy blockages and promoting relaxation, producing simultaneous reactions in the rest of the body which allow us to balance our nervous system. In addition, this massage is highly recommended for pregnant women.

Which one would you choose?

Allergy remedies

SHA — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 07:29:52 +0000

Allergy solutions

Spring is a difficult season for those who suffer from allergic rhinitis

Once winter is over, with the spring, temperatures start to rise and allergic rhinitis or hay fever, which is basically allergies to dust or allergies to pollen, become a common problem that affects many allergic people who seek solutions and remedies for their allergy symptoms such as nasal rhinitis, itching, watery eyes or breathing difficulties. Therefore, we decided to give you some tips and remedies to allergic fight that serve you as a natural allergic treatment.

Isabel Moreno, an expert on nutrition and natural therapy, maintains that springtime asthenia or hay fever is due to the body feeling exhausted; our energy changes and one of the associated reactions are allergies. “Eliminating dairy products from our diet can prevent the mucus that is produced with the allergies. It is also a good idea to eat food that alkalizes our body, such as plant-origin food, especially fruit and vegetables” states the healthy nutrition consultant.

As for tips on nutrition and advice on healthy eating that can prevent allergies, the chefs at healthy restaurant SHAMADI recommend eating some antiallergic ingredients such as umeboshi, a Japanese plum that is extremely beneficial for health (it is antiallergic but also analgesic) and drink ume-sho-bancha tea (made of umeboshi plums, shoyu, and bancha or three-year tea), which naturally stops headaches, stomach problems or fatigue, typical symptoms of spring allergies.

Another of our tips to prevent allergies is doing regular exercise because practising sport builds up the immune system and it protects the organism from infections. Luis Ganso, personal trainer, recommends “doing moderate sport under the supervision of a personal trainer who adapts the exercise to the individual needs of each person and of course, always avoid doing exercise outside at this time of year to prevent the classic hay fever”.

Moreover, our different natural treatments can also help those suffering from allergies as our natural therapies have all been designed and chosen for their preventive and curing properties. A few examples are acupuncture that stimulates the body’s natural defences and promotes self-healing or the relaxing massages. Ricardo Inocentes, head therapist, insists that “not only do we want you to have a pleasant stay with us but we also want to enhance your body’s own ability to boost its immune system”.

Spring allergies or hay fever such as dust mite allergy, dust allergy or pollen allergy develop more at this time of year and that’s why it is so important to prevent them in advance with natural remedies like these. However, if their symptoms are very severe so best to see an allergist specialist.

Do you have some tips to fight allergies?

Healthy Recipes for Easter Holidays

SHA — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 10:27:35 +0000

Healthy recipes for Easter: fried milk with hot chocolate and French toast with nougat ice-cream

Hi all! In these special dates there are many traditional Easter recipes that can not fail in our homes like French toast, fried milk or donuts. However, most Easter recipes are essentially based on bad ingredients for our health such as sugar and refined flour.

From SHA we always encourage you to follow a healthy diet and to avoid unhealthy foods and, therefore, we recommend replacing these ingredients by other healthier foods such as spelled flour or natural syrups to sweeten your healthy recipes for Easter holidays. At Christmas and we gave you a few general tips and share the recipe for unsweetened chocolate donuts, and today we bring you two new recipes for Easter Holidays that follow these same healthy principles: we change the traditional French toast with some spelled French toast and the traditional fried milk for fried coconut milk.

1. Spelled French toast with nougat ice cream

Ingredients for ten serving approximately:

For the French toast:

Spelled baguette 600g
Almond Milk 1 liter
Lemon peel 2 units
Cinnamon sticks 6 units
Rice syrup 250g

To fry:

Rice syrup 400g
Organic Sunflower Oil 100 gr

For the nougat ice cream:

Soy cream 250 gr
Oat milk 1000 gr
Rice syrup 100g
Agave syrup 100 gr
Agar-agar 5 g
Cashew Paste 300 gr

Instructions for Easter French toast:

Infuse the milk with the lemon peels, the cinnamon and the rice syrup and let cool.
Cut the spelled baguette into slices and remove the bark 4cm each slice, trying to leave 7cmx4cm rectangles.
Leave the spelled bread soak for 6-8 hours in the cold infusion.
Mop the slices of bread on all sides in a mixture of molasses and oil previously placed on a plate and fry with little oil equally on all sides.

