Wiki - Body Rejuvenation
Table of Contents
MASSAGES: Five Reasons to Give Yourself Massages
1. Massages decrease stress, depression, and anxiety. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, studied patients who had undergone open-heart surgery. They compared the benefits of massage and quiet relaxation time and found that those in the massage group were significantly less anxious and tense. They also reported significantly less pain.
2. A rub down reduces lower back pain. Researchers found that those who got 30 minutes of massage therapy twice a week had less pain and more mobility and range of motion in their lower backs.
3. You’ll Sleep Better! Journal of Clinical Rheumatology compared the benefits of massage to those of relaxation therapy on people who have fibromyalgia. After five weeks of twice- weekly 30-minute massages, those in the massage therapy group slept longer and more soundly than those who had relaxation therapy. Plus, people in the rub-down group also found their pain level decreased and they had fewer tender spots on their bodies.
4. Massages can ease knee pain. Weekly Swedish massages decreased knee pain in those suffering from osteoarthritis.
5. Massage Therapy alleviates Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which is when the median nerve that runs through the wrist becomes trapped, causing pain and tingling can be alleviated with a gentle massage. One study reported in Rheumatology International divided carpal tunnel sufferers into two groups. One group got hand massages in addition to wearing wrist splints, while the other group just wore the wrist splints. At the end of the study, those in the massage group had better grip strength and less pain.
MASSAGES: Modalities and Techniques
Whether it’s your first time at a spa or you’re a serious enthusiast, massage tends to be at the top of everyone’s list of must-have services. The Chinese have used massage since 1600 BC, and the technique has been mentioned in ancient records from the Arabic, Egyptian, Greek, Japanese, Greek and Roman nations as well. There are as many as 80 different massage modalities and techniques, and the most common link between all of them is the human touch. From Ayurvedic to Thai, the emotional and physical benefits of massage have the ability to pay us back tenfold.
When most people think of massage, they think of Swedish. The style takes its name from a 19th-century Swedish physiologist, Per Henrik Ling, whose system of medical gymnastics included massage. Swedish massage is defined by four or five (somewhat familiar) techniques, which have French names: effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic choppings), and friction (rubbing). Some therapists now incorporate advanced techniques that have rehabilitating effects and stretches for improving your range of motion. But the ultimate goal is relaxation. Swedish massage relaxes the nervous system, aids circulation, and helps with detoxification.
A Couple’s Massage allows partners to experience massage together in the same area as one therapist works on each person. Our Spa increasingly continue to cater to couples and the couple’s massage is just one treatment we take to heart. Our Spa turn this into a romantic event that can leave guests starry-eyed, setting the treatment in a special room. For an extra-special touch, rooms reserved for side-by-side massage treatments featuring a shower facility. At the end of the couples massage or package we offer irresistible amenities like champagne and chocolates as a sumptuous treat.
Like its name suggests, Deep-Tissue Massage targets your body’s deepest layers of muscle and releases tension in overstressed areas. When your muscles are severely knotted, this therapeutic treatment is designed to break it up. Deep-tissue massage is a mix of slow, long, strokes and penetrating finger pressure focused on tight, contracted areas. The therapist employs her thumbs, forearms, and even elbows to work muscle tissue and relieve tension. Be warned, if it’s your first massage or you don’t get much exercise, steer clear of deep-tissue massage, you could end up very sore the next day. A deep-tissue massage can help heal injuries and release adhesions and knots caused by stress.
MASSAGES: Benefits of Arnica Sports Massage
The entire body is warmed and massaged with Arnica & Ivy Extracts.
Arnica is famous for its anti inflammatory effects and its efficacy in soothing sprains, and rheumatic muscle and joint pain. Paired with a Therapeutic Touch Massage Cream, this massage uses classic combinations of sports stretches, compressions and deep tissue work to restore mobility, vitality and body comfort: perfect for ensuring optimum performance at work and at play. One of the best massage oils for any massage oil recipe, arnica (botanical name: Arnica montana) has anti-inflammatory properties, making it perfect for sports massage (and sport injuries) because it helps to relax overworked muscles, but also reduces inflammation.
Arnica oil is made from the arnica plant found in the central and northern regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It is an herb with a rich history of use in Russian and Swiss Alps natural medicine. The arnica plant often grows 1-2 feet, and looks like a daisy with it’s yellow/orange color and round green leaves. It’s fresh or dried flower heads are used to make an infused oil that can be used as a carrier oil in massage therapy.
Benefits of Arnica Sports Massage:
Relief for injured muscles with inflammation and pain due to muscle sprains, swelling, trauma, insect bites, and bruising.
Plastic surgeons recommend that their patients use arnica creams to reduce post-surgical bruising.
Oil helps to speed the healing process by moving waste-filled fluids out of the body, and moving cleansing fluids into the affected area
MASSAGES: Reflexology Explained
Reflexology can access thousands of nerve endings in each foot that connect to every part of our body. It encourages the flow of energy or circulation within the body, which facilitates balance and healing. Four Reasons to get Reflexology Treatments:
1. It feels good
2. It is healing
3. It is relaxing
4. It is energizing
5. Acupuncture points to help with blood circulation accross your body organs.
6. Improves inmune system.
MASSAGES: Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage
Deep Tissue Massage targets the deep tissue structure of the fascia and muscles, referred to as connective tissue. Of the many types of massage, this type of massage focuses on the release of muscle tension and chronic knots (aka adhesions).
