sana magazine3

SANABe Natural In Your Own Skin

£3.99 April 2015

Bego MartinOn leading a natural lifestyle and her life as a model

Martha Aguayo CLAIRVOYANT HEALER

5Steps to a GLOWING skin

IN/OUT TREND

YOGAWorkouts

Sana Magazine.indd 1 11/03/2015 10:58:32

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39BEAUTY

FOOD

HEALTH

FEATURES

QUICK BITSNewbie ColumnOn/Off of trend10 products for springBuying locallyYoga QuizStaff favouritesSana online

DIY Mask5 Steps to a glowing skinBeauty products at home

SteviaRecipes

A week of meditationSana for the summerWorkouts

Bego MartinClairvoyant HealerLush Cosmetics

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STAFF LISTEDITOR-IN-CHIEF Luisa BarrientosYes, it was raining and sunny at the same time, it was golorious.

SUB- EDITOR Hanna AanerudYes, during a festival I was at my with friends. A great concert and a good memory.

ART DIRECTOR Carmen MendezYes, on a beach in Brighton once. I was with a group of friends, it was a lot of fun.

NEWBIE COLUMNChanging lifestyle choices is never an easy decision to take and keep to. So why would you change them all at once? Trust me, it is not the smartest idea, if you are used to French fries rather than celery sticks, to quit a lifestyle ‘cold turkey’. To be successful as a health newbie, it is best to take it in baby steps.

Instead of throwing out everything in your fridge and pantry and going out to buy fresh and organic, take baby steps. Before your next market day, look at healthy recipes, foods and tips and make a list.

Th is lifestyle is not about depriving or punishing yourself. Want to have those sweet potato fries? Have them! No guilt here. Everything you have heard in the past, throw it out. Only these truths matter: fresh, is good; buying locally, it is better. Eat what is right for your own body and focus on how it reacts to what you are putting inside it.

A big part of being healthy is also exercising. Yeah, it can be tough to increase workouts, but once you do it feels good! Th rough exercise, we work our muscles and minds and produce

QUESTION OF THE MONTHHave you ever danced in the rain?

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Quick Bits

endorphins. Workouts like yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi will leave you feeling both physically and mentally tired and fulfi lled. A workout cannot be just about the calories you burn or how much you sweat; a workout also has to be about the benefi ts your body will receive.

Th is change is 360, and it is not always easy. Taking baby steps is okay. If it is the way to ensure you have success in this new lifestyle, go for it, no one will judge you for it. Th e only person’s opinion you should be worried about is your own. LB


Editor’s LetterThis month at Sana we have started to feel the heat of summer

start breezing through. But we are not getting our swimsuits and sunscreen just yet. Instead, we are looking to get our minds and bodies ready for the season that stresses the majority of us, even though it is a season like any other.

I say summer and many of you will think of putting on a swimsuit in front of others. Let me guess, for a lot of you, that terrifies you. But it should not, if you are nourishing and loving your body. Here at Sana we embrace natural beauty, in all its forms.

In this issue we sat down with Spanish model Bego Martin and spoke about living naturally in the modeling industry. Bego is a role model to us all, keeping a healthy mind and body as her priorities, even with a grueling schedule of school and modeling.

Reiki Master, Martha Aguayo spoke to us about our energetic body and how she works with it during an energy session, to get us performing back to 100 per cent. In her interview with us, Martha explains what to expect from a session and how your body can benefit from healing its energy. Feeling positive yet?

The months before summer can seem hectic, but we need to remember to slow down throughout our day. Our bodies need breaks to refuel, but our minds also need a few minutes during busy days to process the day’s events.

Quick Bits

4 SANA

3 Steps to be SANA1. EAT HEALTHYHealthy eating will help you get the right balance of vitamins, minerals and other necessary nutrients. You will feel your best and have plenty of energy.But remember: eating healthy does not mean being on a diet, it means making some changes you can live with.

2. LAUGH EVERY DAYAn old Yiddish proverb says, “What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul.”Laughter makes you feel good and puts you in high spirits, but it also causes physiological responses that protects your body from disease and helps your vital organs repair themselves.Laughter relaxes the whole body, relieves physical tension and stress. Laugh to keep your organs happy and healthy.

3. EXERCISE YOUR BODY AND MINDYou have probably heard countless times that “exercise is good for you”?Getting the right amount of exercise can increase your energy levels and even help you to improve your mood.Exercise benefits every part of the body and it makes your body produce endorphins, chemicals that help you feel peaceful and happy. It is also a good way to be able to sleep better. Plus, it can give people a real sense of acomplishment.


Coconut Oil It is extracted from the kernel or meat of matured coconuts and it has many diff erent uses, both in food and medicine. Th e health benefi ts of this oil include hair and skin care, stress relief, cholesterol level maintenance, weight loss, proper digestion and regulated metabolism. It also provides relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer.

Sweet PotatoSweet potatoes contain beta-carotene, which provides a number of healthy aging benefi ts. Beta-carotene contributes to healthy skin and eyes. It also helps to protect your skin from sun damage and signs of aging by preventing the breakdown of collagen in your skin. Sweet potatoes also contain high amounts of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, which help you maintain a healthy immune system. While these foods are usually associated with fall meals, try incorporating them into your diet year-round to see their anti-aging benefi ts.

