Raphael Stevens

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    in health and weelbeing

    I Tried Ozone Sauna Therapy – Here’s What Happened

    From the plethora of health and wellness treatments comes something unusual: a gassed-up treatment that promises to heal and reinvigorate. We went ahead and tried ozone sauna therapy at Expand Health to scope out the vibe.

    What is ozone sauna therapy?

    Simply put, it’s a chamber that emits steam and ozone. The steam opens up the skin’s pores, making it possible for ozone to enter the body and be absorbed, so that the benefits can be felt. Your head is never inside the ozone chamber, since ozone is toxic to breathe in (kind of like the ozone in the sky we’re trying to combat).

    Patients are given an oxygen mask to breathe in, so that the ozone doesn’t enter the lungs and cause damage and the chamber should be sealed off at the head.

    While ozone is toxic if breathed in, it’s believed there are other benefits to be gained from having it seep through your pores. Anecdotally, it’s used to treat skin lesions, fight viral infections, activate the immune system and even boost digestion. Many of the benefits, per studies, are yet to be proved scientifically, and researchers are working to gain a greater understanding of ozone therapies.

    Per the little research that exists, ozone therapy could:

    Boost your immune system, since the flood of oxygen in the body stimulates immunity.

    Improve circulation, as fresh oxygen travels to your cells, organs and tissues.

    Protect from foreign invaders, as a boosted immunity halts growth of bacteria and viruses and limits their survival.

    Reduce oxidative stress, since oxygen brings in new life to cells. It could in this way calm inflammation and chronic disease.

    I tried ozone sauna therapy

    I went to Expand Health in Cape Town to try their ozone sauna. They have a range of treatments on offer, from red light therapy to cryo-chamber and oxygen therapy. I opted for the ozone sauna, not entirely because of the cold, but because it’s one of the treatments I had yet to try.

    After dispatching of my garments and donning a towel, I climbed into the sauna chamber and sat on the sterilised seat, while my therapist closed up the machine to let the ozone in. It felt steamy and warm and smelled a bit like chlorine, but not in an overwhelmingly bad way. The ozone seeped through my pores for twenty minutes at varying heats, starting from a balmy 38º Celcius. I promptly fell asleep and felt blissful. After my session, I felt remarkably clean and dewy. I also felt refreshed.

    My therapist and practice manager, Carmen Heunis, tells me that the really revitalising effects are felt from coming to regular sessions – which makes sense, since most therapies need to be done often to see results. Overall, I felt it was a really lovely and passive way to take in something with rejuvenating effects.

    Before your ozone sauna therapy

    Make sure you have a qualified practitioner administering the treatment

    Make sure you never breathe in the ozone as this can be toxic

    Make sure you use a proper machine that never opens during the treatment

    You should have oxygen throughout so that you never breathe in the ozone

    Before you leave the machine, you should wait for the ozone to be suctioned out of the machine before opening

    For peace of mind with this kind of treatment, make sure your facility is part of the South African Association of Health And Skincare Professionals More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Feel like a Royal at these luxe Sheikh Hamdan-approved restaurants in Dubai

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    13 mins ago

    VIEW GALLERY/ 21 IMAGES
    When it comes to knowing the best restaurants to dine at in Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum always knows best.
    No stranger to Dubai’s foodie scene, when it comes to dining at the city’s fine-dining spots, Fazza knows best. From alfresco havens to new speakeasies, Dubai’s Crown Prince has paid a visit to a myriad of restaurants, to ensure he’s always on top of the food game.
    From sophisticated alfresco havens to all the authentic food choices, this royal is regularly seen dining out at some of the best F&B concepts Dubai has to offer.
    If you’re in need of some inspiration on where to dine next, Emirates Woman has curated a list of all the sophisticated restaurants that have received Sheikh Hamdan’s stamp of approval.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @faz3 More

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    Why you need to visit this multi-sensory wellness sanctuary in Saudi Arabia

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    16 mins ago

    Spread across the desert valley of Al Ula, this urban sanctuary promises a sustainable getaway for all those who visit.
    This all-villa resort is a one-of-a-kind desert retreat with its natural surroundings and multi-sensory experience. With the stunning rock formations, guests can unwind at these authentic Arabian-inspired villas that showcase expansive views of nature. Located at Wadi Ashar, this property is set in the area known as the world’s largest living museum.
    We discuss the art of balancing history and wellness to perfection with Banyan Tree AlUla’s General Manager Antony Treston.
    Can you define the inspiration behind the design of the resort?
    When it comes to the design of our resort, the main inspiration was the breathtaking surroundings and the rich heritage of the destination. The goal was to seamlessly integrate the resort into its unique setting among the stunning rock formations of the Ashar Valley. Sand-coloured canvas and terracotta for the tented villas were carefully selected, allowing them to blend in with the natural surroundings. The choice of materials was essential in preserving the natural beauty of the area. The design also pays homage to the nomadic culture of the region. The bespoke furniture in our villas expresses a sense of wanderlust and adventure, with patterns inspired by the Nabataean people. This adds a touch of authenticity and cultural significance to then overall design. The overall design embraces the natural beauty of the destination while honouring the heritage and nomadic traditions of the region. This creates a truly immersive and enriching experience for our guests, showing them all that AlUla has to offer.

