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It may be impossible, but we shouldn't stop striving.

Moxibustion at Refresh TCM Wellness – The Nexus of Modernity and TCM

3/7/2020

 
​One defining feature of us Singaporeans is we tend to work ourselves extremely hard and for long hours. This chase for accomplishment brings with it the pains (literally) of tension headaches, backaches, neck and shoulder aches. I am completely sure this happens to a lot of people because every time I visit doctors, they look jaded and can tell me the bad habits I have like long hours in front of the computer, slouching, lack of sleep, etc. ​
​
Husband Gabriel and I visited Refresh TCM Wellness center together after coordinating our crazy schedules and went to the outlet at Plaza Singapura because it was centrally located, and we could have dinner together after treatment! ​

As you can see from my picture, it’s modern, clean and doesn’t look like the old school TCM establishments that I somehow cannot drag myself into. 
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What captured my attention was they do TCM treatment in a very modern way. For example, the treatment I did was called Moxibustion. It was one of the TCM treatments using dried herbs called mugwort. The traditional Moxas are super smokey and not easy to work with, but the modern Moxas look like huge black cigars which do not smell as strongly and are easier to use. 

Refresh TCM Wellness has other treatments such as Back Massage (背部按摩), Full Body Massage (全身按摩), Meridian (筋络), Lymphatic Drainage (淋巴排毒), Moxibustion (艾灸), and Hip Therapy(髋关节疗法).
Refresh TCM Wellness has other treatments such as Back Massage (背部按摩), Full Body Massage (全身按摩), Meridian (筋络), Lymphatic Drainage (淋巴排毒), Moxibustion (艾灸), and Hip Therapy(髋关节疗法).

​We were arranged to the couple room, and Gabriel and I were able to chit-chat before the session began. The room is clean with the relaxing scent of lemongrass throughout the entire wellness center, and the ambient lighting told my body instantly to relax. Hangers were provided so my shirt wasn’t crumpled from having to be folded, and there were cupboards for us to place our belongings in. 
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​The usual clean towels, disposable underwear and shower hat to keep your hair from being obstructive were all provided, and we quickly changed into them. And one thing I would like to highlight is the biodegradable disposable sheet they used. I have to say, I am quite impressed with their environmental awareness.
​

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Let me start from the beginning, so once we were there, Refresh health manager gave us a consultation to let us know our body constitutions, and recommended the treatment accordingly. I didn't know I have a “cold body” and Gabriel has dampness in him, all these were caused by energy deficiency.

​Moxibustion艾灸
Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy in which dried plant materials called "moxa" are burned on or very near the surface of the skin. The intention is to warm and invigorate the flow of Qi in the body and dispel certain pathogenic influences. Moxa is usually made from the dried leafy material of Chinese mugwort and it is very good for relief tiredness, reduce dampness in our body, improve Qi circulation and strengthen our immunity system.
 
I was so excited as I always have neck and shoulders problems, always tired. Usually at massage sessions the masseuse tries to press your stuff muscles to the point where they’re just regular non-stiff muscles right? For me that has never happened before, and generally just ends up with me bearing with the pain while some masseuse tries their best and eventually gives up. 
 
At the moxibustion session, “problem spots” were identified and together with other vital spots, a burning moxa stick is held near the targeted area of treatment for several minutes. How it felt was indeed that the moxa was held over the identified spots, and warmth radiated from it onwards. At certain spots where I think my skin was too thin or something (really, I get blue blacks from the slightest knocks), before I was able to voice out that it was too hot, the health manager was able to tell and moved the moxa further away from me. Experience and care at its best. So anyway, the session left me markedly more relaxed and refreshed than before I had entered, and though my shoulder muscle didn’t become totally soft like a carefree person’s, it was definitely softer and I must say I left the center more relaxed and happy.

BENEFITS OF MOXIBUSTION:
  1. Improves arthritis pain 
  2. Boosts immunity
  3. Benefits gynaecological issues and help menstrual pain
  4. Improvements in headaches and decrease in migraines
  5. Improvements from digestive complaints
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Refresh TCM Wellness has trial prices and promotions for first-time customers, so if you’ve always had nagging health problems, do contact them and let their health manager recommend what you need after a consultation. 
 
Afterall, we cannot expect improvement if we don’t make changes and try new solutions. ​

​Refresh TCM Wellness has 4 wellness centers: 
  • Plaza Singapura – Unit #03-47 68 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238839 (6733 6344)
  • Sun Plaza – Unit #03-24 30  Sembawang Dr, 757713 (6752 4424)
  • The Star Vista – Unit #B1-32 1 Vista Exchange Green, Singapore 138617 (6684 2006)
  • White Sands – Unit #04-11 61 Pasir Ris Central Street 3, Singapore 518457 (6582 0455)
 
They’re situated across the island, so there’ll definitely be one that’s accessible to you :)
 
Check out more on their website at:
https://www.yongkangtcm.com/
 
Instagram @refreshtcmwellness

LANCÔME UV EXPERT YOUTH SHIELD™, AQUA GEL SPF50 PA ++++

7/23/2018

 
​When I was a child, my mum used to explain how we need to protect our skin from the sun because dark spots will appear when we’re older. Amusingly, she blocks the sun from her face using her arms, and I always wanted to ask what if the dark spots appeared on her hands. I never did though, as it was sure to trigger a lecture.
 