Sulfate-Free ShampoosThese have become increasingly popular the last couple of years. While using this kind of shampoo you can liberate your scalp from irritations. After a few washes, you will notice the difference between these kind of shampoos and those who contain sulfates.

Quick Bits

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ON TREND


SaccharinTh e best thing to do is avoid all artifi cial and chemi-cal sweetener substitutes. Th ey have no food value, trick the body into thinking it is eating something sweet and they have harmful toxic side eff ects.

Gel Nail PolishFor women who have problems with weak, soft, brittle nails, artifi cial nails can seem like a godsend. But artifi cial nails are glued on top of your real ones, and the gap in- between creates a breeding ground for fungus. Even worse, this is an area where painful bacterial infec-tion can develop. Th e best way to maintain your nails beautiful and healthy is to use natural care.

Synthetic Make-upNatural is always best for your skin, if you want to look beautiful, take a look at all of the new brands that off er natural make up products. Th ey are less likely to harm your skin or hair. Because they provide the natural ingredients the skin needs.

Quick Bits

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OFF TREND


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5STEPS TO AGLOWING SKIN

5.Drink lots of waterWater helps remove toxins that cause inflammation as well as giving nutrients and oxygen to your skin cells. By drinking water

you are preventing premature aging. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. LB

4.Go to bed early You might want to stay up to watch TV, but the next morning your skin will be paying the price. Amy Wechsler, an American wdermotol-gist, says not getting enough sleep “makes you look pale and washed out if you only get a few hours.” Your skin needs time to rejuvenate.

3.Wash away the make-up Sleeping with makeup not only clogs pores, it causes dryness and it also makes your skin age faster.

2.Put your beauty products in orderAccording to Syed Amiry, an American dermatologist, having an order to your skin routine is as important as the prod-ucts you use. Use the products with the most active ingredients first and work your way down the line.

1.Bring on the sunscreenYou have heard this since you were little, but wearing sun-screen is the best way to protect your skin and looking younger. There is sun during winter too.

Beauty

BRIGHTENING AND TIGHTENING FACE MASK

If your skin is in need of a quick, soothing remedy or you simply want to have a spa day in the comfort of your own home, then this facial treatment is your answer. Egg whites are known to tighten the skin and shrink pores. Lemon juice works wonders for your skin, lightening dark spots and scars from acne. It also has antibacterial properties and helps speed up the healing of existing acne. Raw honey has many health benefits, a few are that it draws moisture to the skin and helps retain it. Try it and see for yourself. HA

Ingredients1 Egg White½ Tablespoon Raw Honey½ Tablespoon Fresh Lemon JuiceInstructions Place all the ingredients in a deep bowl. Whip briskly with a fork for 1-2 minutes, or whisk until foamy. Wash and dry your face, and then, using your fingers or a small brush, spread the mixture over your entire face, avoiding the eye area. Spread it on as thickly as possible without it dripping. Leave the mask on for 30 minutes, or until it has completely dried and feels tight on your skin. Rinse the mask off with warm water, using a wash-cloth to gently wipe the mask away. Splash your face with very cold water and gently pat dry.

DIY


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Beauty

BEAUTYPRODUCTS

AT HOMEYou do not

have to spend a fortune to

look good. You probably have everything you need in your kitchen,

ready to use. Hanna Aanerud gives you a few ways to look

better this spring, for practically no money at all.

TIPS Download the SkinDeep app and scan your

products to make sure they are

natural

YOU NEED1/2 avocado2 tsp aloe vera gel1 tsp olive oil

Mash the avocado, add the other ingredients and mix well. Apply on clean, dry skin. Let it work for 10-15 minutes. This mask works wonders on irritated or sunburned skin.Do not make more than you need, remember, avocado turns brown if you do not use it right away.

AVOCADO FACIAL


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BeautyBROWN SUGAR

It has never been easier to make your own body scrub. Simply take two parts brown sugar and one part coconut oil, mix it together in a bowl or a spare jar you have lying around and voila - your own home-made body scrub. Save money on those expensive scrubs, you will definitely not find anything cheaper.

OLIVE OIL

Tired of spending money on expensive make-up wipes that, when you think about, have not really been that “kind to your eyes” as they promised they would be. Why not change your nightly routine a bit and try to remove your make-up using olive oil instead. Simply apply as much olive oil as you feel necessary and wipe off using cotton pads. It is as simple as that.


Stevia: The ‘CANDYLEAF’


We always want to add that teaspoon of sugar to our morning coff ee, make it less bitter and make the caff eine kick a little sweeter. But most of us avoid spicing our morning drink up to avoid high fructose intake. But what if you could sweeten up your mornings without feeling bad? Stevia has become the answer to your taste buds.

Stevia has been used as a natural sweetener in Latin America, where it originates from, for centuries. In just two years, it shot to the top of the popularity charts, being picked up by major companies, like Pepsi and Coca Cola, who instead of using sugar to sweeten their products, have turned to Stevia to make the products healthier.

