Testimonial: Mrs. Lilly Kaushal

Mrs. Lilly Kaushal with Founder Mr. Pinakin Shah

Mrs. Lilly Kaushal with Director Ms. Ankita Shah

"I am absolutely impressed with Pristine Senses Academy run by father and daughter. Very very detailed study of my Foot Reflexology class. Ankita has a lot of patience and understanding of her students which makes us really good learners !!! Super. Will recommend to everyone ! Also, Ankita has a pleasant disposition."

Mrs. Lilly Kaushal
Mumbai, India
Foot Reflexology (Basic)
1st Aug, 2014.

For more information on the Foot Reflexology Training Course, visit http://pristinesenses.net/

Testimonial: Maria Fernanda Boue

Maria receiving her certificate from Founder Mr. Pinakin Shah

"I liked everything. Ankita is lovely and a very good teacher. I feel that this place is professional and I will recommend it for sure. Thanks very much."

Maria Fernanda Boue

Mumbai, India

Foot Reflexology Pro, Swedish Massage

18/03/2014

Testimonial - Erica Micheletti

Mr. Pinakin Shah, Founder PSA awarding the certificate to Erica Micheletti

"Extremely worth the experience. Ankita has a special gift for reflexology and other subjects related to alternative ways of health. She has vast knowledge and is a great teacher."

Erica Micheletti

Mumbai, India

Foot Reflexology Pro

07/02/2014

I’m Not Stressed. Or Am I??

Recently, I met a young girl of about 24 and when she learnt about what I do, she asked, “What can I do about these pimples? Is there something I can apply to make them go?”

Now of course, pimples occur due to bacterial infection but the root cause of it is wrong lifestyle and stress. Wrong lifestyle includes irregular sleep habits and wrong food which affects the digestive system. When the digestive system is irregular, it manifests in many ways, one of them being pimples. Another cause is stress, which affects all the systems of our body and weakens the immune system, thus leading to infections, like pimples.

External applications are practically useless if this basic root cause is not tackled. When I explained this to the girl, she was confused. “But I am not stressed. My exams are long over.”

This is when I realized that most people associate ‘stress’ with some external stimulus or event. Thinking that stress occurs only if there is a stressful situation is a common misconception. Stress is a state of mind. A person can be stressed even when they have nothing to do.

Psychological tests show that ‘Type A’ personalities are more prone to stress. People of this personality type tend to be perfectionists, want to keep in control of any situation, worry about work, think and procrastinate a lot, etc. These are stressful personalities and they get affected, whether the situation demands it or not.

Stress is a defensive response of our body. It is a fight and flight response to a situation that the body considers a threat to itself. For example, if there is a bomb blast near us, we will become jumpy, our pulse rate increases, blood pressure increases, adrenalin rushes through our body and that helps us to cope with the situation and run away from the danger.

However, in present times, our way of thinking has changed and we worry about everything. Our negative thoughts and state of mind signal the brain into thinking that there is a constant threat to the body. Due to this, it is continually in fight or flight mode. This is the reason that prolonged stress leads to chronic diseases like Hypertension, Diabetes, PCOD and other symptoms like pimples.

What is really required is not some medication or external application to remove the symptom, but some relaxation techniques and de-stressing therapies on a regular basis that can help relax body and mind. Over time and regular treatment, one learns to be more relaxed in their approach to life and so balance is restored in the body.

So be aware, watch yourself and your thoughts in any situation. It is said that an idle man can be more stressed than a busy man because his thoughts can turn negative and lack of physical exercise weakens the body and mind.

So be active and stay healthy.

Writer:

Ms. Ankita Shah

Director & Trainer

Pristine Senses Academy

Testimonials of Pristine Senses Academy's Foot Reflexology (Pro) Course

Session on Etiquette, Client Consultation and Marketing

"The course is well designed with a systematic approach and practical experience. One-on-one attention helps in getting the concepts right."

Vibhuti Agrawal

Mumbai, India

Foot Reflexology (Pro)
(30/07/2013)

Sister Lourdu Mary (r) receiving her certificate in Foot Reflexology (Pro)

"The course was really good and pleasing. As I started to do reflexology for my friend with cervical problem, she was able to feel the ease in 3 days. But I accompanied it with oil massage locally as well as reflexology."

Sister Lourdu Mary

Tamil Nadu, India

Foot Reflexology (Pro)
(02/08/2013)

Frozen Shoulder and Massage

Do you have frozen shoulder?

If you have stiffness and in the neck, shoulder and upper back area accompanied by intense pain in the upper arm, radiating all the way down to the wrist, you may have Frozen Shoulder. This pain increases in intensity in cold weather, at night and when certain movements of the hand are performed. It also restricts the movement of the arm and you may not be able to keep your arm straight and lift it completely up above your head. If you have these symptoms, it is important to visit a doctor or orthopaedist to confirm the condition.