My aesthetics doctor goes on and on about UV protection and how we need a broad spectrum sunblock of at least SPF50 even if we intend to stay indoors when I usually just rely on the SPF30 in the liquid foundation. 
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​The Singaporean urban lifestyle exposes our body to all sorts of environmental aggressors, and city air is polluted with fine particles, ozone and toxic gases, which makes fresh air not good for our skin at all.

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Lancôme UV Expert Youth Shield™, Aqua Gel SPF50 PA ++++
​Lancôme’s new product, the UV Expert Youth Shield™ incorporates this promise of a “safe zone” into a new skincare ritual. Dedicated to city dwellers, it’s a defence against  pollution-induced dark spots and signs of ageing.
 
Meant for all skin types, the texture is extremely lightweight and moisturing at the same time. It promises to deliver nutrition and hydration to every dermis, and is an effective protection against UV rays and air pollutants. 
My usual skin care routine steps:
  • Toner
  • Hydraulic Acid
  • Eye Cream
  • Serum
  • Moisturiser
  • + UV Expert Youth Shield™, Aqua Gel SPF50 PA ++++
Followed by makeup base:
  • Primer
  • Concealer
  • Liquid foundation / Cushion (SPF here)
  • Loose Powder
 

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​The texture of the Aqua Gel is amazingly light and easy to spread. 
With the introduction of the UV Expert Youth Shield™ Aqua Gel into my routine, which I apply after the moisturiser, I skip the application of the primer and have enhanced moisturiser and SPF coverage. 

The personal choice to skip out on the primer is because on top of promising ultimate multi-skin protection and hydration, the UV Expert Youth Shield™ Aqua Gel also mattifies the texture of your skin, which renders the primer unnecessary. 
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​These photos were taken around the same time in the morning after I’ve washed my face and have nothing applied. Although the pimple around my nose got worse, I found that my skin seems clearer and feels lighter. 

​Perhaps its due to the protection of the UV Expert Youth Shield™ Aqua Gel that reduces oxidative damage caused by the duo of UV (UVA and UVB rays) and pollution (Sebum peroxidation decreases by 93%), but I’ve decided that I’m keeping it in my routine for sure.

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​For a chance to try out this lightweight sunscreen (Retail Price S$75) that is suitable for all skin types, sign up for Sample Store’s By-Invite Only Sampling by 6 August 2018.
 
Selected invitees will be contact by 20 August if you’re shortlisted to try the sample.
 
Sign up via this link:
https://goo.gl/5JiMky
 
Because good things must share!

Love <3 

Fuente Coffee Matcha Milk Tea [Sample Store Review]

7/19/2018

 
One of my favourite things about Sample Store is how they have a wealth of products from all over the world. Im sure I'm not the only person who's guilty of purchasing products only to find it unsuitable, leaving the entire box stashed until the expiry date. 

Over the past weeks, there have been many Taiwanese products on the Sample Store platform, with many attractive beauty and F&B products that are just irresistible. In the Seventh week, they launched Perfect Concept's Advanced Anti-aging Repair Essence and Matcha Milk Tea by Fuente Coffee.
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Matcha always has this psychological effect on me thats associated with tranquility. 

Fuente De Coffee is a 34-year-old brand, and the Matcha Milk Tea uses 100% pure natural green tea leaves to grind. The product underwent SGS Inspection to ensure that it does not contain pesticide residues and food safety is guaranteed. No artificial flavoring, artificial coloring, nor preservatives are used, and its sugar-reduced formula makes the milk tea treat guilt free. Best of all, the Matcha Milk Tea is enriched with anti-deuterated catechins and dietary fiber to help maintain gastrointestinal motility and increase gastrointestinal good bacteria.
Tea brewing always brings to mind the scene in Red Cliff where Lin Chi Ling went to visit Cao Cao's camp and boiled water to brew tea. Water that's too hot basically scalds and destroys the benefits of tea. 

This mid-day treat is amazingly simple to prepare, simply add 300ml of warm water or warm milk, stir well, and its ready for  consumption. Voila! 

​To retain abundant catechins, do not brew with hot water above 50°C. When I'm at work and use the hot water dispenser, I simply allow the water to cool slightly before adding the contents of the satchel. Its a great mid-day pick-me-up. 


Try it for yourself by redeeming the product at this link: http://bit.ly/2KtpRgn
More details about the brand and the product can be found here: http://www.coffee-spring.com.tw/ 
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