Daily Archives: January 13, 2022

It's a sobering statisticmore than 100,000 Americans died from a drug overdose in just one year's time. And the CDC says it's getting worse each year.

Kayla Pramik knows the struggle all too well.

"There's no face that goes with addiction. It can hit you, it could hit your closest family members," she said. "My entire life I have struggled with mental health, I've struggled with addiction. It wasn't a fun go for me for about 26 years of my life."

Pramik was introduced to alternative medicine and was able to overcome her battles. She now uses her experience to help inspire others to heal.

"I know what it's like to be in a very dark corner in life and really not having anybody who understood what I was going through. So it makes my heart feel so full it makes my heart explode that if I can help one person, even if it's just one person," she said.

Pramik is also a passionate advocate for those silently struggling because she's seen the other side of the disease. Her sister lost her battle.

"She ended up passing away in 2013. It was a fatal mixture of heroin, cocaine, and Klonopin. Ever since then I knew there was something had to be done," Pramik said.

She turned her pain into a plan and started lighting the way for others. She donates part of the proceeds of her homemade candles to help others.

Kayla wants them to know it can get better, just as it did for her.

"You're not alone, there's more of us that have gone through it not than have not, we will sit with you and listen to you and do everything in our power that we can to make sure that you make it out alive because that's the most important part,"Pramik said.

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Woman sells candles to help light the way for others struggling with drug addiction - 69News WFMZ-TV

As were aware, Asia is big on spa and wellness. From onsen to flotation therapy, here is a list of seven exotic spa and wellness treatments to explore in Asia.

Imagine sitting in a calm place while your mind and body are in sync with the surroundings. Doesnt that just feel relaxing? Such are the effects of aromatic wellness spa treatments that help you de-stress your body and mind to create one of the most serene and heavenly experiences.

Though a periodic trip to the spa or a wellness retreat is quite common these days, what adds to the whole experience is the luxurious and exotic way we get these spa therapies. Exclusive and tailor-made options, which were once available only at high-end treatment centres and wellness retreats, are becoming increasingly common.

The concept of a wellness sanctuary that sets customised wellness goals and promotes a healthy lifestyle is what many are looking for. Availing luxurious massages through holistic programmes by professional therapists, who not only provide beauty treatments but also aim at establishing emotional balance while appealing to all the senses, is what defines a modern-day luxurious spa.

While there is an array of services in many international markets, those found in Asia have become quite popular with their unique rejuvenation and spa treatments. While some of these might be new, others are ancient practices. From authentic hammams, Onsen and crystal massages to floatation and chocolate therapies, the endless options are as luxurious and exotic as they get.

The method of Toji bathing or the ancient Japanese practice of onsen is one of the most surreal experiences where you bathe in a hot spring. The term onsen literally translates into hot water cure and refers to the medicinal values involved in this balneotherapy.

Prolonged stay in a relaxing hot water spring at a ryokan, or a Japanese inn, enables the body to absorb the healing properties from the mineral-rich water. Medicinal benefits include relieving joint pains, relaxing tired muscles, improving skin quality and blood circulation as well as inducing better sleep.

In todays time, a ryokan setup consists of onsen, along with rooms for guests to stay and unwind for a couple of days.

Sound baths, or the use of your auditory senses, as a medium to stimulate or relax your mind and body is becoming extremely popular among urban dwellers. It may come across as a modern therapy, but reports suggest it goes back to over 2,000 years.

To answer the most basic question of whether there is water involved in the therapy, the answer is no. This is because a sound bath cleanses your mind using sound notes.

The soothing vibrations produced by instruments, like Tibetan singing bowls, gongs, windchimes and crystal bowls, will not only calm your senses but also enable better stress management.

As the sound waves and vibrations pass through the body, you will feel serene and completely relaxed. Sound bathing is also considered to be a wellness journey that has a lightening effect on the body.

Close your eyes and immerse yourself in the vibrations in the dimly lit relaxing studio and feel the stress leave your body and mind. You will be one with yourself and the environment.

Enjoy a sound bath individually or in a group, but consciously absorb all the goodness of the spa treatment. Typically, an individual session goes on for an hour, depending on the routine or session you opt for.