Obviously, you are not adding the plant to your coff ee or tea, you are adding a refi ned version or extract of the plant’s isolated sweet compounds. Two of the major sweet compounds that are isolated from the leaves are Rebaudioside A and Stevioside. Th ese two compounds are hundreds of times sweeter than plain sugar. But, once they are turned into the extract and refi ned version, they have zero calories, zero carbohydrates and no artifi cial ingredients.

Stevia is 200 times sweeter than normal sugar, so remember; a little goes a long way. You do not want to be adding too much. Stevia can also be used for cooking and

baking. Th e only downside to that is it

does not carmalise or brown in the way sugar does; so do not

go using it in your crème brulee recipe. Stevia can be purchased in liquid or

powdered concentrates and while there are diff erent brands out there, we recommend an organic version with no extra unnatural addi-tives. Although this little plant may seem like

our saving grace, do not get carried away with it. Just because something is almost zero everything that does not mean it can help you lose weight or keep you in shape. Remember, nothing is magical so add it to your drinks and foods rationally.

You can actually eat stevia leaves, or put them in drinks as a garnish

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Stevia: The ‘CANDYLEAF’

Stevia has been used as a natural sweetener

in the way sugar does; so do not using it in your crème brulee recipe.

Stevia can be purchased in liquid or powdered concentrates and while there are diff erent brands out there, we recommend an organic version with no extra unnatural addi-tives. Although this little plant may seem like


Food

Luisa Barrientos tells us about the leaf sweetening up our lives

We always want to add that teaspoon of sugar to our morning coff ee, make it less bitter and make the caff eine kick a little sweeter. But most of us avoid spicing our morning drink up to avoid high fructose intake. But what if you could sweeten up your mornings without feeling bad? Stevia has become the answer to your taste buds.


Stevia: The‘CANDYLEAF’

intake. But what if you could sweeten up your

baking. Th e only downside to that is it

does not carmalise or brown in the way sugar does; so do not

go using it in your crème brulee recipe. Stevia can be purchased in liquid or

powdered concentrates and while there are intake. But what if you could sweeten up your

Food

Luisa Barrientos tells us about the leaf sweetening up our lives

baking. Th e only


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Food

TACOSYOU NEED1 tbsp olive oil1 onion1 red or green pepper2 carrots2 celery sticks2 garlic cloves1 chili 2 tsp tomato purée1 box crushed tomatoes1 dl water

2 tsp cayenne pepper 1,5 tsp cumin 2 tsp turmeric 1 tsp coriander powder 400g chicken

Sauté the chicken, and then put it aside. Chop up the onion, pepper, carrots and celery and fry in oil for a couple of minutes before putting it in a pot. Add garlic and chili and cook for a couple more minutes. Then add the tomato purée and some salt and pepper if you want extra flavour. Let it simmer on medium heat and add the crushed tomatoes. Lastly, add all the spices and let it all cook for about 15 minutes. Add the chicken towards the end of the cooking time. Serve with wraps, sour cream and avocado.

INSTRUCTIONS

TIPS Replace the

chicken with beans for a vegatarian

option

GETCOOKING

Serves 4


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Food

BREAKFAST PANCAKESYOU NEED200g self-raising flour 1 tsp baking powder1 egg3 dl milk (soy/almond/dairy)A knob of coconut oil/butter

INSTRUCTIONS Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl and then addthe egg, milk and oil.Cook in a pan, preferably in coconut oil. Serve with fresh berries or honey and greek yoghurt.

5-6 pancakes


A WEEK OF MEDITATION

Every single one of us has at some point felt stressed and felt like our body and mind are not cooperating. If you are feeling this, the solution may be easier than you thought: meditation. I know, I was sceptical at first too.

For thousands of years, people have practised meditation for spiritual, physical and emotional well-being. They can not all be wrong, right?

I did a simple Google search digging deeper into the world of meditation. After looking through articles, I found a guide online to meditating yourself to sleep. As someone who has trouble falling asleep, I figured this was something to try.

It is a 10-step guide, and breaking it down, this is how it is supposed to go down: First, you had to breathe deeply and regularly for about 1-2 minutes. Next, become aware of your body. Where does it hurt, where do you feel pressure or discomfort? The next step was to think

about how your day had been. Next, relax your whole body – one body

part at a time. Start with one toe, and work your way to your head. It said you might have fallen asleep by this point, and surely, I had. The next day I woke up feeling well rested

and, dare I say, more at peace. I was among the people who, for many years, considered meditation as something that was not for me. But, it turned out to be the other way around. After meditating before bed, I must say I have almost never had a better week of sleep. I did not have any trouble falling asleep. I simply had a better memory of the day before and was more well rested for the day to come.

Now, let us look at some of the facts. Meditation is proved to

decrease stress, pain, anxiety and depression. It has also been found to improve memory, self-awareness and goal setting.

Scientists say meditation is a way of “work-ing out your brain” and I would definitely recommend it before going to sleep, it might work wonders.

For thousands of years, people have practised

meditation for spiritual, physical and

emotional well-being

Meditation not for you? Hanna Aanerud thought so too, until she tried it for a week.

Health

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Health

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Summer is comingGET YOUR SKIN READY!

THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF-ESTEEM

Be aware of your nutrition: Th ere is no magic food, but the experts all agree that it is very im-portant to eat fi ve fruits and vegetables a day. Dur-ing these months it is recom-mended to consume those with a high content of Beta-caro-tene, lycopene and Vitamine C, like tomatoes, carrots, watermelon, oranges and pumpkins. Use preventive products: Th e best time to apply these products is fi fteen days before you expose your skin to the sun, so that your skin builds a resistance to the radiation waves. Also it prevents your

skin from irritation and will enhance your natural tan.

Exfoliate your skin: It is important to

eliminate impuri-ties and dead

cells. Th en you will renew your skin which is perfect for getting tan in a healthy way.Hydrate your skin

daily: Especially after

exfoliating your skin, it is essential

to hydrate your skin consciously.

Always apply sun pro-tection before tanning:

It will actually prevent the risk of cancer, even if it will take you a little longer to tan, it is not worth risking your skin and health at the cost of getting a nice tan.

It is important to be aware of your self-esteem, as it aff ects both your mind and body.With the summer months coming up, keep these fi ve things in mind.

1. Th e fi rst step is believing in yourself. If you do not respect yourself, how do you expect others to?2. You believe you are worthy of happiness and you feel worthy of respect.3. Your self-esteem has a profound eff ect on your emotions, happiness, desires, values and goals.4. You can still feel respect and be proud of yourself even if you make a mistake.5. It is an integral part of personal happiness, fulfi lling relationships and achieving your goals.

Health

We all want to get tan. But be careful, being ill-prepared can cause damage to your skin. Here are some tips from Carmen Mendez to prepare for your days in the sun.


No Gear, No ProblemWorking out at home has never been easier. With this eight-move workout, Luisa Barrientos gets your heart pumping and muscles working, all without the use of gym equipment, all you need is time and space. Don’t forget, it is okay to take break in between reps. Get your towel and water and get started!

Wraparound Ankle TouchSets: 2-3 Reps: 8-12

Stand with your legs together, bend you right knee 90 degrees so you are balancing on your left leg. Squat and reach with your right arm for the outside of your left foot with your fingertips. Keep your back as stright as possible while reaching. Press back up so start on other side.

Grand Plie Squat Jump and ReachSets: 3 Reps: 12-15Stand with your legs wide apart, toes turned out and arms at your side. Squat until your thighs are

parallel to the ground and you are low enough to

touch it with your fingertips. Immediately jump

as high as you can, keeping your legs wide and ex-tending your arms straight over your head. Repeat

Windshield WiperSets: 2-3 Reps: 8-12Bend the knees and lift your legs until they are parallel with your hips. With your palms pressed to the floor, lower your legs to the left. Go as far as you can, while keeping your right shoulder glued to the floor. Bring legs back to center, repeat on other side.

Front Lunge Floor Reach and Reverse TwistSets: 3 Reps: 12-15

Stand feet hip-length apart, arms at sides. Lunge forward, right knee almost touching the floor, left thigh is parallel to the floor. Bend forward, try touching the floor on either side of your left foot. Push off your left foot, using that momentum, switch legs. Sink back into the lunge, rotate your torso 45 degrees to the right. Return to standing.

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Health


No Gear, No ProblemWorking out at home has never been easier. With this eight-move workout, Luisa Barrientos gets your heart pumping and muscles working, all without the use of gym equipment, all you need is time and space. Don’t forget, it is okay to take break in between reps. Get your towel and water and get started!

Pushup Position Bird DogSets: 2-3 Reps: 8-12Start in a pushup position, with your hands slightly farther apart than your shoulders. Keep your back straight as you tighten your abs and extend your right arm and left leg. Lower them both, but keep your torso up. Repeat lifting your left arm and right leg.

Chair Pose SquatSets: 3 Reps: 12-15Stand with your feet hip-distance apart and arms at your sides. Squat, until thighs are parallel to the floor, keeping your arms straight, bring them forward and up until they are in line with your ears. Return to standing, lift right knee to hip height as you cross your arms over your body. Repeat on other side.

Supine RowSets: 2-3 Reps: 8-12

Lie on your back with your knees bent, feet flat and arms at your sides bent at 90 degrees. Pinch your shoulder blades together as you dig your elbows into the floor and lift your head and torso up. Lower and repeat.

Pushup CrawlSets: 3 Reps: 12-15

In plank position, have your hands wider than shoulder-length apart. Lower your chest as close to the floor as you can. Holding that position, lift your right knee to your right elbow. Return to plank position, push back up to start, and repeat on the other side.

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Health


The natural model

Bego Martin adopted a natural lifestyle to both feel and look good. Carmen Mendez sat down to chat about her routines and get advice on how you can adopt some of them.


Bego is a professional artist as well as a university student


Born in Florida and raised in Spain, 22-year-old Bego Martin, is becoming a promising model on a global scale.When she is not jet setting around the world doing photo shoots for famous brands, she is either creating unique drawings inspired by her travels, nature and asian culture or studying journalism and media at the Carlos III University in Madrid. She combines her studies with her passion: Fashion. Bego adopted a natural lifestyle in part due to her job as a model, but more due to the fact that she wanted to feel good as well as look good. She has a daily routine of beauty regimes which she follows religiously to look and feel her best at all times. Bego sat down with us this month to chat about her routines and give us advice on how we can adopt some of them.