    This desert retreat is situated in the magical surrounding of AlUla’s Ashar Valley. How canguests embark on a multi-sensory experience?
    The philosophy of the resort embraces three concepts; ‘in-villa, ‘in-valley’ and ‘envoyage’ to immerse guests in the property and magnificent surroundings. From the moment our guests step foot into the valley, they are instantly captivated by the tranquil stillness, the otherworldly rock formations, and the raw power of nature. It’s a profound experience. With ‘In-villa’, we provide guests with bespoke dining, wellbeing and entertainment experiences brought to life by our extremely talented team of Banyan Tree hosts. ‘In-valley’ takes our guests into nature, through exclusive outdoor treatments, nomadic chef’s tables, active adventures, and private events staged in unique settings. Lastly, ‘En-voyage’ takes our guests on a immersive journey, curated in collaboration with local talents, unveiling the many facets of AlUla’s rich heritage.
    The carbon footprint of the resort is reduced to a minimum and the site’s natural habitat ispersevered. Was this the plan from the outset?
    It definitely was. Sustainability and social responsibility are at the heart of the Banyan Tree brand and AlUla creates the perfect home for us, as it is a protected eco-tourism destination. With Banyan Tree, we strive to create a positive impact wherever we are, by acting as committed stewards to the environment, local communities, and regional cultures. We source the majority of our ingredients locally and implemented a zero single use plastic policy throughout the resort. Our villas are also designed to preserve the natural landscape and blend in with our surroundings.
    “When it comes to the design of our resort, the main inspiration was the breathtaking surroundings and the rich heritage of the destination.”
    The culinary journey experienced here is exceptional – can you expand on how you’ve achieved this in such a location?
    For a taste of local culture, Harrat, named after Saudi Arabia’s largest volcanic lava field, offers a range of dishes, from fresh seafood to Middle Eastern mezze and grilled meats, ensuring there’s something to suit every palate. We go above and beyond to create unforgettable dining experiences in the magical world of AlUla. With our destination dining, guests are welcomed to a unique location for the opportunity to dine under the starlit sky in the Ashar Valley. To make the experience even more enchanting, an astronomer will guide our guests in discovering the constellations and their captivating stories with state-of-the-art telescopes. Our guests can enjoy traditional fare and refreshing beverages. It is truly an immersive experience.
    This premium resort prioritises the customer’s wellbeing. What are some of the wellness activities available onboard?
    Wellbeing is a key focus at Banyan Tree AlUla, and we believe that our guests should leave our resort feeling reconnected and inspired. Our wellbeing offerings are designed to provide a holistic and immersive experience that helps our guests connect with nature and themselves. Our expert instructors offer a range of yoga and meditation classes, that are tailored to suit the needs and preferences of our guests. Our classes are held in tranquil outdoor settings allowing guests to connect with the natural beauty of the Ashar Valley while practising mindfulness and relaxation techniques. All the spa treatments are inspired by local traditions and ingredients and are designed to provide a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating experience. We offer a range of therapies, including massages, body scrubs and wraps, all using natural and organic ingredients. Our outdoor activities such as hiking, stargazing and horseback riding are able to provide guests with an immersive and authentic experience of the AlUla region. These activities allow guests to disconnect from the stress of daily life and reconnect with themselves and nature. Our wellbeing offerings are curated to help our guests connect with the healing properties of nature and the rich cultural heritage of the region, providing a truly transformative experience that goes beyond mere relaxation.

    One of the key attractions is the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. What are the other sites close by?
    Banyan Tree AlUla is located in one of the world’s most breathtaking and historic destinations, and there are so many activities and experiences that guests can enjoy during their stay. AlUla Old Town, a historic and cultural hub that showcases the rich heritage and architecture of the region, is just a short distance from the hotel. Guests can explore the ancient mud-brick buildings and narrow alleys, visit the local souk, and learn about the history and traditions of the local people. Elephant Rock is only 15 minutes away from the resort by car and is one of the more famous destinations in AlUla. As its name suggests, it bears a striking resemblance to an enormous elephant gracefully standing in the desert. This iconic rock formation has been sculpted over centuries by nature and is an emblem of AlUla’s unique beauty. Guests can also stay within the resort for an experience unlike any other, and a welcome sight for those living in big cities. Our guests will be taken to a unique location in the Ashar Valley, while a local Rawi guides them in discovering the constellations and their stories. We provide our guests with state-of-the-art telescopes and stargazing applications, and they can warm by the fire with refreshments.

