Going to a spa is a way of getting taken care of that is psychologically and culturally acceptable -- and we can carry that feeling of being cared for with us for a period of time, and very often that can help us cope better with stress," says NYU professor of psychiatry Virginia Sadock, MD.
Moreover, she says, most spa treatments involve being touched, a key element in helping us relax and feel better.
"Physical contact is necessary to our well-being, and even if the touching is from a stranger, if that stranger is a professional there to pamper you, that touch will have a beneficial effect," says Sadock.
And at least some studies show that these benefits can translate into better health. In one study of more than 3,300 Japanese government workers, frequency of spa use was linked to better physical and mental health, including better quality sleep and fewer sick days. In a similar study on German data conducted by researchers from Florida State University and George Mason University, spa therapy reduced both absenteeism from work and hospitalizations.
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A Spa massage has many health benefits. It helps the emotional, mental and physical well being. Massage can help in the regular wellness of an individual. A good Spa massage would help to calm down the nervous system and promote a sense of well being and relaxation. Massage also helps to reduce anxiety and tension. Massage also delivers nutrients to the cell.
Along with oxygen and also improves circulation. Massage also helps to release the body's waste products. A good Spa massage would help relieve muscle cramps and also spasms. There are also conditions like sciatica and arthritis that need pain management and Spa massage helps to reduce these conditions.
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When someone says, "I just had a great facial," most people think of expensive creams and glamorous services that cost a bundle. The hype of the beauty industry has most people believing that a facial is nothing more than a pampering indulgence for special occasions. That could not be further from the truth. The health benefits of a facial far outweigh the beauty benefits. In tandem, however, they produce the healthy glow we all want.
The major health benefits of regular facials are regulation of the immune system, detoxification, reduction in fluid build-up, exfoliation, and stress relief. These benefits are achieved in a facial that incorporates lymphatic drainage, exfoliation treatments, acupressure, and aromatherapy.
The lymphatic system plays a vital role in the body by regulating the immune system. The lymph system, which is carried through a colorless fluid, runs alongside the blood vessel system. When the lymphatic system becomes blocked, lymphatic fluid builds up and the entire system can become toxic. Lymphatic drainage uses specific movements to clear the blockages, which helps remove metabolic wastes and toxins through the lymph nodes situated around the face and neck. The waste that is filtered through the lymph nodes is then eliminated from the body. The results improve the appearance of the skin by reducing puffiness, rejuvenating collagen fibers, and slowing the aging process. A facial also has a calming effect on the nervous system that helps reduce stress and tension.
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Exfoliation is a process in which the top layers of the skin are removed, so that the newer, younger cells may reach the surface. As we age, this "sloughing off' process becomes slower and slower. As we have all heard, even the Great Smoky Mountains and surrounding areas, not to mention urban areas like Atlanta, Georgia, have a very high ozone rating. This smog rests on the skin, not only clogging pores, but also being absorbed into the skin's cells. These toxins are going directly through the skin into our bloodstreams. Monthly facials and a weekly routine of exfoliation can keep the skin clean and smooth with an even skin tone. Discolorations fade and often disappear. The skin looks and acts more like young skin.
While regular skin cleansing is clearly beneficial, exfoliating on a regular basis -- once or twice a week for mild exfoliation, once or twice a month for more intense treatments -- can improve the results of your skin care routine and help rejuvenate your skin. Whether you have dry, normal, oily or sensitive skin, exfoliation can bring new life to your complexion.
If you've had a pedicure, then you're familiar with the benefits of exfoliation. Foot calluses can develop due to daily pressure from workouts, walking and wearing those truly fashionable, but less-than-comfortable shoes that you adore. But after a little apricot scrub and a session with a pumice stone, your feet can feel soft, smooth and sandal-ready. While you wouldn't employ the exact same methods on your face, or even your arms and legs, the rest of your body certainly can benefit from a little exfoliating.
The process of exfoliation rids the body of any dry, dull skin by removing dead skin cells from the surface of the epidermis. By removing these dead cells, exfoliation can help keep pores from becoming clogged and leave skin with a refreshed and clean feeling. What's the benefit to clean and clear pores? Clogged pores can result in blackheads and acne. Furthermore, when pores are clogged, they appear larger. So, if you're worried about the size of your pores, although you can't reduce their actual size (genetics is the biggest factor in pore size), you can help diminish their appearance by keeping them clog-free.
