Day Spa Services Are Stress Busters That You Should Try

Stress is a silent killer that many people don't realize lurk around. Most people just brush off the feeling of fatigue and weakness which are the primary symptoms of this medical condition, instead they take pills and try to rest a bit. But experts say the problem is more complicated than it presents itself to be. For one, it is quite impossible to get the right amount of rest in this modern age because distractions are everywhere. This is why we recommend going to day spa expert for the right venue to relax.

Why cant you just go home and sleep to feel better?

Medical experts say this should be the ideal way to rest but modern lifestyles are making it hard for most people to get the proper rest your body needs. Unlike decades ago when the home was considered a quiet place to relax and destress, the homes today are fastly becoming extensions of the work place and at times even school.

It is tough to get the right amount of sleep when you are surrounded by devices that can disturb you at anytime. Mobile phones are great for communications but oftentimes the hours you should spend resting are eaten up by messages and phone calls. This is the reason why most day spa services request patrons to turn off cell phones or leave them in safe lockers when coming in to relax.

How can you really relax in a day spa?

There are many therapeutic treatments available to induce your body to relax and get rid of stress. Body massage is a favorite among those who have tried it and it comes in many forms. You can choose whether you like the traditional massage, the Asian methods like Thai or Japanese, or other western forms like Swedish or French. Whatever it is you desire, you will never run out of choices cause there are hundreds of day spa services all over the world.

Another way to relax is to pamper your skin. Women just love to get these skin treatments in day spas because they can come in anytime they feel like getting a facial. Facials are very popular choices as well as full body scrubs. Cleansing is a very good way to relax your body and relieve stress. According to experts, stress can also be caused by toxins from the environment that people are exposed to all the time and getting rid of them from time to time helps refresh the body. This is why day spa services are located in busy and highly populated areas and they offer treatment to those who need them the most.

Life is tough and making a living is even tougher. But regardless of the amount of work you do every day, you must never allow your body to become stressed. Try to relax and take a breather every now and then. Visit one of the nearest day spa services and let them help you bust stress from your life.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5499094

Spa Treatments For Men

We lead hectic lives - without question. Work demands, commuting, social obligations, friendships, husbands/wives, children, girlfriends/boyfriends, school, extended families, the house, the car, the neighbors, keeping up with the mail, bills, jury duty, work travel, vacation planning, emails... STRESS.

For the most part, whether you talk about men or women, we typically do whatever it takes to meet the demand... power through it... tough it out. But, there comes a time when we have to say "enough is enough". Sometimes that moment coincides with the vacation which, in America at least, is an annual event that doesn't even come close to lasting long enough. But, that's a topic for another article.

Stereotypes aside, women have a built-in mechanism for reducing their stress, and they do it with relative frequency. There's shopping (especially for shoes), the hair salon, the nail salon, facials, massage, lunch with friends, spa treatments. I'd like to point out that there is an element among these few examples that is common to each of these activities: the aspect of sensuousness. It's the thing that takes envelopes you and takes you completely away, even if it's only for a couple of hours.

Men have their escapes too in the form of sports, either viewing or playing, drinks with the guys, the gym, or running. Granted, some prefer more cerebral pursuits like losing themselves in a good book or enjoying a well-played game of chess. However, very few men opt for scheduling an appointment at the spa. Mind you, I'm not making a brash generalization here. There are a few guys who realize the mental and physical health benefits of spa treatments - it's just not typical... yet.

Going to a masseuse to heal a sports injury or muscle pain is justifiable, for obvious reasons, but if the objective is to have a sensual, rejuvenating, relaxing, luxurious, spirit-reviving escape... not so much. The good news is that I am starting to see new evidence that men are slowly showing interest in spa treatments as part of their overall health regime and I say Bravo to that. Equally true, they are showing more interest in grooming products, moisturizers, eye creams, cleansers and applying proper skin care techniques. Major Bravo to that, as well!!

Interestingly, I was just reading that 35% of spa goers are men and that number is expected to increase in the coming years. The point that they are starting to understand is that spas are necessary rather than luxury and should be considered therapy rather than pampering. This is not an affront to your manliness but rather an opportunity to take good care of yourself. After all, if you don't, who will?

Spas have gotten wise, too. The robes are "man sized" so you don't have to feel uncomfortable, the massage tables are long enough to accommodate your body comfortably and you won't leave smelling like a rose garden. However, you will leave feeling rested, relaxed, rejuvenated, more confident, happy... basically like a new man.

