SPAtlight on Physicians Endorsed Hats
Physician Endorsed makes sun protection a snap for fashionistas seeking the season’s must-have headwear and eyewear looks.
Sun Protection and Style are synonymous with Physician Endorsed, the first fashion-forward line of hats and sunglasses tested and rated for maximum sun protection. As the leading supplier of chic, sun protective accessories, Physician Endorses offers the Spa Collection, which stands for Sun Protection Accessories. Physician Endorsed hat and eyewear offers a trademark guarantee of sun protection of up to SPF 30. The elegant, new accessory styles are straight off the catwalk. All hats are crushable, lightweight, washable, and travel well. So, there’s no excuse for not protecting yourself, even on the go”, says Elissa Margulies, Designer.
All Physician Endorsed hats are independently tested to guarantee sun protection of UPF 50+
(equal to SPF 30). The innovative, chemical-free hats are specially constructed with tightly woven, natural fabrics, including 100% cotton and linen, designed to prevent cancer, wrinkles, and signs of aging due to sun exposure.
For instant It-girl status, the new Physician Endorsed sunglasses offer the same, sought-after, oversized frames, wide temples, and optical quality lenses to provide maximum sun protection for the sensitive eye area. All Physician Endorsed lenses are rated UV 400.
As one of Elissa’s clients says, “while they can sound like orthopedic shoes, women flock to the hats and shades like Jimmy Choos,”. Named after places she has traveled, Margulies’ designs look and feel as exotic as they sound: St. Tropez, Provence, Martinique, Capri, Hamptons, and more. Having received the National Health and Wellness Club Seal of Approval, Physician Endorsed also created a natio
nal Medical Advisory Board, which assists in the development of new products, all of which are created to ensure sun protection.
Fabulous and functional, Physician Endorsed hats and sunglasses provide 96-99% protection against UVA and UVB rays, making them a favorite of celebrities, plastic surgeons and dermatologists. Katie Holmes, Heather Locklear, Paris Hilton,Teri Hatcher, Marcia Cross and supermodel Veronica Webb have all been photographed wearing Physician Endorsed hats.
Planning an End of Summer Tropical Getaway? Check out our Collection of Physician Endorsed Hats and Sunglass available for purchase in the Spa.
Jun21
It is officially SUMMER!!! The weather’s finally warming up, you’ve put away your sweaters, pulled out the shorts — and it’s time to pay some serious attention to your skin. Even if you don’t plan to bare it all in a bikini, you still want your arms, shoulders, back, and legs to look soft and sun-kissed. Luckily, it only takes a little extra TLC and know-how to get your skin in summer-ready shape.
Let us help you fix your trouble areas with these tips, tricks and products from our expert skincare therapists.
Problem:
Breakouts on Your Chest and Back
Why it happens:
Whether you’re working out or bundled up in layers, your clothing can trap your body’s sweat and oil. When it mixes with dead skin and bacteria in your pores it can form pimples.
Suggested Spa Treatment:
“Back to Basics”
De-stress and detoxify your back and deep cleanse the skin of impurities with this purifying and relaxing back treatment. A deeply-cleansing Vita-Foliant scrub sloughs off dead skin cells, readying skin for the removal of toxins. Your hardest parts to reach will be cleansed, polished, hydrated and refreshed!
Homecare Tip:
Use a cleansing brush like the Clarisonic Pro for face and body with its brush handle makes it simple to cleanse your back at home.
Problem:
Dull, Scaly Skin All Over Your Body
Why it happens:
If you neglected to moisturize and exfoliate regularly over the course of the cold, dry winter, you may find yourself with parched, lackluster skin.
Suggested Spa Treatment:
Body Vita-Foliation Therapy
Give your body the customized exfoliation it needs coupled with the warming sensation it craves with this 60 Minute treatment! A gentle bamboo, walnut, and flax powder blend activates with lactic and salicylic acids to create a gentle yet effective exfoliant that whisks away dead skin cells, brightens skin and helps reduce the appearance of sun spots and hyper-pigmentation. Skin is smoother and prepped for maximum absorption of rich, smoothing botanical oils, powerful anti-oxidants and protein peptides. You’ll leave this therapy with silky, glowing skin.