Instructions for nougat ice cream:

Bring to boil all ingredients except the cashew paste at medium heat for 5 minutes approx.
Weigh the paste in the Thermomix and turbinar at full power with the mixture warm. Freeze until it is the desired texture.

2. Fried coconut milk with hot chocolate

Ingredients for ten servings:

For the fried milk:

Coconut milk 500 ml
Oat Milk 500 ml
Cornstarch 50 g
Wholemeal flour 35 gr
Canela 5 gr
Agave 200 ml
Kudzu 10 gr
Agar-agar 2.5 g

For the hot chocolate:

Soy cream 125 gr
Water 350 ml
Agave 200 gr
Pure cocoa powder 90 gr

Instructions for Easter fried milk:

Measure the coconut milk and oat milk together, reserve 300 ml of the total mixture and bring to a boil else with cinnamon, agave and agar-agar.
Dissolve the kudzu in water and add to first mixture when it reaches a boil. Homogenize the flour and cornstarch with 300ml of the reserved mixture and add boil for 5 minutes left, stirring to prevent sticking.
Put in a rectangular mold and freeze.
Cut frozen fried milk in 3x3cm cubes and fry them slowly without sticking to the bottom. Sprinkle with cinnamon while they are still warm.

Instructions for hot chocolate: Boil all ingredients, stir eventually, let cool and store. Heat just before serving.

We hope you like them!

Telomerase for rejuvenation and life extension

SHA — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 09:01:41 +0000

Anticancer using Telomere Research

Last Friday March 22nd we hosted at SHA a seminar about anti-aging entitled: “The keys to a long healthy life” in which renowned scientists like Dr. Maria Blasco Marhuenda, Dr. Gloria Sabater and Dr. Vicente Mera discussed about the latest advances in telomere and telomerase research and its application in areas such as rejuvenation, anti-aging for a life extension and cancer prevention.

What is a telomere? Telomeres are the ends of chromosomes, DNA coding regions whose length determines the biological age of our cells. The latest scientific theories on rejuvenation and anti-aging determine our telomeres are like our hourglass that marks how long our cells can live. Furthermore, our biological age can be measured by the telomere test, an analysis that measures our telomere length.

What is telomerase? Telomerase is an enzyme that protects and lengthens telomeres. However, many cancer cells reactivate telomerase activity and favor the development of cancer, so the latest cancer research using Telomere studies are aimed to prevent this proliferation of malignant cells, contributing to cancer prevention while promoting natural rejuvenation and life extension. Now the main question is: If we activate telomerase in a controlled manner, could we can get a life extension without causing more cancer?

Anticancer studies using Telomere and Telomerase Research are so important that achieved the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2009 from the hand of the scientists Elizabeth Blackburn, Carol Greider and Jack Szostak.

Dr. Maria Blasco, Director of the Spanish National Center for Cancer Research, is the most prominent scientific in Spain in the study of telomeres and telomerase. In her speech, she explained her anticancer research conducted on mice to fight cancer and to slow down the aging process. In addition, Dr. Blasco certified that there are some food supplements such as TA-65 that activate telomerase and contribute to natural rejuvenation and life extension without causing cancer.

Dr. Gloria Sabater, geneticist oriented to life extension, highlighted the importance of studying the genes of people through detailed genetic analysis which show the probability to suffer certain diseases and help to prevent them in order to ensure a longer life expectancy.

In addition, Dr. Vicente Mera showed in his speech that factors such as stress or poor diet also favor telomere shortening. So, keeping a healthy lifestyle is essential if you want to stop premature aging and facilitate the prevention of cancer, amongst many other diseases. According to Dr. Mera, humans are able to live for 120 to 130 years on a full active Telomeres and by avoiding a bad livestyle. In fact, the key to healthy aging can be summarized as: healthy diet, daily exercise and relaxation.

If you want to know the main conclusions of these conferences you can follow the comments made on Twitter using the hashtag #SHAntiaging.

PhotoDynamic Skin Rejuvenation: say goodbye to facial blemishes

SHA — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 08:57:52 +0000

PhotoDynamic Skin Rejuvenation is the latest therapy to eliminate facial blemishes and sun spots and rejuvenate the skin on the face and neckline, being three times more efficient than some conventional systems.

