Top 5 Ways to Avoid Getting an Infection in a Nail Salon

Lately, there is a post going around social media about some woman getting infected with AIDS after a manicure session. Read the article from DailyMail here.

First of all, this was a 2014 article and I could not find any further cases from the later years on the internet (please let me know if you do). Therefore can I say this is the one and only case so far?

Also, it was noted in some other write-ups of this same incident that it was a "suspected" case, not a confirmed one - so this makes me wonder which of the online news is the most accurate!

If you understand AIDS, there is a "window" period of which the symptoms will start to show and accelerate to become more serious, warranting a blood test. You can read more about AIDS here.

So it would be weeks of flu-like symptoms before this woman gets herself checked. During this period, she might be exposed to other possible risks of contact to get infected.

Even if this case is not confirmed as a Fact or Myth, there is still an unmistakable risk in a nail salon. Might not be AIDS, but other equally terrible contagious diseases like Athlete's Foot, Fungus, Ringworm, etc.

The processes involved in a manicure or pedicure can highly expose you to possible chances of cross-infection. Some of the processes includes:

• Sharing of non-sanitised tools (ie. nail files, buffers, toe separators, etc.)
• Sharing of a dirty foot bath (not properly disinfected in between customers)
• Injury caused by improperly disinfected metal tool (ie. cuticle nippers, nail clippers, etc.)
• Handled by an infected therapist
• Dirty towels

I had heard of unethical nail salons that cut corners to save operating costs. So I recommend that you rely on your eyes to observe the operations of the nail salon BEFORE you even start your manicure. Remember that it is OK to walk out of the salon before you start your appointment if you are not comfortable with what you observed.
Read about Salon Nightmares that are busted by undercover CBS reporters here.

Here are top 5 pointers on what to look out for:

• Are there a UV cabinet and Barbicide (read more about benefits here) soaking equipment in full view of the customers?
• Inspect towels if there are any dust or polish stains. Are there different towel set for use between manicure & pedicure?
• Observe if the pedicure bath basin is being scrubbed down after each client.
• Are the metal tools being sealed in a sterilised bag before using on you?
• Shop must look clean, neat and tidy at all times. Check manicurist's basket if it's clean and neatly arranged.

POINTS TO NOTE:
Here are some pointers to note before deciding to get your nails done. Remember, it is better to be safe than sorry.

• If you have any open wound, avoid getting your nails done to prevent risk of cross-infection.
• Ensure to find out more about the hygiene procedures and protocols the salon observe.
• Manicures should NOT be painful. If you feel uncomfortable, especially during the cuticle cleaning process, speak out to the manicurist. 
• At no point in time should any injury be caused, common injuries are usually caused by inexperienced and careless staff. Some injuries involve cut from new nail files, over pushing of cuticles, over cutting of cuticles and nails. Make sure to apply antiseptic and see a doctor should you be injured during a manicure session. You should not proceed with the manicure and ask for a refund.
• Bring along your own manicure and pedicure tools for personal use. Ensure that the manicurist DO NOT mix your tools with their own and learn to disinfect or sterilise on your own at home after each use.

Meridian Tummy Trim Journal

(This is a journal of my Meridian Tummy Trim 5 sessions course at EsBoudoir Beauty between 21~25 November 2016).

If you had read about my last blog about my first trial at EsBoudoir (read about it here), you will know more about the fantastic Meridian Tummy Trim treatment I went through.

I personally experienced the great after effects of the Meridian massage listed below which went on for the next 1-2 weeks!

• less puffy (I guess was from the water retention)
• improved bowel movements
• no more menstrual cramps (yes, I usually get cramps during my menstrual cycles)
• lightened stretchmarks
• smaller "love-handles" (it's only 1 treatment, so it's really good to see these getting smaller)

With the above benefits from the Meridian massage, of course I would decided to sign up for their 5 sessions course almost immediately! It takes time commitment since I have to turn up at EsBoudoir every day for the 5 sessions so to ensure maximum results.

So here goes:

Day 1 (21 November 2016)

Arrived at EsBoudoir ARC with anticipation. Although I had already went through the first trial, I am still pretty excited to find out how much inches I can lose during these 5 days.

Measurement of my tummy circumference is taken BEFORE the Meridian Tummy Trim treatment starts. Reads 92cm.