Homecare Tip:
Two or three times a week, use a scrub like Sonya Dakar Triple Vita Foliant to gently exfoliate. Lightly towel dry, then apply a moisturizing lotion or cream, which will penetrate your skin better after you’ve eliminated that flaky, dead layer.
Problem:
Rough Feet and Cracked Heels
Why it happens:
A season of running around in boots and skimping on pedicures can leave your soles with calloused, dry, dead layers of skin that not only look bad but can be quite painful.
Suggested Spa Treatment:
Peppermint Pedicure
A holiday favorite now available all year round! Soak and soften your calloused feet a peppermint scrub that is massaged into the feet and lower legs. A peppermint moisture mask is applied to further soften and hydrate your feet. A rich peppermint butter cream containing Shea Butter, Grape Seed Oil, Vitamins A,C, D and E for softer, silkier, smooth skin finishes this 60 minute treatment.
Homecare Tip:
Once or twice a week apply CND Cucumber Heel Therapy to your heels and feet. It is an intensive moisturizing complex with cucumber extract, chamomile and aloe to aid in the repair of dry, cracked skin. Rich, concentrated formula can be used sparingly.
Problem:
Rough Red Bumps on Your Arms or Thighs
Why it happens:
Keratosis pilaris, also known as chicken skin, is an inherited condition in which dead cells and excess keratin (the hard protein found in hair, skin and nails) build up around follicles, clogging pores.
Suggested Spa Treatment:
Dead Sea Mud Experience
Your body is exfoliated with an invigorating dry brushing to ensure optimal absorption of Dead Sea minerals. A rich mud mask is applied to your body, and while cocooned, you receive a pressure point scalp and foot massage. This 60 minute treatment is complete with an application of hydration crème.
Homecare Tip:
Following any body treatment, you want to protect the skin to achieve long term results. Try Sonya Dakar MicroVenom Daily Defense SPF 30 for Body. It will not only protect your skin from the sun’s harsh UV rays but will leave behind a radiant glow and a refreshing scent.
Problem:
Legs & Bikini Line Irritation
Why it happens:
Because the skin on your legs doesn’t produce much oil, adding moisture is key to avoid irritation.
Suggested Spa Treatment:
Waxing
Removing hair from the root only hurts for a second and you won’t have to deal with regrowth for a month. For best results, make sure your hair is about one-quarter inch long. Spa of Essex uses only Nufree and Lycon Purple Wax. Nufree is the most effective hair removal treatment in the world. It is not a wax so it never sticks to the skin, it is completely botanical and safe for the entire body and is antibacterial/antimicrobial so it’s clean and germ free.
Do you know the difference between a Brazilian Bikini and a Regular Bikini waxing? Click Here
Homecare Tips:
If Shaving: Let the hair soften in a steamy shower for at least three minutes. Then use a hydrating shave cream or gel — not soap, which can dry out your skin. For the bikini line, try using an exfoliating post-shave lotion or gel, it will keep the hair from curling back into the skin’s surface.
If using Depilatories: Creams and foams that chemically dissolve the hair help minimize stubble and give you results that last a few days longer than shaving and helps prevent ingrown hairs. Always moisturize your legs afterward.
For Men, try Grooming Lounge Products
For Ingrown Hairs, try Finipil
For Ladies, try Mama Mio Super-rich Body Cream
Problem:
Pale and Uneven Skintone
A safe, bronzed glow is easier than ever thanks to the latest multitasking self-tanner formulas. Spray tanning is easy, quick, and much safer than traditional tanning beds. You’ll get the glow you crave without exposing yourself to harmful UV rays, which means you’ll be looking good and feeling good.
Suggested Spa Treatment:
Sunless Tanning Bronzer
Thorough body exfoliation followed by a flawless application of self tanning bronzer. Your skin will gradually begin to reveal a healthy tan. This 60 Minute treatment will provide a safe, “natural” looking tan.
Homecare Tip:
To extend the length of your tan use Bare Escentuals Faux Tan (Available for purchase in the Spa) or one of the Fake Bake Sunless tanning products guaranteed not to streak, not to turn skin orange, no bad odor and won’t stain your clothes.
Remember, it is important to take care of your skin. Maximize your spa treatments with a homecare regimen. If you have difficulty in identifying your skin problems and haven’t been able to find a product or treatment that works, click here to get a FREE Skin Care Consultation from one of our Skincare Experts.