In our daily life we just can’t avoid overexposing ourselves to the sun, even though we shouldn’t because it is not good for our skin: spots and blemishes, pigmentation changes, dilated blood vessels, fine lines and wrinkles, rough skin… they are all signs of damaged skin which not only make us look much older but can also lead to skin cancer. In its mission to combat the aforementioned, SHA has just launched today’s most innovative treatment against aging skin and sun spots in its medical area: PhotoDynamic Rejuvenation, which is a minimally invasive therapy that gets exceptional results even after just one session.

The prestigious doctor Larissa Perezhogina recommends keeping the treated area completely out of the sun for at least 48h; the treatment should be repeated one month after the first session for the most damaged areas.

PhotoDynamic Rejuvenation Therapy was a huge scientific breakthrough for treating the most superficial types of skin cancer and pre-malignant skin lesions without having to resort to surgery. Nowadays, having realised that it eliminates precancerous lesions, favours healthier skin by improving its tone, texture and its elasticity plus the fact that it eliminates the damage done by UVA/UVB rays by stimulating the production of collagen, it is also used in aesthetics.

It is an innovative technique that combines two essential elements: the use of a photosensitive substance and intense pulsed light (IPL) irradiation. This combination selectively eliminates the tissue that has been damaged by the sun and promotes the generation of exceptionally high levels of collagen through biochemical reactions which occur when the cream is applied on the areas affected by the atopic cells. This is why the therapy is three times as effective as conventional pulsed light.

And you, Would you like to eliminate your facial blemishes?

Health benefits of practising paddle

SHA — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 07:00:27 +0000

The paddle, like any sport, provides many health benefits. In the case of paddle, we do not only improve our fitness condition and burn calories, which helps us to get fit, but also we improve our coordination of movements, our agility and our reflexes while we tone our body. Being an essentially aerobic sport, paddle helps improve our cardiovascular system and prevent possible heart diseases.

In addition, injuries are less common than in many other sports, as it exercises the whole body and the movements are quite controlled, but sometimes it can cause injuries by poor posture. It is therefore important, as in all sports, to warm up before going out to be sure our muscles are prepared for the effort, and to stretch when we finish the paddle game.

Although it has the same scoring system that tennis and they are quite similar, paddle is played in a smaller court (10x20m) that require more agility movements and reflexes to hit the ball on time, and is played with quite specific blades instead of traditional racquets.

The paddle game is based on short leg movements in all directions, coordination and use of both arms to correctly hit the ball and it is further characterized by prefetching the next play so that, besides an adequate development of our psychomotricity, it also requires an agile and awakaned mind.

One of the main reasons which led to the success of the paddle is that it’s really easy to play and it’s not a sport that requires achieving a high level of technique to enjoy it, but with a few sessions you can have medium level and fully enjoy the game.

In addition, another of its main advantages is that the paddle is a sport that you can play almost any age without assuming too physical exhaustion. From children starting at school to seniors who want to play sports outdoors actively without undergoing physical excesses.

But besides that the paddle is very beneficial to our physical health, it is also good for our mental health. It is one of the most social sports of the moment because it is usually played in pairs and normally we can meet new people with similar interests and share experiences with them. For many, the most important thing is that the paddle is a fun sport that motivates and helps us feel better, clear our heads, focus on the game during that time and forget the problems and tensions of everyday life, eliminating stress and accumulated anxiety.

Do you play paddle?

Enhance your face after the cold winter with the latest facial treatments

SHA — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 09:14:06 +0000

With the cold and freezing temperatures our skin suffers a lot: some redness appear, our skin is dry, our lips and even our nose are peeled, dead cells accumulate causing increased tightness and shortness of hydration because essential fatty acids arrive outside of our skin, and so on. In addition, other factors specific to the winter and the continuous and rapid temperature changes we submit our skin, the influence of artificial light, pollution and lack of sun rise further damage to our skin. In this season, facial treatments can make the difference.

Another main problem is the lack of awareness regarding the protection of our skin. While it seems that we are already aware of the importance of protecting and caring for skin against sun damage during the summer months, in winter seems that we forget the attacks it suffers. Therefore, facing the arrival of spring, it is very important to have at least one facial treatment tailored to the needs of our skin type to cleanse, moisturize, nourish and let it recover the luminosity and bright we have lost during the coldest months of the year.