What does your daily routine look like? I wash my face every morning and every night with a special soap for sensitive skin. I always remove my makeup before going to sleep. Lately I have been using a new product throughout the day that I adore: thermal spring water facial spray. I have also come to learn that moderate sun exposure has a positive effect on my skin problems such as psoriasis, that I have had since I was 15 years old, but I also recommend it to people with sensitive skin.

When and why did you begin living a more natural lifestyle?I started taking natural beauty and wholesome eating seriously when I started to work for my modeling agency, Traffic Models, a year ago. At first I thought about it as part of my job: taking care of my body, being fit and healthy. But soon I realised that living a healthier lifestyle made me feel much better

about myself, on the outside but even more so on the inside. I used to have a lot of skin and health problems: psoriasis, insomnia, anxiety, but it is amazing how an active and healthy lifestyle has changed my body and mind for good.

What parts of living naturally have you adopted into your life? I try to go to the gym three or four times a week. I have been doing this for a year and started feeling the results come on quite quickly. My skin got better, I slept better and most importantly I was in a better mood. My favourite sport is windsurfing, but sadly I do not live near the sea and do not have much time between my classes and work. I go running in the park and go to the gym

instead. For my skin I always use natural products that are suitable for sensitive skintypes. If not, I get lots of problems such as allergies or acne.

I also drink a lot of water and avoid non-natural drinks. I love cold pressed juices and cleanse my body with a detox treatment based on juices once a month, the results are amazing.

As a model, is it difficult to be healthy in a conscious way? As I said, I became healthy when I started working for my agency. However, after seeing the positive effects of a well-balanced health routine, I realised that it is not something I should do not only because of my career, but for myself. The changes I have experienced only gave me more motivation to continue.

Do you like representing this lifestyle with products you model for? I am not very concerned about this, as long as it is not a product that promotes negative habits or has nothing to do with me. But to be honest I am not very selective with the brands I work with. Sometimes I like them, sometimes I do not.

An active and healthy lifestyle has changed my body and mind for good

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Features


Do you believe the healthiness of the mind and body go hand in hand?I think a balance between a healthy body and a healthy mind is what gives you happiness.

Both things are related. An unhealthy mind, stress, depression, can have an effect on your body, and the other way round. In my case I had psoriasis, but a year ago I quit smoking and started exercising every week and made it a daily routine. My disease stopped automatically. I was impressed and happy and instantly became a believer in that a healthy mind and healthy body can change anything. I really think exercising is life-changing, it makes you feel better, stronger and more confident. So yes, the mind and body affect each other

Are more models around you getting into this lifestyle? Almost all of the models are into this healthy lifestyle because it is something that your work demands. In order to work well you have to sleep well, be balanced and take care

of your skin. Each career requires a different ability, physical or mental. In this case, to be a model you have to take care of your body, which does not mean you just have to be skinny, which many people believe this industry to be all about.

What kind of workouts do you do?I like yoga, and I’d love to try bikram yoga someday. I see working out as a way to free my energy and relieve my stress after work, class or even an argument.

What would you recommend for someone who wants to to start a healthier life? Not to push themselves too much. You have to know your limits and your aims. Be informed, not everything you read on the internet is true. Always have in mind where you want to be tomorrow in order to not lose your motivation when things get tough. For me, personally, I don’t pressure myself too much, I choose what I like and what I enjoy and I am aware of the benefits of the products bring to my health. I also take them on as a routine, which helps me see it as more bearable and doable.

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Features

Bego travels a lot because of her work, giving her an even bigger reason to stay healthy


Although she does not live close to the beach, Bego enjoys water sports


Clairvoyant Healer

Martha Aguayo sat down with Luisa Barrientos and spoke about her gift and how she can share it with you


Clairvoyant Healer

Today we are alive for another day, one more day that our heart is beating and our organs are working in sync to keep us living on this earth. But have you ever stopped to think they are not the only things keeping our bodies alive? What if these organs and cells we rely so heavily on, rely on something else to function at their best? A Reiki Master or energy healer will tell you, you are alive because life force is constantly flowing through your physical body.

Life force is ultimately, energy. Life force flows within our physical bodies through energy canals called chakras and around us in a circle of energy called our aura. This life force gives our body vital support, so that it can complete its daily functions that are crucial for us to keep breathing and living. Like anything in the human body, this energy can stop working properly, causing disruption to the function of some organs and cells in our bodies.

Martha Aguayo, whose titles are among Reiki Master, certified reconnective Healer, certified and authorised to perform reconnections, Flower Bach Therapist and Life Coach, is a clairvoyant healer who knows a person’s energy can be brought back to working properly through healing sessions. Being a clairvoyant healer is not something you become, it is something you are, she explained laughing, as no one had asked her what kind of healer she was. “I was born with the gift, so I can see things or I´m told things (channeling),” she says. “Being a clairvoyant just helps more as a healer, I can see more and sometimes the real cause of the issue.”

Although being born with the gift, Martha has been perfecting it. “I discovered that it is my passion, I was born for this, and it is my life mission,” she says. “I decided to perfect my skills seven years ago, and I started training with the best healers and teachers.”

The healing sessions Martha, and other healers, give are just like a trip to the doctor, nothing to be

afraid of. “We all go to traditional doctors to see our physical body, but we have an energetic body that is extremely important as well. And that is what I treat, your energetic body.

