​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. ​
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​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.

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

​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.

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. 

​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.

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.

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.