We would like to wish you a happy New Year and hope that 2024 will bring health and happiness to all. In Japan, it is traditional to visit a shrine – as typified by the red gates above (called tori) – and wish for a good year ahead. Good luck is also represented by breaking open the top of sake (Japanese rice wine) barrel and so a display as shown below is a common site at the start of a new year or for celebrations.
Closed Saturday 23rd December to Thursday 4th January 2024.
Open as usual from Friday 5th January 2024
We wish you all a healthy and happy holidays and look forward to nurturing your well-being in 2024.
Kindest regards Chi Yu Team
Appointments & online orders during holiday closure
Appointment requests (via email) are still being taken during the holiday closure for booking dates from reopening (5th Jan).
Please email us using info@chi-yu.co.uk or use the enquiry form.
Online Orders will not be processed from 17th Dec to 4th Jan 2024. Any orders received during this period will be processed and shipped after reopening, therefore, please allow extra time for deliveries.
Please avoid calling us during the holiday closure as reception is closed but we will be checking messages periodically. Please send an email for any enquiries.
I am grateful and amazed that we are celebrating our 14th anniversary! When I founded chi yu I could only hope to help a few clients improve and maintain their well-being but over the last 14 years, we have managed to care for thousands!
Of course, I could not have done this without my wonderful team, I am sincerely thankful for their hard work and dedication. They are the heart and soul of chi yu, and I am so grateful for their support and contribution.
Chi Yu continues to blossom because of all our wonderful clients. We are deeply thankful for your loyalty and trust. We hope to have the pleasure of supporting your well-being for many more years to come. We’ll keep growing and doing our best to make you feel better, healthier, and happier.
Arigato – thank you – again for everything, and happy anniversary to us!
Warmest wishes,
Mami 💜
We have finalised our new prices, take a look!
NOW LIVE
New Prices shown below
Dear Clients
All our treatment prices are increasing from 1st July 2022
Our last price increase was in 2017 and since then we have worked hard to provide a high standard of treatments for incredibly good value (for London). Unfortunately, because of the current unprecedented inflationary situation, we cannot hold our current prices for much longer. Facing increasing costs, we have been left with little choice but to increase our prices. We hope that you understand and will continue to support us.
The new prices will be applied on the 1st July 2022. Up until then all new appointments made before this date (for any future date) will still be charged at the price before the increase (maximum 4 advanced bookings). Hopefully, this will help with the transition to the prices.
We hope to publish the New Price List by 30th June on the chi yu website.
The Prepay (pay in advance credit) amounts are also increasing on 1st July as follows (subject to confirmation on 1st July):
We would like to thank you for your continued support and hope that we can continue to be of service to you going forward.
Kind regards,
Mami Tsang (owner & practitioner) & Chi Yu Team
Article by: Jane Sandwood, freelance writer
Recently, celebrities like K-Pop’s Somi or Akb48’s YoshidaAkari have taken to Youtube to share the best-kept secrets of their skincare routine. It’s not uncommon to use gemstone rollers in the holistic beauty kit. Are they really effective? The answer is yes! Not only are these convenient tools all natural, but they are a quick and easy way to infuse some positive energy into your beauty routine. The cooling effect of the roller helps reduce redness and inflammation of your skin (helpful if you tend to exfoliate often), while the soothing pressure of polished gemstone helps stimulate collagen production deep within your skin. The result is tighter, firmer skin with a natural glow.
Ancient jade for inflammation
Of all the gemstones used to make face rollers, jade is one of the most popular among skincare enthusiasts. The use of jade in skincare and beauty dates back hundreds of years. It’s said that the women of the elite noticed how the prized gemstone always stayed cool to the touch, which made it ideal for refreshing the skin during seasons of hot weather. Today, jade rollers are fantastic for naturally reducing puffiness and inflammation. Those with acne prone skin or redness will appreciate the cooling factor of jade rollers.
Rose quartz for younger-looking skin
The vibrant pink hue of rose quartz makes it an attractive option alone. But on a deeper level, quartz is made of a network of oxygen atoms and silica. It polishes especially well, hence why it is used to create a soft and smooth roller that glides across the skin. The rose quartz roller rejuvenates the skin, smoothing the surface as well as reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It’s also a great roller for a variety of different skin types, so if you’re new to caring for your skin, it makes a wonderful pick. It’s especially beneficial for individuals who hold a demanding outdoor job as their skin can get damaged. To remedy sun damage and other skin ailments, they should use this tool on a daily basis.
