Building off the success of their Grey Lynn location, owner Sara Higgins has opened a second HANA wellness centre in Parnell, Auckland. Amanda from the Good team went along to check out the new location and try a couple of the treatments they offer.
Nestled off in a quiet side street in Parnell, I escape the peak-hour traffic into the calming, tranquil surrounds of HANA and immediately feel my stress levels from a busy day start to ease. I was greeted by a staff member who had the most fantastic glowing skin with very little makeup which I took as a great sign. I was offered a mānuka honey-infused tea before heading to my treatment, which would become a central theme to the treatments I was about to experience.
PBM Light Therapy
What is it: Photobiomodulation (PBM) is also known as red light therapy or low-level laser therapy and is a treatment that uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to help the body heal.
Red and infrared light helps our mighty mitochondria function better. Better functioning mitochondria mean more energy and less risk for disease.
PBM light therapy will work for the minimisation of scarring, inflammation, fine lines, and many skin conditions in most people. The amount of time that it takes for a visible difference to occur will vary from one person to the next, depending on individual health factors including the type of skin condition to be corrected and its severity, hydration state and general inflammatory status.
My experience: Before beginning my session, I was provided with an Activist Mānuka Honey Mask to apply to my face made from activated raw mānuka honey. I was offered headphones with gentle meditation music and an eye mask so I could completely zone out through my session.
The PBM light therapy machine is reminiscent of lying in a sunbed, but minus the heat and that’s good for you! I had a very pleasant 20 minutes of meditating while the PBM light therapy machine worked its magic. I was very impressed when I washed off my activist mask after the session to have my skin feeling light and soft like I’d just had a facial. I had gone in with some tension and aches in my body from the day and noticed it had eased after this session.
Infrared Sauna
What is it: Infrared saunas offer a gentle, radiant heat that penetrates deep into your muscles, relieving tension and promoting relaxation. As you bask in the therapeutic warmth, your body’s circulation improves, aiding in detoxification and reducing inflammation. This natural detox process can help with weight management, clearer skin, and even the relief of chronic pain.
Beyond physical benefits, infrared saunas stimulate the production of endorphins, the body’s natural mood enhancers, leaving you with a sense of euphoria and stress relief. Your immune system also gets a boost, enhancing your body’s natural defences.
My experience: I was very curious to try this after having years of traditional hot stone and steam saunas. The session is 45 minutes long and the temperature is set lower and much more pleasant than a traditional sauna. Soothing meditation music plays in the background to allow you to zone out either lying or sitting down. After being out in the cool autumnal night before this, it reminded me of being in a warm and toasty room. Infrared works differently in that it increases your core temperature so you don’t sweat straight away, but after 20 minutes I noticeably started to sweat. I had an Activist Mānuka Immune Elixir to keep me hydrated.
After a very relaxing 45 minutes I was then able to cool off with a private waterfall shower with Sans Ceuticals hair care, body wash and lotion, with a Baina organic cotton towel to dry off. Activist Green Botanical Serum was the perfect finishing touch to apply to my skin.
Hana also offers treatments in Contrast Therapy and Massage Therapy.
After leaving the wellness centre I have never felt so refreshed and re-energised on a weeknight in the middle of the week. I will definitely be back!
Hana has 2 locations in Grey Lynn and Parnell, Auckland. Hana.nz
