Benefits of Facials Extend Beyond Spa Appointments

Just the mention of the word facial conjures up images of pampered treatments at a spa that leave the recipient calm, relaxed, and stress-free. While this is more than reason enough for many women to visit a spa, there are numerous health benefits of facials as well. No longer just an option for the wealthy, facials have become much more affordable and beneficial for skin, with many first-timers to spas maturing into steady clients who later cannot imaging living their lives without facial appointments.

Among the many types of facials, there seems to be something for every member of the family: classic women's versions, men's facials, and facials specialized for teens. Each one targets a specific type of skin, and offers the most customized treatment for maintenance, prevention, as well as addressing problem skin areas. While the various facials are intended for different clients, they all offer one thing in common in their results: healthier skin. In much the same way a woman's facial can address sensitivity, fine lines, and signs of aging, a man's facial eases irritation, and provides a deep cleansing - with both resulting in healthy, radiant skin. Not to be outdone, teen facials also offer enhancements in appearance by soothing redness and helping to prevent breakout-prone incidents.

Similar to getting a massage, a facial offers layers of benefits, not only outward, but also beneath the surface. The overall relaxation and relief of stress is immediately apparent after both a massage or facial; however, added benefits beneath the skin evidence muscles that are no longer tight, and pores that are no longer clogged. These in-common benefits are often the reason many spas offer combinations of both services - so that clients can receive the maximum benefits of both options, and leave with more mobility and flexibility in their steps and skin.

In times past, both massages and facials were considered commonplace events for the well off, and luxuries for nine-to-fivers. Today, many medical professionals extol the virtues of both, with chiropractors encouraging massage as often as dermatologists encourage facials. In fact, regular spa treatments often work hand-in-hand with physician-dictated courses of treatment, and serve to enhance overall health among patients. It's this type of win-win situation that has spas growing in clientele, with an increase in facial requests. When considered a medical benefit, most people would agree facials are the kind of medicine few people would refuse to take.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7371560

What Is Hot Stone Massage Therapy?

Originally, the "LaStone" message therapy treatment was created by Mary Nelson in 1993. Since then, it has been transformed into a commercial technique called Hot Stone therapy. When Mary Nelson created this unique type of message therapy she was inspired by the ancient Native American message techniques that were used in the past.

Ancient Native American tribes used hot stones to relieve their tense muscles and joints whenever they had to find relief for their bodies. They would have a shaman or spiritual leader within the community place the heated stones onto a person's body that was aching or in pain from hunting or performing some other type of physical labour. The shaman would also use spiritual practices in conjunction with the stones in order to bring about healing. Hot Stone therapy treatments that are administered by most message therapists offer clients a commercialized version that does not contain any type of spiritual dimension.

Therapists use the hot stone treatments by having their client lie on their stomach. They then apply heated stones to areas of their body where they feel tension. The stones come in a variety of different sizes; large or small. Larger stones are typically placed along the back on or near the spine and onto large muscle groups such as the shoulders. The smaller stones are placed onto areas of the body where a person feels pain in an isolated location.

After a person the back has been treated, the therapist will have the client turn over and lie on his/her back. The same techniques will then be applied to the front part of the body. Of course, they are careful not to put the heated stones on top of sensitive areas.

Therapists typically heat the stones in water that has a temperature up to 150 degrees. Clients can request that the stones be at a lower temperature if they desire.

Most of the rocks that are used in this procedure are of the volcanic basalt variety. This means that they have the ability to absorb and retain heat well.

Once the stones are heated, a therapist holds them inside of his/her hand and until they cool down enough to apply. The heated stones helps the client's body become relaxed and this helps a create a more deep and relaxing message.

Typically, a short relaxing message will be given before the therapist uses the hot stones. Once the basic message technique has been administered to a client, they then apply the stones to the relaxed body. A relaxed body will respond to the treatment more effectively by allowing the heat from the rocks to flow deeply into their tissues.

This type of treatment is not recommended for people who have high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes. Individuals who are taking blood thinning medications are also strongly cautioned to avoid the use of Hot Stone Therapy. Finally, pregnant women and individuals with sunburn should not consider this type of treatment as well.