Amethyst for brightening
Not many people know that amethyst is a type of quartz. However, it receives its ultraviolet colouration from the natural iron deposits within, which, when exposed to sunlight, cause a stunning colour to form. Although some associate the deep purple colour of amethyst with night, it truly embodies the sun, having gently blossomed under thousands of years of sunlight to capture this wonderful colour. The amethyst roller is a great choice for brightening the skin, helping ease blemishes or fine lines, as well as keeping an even texture for that youthful glow.
Finding the right gemstone face roller for you
Before picking out a face roller, consider your skincare goals. Are you looking to reduce redness or minimize your pores? Are you looking to firm your skin or get rid of those fine lines and wrinkles? If you’re new to skincare, you really can’t go wrong with any of the gemstone face rollers on the market. That’s because they’re all natural and incredibly effective, containing only natural materials from the Earth. They last a lifetime and even look stunning on your vanity. And if you pick up a face roller, don’t forget to look into gua shas or facial stones as well.
(Photo by Jay Castor on Unsplash)
Article by: Jane Sandwood, freelance writer
Water comprises as much as 60% of our bodies, making it a critical component of health and wellbeing. While we’re often advised to drink six to eight glasses of water a day, or 1.2 to 1.5 litres, we don’t often hear about the health benefits of being in or around water. Just spending time around rivers, lakes, and ocean banks can have just as significant an effect on your mind and body as increasing your water intake.
Using water as a healing element isn’t a new idea. Both the ancient Egyptians and the Greeks used bathing rituals to help cure physical ailments, while Native American tribes believed in the purifying power of sweat lodges. Now, people around the world use hydrotherapy to treat everything from poor posture to anxiety and depression. Here are just some of the benefits of embracing the healing power of water.
Lift Your Spirits
In addition to helping build physical strength and stamina, swimming has been shown to have an overall positive benefit on mental health. Swimming in a pool, river, or ocean can improve mood in both men and women, decreasing the risk of depression. Warm water therapy can also help to reduce anxiety, especially in fibromyalgia patients and for expecting mothers.
Swimming can have a particularly profound effect on aging minds and bodies. Hydrotherapy can be ideal for frail or older adults who are looking to stay active. Regular exercise can help to reduce the risk of chronic illness and disability in the senior population, improving longevity and allowing them to live independently for longer. A routine can drastically improve the quality of life for older adults living across the UK, leading to fewer mental health issues.
Get in Touch With Your Natural Roots
Being near a great expanse of water, whether travelling on the sea, or relaxing next to a riverbank, can help to renew your appreciation for the world around you. Water helps to connect us to something bigger than ourselves, invoking deep feelings of awe and purpose. Spending time around water can also help to feed our creative side, inspiring some of the most iconic art, theatre, and music that humanity has created.
Revitalise Your Skin
Spending time in water doesn’t just help to clear the mind. Saltwater is also good for the skin, helping to smooth and hydrate it. Going for a dip in the ocean, especially somewhere such as the Dead Sea can help to bring a healthy glow to your skin. The salt also helps to kill bacteria, making it an ideal treatment for acne.
Water does much more for us than just keep us hydrated. It helps to sustain us, healing both our minds and our bodies alike. Spending time in and around water can help to improve your mood, reconnect you with nature, and give you softer, more supple skin.
(Photo by Mathew MacQuarrie on Unsplash)
Article by: Jane Sandwood, freelance writer
There’s never a better time to quit smoking than the present moment. New data from the University of College London found that the UK has seen its highest smoking quit success rate in decades, a figure partly attributed to new efforts to offset nicotine withdrawal symptoms with holistic wellbeing therapies for mind/body relief. If you’re about to make the leap, holistic well-being will keep your prepared for the challenges with a fresh perspective at mind.