    Saudi Arabia is growing in popularity as a must-visit destination to visit. What is driving this?
    In recent years, tourism in Saudi Arabia has experienced remarkable growth, fuelled by the country’s efforts to promote tourism as part of its Vision 2030 initiative. With investments in infrastructure, the introduction of electronic visas, and the hosting of international events, Saudi Arabia has attracted visitors from around the world. We are lucky to be situated in one of the most sought-after destinations, with AlUla’s historical sites and its stunning landscapes.
    This is The Summer Escape Issue – where are you escaping to this summer?
    I am off to Northumberland for the summer for some quality time with my family!
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied  More

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    in health and weelbeing

    I Made Cameron Diaz’s Crunch Salad, and It Is the Perfect Summer Meal

    I’m not proud to admit it, but my beige flag is that I hate vegetables. As a kid, I ate vegetables like they were going out of style, but now as a 30-year-old woman, I find myself having to sneak them into my meals to make sure I’m getting much-needed nutrients. One of the ways I do this is by having a couple of go-to salads in my arsenal that feel more like a fun dish than just a daily dose of greens. Enter: Cameron Diaz’s Summer Crunch Salad. 
    When I first heard about Cameron Diaz’s summer crunch salad in collaboration with goop Kitchen, it definitely didn’t even seem like the dish you think about when you hear the word “salad” (read: mango and cashews). This salad is available for delivery through goop Kitchen, but for those of us who don’t live within their delivery radius (LA), read on for everything you’ll need to recreate this fresh summer salad at home. 

    The Ingredients and Recipe
    Avaline’s blog spilled the full list of ingredients and steps needed to make the base of the salad, the toppings, and the vinaigrette dressing.

    Salad ingredients

    4 cups salad greens (romaine or gem lettuce is recommended) 
    1 cup snow peas thinly sliced
    1 cup carrots thinly sliced
    ½ cup cucumbers cut into ¼ inch half-moon slices
    ½ mango peeled and thinly sliced
    ½ avocado thinly sliced
    1 cup mixed fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, and basil are recommended) 
    ¼ cup cashews toasted and roughly chopped
    ½ cup puffed rice 
    2 fresh lime wedges (for garnish) 

    Salad recipe
    Start with a base of your lettuce of choice, then add in your vegetables and fruits (yes, avocado is technically a fruit). Top everything off with cashews and puffed rice, and garnish with herbs and fresh-squeezed lime.  

    Vinaigrette ingredients 

    ¼ cup cashews toasted
    2 tablespoons maple syrup
    1 teaspoon Sriracha or hot sauce 
    1 lime juiced
    1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    1 tablespoon freshly-grated gringer 
    1 tablespoon miso paste
    2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
    1 clove freshly-grated or finely-minced garlic
    1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
    ½ cup sunflower oil
    1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

    Vinaigrette recipe
    To make the dressing, add all ingredients to a blender, except for the sunflower oil and toasted sesame oil, and blend on high until everything is smooth. Keep the blender running while slowly adding in the oils, and mix until combined. 

    My Final Verdict 
    I was pleasantly surprised by how inexpensive the ingredients were. After dropping almost $50 to make the Bella Hadid smoothie at home, I expected the price tag of the ingredients for a goop salad to be about the same. However, I only ended up spending $27 for everything (except for the puffed rice because my grocery store was out of it). Full disclosure: I didn’t go the extra mile and make the vinaigrette. Instead, I took a page out of Ina Garten’s book and decided “store-bought is fine,” as she’d say. I did use a very light and fresh vinaigrette to stick with the overall vibe of this dish, though, and it paired perfectly. 
    Unfortunately, that’s where the ease of making this salad ended. Sure, making a salad typically just involves chopping, but this salad requires some ingredients to be julienned (chopped very finely), which is a lot easier said than done. Luckily, I bought pre-cut carrots, but I found it difficult and time-consuming to julienne the snow peas, mango, and avocado. But to be fair, I don’t cook much, so this may be a normal amount of prep for a meal. 

