The Best Spa Treatments For Relaxing

In today's fast paced, high stress society, you might be in need of a little relaxation. A little rejuvenation is actually a good thing and taking a break to get a spa treatment might be just what you need. In fact, days at the spa or even afternoon spa breaks have become popular among women and men alike. Here are some of the top spa treatments to consider asking for on your next spa day.

Facial Treatments

Facials are not just for acne sufferers. Anyone can get a relaxing facial, and facials are a popular treatment for many women who have regular spa days. Not only are these facials therapeutic, but they are also designed to help clean and moisturize your skin. You can receive a very simple treatment or a more complex facial. It depends on what you want or need. This is one of the perks of going to the spa - it's entirely up to you.

Skin Treatments

In addition to facials, many spas offer skin treatments. Often the weather and the environment can harm our skin and take away the beauty and softness that is naturally there. Getting a body scrub is relaxing and it can emulsify the skin and help it to glow. And, if you want a more invasive treatment, you can always get a body wrap. Many patients love how their bodies feel after the wrap is over. The wrap restores the moisture in the skin. And, it can be relaxing to sit still for a while instead of constantly being on the go.

Massages

Obviously, the most popular thing to do at the spa is get a massage. Massages are not only relaxing, but they also allow you to regroup and feel better. There are actually several different massage options. There is a Swedish massage technique that many massage therapists use to increase the flow of oxygen throughout your body. In addition, another popular type was developed in Japan. This technique focuses on the muscles of the body and applying pressure to areas that need support with fingers and thumbs. It can help you if you are suffering with muscle pain or inflexibility.

Package Deals

Relaxation is available the second you walk in the spa. Don't put it off because it sounds expensive. There are several treatments that can help you relax and you can probably get a package deal and save yourself some money.


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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.

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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. 

Massage for Rejuvenating Your Mind, Body and Soul

Massage can have such a profound effect on the entire body that sometimes a three hour spa treatment can be more relaxing than a seven day holiday abroad. Now, this doesn't mean a full three hours of massage but two hour of massage and then an hour of relaxing within the spa area in the sauna, steam room etc, deeply rejuvenates you entirely and fully.

Massage has not only shown to relax the body in various studies, but the effect is almost instantaneous!

Here are some of the following studies that were done over the last few years with mainly positive results:

Over a 5-week period, women suffering from depression were either given three 30-minute massage sessions per week, practiced progressive muscle relaxation for 30 minutes, three times per week, or received just the standard treatment. At the end of the study, the massage group reported less depression and anger, along with numerous physiological benefits.

A group of 14 people suffering from hypertension were monitored and provided with a 10-minute back massage to 8 of these sufferers, three times a week, while the other 6 relaxed in the same setting for 10 minutes, three times a week. After the 10th session, the people receiving massage showed lower blood pressure than the control group.

The effect of massage was tested over a 5-week period on 24 randomized chronic low back pain sufferers. After having received two 30-minute treatments per week for the duration of the study, the massage group reported less pain, depression, anxiety, and improved sleep.

A study on the short-term effects of massage on chronic pain showed positive improvement. 101 patients were randomly divided, half of which received 15 minutes of massage, while the other half discussed their pain through talking about it. One hour after the treatment, the massage group showed significantly less pain and anxiety.

Eighty-four depressed pregnant women were divided into three groups of the following; massage therapy, progressive muscle relaxation, and a control group. The massage group received two 20-minute massages per week for 16 weeks and reported lower anxiety, depression, and back pain. Interestingly, neonatal outcomes were better for the massage group than the other, leading the authors to conclude that both pregnant mothers and their children may benefit from massage therapy.

The effects of massage therapy was studied on pregnant women versus relaxation therapy. After five weeks of twice-weekly 20-minute sessions, both groups experienced reduced anxiety and leg pain, but only the massage group reported improved mood, better sleep, and less back pain.

One study performed a comprehensive review of massage therapy and its affect on stress reduction. After numerous studies, the team concluded that single treatments improved stress-related conditions and longer-term benefits were apparent in blood pressure, but they were unable to prove longer-term stress-related benefits for massage.

It can be concluded that the effects of massage therapy are simply wonderful and enlightening!


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Girl's Birthday Spa Party

Are you looking for something unique to do for your daughter's birthday? Try a Spa Party!