Medicinal benefits of this treatment include reduced stress and anxiety. According to a 2014 study published in the American Journal of Health Promotion, regular sound bathing can also reduce systolic blood pressure.

A sound and lightproof pod, floating without feeling the body weight and relaxing in complete silence, with very little light, make up this therapy. Although this might sound like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, floatation therapy is one of the most extravagant body treatments.

Float on your back on about 12-inches-high Epsom salt-saturated water inside a pod, which is set at a skin surface temperature, and feel the surroundings fade away. Feeling weightless and focusing on your heartbeat and breathing characterise this new-age wellness therapy.

The sauna-like feeling of floatation therapy is great for relieving stress, anxiety, hypertension, soothing your senses and relaxing your mind. It also helps in nervous stimulation, brain synchronisation and much more.

Experts are of the view that such a heightened state of total relaxation doesnt kick in until the first 30 minutes, but the effects can stay for over a day. Thus, Dr Justin Feinstein, clinical neuropsychologist and director of the Float Clinic and Research Center at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research, suggests this as a short term remedy for anxiety and depression.

Traditional Arabian style of cleansing the body, having deep tissue massages and taking your mind off in a humid sauna room sums up a typical hammam bath. Originating in the Middle East, the roots of this spa therapy can be traced to Turkey and Morocco where people visit local hammams for periodic cleansing.

In the steam sauna room or Hammam, a tellak or an attendant will first pour water on you before applying a black soap and exfoliating your skin with a kessa glove.

The treatment detans your skin and opens up the pores, releasing accumulated dirt. The massage exfoliates dead cells to give a healthy glow to your skin.

The nourishing elements of the exfoliator, often combined with a mud bath, enrich the body with minerals and the massage relieves joint pains and stressed muscles for an overall soothing effect.

Cannot resist the rich, decadent aroma of cocoa? Then this spa and wellness treatment is for you. Lathering rich cocoa butter and chocolate all over your body, a spa treatment couldnt get more delicious than this.

Soak in the rich essence of chocolate therapy and embrace its calming effect on your body and mind. With its rich exfoliating, deep nourishing and moisturising elements, chocolate and products infused with chocolate become the most sought-after choice for services like body massage, pedicure, manicure, facials and hair removal.

The immensely popular spa treatment is one of the most luxurious and premium wellness programmes.

Using crystals, precious and semi-precious stones help in attaining inner balance, as well as reducing stress and anxiety.

Although the practice of using crystals has been around for ages, its been gaining prominence again, with celebrities, like Victoria Beckham and Kate Hudson, speaking about them.

Solely targeted at mental well-being and providing tranquillity, crystals and gemstones promote healing energies when used to align various aspects of life. Placing crystals on pressure points and getting a deep massage relieves stress and joint pains.

Different kinds of crystals have various roles to play. For instance, rose quartz helps in promoting self-love, benevolence, happiness and compassion, while Lapis Lazuli is beneficial in truly knowing yourself and thereby feeling free, as well as improving immunity.

Those looking for a more holistic wellness approach to health and mental wellbeing may choose crystal healing.

This therapy finds its roots in ancient Chinese medicine. An alternative medical treatment, acupuncture helps to provide cranial relief and healing wounds by inserting thin needles into the area that needs to be treated.

Acupuncture experts examine the area and insert tiny needles into the skin, the number depending on the body part and the intensity of the pain. These pricked needles send a signal to the body that the area is affected and the immune cells must act upon it.

The wellness treatment has had several positive effects in helping those with chronic pain, insomnia and migraine, among other ailments.

However, it is advised to consult a licensed practitioner before choosing this treatment.

[Hero image credit: The Anam/ @theanamcxr/ Unsplash; featured image credit: RODNAE Productions/Pexels]

This story first appeared on Prestige Malaysia.

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7 Exotic Spa and Wellness Treatments to Explore in Asia - Prestige Online

Butterfly Ayurvedas range of immunity boosters are some of its innovations that help enhance immunity, improve respiratory and overall health.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought into perspective the fragility of our existing healthcare ecosystem. While the healthcare industry is soughting answers to make it more inclusive, holistic, and affordable in the post-pandemic world, Ayurveda has been playing a significant role in shaping the discourse around the new-age healthcare system. The current crisis is a powerful reminder of the need for more sustainable healthcare solutions, and Ayurveda is the saving grace weve all been looking for. Before we proceed, lets delve a little deeper into the science of life.

