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Time to relax, turn off that cell phone and get a massage. The problem? Your local spa offers several different types of treatments and you don’t know which to pick.

Should you get a Swedish massage or a sports massage? Are you going to throw in a hot stone massage or something even more exotic?

“I think most people are not sure what type of massage to get,” says Deborah Burnes, owner of Sumbody natural body products stores and the Sumtime Spa. “It’s very common.”

Burnes says her spas in Alameda and Sebastopol are staffed by a “very strong” front desk crew that can help a client decide which massage is the right one for that particular person. Someone who goes to Sumtime Spa fills out an intake form so the staff can further help the client have the best experience possible, she says.

It’s the same at Body By Melisa, a spa on Oakland’s Piedmont Avenue. Clients are counseled over the phone and fill out paperwork when they arrive. Owner Melisa Knapp says massages can be further adjusted by the massage therapist, according to a person’s specific pains or relaxation needs. “Any good massage therapist is going to feel the congestions,” Knapp says. “They will feel the knots, they will feel the pressure and adjust.”

Burnes, Knapp, and Claremont Resort and Spa’s Stacey Parks, director of spa operations, have offered to help us decode the mystery of massage.

Swedish massage: The most common form of massage, the Swedish massage is defined by long strokes and gentle pressure. Called a Euphoric massage at Body By Melisa and a Therapeutic massage at the Claremont, this massage is perfect for those new to massage and interested in a relaxing experience.

“It’s luxurious, it’s personal and it’s very pampering,” Knapp says.

Deep tissue massage: Offered at 50-minute and 80-minute increments at the Claremont, the deep tissue massage is more firm than the Swedish massage and really works the muscles.

“Deep tissue should be done very slowly to make sure the tissue has time to allow you in,” says Parks, whose resort spa packages include access to resort showers and a whirlpool bath. “You don’t want to rush a deep tissue massage.”

During a shorter-time deep tissue massage, the massage therapist will likely focus on one or two areas that need to be worked out. An 80-minute or longer deep tissue massage can usually address pains all over the body. Be warned, however, that a deep tissue massage is intense.

“Some people think they need a deep tissue but they really just need a firm (Swedish),” Parks says.

Hot stone massage: A common add-on to a Swedish or deep tissue massage, a hot stone massage uses smooth river rocks that are warmed and put on pressure points and muscles.

“A lot of people love hot stone massage because it is relaxing and they like the feeling of the stone gliding over them,” says Burnes. “It also does help with muscle tension.”

Hot stone massages can also be combined with cool stone massages as at the Claremont. The hot and cold stones assist in improving circulation and help heal injury, Parks says.

Sports massage: Primarily used on people who are athletic, a sports massage can help people heal from injury. It also gets rid of muscle fatigue and can help reduce swelling.

“When there is a minor injury, a sports massage can break it down quickly and effectively,” says Burnes.

A sports massage is mostly used after a sporting engagement but can be used for a warm-up as well. Parks warns that sports massages are more vigorous than an average Swedish massage and incorporate stretching. It is not considered a relaxing massage, Parks says.

Prenatal massage: Not only can a prenatal massage relax a nervous expecting mother, but it can also help with reducing swelling of the feet and legs and help reduce hip and joint pain, Parks says. Called a Mommy-to-be massage at Sumtime Spa, Burnes says a prenatal massage is more like a Swedish massage, gentle and pampering.

“You never want to do a deep tissue massage in pregnancy,” she says.

A prenatal massage is tailored to the specific needs of a pregnant woman, and all experts caution any expectant mother to tell a therapist about her possible pregnancy before a massage.

Couples massage: A romantic thing to do with the one you love, even if it’s just your best girlfriend, a couples massage is also called a Duet massage or a Duo massage.

“It’s just a nice thing to do together,” says Parks, whose couples massage can be accentuated with a couples bath before the massage for an additional price. “We have a lot of these booked around Valentine’s Day, and it really is a fun thing to do around anniversaries.”

The couple partaking in the dual body work don’t have to agree on the type of massage to get. One partner can get a Swedish massage while the other gets a prenatal or deep tissue massage. There are two massage therapists, two tables and one room for both people to enjoy and relax.

Many, if not all, spa packages come with a relaxing atmosphere, music and aromatherapy. Expect to pay about $100 for an hourlong massage, not including tip, and make sure you drink plenty of water before and after a massage.

“We drink water every day to remove toxins from our body,” Knapp says. “After a massage or any type of body work, you want to drink water so you can flush any potential toxins that have been released from the muscle

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By warding off disease and healing injury, the lymphatic system supports every other system in the body. Despite the crucial role it plays, Western medical practitioners typically only evaluate the lymphatic system when there is a specific lymph problem, such as infection or congestion causing swelling or cancer affecting lymph tissue. Many would be surprised to learn that the body contains twice as much lymph fluid as blood. This precious fluid continuously bathes each cell, draining away debris in a circulatory system powered only by muscle contractions, breathing and movement. Because its stagnation can clog the entire system and allow toxins, bacteria and cellular waste to congregate, lymphatic fluid must be in motion.

