Couples Massages In Day Spas

With the focus more on more on couples taking time out to reconnect and rejuvenate, couples massages have become a major trend in many day spas.

Done with two massage therapists, both clients (wife and husband, two friends or Mum and daughter) experience a massage session each at the same time. Day spas have now set up special couple massage rooms with two tables especially so these clients can enjoy the experience of a relaxing massage together.

The styles of massage can vary depending on the client. Sometimes one person will have a deep tissue, remedial style massage whilst the other one may have a more relaxation Swedish style massage. The main element with the couples massage is that is a shared experience, and a way for couples to take some time out of their everyday lives and rejuvenate their bodies. The intention is that this shared experience will bring the couple closer together, allowing them to reconnect with each other without the distractions of the outside world.

Couples who have massages together also enjoy many physical health benefits which can not only benefit them physically them but also bring feelings of relaxation and well being.

Massage increases the amount of serotonin and dopamine in the body, the "feel good chemicals" that is important for sleep, they slow your heart rate, reduce blood pressure and helps your body heal. Research at the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine show these chemicals also reduce depression, stress and anxiety. Massage has also been shown to reduce PMS and mood swings.

Massage also reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol which is the stress hormone in the body. Couples who get massages at the same time experience feelings of deep relaxation and well being at the same time, allowing an opportunity for them to relax together and reconnect.

Couples massages have also become a way for couples to enjoy a "time out" with each other, similar to going away for a short vacation or going to a restaurant for dinner. Often couples massages are booked as a celebration, for example for a birthday or anniversary. With soothing music in the background, the relaxation of two massages at the same time, and a glass of champagne afterwards, day spas are promoting these as mini romantic getaway, suited to busy people who need some quiet time with each other.

Couples massage are also not just for husband and wives or girlfriends and boyfriends. Often they are popular with mothers and daughters wanting to enjoy a relaxing experience together, or two girlfriends wanting to spend some time together. They can also be a great way to introduce someone to massage who has not had one before. Sometimes sharing that first time massage can reduce apprehension. Most men find that after having a couples massage with their partner they are more likely to then book a massage on their own.

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Day Spa Services to Get You Relaxed Today

When was the last time you felt really relaxed with a single stressed part of your body? Your answer would probably be quite a while. And with the way we are living our lives today it is just about time that we pamper ourselves. We should take a break from working almost all of the 24 hours, whether in an office or in your home, and treat yourself to a variety of day spa services. And you should not feel guilty if you indulge every now and then because when you are working that hard, you deserve to have a really good break.

A break is what a great day spa can actually give you. A break from your usual, routine daily life and replace it with nothing but pure relaxation and some beautification too. That is because such a facility can offer you with many services that can help you deal with any type of stress.

You should find an establishment where you can comfortably communicate your concerns with your therapist. You should be able to tell her what part of your body troubles you. Is it your back, your neck or you just feel tired. Your therapist, if she is properly trained, can help you decide what kind of relaxation treatment is ideal for your condition.

That is because the job of a good day spa is more than just providing massages. It is to make sure that when the client leaves the premises, she will be feeling her best, composed and without any stress in the body. That she will feel very much relaxed and ready to again face the pressures of daily life.

To help you get a better idea of what kind of day spa services that you can expect from any facility, here are some of the regular services.

Massage

All spas offer massages to their clients. Some have their signature massage which could be nothing more but a combination of the other well known massages. Some of the most popular massages are the shiatsu, the Swedish massage, the hot stone massage, deep tissue massage, and sports massage. Each of these types of massages has its own advantage and benefits which can help alleviate a more specific condition.

Facial treatments

Facials are also among the regular services or treatments and also what most women get. It is a great method to relax while you are having your face professionally cleaned or treated. There are facials for dry or oily skins, there are also facials for people with acne, facials for those who want to have softer and younger skin. Any spa facility has a range of its own facial treatments that is why you should take the time to discuss your needs with the therapist.

There are many other kinds of services that can help you feel fully relaxed and refreshed even after just an hour or two of treatment. Just ask your therapist what are the best services for you so you can make the most out of your visit and time.


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How Frequently Should You Be Getting A Massage?

How frequently should I be getting a massage is a question that massage therapists very often get from clients. The glib answer to this question is as often as you can afford the time and the money. However, a more useful approach is to consider the specific requirements of the person asking the question. What are they looking for from the sessions? What physical (and/or psychological) benefits are they looking to obtain? What challenges they face in daily life through work environment or sporting challenges?

For the majority of people who do not have an injuries and are just looking for massage to be 'routine maintenance' then booking a massage around once a month is a good starting point. This fits in with most peoples timetables/budgets and is easy to maintain the required commitment e.g. 'I Have my massage on the first Monday of the month'. If you do commence a monthly schedule then, if there are no changes in physical and psychological stresses during the month, your body will start to tell you it's getting time for your massage.