Deep tissue massage can break up and eliminate scar tissue from previous injuries. A common problem is that stressed muscles can block nutrients and oxygen from getting to where they need to go, and this will cause inflammation that allows toxins to build up in your muscle tissue. The inflammation and toxins contribute to pain and stress. This massage breaks up and releases the built-up toxins by loosening the muscles. With the toxins released, blood and oxygen can circulate as they should through one’s body. Being properly hydrated before you go to your massage appointment and drinking plenty of water after one of these massages is highly recommended.
The strokes used in Deep Massage are similar to those used in a Swedish Massage except more pressure is used and it uses cross grain strokes (strokes that go across the gain of the muscles instead of with the grain). As with a classic Swedish massage, you will be lying naked on a massage table and partially covered with a sheet or towel.
During Swedish massage, usually the therapist will only use their hand and forearm, however with a Deep Massage, elbows, fingers, and ceramic, wooden, or glass tools may be used for optimal penetration of the muscle. The speed of the strokes will be slower than a classic massage as well, which means they are longer in duration (about an hour and a half, depending on the therapist and how much you pay). If you tell the therapist where your trouble spots are (everyone has one or two) before the massage starts, during the massage the therapist will apply pressure and hold it for a few minutes before moving on, for extra relief.
Many massage therapists have some basic deep tissue training, so they can do some of the techniques during a classic massage. However, for a good Deep Tissue Massage you should find a massage therapist that specializes in deep tissue massaging. There may be some soreness after a massage; however, the soreness should go away within a day or two. The massage should not hurt but will be a little more uncomfortable than a classic massage. If you feel the pressure is too hard, tell the masseur. Do not act tough if the massage causes severe pain or the pressure is too hard, as it may do more damage than restoration.
A good way to recover from a Massage is by soaking in a warm bath with Epsom salt. This soaking is recommended because it will help get more of the toxins out of your body (Epsom salt draws the toxins out into the water). Your muscles need some rest after one of these massages, even if you feel no soreness. So do not plan any activities within a day of a Deep Tissue Massage. Some people think that if you just push hard enough, a knot could be worked out in one session, but this is not the case. For built-up tension and chronic knots (adhesions) deep tissue massage is just one part of the treatment. If you do not exercise, correct your posture, and/or employ relaxation techniques along with Deep Tissue Massage you may not get the full benefits from your massage.
One of the most important things to remember to do when getting a Deep Tissue Massage is to breathe deeply during the session and while relaxing afterwards. Oxygenating the muscles will help the massage do its work and ease discomfort.
Body Wrap / Body Wrapping
Vacation season is around the corner. Most of you will probably be rocking a swimsuit somewhere tropical. Let’s face it, no matter what size or shape you are, there’s an area on your body you’re self-conscious about. This is why we created a series of different body wraps to target these problem areas. Including the newest additions: Nourish & Firm Lavender Clay Body Wrap and Slimming Thermo-Active Body Wrap. These are not miracle treatments. As with anything you want to see results in, you have to keep at it. We recommend doing the treatment once a month for 6 consecutive months to see results.
Bikini season will be here before you know it (believe it or not). We all have those problem areas we’re self-conscious about that exercising doesn’t fix. That is why Faina European Spa have created a series of NEW Body Wraps that are Anti-Cellulite, Firming, or Slimming. Body Wraps are effective non-surgical treatments that can be done on the full body or just to target your problem areas. It is highly recommended that you do a series of them to see results because it is not a miracle treatment. As in anything you want to maintain, you have to keep at it!
Body Scrubs
Body Scrubs have several rejuvenating benefits for the skin. One of the biggest benefits of a body exfoliation is the glow your skin is left with. It’s great for removing dead skin dirt and oil from the outer layer of the skin while nourishing and moisturizing leaving the body and mind feeling renewed and radiant.
This paves the way for fresh new cells to regenerate and leaves you looking and feeling fabulous. It’s also recommended to have right before you start to tan and when your tan starts to fade. Do you feel like you’re carrying the world’s burdens on your shoulders? Massage alleviates the effects of stress you often aren’t even aware of. Large muscle knots create pockets of tension throughout your body, blocking vital energy, reducing circulation and glandular function. Through massage, your body gets the healthy attention it deserves without pills or drugs.
Protect Your Skin ! Don't forget the SPF !
We sense that there will be a lot of frolicking in the sun this weekend, so here’s a friendly reminder: It may not be summer quite yet, but the sun has damaging effects which cause the skin to age. Warm weather days are finally here, don’t forget the SPF before you leave the house! Most importantly, have fun!