Girl's Birthday Spa Party

Have your daughter feel like a princess on her special day, at the area's only Country Retreat. Whether it's a few friends or a group, make it a day she'll remember forever. Day includes but not limited to:

Gentle pineapple herbal facials

Paraffin fun dip

Chocolate fountain with strawberries

Balloons

Snacks and punch

$275.00 for five girls

Additional girls at $55.00 

*prices subject to vary

36 Oaks Country Retreat

6963 Gibson Canyon Road

Vacaville, CA 95688

Open 7 Days By Appointment Only

707-447-8037

Hot Stone Massage

Origins:

Massage is believed to be one of the oldest and simplest forms of medical care. In many Eastern cultures, massage has been practiced as a form of medicine since ancient times and continues to be used for relieving pain and treating various ailments. These days, it is widely accepted that massage has proven to be of great benefit to those suffering from emotional, mental and physical stress.

Heated stones have been used for over 2000 years as a healing practice to relieve pain, tensions and stress. The three most principle cultures that have influenced the ways in which hot stone massage has evolved are the Chinese, Native Americans, and Hawaiians. In addition, the use of heated stones on the lower abdomen to relieve cramps was a common practice performed by Native Americans.

Although the use of hot stones can be dated back to ancient times, the unique techniques used in today's modern hot stone massage have the added benefit of being developed by therapists whose experience literally spans the globe, in terms of the skills they have managed to acquire.

What is it and how does it work:

Hot stone massage is an alternative form of classic massage therapy that uses heated stones placed on a range of key energy points along the body in conjunction with an active massage, also using heated stones and luxuriously warmed oils.

Hot stones are usually made of basalt, a type of rock originating from volcanic lava flow, that has become completely polished and smooth over time spent at the bottom of a river bed. Basalt is rich in iron, which gives it powerful heat retention properties. For the treatment, these stones are immersed in water and heated in an electrical 'stone roaster,' until they are within the correct temperature range. A range of stone sizes are used according to which part of the body the stone is been used. The stones are then oiled and used in the hands of the therapist to massage the body and/or face and scalp.

The therapist massages the body with the stones and her hands using a variety of strong massage strokes and techniques. The pressure and the heat that is applied to the body through the stones penetrates deep into the belly of the muscles, making for a much more deeply effective massage. The heat that is released warms and relaxes the muscles, releasing unwanted tensions, pains and toxins, which ultimately rebalances and calms the body.

Effects:

In addition to providing deep relaxation and comfort for the client, hot stone massage is associated with having many beneficial effects on the body. It acts as a healing therapy for relieving pain as well as helping a variety of health conditions and their symptoms.

Some of these effects include: 

• Pain Relief - including back pain, aches and muscle tension
• Stress and anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Improves blood circulation - and is particularly beneficial for clients who suffer from the cold
• Stimulates the nervous system
• Relieves pain caused by osteoarthritis, arthritis and rheumatism
• Energising and rejuvenating
• Relaxation

Hot stone massage also offers a very holistic approach and can heal the mind as well as the body. The direct heat of the stone and the aromas of the oils effectively provide an intense calmness to the mind, enabling the body to go into a state of deep relaxation. As a result, this rejuvenates and re-energises the mind and the body.

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Anti-Aging Facial

If you want to soften the signs of aging, treat yourself to this deeply nourishing and revitalizing experience. Throughout this exceptional treatment, you will feel the youthfullness returning to your skin. Noursihed, your skin will be smooth and visibly younger. You will feel very relaxed and rejuvenated! This treatment is designed especially for those 40 and over. This treatment includes cleansing, exfoliating, gentle stone and hand massage, derma fill mask and eye treatment, tight firm and fill eye and lip area treatment, as well as defend and restore moisturizing cream.

60 minutes - $75

Call 36 Oaks Country Retreat to schedule an appointment to try this facial or any other of our relaxing spa treatments. 

(707) 447-8037

Men's Facial

A very relaxing treatment to brighten and purify your skin. This treatment is especially tailored to men to thoroughly clean your skin. Your skin will regain its radiance and vitality and be visibly brighter.

45 minutes - $60

Call 36 Oaks Country Retreat today to schedule your appointment to try this facial or any other of our relaxing spa treatments. 

(707) 447-8037