aqua viva health blog

Reduce toxic shock risk and help the environment

Did you know? A typical woman uses 10,000 sanitary towels and tampons in her life. As well as the health risks associated with tampons, the contribution to landfill is enormous. Aqua Viva Health thinks there's a better alternative!

A Mooncup is a re-usable menstrual cup that is made from medical grade non-allergic soft silicone rubber. It is worn internally like a tampon but collects rather than absorbs menstrual fluid. It can safely be used overnight and is great for all sports, swimming and travelling.

Unlike tampons and sanitary towels, a Mooncup contains no bleaches, deodorisers or absorbency gels, doesn't interfere with your vaginal environment, and is not associated with toxic shock syndrome. It's suitable whether you have normal or sensitive skin, thrush, eczema, allergies or any other condition made worse by tampons. AND because its reusable, you don't need to carry bulky spares.

For less than £20 delivered to your door, it's certainly worth trying!

Five pounds off at Beauty Expert

Not content with just offering a 10% discount code, Beauty Expert are also offering £5 off spends of more than £25, valid until 1st July if you use the code BIRTHDAY5. Just follow the link above...

We're Gut Trust member friendly!

If you have irritable bowel syndrome, the Gut Trust can be of invaluable help. From communicating with people going through the same as you, to being able to access latest IBS news, and being able to talk to qualified nurses who are IBS specialists, it's worth a small membership fee (currently £24 a year).

As well as being able to access the information on their website, membership benefits include a quarterly members' journal 'Gut Reaction', a 'Can't Wait' card to help you get to a toilet in an emergency**, access to local self-help groups, a specially written Self Management Programme written by Prof. Nick Read and much more.

** that's where we come in...if you're shopping in Grimsby and need the loo in a hurry, just pop in, flash your card and you're sorted!

So, why did we get in touch to offer this? My e-mail to the Gut Trust explains:
I did my MMedSci at Sheffield and my dissertation on the effect of liquorice on IBS was printed in Gut Reaction (GR52 Jan 2004). I have since qualified as a colon hydrotherapist and help many people with their IBS symptom management - as a sufferer myself, I do know how colonics help me...We would like to open our toilets to Gut Trust members so they can use our facilities if necessary.

Fathers Day gift ideas - Mankind discount

Father's Day is on 15th June this year and Mankind is offering a range of bespoke Father's Day Gift Sets to suit all gift and budget requirements. All gifts come ready-packaged in a Mankind gift box, so you don't even have to struggle with the wrapping paper!

Follow the link above to Mankind and get 10% off any Mankind products until 18th June if you use the code FATHERS2008.

Father's Day Skincare Collection (link)

The ultimate gift for Father's Day, this set contains every product a skin conscious, or not so conscious Dad could need. Covering all the bases: A fantastic gift which comes stylishly gift wrapped in a Mankind signature gift box, this set includes:
  • Zirh Clean - Facial Wash 250ml
  • Nickel Super - Clean Face Scrub 125ml
  • Anthony Logistics Oil - Free Facial Lotion 70gm
  • REN Multi-Mineral Detox Facial Mask 50ml
  • Baxter of California Hydro Salve - Lip Balm 15ml
  • Kiehl's Eye Alert 15ml
Elemis - Everyday Men's Collection (link)

Presented in an Elemis Men's Travel Bag, this collection is brimming with skin and bodycare essentials:
  • Elemis Ice Cool Foaming Shave Gel 200ml - a high performance foam for a clean, close shave
  • Elemis Deep Cleanse Facial Wash 50ml - the ultimate daily cleansing solution for all skin types
  • Elemis Aching Muscle Super Soak 125ml - the perfect way to relax and recharge, particularly after sport
  • Elemis Sharp Shower 50ml - the wake-up shower wash

Exclusive 10% off Beauty Expert Discount Code

If you're stuck for gift ideas, those nice people over at Beauty Expert have made the decision slightly easier for you, by rewarding your for shopping with them and giving you lots of ideas at the same time!! So please find below an EXCLUSIVE affiliate discount code. The offer code is OFJB130 for 10% off all Beauty Expert products until 31 June.

Beauty Expert are also offering a Free 'L'Occtaine Shea Butter Collection', when you buy any two L'Occtaine products, with the offer code 'Shea'.

Cheaper vitamins, minerals and health supplements

Healthy Direct have just launched their summer sale today, promising 50% of selected products in addition to their normal free P&P on all orders.

AND, if you use the link above, enter the discount voucher code summer08 at checkout for even more money off (up to 20% depending on how much you spend).

The voucher expires on 30th September 2008, so you've got plenty of time, even if you don't grab a sale bargain!

What is the Chi Machine?

We've been asked what the Chi machine is, mentioned in some of our colonic packages, so here's the lowdown:

The Chi machine is a very low impact form of exercise, suitable for people of any age and those with physical limitations preventing traditional exercise (no stress is put on the spine, joints, heart or lungs). It is generally thought that 15 minutes of the Chi machine is the equivalent of 90 minutes of gentle walking. Of course, the Chi machine can't replace a healthy diet and exercise, but can certainly help as part of a balanced lifestyle!
  • Reported benefits include:
  • More energy; better sense of wellbeing
  • More supple joints and better posture
  • Firming and toning of hips, thighs and buttocks
  • Improved sleep, breathing and immune system leading to alleviation of stress-related conditions
  • Improved circulation
  • Improved function of internal organs e.g. large intestine
It is also thought to help with jet lag, swollen limbs, sports injuries, congested lungs, asthma, cold sensitivity, impaired immune function, arthritis, insomnia, period pains, osteoporosis and many more conditions.

It works by moving your legs from side to side in a wave-like motion, which improves blood and lymph circulation which in turn removes toxins from cells and allows the same cells to absorb vital nutrients. This movement also increases the suppleness of joints and improves muscle tone.

Get 'feet' for Summer!

Our foot health specialist Sally has put together some advice for getting your feet ready for summer - just follow her few simple 'steps':
  1. Use a pumice or foot file to rub off hard skin 3-4 times a week.
  2. Moisturise your feet daily with a foot cream or a good quality moisturiser - a facial one won't work, you'll need something quite thick as the skin on your feet is tougher than the skin on your face.
  3. Exfoliate legs and feet weekly.
  4. Keep your nails trimmed, but not too short, and shaped.
  5. See a Foot Health Professional or chiropodist if you have corns, calluses, verrucas or fungal infections!
Or why not take take advantage of Sally's "Summer Feet" Package - two foot health treatments (nails trimmed and shaped, hard skin removed, corns, callus and fungal infections etc... treated) PLUS two lower leg and foot aromatherapy massage treatments PLUS a goodie bag to help you keep your feet beautiful. Just take the treatments within 4 weeks to maximise their effect.

All this for £55, a saving of over £25 on the normal price, so book in now and get your feet looking beautiful.