Consider the possibility of taking your girlfriend along or make it a buddy date. No matter how you slice it up, you cannot lose with a spa treatment.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6145351

Visit 36 Oaks Country Retreat in Vacaville to experience the many benefits of our relaxing spa treatments. The service and ambience that have made 36 Oaks a premier day retreat remain a signature of our operations. From luxurious massage to herbal facials and hot stone, you will find a variety of options to reduce stress, rejuvenate, and regain a sense of well being.

707-447-8037

10 Key Benefits of Therapeutic Massage

Massage therapy is not a procedure reserved to suffering people. Perfectly healthy people can get a massage, because the primary role of massage is to prevent disease and maintain the body in shape. As a prophylactic approach, Massage therapy aims to prevent and combat disease or illness caused by the accumulation of professional, physical and intellectual fatigue.

Massage is a manual or mechanical procedure applied to the skin and the deep tissue layers, for therapeutic purposes. Massage therapy can be part of complex treatments of disorders, and injury rehabilitation and along with physiotherapy can reduce pathological sequelae of certain diseases. The benefits of massage are numerous, but in this article we will list only 10 of them.

1. Massage improves blood and lymph circulation

Massage helps to activate circulation, the mechanical manipulation on the body, literally pumps the blood and lymph improving its movement. The lymphatic system acts as a carrier of waste in our body. Poor lymph circulation, or poor blood circulation, can be restored to normal operating levels by massage.

2. Massage stimulates and soothes the nervous and endocrine systems

If vigorously executed in a lively pace, massage will have a stimulating effect on the nervous system. By applying stimulating massage procedures, we encourage an optimal operation of the psychomotor functions.

Slow, gentle, and soothing massage maneuvers are particularly effective against excessive straining, mental tensions, pain, anxiety and stress. The relaxation effect and the removal of fatigue are obtained by relaxing the nervous and endocrine systems, balancing the levels of stress hormones, and releasing more hormones that induce wellness. The massage manipulations stimulate the production of endorphins, the brain chemical that produces feelings of happiness, and reduce stress hormones such as adrenaline, cortisol and norepinephrine.

3. Massage increases joint mobility and flexibility

Usually, the articulations suffer of poor blood circulation, and articulation injuries are the hardest to heal because of that. Massage manipulations have a great vasodilator effect, and improve the blood circulation in joint capsules. This way injured articulations, tendons and ligaments, will benefit from an increased blood flow, more blood means more nutrients, more oxygen, faster healing and generally more healthy joints.

4. Massage increases muscle elasticity and contractility

Any form of massage helps to increase blood supply, consequently oxygen flow and nutrients to your muscles. This improves flexibility, muscle contractility and delay anoxia and accumulation of toxins which triggers glycolysis. By delaying anoxia and glycolysis we improve the muscle's metabolism improving its efficacy and functioning.

5. Massage reduces muscle tension

Everyone knows that massage relieves pain and muscle contractures. The relaxing techniques have a relaxing effect, and the final outcome is the reducing of the muscle excitability and contractility. This is explained by the fact that massage increases blood circulation in muscles, and naturally produce natural opiates that relieve pain, encourage the muscle to relax, and eliminate the muscle contraction.

6. Massage improves skin's condition

Certain massage techniques, produce hyperemia (redness), which allows the skin to regain elasticity and firmness thus preventing the physiological tendency of elastic fibers to progressively load with calcium, a process named keratinization. Skin's look, feel and health are improved by the enhanced exfoliation of the horny tissue. The exfoliation furthermore stimulates the replacement of the skin.

7. Massage helps to detoxify the body and improve immune system

By applying certain massage maneuvers the transport of fatty acids and cholesterol is improved, the nutrients exchange and the toxins elimination is stimulated, and the immune system is encouraged by stimulating the lymph nodes. Acting on the skin and sweat glands, massage increases fluid elimination and decreases stasis.

8. Massage reduces fat

Massage is known to facilitate lipolysis, (the breakdown of lipids), leading to losing fat mass. Body rubs maintain and develop connective tissue flexibility, combating excess fatty deposits under the skin and preventing them.

9. Massage promotes faster healing of soft tissue injuries

By increasing the quality of dermal collagen and elastic fibers, bodywork helps partial or total resorption of scar indurations.

10. Massage improves digestion

Massage effects are seen in improving digestion, diminishing of constipation and bloating and general easier elimination. Massage can have very fast action on an indigestion by either direct maneuvers on the digestive system, or by reflexogenic zones manipulation.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7001241

What To Expect From Your First Professional Massage

You may have been referred by a friend, doctor or colleague. Whichever the case, you have scheduled your first massage appointment and you are feeling a little uneasy. It may feel a little intimidating not knowing what to expect, thinking about a stranger massaging you. Let me assure you as long as you have made your appointment with a professional therapist or student therapist you are in good hands (no pun intended).