For those who work is physically demanding or is just plain stressful then having massages more regularly may be the way to go. A useful guideline if starting with a new therapist is to start with weekly massages for 3 or 4 sessions and then start to try and stretch it out further to say two weeks between massages. At this stage some people decide that this interval is too large and go back to weekly appointments. Others try to stretch it out further towards monthly appointments. Others rely on their awareness of how their body feels to time when they book a massage. This is particularly relevant if they suffer from changing physical and mental stress levels. This all pre-supposes that they have found a therapist that they are happy with. If after the first few massages they do not feel that they are making the progress they would like then it may be worth considering trying a different therapist.

People who are highly physically active, for example, performing sport at an elite level require different guidelines. How often they should be benefitting from massage will depend on the amount they are training, if they are injured, if a competition is close, etc. Many elite sports teams book weekly massages from suitably skilled sports massage therapists. Those suffering from injuries will have more frequent appointments. Some sportspeople believe that they require massage very regularly (even daily) so that they can train and compete at the highest level they can. This does not have to necessarily be an hour long massage and can be tailored to very specific muscle groups/requirements. In fact, even self massage may be an option for those who are unable to get to see a suitable therapist.

To conclude, getting regular massages from a therapist who you believe is providing the benefits you demand is great for physiological and psychological wellbeing. If you are after routine maintenance then begin by having very frequent massages and then after a few sessions start to stretch it out until your body tells you it's time for your massage.

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Hot Stone Massage - Top 9 Things You Need to Know

One of the fastest rising styles of massage is the hot stone massage. If it's your first time to hear about it, you may be wondering what it's all about. It may be hard to imagine how hot stones can be used in a massage. Here are some other things you should know but may not know about hot stone massage.

1. What is a hot stone massage? Hot stone massage is a variation of the classic massage therapy in which water treated and heated stones mostly basalt stones are placed in key points of the body called energy centers to prepare the body for deep tissue manipulation and promote relaxation.
2. Why are basalt stones used? Basalt stones which are black volcanic rocks rich in iron have innate ability to absorb and retain heat that can be used to relieve stress and tension in muscles and enhance circulation.
3. What are the benefits of getting a hot stone massage? The positive effects of a hot stone massage are countless. On the physical aspect of the body, it does wonders in muscle and deep tissue relaxation, relieves tension, stress and pain such as back aches and muscular pain, improves circulation, and releases harmful toxins. Mental benefits on the other hand include calming of the psyche, giving peace of mind, reducing anxiety and depression. It is also used to treat some medical conditions like Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Insomnia and some circulatory problems.
4. Who invented hot stone massage? Mary Hannigan, from Tucson, Arizona invented the hot stone massage in 1993. She calls her style the LaStone Therapy. It wasn't long before this massage style proliferated. Now many massage and spa centers offer their own version of the hot stone therapy.
5. How long is a massage stone session? A session of this type of massage usually takes 60 to 90 minutes long.
6. Who cannot take a hot stone massage? Most people are free to get their hot stone massage. However, those who have infectious skin disease, rash, open wounds and those who are prone to blood clots are not allowed to have a hot stone massage. Those who just came out of surgery, chemotherapy or radiation are also advised to stay away from getting massages. Meanwhile, if you have a heart disease or if you're pregnant, it's very important to get your doctor's approval before indulging in a massage. For pregnant women, it is a better idea to get a pregnancy massage from a certified massage therapist.
7. Is it compulsory to tip the massage therapist? Tips are a nice way of saying that you like the massage that you got. In hotels or spas, a customary 15% to 20% tip will be appreciated by the massage therapist. However, if you are in a medical setting like a hospital or clinic, tipping is not the norm. If in doubt, don't be afraid to ask. Aside from tipping, you can also show appreciation by recommending the massage therapist or the spa center to family and friends.
8. Does a hot stone massage require nudity? Most hot stone massage clients are given massage while nude but if you're not comfortable, you can always stay in your underwear.
9. How much does a hot stone massage cost? Typically more expensive than Swedish massage, a session of hot stone massages ranges from $50 to $190.

There are plenty of information available about hot stone massage but nothing beats going through it yourself. The best way to get to know this massage is to try it and experience the relaxation and pleasure that no other massage can give.

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Hot Stone Massage, It Is Warm and Relaxing

Hot stone massage is a popular type of massage therapy that uses smooth, flat stones that are heated for the purpose of healing the body quickly on its key point areas.

These heated stones used on this type of massage therapy are usually basalt which retains heat longer than most ordinary stones. They are usually heated on boiling water at a temperature of about 124° Fahrenheit before they are actually used on the patient's body.

During the massage therapy session, the massage therapist takes each stones that are ready for deployment on the key points of the patient's body. Most of these stones are placed on the patient's back while the others are set on the different areas of the body including between the toes.

One of the benefits we get from this type of massage is that our muscles are relaxed when these heated stones are placed on our body's key points. Warmth is used to relax tight muscles and removes the tension which causes different types of muscle problems on our body. The warmth of these special stones will make the massage process on the deep tissue of the patient's body more effective and much easier for the massage therapist. The massage therapist will then hold the hot stones on his hands while working on the different parts of the patient's body. He or she will also immediately replace these hot, smooth stones in case they become cold in temperature.

The massage therapist prepares and warms up the patient's body by working on the different areas of the body with Swedish massage. This is done in order for your body to fully accept the benefits of the hot stone massage.

