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Archive for the ‘Spa Revelations by Vicky Karr’ Category
April 7, 2015
Who would’ve thought that my hair would be this year’s trend? Not me certainly! I was on the high maintenance path for many years—coloring my hair every four weeks, in an attempt to remain youthful looking. Until….I made a conscious choice to get off that crazy merry-go-round of endless effort and allow my natural color, which is gray, to shine through. My mantra today is: “what you see is what you get.”
I’ve heard it referred to as the “silver tsunami” because my generation is the fastest growing demographic. But also, young individuals are actually dying their hair gray/silver in an effort to be trendy. It does appear that we have entered the pro-age era instead of anti-age. Why not embrace the natural processing of aging, and do it with grace, style and pizazz?
March 16, 2015
Like most things today, not all honey is created equal. As a rule of thumb, you get what you pay for—read the label. On many grocery store shelves today, what is being promoted as honey is actually not even generated by honey bees, but from a laboratory.
Probably the queen of honey bees feed on the Manuka bush in New Zealand. Among the many known therapeutic benefits is its ability to improve skin tone and texture. It works marvelously for acne and eczema clients because of its antimicrobial, antibacterial and healing properties.
We know it’s delicious in our tea, and now an effective face wash as well? Sweet!!
February 3, 2015
Yay for coffee! Did you know that a new study by the National Institute for Health has added an additional benefit for coffee drinkers?
It appears that higher coffee consumption is linked to a lower risk of skin cancer. People (me) who consumed at least four cups of caffeinated coffee daily had a lower risk (20 percent lower) of malignant melanoma when compared to those who consumed less than one cup per day. Spa-goers will be thrilled to know that there is one more way to protect skin against the damaging effects of the sun.
This is the first large-scale study to look specifically at malignant melanoma, which is the fifth most common cancer in the US and the leading cause of skin cancer deaths.
So, drink up my friends—but don’t forget the sunscreen!
January 20, 2015
Here’s something you already know…it’s cold and flu season! But, did you also know that if you receive a massage while you are battling a cold or the flu, you not only expose your massage therapist to the illness, you also risk becoming even more ill (initially)?
It’s called “Healing Crisis” and does have a benefit—it can flush the toxins in your body more rapidly (meaning you will get better more quickly). But, the downside is that you will feel worse before feeling better, while your body is working overtime during the flushing process.
Be informed and be considerate—your massage therapist wants you to feel better, but not at the expense of her/his own health! Perhaps a detox bath and/or detox tea (at home) is a better solution for everyone involved…..
January 8, 2015
If you have begun 2015 with a mindful decision to eat and drink more cleanly, (as so many of us have), but you have a bit of leftover champagne—no reason to waste by pouring it down the drain! Heads up folks—those bubbles actually have beauty benefits and can be used as a hair rinse, face toner and a soothing bubble bath.
Along with feeling decadent, there are the therapeutic properties of antioxidants, Vitamin C & E (from grape seed extract); and it is a natural exfoliant (from the carbon dioxide in the bubbles).
So…..Cheers! To an amazing year—-No Waste & No Waist!
November 13, 2014
Did you know that the seemingly simple act as a golf swing has an immense stress on the musculoskeletal system? That split-second maneuver requires such precision and uses so many muscles that it is no wonder the golfer’s body is a ticking time bomb for acute injury and chronic pain.
Most people choose to play golf because it can be and is very relaxing—but, not if it causes pain and injury! Just as regular practice can improve the golfer’s game, so can regular massage. And, why not a massage designed specifically for the golfer, such as Lava Shells on the Greens—both relaxing and therapeutic, which will help the golfer return to his/her love of the sport!
October 29, 2014
Most of us know the more telltale signs of stress/burnout <irritability, fatigue, restlessness>, but did you know that itching and burning of the scalp, and eventual hair loss is another sign of burnout? Scientists have studied stress/burnout effects on the body for years, and have recently stated that the stressed body excretes neuropeptides, which can cause inflammation and, in turn, the symptoms listed above. Healthy hair is not just about the quality of hair care products we use, it is also about our physical health (inward radiating outward), along with emotional and mental health. So….keep using your awesome hair care products, but you might also want/need to focus on underlying reasons for itchy scalp, split ends, and hair loss…and, then do what you can to eliminate those stressors from your life!
September 17, 2014
Who knew?!?! Turns out getting a lump of coal in your Christmas stocking may not have meant you were on the naughty list after all…Charcoal, which is carbonized wood, has been used for centuries for everything from cooking, art, and even medicine. And, recently, it has been receiving recognition as a skin/hair care ingredient.
Activated charcoal is the perfect skin care ingredient for those suffering from acne and skin impurities, including blackheads, since it works to absorb toxins and bacteria. This power player is also great for anyone suffering dry, flaky scalp or greasy, oily strands.
This “secret ingredient” will not maintain a low profile for long—check your labels and be on the lookout for professional services in your favorite spa.
August 13, 2014
Did you know that reflexology is one of the most sought-after treatments today? Far Eastern cultures have been using alternative treatments for thousands of years. In most places of the world, natural medicine is the first line of defense against sickness and disease. Natural medicine and alternative treatments have become a booming industry. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, 1/3 of cancer patients utilize reflexology as a complimentary therapy.
Reflexologists see the hands and feet as a portal to the body’s systems. Each section of the feet and hands correlate to a specific organ. By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, you can stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxin buildup in the corresponding organs and systems of the body.
The bottom line is that reflexology has proven to be a therapy that is beneficial for everyone. Maybe it is time to give reflexology a try!
And, for you service providers, why not compliment the reflexology service with a PerfectSense Paraffin treatment? Can you say Aaahhh?!?!
July 22, 2014
Did you know that 47% of spa goers today are male, according to ISPA (International Spa Association) surveys?
Guys today have recognized that they no longer need to sneak secretly through the back door of the spa, in order to take good care of themselves. So why not even create a themed Guys Night at the Spa (such as game night) & include typical sports related snacks and drinks, instead of cucumber sandwiches and infused/flavored water?
If you haven’t already, you may want to re-think and re-vamp your spa menu to include male specific treatments, in order to expand your market . While you’re in the creative mode of structuring services specifically designed for guys, take a look at the Muscle Beach Massage for Men, exclusive to Spa Revolutions that uses heated Lava Shells and cooling Glacial shells, for the ultimate in both relaxation and muscle repair.
They will be so comfortable in your spa when you cater specifically to them, that they may just make it a regular occurrence….
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