Described by the New York Times as "The first lady of nails" Jessica Vartoughian is truly a success story.  Jessica came to America in 1962 possessing just a traditional European education in the care of nails, hands and feet. This turned out to be the basis for what became her life calling: to create a system of natural nail care unparalleled in its beauty and efficacy.

Considered the world's foremost authority on natural nail care, hers is a unique understanding of the importance of what it takes to achieve and maintain naturally beautiful nails. The Jessica System, as it has come to be called, is based on an approach so different; it works like nothing else can.

Jessica is emphatic on the subject of treating individual nail types differently. "Nails are not alike!" she will tell you. "Nails differ from person to person - just like hair and skin. It is impossible to treat all nails the same and keep them healthy".

It was keen analysis of different nail conditions that led her to innovate products specifically designed to treat the dry, brittle, normal or post acrylic nail. The foundation of The Jessica System is its groundbreaking precision, its ability to treat specific problems. Moreover, she considers health an essential part of nail and skin care; and so her products are specifically developed to maximise the natural healing powers of the body and promote well-being.

Today, Jessica is Founder and C.E.O of Jessica Cosmetics International; the young girl from Romania has made her mark in changing an entire industry. Hers was the first voice promoting and teaching natural nail care; hers was the first nails-only salon. Jessica

What Is Reiki?
Releasing Energy Blockages Through Reiki

In this form of natural healing, practitioners act as a channel through which 'Reiki energy' is drawn to areas of need or imbalance.    HoThe word 'Reiki' is derived from the Japanese rei ('universal') and ki ('life energy'). Reiki (pronounced 'ray-key') was founded in the early 20th century by Sensei Mikao Usui, a Japanese theologian who studied ancient healing practices throughout his entire life. Reiki passed to the West via Usui's pupil, Sensei Chujiro Hayashi, and his student Hawayo Takata, a Japanese-American woman living in Hawaii in the 1970s. There are now said to be millions of initiates across Europe, Australasia and the America. 

How Does it work?

Reiki dissolves energy blockages that can lead to pathology in the body. Channelling cosmic reiki energy is also said to benefit the practitioner who is helped to achieve well-being and higher consciousness.

Students are 'attuned' to Reiki through the use of ancient and secret symbols in a series of stages that may take many months or even years. Those who reach the final level, and integrate daily spiritual practices into their own lives, are qualified to teach Reiki and are known as Reiki Masters.

Massage

One of the oldest and simplest forms of medical care is used to ease pain and anxiety and promote good health. Gentle massage affects the nervous system through nerve endings in the skin, stimulating the release of endorphins, the body's natural 'feel good' chemicals, to help induce relaxation and a sense of well-being, to relieve pain and reduce levels of stress chemicals such as cortisol and noradrenaline. It helps reverse the damaging effects of stress by slowing heart rate, respiration and metabolism and lowering raised blood pressure.

Stronger massage stimulates blood circulation to improve the supply of oxygen and nutrients to body tissues and helps the lymphatic system to flush away waste products. It eases tense and knotted muscles and stiff joints, improving mobility and flexibility.

The power of touch has miraculous effects: for the very young to the very old, for the terminally ill to the marathon athlete, and for the stay-at-home mum to the over-stressed executive. Massage has the power to relax, heal, and help release emotions and tension.

Aromatherapy

Initially used as a beauty treatment, aromatherapy is becoming increasingly popular as a medical and therapeutic therapy. Essential oils derived from plants are said to have different therapeutic properties. Some are calming, others stimulating and uplifting. Such oils have been used for healing and relaxation by many cultures for thousands of years. Myrrh and frankincense are mentioned in the Bible and the ancient Egyptians used oils to embalm the dead. So how can it be made to work for you?

A few drops of essential oil can be either added to vegetable carrier oil for a relaxing massage.