A Hot Stone message treatment is typically more expensive than the other types of messages that are offered by a therapist, but for a truly relaxing experience, can be well worth it.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7491454

BeautiControl Named One of America's Greatest Brands!

It's catching on. People are recognizing BeautiControl as The #1 Premium Spa Brand, and it's all because of you.

To purchase please visit my BeautiControl Page or email me at linda@36oaks.com 

Spa Gift Certificates Are Not Just for Christmas

When most people think of spa gift certificates, they think of the typical occasions: Christmas, Birthdays, and Valentine's Day. However, there are many more occasions where the gift of relaxation and pampering would be appreciated.

1. Baby Showers - How many blankets can one mother use? What she really needs is an hour or so to herself. Remember, after the baby is born, sleep is a rarity. Her eyes will light up when she gets it and when she redeems it.


2. Bridal Showers - Being a bride is expensive and stressful. Since most brides consider a fresh manicure and pedicure a wedding necessity, why not a gift certificate for her shower? Of course, she would also appreciate a facial or a massage as well. The sky is the limit when it comes to the bride.


3. Bridal Party Gifts - As a bridesmaid or groomsman, how many pieces of jewelry or engraved flasks can you use? Why not give your bridal party the gift of relaxation? After all, they are probably under nearly as much stress as the happy couple.


4. Sweet Sixteen or Bar / Bat Mitzvah - These days teens are much more sophisticated and they are very conscious of their appearance. A teen facial gift certificate will help them learn how to care for their skin, prevent skin damage and premature aging as well as keeping acne and blackheads at bay. And for the young women, a certificate for a makeup application / lesson will help ensure her application is age appropriate. After all, she may not listen to a parent, but she might listen to a professional.


5. Mothers' Day - Whether she is your mom or the mother of your kids, she works hard and deserves to be pampered. Enough of the same old flowers. Give the moms in your life the gift of someone else taking care of her for a change.


6. Fathers' Day - Hey, don't forget about Dad! Mother's tend to get treated more than fathers, but Dads work hard and need a break as well. Treating the Dad in your life to a massage will show him that you know how hard he works and that he is appreciated.


7. Graduation - Graduates have worked hard to get their diploma and are either moving on to the next educational level or looking for a job. Either way, the graduates in your life could use relaxation, a manicure, or a make-up session to show them at their best as they prepare for the future.


8. Wedding Anniversaries - Couples who are celebrating momentous anniversaries would enjoy a couple's massage. Many spas will treat these couples with a little extra if they know why the certificate was purchased; perhaps a glass of champagne and some chocolates after their services would be in order.


9. Retirement - After working the past 40 plus years, don't you think a luxurious spa treatment would be in order? Now that the retiree has nothing but time, treating him or her to a massage or facial might be just what is needed to get into permanent vacation mode.


10. Boss' Day or Administrative Assistant's Day - Flowers, last year; lunch, the year before; candy, year before that. Let that spa gift certificate be your go to gift this year and for years to come. With multiple services available, you can give a different gift each year and it will take you awhile to run out!

I hope these ideas get you thinking. A spa gift certificate is easy, a great value, and is always welcome. Remember, it is a gift that will keep you in their thoughts for a long time. Keep in mind that you can often purchase these without leaving your home. Most spas offer instant gift certificates on their websites so you can print and have it ready at your convenience.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6843163 

Give the gift of relaxation....you can purchase a Spa Day Gift Certificate directly from 36 Oaks Country Retreat's website! The service and ambience that have made 36 Oaks a premier day retreat remains the signature of our operations. From the full hands on time of each listed massage to herbal facial massages and body polishes, you will find a variety of options to reduce stress, rejuvenate, and regain a sense of well being. 

BC Spa Facial Defend & Restore Ultra-Rich Night Creme by BeautiControl

Overnight, rejuvenate skin's beauty with the ultimate moisture of BC Spa Facial's Defend & Restore Ultra-Rich Night Creme. A rich, mega-moisturizing formula contains a superior blend of emollients and humectants to drastically increase skin's moisture, while antioxidant and amino acid rich complexes help to protect against environmental damage. With this intense moisture while you sleep, you'll awaken to replenished, supple and younger-feeling skin.