Depending on your needs and specific purposes can choose from this extensive menu of facial treatments available at SHA:

Facial Cleanse: Deep cleansing of the skin, eliminating impurities and black heads. This consists of a cleanse and exfoliation, followed by a massage and a face masque. An entire process which will allow our skin to breathe, keeping it healthy and radiant.
Special Facial Treatment: Let our glass cups purify your organism through the alternating compression and depression technique, stimulating cellular detoxification. The acceleration of organic liquids will stimulate your metabolism increasing elimination and purification processes.
Personalised Facial Treatment: After performing an exhaustive skin diagnosis, we use the most recommended essential oil-based products for your skin, applying a facial massage.

Alpin Rose Facial Treatment: A facial treatment with a hand ritual that actives the vitality of the mother cells of the skin, favors its regeneration and gives strength to the skin by stimulating the natural mechanisms of defense. It hydrates deeply thanks to the water rich in minerals from the Tirol Mountains.
Anti-aging Facial Treatment: Facial treatment created to reduce the signs of ageing and increase skin firmness. We apply totally natural products which stimulate the creation of collagen, and therefore firm the skin.
Vitamin C Treatment: Treatment containing active ingredients which make the skin glow and preserve the quality of the skin’s collagen, bringing luminosity and clarity to the skin.
Profilit Lifting Effect Facial Treatment: For the first time, a line of cosmetics inspired by the latest filling techniques which act simultaneously against symptoms of loss of firmness, harmoniously reproducing the contours of a young and firm complexion.
Hydra-Luxe Facial Treatment: Facial treatment that merges hydration and cell protection thanks to a combination of exceptional active ingredients that achieve a denser skin structure and smoother skin.

Eye Revitalising Treatment: Improving, refreshing, calming and hydrating the area around the eyes is essential for improving our image. Active ingredients that are highly recommended for this delicate area make this treatment a marvelous compliment to the rest of our facial services.

Which one would you choose?

Dr. Maria Blasco will speak of telomeres and healthy aging at SHA

SHA — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 08:30:13 +0000

Dr. María A. Blasco Marhuenda, one of the most renowned scientists of Spain, will visit SHA on Friday March 22nd as keynote speaker of the conference “The keys to a long healthy life”. Director of the National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Head of Telomeres and Telomerase Group of the centre and recently awarded as Honorary Ambassador of Spain Brand in the category of Science and Innovation, Dr. Maria Blasco has notably contributed to the research on telomeres and its application in the field of preventive medicine and the fight against cancer.

But… What are telomeres? Telomeres are the ends of our chromosomes and its length indicates our biological age, that is, how much we really aged. Telomeres play a key role in protecting the integrity of chromosomes and they are biomarkers of the aging degree of the organism and life expectancy. Thus, its measurement using the telomere length test -developed precisely by Dr. Maria Blasco and her team- determines our real degree of aging and lets us know our biological degeneration (cardiovascular diseases, obesity, cognitive impairment…) and make changes in our lifestyle to improve or predict and prevent the premature development of certain age-related diseases and try to minimize this risk. In her own words: “We know that people with shorter telomeres are at greater risk for certain diseases.”

Dr. Maria Blasco will explain this in detail in a talk entitled Telomeres as key to health and longevity. If you would like to learn more about telomeres you can read this interesting article in Spa Business.

In addition, the conference will also participate in Dr. Gloria Sabater, one of the most important doctors in pharmacy known for her specialty in Genetics and Preventive Medicine, who will talk about Why we age and what we can do to slow down the process and prevent it; and Dr. Vicente Mera, Head of our Healthy Aging Unit, who will talk about the relationship between Genetics and Antiaging 2.0.

The seminar will start at 6pm on Friday 22nd March and will be held in the Michio Kushi room at SHA. At the end, SHAMADI restaurant will offer a cocktail to the attendants. If you are interested in attending, please send an email to events@shawellnessclinic.com. Here’s the complete program:

Benefits of Pilates Method

SHA — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 08:24:23 +0000

Hi all! Surely many of you have heard that Pilates is very good for health but, do you know exactly what are the many benefits of Pilates? With this post we intend to solve many of your questions about the effectiveness of Pilates.

Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates in his search for the perfect combination of techniques such as gymnastics or yoga to make achieving the famous Latin phrase “mens sana in corpore sano”. Besides being considered one of the most complete exercises that exist today, the benefits of Pilates are numerous and help achieve good health and a healthy body.

