Waxing Versus Shaving

Achieve Balance And Harmony With Massage Therapy

The ideal way to relax is through massage therapy.  It eases pain, relieving the stress in your muscles.  It also stimulates healing and promotes organ health and circulation.  Even doctors recognize the benefits of massage, and recommend it to their patients in lieu of or in addition to other lines of treatment.  It will rejuvenate you and help you feel calm.  It will improve the flow of qui in your body, helping to balance any of the disharmonies that cause pain or discomfort.

There are a variety of different massages available.  It is important to discuss with your therapist the reasons for your visit and to address any medical concerns that may exist in order to determine which massage is best for you.

Relax with a Swedish massage

The Swedish massage is a gentle, full body massage.  Soothing pressure is applied to soften and make your muscles more pliable and elastic, dissolving any tension.  It is ideal for a number of reasons.  If your body is particularly sensitive, or if you’ve suffered any injuries, this massage is probably perfect for you as it is low pressure and targets mainly the top layers of muscle.  It also improves blood circulation and facilitates the flow of qui throughout your organs, especially your lungs and digestive system.  It is so relaxing, some individuals fall asleep during this massage.

Deep tissue for pain relief

The deep tissue massage targets the lower layers of muscle.  It is ideal for people who have suffered fitness related injuries, as it works to smooth out painful knots and pulled muscles.  Strong, slowpressure is applied to work out the tougher areas, breaking up blockages in your qui and releasing endorphins and white blood cells to promote healing.

Sports massage designed for the athletic type

A sports massage is ideal for those who are athletic or are involved in activities like sports or dance.  Intense exercise can leave your entire body sore.  This technique uses deep, slow pressure to relax your body and encourage the natural healing associated with exercise.  It is perfect especially for those with muscular body types, as more pressure is required to penetrate your muscles.

Thai massage for enhanced health and flexibility

Thai massage uses gentle stretching and manipulation of your limbs and deep pressure massage to penetrate your muscles and joints to ease pain.  It increases your flexibility and encourage relaxation of your muscles which helps to reduce the occurrence of and to treat fitness related injuries.  It is excellent for those who practice yoga, but is beneficial for anyone.  It helps with posture and skeletal balance, and is a wonderful preventative measure against pain and discomfort.

Ashiatsu, the barefoot massage

Ashiatsu utilizes the technicians bare feet and all of their body weight to work deep into your muscles and help realign your back.  By walking slowly across your back, it is possible to apply more pressure than ordinary massage.  This feels wonderful and is great for those who suffer back pain and promotes good posture.

Acupressure or Shiatsu

Techniques like Shiatsu or Tui Na utilize a variety of methods of applying pressure or manipulating everything from heart and liver problems to cancer.  It aids the flow of qui throughout your body, promoting general health and works wonderfully as a preventative measure.

Reflexology for your hands and feet

Pressure points exist throughout the body, but are especially concentrated in your hands and feet.  These points are important because each one influences the health of a vital point in your body, from your heart to your reproductive organs.  Your entire body can be accessed through the points present in the hands and feet.  This massage not only feels great but encourages your general health and well-being.

Myofascial release for somatic and other disorders

Gentle, slow pressure is applied to the soft connective, or fascial, tissues to treat muscular inflammation, fibrosis and other musculoskeletal pain related disorders.  This technique involves the stretching, manipulation and relaxing of your muscles and targets specific myofascial trigger points to reduce inflammation and encourage the flexibility and maneuverability of your muscles.

Cranial therapy reduces stress

Cranial therapy feels wonderful and is very relaxing.  It helps relieve pressure on your skull, and is especially beneficial to those who suffer from headaches or migraines.  The pressure points on your head, face and neck are pressed firmly, facilitating better blood flow, and bringing more oxygen to your brain.  This is a great stress reliever, and is a wonderful addition to top off any body massage.

Hot stone therapy

Hot stone massage feels incredible and is many clients’ favorite.  It is especially great in the fall or winter, but is enjoyable during any season.  Heated stones are placed over your chakras and on the meridian lines along your back and legs.  The warmth helps to penetrate deep into your muscles, softening them and making them more pliant and increasing the benefit of the massage.  The stones are then used to massage your entire body to relax you.  This technique is especially beneficial when implemented before other massages because it makes your deeper layers of muscle more accessible.

