Cassiopea Yap says that hypnosis is an effective method to unearth matters suppressed deep in our psyche. Healthy Times finds out that it is a good method to cure smoking.

Have you ever “zoned out” to the world around you, or

found yourself daydreaming? Believe it or not, but daydreaming and being absent-minded are forms of hypnosis. In fact, all trance-like states are forms of hypnosis because they are a state of mind where the person is neither completely awake nor sleep. Though hypnosis is self-imposed, meaning a person has to be willing to be hypnotized, the doctor or therapist inducing the hypnotic state has to suggest ideas and actions to the patient in order to activate the subconsious mind. The patient does not consciously encounter information stored in the subconcious, therefore, hypnosis is a practical and safe way to bring many underlying issues affecting the psyche to surface.

While hypnosis is normally used to treat psychological problems, it can be very effective in treating issues related to the body as well. For instance, hynotherapy can be used in overcoming fears, negative thoughts, and even slow a person’s metabolism. Hypnosis, in essence, alters the conscious state by bypassing the left side of the brain (which controls consiousness) and communicating with the subconsious. The subconscious state then acts upon the cues given to it, deprogramming the mind. Therefore, hypnosis has been proven effective in ridding habits such as smoking, and even aids in controlling pain, weight, the ability to relax, and more.

Yap cited the three most common problems she’s come in contact with as a Clinical Therapist. The first of those is the “Quit Smoking Therapy.” This therapy session lasts 90 minutes and does not require the use of drugs. Furthermore, hypnosis has a higher success rate in getting people to quit smoking than other methods available.

The second problem Yap confronts is anxiety and stress. There are different levels of intensity for anxiety and stress, but each level can be dealt with by using hypnosis. For example, sometimes all a person needs is to get through one stressful situation, such as an exam, but other situations may be more deeply rooted emotionally and psychologically. Yap states that the best way to deal with this category is to have a consultation to determine the number of necessary sessions.

Lastly, Yap uses hypnosis to combat fears and phobias. Fears and phobias can grip a person so much that the individual cannot overcome them even with the help of friends and family. Fortunately, hypnosis offers a way to remove the problem without experiencing the problem to the extent that the patient forgets the issue even existed.

Cassiopea

Cassiopea Yap Founder of Infinity Point, Cassiopea Yap is a dedicated therapist who has been trained in United Kingdom, United States, Australia and Singapore since 2003. Cassiopea believes that while conventional medicines often treated the symptom, complementary alternative medicine gets to the root of the underlying emotions or issues. Cassiopea has had the privilege to train many people, including those in the medical profession, in the art of complementary alternative healing like Quantum Touch, Hypnotherapy, Reiki, Crystal Healing and Space Cleansing. Infinity Point was established in 2006 in Singapore and it has built itself a strong presence as a reputable provider of complementary alternative healing methods.
For more information on Certified Clinical Expertise, please contact Infinity Point Pte Ltd at 96735037 or 68444696 in association with London College Clinical Hypnosis.

For more information, please visit www.infinitypoint.com.sg

Wang was deeply affected by menopause, and though her active lifestyle was in jeopardy, she could not bring herself to undergo surgery to correct her problem. Armed with dedication and determination, Wang felt assured that ancient Chinese medicine that dates back 4000 years combined with today’s technological advancements, would bring about a solution. Wang’s search led her to a rare and precious herb called the Snow Lotus Flower. This herb led to the development of a product that not only positively affected the reproductive system, but the overall emotional and physical health of an individual.

The Naturalpad Snow Lotus helps the body absorb the healing benefits of the Snow Lotus Flower. This product was patented in the United States, and ever since its launch, has been highly sought-after for the treatment of reproductive matters as well as general health.

The Naturalpad Snow Lotus performs gynecological detoxification by preventing odors and the formation of bacteria. While benefits can be recognized in the short term, the long term results will prove highly beneficial. Individuals that use the Naturalpad over a longer period of time will see natural bodily defenses restored and strengthened, which would further the prevention of gynecological matters. The Naturalpad Snow Lotus is beneficial for many issues that include but are not limited to: menopausal discomfort, regulation of the menstrual cycle, complexion, water retention, weight control, insomnia, lack of energy, and mood swings.