A simple scrub on my tummy is done to prepare my skin to absorb their special slimming cream. Heating pads are laid on my tummy area to increase the temperature to trigger metabolism which is usually getting lower for women after 21.

After the Meridian Tummy Trim treatment (see full process and review during my first trial here), measurement taken is 91cm. Not bad for the first day. Looks a little red due to the heating pads and kneading of my fats... haha.

Day 2 (22 November 2016)

I was very punctual for my 2nd session of the Meridian Tummy Trim treatment with the massage therapist today. Here's the pre-treatment measurement: 90.5cm

Today's massage process is slightly different as the therapist starts to target my "love-handles" the stubborn fatty layer of blubber around the side of the waist. This is to shape up the waist area for that hour-glass look.

There's an additional heating pad treatment during the wrapping process. It was double heat as the slimming cream is already creating that "chilli hot" sensation and with the heating pad, I just felt that my fats are melting away! Shiok ah!

After Meridian Tummy Trim treatment measurement today: 89cm
My tummy had some sensitive rashes due to the heating process.. but no itch or pain. The rashes went off within the next 3-5 hours with no other side effects.

I felt my tummy is turning a little more flabby today due to the breaking down of the stubborn fats.

Day 3 (23 November 2016)

My third day of the Meridian Tummy Trim treatment today. I had started my gym routine of 1 hour on the treadmill every morning before my treatment (usually in the afternoon). I'm feeling slimmer, alert and healthier every minute!

Measurement taken before treatment today: 90cm
Went up 1cm? Probably was my late night sleeping yesterday... (Do you know? Cravings and water retention are at their highest when there is lack of proper sleep.)

My therapist was so determined to get my measurement down today that she "upgraded" her strength for the meridian massage by applying several acupressure-point therapy on my already flabby tummy.

It is important to learn to breath during this acupressure-point process. The key is in the breathing so that the therapist can reach into the meridian point and trigger it. The therapist will ask you to breath in and slowly exhale as she apply point pressure with her fingers deep into the flesh. DO NOT breath in while the point pressure is still in as it will cause internal injury and pain. Definitely NO talking too during this time as you have to focus on breathing.

After treatment measurement for today: about 89cm

Day 4 (24 November 2016)

Almost three quarter into the whole course of the Meridian Tummy Trim treatment. During the last 3 days, my body started to see certain changes like a more defined waistline, increased metabolism (starting to sweat even during a short walk, use to not sweating even after 20 minutes of jogging which is very bad for body as sweating helps to excrete toxins.), better bowel motions and smoother tummy skin!

Before Meridian Tummy Trim treatment measurement: 90cm
Realised that I gain about 1cm after a night... As I only have the massage for 1 hour and lived my life as normal for the next 23 hours - I guess that I really have to adjust my lifestyle in order to maintain the results. That is exercise and choice of food - this is what EVERY slimming treatment tells you to do.

After today's Meridian Tummy Trim treatment measurement: 87.5cm
WOW! Today's results was the most! A whopping 2.5cm loss!

Day 5 (25 November 2016)

The last day of the Meridian Tummy Trim treatment. I had made slight changes to my lifestyle so I will not waste my (and the therapist's) efforts for the last few days. A gym membership and making effort to choose my food wisely is a small change, but easy to manage with some determination!

Today's measurement before we start: 88.5cm

We have a special treatment with the help of technology on this last day of course. This machine creates strong vibrations to breakdown the fat molecules to allow the body to purge easily. It comes with infra-red treatment for added heat to allow better absorption of the slimming cream.

After the machine had done its job to loosen the stubborn fats, it was my therapist's turn to use her hands to do her magic.

Afterwards, it was the usual wrapping up and the application of heat pads.
Here's the final measurement: 88.5cm
No change in measurement, but I'm very certain that I can maintain or even achieve a lower measurement with my change in lifestyle going forward!

Every woman's body is different. Our metabolism, body shape, lifestyle, etc. differs between all of us. What I've blogged about is my own personal experience above. Some might experience better results and benefits from the Meridian Tummy Trim treatment.

I recommend you (man or woman), to go for this Meridian Tummy Trim treatment at EsBoudoir instead of trying out non-natural options like slimming pills and evasive treatments that are harmful to your body.

