Russh Magazine

A massage or facial might be great for temporarily soothing tired muscles and de-stressing but what about a more holistic view of relaxation, pampering and health? Monique Bolland pondered this question and decided to open Alkaline Spa and Clinic in Potts Point. From facials to a detox sauna and a natropath, the clinic has all you need for optimum health. We talk to Monique Bolland about why she started Alkaline and some take home tips. 

Why did you start Alkaline?
In 2004 I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease with no proven cause or cure. This led me on a journey of discovery of natural therapies and detox. I discovered for myself the undeniably high connection between what's going on inside your body and what's reflected on the outside, and I wanted to share this with other people. The idea behind Alkaline was to create a space that looked and felt like an up market day spa, but where the treatments were working on the problems from the inside, not just aesthetically. 

What are some of your favourite treatments at Alkaline?
The Omnilux Revivie is my standout skin treatment. The machine transmits pure, narrow-band light via a matrix of LED lights to increase the health of your skin. It increases collagen and elastin productions; and assists with hydration, complexion and texture. My other favourite at the moment is Endermologie, a full body mechanical massage-like treatment for cellulite reduction and body shaping. 

What are your top tips for handling stress and fatigue?
Stress is fast becoming one of the worst enemies in the modern world. Besides the emotional and cognitive damage, stress causes harm to our cardiovascular system, our digestive system, and leads to over-acidity throughout the body. 

Anything you can do to alkalise your body will help combat some of the effects of stress. Drinking alkaline water (pH 8 or above), eating plenty of fresh leafy greens, limiting consumption of alcohol, sugar cigarettes and caffeine. 

If you struggle with your diet, taking a daily nutritional supplement like Nu Zest's Good Green Stuff can keep your body alkaline, and provide it with the nutrients it needs. 

Physically we need to calm the nervous system with things like regular massage, yoga or meditation. Massage in particular, stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system which is responsible for our body's 'rest and digest' mode (as opposed to the sympathetic nervous system - the one most affected by stress - which is what puts our bodies into 'fight or flight' mode).

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