Basic Lymph Anatomy

Through a network of vessels, lymph attends to nearly every cell in the body. Strung along lymph vessels like pearls knotted on a string, lymph nodes serve as a series of cleaning filters, working to rid the body of harmful bacteria and debris. In addition to the lymph nodes and vessels, there are various other components comprising the fascinating lymphatic system.

One of the lymph system’s crucial functions is generating and storing infection-fighting white blood cells. In addition to lymph nodes, principal lymph organs include the bone marrow (where B-lymphocytes are made), the spleen, tonsils and the thymus gland (where T-lymphocytes are made). A large concentration of lymph tissue also surrounds the intestines. This tissue absorbs fats and actively separates nutrients from pathogens, providing defense whenever needed.

Moving the Lymph

With its elaborate network of vessels and nodes, the lymph system circulates lymph throughout the entire body without a central operating pump. Dependent upon muscle contractions and manual manipulation, lymph manages to isolate and eliminate infection and cellular waste. Without a motor driving its circulation, deep breathing, exercise and massage are great ways to encourage lymph’s flow and to maintain the health of this essential system.

Inactivity can significantly restrict lymph’s flow. The movement created by combining deep breathing with stretching, such as yoga, has been shown to be an effective lymph circulation enhancement practice. Additionally, many experts claim that jumping on a trampoline is the perfect exercise for restoration and maintenance of the lymphatic system.

Massage therapists consider an increase in circulation to be the primary effect their work has on the body. While this benefit is largely attributed to circulation of the blood, many of bodywork’s successes also stem from its effect on the circulation of lymphatic fluid.

While all forms of massage will have some sort of effect on the lymph system, lymphatic drainage massage has the greatest impact. Although lymphatic drainage massage has little effect on blood circulation, its light pressure can increase lymph flow by up to ten times its normal rate. This style of massage is especially therapeutic for anyone with edema, swollen glands, toxic sludge build-up throughout the body, or chronic low immunity.

If considering a client with a recent or past history of cancer in the lymph system, a practitioner must obtain physician permission prior to beginning a session. Once malignancy is in the lymph system, every effort needs to be made to prevent its spread.

In addition to regular exercise and lymphatic drainage massage, some additional suggestions for maintaining lymphatic health include:

· Drink six to eight glasses of purified or filtered water per day. Staying hydrated helps maintain proper lymph fluid levels.

· Practice deep breathing. Breathing deeply from the diaphragm and through the nose is one of the best ways to move lymph fluid throughout the body.

· Support your body’s natural detoxification through perspiration. A weekly sauna or steam bath can facilitate the healthy removal of waste through the skin’s pores, lessening the load on the lymph system.

· Avoid restrictive clothing that presses on lymph nodes. Bras with under wires or garments that are too tight can impede lymph flow.

A properly functioning lymphatic system is crucial to all aspects of our health. A very complex network, congestion of the lymphatic system is considered by many to be at the heart of most diseases. As medical researchers focus more on the lymph system’s universal role, it will become increasingly clear that measures to prevent lymph stagnation result in people living healthier, longer lives. In addition to the suggestions listed above, learning to administer lymphatic drainage massage can benefit every one of your clients. By draining, facilitating and maintaining lymph flow, bodyworkers can learn to be an integral part of a disease prevention and wellness program.

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Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa A stay at the Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa is a bit like a trip back in time, even when Eddie Money or Styx isn’t playing the outdoor amphitheater or indoor showroom. The carpets may be green and the furniture dated, but who’s complaining when you’re sitting in your own hot tub overlooking beautiful Clear Lake? From concerts and a marina to pools and a spa, there’s plenty to do - and families will appreciate the ’70s-vintage playground and miniature-golf course.

Comfort zone

The 100-acre resort offers hotel rooms, suites, apartments and beach cottages. Last remodeled in the 1990s, the rooms are showing their age but are clean and mostly well maintained. We stayed in a first-floor Vista Star hot tub suite with a large living room, stone fireplace (gas), sofa bed and a separate bedroom and full kitchen; charcoal barbecue grills are available on patios off the parking lot. The sofa bed was unbearable, but the double beds were comfortable, though basic. On the balcony: a lake-view hot tub large enough for a small party (our upstairs neighbors threw one of their own).

Bath and beyond

Comfortable-size bathroom, with a single sink, hair dryer, toiletries and a nice adjustable showerhead in the shower-tub. Towels fell short of plush but were clean and plentiful.