Slimming treatments should be gradual as the body gets used to the effects and adapts to maintain it. I had tried before machine slimming treatments that achieves outstanding results, but I can never maintain the after results as my body rebounded back after the treatment stopped.

Meridian Tummy Trim treatment aims to not only achieve a more defined waistline, but also a healthier you. Especially for woman, meridian massage works similarly to acupuncture (TCM procedure using needles to target meridian points) with the same effect but not as scary if you hate needles like me.

Book your personalised Meridian Tummy Trim course with EsBoudoir today.
http://esboudoir.com.sg/reservations
or call 62752868 VIVO / 63773436 ARC

5 Tips to Enjoy a Better Massage

A good massage can really soothe your mind, soul and not to mention, those aching muscles. As you already know, massage can also help to promote better blood circulation, immune system, sleep quality and overall relaxation.

Apart from what you already know, we came up with the following tips that can avoid those wasted cash and most crucial of all, the potential pain.

1. Remember to Breathe When a very tightly tensed up muscle "knot" is being targeted by your masseur, you can really scream out in pain. The constant rubbing and prodding in that particular problematic spot can leave you even more tensed up as you grit your teeth and try your very best to control not to squirm.
Try breathing out when the pressure is pressed onto the spot and then breathing in when pressure is released. It is important that you breathe fully and deeply during this time (yes, similar to the breathing like a pregnant woman in labor pain) so to get more oxygen to your blood system and get better relief to your tensed muscles.
I've tried it and it really did took away some of the pain! I was so focused on breathing and anticipating the masseur's moves that I started to relax myself, thus having a better relief on my aching shoulder muscles.

2. Drink alot of Warm Water right after Massage

Having a massage is just like having a workout. As blood circulation is triggered to flow better and faster, metabolism is increased. As the body heats up during massage, muscle tissues can become dehydrated.
Drinking plenty of warm water after a massage session can help to rehydrate, build healthier muscle tissues and remove metabolic wastes.
At Pure Wellness Foot Spa, customers well-being is their first priority as they had recently installed a water purifier to provide alkaline drinking water for all to enjoy.
Read about the benefits of alkaline water in our next blog entry.

3. Avoid Eating Right Before Massage In general, a full meal right before a massage is always a taboo, a big "NO-NO". This is because massage stimulates digestion and sometimes with the need to lie on your tummy for a back massage can create nausea or even vomiting - trust me, this is not a good experience you want to take out from your massage session!
However, massage with an empty stomach is also a no-no. This might cause dizziness or feeling light-headed.
You must ask, eat also cannot, don't eat also cannot, then how? My answer, MODERATION lah! The best way is to have a light snack (I mean a healthy snack, a fried chicken wing is NOT a light snack!) one to two hours before your session which will allow slight digestion without making you uncomfortable during your massage session.

4. Speak Up

You should behave like an "aunty" and start telling the masseur where and how you want your massage to be done. Yes, you hear me right.
Speaking up about how you need "more of this" and "less of that" can help your masseur to target the places that you really need relief the most. Otherwise most likely you will left unsatisfied with your aching "point" still aching.
You should not be afraid to tell your masseur if something he/she is doing is uncomfortable, like for example, the pressure is not right, or the target point is off.
Be sure to tell your masseur where you wish to spend more time on at the start of the massage - ultimately, this is your massage session.

5. One Massage In A Blue Moon Isn't Going To Help Much My last point is this; massage is part of a wellness routine and must be done on a regular basis to ensure the greatest benefits for your body.
When I say routine, I do not mean once a month or once a year routine. I know of people who goes to a masseur only when they can't tolerate the pain any longer and that can be like months after their last session!
You are constantly working and moving your body everyday, and to get your tensed up overworked muscles to loosen up within that one to two hours is never going to work out. A focused massage work (ie. that particular shoulder spot, or calf muscle spot) within an hour can only cover that area of the body whereas other parts of the body which muscles have not scream out in pain yet, are not serviced.
You should be having a massage as frequently as possible to ensure muscles will be totally worked out bit by bit during every session.

Here you are, the top 5 tips on how to enjoy your massage better and get your money's worth!

Visit Pure Wellness Foot Spa today!

www.purewellnessfootspa.com

Blk 102 & 103 Chong Pang

Tel: 67540655 / 67544511