In Pilates lessons a series of excercises are developed, composed by controlled movements coordinated with the breath, in order to create a harmonious, coordinated, muscular and flexible body.

Through the practice of Pilates, the mind is becoming aware of the capabilities, limitations, strengths and weaknesses of the body to improve the physical and mental state. The health benefits of Pilates are many because it is a global and comprehensive approach that seeks, according to its creator, “to strengthen the body through the use of the mind to master the muscles”.

The benefits of Pilates and its main advantages are:

It is an anaerobic sport so it does not work long term resistance but its benefits are more global and lasting than in many aerobic sports.
Strengthens muscles without adding excess muscle mass, toning the body in a more natural, deeply way and worked not only superficial and including muscles not normally work in the day.
It produces changes in daily life such as improved posture, eliminating common pain caused by poor posture and neck pain, headaches or backaches, as it makes a special emphasis on the correct alignment of the spine .
It improves breathing and therefore lung capacity. Breathing is perhaps the most fundamental part of Pilates and is characterized by lateral or costal breathing, affecting the lateral expansion of the rib cage during inspiration, favoring the respiratory and blood oxygenation.
It works especially abdominal area as the center of the body and thus contributes to lower belly and strengthening the abdomen.
Another benefit of Pilates is that it increases joint flexibility and therefore improves and facilitates body movement and reduces the likelihood of injury.
It increases our ability to concentrate, focus and awareness of our own body and its movements.
As we told you in this post, it can also be very useful to sleep better, because it reduces stress and induces a state of relaxation and well after practice.
It helps eliminate toxins through the breath and oxygenate the skin.
One of the biggest benefits of Pilates is that it requires no machines or appliances to be done, although we do sometimes serve certain equipment like balls (fit balls, bosu balls…) or even elastic beds to do and thus increase the variety of exercises and multiply your possibilities.
From the first class you notice how the muscles work and in three weeks of regular practice (2-3 times a week) very favorable results can be noted. There is a phrase of Joseph Pilates, the creator of this successful method, which defines it well: “In ten sessions you will feel the difference, in twenty sessions you will see the difference, and in thirty sessions you will change your body.”
Everyone can practice Pilates: pregnants, elderly people and even children. In addition, for pregnant women has additional advantages as it helps control the urge to go to the bathroom.

Still you have not decided to try this method and discover the benefits of Pilates?

Guest Therapist: John Tsagaris

SHA — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 09:15:37 +0000

Hi all!

As we told you in this post, the famous therapist John Tsagaris is coming SHA for a week, from 23rd to 30th of March, to offer our guests some of his star treatments for skin rejuvenation.

John Tsagaris is one of the most celebrated doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine in UK and internationally, has evolved Eastern and Western medical disciplines, through his years of experience into a holistic approach to health and beauty. He has created a number of anti-ageing treatments to maximize the natural responses of the body and optimise wellbeing thanks to the many benefits and knowleadge from Traditional Chinese Medicine.

His therapeutic approach, the highly attuned intuition and diagnostic skills, make his treatments extremely powerful and offer a unique personalised experience. His vast knowledge and research on skin and anti-ageing have been embodied in number of treatments to leave your skin and your body youthful and recharged.

Some of the most successful treatments of the oriental medicine therapist John Tsagaris are:

Chinese Micro Needling: Inspired by SHA, John has developed a new treatment that will provide a more youthful, smooth and healthy through noninvasive ancient Eastern techniques. The innovative treatment Chinese Micro Needling / Dermaroller stimulates the skin to regenerate and repair itself naturally, leaving it stronger and looking visibly brighter and radiant. The use of Chinese needles in treatments for skin care has ancient origins and has become over time in one of the safest and natural ways to rejuvenate it. By this treatment is achieved without any risk smooth wrinkles, minimize expression lines and reduce the appearance of crow’s feet in a non-invasive and natural way. The treatment is painless and provides immediate and permanent results. Your skin will be dramatically younger, smoother and healthier without being damaged.
Facial Shiatsu + Mask: John Tsagaris designed this facial Shiatsu treatment specifically to combine his great skills with hand,shis wisdom about facial shiatsu, and the science of natural hyaluronic acid. His own hands, full of energy and experience, recharge and invigorate the face while he diagnoses the condition of the guest, ready for transmission to other treatments, as necessary. The passion for healthy skin and wisdom of ancient techniques make this treatment rejuvenates the skin.
Beauty Acupuncture: beauty acupuncture stimulates the body’s ability to regenerate by accelerating the anti-aging factors and through the elimination of inflammatory factors which affect the health and appearance of skin. The flow of energy and blood through the skin and facial muscles are stimulated by applying needles at key points in areas of the face, head and body. John Tsagaris treatment, combining facial shiatsu, reflexology and acupuncture techniques, increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the face to reduce the visible signs of aging and finally bring a youthful glow to the face. Collagen production increases and strengthens skin fibers, facial muscles and reduces puffiness around the eyes. Furthermore, it can be combined with a mask that potentiates and prolongs its effects.
Traditional Chinese Medicine – TCM: General inquiry in which John Tsagaris uses his bare hands and knowleadge to work in a multidisciplinary and improve health. Using his medical skills, experience and healing techniques, John works with his intuition to address the psychological and pathological patients. Treatment includes the dynamics of Zen Shiatsu, traditional acupuncture, oriental healing and natural nutritional supplements that may be required. Furthermore, Tsagaris offers advice on diet and lifestyle to follow, as part of his holistic approach.

Do you dare to try these treatments by the hand of John Tsagaris, one of the best practitioners of Oriental medicine?

The best beauty treatments for men

SHA — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 08:13:42 +0000

Health and beauty are also for men. Figures show that more and more men are interested in feel good both inside and outside. Although SHA public remains mainly female, the difference is minimal (54% female, 46% male approximately in 2012), the percentage of men has increased by almost 10% in the last two years and the tendency seems to continue growing.

So we have to be very aware of the physical and psychological differences between men and women. Although many beauty treatments are also available for men, therapists and doctors need to be aware of their individual needs and adapt their treatments according to gender. As stated by Dr. Mª Dolores Anton, “the main problem of many beauty & wellness centers is that treatments are designed just thinking of the needs of women and they are not prepared to deal with men.” However, “in 2012, 1 in 10 cosmetic treatments in the world was for a man and the tendency is that numbers keep rising, so we have to be prepared and know exactly what they want,” says our aesthetic medicine expert Larissa Perezhogina.

From what we have seen in our guests, men are especially concerned about problems like hair loss or skin aging. Therefore, we have created within our Noninvasive Aesthetic Medicine Unit a Men Rejuvenation Program covering both problems, including a gluconic acid peeling, a facial mesotherapy and a vitamin cocktail to revitalize the skin, with a scalp mesotherapy to strengthen and prevent hair loss. We also have other innovative aesthetic treatments designed for men which seek to diminish the double chin, reduce eye bags, remove fat from the abdomen, and so on.

From our beauty treatments for men, we also have many dental treatments like tooth whitening with minimal damage to the enamel or the latest in implant technology that allows renew your teeth in just two weeks.

Furthermore, according to the latest annual report from SpaFinder, men are increasingly demanding aesthetic and beauty treatments traditionally reserved for women, such as manicures, pedicures and facials. And that’s not just because spending on beauty products is increasingly accepted culturally, but also because it is becoming a social necessity. Today’s society requires men to be more concerned not only for their physical appearance and grooming, specially for businessmen accustomed to making public presentations, but also their health. Men also want to look and feel good and we recommend them these treatments for beauty and relax:

Relaxing massage for men: The relaxing massage achieves a state of calmness of the body and mind. Muscle relaxation stimulates circulation, calms nerves caused by stress and achieves greater oxygenation, in a peaceful environment using essential oils.

Executive Man Facial Treatment: Revitalising treatment for men’s skin, providing an authentic touch of freshness. It protects skin from stress, and environmental damage, providing intense hydration and diffusing fine lines. A facial cleanse, exfoliation, massage and masque all serve to make this treatment the perfect moment for relaxation and wellbeing.

Pure Back Treatment: This treatment helps to enhance the skin on the back and relieve daily stress. It is the perfect combination to exfoliate, remove dead skin, pimples and blackheads, with the end result being clearer, smooth and harmonious skin.

Aloe Vera Body Exfoliation: Body exfoliation session, opening every pore, eliminating and removing impurities from the skin with all the benefits of aloe vera. Followed by a gratifying massage with a hydrating serum that eliminates accumulated stress. This skin exfoliation will make you look more radiant, smooth and attractive.