“In the energetic body we have main energetic centers where the energy accumulates and spreads, they are called chakras. During a session I check your chakras, see how they are working, and make sure to leave them working properly, if they are

working properly then your physical body will be working properly.

“If the energetic body doesn´t work well, your physical and motional bodies will never funtion properly,” Martha tells us. “For the energetic

body to work correctly, all of the chakras have to be in tune with each other so that the flow of energy is correct and the body’s energy is well balanced.”

During a session, healers do not try to achieve anything. People who go out and seek healers for an immediate cure or result will be disappointed. “Rule number one, I do not have to try to achieve anything during a session, I´m just an energy channel and a catalyst,” Martha says. “I can´t interfere with the illness or evolution of the client, I can´t expect a result, whatever has to happen will happen. I just amplify and accelerate the process.”

In her sessions, Martha uses the technique which she believes the client needs or wants. Each client is different; therefore they will each have different needs. “Some like to be treated just with Reiki, other just with reconnective healing,” she says.

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Features

“It is my passion, I was born for this, it is my life mission.”


“Others just want to be healed and the method is all the same for them.”Scanning the body to find the chakras that are not working properly, or where there is negative energy built up is something all healers will do. However, every healer has their own methods of doing this. Martha shared how she scans a client’s body before starting any kind of treatment. “I scan each chakra with a pendulum and the pendulum shows me which chakras are working well, not working or blocked. I could scan the chakras with my hands but I find the quartz crystal pendulum very effective and precise.”

The first thing you should do when going to a session, is going with a clear mind. Go in knowing what it is that is bothering you, or what it is that brought you to see the healer, but expect nothing. Martha gives this advice to us: “You should come without expectations. But the least that can happen is that you end up feeling great, balanced, in peace and happy.”

During a session anything can happen, if you are open to it and let the healer do their work on your body. Like anything in life, it helps to believe in the work being done on your body. With energy treatments, some people can tell the difference immediately after the healer is finished. For some their hands might tingle, for others their entire body might feel heavy, or their heads might hurt. These are all signs that the healer was able to transfer positive energy into the chakras that were not functioning correctly. While the body may be functioning at its best now, Martha tells her clients that, “drinking a lot of water after the session helps, and also after the treatment I would recommend taking it easy, and relaxing or resting if they can.”

The change in energy throughout the body is powerful after one session, but Martha recommends having at least three sessions in order to have a complete and more thorough change in energy. “Although you can feel the difference right away, the treatment will carry on developing in the next days or weeks.”

The energetic body affects so much of our different states, so it is logical that the changes would take time to fully develop. Healing sessions can transform our bodies into something healthier. Healers are just the channels between us and the

Higher Power, where the energy comes from. Martha tells us that during these sessions she as a healer also benefits because, she is receiving energy but also, “I am witnessing life changes in people. I help to heal the emotional, physical, spiritual and mental bodies of a person,” she says. “When they do that, they recover the balance in all areas of their life. It is wonderful to see people healing and helping them with the opportunity of starting a new life. It is like taking them from darkness to light.”

Although this kind of medicine has been around for centuries, people are only now becoming aware of it. Reconnections, Reiki

and healing sessions are some of the alternatives people are turning to. “Humanity is waking up and looking for answers, they know there is something more,” Martha says. “Even traditional doctors are very intrigued and some of them are even learning about healing with energy.”

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Features

Martha meditating on Snowdon last year

At a Kundalini yoga retreat


LUSHWhat is the big hype about these Cosmetics? Hanna Aanerud looks into what makes Lush stand out from the other beauty brands out there.


Fighting Animal Testing is a lifetime goal

and the core value of our company

Features

Have you ever been standing in a store in need of a new body lotion, but unsure of what to buy because of the vast selection of brands and products. You are probably not alone about that. But do you ever think twice about what products you buy, or do you simply choose whatever is closest to you?

A brand that stands out from the rest, when it comes to both politics and quality, is Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics. Founded in 1994 and with over 800 stores in 51 countries, Lush is definitely a well-established brand by now. And yes, just like the name claims, everything is handmade. The products are made in what is called the Lush Kitchen and have an expiration date of what is usually around one year. They have a range of products, including soaps, shampoos and their quite famous bath bombs.

Even though their products are impeccable, that is still not the main reason why Lush deserves attention. Their products are already popular all around the world, but what deserves more attention is probably their political stand. It is written right on their bags – fighting animal testing.

“Our Fighting Animal Testing commitment means that Lush has a variety of positions and policies that both govern our own actions, to ensure that our business practices are free of animal testing, and reach out to the wider world to help eliminate the use of animals in testing worldwide,” it reads on their website.

“The strength of feeling against this unscientific and cruel practice has not dimin-

ished over the years, which means that it is safe to say that Fighting Animal Testing is not just a Lush position and policy, but is a lifetime goal and the core value of our company.”

Rather than testing their products on animals, like many companies still do, Lush decided to take a stand and do things differently. They test their products on human volunteers, rather than innocent animals.

