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We all want to have perfectly glowing and hydrated skin, and there’s lots of information out there on how to get it. Dry brushing is an amazing method to assist with exfoliation and rejuvenation of skin, but before you grab a brush and go to town, read on to learn how to get the most benefits without damaging your skin.

First of all: what actually is dry brushing? Dry brushing is the act of exfoliating the body with a dry, stiff bristled brush. There’s lots of claims that dry brushing helps with all sorts of imperfections, but what’s actually true? It’s important to have all of the information so you can start your dry brushing journey with the right expectations.

Dry brushing does unclog your pores and is excellent for exfoliation. It is especially excellent for dry rough skin as it is quite an intense exfoliation process, leaving you with glowing smoother & softer skin.

It is also incredible for promoting increased blood circulation and lymph drainage, the manual motions helps to kickstart your body and detoxify your skin. When you dry brush you are stimulating your nervous system, this can leave you feeling invigorated – similar to after a massage.

Even though dry brushing is an intense form of exfoliation, it is gentler on your skin than exfoliating in the shower. Hot water can inflame your skin, and strips away oils that keep your skin hydrated. Exfoliating in the shower can cause redness and itching.

So, what brush should you use? To see the full benefits of dry brushing you will want a natural stiff bristled brush with a long handle. The stiffness of the bristles will depend on your skin’s sensitivity and tolerance. The long handle allows you to reach more difficult areas like your back.

Now that you know what brush to use, it’s time to move on to the actual how-to.

1. Using a natural bristled brush, start from the feet or ankles and work your way upward in long, fluid strokes on limbs.
2. Next, move the brush in a circular motion on your torso and back.
3. Since this process can be a little too much for sensitive areas like the abdomen, breasts, and neck, lighten up the pressure as needed.
4. A few overlapping swipes per area is all you need. If you go over the same area for too long, you can cause irritation or bleeding.
5. Dry brush once a day and shower immediately afterward.

Don’t brush over moles, raised bumps, or any wounds – including sunburn! If you notice redness, inflammation or swelling, stop right away. Don’t dry brush your face, the skin is too sensitive.

Now that you know what to do, stop in at Vital Balance and pick up your very own dry brush for $22! If you have any further questions please feel free to call us and ask!

It’s the end of a long, stressful week, maybe you’ve been more stressed than normal. Lots of jaw clenching, teeth grinding even. We’ve all had weeks like that. But now, you’re in pain. Ibuprofen? Well you may as well put a plaster on your jaw for how much it’s helping. What can you do to help? Is there anything you can do? We have the answer: M-A-S-S-A-G-E.

What’s causing your pain? It could be you’re experiencing TMJ pain. But how do you know? Do any of the following sound like you? If so, massage therapy could be what you need.

• muscular pain when chewing, swallowing, or speaking
• restricted movement, such as limitations when opening the mouth
• clicking, popping, and cracking of the jaw
• dental issues such as misaligned teeth
• pain in the neck, scalp, and shoulders
• frequent headaches
• pain and tenderness at the joint
• pain, ringing, or itchiness in the ears
• dizziness
• recurrent migraines
• teeth grinding

How does massage actually help with TMJ pain? Massage helps to relax the tight and overworked muscles that are causing your pain. An experienced therapist will also work other areas of your body – such as your spine, scalp, shoulders, face & neck – to address the underlying causes of your pain. Working on the areas around the temporomandibular joint as well as the joint itself will bring you great relief.

There are exercises you can do at home to help relieve your pain, but the best thing for TMJ relief is to get a professional massage. Your therapist will give you personalised exercises to help your specific issue after your session.

Our amazing massage therapist Liam specialises in functional TMJ relief. He has worked alongside an osteopath for several years and has taken a great interest in how massage can be used to keep your body working as it should, and to fix issues that seem impossible to get rid of.

He’s already had some great results with Vital Balance clients, and we are taking bookings for him now! If you have been struggling with jaw pain, book in with Liam and find relief, people are already loving him.

Deep Dive with Dermapen Expert Therapist Amy

What is Reiki?  Let's ask Gem:)

Kia ora My name is Robyn and I am a qualified Massage Therapist, with a focus on holistic well-being. Although I work in relaxation, therapeutic, pre and post-natal, and infant massage; my aim in all massage, is to send my people home with a feeling of bliss, rejuvenation, and wholeness.

I am a mum of three, with only one teenager still at home. I have used massage throughout our lives, to support and enhance our wellbeing. My aim is to do the same for you and your family also.

I firmly believe in the many benefits of massage therapy and in using this as a wellness tool. Although the physiological benefits are significant and obvious; the psychological, emotional and spiritual benefits, are the results that I truly love to see.

I am of Ngāti Pōrou and Te Whānau A Apanui descent. I use my traditional gifts to reconnect, realign and restore your mind, body and spirit.

I look forward to seeing you soon and helping you achieve your bliss

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Kaimirimiri
NZ Certificate in Relaxation Massage
NZ Diploma in Wellness and Relaxation Massage
Certificate in Oncology Massage
Certificate in Infant and Pregnancy Massage