INTRODUCTION TO AYURVEDA

Ayurveda is an age-old science that has prevailed in India since the pre-Buddhist era. It comprises a holistic understanding of health and caters to the whole body-mind-spirit complex. It is a life science that throws light upon corrective diet and lifestyle measures, with somatic practices like Yoga and meditation, use of herbal remedies and medicine, and rejuvenation therapies like panchakarma, self-massages, etc. It seeks to eliminate the root cause of health issues and caters to every individuals unique body constitution.

AYURVEDA, AN EVIDENCE-BASED SCIENCE

Many believe that Ayurveda has gained a broad perception of being mostly belief-based. However, a close study of the Vedic texts and interactions with learned Ayurvedic practitioners say otherwise. Ayurveda is established on the principles of an evidence-based, rationalistic, and holistic approach. The ancient texts show that Ayurveda has a unique, well-elaborated, and documented pharmacology, pharmacognosy, anatomy, and detailed understanding of disease pathogenesis.

In the words of Sushruta Samdosha samagnischasamdhatu malkriya. Prasanna aatma indriya manaswastha iti abhidhiyate. This roughly translates to: Optimum health in Ayurveda is a state of equilibrium between the doshas, metabolic fire, bodily tissues, excretory products combined with a cheerful mind, high intellect, and keen senses. Disturbance in this equilibrium leads to a diseased state.

BAS CORE IDEOLOGY Herbal healthcare manufacturers like Butterfly Ayurveda, an emerging health and wellness brand of India, have played a vital role in educating the masses about Ayurvedic herbs and their use in everyday life with products like Ayurvedic teas, herbal powders, supplements, tonics, and immunity boosters.

Butterfly Ayurveda is an organization engaged in the research, development, manufacturing, and marketing of Ayurvedic products. Be it healthy snacks, calming teas, nourishing kadhas, or clinically evaluated medicines, BA offers a whole new spectrum of modern, yet authentic, Ayurvedic products that help integrate the power of Ayurveda into our everyday lives. BAs R&D department is the backbone of the organization. The departments approach could be termed as, Validation of Divine Ayurvedic Wisdom through Scientific Knowledge in the Current Era. Dedicated to providing qualitative and effective herbal solutions, the R&D department is committed to product development, quality control, and standardization which offers their customers safe and efficacious Ayurvedic medicines and food products.SOME OF BAS BEST-SELLERS ARE

Ratri Chai, a nighttime tea that helps unwind and restore energy levels at the end of the day.Pancreofly, an Ayurvedic medicine that helps regulate blood sugar levels and lowers cholesterol.

Diabe Choice Cookies, a diabetes-friendly cookie made with coconut palm sugar that is full of flavor, fiber, antioxidants & anti-inflammatory properties.

Suprabhat Chai, a cognition-enhancing good morning tea that helps balance Kapha dosha.

IMMUNITY BOOSTERS

I-Immune, Ayurvedic capsules that help expedite recovery, and increase platelet and white blood cell count.

Bronchiofly, an Ayurvedic cough syrup that helps clear respiratory tracts, protects the lungs and throat against infections

Vita-M, an Ayurvedic medicine designed for men that helps rejuvenate and restore the bodys strength, improves stamina, and increases vigor and vitality.

While these supplements soon became crowd favorites, BA understood the alarming need of the hour and redirected its resources towards developing herbal hand sanitizers, Hello Aloe and Tulsi Neem. Effective and gentle, these sanitizers became a common favorite with the running clinics and nursing practitioners.

DEVELOPMENT OF COVIFLY

BA soon recognized the need for an Ayurvedic medicine that not only boosts immunity but helps treat the symptoms of Covid-19. After thorough research, the R&D team at BA developed an Ayurvedic formulation made with a blend of potent herbal extracts that helps boost immunity against COVID-19, treats flu-like symptoms, and has a broad-spectrum antiviral action. Coronafly/COVIFLY is Butterfly Ayurvedas contribution to the world in the fight against Covid-19. This Ayurvedic formulation helps people recover and alleviates symptoms like high fever, sore throat, dry cough, shortness of breath, body pain, and weakness.