It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the mechanisms of nicotine withdrawal at every stage in the process, especially if this is your first major attempt to cut out smoking from your daily routine. Even though your body will crave nicotine initially, you should start to see improved oxygen levels and improved taste/smell within two days of quitting. Nicotine cravings reach their peak at day three, but begin to subside shortly afterwards. That’s why it’s important to push yourself in the first few days: each day grows easier as you start to see the positive effects quitting has on your health and body.
This step is particularly important if you have diabetes, or another long-term medical condition that complicates efforts to quit smoking. Your GP will be able to advise you on treatment and medication options relevant to your condition. For people looking for added support networks, GPs can also connect you with a local NHS stop-smoking service, which offers resources and advisors to coach you through the process.
Most people start to see increased levels of anxiety within eight hours of quitting nicotine, which means it’s key to minimise stress during the transitional period. Several peer-reviewed studies suggest that acupuncture is effective for lowering anxiety levels during nicotine withdrawal. This is thought to be the case because acupuncture promotes blood circulation without the side effects of conventional anti-nicotine medications. Other popular stress-reducers for nicotine withdrawal include increased exercise, yoga, and deep-pressure massages to relax tensed muscles in the body.
Quitting is daunting, but any ex-smoker will tell you that the future really is bright. It’s important to take stock of the physical benefits you notice in your body as you quit: changes such as increased taste, oxygen circulation and oral health are permanent, and will leave you feeling healthier for life.
Article by: Jane Sandwood, freelance writer
Research suggests that chronic pain affects around 43.5% of people in the UK, which has led to an increased interest in medication-free therapies. Massage therapy, a wellness therapy first described in China during the 2nd century B.C., has long played an important role in quelling pain, including lower back pain, shoulder pain, headache pain, and neck pain. When additional wellness therapies such as Shiatsu, holistic aromatherapy, acupressure, or acupuncture are added to the equation, benefits can rise exponentially, since all these therapies have their own positive effects on pain.
In a recent study published by scientists at the University of York, it was found that acupuncture can boost the effectiveness of medicine, lowering the severity of chronic pain and depression. The researchers found that when acupuncture was added to standard treatments, there was a big reduction in headaches, migraines, neck, and lower back pain in patients surveyed. Acupuncture also reduced the pain of osteoarthritis, so patients were able to rely less on medication for pain. This ancient therapy can help in another way, says a British Medical Journal study. It can calm highly anxious dental patients, thus helping them receive necessary treatment for tooth decay, gum infections, and other oral problems. Pain is a matter of perception; stress exacerbates it, which is why wellness therapies can help.
Studies have shown that acupressure can relieve many types of pain. Studies have also been carried out on shiatsu, a traditional Japanese massage that relies on pressure to stimulate the body’s natural energy, known as Qi. It is calming yet dynamic, working on acupuncture points with pressure via kneading or effleurage using the thumbs or palms. One study published in the BioMedCentral journal found that acupressure may be beneficial for pain and sleep. Another study published in the Journal of Integrative Medicine showed that shiatsu (even when self-performed) could help manage pain and help people with sleeping problems fall and stay asleep.
Aromatherapy, which relies on healing essential oils to improve the body’s energy, has been found in numerous studies to help relax the mind and quell pain. One study published in Pain Research and Treatment concluded that “aromatherapy can be effective in treating pain for a variety of medical conditions.” These include lower back pain, chronic neck pain, chronic neck pain (potentially), menstrual pain (significantly), and pain related to labor and childbirth.
Wellness therapies that heal the mind and spirit as much as they do the body can help reduce chronic pain. By tackling stress as well as physical pain, they can reduce the perception of the latter. Pain is a subjective notion; it is made worse when we worry about it or feel imprisoned by it. Wellness therapies can help relax, soothe, and motivate you to soldier on, even on days when you aren’t feeling your best.
(Photo by Lesly Juarez on Unsplash)
Article by: Jane Sandwood, freelance writer
Unemployed people are twice as likely as employed people to experience psychological problems (34% compared to 16%). Job loss often ranks among the highest in stress on a list of life-altering events such as a family bereavement, divorce, and serious illness, and for a good reason. Many people tie their work into their sense of purpose and identity within a community. However, losing a job doesn’t have to be completely negative. There are many ways to use the situation to your advantage, and by incorporating wellness techniques into your life, you can find yourself feeling better than before.
