Massage Therapy

Spa treatments that can actually support you during the sick season

by

It’s that time of year! The temperatures have dropped and the germs
are having a field day. And while it may feel like all you need for
the yucky feelings is chicken soup and whatever is at the pharmacy, we’re here to tell you that there are certainly more luxurious ways to beat the season.

 

MASSAGE
Going for a massage isn’t only about sore muscles and needing to relax. Massage is also a great way to boost circulation, stimulate healthy nerve function, move lymph and break up congestion. Those may sound like benefits which require specific treatments or tricks, but it’s really simple to turn ANY massage into a more therapeutic and healing experience. Whether you prefer the most gentle touch or are a fan of deep tissue work, there is good work being done at the cellular level. The key is to let your technician know how you are feeling. They are not medical professionals, but can easily adjust movements and pressure to support your acute needs.

BODY TREATMENTS
The marketing of body treatments is often based solely on their aesthetic benefits. And while they are perfect for removing dead skin and reviving a beautiful glow, they provide systemic benefits, too! Scrubbing away skin cells encouraged healthy cell turnover, which improves elasticity and strength, which ultimately strengthens this vital protective organ. The act of scrubbing and the use of heat and stimulating products boosts circulation, encouraging a flushing of the system, moving nutrients, toxins and oxygen through and out. If steam is involved, you can be sure your respiratory system is benefiting as well.

PEDICURE
While we’d like to believe that a fresh coat of nail color could fix everything, that’s not what we are implying here. No, we’re focusing on that 30-45 minutes of pampering before the polish; the soaking, the scrubbing, the massaging and even the paraffin waxing. As we keep raving about, circulation is vital to our health. After the blood leaves the heart, it ends up at the extremities and then moves back toward the heart. Well, your feet are a key extremity, and when you dip into that hot footbath, you are not only supporting what’s already happening, but encouraging even more. Scrubbing your feet not only leaves them soft but allows for the skin to rebuild, preventing cracks which can lead to infection. Same with those toes — regular pedicures helps prevent fungus and infections of the nail bed.

FACIAL
Just like body treatments, a good facial can work wonders both on the surface and deep down. The simple act of laying down with a gentle recline encourages drainage. Calming your mind and body allows for the system to enter a state of recovery. Music and aromatherapy will lull you into a more rhythmic breathing pattern. As for the treatment itself — you don’t realize just how much good sinus work is being done until you’ve come in congested. As with a massage, let your technician know if you are feeling stuffed up in any way. Many Estheticians know effective massage techniques for the head and neck, and can leave you feeling like you can breathe again.

SCALP MASSAGE/CONDITIONING TREATMENTS
We often go in for a cut and color and that’s it. But there are a number of services that can be enjoyed between your regular services that can boost your hair health, and your immune system! Remember all that talk about how important your feet are? Well the same goes for your head. The simple act of someone else brushing your hair induces a more calm state almost immediately. Deep conditioning treatments encourage cell turnover and rush blood to the scalp. Adding an aromatherapy scalp massage will greatly boost this benefit! Take some time to go in a few weeks before or after your last service, just to receive some extra conditioning and a good style. It’ll restore healthy blood flow to your head and may even come to help your hair grow as a result!

DON’T FORGET
Homecare is really what it’s all about. What your spa starts, you continue at home with products and techniques they will recommend based on your needs. So make the time to take extra care of yourself as you need. Longer showers, hot baths, yummy scrubs and salts. Make healthy self-care the beauty trick you master this season!

7 WAYS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR NEXT MASSAGE

by

 

Whether a necessity or a luxury, you want to make the most of your next massage — and we want that for you, too! So we’ve compiled a list of tips that are sure to help you prepare for your massage, be present, and extend all that zen well beyond the appointment.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

HYDRATE

I know you probably expected this, and you should have. You need water, plain and simple! And more so before a massage because your therapist is going to drain them as she works them out. So save yourself the headache and drink up for the 24-48 hours before your service.

HIT THE SHOWER

It’s not only so that you are clean, but to help your muscles soften and your mind get into self-care mode. Your blood will begin moving and your senses are alive. Drop some eucalyptus in the shower to steam up and get those airways opened up. It’s a game-changer.

GO FOR THE AROMATHERAPY

Speaking of oils, just say “yes” when your therapist asks if you want the aromatherapy add-on. This isn’t offered to just make everything smell nice; this is to actually help you relax. Research shows that the emotional storehouse of our brain (the amygdala and hippocampus) can only be stimulated through the sense of smell. When your therapist offers that first wave of Lavender at the beginning of your service, those molecules reach your brain and literally turn on chill mode. A few extra bucks to emotionally de-stress? Sign me up!

OWN YOUR APPOINTMENT

In every way. Be on time (which is actually a few minutes early), turn off your phone, and be specific about what you need. All too often clients will rub the back of their neck and speak of general pain but you guys, your therapist is kind of a muscle ninja and can do so much more for you if you tell them exactly what’s going on. This includes in-session chatter. If you aren’t a talker, but your therapist is (which is a huge no-no, we apologize for them all) speak up and say that you prefer not to talk during your session. It’s your hour — get what you need!

LISTEN TO THE HOME-CARE SUGGESTIONS

So much of your service will play out in the days following. All that metabolic waste we spoke of in point number one will be on the move, and some of those pains you came in with may come back in new form. But the fact is that good work was done and you just need to coax the healing along until your next session. Take note of the stretches, drink the recommended water, focus on correcting any habits that have caused the issues.

GET THE PRODUCTS

There is a reason spas carry pain relief products — pain is likely! Especially if you had deep or customized work. Taking an elbow in your back and being stretched like an Olympian are grounds for a bit of discomfort. But that pain is not a sign of a bad session; it’s a sign of healing and repair. Trust that your therapist knows what to recommend based on what they experienced while working on you.

BOOK YOUR NEXT APPOINTMENT BEFORE YOU LEAVE

Set yourself up for success by not letting more than a week go between sessions. Corrective work and deep repair require stacked appointments in order to break the patterns of dysfunctional muscles. It took a while for them to get that way and it may take some time to undo it. But if you want results, consistency is key. Commit to the process and make that next appointment. Bonus points (literally) if your spa has a loyalty program!