In addition to the immediate visual benefits of exfoliation, the removal of dead skin cells speeds up the skin renewal process, allowing smoother, healthier skin cells to take their place. Not only will this help with fine lines and wrinkles, but it will help to ease discoloration as well.
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Many of the ladies have long known the luxury of a spa pedicure, but could a pedicure actually have health benefits not only for the ladies, but
for the men too?
Your feet take a beating, and if you happen to be carrying extra weight on your frame, your feet get the brunt of it. The average person takes
8,000 to 10,000 steps a day, which adds up to about 115,000 miles over a lifetime. Comparing in terms of cars, not every one will drive a car that
has 115,000 miles, especially if it hasn’t been properly maintained.
There are health benefits in properly maintaining your feet. Cutting, clipping and cleaning of the nails prevents nails from growing inward and
causing infection. The elimination of dirt and bacteria from your feet will also help prevent nail diseases and disorders and helps eliminate foot
odor.
Exfoliation, or the sloughing off of dead skin cells, prevents the cells from accumulating and causing bunions or corns, which can be painful.
Removal of the dead skins cells also encourages newer skin cell growth which creates a smoother, more appealing foot.
The most enjoyable part of the salon pedicure is the massage. The lotion and/or oils used in the massage moisturize the newly exfoliated skin, and
massaging promotes circulation in the calves and feet. It can reduce foot pain from being on one’s feet all day and can help maintain the health
and performance of the muscles. And let’s face it, a nice time out for this pampering can reduce stress.
Nail color is optional. It is fun for the ladies and avoided by the men. Men, obviously you don’t have to get the color, but consider for a moment
some of the fun you could have. If you’re a sports fan, you could have your nails painted like baseballs, basketballs, or soccer balls. You could
even have them done as dice. (although it would be recommended to have the baby toe be the one and the big toe be the five.) You don’t have to
leave it on, but imagine her surprise when you show up at home that night with a Superman logo on your toes?
Whether or not you get the color, the heath benefits of pedicures are not imagined and are a part of proper foot care. Gone are the days when this
kind of foot care was only a luxury only for the ladies. Everyone deserves to take good care of their feet.
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Acupressure is effective as a health maintenance system to reduce stress, increase circulation and tune up your energy. The technique's purpose is to stimulate the body's own recuperative powers. Various points on the face and head are pressed to stimulate the body's electromagnetic energy. This stimulation removes blockages by diffusing lactic acid and carbon monoxide that accumulates in muscle tissue. Blood and lymph flow more freely and tension that is held in the face is relieved. Sinus problems and TMJ conditions also respond exceptionally well to acupressure.
Aromatherapy awakens and strengthens our vital energies and self-healing capabilities. Essential oils have the ability to directly affect the brain
and the many psychological and physiological processes of the mind and body. Since they permeate to the deep levels of the skin, they nourish,
tighten, cleanse, detoxify, increase blood circulation, calm and support the skin's functions.
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 The next life extension tool that Dr. Oz wheels onto Oprah's stage can help you burn 700 calories...without lifting a finger.
Dr. Oz says his in-laws introduced him to the infrared sauna, which is slightly different than a normal sauna. "It makes the same rays that come from the sun and filters out the UV radiation, so it only gives you the infrared radiation," he says. "That radiation that's infrared goes a little bit into your skin so, without heating you up and the external environment too much, it heats the body up."
After a few minutes in the sauna, Oprah says she's starting to feel the heat. Dr. Oz says the high temperature helps lower blood pressure and increase blood circulation. "It gets your heart to beat faster, and it burns calories," Dr. Oz says. "It raises your metabolism a little bit, and also when you sweat, you sweat out toxins through the skin."
Click Here for the original article on Oprah.com.
A holistic facial uses pure botanical products and an emphasis on nurturing the body, mind, and soul. An energy based healing treatment, such as
Healing Touch or Reiki, is used to help relax the mind and lull you into a restful state. The skin is cleansed, exfoliated, and the lymph flow is
stimulated with facial massage and specific oils. This process purifies and strengthens the immune system, resulting in a skin that glows with
healthy radiance. An appropriate mask is applied, followed by therapeutic and luxurious preparations that are prescribed for each particular skin
type. A scalp massage is the final touch.
So in order to receive the many benefits related to your health, be sure to find an Esthetician who incorporates these holistic and healing
techniques. Your skin and your health will benefit!
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