In these times we need to stick together (but respecting the 2 metre social distancing rule). Here with me at the fabulous new Nimaya MindStation in Farringdon is my friend Queen C (not a grime artist). Location is perfect for us London urbanites and just as easy for a quick refresh after a day locked down at home.
We are here for a couples package of Cryotherapy and Red Light Sauna but we are easily tempted into trying the seemingly space age PandoraStar. PandoraStar is one of the most advanced light machines of its kind. It features 12 stroboscopic LEDs to guide the brain into a hypnagogic state.
There are a multitude of benefits to this light therapy but prior to visiting I knew very little about this treatment so I was keen to understand the benefits. The team explained how benefits can include an increase in brain function; intuition; memory and mental clarity; increased job and inner peace and a whole host of other potentials. More interestingly for me was it’s ease for people who find meditation difficult (hands up). That’s all rather simplified as its a deeply personal experience one I thoroughly recommend to calm the mind. With headphones on and music starting, I’m on a comfy day bed with my eyes closed and lights are creating a surreal kaleidoscopic effect. At first I am slightly reminded of the early 90s rave scene but my thoughts soon diminish and I find myself smiling. Both Queen C and I find our feelings difficult to describe, the treatment is soothing and calming, the details universally unique. The colour sequences we produce are of our own choosing and we are both keen to visit this place again.
At our serene place we are embark on our fully body Cryotherapy treatment. I’ve reviewed Cryo before and loved it so was really looking forward to this treatment. Whole Body Cryotherapy is a sub-zero therapy treatment where the body is exported to intensely chilled temperatures for a few minutes. Benefits may include improvement in the management of migraines, chronic pain and inflammatory conditions. Unlike my previous review this is for a full body electrical chamber.
Nimaya provide everything including a blood pressure test and quick temperature check. I do recommend a putting a bit of thought to your music choice. Upbeat dance tunes are essential if you want to keep your movement flowing. Between us Queen C chooses upbeat and I am staying relaxed and yogic. The chamber is spacious, with room to dance, move, flow or remain in perfect mountain pose. For those who worry about feeling a little claustrophobic during treatments this is abated with all the space and the knowledge you can just walk out. There’s a real sense of empowerment doing something that is out of daily comfort zone. Personally I find cryotherapy exhilarating and Queen C is equally taken with the sense of achievement. The ability to put your body through a brief session at -80C gives you an innate knowledge of your abilities to tackle the daily onslaught.
After the big chill we are ready for our Red Light Sauna, a full-spectrum infrared Sauna using near, mid and far infrared technologies to optimise overall health and wellbeing by alleviating stress, detoxifying your body and improving cardio health. Personally I feel we haven’t embraced infrared sauna benefits in the UK and maybe that is partly our lack of understanding but partly cultural that we still have a gravitational pull towards public houses. Sauna is a great place to relax, have a gossip and drift away from the world outside.
I am happy to sauna any time of year but given it’s March this is even more of a treat. Infrared saunas use lights to heat the body form within and the heat is more gradual than stifling. There are different light settings to enhance your experience and we choose a full spectrum approach but if usually. For anyone who wants some time away from the world sauna is excellent. Many folks use infrared sauna for its detoxifying properties, I recommend it for many reasons but the fact I haven’t played with my phone for the entire time I am have been here is probably the singular biggest break I can give my distracted mine.
A quick post treatment WhatsApp the next morning confirms we’ve both enjoyed deep soulful sleep and the part of my brain that fears ageing, says I look rejuvenated. A visit to Nimaya MindStation can easily be summarised in one word: JOY. The staff are brilliant and present practical ideas for treatments that may be most beneficial for you and this really is all about you. And if we are both really honest we have already planned our next trip, floatation tank here I come.
For a full menu of treatments, visit their website www.nimaya.co.uk
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