What are the causes of Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder could be caused by many factors. A sudden spasm of the muscles around the shoulders, a sudden jerk or activity performed that can cause a spasm or damage to the muscles, faulty posture and lack of exercise. Diabetes is also closely related to frozen shoulder. That combined with reduced blood circulation in the area can cause increase in pain.

What is the solution?

Many people have been able to get rid of pain and the condition by modifying their lifestyle and including some exercises in their daily routine.

Specific arm exercises, yoga asanas, physiotherapy, hot water fermentation, daily sun bath, specific arm massage and diet control (especially for Diabetics) has helped in maintaining and healing this condition. Many people have claimed to have been cured within a year by following such a routine.

Gentle Swedish Massage by a trained therapist can greatly help in improving blood circulation, reducing muscle tension and spasms by treating specific trigger points and help in reducing pain and increasing range of movement of the hand. Aromatherapy in addition can boost the healing process.

If regular massage sessions turn out to be an expensive affair, a family member can learn the techniques of Swedish massage to help out in the treatment of a loved one.  The knowledge on alternative healing therapies never goes to waste and at least one member in each family should be aware of massage techniques as they can prove to be useful in many situations, including in knowing when not to massage.

However, one must remember that faulty lifestyle and many other factors are causes of disease and so, massage alone cannot help solve the problem. Regular exercise and lifestyle modifications are a must for healing, not just Frozen Shoulder but any such disease. 

Writer:

Mr. Pinakin Shah

Founder

Pristine Senses Academy, Mumbai

Spa Set-Up & Design – Important Points to Consider

 

The look of the spa is a very important aspect when designing the spa, however, certain requirements must always be considered before moving on to the creative aspect of spa design.

For this reason, it is necessary to consult an expert in spa interiors or someone who has had experience in setting up spas of their own. Personal knowledge of the therapies to be provided also plays a very important role.

Location – The location of your spa depends on your customer base and of course, the cost of real estate. If open to public, the location must be in a place where people generally hang out for relaxation and fun and where the entrance to your spa can be prominently seen.

Keep the therapy requirements in mind – The layout of your spa will depend on the flow of the therapies provided. A changing room, treatment room, steam room, shower room etc. will have to be included in the plan as per requirement. For example, if your therapies include wet room treatments, you will require such a room equipped with Vichy shower and appropriate washable flooring etc. You will have to visualize the treatments and their flow and consider the comfort and least effort on the client’s part.

Furniture – Apart from a comforting retreat-like feel, most of your furniture will depend on what kind of therapies you have to offer. Will it be traditional Indian in case of Ayurvedic therapies, or Balinese, Thai, or a more Westernized look? The massage tables and oils on display also depend on the type of therapy provided. For example, if your therapy includes Shirodhara, you will require a different massage table with head support for your client and a drain for the oil. Balinese massage requires a larger, wider and sturdier table while Swedish massage can have a more delicate and stylish table. If your therapy includes Khizi (Potli massage) you will have to make sure that arrangements are made for a heater beside every massage table.

Safety – Antique show pieces and shelves with fountains and lights, etc. are wonderful for the look of the spa. But keep safety in mind. Shelves should never be placed where there is a possibility of a client or staff member’s head banging into it. Corners of the shelves should be blunt for the same reason. Use flooring and material that are anti-skid and safe.

Cleanliness – The rooms will look relaxing and large if minimum clutter is kept in them. Keep everything neat and clean. Hygiene is the main concern for all clients and it can make or break a spa.

Privacy – Consider the privacy of a client. Many foot spas keep many chairs together without any partition as it does not require the clients to change out of their clothes. However, not all people can relax in public and a collapsible partition or option of the same can be provided for those who want it.

Waiting room – Again, depending on your area, marketing and client base, you may require a small, medium or large waiting room. The clients will require something to do while waiting. Plan the room accordingly. It should be a welcoming and friendly place.

Pantry – A fully equipped hygienic pantry for heating water, mixing oils or product, preparing welcome drinks or snacks for the clients, etc. is a must for every spa.

Therapist Room – Therapists (employees) are the backbone of the spa. They are the ones doing the hard work for long hours. If the therapists are tired or disgruntled, the services of the spa will suffer. And so it is very important to provide a separate room and washroom for staff to rest and for their personal needs. A sofa for resting and a small table with chairs for their lunch time would also be thoughtful. This room should never be forgotten when planning a spa.

Writer:

Mr. Pinakin Shah

Founder

Pristine Senses Academy