The massage therapist will then take some heated stones and arrange them on the different areas of your back for a while for your body to relax and release tension as well as body toxins. The hot stones are regularly replaced from time to time as their temperature drops down. However, there are exemptions where cold stones are used. In case the patient has inflammation or injury, hot stones are replaced with cold stones to make the inflammation subside. This is uncommon though on massage therapy sessions.

Aside from the use of hot stones, the massage therapist will also use light oil or lotion on the patient's body so that he or she can maneuver the massage strokes much better all over the body. Oil and lotion reduces the friction and acts as a lubricant on the patient's body for a smooth massage stroke manipulation for the masseuse.

Most patients who have experienced this type of massage therapy share their joy of getting a relaxing and energizing massage therapy session. A significant muscle relaxation is evident right after a hot stone massage. It is also known as an effective therapy on relieving stress, and body pain. This therapeutic massage also calms down the psyche of the patient which results in the relief of mental stress. Body toxins are also removed from the patient's body after a good massage therapy session.


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Still Need To Find That Perfect Valentine's Day Gift?

If you're a procrastinator and are in a panic trying to think of the perfect Valentine's Day gift for your loved one, worry no longer, 36 Oaks Country Retreat has the perfect thing! Get that special someone in your life a spa gift certificate! 

Everyone needs an hour or two to relax, and with so many different spa treatments to choose from, a spa gift certificate is sure to make even the hardest person to shop for happy! 

Don't wait another minute, go to our website now to purchase your spa day gift certificate! 

5 Valentine's Day Gift Ideas For Couples - Make Wine and More

Take the stress out of Valentine's Day. These following unique gift ideas are great for couples, for what can be a lifetime of memories. Great ideas include:

1. Make Artisan Pearl Jewelry

Believe it or not, gifts that you make have a more lasting impact. Seek out your local bead or jewelry store for a jewelry making class. Gentlemen, you can learn how to make your partner a hand-made artisan necklace, pearl beads are generally available. Ladies, you will have the opportunity to understand how to make jewelry that more closely matches your style. Call your bead or jewelry store in advance to save a spot for two. Classes for this gift idea for couples fills quickly.

Time required: approximately 2 hours

2. Spa Day


A relaxing way to spend Valentine's Day is to enjoy a nice massage. Why just give your loved one a massage when you both can have one at the same time. Most resorts or day spas will have special packages for Valentine's Day, particularly for couples. Schedule the session around 3PM and it will be the perfect beginning to dinner out.


Time required: approximately 1 to 2 hours

3. Dessert Cooking Class

Cooking for that special person is a nice gesture. To make the meal more memorable, though, a gift idea for couples is to try a cooking class. Most classes are just an hour or two. More importantly, someone else does the dishes. And since it is Valentine's Day, try a class where you can bake a sweet and tasty treat. Contact your local gourmet grocery store for a class schedule. Some classes fill quickly, so be sure to call ahead to make a reservation.

Time required: approximately 2 hours

4. Mosaic Art

Do you like smashed things? Try a mosaic art class where you take colorful, smashed pieces of tile and decorate things like picture frames, vases, or tabletops. For Valentine's Day, you could take a photo of yourselves, decorate the frame with white, red, and rose colored tile pieces to commemorate the occasion. Make two, and you both can take one to work. Make a reservation in advance to secure a spot.

Time required: approximately 2 hours

5. Bottle Wine

Have you ever dreamed of being a winemaker and having your own private label wine? Now you can. Many wine shops allow you to bottle your own wine. First, sample wines from around the world. After choosing a wine that you both like, you will go through the crafting process. The wine shop will keep your craft for about 60 days, allowing your wine to ferment. Then, you go back to bottle, cork, seal, and actually print and apply your own custom label. In the end, you both will have about 30 bottles of your own wine, allowing you to enjoy and remember Valentine's Day for many months to come. Be sure to call ahead to schedule a time.

Time required: initially, approximately 2 to 3 hours. Bottling, approximately 2 to 3 hours

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3659323

36 Oaks Country Retreat has an amazing Valentine's Day Special! February 14th is right around the corner, call to find out more and to book your appointment today! 

707-447-8037

Introducing...New Facial Treatments

"With the New Year under way, we will be

introducing some new facial treatments" 

   

  

Hydration | Detoxifying | Anti-age

and specific treatments to Soften the Eye Area

With our new skin sensor technique, we will be able to offer special products for your special needs! Timing is just right to treat and repair the delicate skin on your face after this dry winter.

Winter Specials

One Hour and a Half Treatment 

Including one hour Warming Cocoa Massage

and a Coconut Hair/Scalp Treatment

$85.00

 

Winter Skin Rejuvenation 

Soften up your dry winter skin with a Body Polish

Lush Hydrating Wrap & Coconut Scalp Treatment

$105.00

Valentine's Day Special

  

Valentine's Day is coming right up! Now is a great time to treat someone special or pamper yourself.

Decandent & Romantic 

Side by Side Warming Cocoa Massage

With some nice sweets & chocolate covered strawberries  

$145.00 for Both