This treatment can be obtained at JRNaturalcare, an institution that has employed the use of Chinese medicine and modern technology in helping patients. There are three steps to this treatment. The first step involves an herbal serum being massaged into the skin. In the second step, the meridian points on the body are stimulated with the aid of technology, improving the circulatory system. The last step involves a second layer of herbs being fused into the skin through the use of the Naturalpad, which is placed near the perineum, facilitating absorption.

The Naturalpad Snow Lotus is a must-have product, and it will assuredly bring out the beauty in those who use it.

WWW.JRNATURALCARE.COM.SG

Frozen shoulders, acute sinusitis, osteoarthritis in knee and many similar cases are treated with Acu-Moxibustion which is also known as ‘Zhen Jiu’. This treatment, as a part of TCM, combines the use of needles along with burning of moxa herb.

Dr Gu Falong is a medical director and senior acupuncturist at Hua Mei Acupuncture and TCM Clinic in Bukit Merah, Singapore who has been using this technique from the past thirty years and has successfully cured many patients suffering from such ailments.

In this technique, a needle is tapped in the body with moxa herb set alight at the end which is extended beyond and heat of 40° C is passed down the needle and into the body. The moxa herb is sand colored and generally takes three to four minutes to burn. While carrying out this process, almost 10 – 11 needles are placed together which burn simultaneously, pass on the heat to nerves and make them less sensitive. The smoke after burning moxa herb can irritate the eyes and nose of the practitioner as well as the patient, so at Hua Mei Acupuncture and TCM Clinic, special ventilation system is incorporated that aerates the air swiftly.

Moreover, fire guards are also used to trim down the risk of any injury to the patient. Dr. Gu Falong says that these days moxa herb is not used in this process, but when two are combined, the results are far better. As perceived, acupuncture works on the principle of applying external force, while Acu-Moxibustion works through infra red radiation which penetrates upto 10mm in depth thus allowing cells and tissues to absorb the heat.

This is the reason when moxa herb is combined with acupuncture, the effects are quite powerful and efficient. At times, moxa is used with garlic and ginger, as garlic can be drawn on for respiratory problems and ginger for gastric related problems. A disc of garlic and ginger is sited and moxa herb is set alight on the top along with sending heat through garlic and ginger.

Dr Gu Falong explained that TB patients in Shanghai university were able to recover fast as they were given Western medicine with TCM garlic and moxa treatment. In addition to this, cancer patients can also make progress faster when TCM oral herbal remedies are clubbed together with chemo therapy. So, with this Dr Gu Falong concluded that both Western medicine and TCM work well, but when combined, their results are incredibly influential.

Dental implant is a sophisticated titanium screw that replaces the root portion of a missing natural tooth. The implant is placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw, allowed to bond with the bone, and would serve as an anchor for the replacement teeth. These replacement teeth look, feel and function exactly like natural teeth. This is one time that the clinician can make something for a patient that is as good as the original.

Dental implants, if taken care of, can last a lifetime.

The surgery takes about 20 minutes. Local anesthetic is administered and a gum flap is raised to allow access to the underlying bone. The bone is then gently prepared with a series of drills which create a channel for the implant to be inserted. A period of 10 to 12 weeks is necessary to allow the bone to fuse to the implant. In reality, it is even less painful than extracting a tooth.

Benefits of dental implant

• Dental implants can prevent the collapse and aging of lower face. Unlike bridges, which require adjacent teeth to be trimmed and which need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years.
• Dental implants will not interfere with speech, there will also no problems to chew food, especially the meat.
• Patients often find renewed confidence and an improved sense of self-esteem.

Improve skin texture and appearance

• Microdermabrasion, also known as “lunchtime” treatment can effectively diminish age spots and light acne scars by gently exfoliating the skin’s upper layers and simultaneously removing the dead skin.
• Laser skin resurfacing is effectively in removing the outer layers of the skin that are damaged or unevenly pigmented. This procedure will help to stimulate the production of collagen and new skin cells in the underlying layers of skin.

Look younger and wrinkle-free

Facial fillers work by filling in folds and “plumping” up the sunken facial areas. Those who are troubled by crow’s feet, frown lines and furrows in the forehead can now turn to Botox injections to help reduce wrinkles and smooth out fine lines.

Zip off those zits

Acne light therapy has emerged as an effective treatment to significantly help clear acne while cleansing the skin pores. It targets and kills bacteria that are responsible for acne outbreaks.

Tighten & lift up saggy skin

Radiofrequency (RF) is a popular non-surgical skin tightening treatment that can help firm up the skin and improve the contours of the face and neck. The aesthetic improvements are achieved with a radiofrequency device that is passed over the face, with the tip in contact with the skin’s surface, to help to stimulate collagen development.

Achieve a firmer facial profile

Neck is an area that tends to accumulate fat that is hard to lose. Fat deposits in neck can make a younger person seem older and a fit person seems out of shape. So, liposuction, a surgical procedure can be carried out on the neck area. Doing this will reduce fat deposits and firm up the skin and improve facial profile.

Acupuncture for skin revitalization

Acupuncture is gaining in popularity as one of the alternative methods to help replenish the skin, erase lines and delay the aging process. It helps to build collagen tones muscle, improves circulation and moistens skin without the risk of skin pigmentation or scarring.

Botox treatment lasts for three to six months. Lines and wrinkles gradually reappear as the Botox wears off. With repeated treatment, doctors have observed that Botox may last longer as the muscles become less prominent from non – use.

The most common side effect of this treatment is temporary bruising. You may also have a temporary headache. If Botox spreads outside of the muscles being treated, there may be temporary eyelid drooping in a small percentage of patients. This is why the doctor will ask the patient not to rub the treated area for several hours and not to lay down for a few hours.

However, Botox should not be administered to patients who are pregnant, are breastfeeding, or have a neurological condition. Botox cannot be used on all types of wrinkles it important to have a detailed consultation with a doctor before proceeding with treatment.

Smoking causes skin to break out into acne. This terrible skin problem is due to the harmful carcinogenic chemicals found in cigarette smoke which enters the bloodstream. A hormonal imbalance then occurs which causes the skin to secrete more oil.

Oil or sebum as it’s called is produced to help keep the skin soft and smooth, but too much oil mixes with the dead cells of the skin, resulting in pores becoming clogged and pimples and acne developing.

Learn how you can quit smoking habit in just 38 minutes & 13 seconds..

Acne that’s suffered by smokers is the non-inflammatory type. It is different from the type found in non-smokers. This non-inflammatory type is distinguished by large ugly blackheads and blocked pores.

If you are a chain smoker, the more you’re likely to develop acne. Unfortunately for non-smokers, being exposed to passive smoke can also cause your skin to break out.

There’s also a strong link between acne and women smokers. Around 50% of women who smoke get acne, which can be very damaging to their self-esteem too.

Smokers also secrete less Vitamin E, compared to non-smokers. Vitamin E is necessary for healthy skin. A smoker who has had acne in their teens is also four times more likely to have it when older compared to a non-smoker. To make matters worse, smoking also promotes early aging and wrinkling of the skin.

Learn how you can quit smoking habit in just 38 minutes & 13 seconds..

Exercise regularly. It will regulate hormone production in the body. Have a good diet. Five servings of fruits and vegetables are strongly recommended. Drinking lots of water will also flush the toxins from your body. Try and avoid meals which are rich in fat and sugar too.

Quit smoking! It will definitely lead to improvement in your skin quality and general health.

Learn How You Can Naturally Regrow Loss Hair Naturally …..Know Your Hair

Do you know that the hair shaft, the part of your hair that you see in the mirror and spend much time and money on, is biologically dead?  If it is otherwise, imagine the pain you would feel when your hair undergoes the scissors!  The only part of your hair that is alive is below the surface of the scalp in the hair follicle.