    After assembling everything, the final product was a salad full of texture and bright flavors, just like the recipe promises. The bright colors and fresh ingredients really do make this the ideal summer salad, but the only con was that it did not have much protein. I’m all for a Meatless Monday meal, but I was pretty hungry when I made this salad for dinner, so I ended up needing to add grilled chicken to feel fully satisfied. So just a pro tip: add a protein source like salmon, chicken, or tofu for a satiating meal.
    But there were a lot of things I loved about the dish. I enjoyed using unexpected ingredients that I don’t consume often, like snow peas and mango, in a salad. I also liked that this was a lighter salad ideal for a hot, summer day compared to other salads I eat that contain heavier ingredients like bacon, cheese, or hard-boiled eggs. My favorite part? The salad paired perfectly with a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc, just like Diaz promised. 

    I Tried Jennifer Aniston’s Favorite Salad—Here Are My Thoughts More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Why this is most romantic daycation to book for your loved one in Dubai

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    From time-to-time we’re all in need of some pampering and One&Only The Palm has the perfect option for you this season, with its exclusive self-care package for couples.
    For an island-feel hideaway, the resort is offering a unique experience at its Guerlain Spa with world-class facilities, a meal at its fine-dining haven and pool activities at leisure at its tranquil pool for the perfect escape for two guests.

    Visitors can begin their journey by choosing from a host of including deep tissue, Swedish, and hot stone . Each session is performed by highly trained therapists who use expert techniques to ease tension and improve circulation. The signature spa rituals have been created exclusively for One&Only The Palm; The products use natural ingredients and Guerlain’s unique formulations and techniques. For the treatment couples can choose to have their massages in a private room or opt for a side-by-side experience in a couple’s suite.

    Post-treatment guests can savour a delectable meal at Zest, which offers a menu curated by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno. The Moorish-inspired dining haven has a peaceful terrace overlooking the palm-lined pool. With a gourmet fare from East to West and a fusion of flavours, guests can indulge in specialties from around the world on a plate.

    This premium package includes a 60-minute treatment at the Guerlain Spa for two people, along with a private air-conditioned pool cabana, a pool & beach day pass complemented by a three-course lunch at Zest or an afternoon tea at The Lounge for an additional price of Dhs270 per person.

    Followed by the meal, guests can layback in style at the air-conditioned cabanas for a host of additional comforts, from private showers to butler services. With unrivalled seclusion, this elevated space offers a luxurious sunbathing session complemented by an indoor-outdoor shower and a television to watch your favourite shows or listen to the year’s most sought-after hits.
    The entire experience is priced at Dhs2,800 on Saturday, Sunday and on public holidays and Dhs2,300 on weekdays from Monday to Friday excluding public holidays. It can be booked by September 30, 2023.
    For more information or to make a booking visit oneandonlyresorts.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @oothepalm More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    The most romantic daycation to book for your loved one in Dubai

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    5 hours ago

    From time-to-time we’re all in need of some pampering and One&Only The Palm has the perfect option for you this season, with its exclusive self-care package for couples.
    For an island-feel hideaway, the resort is offering a unique experience at its Guerlain Spa with world-class facilities, a meal at its fine-dining haven and pool activities at leisure at its tranquil pool for the perfect escape for two guests.

    Visitors can begin their journey by choosing from a host of including deep tissue, Swedish, and hot stone . Each session is performed by highly trained therapists who use expert techniques to ease tension and improve circulation. The signature spa rituals have been created exclusively for One&Only The Palm; The products use natural ingredients and Guerlain’s unique formulations and techniques. For the treatment couples can choose to have their massages in a private room or opt for a side-by-side experience in a couple’s suite.

    Post-treatment guests can savour a delectable meal at Zest, which offers a menu curated by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno. The Moorish-inspired dining haven has a peaceful terrace overlooking the palm-lined pool. With a gourmet fare from East to West and a fusion of flavours, guests can indulge in specialties from around the world on a plate.

    This premium package includes a 60-minute treatment at the Guerlain Spa for two people, along with a private air-conditioned pool cabana, a pool & beach day pass complemented by a three-course lunch at Zest or an afternoon tea at The Lounge for an additional price of Dhs270 per person.

    Followed by the meal, guests can layback in style at the air-conditioned cabanas for a host of additional comforts, from private showers to butler services. With unrivalled seclusion, this elevated space offers a luxurious sunbathing session complemented by an indoor-outdoor shower and a television to watch your favourite shows or listen to the year’s most sought-after hits.
    The entire experience is priced at Dhs2,800 on Saturday, Sunday and on public holidays and Dhs2,300 on weekdays from Monday to Friday excluding public holidays. It can be booked by September 30, 2023.
    For more information or to make a booking visit oneandonlyresorts.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @oothepalm More

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    in health and weelbeing

    There Is Nothing Normal About Pain During Sex

    First-time sex is supposed to be painful due to the hymen (a thin piece of tissue located at the opening of the vagina) tearing. Most of us grew up hearing this statement. We held on to it as the gospel and waited our turn to feel this ‘natural’ pain. 