Aromatherapy with herbal extracts

Aromatherapy massage does more than simply stimulate your olfactory sense.  Everything we use is completely organic, and which oils are used is determined by your body’s needs.  The ingredients in the oils can promote everything from pain relief with  relaxation with lavendar,eucalyptis etc.  There are even oils that will give you soft, beautiful skin such as an olive, coconut or cocoa based combination or that will invigorate and energize you like peppermint extract.  Your therapist can help you determine the best choice for you.

Pamper your unborn with prenatal massage

Prenatal massage has numerous benefits.  In addition to helping mom relax and easing her aching muscles, it can improve the health of the baby and the amount of nutrients it is receiving.  Also, it will make delivery easier since the muscles are already pliant and relaxed, and can be used to ease labor pains.  It also helps prevent stretch marks and expedites recovery after birth.  Expecting mothers should strive to see a massage therapist at least once a month.

Although massage offers incredible healing benefits, dramatic results do not necessarily happen overnight.  It sometimes takes several sessions to work out severe tension such as those caused by injury.  Talk to your therapist about what schedule and what type of massage will work best for you.  Stay healthy and relax!

Threading

Eyebrow threading is a clean, safe way to remove unwanted hair, shaping your brows and drawing attention to your eyes.  Originally used throughout India and theMiddle East, this traditional technique has gained popularity as people are beginning to discover its effectiveness.

 Thin cotton thread is used to pull hair out at the follicle, preventing the hairs from growing back too quickly. This style of hair removal is clean, quick and practically painless.  No hot wax is used, which can be uncomfortable for individuals with sensitive skin, and it is easier to control which hairs are being removed.  It is much like tweezing, except it does not take near the time it does to pluck your hairs individually.  Because it is so much faster than tweezing, it is far less painful.  Also, multiple hairs are pulled in a straight line, making it easier to have evenly arched brows.

 It can be used for more than giving your brows a lovely shape, however.  It is possible to clean unwanted hair from any part of your face.  It tends to leave less redness than  plucking, and lasts much longer than shaving.  This is preferable for anyone who has particularly sensitive skin, but is becoming more common among more people as they discover how convenient and accurate this form of hair removal is.

 It is easy to get the exact shape you want with this traditional Eastern technique.  The likelihood of removing too much or too little hair is greatly decreased because the technician can better see what they are doing with only a thin thread as their tool.  Afterwards you will have beautifully shaped brows that look natural and attractive, creating the perfect frame for your eyes.

Treating yourself to a Day at the Spa

For important events like weddings or special days like birthdays and holidays, a day at the spa will address your needs and help you relax.  There are a variety of services that will help you look stunning and feel great.  This is incredibly convenient, especially for larger groups like bridal parties preparing for a wedding.  An afternoon at the spa is the perfect way to prepare for your big day.  A day at the spa is perfect for events like a wedding or prom.  Also, it is a gift women really want for occasions like anniversaries, Valentines Day, and Mother’s Day.

Weddings and important events

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and if it is ill prepared can prove disastrous. There are many details that end up slipping through the cracks.  Nails need to be polished, hair needs to be styled, and makeup applied.  You don’t want to forget to have your legs and eyebrows waxed, and you may want to get a cleansing European facial.  The bride may want an exfoliating body scrub, or a massage to relax beforehand.  Having all these needs addressed by professionals will save you time and stress. Taking your group to the spa will help alleviate the responsibilities of many of the small details it is easy to forget about, and you can focus on other things like picking the perfect destination for your honeymoon.  The spa is equipped to satisfy every need you may have, and is able to care for a high volume of clients simultaneously, so the bride and all her bridesmaids can be ready to go before the wedding. 

Her special day

Prom is one of the most important days in a teenage girl’s life.  To make sure every detail is perfect and their experience memorable, taking them to the spa is ideal.  They can have their hair and makeup done, and can have their nails done to accentuate their dress.  More importantly, their friends can have their own preparations done simultaneously, and it is fun for all of them.  This is also a great way to get ready before performances like music and dance recitals.

Holidays and special occasions

A trip to the spa is perfect almost any time, and can make your life more convenient by handling your preparations for you or by giving someone special the perfect gift.  It is perfect for birthdays, and can save a lot of stress in trying to figure out what to give someone.  The best part is, you can go together and enjoy one another’s company at the same time.  On anniversaries and days like Valentine’s day it is a great way to share a romantic, relaxing day with your significant other.  While she gets her hair highlighted, he can get a trim.  Or you can both get massages simultaneously.  For Mother’s Day, it is a perfect way to hang out with your Mom or your sister while relaxing and being pampered.