One study found that one in five Americans without a job for a year or more report that they have been or are currently undergoing treatment for depression. The onset of depression can be caused by and enhanced by various life factors, but mindfulness is one of the most impactful ways to treat it. Meditation, for example, has been shown to increase brain performance, enhance creativity, alleviate stress, and help calm anxiety, all of which are symptoms of depression and the stress related to losing a job. Incorporating just 30 minutes of meditation daily could improve these symptoms while also giving you time alone to speak kindly to yourself and process the emotions you are feeling towards your current financial and professional situation.
Rather than looking at a job loss as a negative thing, view it as an opportunity to reassess your professional situation, skills and overall desires in your career. Take time to work on your resume, learn a few more marketable skills, and look for the job of your dreams. Ask yourself questions such as whether or not you want to stay in the same occupational field, how you can make yourself a better employee, and where you see yourself a few years down the line. Understanding the answers to these questions will not only help you gain a better perspective on why you might have lost your job, it will help you use the experience to your benefit and come back as a stronger, more marketable employee.
Losing a job is never easy, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be hard. By incorporating wellness techniques such as meditation and mindfulness into your daily routine, you can alleviate some of the stress and other emotionally-related symptoms you might be experiencing. By quieting your mind you are giving yourself space to process the life change while also assessing what you want professionally. Take time to improve your resume, surround yourself with positive people, and prioritize self-care and you’ll find yourself feeling better in no time, and likely land the job of your dreams.
We are delighted to be featuring the cute and innovative 3DSK key rings by Made by Man (the same creators of the Original Origami greeting cards) at chi yu wellness centre. 3DSK stands for 3D Selfie Keyrings and as the name suggests they are personalisable with a selfie image using 3D printing, but that’s not the best thing about them! The best thing is how the selfie image is revealed by light. By holding the 3DSK up to a light source (phone, window etc) and the image is suddenly revealed as if by magic! Watch the video below or see for yourself at chi yu. Visit made-by-man.co.uk to find out more and to buy.
Article by: Jane Sandwood, freelance writer
If you are living life with a purpose, then your are likely to live a longer, happier life. That’s according to a study carried out by researchers at Carleton University, Canada and University of Rochester, USA. They followed people over a 14 year period and found that those who revealed a purpose in their lives at the beginning of the study were more likely to be healthier and happier by the end. A purpose gives a sense of grounding and certainty in the world and motivates you to stick to fitness routines, eat healthily and generally live life to the full. Read on to learn why a purpose matters and how you can find yours.
Across the world, an estimated 900 million are unfulfilled by their work, despite the fact that 74% of UK job applicants want employment where their input is valued. A career is your opportunity to provide value to your community and it takes up a huge chunk of your time. Living without a purpose will leave you lacking motivation and feeling enslaved to your work, rather than excited and passionate. If you regularly wonder what the point is, then you probably need to find your life’s purpose.
A purpose is a motivating reason to do something; in this case, it is the reason to live. Each day you will wake up and have to carry out certain obligations. A purpose is the thing that drives you. Workers need to find a purpose to feel fulfilled at work, while retirees need to overcome the struggles of being less able to contribute to society. A purpose comes when you feel that you are helping others and living your passion.
Spend some time thinking about your passion and start to dedicate your time and energy on those things that excite you. Build up skills and knowledge is this area, so that you can offer something valuable to society. This way, you can focus on what excites you and the income will take care of itself. Accept that there will be pain and effort involved, but as long as your ultimate goal is joy, you will find that purpose drives you along.
A meaningful life is the key to wellbeing. Some would say that it is even more important than happiness, while others believe it is a key component. Whatever your belief is, scientific studies have shown a correlation between purpose and a long life, meaning it could be the best way to boost your health.
(Photo by William Farlow on Unsplash)
Article by: Jane Sandwood, freelance writer
Spiritual well-being is linked to strong mental health regardless of religion or ethnicity, according to recent studies. Despite its common misconception, spiritual well-being is not linked to any one religion, nor is it necessary to profess religion at all to reap the benefits of good spiritual health. Rather, spiritual well-being can be thought of as a philosophy that each person has a purpose and spiritual identity. Key practices such as meditation and holistic health therapies help people find their spiritual identity, a discovery which, in turns, yields better mental health and satisfaction.