To purchase please visit my BeautiControl Page or email me at linda@36oaks.com 

Top 10 Benefits Of A Therapeutic Massage

Have you ever wondered what the healing benefits of a massage are? or what the point was of getting one? By the time you finish reading this article, I guarantee you'll want to call a massage therapist and set an appointment for a very refreshing, relaxing rejuvenating, and revitalizing healing massage. I've barely started writing this and I already feel the urge to get one!

Here are the top 10 benefits of a therapeutic massage:

#1. Improves posture.

It's no secret that a healing therapeutic massage really does help increase your posture. If you have a office job, or are at your desk a lot, you may find this especially helpful as it helps lift some of that stress off of your shoulders and neck. Be sure to get a arm massage as well, all that typing isn't necessarily good for you.

#2. Enhances skin tone and health.

This is a great way to take care of your skin and get it back to that beautiful tone, with some essential healing oils.

#3. Enhances a calm mind.

There is something about getting a massage that gives you an inner peace and carries you away from all the little stresses of life. If you are especially stressed out, a massage is a great mind calmer.

#4. Increases Self Awareness

This is also another way to increase your self awareness. It's OK to get a massage to take some time off and focus on YOU for a little bit. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it. I recommend it to everyone.

#5. Increases peace of mind.

As we said earlier, about mind calming. This is pretty much the same thing, but extremely important. How can you work if you're stressed out so much? How can you enjoy LIFE at it's fullest?

#6. Promotes Deeper Breathing.

Short shallow breaths can leave you feeling tired all day and you just don't feel like working. Whereas deeper breathing is much healthier for you and your body. Deeper breathing can leave you feeling refreshed for much longer periods of time, and maybe that day at work won't drag so much after all.

#7.Improves Circulation

Massage therapy can be one of the many great benefits to help you have better circulation. This is especially helpful if you have arthritis, cold feet or something similar. Usually each massage can be tailored to fit your specific needs.

#8. Increases and promotes joint flexibility.

Tight joints and muscles? aching back? Can barely move? Then a massage may do just the trick to loosen you up and make you feel much better!

#9. Reduces Anxiety.

Do you spend a lot of time worrying about the little things in life too much, or just life in general? Chase it away with a relaxing and soothing massage.

#10. Promotes mental alertness.

Falling asleep at work is not always the best idea, unless of course you are the boss! A massage will refresh you so much that hopefully that won't happen anymore!


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7482145

BC Spa Solutions Sculpt & Firm Body Contouring Moisturizer by BeautiControl

Tone and sculpt the appearance of your skin with this lightweight, body contouring moisturizer. This potent formula, designed to target those hard-to-tone areas, reduces the appearance of cellulite and helps to create the appearance of firm skin. The multi-rollerball technology massages BC Spa Solutions Sculpt & Firm Body Contouring Moisturizer into problem areas to help enhance results. This breakthrough scientific formula is also infused with caffeine to energize the skin and cooling properties to invigorate the senses.

To purchase please visit my BeautiControl Page or email me at linda@36oaks.com 

BeautiControl's Regeneration Tight, Firm & Fill Extreme Eye Complex

Watch the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles start to disappear around your eyes in as little as 15 minutes using BeautiControl's Regeneration® Tight, Firm & Fill® Extreme Eye Complex. It features maximum levels of the patent-pending Tri-Peptide complex that work immediately to create an optimal environment for the skin to naturally produce collagen. Tired eyes feel soothed with cucumber and chamomile extracts. Reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness with Haloxyl™ and a blend of red, green and brown algae.

To purchase please visit my BeautiControl Page or email me at linda@36oaks.com 

Another Great February Special!

Purchase any package and receive a 

$20.00 Boutique Coupon

Valentine Special ...

A decadent cocoa balm massage (one hour)

Nice dessert and an extra hour to relax.  $65.00 (Regular $80.00)

Add a facial  for $45.00

 

Or come in together for a side by side massage, dessert and extra time.  $145.00