Fully trained massage therapists from an accredited school are well trained in all aspects of massage as well as anatomy & physiology, kineseology, and pathology. They have been through their state and national board tests, and have learned in-depth the different muscle groups of the human body, and how each of those muscles work and how to treat sore and aching muscles. They are caring individuals who have chosen this profession to help people with relaxation or recovery from an injury and have worked hard to get where they are today. You will not be disappointed by the professionalism that they portray.

Your Appointment;

Your first time you may be asked to come to the appointment a little early so that you may fill out a medical history form. It is extremely important to list all medications and injuries on your medical history form, this will assist the therapist in coming up with a treatment plan that best fits your needs. Medications that you are taking may necessitate the modifications to the treatment plan, for example if you are taking a muscle relaxant this can alter the stretch response of your muscles. Therefore the therapist would devise a treatment plan according to this and deep massage techniques, extreme stretches and full body hydro-therapy applications would be omitted from your massage at this time. Each time you come to your appointments you will be asked if there are any changes to your medications or any new injuries or ailments you may be experiencing.

The Massage;

You will be warmly greeted by your therapist and taken to a private, quiet and peaceful room with a massage table. Here the therapist will advise you step by step on what to expect from your massage. By this time the therapist after reviewing your medical history form will go over a treatment plan with you. You will undress to your comfort level (while the therapist leaves the room) and get onto the table under the sheets and blankets. If for any reason you can not get onto the table by your self the therapist will have made arrangements to assist you. While you are lying on the massage table and covered with the sheets and/or blankets the therapist will knock before coming back into the room and the massage will get started. You will be covered at all times, except for the area the therapist is working on at the time. If at anytime you feel uncomfortable for any reason, be it that you are too cold, or too hot, or the pressure of the touch may be too deep and you feel pain, let the massage therapist know so that they can change the conditions to make you feel comfortable. Remember to take a deep breath and relax.

After The Massage;

The therapist will let you know when the massage is over, by this time you may be in a very relaxed state of mind or even into a lower level of conciseness. Your therapist will then leave the room after advising you to take your time getting off the table, if you get up to fast you may feel light headed or a bit dizzy. You will then get dressed and open the door to let the therapist know that you are clothed. Your therapist will then come back into the room to go over any findings and future treatment plans and to get your feedback as to what was beneficial for you as well scheduling any future sessions. By now you are most likely glad that you made that first appointment and are feeling very relaxed and ready to schedule your next massage.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/482968

Professional Massage: First Time Goers Try This

Getting a massage for the first time can be a daunting adventure. The idea of being almost nude in front of a total stranger can be enough to turn most people off. The reality is that there is a massage that fits almost every personality type including those who prefer to be clothed. Being at ease with getting a massage is a matter of knowing the massage that best fits the individual's personality and needs.

There are more types of massage styles than there is room to write. There are a few types of massages that are popular because of their universal application and appeal to the masses. The most popular of them all is the Swedish massage.

In a Swedish massage, a therapist uses their hands to do long smooth strokes on the skin in a soothing manner. Oils and lotion on the skin help the therapist's hands glide across the skin and soften the touch. The ultimate result is the releasing of tension in the muscles and relaxation. The massage is a total body therapy and does require the client to be draped only in a towel or sheet. Underwear may be kept on for those who are out of their comfort zone.

The Swedish technique is soothing, but for those who require a more therapeutic approach may consider a deep tissue massage. The benefits are relief of pain in the muscles caused from posture problems or large amounts of strain. The massage itself may cause physical discomfort as the therapist works deeper into the muscle layers. The healing process may take a few days, but it usually results in longer lasting relief.

If a deep tissue massage isn't enough, a stone massage may be the more therapeutic approach. With the introduction of hot and cold temperatures, stone massage can help stimulate the healing capabilities of the body. It is important to note that stone massage isn't necessarily it's own style of massage. It incorporates techniques from other forms of massage and replaces the touch of the hand with the touch of stone. The stone strokes can be as much as 10 times more effective than a stroke with the hand. One can get a soothing stone massage like a Swedish massage or they can get a rehabilitating stone massage like that of the deep tissue massage. Either way, stone therapy is an exhilarating therapy that everybody should have experience in their life-time.

If the lack of clothing required to do a traditional massage is an issue, than one should consider a shiatsu massage. In this form of therapy, finger pressure is applied to the body in a localized manner making the pressure feel deep. A client may remain fully clothed throughout the session.