Jun01
“…and may the odds be ever in your favor.”
What has now become a household quote from the Hunger Games Trilogy is also a fitting statement for those who suffer from Migraine and Headache Disorders. According to the American Headache & Migraine Association, Approximately 37 million Americans live with Migraine Disease. About 14 million Americans live with a form of chronic daily headache, such as Chronic Migraine.
A migraine is not just a headache. Those who suffer from headache disorders know that there is no “cure” but there are ways to overcome the migraine battle.
To be the victor of the migraine game, these are the rules:
1. Plan A Strategy
The best way to manage migraine headaches is to avoid them. To avoid them, you need to identify the “triggers” that bring them on. Finding and avoiding your triggers can limit how often you get migraines and how bad they are.
Spot and track your triggers by keeping a log of your actions leading up to the onset of a migraine. Some common triggers are:
- Food
- Menstruation
- Your Environment
- Stress
2. Find Your Weapon
If you’ve ever had a migraine, you know that when the first symptoms strike, it’s time to find relief — and fast. And when you find something that works, you stick with it. Arm yourself with the knowledge and the right tools that will help you get through the pain of a migraine. Aspirin and over-the-counter pain relievers typically don’t stand up at the enemy lines. Some natural remedies to ease the mind and get you to a place where you are relaxed include:
-
Massage – A targeted massage treatment can relieve the stress and tension that can become a migraine trigger.
Try: A Massage Membership – regular treatments that are affordable and beneficial -
Aromatherapy – The scent of peppermint can have pain-reducing effects
Try: Clear My Head Ache – a convenient roll-on to target tension headaches -
Meditation – Find your center with stretching and meditation. It costs nothing and can be done at home or in the office.
Try: Clear My Head Linen Mist – bring the spa experience to your towels, yoga mats and bedding -
Drink More Water – Dehydration can be a trigger. When you feel a migraine coming on, pour yourself a tall glass of H20. Not a huge water fan? There are plenty of ways to snazz up a glass or trick yourself into sipping more throughout the day.
Try: A Fruit Infusion Pitcher – It has never been easier to add fruit to your favorite beverage
3. Sing Sweet Victory
Don’t let your migraine defeat you. Learn to say NO to known stressors in your life — and YES to YOUrself. And if there are some stressors you can’t avoid, see if you can change the way you view them.
“You’ve got to go through it to get to the end of it.” (The Hunger Games, “Catching Fire”)
So in honor of Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, we challenge you to take a stand to educate the public in an effort to fight the profound stigma associated with Migraine, Cluster Headaches and other Headache Disorders.
June 2013, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, is dedicated to Unmasking the Mystery of Chronic Headache Disorders. The 2013 Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is a project of FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.
May31
June has been marked as the month for Men’s Health and Awareness. It is important that men and women are educated on preventable health problems and are encouraged to learn about early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.
“Recognizing and preventing men’s health problems is not just a man’s issue. Because of its impact on wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters, men’s health is truly a family issue.” – Congressman Bill Richardson
Stress, daily routines and the job can take its toll on the body. Seeking regular spa treatments can alleviate potential long term damage to the skin, body and overall well-being of a person.
Spas aren’t just for women anymore – it’s a “guy thing” now. There is nothing un-manly about relaxation and taking time for yourself. Guys, if you are putting in hours at a desk, working outdoors or on your feet all day, you can benefit from a spa treatment.
Look, some guys play video games, some guys work out, and some guys go to the spa. We all have our own way of finding balance. The machoest of men even spa. With regular spa treatments, you will feel the effects of it that day and in the weeks after. According to Men’s Health magazine, “Any vacation is a good vacation. But the best ones can calm your mind, refresh your body, revive your relationships, and maybe even extend your life.”
So Men, you no longer have an excuse to be stressed out, overwhelmed or worn out. You need “me” time as much as women do, and sometimes a man cave just doesn’t cut it. You deserve to get pampered, too.
Check out some of the Gentlemen Only Spa Treatments we offer at the Spa of Essex all year round. In celebration of Men’s Health Month, we are offering the following Specials for the entire month of June:
Cool Water Spa Pedicure
MANLY enough for Him!