BAS SUSTAINABILITY PLEDGE

Raw Material Sourcing

From the sourcing of raw materials to designing the packaging, they ensure eco-friendly practices are followed throughout. All their raw materials are sourced from the most reliable vendors, who either own certified farms or do contract farming with farmers, ensuring the use of sustainable methods for cultivation and harvesting. The tea leaves used in the teas are procured primarily from the Glenburn tea estate in Darjeeling and Khongea tea estate in Assam. All their raw materials are tested for quality and are given a certificate of analysis before being considered for production.

Packaging

The vibrant packaging represents the vitality of life, while BAs conscious efforts to zero down plastic packaging and use materials locally available such as the wonderful jute string to carry the tea pouches. Another such example is their biodegradable tea bags made of corn and wheat starch. BA ensures that all the ingredients and certifications are listed on the product packaging itself. They believe that transparency empowers the customers to embrace Ayurveda evermore readily and help them make a better choice.

Manufacturing

Blending the wisdom of traditional Ayurvedic methods with modern science, BA develops exciting products while maintaining the purity of ingredients, safety and efficacy of the formulations, and adhering to pharmacopoeial quality standards. All their products are manufactured in GMP-certified units and are licensed by the State Dept. of AYUSH, or by FSSAI. BA has also collaborated with several renowned manufacturing units like Charak Pharma, Blue Star Laboratories, etc. for new product development and large-scale production.

THE ROAD AHEAD

BA aims to harness the growing market potential to become an Ayurvedic wellness hub and generate awareness about the benefits of infusing the goodness of Ayurveda into peoples everyday life.

In its humble endeavor to offer the natural preventive and curative benefits of Ayurveda, BA introduced a holistic range of infusions: Heart Strong infusion, Diabe infusion, and Love your body infusion. These herbal infusions are a delight to drink and help support a healthy heart, manage blood sugar, aid weight management. All of BAs products are targeted to help with lifestyle-related disorders.

Akshi, founder and CEO of BA says, Ayurveda is the future of global healthcare, as it helps treat the root cause of a health issue, not merely the symptoms. Moreover, it focuses on rejuvenation therapies that promote the whole body-mind-spirit complex.

THE TURNING TIDE

The healthcare industry is witnessing a new trend. People are now turning to alternative medicines for prolonged relief and Ayurveda is at the top of the list. The resurgence of public interest in herbal remedies led to a substantial demand shift to herbal products in the last couple of years. In 2019, the Indian market for herbal products stood at INR 4.2 billion and by 2026, that number is expected to increase at a CAGR of 38.5%[1]. Similarly, Indias nutraceutical market is poised to be a global leader with a growth rate of 22% every year. Preventive healthcare has become an important line of defense during the pandemic, proving the nutraceuticals sector to be a strong economic partner to the people. This boom in the industry serves as the perfect opportunity for BA to explore strategic partnerships with nutraceutical companies on the lookout for herbal product manufacturers.

[1] https://www.ibef.org/blogs/high-demand-for-medicinal-plants-in-india#:~:text=The%20market%20for%20medical%20plants,assessed%20at%20US%24%20120%20billion.

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Ayurveda, The Future of Global Healthcare - Outlook India

Partner Content

By Sauce Staff // January 7, 2022

The New Year is always a great time to set your intentions for the future. Whether youre looking for some delicious, nutrient-rich food and drinks, a healthy medicine alternative or some self-care at a spa, these local businesses will help you reach your goals.