Each strand of hair comprises three layers – the innermost layer is the medulla; the middle layer is the cortex which gives hair its strength and colour and the outermost layer is the cuticle (made up of not only layer of flat, transparent overlapping scales) which not only protects the cortex but determines how our hair looks and feels.  When our hair is healthy, the cuticle layers lie flat and are tightly knit together, bouncing light off its regular surface to give us shiny, smooth hair.

However, what our hair is exposed to everyday leaves much to be desired.  Constant exposure to harsh environmental effects, a poor diet, excessive hairstyling, and sometimes unintentionally, our own mishandling may see our crowning glory lose its bounce and lustre, turning limp or dry.

When subjected to these attacks, the cuticle layer may get loosened, uplifted and eventually wear away to expose the cortex, which is less resistant to chemical and physical damages.  As a result, our hair becomes dull, coarse and prone to split-ends and breakages.  The secret to maintain good-looking hair, therefore, lies in caring for the cuticle.

Caring for Chemically-treated Hair

During the colouring, perming or rebonding process, hair is subject to strong chemicals to either give it a new hue or alter its structure to form a new shape.  The heat from the equipment such as hot rollers, flat irons and blow dryers can add to the damage by the chemicals.

Discover how you can naturally regrow lost hair in 15 minutes a day….

Use a gentle and hydrating shampoo for chemically-processed hair.  In addition, use treatment conditioners that contain the properties:

• protein, collagen and elastin
• special polymers
• emollient and moisturising properties
• acidic pH-value

Caring for Dry Hair

Not all conditioners are created equal.  If you have dry hair, use conditioners with the properties mentioned above.  Alternatively, you can choose a shampoo and conditioner with silicone which acts as a cuticle coat and fights brittleness at hair ends.  The silicone can also help to retain moisture and create shine to give hair a silkier feel.

If you spot split-ends, snip them off.  Left alone, these split-ends can go all the way up to the scalp.  It is essential to schedule regular appointments with a hairstylist for a trim, as this is the best way to voer and prevent split-ends.  You can also go for deep conditioning treatments done at professional salons to repair the hair’s conditions.

Managing Frizzy Hair

The humid climate can cause frizziness in dry hair.  This is because dry hair is usually a result of raised cuticles, which in turn makes the hair shaft more porous.  Porous hair absorbs more moisture from the air which makes it swells and creates the unsightly, unruly look.

To combat frizzy hair, use an anti-curl shampoo and conditioner that contain any ingredient called chitosan – a kinf of frizz-inhibiting polymine polymer that forms a natural film around the hair shaft to make it look straighter and shinier.  Chitosan is also used in hair products to bond split-ends.  Alternatively, look for conditioners that contains special polymer that prevents excessive absorption of moisture.  A good thermal reconditioning treatment (rebonding) using titanium flat iron, can also be considered in the management of frizzy hair.

Caring for Oily Scalp

Greasy hair hanging limp against the scaop not only feels uncomfortable but looks unattractive too.  Oily scalp is commonly due to reasons such as excessive sebum or using inappropriate styling products.  Those with this conditions should wash their hair regularly.  Washing daily with a gently shampoo because having a greasy scalp does not mean it can be subjected to harsh shampooing.  In addition, ensure that the shampoo can effectively remove excess oil on the scalp and hair.  Conditioner can be used but it should be light and low in wax and emollient content.

Salon treatments to regulate sebum secretion also alleviate the condition.  Also avoid using hair wax, gel, gloss or shine care products.  If you really need to, avoid applying it onto the scalp as product build-up aggrevate the condition.

Articles taken from Healthy Times Magazine issue

Tips for good looking nails

• Take the time to take good care of your nails.
• Stop biting your nails – it’s a bad habit.
• Use a nail hardener to protect the nails from splitting and peeling.
• Vitamin E is good for the nails. If you’re not getting enough of it naturally, take Vitamin E supplements to keep the nails growing long and strong.
• Drink plenty of water. Not only is it good for general health but contributes to healthy nails.
• Apply varnish remover before putting on nail polish. It removes any grease from the surface of the mail and gives extra life to the nail polish.
• Use a good quality buffer at least once a week but not more than twice a week. Do not buff too strongly or for too long as you risk damaging the nail.
• Use a soft nail file. Do not use emery boards as they are too coarse and damage the nail easily unless used with great care.
• Wear protective gloves when doing work that requires nails to come in contact with detergents or to be sunk in water. Even better, use gloves with cotton lining so they remain dry inside.
• Pay extra attention to your cuticles. Use a moisturising cream that will help prevent the nails from drying out. Overgrown and neglected cuticles can affect nail growth.