There are only around 93 days of summer. We all want to take advantage of the warm sunny days at the park, beach, picnics, barbecues, pool parties, lakes, etc. It is easy to forget to protect your skin when you’re having fun. Summer is really heating up in the last couple of weeks. Don’t forget to PROTECT YOUR SKIN!!! Make sure to apply sunscreen with SPF on your skin if you’re outdoors for an extended period of time, and reapply often. Don’t forget to protect your lips with some lip balm with SPF as well. Hydrating your body is also super important. The sun ages your skin, so try to avoid overexposure. Remember to hydrate by drinking plenty of water and moisturize to rejuvenate your skin after a day in the sun.
Detox Explained
“Detox” is a pretty popular word nowadays when it comes to health. There are infinite ways and benefits to detoxification. Simple detoxification helps with bloating, fatigue, depuffing under eyes, brightens skin, more energy, lose weight, just to name a few.
The body needs “purification” from time to time so that it eradicates the negative effects from the environment and everything your organs can function efficiently. There are short and long term detoxification. Every little bit helps when it comes to making better choices to be healthier. It can be as simple as drinking lemon water throughout the day. You can even do a 3- day detox. There is so much you can research on.
One very important way to detox once in a while in this technology age is “digital detoxification”. We are on our phones, tablets, and computers way too much. Definitely take some time to put the devices away, particularly while the weather is nice. Do some gardening, go to the beach, read a book, walk in the park. Do anything without your devices! We promise it will feel sooo good!!!
Cranberries/Pomegranates: superfoods that are great for your skin!
Did you know that Cranberry and Pomegranate are great foods to promote heart health and prevent cancer! Cranberries and Pomegranates are also packed with Vitamin C, and potassium and antioxidants which provide great anti-aging benefits for your skin! One could add cranberry essential oils packed with antioxidants that are equal to those in green tea and red wine, and especially loaded with Vitamin C and Potassium to rejuvenate, relax and restore elasticity to the skin. The massage is a combination of Swedish and deep tissue techniques, Please call to book this type of treatment.
Making Scents of Aromatherapy
The practice of using essential oils dates back to Egyptian times (it’s been said Cleopatra was a fan). Today, aromatherapy is used to promote well-being and stimulate the senses in a wide range of spa treatments, varying from massage to facials to hydrotherapy. Fragrant essential extracts sourced from plants, flowers and herbs are mainly applied for their therapeutic benefits; studies show aromatherapy not only improves your mood, but may reduce stress levels and treat insomnia. So whether you want to rejuvenate or simply smell delicious, we say aromatherapy just makes sense!
Know Before You Go. Step into a spa and one of the first things you’ll notice is a signature scent wafting in the air—it’s there to entice your senses straight off the bat and sets the tone for a relaxed experience. Not only is aromatherapy used to set the mood in a spa, it’s celebrated for healing purposes as well. Different natural oils are used for different therapeutic benefits—for example, lavender endorses calm—so speak with your therapist about what you’d like to accomplish during your treatment. Since ancient times, aromatherapy has been known for its therapeutic powers, celebrated as a natural aid that’s integrated into spa treatments and beauty products.
Reap the Benefits. Essential oils are extracted from different parts of plants — flowers, twigs, leaves, stalks, resins, roots, etc. — depending on the oil. When choosing products for aromatherapy purposes, it’s important that they are created with essential oils, and that the oils are pure, natural, and non-synthetic.
Eucalyptus: good for fighting a cold
Lavender: good for antibacterial purposes
Sandalwood: good for calming the senses
Know How It Works. Essential oils work in one of two ways: through absorption or inhalation, although there are also some benefits associated with aerial diffusion (room fragrance) as well. Absorption is best used to alleviate muscle or joint pains, when the essential oil is directly applied to the skin. Absorption aids are found in skin-care products, bath remedies, and spa treatments. Inhalation is appropriate for alleviating annoyances such as sinus congestion (it’s not recommended for those with asthma, however.) It’s found in steams, oils, and vapors.
DIY Lip Scrub
Exfoliating our lips is not a common practice, but it should be! The cold can be brutal on our lips making them dry and chapped. A major cosmetic brand came out with a line of lip scrubs recently. But if you’re not sure it’s a routine you can stick to, you can totally start by using a DIY lip scrub. You won’t need to spend any money because you probably have some of the ingredients in your pantry!
First you will need a tiny little container. You can either buy an empty travel size container, or you can be creative in reusing something you already have. Such as contact lens case, empty containers from product samples, mint tin, and sauce containers from takeout are great options. You need two basic ingredients: an oil and an exfoliant. Coconut or olive oil are commonly used. Sugar is a good exfoliant for lips. You can research all kinds of recipes online. Measurements don’t have to be as precise as say, baking a cake. You can always add more of an ingredient to get the consistency you want. One easy one you can try is 1 tb coconut oil and 2 tbs sugar. Just mix together in a small bowl. The consistency should be like wet sand. You can adjust by adding more of either ingredient to get to the right consistency. To make it smell extra scrumptious you can add a few drops of vanilla extract and if you want a hint of color, add a couple drops of food coloring. Once you get to the consistency you like, try it on your lips! Apply on your lips and gently scrub away for a minute or two. Leave it on for a few minutes. Then wipe it off with damp paper towel or lick it off! Apply some lip balm to your newly soft pucker to finish.