Polish your skin

Polish your skin
Smooth skin all winter long!

Monday, November 29, 2010

What is Shiatsu Massage

Q. I am interested in getting a massage and I found a listing for shiatsu massage. What is Shiatsu massage?

A. Shiatsu is a form of massage developed from the ancient style of East Asian massage. Shi literally means finger and atsu means pressure. Similar to acupuncture shiatsu practioners work with the 361 points along the 12 meridians of the body as described in eastern medicine. Shiatsu is comparable to the very trendy modalities of massage called yoga massage or assisted yoga. The Oprah magazine and The Today Show both have recently highlighted these massage trends. Shiatsu is comparable to both of these popular massage trends. In our spa the client lies dressed in loose comfortable clothes on a futon on the floor. The practioner will use her hands, fingers, elbows, knees and feet during the massage. The techniques include gentle stretching, yoga postures, rocking and rotation movements, percussion and vibrations. The client does not need to know or be able to do yoga. Even clients with a limited range of motion can have and benefit from shiatsu massage. The treatment is usually 90 minutes long. As with many massage modalities this type of massage is not intended as a replacement for medical care but it can enhance the body’s own healing capabilities. Shiatsu can help with relaxation, stress relief, relief from tension and anxiety, increase of blood flow, ease feelings of depression, and much more. If you are looking for a massage experience that is unique and different I would highly recommend you try Shiatsu.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Paraffin hand dips... for men?

Q. My husband and I have a spa package together. One of the services we are receiving is a paraffin hand treatment. What is that exactly and will my husband think it’s not intended for men?

A. I am really not sure what your husband will “think” about the treatment because I am not sure how it will be presented in the spa you are going to. He should not hesitate to have the treatment because it is wonderful for both of you. In my spa it’s not presented in a way that would make men feel uncomfortable. There are many variations in spa paraffin treatments but here are the basics. Paraffin wax is a colorless wax that can be melted and warmed to be used in treatments. Paraffin can absorb and retain great amounts of heat. The wax is applied to a body part, the most common being hands or feet, by dipping or brushing on. Once the wax solidifies the heat from the wax is transferred to the part of the body that’s been dipped. Usually several layers of wax are applied and then a plastic bag or plastic wrap is applied to the area to hold the heat in and make it easy to remove after it’s cooled. Sometimes the wax is infused with aromatic essential oils to further enhance the treatment options. I love using paraffin in treatment because it’s a method that works and it’s a pleasant and enjoyable experience. Paraffin treatment can enhance the look of hands and feet or any body part. The heat works to open the skin pores and then penetrate deep into the tissue. It can help eliminate dry flaky skin and produce much smoother healthier skin. It improves blood circulation to the skin as well and thus improves skin tone. The heat makes it an outstanding treatment for sore aching joints. People with arthritis, osteoarthritis and bursitis love this treatment. It’s also very effective in relaxing tired, over worked hands and feet. Muscle relaxation occurs as the heat helps loosen stiff tight muscles. Many people experience better range of motion in the hands and fingers after a paraffin dip. Hands that have been constantly exposed to cold harsh weather as well as tired, sore, stiff or dry hands all benefit from this treatment. You should not have a paraffin treatment if you have open wounds, sores or fresh burn injuries. I personally use paraffin treatments for hands, feet, faces, and whole body wraps. As in your case, paraffin is often part of a spa treatment but it can be a stand alone treatment as well. In my spa you can also add it to any other service and it’s very inexpensive. You and your husband should relax and enjoy your spa package and look forward to the paraffin therapy. Have fun.