Holiday Greetings

The management, staff and therapists of Sanctuario wish to thank all our valued guests for their continued patronage and support. We all wish you a Yuletide Season that is filled with wellness, meaning and prosperity.

Give a Gift of Wellness

Gift certificates are available at Sanctuario Spa. You may either specify the amount of your gift or the specific services that you want to give.

New QC branch inaugurated

Sanctuario’s new branch at 30 Sgt. Esguerra Avenue Quezon City was formally opened by actors Cesar Montano,  Sunshine Cruz, Lani Mercado and Cynthia Carrion from the Department of Tourism during a glitzy affair last December 12.

meanwhile...

New reception opens

The reception area of Sanctuario Malate has been renovated to accommodate increase traffic in the reception area and to better showcase our retail products.

New massage oils now available

VIRGIN COCONUT OIL AROMATHERAPY BLENDS (P 275, 100 ml)

Serenity

A calming blend to ease anxiety, depression, tension and anger.  Relieves muscular pain, headaches and stomach aches. An excellent skin cleanser. Not to be used in pregnancy.

Sensuality

An aphrodisiac blend to stimulate the senses, awaken the libido and improve sexual performance. A luxurious and effective balm and tonic for dry and sensitive skin.

Soothing

A therapeutic blend that stabilizes the physical, etheric and astral bodies. An effective relief from insomnia, high blood pressure, muscular spasms and respiratory illnesses. Helpful in cases of acne, eczema, psoriasis and fungal infection.

Stimulant

A revitalizing blend that uplifts the spirits, relieves fatigue and energizes the body. Cooling when hot and warming when cold. Softens the skin and improves elasticity. Not to be used in pregnancy or lactating mother.

PREMIUM AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE OILS (P 475, 100 ml)

Energy Booster

A stimulating blend that releases tensions, produces clarity of thought and revives a tired mind. Restores vitality and improves the functioning of the central nervous system. Brightens pale and dull complexion by removing dead skin cells.

Anti-Stress

A relaxing blend to calm and ease a tired mind or body.  Has a tonic effect on the kidneys. Its astringent and antiseptic properties benefits oily skin.

Pain Relief

A deeply penetrating blend to warm the skin and help revive tired or sore muscles. Stimulating yet grounding too. Helpful in clearing bruising and sores.

Detox

An excellent body cleanser, ridding the system of poisonous toxins resulting from excess food, alcohol, smoking and pollution. Helps reduce cellulite and relieves congestion. Keeps wrinkles at bay.

12 tips to prevent holiday stress and depression

When stress is at its peak, it's hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if you know the holidays have taken an emotional toll in previous years.

Tips you can try to head off holiday stress and depression:

1. Acknowledge your feelings.

If a loved one has recently died or you aren't able to be with your loved ones, realize that it's normal to feel sadness or grief. It's OK now and then to take time just to cry or express your feelings. You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's the holiday season.

2. Seek support.

If you feel isolated or down, seek out family members and friends, or community, religious or social services. They can offer support and companionship. Consider volunteering at a community or religious function. Getting involved and helping others can lift your spirits and broaden your friendships. Also, enlist support for organizing holiday gatherings, as well as meal preparation and cleanup. You don't have to go it alone. Don't be a martyr.

3. Be realistic.

As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Hold on to those you can and want to. But accept that you may have to let go of others. For example, if your adult children and grandchildren can't all gather at your house as usual, find new ways to celebrate together from afar, such as sharing pictures, e-mails or videotapes.

4. Set differences aside.

Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all your expectations. Practice forgiveness. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. With stress and activity levels high, the holidays might not be conducive to making quality time for relationships. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they're feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression, too.

5. Stick to a budget.

Before you go shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend on gifts and other items. Then be sure to stick to your budget. If you don't, you could feel anxious and tense for months afterward as you struggle to pay the bills. Don't try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. Donate to a charity in someone's name, give homemade gifts or start a family gift exchange.

6. Plan ahead.

Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make one big food-shopping trip. That'll help prevent a last-minute scramble to buy forgotten ingredients — and you'll have time to make another pie, if the first one's a flop. Expect travel delays, especially if you're flying.

7. Learn to say no.

Believe it or not, people will understand if you can't do certain projects or activities. If you say yes only to what you really want to do, you'll avoid feeling resentful, bitter and overwhelmed. If it's really not possible to say no when your boss asks you to work overtime, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost time.

8. Don't abandon healthy habits.

Don't let the holidays become a dietary free-for-all. Some indulgence is OK, but overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. Have a healthy snack before holiday parties so that you don't go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks. Continue to get plenty of sleep and schedule time for physical activity.

9. Take a breather.

Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Steal away to a quiet place, even if it's to the bathroom for a few moments of solitude. Take a walk at night and stargaze. Listen to soothing music. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm.

10. Rethink resolutions.

Resolutions can set you up for failure if they're unrealistic. Don't resolve to change your whole life to make up for past excess. Instead, try to return to basic, healthy lifestyle routines. Set smaller, more specific goals with a reasonable time frame. Choose only those resolutions that help you feel valuable and that provide more than only fleeting moments of happiness.

11. Forget about perfection.

Holiday TV specials are filled with happy endings. But in real life, people don't usually resolve problems within an hour or two. Something always comes up. You may get stuck late at the office and miss your daughter's school play, your sister may dredge up an old argument, your partner may burn the cookies, and your mother may criticize how you're raising the kids. All in the same day. Accept imperfections in yourself and in others.

12. Seek professional help if you need it.

Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for several weeks, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. You may have depression.