Grounds for approval

The 20,000-square-foot spa, while not chic by Bay Area standards, offers myriad treatments, from hot stone massages to Vichy showers. Fitness amenities - including an indoor lap pool, weight room and yoga classes - are free for guests. The 18-hole miniature-golf course - complete with dinosaurs and windmills - is a bargain at $3 a person, despite peeling paint and worn greens. There are two outdoor kiddie pools and two Olympic-size pools, one open year-round - for diehards, the marina rents wetsuits (along with watercraft). The on-site Classic Rock Cafe is a fine place for a burger, but it lacks a lake view, reserved for the 1,000-seat showroom.

Geared up

Two TVs with basic cable and pay-per-view movies; broadband Ethernet $9.95 a day.

In the vicinity

Konocti is a great jumping-off spot to explore Lake County’s growing wine region. A highlight is Jim Fetzer’s Ceago Del Lago, an organic and biodynamic winery near the town of Nice that is accessible by both boat and car. The property boasts a hacienda-style tasting room and outdoor cafe, as well as olive groves and lavender fields. For another great view, try the casual Richmond Park Bar and Grill, in a trailer park on the lake near Konocti. Order your food at a window and drinks at the bar inside, then sit on the deck and watch boatloads of friendly locals pull in.

Good to know

Check-in time is 4 p.m. and check-out time is 11 a.m., though we had no trouble checking in early on a weekday. Things are busier - and probably noisier - on concert weekends. There are numerous accommodation types and room rates, with off-season rates available from November through April and four-night midweek packages as low as $49.75 a night year-round. Parking is free; no pets. Konocti offers a “kid’s club” on concert nights and summer days that offers as much as six hours of child care for ages 4 to 14 for $30. The Haven apartments would be a smart choice for those attending a show at the 5,000-seat amphitheater, but are a good walk uphill to the lodge and pools.

Highs and lows

The view from the hot tub can’t be beat, but we didn’t appreciate it when our neighbors were loudly enjoying it at 1 a.m. The pools, however, were great fun and well maintained, and relatively uncrowded when we visited.

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Massage is just one of the services offered at Body Joy Spa in Waupun.

Carol Derksen learned about the raindrop technique to help ease her husband’s pain when he walked.

It uses a variety of essential oils massaged into the skin to detoxify the body. A few days after she performed the raindrop technique to her husband for the first time, he noticed little to no pain remained.

The name ‘raindrop’ comes from the oils being dropped from six inches above the client’s back during the massage. Then the oil is rubbed in and heated to lock them in the skin.

“The purpose of the raindrop technique is to stimulate every organ, muscle and bone of the body at a cellular level through the oils, boosting the immune system, bringing the body into structural/electrical balance and enabling the release of toxins or disease wherever they may be lodged — including illness lodged in the mind and emotions. It is a non-secular art and science,” Annette Schimming, massage therapist at Body Joy Spa, read while performing the raindrop technique as part of her certification process.

Derksen developed her interest of massage using the essential oils into a hobby, which later became her business, Body Joy Spa & Boutique. Now she offers a variety of services and products that relax, refresh, renew and rejuvenate the body.

“I’m a believer; nobody’s going to tell me the oils don’t work,” Derksen said. “I’ve had so many good experiences with them. I’m here to help teach people about them if they want to learn.”

Getting started

In 1999, Derksen attended Blue Sky massage school in Grafton. After college, she developed and launched her own skin care line, Body Joy. Her first product was massage oil made with essential oils. She also developed facial oil for herself. Eventually friends and family became interested and she made it for them too.

In February 2005, she attended Madison Cosmetology College for esthetics, allowing her to perform facials, body wraps, waxes and skin care treatments.

“My body couldn’t handle the one-hour massages anymore,” Derksen said. “I needed to find something easier, which brought me to facials and skin care.”

Over the years she got involved with Young Living essential oils and attended multiple three-day seminars for raindrop and Vita Flex techniques.

“I didn’t get into it for the money,” Derksen said. “I did it to help people. I guess I’m a touchy-feely person, that’s why I enjoy doing raindrop and massage.”

Moving in a new direction

Derksen was working out of her home for a few years, but needed more room. She wanted to hold massage-related classes to teach people about their skin and the essential oils used in many of the services and products she offered.

“I think there is a need for something like that in this town,” Derksen said.

The location Derksen chose offered affordable rent, but it was the end of summer. Derksen wasn’t anticipating the winter heating bills the first few months in her new office. Her husband, Roy, pushed her to start it as soon as possible, offering to help her financially if she needed it.

“There’s a big advantage to have your spouse be supportive of you,” Derksen said. “If he wouldn’t have, I wouldn’t have been able to start the new store.”