Ladies watch out, you can’t resist getting close to this refreshing aroma when complemented by someone tall, dark and handsome.
$55 / Reg. $70
RAW MAN Facial
Looking to soothe and hydrate your skin?
See an immediate difference in your skin.This facial will smooth, soften, hydrate, heal, balance, tone and refine, leaving your face refreshed and vibrant for weeks.
Receive a complimentary RA for Men Blue Agave & Lip Guard ($23 Value)
$125
90 Minute Sports Massage
Not just for athletes
If you are cleaning up the yard from this winter, got a green thumb for gardening or have a physical job — this treatment is for you.
Receive a complimentary Biofreeze ($16.95 Value)
$125 / 90 Minutes
10% Off all Grooming Lounge and RA for Men Products
Shop Grooming Lounge or Rhonda Allison RA for Men and Enter Code: MEN10 at checkout to receive 10% off.
*Spa Specials Pricing Available Monday -Thursday Only*
Not be combined with any other offers, discounts or coupons.
Spa Finder Gift Certificates are not accepted for specials or discounted services/products.
May17
Sonya Dakar is now Ultraluxe
Sonya Dakar Drying Potion is “Hollywood’s Secret Weapon”
Recognized by many as “Hollywood’s Secret Weapon”, Sonya Dakar’s Drying Potion is an emergency solution that helps treat and eliminate breakouts both above and below the skin’s surface. Formulated with Dead Sea sulfur to reduce redness and puffiness; pure lavender and chamomile to calm breakouts, sage to disinfect and peppermint to stimulate blood circulation to promote speedy healing.
Benefits
- Perfect for both face and body breakouts
- Great for regular breakouts or last minute pop-ups
- Overnight solution for breakouts
- Sulfur reduces redness and inflammation
- Peppermint oil stimulates blood flow for faster healing
- Lavender and chamomile calm irritated skin
- Sage disinfects, healing existing blemishes and preventing future breakouts
- Heals blemishes both above and below the skin’s surface
How to use
Shake well and dot directly on blemish. Although Sonya Dakar Drying Potion is a great spot treatment for those annoying occasional breakouts, we suggest that you include a Sonya Dakar skin product regimen for a comprehensive solution for your acne.
Sonya Dakar Drying Potion was recently featured in the May 2013 Issue of NYLON Magazine
May10
May is dedicated the awareness of Skin Cancer and Melanoma and methods of detection and prevention.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime; 13 million Americans are living with a history of nonmelanoma skin cancer, and nearly 800,000 Americans are living with a history of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. The statistics are shocking, especially since skin cancer is chiefly lifestyle disease, it is also highly preventable.
An estimated 70,000 people are affected each year by Melanoma or form of Skin Cancer.
WATCH NOW – Fox News Clip on May: Melanoma Awareness Month
With summer right around the corner, it is important to know the facts and ways to prevent skin cancer and melanoma.
Skin Cancer Facts
- In 2012, about 76,250 new melanomas will be diagnosed (about 44,250 in men and 32,000 in women). Incidence rates for melanoma have been rising for at least 30 years.
- Unlike many other common cancers, melanoma has a wide age distribution. It occurs in younger as well as older people. Rates continue to increase with age and are highest among those in their 80s, but melanoma is not uncommon even among those younger than 30. In fact, it is one of the more common cancers in young adults. Early diagnosis is the key to curing this potentially deadly disease, and diagnostic tools are playing a crucial role in aiding dermatologists to spot melanomas at earlier – and more curable – stages.
- Melanoma is more than 10 times more common in whites than in African Americans.
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer; an estimated 2.8 million are diagnosed annually in the United States. BCCs are rarely fatal, but can be highly disfiguring if allowed to grow.
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer. An estimated 700,000 cases are diagnosed each year in the United States, resulting in approximately 2,500 deaths.
- Actinic keratosis is the most common precancer; it affects more than 58 million Americans.
- Between 40% and 50% of Americans who live to age 65 will have either skin cancer at least once.
- Who survives skin cancer? The survival rate for patients, whose melanoma is detected early, before the tumor has penetrated the skin, is about 97%. The survival rate falls to 15% for those with advanced disease.