Hair Treatments

It is important to have your hair trimmed to keep it healthy.  By removing damaged or split, your hair will actually appear longer.  There are a variety of styles to choose from.  Your technician will be able to tell what the most current styles are that will frame your face well.  Your hair is washed and dried, although if you prefer to have a dry cut you may request it.  You may also choose to have your hair styled to get an idea of how to make the most of your new hairdo. 

Coloring is very fashionable now, and is especially useful for keeping your appearance youthful when gray hair starts to appear.  It can be difficult to dye gray hair as the follicles are coarser and less porous, so only the highest quality dyes should be used.  Even if you have no gray hair, a different color could create a more striking frame for your face, helping you appear younger.  Your technician can help you choose a good color based on your skin tone.  There is also a growing fascination with bold colors like pinks and blues.  Bright colors like these can be tricky to bring out, but our technicians use the best dyes and know how to make your colors last the longest. 

Frosting is incredibly popular, but can be rough on your hair.  Our technicians are trained to know how to bring out your blond without damaging your locks.  A red gold eliminator and whatever shade of blond you choose will then be applied to make your blond look very natural.  You may also choose to have highlights and lowlights to increase this effect.

Highlights look great with any color hair, and add dimension and depth making your style appear natural and unique.  They can be applied in thin strands or in chunks, however you desire.  You may choose from any shade of natural blonds and reds, or may decide to experiment with something like neon blue.  Whatever look you want, your stylist can make it happen.

Lowlights involve the same type of spot treatment you find in highlights, but instead of using a lightener like bleach, selected strands are made darker.  This looks great in conjunction with highlights or on its own, and is often found in the lower under layers of your hair.  It helps any hairdo appear more natural and attractive, and can also help accentuate your haircut.

Perms can save you a lot of time and are less damaging than repeatedly using a hot curling iron.  Whether you want tight curls or loose waves, your technician will be able to accommodate your request.  They will know how to protect your hair while bringing out natural looking ringlets that are long lasting.

Hot oil treatments are great for dry or damaged hair.  Ideally done once every week or two, it helps restore the surface of your hair as well as penetrating to the core to deliver essential nutrients that help you to have healthy locks.  This deep conditioning treatment will make your hair noticeably softer and shinier immediately, but has longer lasting effects if done regularly.  Discuss with your technician how often you should have this done to restore your hair and make it healthiest. 

Organic Keratin treatments help make your hair soft and manageable.  It works wonders for frizzy hair, and is preferable to a damaging hot iron.  Keratin proteins are used to help important vitamins and peptides penetrate your hair, treating the hair inside and out.  This reduces the occurrence of split ends and makes naturally curly or frizzy hair easier to maintain.  The ingredients are organic so they are not harmful, and they actually provide vitamins for your hair unlike chemical relaxers. 

Benefits of essential oils and aromatherapy massages

  Essential oils are used in aromatherapy massage to serve various therapeutic purposes.  Only the highest quality organic materials are used, and the oils may be used independently or combined to create the perfect herbal remedy for your needs.  Essential oils have been used in massage for thousands of years by holistic medical practitioners, and the knowledge of the benefits of various herbs has been passed down for thousands of years by experts of eastern medicine. 

 The reasons to choose aromatherapy are numerous.  Essential oils can be used to alleviate pain, to help you relax, or even to invigorate you.  The scents are soothing, and the vitamin rich oils are the perfect homeopathic remedy for everything from arthritis to asthma.  Your therapist is trained to recognize which oils can be used for any of your needs.  Some common oils are listed below with descriptions of their medicinal benefits.  Discuss your needs with your therapist, and they will be able to help you decide what is best for you. 

 Lavender is perhaps the most popular scent used today.  It acts as a natural sedative, calming your body and mind.  It is preferred over other oils for its delicate floral scent, and is the perfect choice if you need to relax.  It is well known for its ability to treat migraines, and being a natural antiseptic it is a great way to treat skin conditions.  It also helps open your lungs and can be used to treat respiratory infections.  If you are pregnant, it can even be used to ease the pain of contractions.  

 Chamomile is another great sedative.  It has a soft, sweet aroma, and blends very well with lavender, rose and sandalwood.  It works wonderfully as an anti-inflammatory and eases muscular tension.  It is also helpful in treating allergies, anaemia, burns, insomnia, menstrual cramps, and rheumatism.  Most importantly, it is gentle enough to use even on infants.     