Fresh Thyme Market at City Foundry STLGet a fresh start to your year at Fresh Thyme Market! Proudly located at City Foundry STL, Fresh Thyme is your new neighborhood grocery store. Theyre focused on bringing fresh, affordable and local products to Midtown St. Louis and beyond. Youll love the full grocery selection, meat and deli counters, as well as the extensive natural and organic options. Be sure to visit the in-store caf, home to Iron Drop, which features artisanal scratch-made biscuits and carefully curated craft roasted coffee menus, and Ace Sushi with delicious sushi made fresh daily, hot food options and boba tea. Check out the $5 sushi rolls every Thursday.Fresh Thymes food doesnt only look, smell and taste good its also good for you. Get all the nutrients you need and all the flavors you crave while supporting trusted partners, brands and farmers. Shop confidently and let your appetite guide the way knowing that every item in the store has been hand-selected with care.Stop by the natural living section this January for a sale on vitamins and body care, when you can get 30% off all those items in the store from Jan. 5 to 11, 2022 take advantage of this amazing deal!3701 Foundry Way, Suite 201, St. Louis, 314.597.4400, freshthymefoundry.com

Fresh Gatherings Cafe + Farm at Saint Louis UniversityFresh Gatherings Cafe + Farm is a student-run cafe operated by the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics that is open to the public and located on SLU's Medical Campus. The cafe sources from its organic urban farm on campus and from local farmers and growers in Missouri and Illinois. It is open for breakfast and lunch with a full-service coffee bar. Fan favorites include oat milk lattes, breakfast burritos and croissants, but there are also daily hot lunch specials, grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, soups and baked goods. Fresh Gatherings Cafe + Farm exemplifies SLUs Jesuit principles in support of development of the whole person. They believe in the value of good food to nourish the mind, body and spirit. The leading program in nutrition and culinary arts allows students to combine their two passions into a career.3404 Rutger St., St. Louis, freshgatheringscafe.com, @freshgatherings, @slunutrition1818

Fulfill Food & BeveragesDr. Angela Zengs belief that food is better medicine prompted her to develop a line of great tasting, functional juices and smoothies using whole plant ingredients. She hopes to inspire customers' awareness of the possibilities of integrative and holistic medicine. From her delicious Karuna smoothies to her Karviva ACE Sport drinks and new Karviva Unwined alcohol-free wine alternative, each beverage is inspired by ancient wisdom and backed by modern science. The companys wellness beverages offer a vast array of product benefits ranging from restoration of digestive and immune health with prebiotics and antioxidants to delivering clean protein and providing sustained energy. The drinks can be found in local stores including Schnucks, Whole Foods Market, Dierbergs, Straubs and Fresh Thyme. mykaruna.com

Indigo Massage & WellnessAt Indigo Massage & Wellness, a soothing experience starts as soon as you walk in the door. Clients often tout how relaxing the space is with its gorgeous blue and green dcor, defused lighting and pleasant aromas, as well as the comfortable seating and the professionalism of the staff. Choose from a range of services, from therapeutic massages, CBD facials and acupuncture to body wraps and reflexology. Join the Indigo wellness program for a monthly credit for a discounted therapeutic massage; this membership can even be shared with your partner. Plan ahead for Valentine's Day and book a massage or get a couples massage gift card. In addition, all staff members at Indigo are fully vaccinated to help put your worried mind at ease.1901 Arsenal St., St. Louis; 7200 Manchester Road, Maplewood, 314.276.9882, indigomassagetherapy.com

Jane DispensaryJane Dispensary is a medical cannabis boutique on the Delmar Loop that provides a sophisticated experience while educating the public and helping to remove the stigma of cannabis, which can be an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. Marijuana has a plethora of health benefits and particularly helps with inflammation both in the general population and for those with inflammatory autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease and many more. When aiming to reduce inflammation with cannabis, its imperative to choose a product with a high CBD to THC ratio as CBD is the most effective anti-inflammatory cannabinoid. Stop by the Jane storefront to speak with a cannabis consultant to find the best products to meet your needs.6662 Delmar Blvd., University City, janedispensary.com

Lonas Lil Eats If you enjoy Asian soul food with a flare but want to indulge in a healthy manner, Lonas Lil Eats homestyle meals are light yet satisfying and keep your body fueled all day long. There are plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, and customization is encouraged. Sauces which range from sweet or savory to sour or spicy provide full-bodied flavors, and any entree can be made into a salad if youre trying to work more veggies into your diet. Plus, everything is made fresh with no preservatives or MSG. To up your antioxidant intake, complete your meal with the vast selection of teas, from green and white to oolong and black.2199 California Ave., St. Louis, 314.925.1888, lonaslileats.com