If there is still some uncertainty about the details of a massage it is a good idea to ask close friends about their experience with therapists. Friends may offer advice about points that make them feel more comfortable such as requesting a male or female therapist. No matter what massage you get, remember that certified therapists are professionals and will help you feel completely comfortable. After all, that is their job.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6354961

Just For Laughs - Neck Breaking Massage

Just For Laughs - Neck Breaking Massage

May Birthdays

If we have your email information, you should receive a birthday greeting from us. For those of you who have an April birthday, and did not receive our email birthday card, you too can receive your $10.00 Birthday Bucks...just call or email us. 707-447-8037 or linda@36oaks.com

Treatment Of The Month

   

~TREATMENT OF THE MONTH~

Berry Cocoa Body Glow

 

An invigorating Pomegranate and Cranberry exfoliation

followed by

A relaxing wrap with Cocoa-Comfort Massage Balm

Special price ---- $75.00

Bring a friend for an additional 10% off 

  

Mother's Day Will Soon Be Here!

 

Celebrate Your Love For Mom 

With a Pampering Spa Day For Her

Here are some ideas for her...

 

*Join her at the Spa for a special memory that she will not forget

*Skip the busy restaurants and bring her a picnic here

*Or, just choose a decadent package for her to enjoy on her own.

So many ways to show how much yo

u appreciate her!!

Decadent Cocoa Comfort Massage

$65.00

 

Herbal Facial, specialized just for her

$45.00

Body Polish and Rehydration

$65.00

Nice snacks and plenty of time to enjoy the serenity

All of the Above ~ $165.00

*Or, just choose an amount and let her decide!!

We promise to pamper her royally!!

History and Background of Hot Stone Massage

Introduction

Massage is perhaps the oldest form of hands-on-healing known to humans, easily pre-dating written records. For millennia, people from virtually every culture have used a combination of touch, heat (thermotherapy) and stones as therapeutic tools. It's pretty safe to say that almost every culture has either used heat and/or stones to have some sort of healing effect on the body - whether it's using stones directly on the body like we do in a Hot Stone Massage, or indirectly, similar to a structure like Stonehenge affecting the body energetically.

Most therapists who incorporate heated stones into their massage routine agree that the Chinese, Native Americans and Hawaiians have played a major role in how Stone Therapy is applied today (although the Egyptians, Ayurvedic Medicine, Pacific Islanders and many other cultures are also said to have used stones in their healing arts).

Traditional uses of stones

One of the first recorded uses of stones for healing was by the Chinese. Prior to the invention of metal acupuncture needles, ancient Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) practitioners regularly used various shaped and sharpened stones to treat disease. These stones were known as 'Bian Stones', and were used to prick, pierce and bleed various points on the body (as well as lancing boils and performing other superficial procedures). The Chinese also used heat, in the form of 'moxabustion' (burning 'mugwort' - a dried herb - over acupuncture points), to increase the yang/heat in the body and have a healing effect on patients. Moxabustion is still used today by almost all TCM practitioners.

Undoubtedly, both Bian Stones and moxabustion were used together in the same treatment; however there are differing opinions when it comes to the specific use of stones to massage the body. TCM practitioners did 'scrape' various muscles and meridians with jade tools (and other hard objects) to treat different diseases. This was/is known as 'Gua Sha', and is still practised today.

The Native Americans had many rituals which involved the use of stones. One of the more well-known rituals involved placing heated stones (generally basalt) into a tepee-like structure, otherwise known as a 'Sweat Lodge'. This practice was used to cleanse and heal the body and mind. Several other cultures, including the Romans, had a similar idea, leading to the development of modern-day Saunas. Another Native American ritual used a heated stone that was wrapped in cloth/bark. This warm stone was placed onto the lower abdomen of a woman who was menstruating, in order to relieve cramps (women today employ this same principle when they use a hot water bottle).

Heated stones were perhaps even more frequently used in traditional Hawaiian healing practices. Customary uses included wrapping heated stones in 'ti-leaves', a special type of leaf with therapeutic properties. These wrapped stones were then placed on sore areas of the body in order to reduce pain - similar to using a heat pack or poultice. Hot stones were also placed in shallow pits and covered with these same leaves. The patient would then lie on top of the leaves, allowing the healing properties to infuse into the body.

Volcanic stones are also said to have been rubbed over the body after a traditional Hawaiian Kahuna/Lomi-Lomi massage (in the Hawaiian language, Lomi-Lomi simply means 'to knead/rub/massage'). Due to the coarseness of the stones used, this was perhaps less of a massage technique and more of an exfoliation. The Hawaiians are one of the most closely linked cultures to modern-day Stone Therapy.

There are also endless references to the use of gems, crystals and other types of stones by many cultures throughout the history of healing.