Prevention
Protection from ultraviolet (UV) radiation is important all year round, not just during the summer or at the beach. Whether it is a bright and sunny days UV rays from the sun can affect you. UV rays also reflect off of surfaces like water, cement, sand and snow. Indoor tanning (using a tanning bed, booth, or sunlamp to get tan) exposes users to UV radiation.
The hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daylight savings time (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. standard time) are the most hazardous for UV exposure outdoors in the continental United States. UV rays from sunlight are the greatest during the late spring and early summer in North America.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends easy options for protection from UV radiation—
- Seek shade, especially during midday hours.
- Wear clothing to protect exposed skin.
- Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck.
- Wear sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.
- Use sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and both UVA and UVB protection.
- Avoid indoor tanning.
Ask the Experts
Don’t become a statistic. You know the facts, so get prepared to protect your skin. Our skin care experts can help you identify your problem areas and recommend treatments and products that will help to protect your skin not only during the summer months, but throughout the entire year. Click Here to Get a FREE Personalized Skin Consultation from a Spa of Essex Skin Care Specialist.
Sources:
American Cancer Society’s What are the key statistics about melanoma?
Skin Cancer Foundation’s Skin Cancer Facts
CDC’s Skin Cancer Prevention
FOX News
Apr30
May is the perfect time for you to finish your spring cleaning. You have cleaned your closets, garage, lawn and gardens. Why not take this opportunity to clean out your skincare and makeup products and SAVE?
May 1st to May 7th, bring in the products you want to trade in and get 10% off* all the new products you purchase!
In celebration of our 7 year anniversary, the Spa of Essex is offering you 7 seven days of savings with a “Trade-in Event”. The 7-day Trade-in Event allows you to bring any old skincare/makeup items cluttering up your makeup bag, drawers, counters, and cabinets and trade them in to save.
What to keep, what to store, and what to toss
- Mascara, liquid or gel eyeliners: 4 to 6 months (always toss out dry mascara—never add water to extend its life)
The trick is to make your mascara last is to avoid “pumping” the wand. What it does is introduce air into the mascara and if pumping is the only way to get some mascara onto the brush, it’s time to pick up a new one. - Moisturizers, Serums, & Foundations: 6 months to 1 year
Foundation with SPF tends to go bad more quickly but because most people use this daily, foundation generally runs out before it expires. - Powder-based products (eye shadows, blush, etc.): 2-3 years
- Lipsticks, Lip Gloss, & Lip Pencils: 2-3 years
- Nail polish: 1-2 years
When the color starts to separate, shake it and if it does not completely mix, it’s gone bad.
And remember: If it smells funky, looks gunky or the texture has changed significantly—definitely toss it out!
Making Your Products Last
Here are some easy tips for prolonging the shelf life of your products, while keeping your skin and body as healthy as possible:
DO:
- store products in a cabinet or drawer
- wash your hands before using products
- tighten/secure the cap after each use
- consider how climate and humidity will shorten a product’s shelf life
- write the date of purchase in permanent ink (use a Sharpie) on the bottom or back of the package
- toss out eye products after you’ve had an eye infection
- abide by the expiration dates on sunscreens, acne products, and prescription medications such as topical antibiotics and Renova or Retin-A
- clean brushes and bags regularly
DON’T
- buy products packaged in jars of any kind (no matter how pretty they are!) because fingers getting into jars add unwanted bacteria to the contents. Most jar packaging carries a 100% risk of bacterial contamination.
- store products in direct sunlight
- share your products with others
- add water or saliva to thin out or remoisten products
- “pump” your mascara
- purchase products with broken seals or other signs of tampering
So, mark your calendars for this one-time IN-SPA Event! We carry the full line of bareMinerals by Bare Escentuals, Rhonda Allison and Sonya Dakar Skincare, OPI and more. See you at the Spa.
* Makeup or skincare products for trade-in must be presented at time of new product purchase. 10% off discount valid on skincare and makeup products purchased in-spa only. Discount excludes Gift Cards, Gift Card Packages and Spa Treatments.
Apr12
Did you know that Stress Awareness Month has been held every April, since 1992?
Stress Awareness Month is a national, cooperative effort to inform people about the dangers of stress, successful coping strategies, and harmful misconceptions about stress that are prevalent in our society.