 Cedarwood is well known for its antiseptic properties.  It is ideal for a multitude of different skin ailments, including acne, eczema, alopecia and dandruff.  It is also commonly used to treat respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis.  It works wonderfully on its own, but can be mixed with many other oils to custom fit your needs.    

Jasmine is another favorite for many people.  It has the intoxicating aroma of wildflowers, and mixes incredibly well with vanilla.  It will make you feel slightly euphoric, so it is perfect for treating anxiety and depression.  It is also a subtle aphrodisiac and is known for its ability to treat difficulties such as erectile dysfunction, frigidity just by inhalation.  It can also be used to treat pain caused by digestive disorders and works wonderfully to relieve menstrual cramps.   

Lemongrass is known for its anti-bacterial qualities.  Because of this, it is often used to treat various skin disorders.  It is also effective in treating respiratory conditions and migraines, and has a very subtle citric scent.  It blends very well with other oils, especially cedarwood. It is a common ingredient in many basic massage oils.    

Orange oil is both refreshing and relaxing.  It has a delicious aroma, and is high in vitamin A and iron.  It is a great moisturizer for dry skin, and helps to relieve symptoms associated with menstruation and menopause.  

Marjoram is an appealing herbal scent, replete with medicinal benefits.  It warms the area it is applied to, which helps relieve muscular spasms.  It has a mild narcotic effect, and is perfect if you suffer from migraines or arthritis.  It can also be used to alleviate respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis, and helps with menstrual pain.  If you are pregnant, it should not be used in the first or second trimester.  However, during the third trimester it can be helpful to prepare your body for labor by encouraging mild contractions, and is frequently recommended by midwives and obstetricians.  It blends well with lavender and rosemary, creating a uniquely attractive scent.    

Eucalyptus has an invigorating, almost minty scent.  It is a strong anti-inflammatory agent and is known for its ability to treat migraines and reduce fevers.  It is a natural expectorant, and inhalation can be used to treat asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis and the flu.  Because it is an antiseptic, it can also be used to treat various skin conditions.    

Sage has a subtly spicy scent, mixes well with many other oils, and has a medley of medicinal properties.  It is perfect for treating bacterial infections, arthritis and menstrual pain.  It can also be used to treat insomnia, anxiety and depression because it is a natural sedative.  

Peppermint is highly invigorating and sweet smelling.  It can be a great treatment for nausea and digestive difficulties.  It also works well for muscle cramps and headaches, and is a great way to cool off in the summer.  It is especially useful for treating tired or sweaty feet, making them feel and smell fresh and clean.  

Rose is another very popular oil.  It smells enchanting, and is a mild aphrodisiac.  It has many medicinal properties as well.  It is perfect if you suffer from headaches or fatigue.  It also helps ease problems associated with menstruation and menopause, and is a natural moisturizer that leaves your skin soft and delicately scented.  

Rosemary is a common ingredient in many standard massage oils.  It has a subtle but aesthetic scent, and is a strong stimulant.  It aids memory retention, eases headaches, and can be used to treat burns and bronchitis.  Because of its stimulating effects, it is great for treating fatigue.  

Sandalwood is frequently found in standard massage oil and is very subtle.  Its medical qualities are very strong however.  It is a sedative and can be used to treat anxiety and depression.  It also relaxes tension in your body and is an expectorant, which helps treat respiratory problems.    

Tea tree is becoming more popular as people discover the myriad of benefits it has.  It is a strong antiseptic and disinfectant and works wonders when treating skin conditions.  It is very stimulating, refreshing, and has a natural cooling effect.  It is a homeopathic cure for problems like athlete’s foot, treats burns and can even reduce the occurrence of warts and cold sores.  It is also a great way to alleviate discomfort caused by respiratory illnesses.  

Ylang-ylang is also gaining acknowledgement because of its soothing sedative effects.  It is gentle enough to use during pregnancy, and has a soft flowery scent.  It is recommended for treating anxiety, depression and insomnia, and mixes very well with most other relaxants.    

Talk to your massage therapist about which oils you should use.  Aromatherapy not only leaves your skin soft and smelling wonderful, it is full of hidden homeopathic benefits.  Your therapist will know which essential oils are ideal for you.  Be sure to discuss any allergies you may have, and always let your therapist know if you are pregnant, or have any illnesses or conditions.  This will help them determine which essential oils are best to treat your body, encouraging healing and well-being.