‘Cruelty free’ is defined as a label for products or activities that do not harm or kill animals. Products tested on animals are not considered cruelty free, since these tests are

often painful and cause the suffering of millions of animals every year. To be on Peta’s list of cruelty free make-up, brands have to sign a statement of assurance verifying they do not

conduct, commission, or pay for any tests on animals for ingredients, formulations, or finished products and that they pledge not to do so in the future.

Lush Cosmetics is one of the brands on this list. They have gone far in their work towards

Lush is known for pulling stunts, right, to protest animaltesting in the cosmetics industry

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a cruelty free industry, and are known for demonstrating quite dramatically.

In 2012 a 24-year-old performance artist called Jacqueline Traide, was hauled on a leash into the window of Lush’s Regent Street shop window. She was up for 10 hours of extreme performance art, live streamed for

anyone to see. While she was in the window, she endured a series of animal tests, including forced-feeding, eye-irritancy tests and two saline injections.

The performance piece sparked controversy, and most people were horrified of witnessing the tests being done on a human being, right in front of their eyes. This was exactly what Lush Cosmetics wanted to happen - they wanted people to realise what millions of animals go through every year, just so we can

have our beauty products. As Tamsin Omond, Lush’s campaign

manager, put it: “We used our flagship shop to put a window on to one form of oppression that all who buy cosmetics thoughtlessly, are complicit in. This is a tough truth to acknowledge and be challenged by but it is also an essential truth for all cosmetics’ consumers to recognise if we are going to have an animal cruelty-free industry.

“We performed a version of oppression in which we are all complicit, to challenge women and men to consider the dark secrets of a beauty industry that insists it exists to make us ‘feel good’,” said Omond.

Lush Cosmetics also has less dramatical ways to make a change. In 2007 they created what is called ‘Charity Pots’, where every penny of your purchase are donated to small

groups around the world that need help to make a difference.

In 2013, in the UK and Ireland alone, their customers raised £592,380. Globally they raised over £3,000,000.

There is a long list of animal friendly brands, and Lush is far from the only

one. Peta has made a long list of what products are cruelty free, and the list is updated constantly, with brands being removed if they change their policies or ingredients supplier.

Your next make-up purchase can be a thoughtful one. When you stand in front of the mascaras, try to look for one on Peta’s list. If you decide to support Lush’s charity pots or look into what products are animal friendly, remember: a small change can make a big difference.

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Features

Lush’s Charity Pots, above, where they donate 100% of the price (minus the taxes) to small, grassroots organisations that could use a helping hand

The Lush Kitchen, right, changes their menu daily, with products available for 21 days only


5 Tibetan Rites

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Want to tone up, but do not have the time to hit the gym every day for an hour or two? What if you did not have to? What if all you had to do were fi ve moves?

Th e Five Tibetan Rites are essentially a yoga routine made up of diff erent movements. If you are new to the Rites, it is best you start with just three repetitions of each exercise and gradually increase them to 21.

So how can fi ve movements tone your arms, stomach, hips, legs and back, increase your energy, give you mental clarity,? Th e rites stimulate the body’s energy system, waking up the chakras, and getting your energy to move outward.

Dr Jung, a Korean acupuncturist doctor, said: “Doing the rites improves circulation and posture, and there is an increase in overall body energy. Th e body’s healing potential increases too, and the body is able to heal from the inside out.

“Th e best time is in the morning, since the increase in energy will last throughout the whole day. If a person does it in the middle of the day, or at night, they may not be able to sleep well.” Dr Jung said.

Pay attention to what your body tells you and focus on your breathing. Your breathing should fol-low a pattern: inhale, hold fi lled lungs, exhale, hold empty lungs

Rite 1Extend your arms out to your side, and spin as fast as you can, without losing control. Focus your vision on a point straight ahead.

Rite 2Arms along your sides, raise head, tuck it into your chest and lift legs vertically, breathe in keeping knees straight. Lower both at same time, breath out.

Rite 3Place hands on back of legs, tilt head back, arching spine backward and look up. Return to orginal position. Repeat.

Rite 4Begin seated, inhale and push through feet and hands, bend knees and come up to tabletop posi-tion with head tilted back. Exhale and go back to seated position.

Rite 5Start on all fours, spine arched downward, slowly lift buttocks to make an inverted ‘V’, tuck chin, lower buttocks, until you are in plank position, moving your chest out and shoulders back, inhale on your way up and exhale on your way down.

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10 Products FOR SPRING

1. Strawberries: these delicious berries hit their peak in April until June making them extra sweet and juicy during the spring season.

Time to goLuisa Barrientos discovers buying locally has never been more attractive for your body.

As you start getting into spring mode, think of the fresh produce becoming available. For spring, Luisa Barrientos found there are ten clear winners to make the new season delicious.

Eating locally grown food looks better on a plate, tastes better and makes you feel better. Farmers make sure the produce they are selling are at their peak and is ready to be consumed. Buying produce at supermarkets means you do not know how long it took to get from the fi elds to where you are.

Imported food will always be older than foods available at farmers markets for the simple reason it has travelled long distances, and after it is likely to sit in warehouses before being brought out to the front. Buying your food from a local farmers market is making sure your food has the most nutrients possible; the shorter the time and distance between farms to table, the better the food is for you.

