February News That You Can Use!
Spa Things for Lovers and Others.
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Everyone can benefit from something at a spa - from Oldsters, to Lovers, for Men and Women - we have something on our menu to delight. Typically, since Valentine's Day falls in this month, we focus on Couples Massages. If you're not familiar, with a couples massage you are in the same room, receiving the same massage at the same time. At Spa 131, we offer a 60 minute Swedish Massage service in this package for $199. At the conclusion of your service, our couples are escorted into our Tranquility Room and provided a glass of wine or bubbly. You are invited a stay as long as you like. Unfortunately (or fortunately for us) the week of Valentine's Day has been book up for several weeks. We can however, provide beautiful gift certificate to be redeemed at a future date.
Speaking of Gift Certificates,
you do still have time to stop in and pick up your Valentine a gift certificate for either a specific service or a dollar amount.
You may also purchase online and have the gift certificate emailed to your far-away-Valentine.
*insert sad face here
Last month I shared about our upcoming LED/Photo Light Therapy for FULL BODY. I am going to share the info again, as I think it is THAT must of a BIG DEAL. Today is my 3rd straight day of using and plan on continuing for 7 more consecutive days. I will give report in the March Blog. I can honestly say that I haven't been this excited about a new service in quite a long time.
Full Body LED Light Therapy You’re going to want this … and want it often!
What exactly is it? While LED light therapy is fairly new in the skin care world, it has been used for a very, very long time. It was developed by NASA scientists to help increase cellular activity in the zero light conditions of space. They found that, in addition to bumping up the volume of collagen, elastin and ATP at the cellular level, LEDs increase muscle regeneration and wound healing. Light-Emitting Diodes are thought to produce a biochemical effect in cells that strengthen the mitochondria. Mitochondria are the power house of the cell makeup - it is where the cellular energy is created. The energy-carrying molecule found in the cells of all living things is called adenosine triphosphate - or ATP. By increasing the function of the mitochondria, by using LEDs - specifically the RED lights - a cell can make more ATP (cellular energy) and cells can function efficiently and increasingly to rejuvenate, regenerate and repair, from head to toe.
Know that LED therapy is very different from the lights emitted from the sun. This is not UVA/UVB rays. It is not like lasers or intense pulsed light (IPL) and does not cause damage to the skin. Our panels perform at an average of 600nm, which is found to be the more beneficial range. Exposing yourself to just 10 minutes several times per week (even daily), can have a cumulative effect on your overall health. It has been found that the regenerative effects can do amazing things such as:
- promote wound healing and tissue repair
- improve hair growth in clients with alopecia
- reduce psoriasis lesions and help with eczema
- benefits those with arthritis
- improves complexion and builds collagen to lessen the appearance of wrinkles
- helps to repair sun damage
- prevents recurring cold sores from herpes simplex virus
- improves good health
- diminishes scars
- relieves/reduces overall pain and inflammation
- Treats SAD (seasonal affective disorder) and depression
- activates lymphatic system (sewer system of the body)
- reduces the appearance of cellulite
- aids in weight loss
- helps with back or neck pain by reducing inflammation
- kills p.acne bacteria
- helps age well overall
Guests of Spa 131 have heard me refer to LED Therapy as the “aging well magic bullet.” While it is really a surprisingly straight-forward therapy - no magic at all - the treatment is non-invasive and cumulative to achieve long term effects. Results are depending on age, lifestyle, diet and skin conditions - and most guest feel an overall change almost immediately, typically reporting a tightening on the skin. The most effective course for optimal outcome is to make a commitment to 12 sessions - we advise twice weekly for a period of 6 weeks.
Spa Services for Stress Relief
The first step to controlling stress is to know the symptoms of stress. But recognizing stress symptoms may be harder than you think. Most of us are so used to being stressed, we often don't know we are stressed until we are at the breaking point.
Stress is the body's reaction to harmful situations -- whether they’re real or perceived. When you feel threatened, a chemical reaction occurs in your body that allows you to act in a way to prevent injury. This reaction is known as "fight-or-flight,” or the stress response. During stress response, your heart rate increases, breathing quickens, muscles tighten, and blood pressurerises. You’ve gotten ready to act. It is how you protect yourself.