About modern-day Hot Stone Massage

Modern-day Stone Therapy, a truly unique style of massage, has been gaining popularity throughout the world after being 'discovered' in the United States in 1993. The story revolves around a massage therapist named Mary Nelson, who was suffering from repetitive use injuries in the shoulders/wrists. She was having a sauna with her niece who was about to receive a massage, and was 'called' to use the stones. Mary chose some of the smoother stones and used them in the massage. It felt great (for the client as well as the therapist) and thus Stone Therapy as we know it today was born. This first style of modern-day Stone Therapy was/is called 'LaStone Therapy'.

Mary 'channelled' much of the information about LaStone Therapy from her Native American spirit guide. This is one of the reasons why many Spas/Salons and journalists think that Stone Therapy is a 'traditional' Native American treatment. Although LaStone Therapy is based on Native American culture, it is much more accurate to say that modern-day Stone Therapy is a combination of Chinese, Native American and Hawaiian healing principles (as well as the many other cultures who somehow used heat and/or stones in their healing arts).

What to expect during a Hot Stone Massage

A modern-day Hot Stone Massage (also sometimes called Hot Rocks Massage) will usually consist of the therapist placing heated stones (usually basalt stones ) of various shapes/sizes onto the client's body (for safety, most of the time these 'placement' stones won't be in direct contact with the skin, instead they will be placed onto a towel to buffer the heat). These stones are placed onto different points (chakras, energy points, sore muscles, etc), depending on the style of Hot Stone Massage or Stone Therapy.

Whilst these placement stones are warming and activating specific areas, the therapist will take several other heated stones and begin massaging a different area of the body. The heat from the stones is released deep into the muscles, greatly enhancing the massage. It is said that one stroke with a heated stone is equivalent to ten normal massage strokes! Some therapists will also incorporate cold stones (usually marble) into their treatment which, although not quite as relaxing as the heated stones, do have a part to play for many conditions. A typical Hot Stone Massage will take 60 to 90 minutes.

Most people who have a Hot Stone Massage will be 'blown away' by the level of relaxation that is achieved. Some clients will have vivid dreams or even 'out-of-body' experiences. It is usually a very grounding, relaxing and healing experience. Apart form the deep level of relaxation, Hot Stone Massage is also great to incorporate into Remedial or Deep Tissue massage. Not only does the client receive the benefits, but when practiced correctly, the therapist will reduce the strain placed on their hands and wrists.

Practically every Spa in Europe, America and Australia offers Hot Stone Massage or Stone Therapy on their menu. The number of different styles however, is almost as varied as the stones themselves.

As with all forms of massage, it is important that therapists undertake professional Hot Stone Massage training. Check with the Spa, Salon or therapist before your treatment to ensure you are getting the best massage from the most qualified therapist.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6915529

The Various Benefits of Spa Facials

Going for Spa facials can be a great experience that would help revitalize your skin while you soak in the comfort of a great spa experience. There is a variety of skin problems that these facials address. Even if there were no specific problems in your skin, would still help in making your skin look rejuvenated and beaming with youth and vigor. But not all people have flawless skin with no problems whatsoever. Some of the normal problems that these facials treat are acne, skin dryness, inflammation of pores and other regular skin ailments. Most of these Spa facials are recommended equally for women as well as for men. Sometimes teenagers that have skin problems can also benefit a lot from these Spa facials.

Most of us use soap and water to wash our face. However, soap alone is not enough to adequately cleanse the pores of our skin. Sometimes, dirt, grim and oil can accumulate deep inside and clog the pores of the skin-giving rise to a variety of skin conditions that need to be treated. Some of the damage done to the skin from exposure to the sun and the weather can also not be adequately undone using just soap and water. What is required is good Spa facials in order to effectively rectify and control the damage done to the skin.

Spa facials begin with the assessment of your skin type and the problem if any that your skin is undergoing at the moment. This initial procedure then helps the beautician decide on the treatment required for your particular skin type and skin condition. The amount of oil secreted by your skin, the size of the pores on your skin, the texture of your skin surface and the tone of your skin are determined in order to decide on the kind of Spa facials for the course of treatment.

The actual Spa facials procedure basically involves deep cleansing of the pores of the skin in order to unclog the pores as well as to exfoliate the dead cells on the top most layer of the skin. This procedure alone can greatly improve the condition of the skin. The beautician would then add moisturizing agents to make your skin soft and supple, which would also retard the aging process. A moisturized skin helps prevent the formation of wrinkles which is one of the most visible signs of aging. Therefore Spa facials not only rectify the skin conditions that you suffer from, but also enhance the natural beauty of the skin and at the same time use anti-aging processes to help the skin fight the aging process effectively.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5013417