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Quick Bits

3. Sweet cherries: high in fi ber and potassium and hits its peak in late spring, just in time for homemade pie.

6. Fava beans: high in protein and fi ber. Young favas can be eaten raw or cooked, but mature ones need to be shelled and skinned.

8. Artichokes: these layered vegetables reach their peak in March and last until May and make a delicious starter to any dinner.

2. Asparagus: these greenies, high in fi ber, iron, B vitamins and vitamin C. Th ey hit their peak in March and last until June.

7. Apricots: small, yet incredibly sweet and delicious, apricots reach their peak in May through August, you can make them into preserves, bake a cake or eat them on the go.

4. Peas: hitting their peak from April until June. Th ey also go with just about any dish.5. Radishes: ranging mild to sharp and goes well with soups. For the best fl avour choose the ones deep in colour with solid roots.

9. Rhubarb: High in vitamin C and potassium. Th is stalk’s peak is from April until July. Th ough tart by itself, when sweetened it gives delicious fl avour to desserts.10. Morel Mushrooms: these cone-shaped mushrooms with a spongy texture and nutty fl avour make their peak in early spring and last until late June.

LOCAL


YOGA5 BENEFITS WORKOUTSCan yoga change your life? Of course.Besides leading you towards a happier and more forward way of thinking, yoga has a multitude of physical and social benefi ts.

1) DEALING WITH STRESS BETTER Yoga teaches you breathing exercises and poses which help you to cope better with stressors as well as teaches you to slow down.

2) EASES MIGRAINES Lots of research shows people who suff er from migraines have fewer and less painful migraines after three months of yoga practice.

3) FIND YOUR INNER VOICE As you become more in tune with your body and your mind, you can actually start to listen to your inner voice.

4)SLEEP BETTER Th e quality of your sleep will improve because of the stimulatory eff ect yoga has on the nervous system, and in particular, the brain.

5)FIGHT FOOD CRAVINGS It has been claimed that yoga practice is associated with mindful eating, an awareness of physical and emotional sensations associated with eating. By causing breath awareness, regular yoga practice strengthens the mind-body connection.

BRIDGE POSE Lying on your back, bend your legs and put your feet at your hips width. Lift your pelvis and hips, trying to move onto your shoulders. Put your arms along your legs with your palms facing down, or clasp your hands under your body on the fl oor.

DOWNWARD-FACING DOGFrom the standing-forward fold position, place the hands shoulder-width apart on the ground and step back with both feet into Downward-Facing Dog. Push down into the hands to lengthen the sides, and lift the hips up. It should look like an upside down “V”, or a dog trying to get its tail high up in the air.

UPWARD-FACING DOGStart by stand-ing with the feet hip-width

apart. Hinge from the hips and fold your upper body over the legs, and hold onto the forearms. Hang here with your legs straight or slightly bent in at the knees. Let your head empty itself of any stress.

at your hips width. Lift your pelvis and hips,

down into the hands to lengthen the sides, down into the hands to lengthen the sides, down into the hands to lengthen the sides,

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HOW SANA ARE YOU?

Do you feel connected with your body?a)Sure!b)Well, sometimesc)No

Do you smoke?a)Nob)Only when I go out with friendsc)Yes

How often do you drink alcohol?a)I prefer drinking natural drinksb)3-5 times a weekc) At least 2 times a day

Are you aware of eating in a healthy way?a) Yes, I am in fact b)Yes but I don’t always do itc)No, I eat what I fancy everyday

The number of portions of fruit and vegetables you have in a typical day is:a) Five or more b)Between two and fourc)One or less

How often do you go for a walk during the day?a) Everyday! At least for 45 minutesb)I don’t have too much time for that, but I try to walk 20 minutes a dayc)I don’t have time for walking, I always use the car/ public transport

Do you spend time on thinking about your-self and your feelings?a) Sure! I have at least 20 minutes to get relaxed and think about myself everyday before sleepingb)I try to get relaxed and think about my feelings and myself whenever I canc)I don’t have time for that!

On a given day, how much time do you spend walking? This includes everything from walking the dog to time at the gyma)More than 60 minutes per dayb)From 30 to 60 minutes per dayc) Less than 30 minutes per day

ANSWERS:Every a): 3 pointsEvery b): 1 pointEvery c): 0 points18-24 points: CONGRATS! Your health and mind are in balance and are working perfectly! Keep up your routine and let’s get healthier everyday!11-18 points: Well done! You are doing well, but remember that the best way to be SANA is to keep a balance between your mind and body!Less than 11 points: You can do better! Do not worry beacuse it is never too late to change your habits and we are here to help you and provide you the best tips to become more SANA! Remember that being healthy is more than eating healthy food and you need to make it a daily routine!

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Want some tips on whwat the shops have to offer these days? This is what the staff is currently spending their money on.

Wind down with a hot bath and get carried away from your everyday life with these amazing bath bombs from Lush.

Olive leaf extracts has almost endless health benefits. This one from Olé is our favourite.

Eos lip balm to keep your lips moisturised in the sun.

Pukka have some of the best tea on the market. Our favourite? Cleanse - organic nettle, fennel and peppermint tea. It helps to purify your skin as well as it tastes amazing.

The Body Shop has several versions of their body butter, but we just cannot get enough of that rasberry smell. Welcome spring with this summer fragrant.

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