HEAD OVER HEALS
The ‘therapy’ in beauty therapy has taken on a whole new meaning — and we’ve fallen hard
It’s no secret that we’re all a little stressed out. What with the bouts of burnout, rushing woman syndrome and now urban woman syndrome, we need all the help we can get. Happily, the beauty industry has responded, offering products and treatments that are not just good for your body, but also your soul.
Although most of us visit spas and salons to improve our appearance or simply relax, the new breed of treatments promise more, from facials that double as intuitive healing, to crystal therapy that clears your skin while rebalancing your mind. But do they really work?
Rosenthal Skincare facialist Michelle Cook, who takes a holistic approach to skincare and wellbeing, thinks so. “Modern women have busy lifestyles, and with that comes a level of stress that we often hold as tension in our bodies,” she says. “One effect of holding this tension in our face is that it ages us. Gentle release of this tension relaxes the mind and body and rejuvenates our energy and our skin.”
In her facials, Auckland-based Michelle focuses on gently activating the meridian pathways of the face and head, which are linked to energy pathways that flow throughout the body — all without using a drop of product. “Product can be included on request, but the essence of the facial lies in the balancing of energy and the release of tension, which allows the body to heal and rejuvenate at a cellular level. This includes the increased production of collagen in the face. It’s working with the body’s natural ability to heal itself, rather than depending on an external product.”
The result? “With the release of tension, clients notice that their face appears lifted, with enhanced definition across the jaw and cheekbones. Lines are smoothed and their skin is toned and glows.” Michelle’s clients have also reported a deep sense of relaxation and improved sleep.
People have been harnessing the energy of crystals for centuries — rumour has it even Victoria Beckham carries black obsidian (said to promote positive thinking) in her handbag — and now beauty therapy is getting in on the act. Holistic facialist Romy Burgess of Auckland’s
The Beauty Elixir specialises in crystal and chakra facials. In her signature Meditation facial, she uses crystals to balance the body’s energies, along with guided meditation that works on physical, mental, emotion and spiritual levels.
“Each crystal has its own vibration and energetic qualities, which your body can tune into,” she says. “This tuning in can bring balance, calm and stress relief. Depending on the crystal, they can energise you, uplift you, or promote self-love or love for others.”
Romy uses a variety of crystals, but for physical improvements to the skin she says onyx and clear quartz are great to help calm inflamed acne and redness. When it comes to wellbeing, her favourites are amethyst
(to soothe the nervous system), green calcite (to bring balance) and rose quartz (to promote self-love.)
For an industry that’s often labelled superficial and frivolous, these new treatments and products are proof of just how powerful beauty therapy can be. And in today’s world, where we’re always hurrying from one thing to the next, it makes sense to combine our endeavours to look good with trying to feel good too.