It’s important to understand the parameters of spiritual-well being in a broader sense before thinking about how you can adapt spiritual health for your individual needs. The University of New Hampshire outlines criteria for spiritual-wellbeing, including care for others, compassion, and the ability to reflect on events in everyday life. These practices rest on the idea that everyone has a purpose, and by taking steps to fulfill our purpose, we can find satisfaction and relief from stress. At a personal level, the cultivation of a spiritual identity may involve brainstorming ways to relieve anxiety or reflect on everyday life. When beginning, it is a good idea to keep a journal and set small goals so you can observe your own transformation towards healing.
Holistic therapies, including yoga, acupuncture, meditation, and other healing practices are designed to merge physical well-being with a more spiritual one. The word yoga, for instance, means “union” in Sanskrit; and indeed, many think of yoga as the unity of mental, physical, and spiritual cognisance. And indeed, yoga, a practice rooted in spirituality, is associated with symptomatic relief of medical disorders, including high-blood pressure, glaucoma, chronic pain, and above all else, stress. For people whose stress manifests physically, in muscle aches and tension, a massage has obvious physical benefits, but it also trains your mind to relax and trust the person alleviating your pain, which in itself is a component of spiritual-well being.
When it comes to childhood development, a comprehensive case study found that children and teenagers develop emotional resilience from spiritual well-being, a correlation that strongly indicates it’s a good idea to teach spiritual well-being to your children at a young age. The researchers hypothesized that spiritual well-being can be thought of as once branch of “coping mechanisms,” which teach youth to navigate hardships and achieve a more positive life outcome. It’s important that parents and guardians have discussions with their children about the development of a spiritual identity as they mature into young adults.
The combination of holistic therapies and daily reflection is tried-and-true when it comes to developing spiritual identity and, ultimately, more satisfaction with life. Incorporating these practices into your routine is a sound way to cultivate your own sense of spiritual well-being as it best suits you.
Article by: Jane Sandwood, freelance writer
Research suggests that collagen production in the body can be improved using Collagen Hydrolysate which is good news when considering that by the age of 45 the average person will have lost 35% of collagen from their skin. Collagen is what makes your skin look plump and firm and keeps it looking youthful. This is why it is important to take care of our skin especially as we age – taking simple steps to improve the look and feel of your skin by making changes to your daily routine or pampering your skin to help improve blood flow and rejuvenate your skins appearance.
Collagen is the most abundant protein found in the human body. It can be found in bones, muscles, tendons, blood vessels and skin tissue. It enables the body to replace dead skin cells and most importantly it is what gives our skin its elasticity. Elasticity is important for as it gives the skin its firmness that helps minimise the development of wrinkles and therefore keeps the skin looking younger. As we age, the production of collagen in the body reduces, recent studies have shown that maintaining collagen levels does improve the appearance of your skin.
As we grow older our bodies will naturally reduce the amount of collagen produced, this is just part the body’s natural ageing process, it is unavoidable. However, research indicates that manual and mechanical manipulation of human skin can improve the production and movement of collagen in the body. One of the most effective forms of manual manipulation is through massage therapy.
Having regular massage treatment, like facials, help to improve the blood flow and this maintains high oxygen levels which boosts the production of collagen naturally in the body.
The common phrase, you are what you eat, very much applies to how your skin looks and feels. You can also help to improve and maintain collagen in your body by including certain foods in your diet. Recent research supports the idea that eating certain foods will help you to maintain healthy looking skin as you grow older. Increase Vitamin C intake from fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants produced by this vitamin help to fight free radicals that reduce the amount of collagen. Other foods that promote collagen production naturally include fish high in Omega-3 oils, nuts, beans and pulses. Eating a broad spectrum of these foods in your diet is important. You can track and monitor what you eat and when.
Growing old is just part of life, and there is nothing you can do to stop it. You can however improve the look and feel of your skin by taking steps to improve and maintain vital collagen levels. This can be done through good diet, exercise and treatments like facial massages.
[Main Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash]
We have updated our privacy policy in line with the introduction of the new General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) on 25th May 2018. Click here to view our privacy policy or use the link at the foot of each page.
The privacy policy applies to information we collect from: