What is Chiropractics?

Chiropractic is based on the concept that misalignments in the spine /vertebrae, called subluxations, may lead to pain and reduced body-organ functionality. When a spinal vertebra is out of alignment, it can interfere with the normal flow of life energy through nearby nerves. If the affected nerve happens to be carrying a message to the liver, the function of the liver is affected. If the nerve is taking instructions from the brain to the heart, that organ's function may be interfered. The fact is, the health of every part of the body depends on the proper flow of nerve energy. If that normal flow is interfered with, the result is dis-ease. Some part of the body will not be able to function at peak performance.

Chiropractors use hands locate these misalignments and apply a controlled, sudden force to a vertebra— pushing it beyond its normal range of motion. It is normal to have a popping or cracking sound. 

It's important to understand that chiropractors don't treat illness. They locate and correct subluxations in order to help restore the normal flow of life energy throughout the body. After the interference is eliminated, the body's own healing power takes over, it continues its natural effort to maintain optimum health

Who needs Chiropractics?

Unfortunately, people think chiropractors only help patients with bad backs. What they don’t realize is that the nerves traveling down the spinal column go to every organ and cell in the entire body.Think of it this way: Who needs a normal flow of life energy in their body? People who have headaches, back pain, liver problems, arthritis or any other kind of illness, need chiropractic. So do people who feel great! In other words, everyone needs to make sure their bodies are free from subluxations and able to function at peak performance. That's why we ALL need regular chiropractic visits.

Not for everyone

If you have osteoporosis, signs of nerve damage, like numbness, tingling or loss of strength in arm or leg, history of spinal surgery, back pain accompanied by fever, chills, sweats or unintentional weight loss, always check with your doctor first. Manipulation of the neck has been associated with having a stroke in rare cases. 

Think prevention

Keep back pain at bay. Maintain a healthy weight. Exercise regularly. Sit up straight. When you lift something heavy, let your legs do the work.

*Written by: Nana Wanjau

Colonic Machines

With colon hydrotherapy gaining popularity in Kenya, it may help to know a little how the machines work. Expect some variations in the procedure depending on the individual machine however most work in the same general manner. The total time for the procedure is approx. 30-40 minutes, depending on personal circumstances and preferences. The total water used is approx. 12 gallons.

I will talk about the gravity-fed "open system" colonic machine. One of its biggest benefits is that it is simple to use and gives the patient a fair amount of privacy. Unlike some other machines where one is required to stand in rather uncomfortable positions, this particular machine, set up in an open private lounge area, allows the individual to recline in comfort (feel free to read a book) as they expel whatever their colon and bladder contains.  

A sterilized rectal nozzle will feed water into your colon via the rectum. The water has been treated with both ultraviolet and carbon filtration to ensure that the water that goes into your system is sterile.

How to use the machine

The water temperature is controlled by a valve on the colonic machine to your comfort. Ensure only trained staff is at hand to administer and instruct you on this procedure. This is very critical since if not done right, you may not get the results you are hoping for, worse, damage maybe done to your rectum. 

Exercise personal body hygiene prior to arrival. In the treatment room, dress down into a provided gown, weigh yourself and wash your hands to avoid contaminating the equipment. Once you are comfortably sited on the machine, your trained therapist will talk you through the procedure. She will explain how to use the sealed disposable plastic nozzle with the lubricant provided. This is the time to ask ALL the questions until you are clear and comfortable about the procedure. Your therapist may leave the room to give you the privacy you need. Take your time, no one is timing you. When ready, open the sealed nozzle and lubricate it well. Relax and insert the nozzle into your rectum to the point instructed. Once the nozzle is in position, start regulating the flow of water, with the switch provided on the machine.

Once the session is over (empty tank) you simply turn the switch off and slide off the nozzle. At this point it’s best to relax so that everything drains out with ease. There is a mirror strategically placed, to enable you to see the contents as they are expelled from your colon. Have no fear; everything is internally sealed in the machine, so no bad smells, though you may be shocked at what is coming out of you! When done, use the hand shower provided to spray clean your anal region, then towel dry. You can follow this up with a regular shower to feel totally refreshed from the session. Weight yourself after the session, you will certainly be lighter. A good spa will give you a probiotics yogurt to replenish the good bacteria you may have lost.

Scarves

Scarves are not only used to keep us warm during the cold season, they can also be worn as clothes, as head wraps or belts. They are worn by both men and women and come in different shapes, sizes, colors and materials. In the warm summer months, one can opt for a light scarf made from cotton, linen, or silk. In the cold months tie a heavy knitted scarf-usually made from wool- around your neck to keep warm.

Don't be afraid to experiment different ways to wear your scarf this Friday and always keep it fabulous!