Diet tips for healthy nails

Eating certain foods will also help improve the quality of your nails.

• Eat protein rich foods. Fish, chicken and red meat are important for building calcium in the nails. If you are a vegetarian, take protein and calcium supplements.
• Herbs work wonders for the nails. For example, horsetail, oatstraw and nettle contain silica which is vital for strengthening the nails. To help build keratin, try amino acid, vitamin C, vitamin E and biotin in combination.

Looking after your make-up.

Different products have different expiry dates. In general, if the make-up changes in colour or smell, of if the liquid foundation separates out, don’t use the make-up.

There are some general guidelines from industry experts on time limits for certain types of make-up however, they have not been supported by clinical studies.

• Foundation: 1 year after opening, 2 years if not opened

• Eye Shadow: 1 year after opening, 2 years if not opened

• Lipstick: 18 months after opening, 2 years if not opened

• Mascara: 2 months after opening, 1 year if unopened

In general, keep your products in a cool, dry place – not in your car or under the sun!

Sharpen your make-up pencils regularly and always cover the heads to keep them clean.

If you use make-up brushes, clean these at least once a month by washing with soap and water, or even with shampoo. Dry the brushes thoroughly before use.

Should you share make-up?

Sharing make-up increases the risk of getting infections. These include spreading of conjunctivitis (pink eye) from sharing eye make-up and mascaras, to cold sores caused by herpes simplex virus from sharing lip products.

This includes using samples at make-up counters. Make sure that the product has been cleaned and that appropriate disposable brushes or applicators are used by the counters before you try the products.

Chemicals, make-up and you.

Cosmetics sold in Singapore are registered with the Health Sciences Authority which ensures that potentially harmful ingredients are not present.

Although studies show that true make-up allergy is not common, 4 it is important to realise that there are components in make-up which can irritate the skin in certain individuals.

The most common components of make-up (or even skincare products) that lead to allergies or irritation are fragrances and preservatives.4

If you are having a reaction to a particular product, discontinue use but don’t throw it out, bring the product and the ingredient list when you see your doctor.

Permanent make-up.

There is always a risk of a reaction to eyelash or eyebrow tinting or to the application of lip liner tattoos. There have been reported cases of irritation leading to inflammation granulomas (small reactive bumps around the area) to lip liner and eyebrow tattoos.5

In addition, reactions to eyeliner tattoos have been reported and such allergic reactions have required surgery to remove the tattoo pigment.6

Allergic reactions have also been reported with eyelash tinting which have resulted in loss of eyelashes in some individuals.7

If you are considering any of these procedures, you may wish to ask the artist to do a test spot on your skin first to check for allergy or sensitivity.

References

4 Biebl KA et al. Allergic contact dermatitis to cosmetics. Dermatol Clinics 24, 2006: 215-232 lbid iv.

5 Martin JM, et al. Granulomatous reactions to permanent cosmetic tattoos successfully treated with topical steroids and allopurinol.J Cosmetic Dermatology 2007 6(4): 229-31.

6 Vagefi MR, et al. Adverse reactions to permanent eyeliner tattoo. Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg 2006 22(1): 48-51.

7 Bhat J, et al. Xanthelasma palpebrarum following allergic contact dermatitis from paraphenylenediamine in a black eyelashtinting product. Contact Dermatitis 2003; 49(6): 311; Wachsmuth R, et al. Loss of eyelashes after use of a tinting mascara containing PPD. Contact Dermatitis 2006; 54(3): 169-170.

The writer is the medical and scientific director at Cutis Medical Laser Clinics at 81 Club Street, Telephone 6237 9700 (formerly known as Dermacare). She is a Harvard trained epidemiologist and is US board certified.