RootberryInstead of setting impossible goals loaded with sacrifice and compromise, how about you just eat more plants more often? Rootberry is St. Louis new plant-powered food company that features a rotating menu of chef- and nutritionist-developed entrees, shareables and desserts that are ready to eat or heat in minutes. Get well with these restaurant-quality, nutrient dense meals such as Rootberrys shepherd's pie, winter squash risotto, Aztec enchiladas, tikka masala and more. And, while Rootberry offers salads, they are totally unexpected like Spring Roll In A Bowl or the soy-ginger superfood salad. The best part? Rootberry is available for delivery to your home or office. Visit their website, choose what sounds good to you, select your delivery day and time, and enjoy. (No subscription required, BTW.) You can also find it in the prepared foods section in the deli of all Dierbergs Markets. Rootberry is a local company making delicious food thats not just good for you its good for the planet too. So dont worry about being vegan, vegetarian or flexitarian this year simply enjoy eating great food that just happens to be 100% plant-based. St. Louis, rootberry.com

Source JuiceryFinding healthy options outside the city can sometimes be a challenge, but Source Juicery lets you enjoy the convenience of clean eating on the go. And with the pandemic still surging, theres never been a better time to focus on staying healthy. Source offers a plethora of nutritious grab-and-go options, from cold-pressed juice and wellness shots to nut milks, smoothies, salads and breakfast staples like oats and parfaits. Try a one- to three-day juice cleanse with the option to add meal packs or protein packs like grilled chicken and power bites. All items are gluten-free, and there are many vegan options too. Source offers an easy online ordering system with curbside pickup or contactless home delivery to the Edwardsville area. Walk-in ordering is also welcome.228 N. Main St., Edwardsville, 618.650.9080, sourcejuicery.com

TerrabisTerrabis is a medical cannabis dispensary in OFallon, Hazelwood, Creve Coeur, Springfield and Kansas City. Did you know a research study on cannabis and physical activity was published in Frontiers in Public Health? It found that 80% of cannabis consumers mix cannabis and exercise. 78% say it increases enjoyment. 70% say it boosts recovery, and 52% say it motivates them to exercise. Healthy living and supporting an active lifestyle is everything were about. The name Terrabis combines the word Terra, which stands for Planet Earth, and the word Bis, which are the last three letters of their favorite plant, cannabis. Together, Terrabis stands for a healthy planet and represents their adventurous spirit. They encourage you to #ExploreMore of the outdoors, as well as their products, to live a healthier and happier life.Multiple locations. terrabis.co, @terrabis_hq

The Healing HamsaWhen it comes to healthy lifestyles, self-care is a vital aspect that should not fall to the wayside. The Healing Hamsa is a place where medical aesthetics meet magical experiences with treatments ranging from a variety of facials and chemical peels to microneedling and beyond. Wellness weekends, private events and couples experiences are also available, and the Healing Hamsa is extremely proud to be inclusive and prides itself on the continuing education to serve clients of all ethnic backgrounds. In addition, the spa provides robes, cozy slippers and bottomless beverages while you wait for your treatment(s) to begin. So next time youre needing a little extra self-care, come check out this business built on high-end experiences and an emphasis on being able to retreat and relax. 4400 Chouteau Ave., St. Louis, 314.450.8399, healinghamsa.com

The Pasta House Co.The Pasta House Co. has long been synonymous with Italian food in St. Louis as its celebrating 48 years in business, but did you know the home of the golden toasted ravioli also has a variety of healthy options? From an assortment of salads and vegetable-forward dishes like eggplant parmigiano to an entire gluten-free menu, Pasta House aims to offer something for everyone. Try a family meal starting at just $29.99 and includes pasta, their famous salad, toasted ravioli and bread and butter. At Pasta House, you can dine in, order takeout for curbside pickup, or even get delivery. For larger parties, inquire about catering options.Multiple locations, pastahouse.com

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11 St. Louis businesses that focus on self-care for a fresh start to the new year - Sauce Magazine