Man Bags

There’s a new fashion statement on the streets of Nairobi and this time it’s the men taking the lead. The manbag, also known as a murse (man purse), messenger bag or satchel, has become an essential part of the young Kenyan male’s wardrobe. Man bags date back to the times of the Egyptian hieroglyphics where drawings illustrated men carrying purses around their waist. 

 

In the 21^st century, business men, celebrities, and fashion conscious young men can be seen toting around this fashionable item. Celebrities such as David Beckham, and Jude Law were among the first celebrities to be spotted carrying the bag. The bag comes in various colors and sizes in a square shape with a single strap to be slung across one shoulder. 

There are three types of bags a man can carry- travel bag, messenger bag and the toiletry bag.The travel bag is large and a more stylish alternative to the backpack which is perfect for a weekend away. The messenger bag is small to medium sized and is generally for everyday use to hold a man’s wallet, sunglasses, wallet, notebook, pen, phone, and i-pod. The toiletry bag is a small pouch, perfect for travelling because of its size and because it has multiple compartments for storage and organization.

Instead of stuffing your pockets with all your belongings, why not buy a man bag? They can be found at various shops inside Jamia Mall, Kigali Road.

Jewellery Friday.

How do you store your most treasured accessories? Mostly in bags where necklaces get tangled with earrings and you spend hours trying to separate them. There are various ways to go about storing your jewellery; you can use a branch, old cutlery such as bowls and cups that have cracks hence can't be used.

Anything in the house can easy be converted into a jewellery holder, it simply requires you to turn on your innovative nature. Safely stored jewellery especially earrings can last for long without rusting, it is also advisable to coat them with nail polish to avoid oxygenation.

Own and enjoy beautiful pieces:) Happy Friday.

The art of corsetry

Corsets were and still are designed for support with freedom for body movement. Made to measure, it will fit smoothly such that the body relaxes and once settled in, the wearer becomes so used to it that it no longer feels 'there'.

The most common use of corsets is to slim the body and make it conform to a fashionable silhouette. For women, this most frequently emphasizes a curvy figure, by reducing the waist and thereby exaggerating the bust and hips. A corset allows the body to conform such that the pressure becomes evenly distributed. As the body relaxes further, the initial pressure which felt confining at first, is greatly reduced and if desired, allows for further tightening.

People with spinal cord injuries such as scoliosis or internal injuries may be fitted with a corset to immobilize the torso.

They have been in existence since the 1950's with a lot of mixed history of where they particularly originated from. What's important is that they are here to stay with labels such as; steam punk, goth, lingerie, Victorian, renaissance and burlesque. Corsets are an asset that flourish.

Do you own one?:)

Soul Boy

A German crew, lead by Tom Twyker, collaborated with a Kenyan production company to host production workshops in Kibera, Nairobi, one of the largest slums in East Africa. In the joyous, compelling film that resulted, a teenage boy discovers his father is dying, tracks down the witch who stole his soul and then embarks on a quest to save him. 

Directed by Hawa Essuman. This film is part of Take Me on a Journey pathway at the Sydney Film Festival. June 2-14 www.sff.org.au

Words courtesy of: sydfilmfest

Chefs delights awards

Chefs delight awards came to a rousing and colourfulculmination during a red carpet gala ceremony held at KICCTsavo Ballroom on April 26th 2013. Culinary establishments were vetted within 6 months by diners visiting the restaurants, enjoying a meal and rating  on 4 facets of quality; taste, ambience,  presentation and service.

The well attended red carpet gala was graced by over 800 guests who enjoyed a fine dining experience with over 30 different cuisines to choose from and walked away with a Go Places VIP Membership card, where clients can enjoy special offers and discounts at hundreds of restaurants. The five star dining was complimented by Baileys and Johnnie walker branded bar areas with an additional area decked in ice sculptures.

The culinary awards will be annual, this will create a basis for the country’s dining establishments to compete on a global level by adhering to and maintaining international culinary standards of quality. The 2013 awards kick off in August including both Nairobi and Mombasa.

TOP AWARDS.

1.

HARU Japanese restaurant and chef J.H Park voted best in the individual restaurant and chef category in Nairobi for 2012.

2.

The Thai Chi restaurant and chef Phansandha Phommee atSarova Stanley hotel took best restaurant and chef in a hotel.

3.

Brew bistro and executive chef Tim Freeman , seven sea food & grill and chef Kiran Jethwa, Tembo bistro at theBoma and executive chef Archie, Sovereign suites brasserie restaurant and chef Kislay Kumar were recognized as the most innovative in 2012.

4.

Receiving a lifetime achievement award for long years of service and ongoing impact in the culinary industry were chef Giuliano Zanette of Mediterrano restaurant, ChefShailender Singh of the Sarove group, Chef PradeepMullick of Haandi restaurant and Chef Paul Arum of the Golden Spur restaurant.

Key sponsors of the event were the Kenya tourism board and the Kenya association of hotel keepers and caterers with the aim of promoting culinary tourism.