massage when you're pregnant

Q. My wife is pregnant and I’d like to get her a spa gift certificate. Can she still do most of the spa services?

A. Yes. Most spa services are fine while you’re pregnant and some, like massage, are so wonderful they are often recommended by doctors. Dr. Manny Alvarez of Fox News posted to his blog a list of “Pregnant at the Spa Do’s and Don’ts”. I saved that list for future reference and you have just given me a reason to use it. According to Dr. Alvarez there are only a few don’ts. Most of these involve services that would increase the body temperature too high. He suggests pregnant women not get body wraps that include heat, that they not use hot tubs (warm baths are just fine), that they avoid saunas. He states that tanning beds are terrible for you even if you are not pregnant so he suggests you use the advent of your pregnancy to stop using them. He further states that while the actual tanning bed is to be avoided spray tanning, especially organic spray tanning, is just fine. He does indicate that you should not take tanning pills. The only other precaution he suggests relates to aromatherapy. Some essential oils such as juniper should be avoided. Jasmine, spearmint, lavender and chamomile are fine and offer relaxation and stress release. I suggest you check with your doctor before you have an aromatherapy treatment. Making Dr. Manny’s list of dos are all the popular spa services. The doctor states that any waxing or even laser hair removal is no problem. Well shaped brows won’t hurt your baby. Nail treatments are definitely fine. Just like when you are not pregnant you should be sure the salon you go to adheres to proper sterilizing techniques. Facials treatments are another great service do enjoy while you are expecting. The only precaution here is to avoid Retin-A. Facials can be a great source of relaxation in addition to the benefits they can bring to the skin. Massage is an absolute yes. Dr. Alvarez goes so far as to say in his blog that he actually recommends it to almost all his patients. Many spas specialize in prenatal massage and Dr. Alvarez suggests massage every two weeks for his patients. As a final note, the doctor puts to bed the myth that you should not have your hair colored during pregnancy. He states that despite a lot of confusion hair dyes are fine. Hair dyes use to contain formaldehyde but for many years they have not. Your wife should enjoy her spa services and not be worried but as I always do, I’ll make the suggestion that she check with her doctor if she has concerns. While pregnant women experience a lot of body changes and can experience a little anxiety and stress as well. A day at the spa or even a routine of spa services like bi-weekly massage can help. Give this gift and you and your wife can both feel great about it.

Sleeping at the Spa

Q. I have a lot of trouble falling asleep. Will a massage help me or cause me to be more awake after?

A. Massage in general is relaxing but some elements of massage do increase circulation. There is a new trend in the spa industry catering to clients who suffer from insomnia or other sleep disorders. In these modern times most of us over fill our schedules and we often rob from our sleep time to add to our work time. In Europe and Asia many corporations allow their employees to take 15 - 20 minute power naps. Results show it increases afternoon productivity. The spa industry has jumped on board that concept and many spa services are being introduced that really do help with sleep issues. Even if you can’t find a spa that’s on board with this new idea you can use what they do offer in ways that will help you. First, let me fill you in about some new services that are specifically targeted to help induce better sleep. Spas use techniques that include the use of essential oils to help you relax. Most are a blend of chamomile and lavender. The scent from the oils stay with you even when you leave the spa and once relaxed you can go home and go right to bed and to sleep. Massage that is geared to help you sleep will concentrate on arms and legs, scalp and the face. The back is given a little less attention. Avoiding the trunk of the body helps keep the metabolizing effects of massage at a minimum. Many people have trouble sleeping due to leg pain or jumpiness or pain in the shoulder area. Massage of these parts directly before sleep can help. Massage of the scalp, head, shoulders and face is very relaxing and calming. When you add the essential oil element these services help a great deal. Jumping on board with the power nap trend many big city spas offer relaxation massage that cuts some of the massage time and instead offers the last 15 to 20 minutes for a power nap. The client is gently awakened after the nap time is over and allowed to sit in a peaceful waiting area, drink some juice or water and gradually wake up before leaving. My spa will soon offer what we will call the Night Cap, a relaxing massage given at the end of the day that will allow our clients to go home and get a great night’s sleep. We will also be offering the Cat Nap massage which will allow for the 15 or 20 minute power nap and recovery. If your spa of choice does not offer services like these you can create it yourself. You can opt for the last appointment of the day and request less time on your back with more time on your legs, arms, neck and face. If they don’t have essential oil bring your own. You can give yourself a power nap service too, after your massage take a 15 minute power nap in you’re warmed up car. Just be sure you are in a safe area to run your car so you won’t risk carbon dioxide issues. You can also bring home some great essential oil. We sell it at our spa and it’s very popular. Then you can have your husband or wife or one of your children give you a simple relaxing massage to the feet, hands and face and then slide off to sleep. Return the favor the next night, it’s Christmas after all... the season of giving.

Men at the Spa

Q. I would love for my husband to have the same great spa experience I have. He thinks men don’t go to the spa, can you help me let him know they do. I see men there all the time when I go.

A. A growing number of men go to the spa, with and without their wives or girlfriends. According to the new statistics published from the International Spa Association men now make up nearly one third of all spa goers. In my spa I see the number of men growing every year. They don’t just come in for massage anymore either. Men are enjoying the full range of spa services; massage, facials, pedicures, manicures, and body waxing. Many times men will visit with the women in their lives first but once they have that initial visit, the stigma is gone and they are hooked. What man does not love to have his back massaged or his feet rubbed? Feeling good and looking great are not experiences limited to women. Once men know that they are welcome at the spa and realize that other men visit the spa they are usually thrilled to be there. Massage remains the most popular service purchased for men and it’s a great first spa service experience. If you buy a couple’s massage for your man or a Holiday Spa Package for two he will be more at ease during his first visit. Plus, the added benefit of a couple’s package is that you get to enjoy the spa too! It’s a win/win and a great time to buy. Most spas, including mine, have all the popular services on sale for holiday gift giving!