Health is priceless, but that doesn't mean you have to break your bank to give healthy gifts this holiday season. It also doesn't mean being boring in your selection of presents that will promote the wellbeing of loved ones.
After all, a touch of decadence never hurt anyone. In fact, a healthy dose of it, on occasion, can do more to boost your immune system than years of sugar deprivation.
Research shows a little of something bad can be as good for you as too much of a good thing is bad.
We went on a joyful shopping spree to find gifts to improve health in body, mind and spirit, and to prove that laughter really is the best medicine.
We've selected our top 10, and we've tried to keep the price range within reasonable limits - although you may need a fairly healthy wallet to afford some of them.
- Gift 1
Herbal Oil De-stress: Twenty minutes of a warm stream of herbal oil poured over specific points on the forehead to allow the brain and nervous system to undergo "sympathetic down regulation". Follow with a Himalayan oil massage.
The therapies are available at Back 2 Health Day Ayurvedic Spa in Bellville, based on Ayurveda, the ancient Indian holistic healing system, under director Dr Rajen Cooppan, trained in both conventional medicine and natural medicine.
Programmes of four basic treatments make up specially designed therapeutic packages. Specials till the end of December start at R650. Call 011-880-0511 or visit the website at www.back2health.co.za, call Deveshni on 082-889-6805, or email [email protected]. The Nalanda Ayurvedic Centre in Hout Bay also offers Ayurvedic massage and lifestyle management. Call 021-790-4200.
- Gift 2
Matstone Multipurpose Juicer (R2 400): Said to be "the most versatile and best-value kitchen appliance available today". It has whisper-quiet, low-speed squeezing and crushing options similar to the cold-press method of extracting the maximum amount of nutrients and minerals from fruit and vegetables. This method retains all the enzymes needed for proper digestion.
The appliance is excellent for wheatgrass and all leafy greens. You can also make pasta, salsa, frozen desserts, baby food, nut butters, mincemeat, chicken and fish, and grind herbs and seasonings. Available from Fruits and Roots stores. Call 011-646-4404 to order, delivery within a few days.
- Gift 3
Woolworths Organic Chocolates (R19,95 each): Italian research shows dark chocolate can help to control diabetes and blood pressure, thanks to the flavonols it contains, and antioxidants that neutralise the effects of free radicals.The same can't be said for white chocolate.
Woolworths has just released a range of organic chocolates from Italy - milk, dark (70 percent cocoa solids), almond and white, which means a pesticide-free chocolate. You still need to be careful about chocolate consumption, as it also contains fat.
- Gift 4
Stress cushions (R120)
: The cuddly version of stress balls, you can hug and squeeze them to get rid of bodily tension. They make great underarm companions and come in bright, psychedelic colours that are enough to lift spirits. They're available at YDE stores. Inquiries: YDE head office on 021-797-8002.
- Gift 5
Anthony's Golden Cup house blend (R25 for 250g): Anthony's blend is a mixture of Mocha Java, Blue Mountain and Continental. The reputation of coffoholics' favourite drink is percolated with research on its health-boosting antioxidants that fight free radicals (unstable by-products of the body's metabolic processes that cause cell damage and increase the risk of, among others, cancer, heart disease, diabetes and Parkinson's disease).
The reliable research says no more than one to two cups a day and none for pregnant women. Visit Anthony's at 44 Long Street or 58B Voortrekker Road, Goodwood. Phone them on 021-426-1268 or 021-591-8710.
- Gift 6
Crystal Salt Lamps (R99 to R495): Light passing through salt creates negative ions - the good ions that clear the air of smoke, dust and pollen, charging it with a healing energy that relieves asthma and allergy symptoms.
The lamps glow with a pinkish-orange light, great for a night light or to create a gentle ambience. They come in tea-light, mini-lamp, small and medium sizes. Order through Maxilife, 011-315-8061.
- Gift 7
Osim iCare 100 (R250): Ergonom-ically engineered to fit facial contours. Magnetic nodes and varied pulses increase blood circulation to the eye area. It claims to offer relief from headaches, eye strain, myopia and astigmatism and a reduction of fine lines, dark rings around the eyes and eye bags. Order from Osim (011-880-1551), a healthy lifestyle store.
- Gift 8
Osim iSqueez Foot and Calf Massager (R2 999): Rest your weary legs and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of a massage in your own home. Designed to drain away tension and fatigue from feet, calves and ankles, it has flexible kneading discs that energise leg muscles. A soothing vibration increases circulation and reflexology nodes stimulate acupressure points. Order from Osim, 011-880-1551.
- Gift 9
The Sound of One Thigh Clapping, Haiku for a Thinner You by Meredith Clair (Workman R113): A spin on the classic conundrum: what is the sound of one hand clapping? This is a delightful little book.
You don't have to be a fan of haiku - traditional Japanese verse - to enjoy it. It has helpful haiku nuggets such as: "Sweating at the gym I wonder why I bother. Liposuction works" and: "People always say Never trust a skinny cook Why should I argue." - Available at Exclusive Books.
- Gift 10
Rustenberg Peter Barlow Cabernet Sauvig-non 2003 (R315): A multilayered, classic wine from Stellenbosch. Cabernet sauvignon wines were recently named by a medical doctor (French, naturally - Dr Jean-Paul Broustet from the Bordeaux region, famous for its cabernet sauvignon grapes) as the best reds for a healthy heart. From fine wine stores.