    There’s no bigger lie, believes psychosexual therapist Catriona Boffard, who has been in the game for well over 13 years and is particularly passionate about this subject. She believes that young women being taught that first-time sex is painful creates more long-term damage than we let on and it’s something that should never be normalised.

    “One of the biggest issues is that when women expect something to hurt, or if there has been some physical sexual trauma, chemotherapy treatment or a skin condition, they aren’t going to be sufficiently aroused physically and psychologically – and that will automatically lead to pain. There are many reasons why a woman has unwanted pain during sex, but her first time is not one of them. A woman’s first time shouldn’t hurt.”
    Catriona Boffard

    READ MORE: 5 Things You ALWAYS Need To Do After Anal Sex

    Why you could be experiencing sexual pain

    There are various health and psychological reasons that cause pain during sex – and these should be treated with the utmost urgency. “One of the most common reasons why women experience pain during sex is that they’re not sufficiently aroused. Also, because society tells us that sex first-time sex is going to hurt, that also switches off the probability of being physically and mentally aroused. Her vaginal muscles tense up leading to sexual pain,” explains Boffard. 

    Another reason could be due to sexual pain disorders. “It’s usually a psychosomatic issue that a woman experiences where there is a fear-pain cycle that perpetuates in the brain. It could be that she’s experienced psychological and physical trauma before when inserting a tampon or a finger, being examined by a gynaecologist or when a penis penetrates,” shares Boffard. 

    READ MORE: Vanilla Sex: Not As Boring As You Think

    The third reason is due to dermatological conditions such as lichen sclerosis which affects the tissue in the vulva area or recurring vaginal infections, adds Boffard. Then there’s also the effects of ageing, menopause or chemotherapy which causes shrinking and atrophy (skin condition demonstrated by thin shiny-appearing skin, small readily visible blood vessels, bruises, stretch marks, increased hair, redness, and pigmentation changes) in the vaginal tissue, particularly in the labia. 

    Possible treatments

    Should you decide to consult a psychosexual therapist for your pain during sex, they are likely to first refer you to a sexual health doctor for a full examination and assessment to rule out the possibility of the pain being caused by clinical reasons. “The treatment usually depends on what it is that she’s experiencing. There is no one-size-fits-all model. Every woman needs to be treated differently depending on what her concerns are,” says Boffard. 

    READ MORE: 10 Quiet Vibrators That Will Let You Play In Peace

    One of the most common causes of unwanted sexual pain in women, from a psychological perspective, is negative messaging around sex. “A woman living with vaginismus (the tightening of the muscles on the vagina) may need sessions with a physiotherapist to manage the movement of their pelvis and another may need some psychological therapy sessions. Ideally, a woman experiencing unwanted sexual pain needs a team made up of a sexual health doctor, a sexologist like myself and a physiotherapist,” she says. More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Threads: Twitter’s newly launched rival already has over 10 million subscribers

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    3 hours ago

    Mark Zuckerberg, the owner of Meta, has launched a new social media platform called Threads.
    The text-based conversation app, similar to Twitter, is now live. This announcement comes in the midst of an online rivalry between Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, the face behind Twitter, which sparked speculations of a physical confrontation between the two tech giants.
    It is believed that the launch of Threads is a response to certain changes made by Twitter, including the introduction of a paywall to Tweetdeck and reducing the number of visible tweets per individual, both implemented by Elon Musk to increase paid subscribers.
    Threads aims to cater to the demands of current Twitter users and address any complains they may have, while remaining free of cost.

    According to the Threads team, the platform seeks to create a space where people can engage in discussions about important and relevant topics. While several Twitter-like apps have been released in recent years, Threads is expected to have significant impact and potentially gain traction due to Elon Musk’s controversial strategies with Twitter, which have received mixed reactions regarding free speech.
    This has opened up a whole new avenue for for Mark’s Threads to thrive in this landscape. Plus, the easy transition for an existing Instagram user is an additional bonus.
    Head of instagram, Adam Mosseri gave a complete breakdown about the new app in a detailed video. “Threads is our new app, built by the Instagram team, for text updates and joining public conversations. We’re hoping Threads can be great space for public conversations, and we’re very focused on the creator communities that already enjoy Instagram,” shared Adam.

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram: Feature Image: @veneti.a More