Stress means different things to different people. What causes stress in one person may be of little concern to another. Some people are better able to handle stress than others. And, not all stress is bad. In small doses, stress can help you accomplish tasks and prevent you from getting hurt. For example, stress is what gets you to slam on the breaks to avoid hitting the car in front of you. That's a good thing.
Our bodies are designed to handle small doses of stress. But, we are not equipped to handle long-term, chronic stress without ill consequences.
Stress can affect all aspects of your life, including your emotions, behaviors, thinking ability, and physical health. No part of the body is immune. But, because people handle stress differently, symptoms of stress can vary. Symptoms can be vague and may be the same as those caused by medical conditions. So it is important to discuss them with your doctor. You may experience any of the following symptoms of stress.
Emotional symptoms of stress include:
- Becoming easily agitated, frustrated, and moody
- Feeling overwhelmed, like you are losing control or need to take control
- Having difficulty relaxing and quieting your mind
- Feeling bad about yourself (low self-esteem), lonely, worthless, and depressed
- Avoiding others
Physical symptoms of stress include:
- Low energy
- Headaches
- Upset stomach, including diarrhea, constipation, and nausea
- Aches, pains, and tense muscles
- Chest pain and rapid heartbeat
- Insomnia
- Frequent colds and infections
- Loss of sexual desire and/or ability
- Nervousness and shaking, ringing in the ear, cold or sweaty hands and feet
- Dry mouth and difficulty swallowing
- Clenched jaw and grinding teeth
Cognitive symptoms of stress include:
- Constant worrying
- Racing thoughts
- Forgetfulness and disorganization
- Inability to focus
- Poor judgment
- Being pessimistic or seeing only the negative side
Behavioral symptoms of stress include:
- Changes in appetite -- either not eating or eating too much
- Procrastinating and avoiding responsibilities
- Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes
- Exhibiting more nervous behaviors, such as nail biting, fidgeting, and pacing
Stress is a part of life. What matters most is how you handle it. The best thing you can do to prevent stress overload and the health consequences that come with it is to know your stress symptoms
To many, of not most of us, the epitome of relaxation includes a day at the spa.
Spa treatments and massage therapies, which are quick and relatively affordable, create both mental and physical health benefits. In fact, studies have shown that the frequency of visiting a spa directly correlates with better quality sleep, fewer sick days, reduced absenteeism from work and fewer hospitalizations. More specifically, the heat treatments soothes aches and pains from arthritis, fibromyalgia and other joint issues. Massage and facials both improve blood circulation and help to manage blood pressure. Spa 131 even offers flexibility and body stretching.
Throughout the process of massage therapy, lymph flow stimulation enhances the immune system. Proper lymph flow, the body’s defense, draws out metabolic waste, excess water, toxins, and bacteria from the muscles. In turn, swelling and soreness decreases while ability to fight off disease increases. Massage also improves circulation and posture. Both Amy and Ginger are experts for this. Amy will relax you like you’ve never before. If you are wound up tight these girls are just what your body is calling for.
Facials detoxify the skin from built up waste and bacteria. This is important because the skin is not only the largest organ in the body, but also the first line of defense against environmental toxins. Facials release stress tension from the head and neck, which can prevent headaches. Ginger is experienced in providing Migraine relief services. The use of essential oils provide therapeutic benefits plus spa facials provide nourishment to the skin through the earth’s natural elements, like soil, clay, and water, which are full of vitamins and minerals.
As an additional stress reliever, most spas make the effort to use products that increase the physical and mental benefits of your particular service or treatment. In other words, lotions, scrubs, wraps, etc. come in soothing scents like lavender, eucalyptus, and aloe.
So that’s for this brief February Blog. We sure to hope to have you in real soon. Ginger is still offering LYPOCUPPING for Cellulite Reduction for just $90 per hour session. Also, remember that she is fully certified and trained to offer Lymphatic Drainage Massage, Myofascial Release and Trigger Point Therapy.
For a little personal girlie stuff, I want to let you know about Ashli's special PEACH TREAT. This is designed to go along with those that get Brazilian Services - similar to a facial, but specifically for your girlie parts. If you experience prickles, ingrowns, etc, I highly encourage you to ask about this lovely service. Try it once and you’ll find out what you’ve been missing. You will LOVE it!
Thanks for your time, my friends. See you soon!!!
Marci Delaney and the Spa 131 Team
131 State Street
West Columbia, SC 29169
803-251-9400
www.spa131.com
