Since the time of Aristotle, humans have endeavoured to become their best selves. Today, there are a wealth of ways that you can take care of your mind, body and soul. We bring you the people and places to get refreshed and renewed.
Wellness therapies shouldn’t be kept for annual retreats. Take inspiration from celebs like the Biebers, Kendall Jenner, Gwyneth Paltrow and David Beckham and their self-care routines. Best bit? You don’t have to travel far to indulge in them—you can book yourself in for a session, or more, right here in Singapore.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Celeb Fans: Justin Bieber, Gwyneth Paltrow and Beyonce
Location: Como Shambhala, Como Orchard Level 4, Tel: +656304-3552
Fact: Oxygen is the essence of life. But did you know that the air we breathe only contains about 21 percent oxygen?
A non-invasive treatment, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) involves breathing in pure oxygen in a pressurised chamber. This absorption of increased oxygen can aid the body in healing and recovery, from relieving acute and chronic pain to reducing fatigue and improving mental acuity and sleep quality.
The Oxygen Therapy Space at Como Shambhala Orchard allows you to choose between two mild hyperbaric pods—upright seated or capsule, delivering a unique blend of increased oxygen and molecular hydrogen. We like that the seated option allows us to comfortably read or scroll through social media to pass the time.
Full Body Cryotherapy
Celeb Fans: Cristiano Ronaldo, Serena Williams and Jessica Alba
Location: Only Aesthetics, #09-00 RB Capital Building, Tel: +656220-4434
Levelling up from ice baths, whole-body cryotherapy involves entering a specialised chamber where you immerse your body in extremely cold air.
The science behind it is that freezing temperatures (approximately -89 degrees Celsius) help reduce nerve conduction—the electrical signals (including pain signals)that the body sends out, lowering levels of inflammation and oxidative stress, thus lessening any swelling or soreness. At the same time, it’s also said to be able to relieve skin irritation and even eczema.
At Only Aesthetics, each session takes just three minutes and is said to burn up to 1,500 calories. The cold jumpstarts your metabolism and ramps up fat burning as your body works hard to regulate its core temperature.
Infrared Sauna Therapy
Celeb Fans: Kim Kardashian, Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez and Jennifer Aniston
Location: Sphere Gym, 137 Cecil Street, #01-02/03, WhatsApp: +659192-3554
Unlike conventional saunas, infrared saunas emit infrared light through panels to warm your body from within while keeping the air around you unchanged. And at temperatures around 60 degrees Celsius, it makes for a much more comfortable session.
The frequency of the infrared light allows the heat to penetrate deeper into the muscles, joints and tissue to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. It also helps boost circulation, which in turn, releases endorphins to decrease feelings of stress. And of course, improved skin health from all that sweating.
The private infrared sauna at Sphere Gym is perfect for a quiet down-time. The room also has a cold plunge bath, which allows you to opt for a hot and cold treatment in the same session.
Ice Bath Therapy
Celeb Fans: David Beckham, Brooklyn Beckham, Kendall Jenner and Harry Styles
Location: Soma Haus, 108 Joo Chiat Road, #01-01, Tel: +659637-9539
Popular among athletes, ice baths have been known to aid in recovery post-exercise or competition as it reduces muscle pain and soreness due to the cold’s anti-inflammatory effect. But they’re not the only ones as benefits include improved mental clarity—keeps you focused during the day, and circulation—boosts metabolism to aid in your weight loss battle.
Plus, research has also found that the drop in your body’s core temperature can lead to a release of melatonin to help you sleep better at night too.
At Soma Haus, there are guided ice bath sessions with an educator and breathwork facilitator for those feeling nervous about taking the plunge. You’ll learn proper breathing techniques and protocols to ensure that your session is safe and effective.
This story originally appeared in the June/July issue of GRAZIA Singapore and Grazia.Sg.
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