Aloe Vera Wrap: Exclusive products make this ritual a perfect combination of aloe vera and mint. A fresh and melting wrap that nourishes and regenerates your skin, leaving it perfectly silky.

SHA Capillary Treatment: The treatment starts with a relaxing massage to increase blood flow to the scalp, and the application of a therapeutic lotion which favours the appearance of new hair growth. It continues with massages based on traditional Chinese medicine and aided with a glass cup system which, through a vacuum effect, stimulates blood circulation and Chi energy. It ends with a masque to repair and hydrate your hair. Apart from being excellent for your hair, this treatment provides huge anti-stress effects.

Which ones do you prefer?

Insomnia, sleeping problems and apnea treatments

SHA — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 08:19:19 +0000

Sleep is the main healing process of our body and one of the pillars to achieve a healthy life. On the other hand, its absence is one of the most common causes of premature aging. Problems such are insomnia and obstructive apnea are some of the most common disorders that are treated with sleep medicine. These lead to the development of heart disease, respiratory and nervous system, so that the correction of their symptoms is the preventive essence of this type of health problems.

As described by Dr. Vicente Mera, a specialist in Internal Medicine, “Sleep medicine is the science that deals with all irregularities and condition that disrupts sleep and daily rest.” And what is essential to treat this type of insomnia is the correct way to diagnose disorders and to propose appropriate solutions for completely personalized treatment.

To this end, at SHA we have developed a treatment with a unique approach in the world and innovative in the field of sleep medicine, in which are fused Western diagnostic and therapeutic techniques such as polysomnography and Auto-CPAP therapy, with healthy nutrition and techniques coming from oriental medicine such as acupuncture and herbal medicine. Thus, increasing the success rate of both techniques separately to eliminate sleep problems such as apnea or insomnia.

Our sleep medicine experts answer a few frequently asked questions (FAQ) about this treatment for apnea and other sleep problems:

What is apnea? Dr. Vicente Mera explains that apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders that exist. “It occurs when a person stops breathing for several seconds during sleep,” says Dr. Mera. Usually breathing returns to normal by snoring or breathing very hard but people who suffer from apnea will usually occur several times per hour (about 30) so their sleep is disturbed, they do not resting properly and therefore can not live their daily activity with fullness, even may be cases of job incapacity. “Although it is considered a chronic disease, the fact is that with proper treatment apnea can be cured, often through natural methods as improved nutrition and the application of certain therapies like acupuncture,” says our expert.

What is polysomnography? The diagnosis is nocturnal polygraphic study consists in studying sleep characteristics through a polygraph which detects the different variables that influence starting and maintaining of sleep to get a detailed analysis of the process of a person’s sleep.

What is the treatment by CPAP? The auto-CPAP involves the installation of a positive pressure chamber which allows to detect positive and, where applicable, rectify any abnormality in the sleep architecture. Using this diagnosis, positive results are obtained over a short period of time.

How acupuncture helps to eliminate insomnia? When insomnia is caused by too much nervous tension and stress, one of the most effective treatments for sleep longer and better is acupuncture. According to Beatriz Rubio, a specialist in Traditional Chinese medicine, the treatment of the energy points of the body through acupuncture manages to balance the body’s energy and thus calming the nervous system, making it easier for the patient to sleep. Indeed, it is even normal patients to fall sleep during treatment. In addition, acupuncture is a completely painless treatment that does not cause any side effects and is recommended to be performed twice a week.

What is phytotherapy? Phytotherapy is the science that studies the use of specific plants, herbs and other natural elements for therapeutic purposes, most often in place of medications or drugs that can generate complicated side effects, health problems and even addictions. Food supplements made from natural products can be very effective and sure many of you know plants like valerian or St. John’s wort that help you calm nerves and provide a pleasant dream.

Is this a completely natural treatment? That depends on the conditions and problems of each patient. In SHA are in favor of trying to solve the health problems through natural therapies but we do not give up the latest advances of Western medicine or drugs, which may become necessary in some severe cases. Therefore it is very necessary to conduct a thorough and detailed prior diagnosis that allows to determine the individual needs of each patient in order to create a fully customized program.

And you … Do you have trouble sleeping? Have you tried to remedy them?