What do you need to know about stress
Stress is often labeled the “bad guy” but then, what would we do without it? Stress is an essential life force that drives our mind and body to respond to any demand made on it. Any stressful situation that we face triggers a “fight or flight response” which makes us sit, stand, walk or run. If the mind and body are unable to cope with a given situation, it culminates into feelings of frustration, anger and fear, which eventually translates into stress. As the mind and body continue to work in overdrive in an attempt to save the day, these negative emotions keep piling up unless we find a way to release them.
Stress and your health
Every individual responds to stress in a different way. High blood pressure, muscle tension, tightness in the chest and panic attacks are some obvious physical symptoms of stress but we can’t underestimate other symptoms like digestive problems, overeating or loss or appetite, sexual incompetency, menstrual irregularity and dizziness. If you find yourself confused, anxious, aggressive or tearful very often, it may be time to step back and re-evaluate your methods of dealing with stress. Prolonged stress saps the body of its energy reserves and lowers the immunity, which makes us vulnerable to various illnesses.
Stress Control
Our careers, relationships, finances and daily chores are actually stressors that test our tolerance and our ability to adapt and readjust to a particular situation – the lower our tolerance, the greater the stress. Therefore, it is not stress that is the culprit; rather, it is our response to it that dictates whether it is going to have a positive or negative effect on our lives. This knowledge empowers and enables us to channel our energies and learn to deal with stress it in a positive way.
Aromatherapy, being a holistic form of treatment, is an ideal way of dealing with stress related conditions.
Aromatherapy to the Rescue
Are you a workaholic who can’t unwind even after leaving the office? Do you tend to exaggerate your problems and worry too much over nothing? Do new places and people make you anxious and paranoid? Are you unable to control your anger and frustration when things do not go your way? All of us have moments when we feel out of control and wish we could handle things differently. Fortunately, we have nature’s essential oils, with their calming, relaxing, or uplifting qualities that not only help us cope with a stressful situation, but also improve our ability to respond to a stressful situation in a positive way.
Stress Relieving Tips
Essential oils not only shield you from the ill effects of stress but also enable you to approach life’s challenges with a new enthusiasm.
Use Aromatherapy to Handle Stress in 3 Simple Steps:
- Morning: Start your day with stimulating essential oils that nourish the adrenal glands. Apply ½ teaspoon of Adrenal Support Body Oil the adrenal area. Thank your adrenal glands for all the support they give you.
- Daytime: Use an aromatherapy spray with balancing essential oils to keep your spirits high. Use Exulto Body Mist and spray on your face several times during the day. Breathe deeply and feel your anxiety melt away.
- Evening: Take a bath with Sereno Bath Salts. Seize the day as you soak in this aromatic bath and let your worries drain away because tomorrow will be a new day! After that relaxing bath, apply Sleep Time Body Oil to your body, massage the solar plexus area, the soles of your feet and the back of your neck.
Try these methods of essential oil application for stress to relax and cleanse your mind of toxic thoughts – you and those around you will experience the benefits immediately.
Our April Spa Specials will certainly help alleviate your stress! Set aside some time and create the perfect bath with one of our April Aromatherapy Bath-time Bundles – Choose from Bath & Body, Bath Trilogy or The Oils. All bundles are available for purchase in the Spa or Online.
Sources: aromandina.com, stressawarenessmonth.com
Apr07
How to prolong the benefits of bodywork and make the most of your massage
We recently read this great article about the benefits of massage by Barbara Hey and wanted to share it with our readers.
A massage works in wonderful ways, easing stress and pain, calming the nervous system, increasing circulation, loosening tight muscles, stimulating internal organs, and enhancing skin. The multiplicity of physiological responses sends a simple, clear message to the mind: Massage feels good. Of course, you want to hold on to that just-had-a-massage feeling — total body relaxation, muscles relaxed and at ease, and fluid movement restored — for as long as possible.
But how long that bliss lasts depends on the state of your body. If you’re suffering from chronic pain or recovering from injury, then it may take more sessions and perhaps different modalities before optimal health is restored.
If massage is part of your regular health regimen, then it’s more likely the effects will endure. In other words, the effects of massage are cumulative, like any healthy habit. The more often you get a massage, the greater and longer-lasting the benefits.
Massage Frequency
How often you receive massage depends on why you’re seeking massage. In dealing with the general tension of everyday commutes, computer work, and time demands, a monthly massage may be enough to sustain you. On the other hand, if you’re seeking massage for chronic pain, you may need regular treatments every week or two. Or if you’re addressing an acute injury or dealing with high levels of stress, you may need more frequent sessions. Your situation will dictate the optimum time between treatments, and your practitioner will work with you to determine the best course of action. “You need to consider how you felt before the session and how you felt after, and then look at how long you maintain that,” says Pieter Sommen, the chair of the eastern department in the Swedish Institute School of Massage Therapy in New York.
In general, experts say “regular” is preferable, but how regular depends on your situation. While daily massage would be delightful, practical considerations such as cost, time, and physical need likely determine the frequency of treatments. “It’s best to maintain a schedule,” says Eeris Kallil, CMT, a shiatsu instructor at the Boulder College of Massage Therapy in Colorado.”That way the body becomes conditioned and prepared for session at specific intervals.”
Maintenance
Whether you get a massage weekly, monthly, or just every once in a while, the following habits can maximize and extend the afterglow of treatment.
Water
One bit of advice you’ll hear over and over again is to drink plenty of water after a massage. Bodywork — no matter the particular modality — releases toxins, such as lactic acid and carbonic acid, that need to be flushed from the body. Massage also promotes circulation, increasing blood flow and oxygen and stimulating the lymphatic system, which helps rid the body of pathogens. After-massage hydration supports these functions, helping to eliminate released impurities, sooner rather than later.
Stretching
Another helpful habit is stretching between massages to maintain joint mobility, prevent muscles from tightening up again, and keeping the life energy flowing. This may mean doing yoga or whatever specific or full-body stretches suggested by your practitioner. After a shiatsu session, for example, your practitioner may recommend “makko-ho” stretches, a series of six exercises designed to keep energy circulating. “This series of stretches take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes a day, but really help keep the chi flowing through the body,” says Kallil.
Exercise
Working out can also help maintain the benefits of massage, and this habit should be continually cultivated. However, if you’re receiving massage therapy to help speed muscle strain recovery, you may need to ease up on the exercise for a while and give the body time to heal — particularly if you’re recovering from a strenuous body-pummeling training regimen. “You don’t want to over-work your body,” says Kallil. That is, if running is taking a toll, try something more gentle and meditative such as swimming, walking, or tai chi.
Body Awareness
After a massage, respect how your body feels. If your body seems to ask for rest, give in to that demand. This may mean backing off the to-do list, taking it easy, moving slower, and perhaps doing less for a while. And don’t allow yourself to get fatigued because it will undermine the effects of massage. Get sufficient sleep to allow the body to absorb the effects and regain vitality.
Diet
Finally, since you’ve just rid the body of toxins, support the body’s renewed state by adhering to a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which will continue the detoxification process. Lay off the espresso and all adrenaline-challenges for a time — which would short-circuit relaxation anyway — and enjoy the calm.
The benefits of massage are many, including: increasing circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients throughout the body; stimulating lymph flow and boosting immunity; relaxing overused or tight muscles; increasing joint mobility and range of motion; reducing recovery time after strenuous workouts or surgery; and relieving back pain and migraines, just to name a few.
After receiving a massage, clients feel rejuvenated, relaxed, and refreshed. By opting for a few lifestyle choices, you can extend these benefits and get the most out of your massage
Check out our Body Massage & Energy Healing Menu. We offer treatments geared to target all types of stress! Find one that fits or let us customize your treatment.
Source: massagetherapy.com
Mar25
Save the Date! Thursday April 4th 4-7pm we are having a night of Beauty here at the spa with a Botox® and Juvederm® promotional event.
Time to get spring and summer ready by losing those fine lines and saying goodbye to those wrinkles with a Botox® or Juvederm® Cosmetic Treatment. Susanna Thomas, MD from Family Medicine Associates in Old Saybrook, CT will be here to answer all your questions. Whether your a seasoned vet on Botox® and Juvederm® or curiouse to find out more, you don’t want to miss this event that is also full of perks and specials for this night only.
We hope to see you there! Spread the word bring friends and family to learn what it is all about and click here to see what perks and specials will be happening for this evening only.
Spots are limited! Be sure to Call The Spa at (860) 767-7796 to Reserve your Appointment by Wednesday, April 3, 2013.
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