All six of her children helped renovate the new building. Her three daughters helped paint and decorate while her three sons worked on the construction aspects.

“It was a big project to repaint and change the lights from fluorescent,” Derksen said. “It took three attempts to get a color on the walls that I could live with.”

Derksen held her grand opening Nov. 17, 2007. Since then she’s offered a few promotional opportunities including a jewelry showing in December for Amber Schaefer of Fond du Lac (whose handmade jewelry is showcased in the spa daily) and a couples night Feb. 19 to introduce couples massage for Valentines Day.

“I’m glad to have a business that’s a hobby and still have fun,” Derksen said. To her, the difference between a business and a hobby is that a business makes money.

Young Living products

In 1996 Derksen became a distributor of Young Living Essential Oils. She developed her use of the oils in steps. She first learned what each oil was good for, then customized them by blending them to best fit her, and her customers’, needs.

“The oils are the main building block of my business,” Derksen said. “There are other brands of oils, but the Young Living products have shown the best results, so I keep using them.”

Body Joy products

The Body Joy products contain pure performance ingredients and are scented only with essential oils. They do not contain damaging synthetic chemicals, waxes, detergents or fillers. The products can be custom blended to match skin tones.

“I still have people who rave of the products,” Derksen said. “People ask for them. I now have toners, cleansers and mineral make-up.” Customers around the world request Derksen’s products.

Services offered

Body Joy Spa offers a variety of massages, including prenatal, hot stone, lymphatic, Swedish, couple and Lomi Lomi Hawaiian Massage. Also available are body wraps using Chinese herbs and essential oils, several different facials, ear candling, raindrop with Young Living oils, foot reflexology, foot detoxification service and wax hair removal. The spa has a two-person far infrared sauna.

Schimming performs the massages at the spa while Derksen handles the facials, ear candling, foot reflexology, foot detoxification and waxes.

Wisconsin Day Spas • Wisconsin Resort Spas • Wisconsin Medical Spas

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Here is the snooze  Spas are waking up to the fact that sleep, not a mango wrap, is the key to holistic happiness.

Sleep has become the bottled water of the hospitality industry. It might be readily available for free, but hotels have been investing millions as they compete to provide guests with the dreamiest night’s rest ever.

You can now slip between cashmere sheets costing thousands of pounds at the Principe di Savoia, in Milan; or choose from a 20-strong pillow menu at Frégate Island, in the Seychelles (including an antiageing one infused with vitamin E, and an eco-friendly version made from buckwheat spelt). It’s possible to engage the services of a sleep concierge at the Benjamin, in New York, and snuggle up on an expensive mattress at Cotswold House, in Gloucestershire. You can even do a Victor Kiam: Westin sells its Heavenly Bed mattresses; adding the linen, pillows and duvet cover with overstuffed polyester insert will be an additional cost. A Sheraton Sweet Sleeper or a Sofitel MyBed will set you back substantially as well.

If the pillow fights have been intense up to now, sleep is about to move into a whole other league. A luxury magazine, recently declared sleep the new wellness frontier. And unlike some  must-try treatments,  (the facial featuring nightingale droppings, the massage that slithers snakes across your back, having your toes read), this hot trend is actually sensible. Many scientific studies have linked lack of sleep to poor health, increased stress levels and obesity.

American spas were the first to identify that a good night’s sleep is one sure way to a spa-goer’s wallet; some of the best even employ directors of sleep. Canyon Ranch, one of the USA’s most influential wellness companies, was a pioneer. The sleep-enhancement program at its Arizona base comes with reassuring amounts of medical paraphernalia. Guests can spend the night in a sleep lab, where qualified doctors attach monitors to the guinea pig for a polysomnography test that will reveal brainwave patterns and establish possible causes for poor sleep. Based on these findings, the guest has consultations with behavioral therapists, exercise physiologists and nutritionists – surely enough to make even a committed insomniac ready for bed. The Pritikin Longevity Center and Spa, in Florida, also offers clinical diagnosis based on sophisticated monitoring, although it admits one of the main predictors of sleep apnea, a common complaint, isn’t rocket science – you’re likely to suffer from it if your neck size is greater than 17½in. If you want the high-tech slumber number with five-star frills, the up market hotelier Four Seasons has teamed up with the California WellBeing Institute at its Westlake Village property, near Los Angeles.

Other spas take a more holistic, chimes’n’chants approach. The award-winning Red Mountain Spa, in Utah, holds regular sellout Sweet Art of Sleep Seduction workshops, which involve “fun and experiential” discussions on various ways to create the correct environment for sleep, such as prebed stretches, organic “zzzzzmersion” massages and a zMusic CD (“the gold standard of sleep music”, apparently). A professor from the University of Arizona works with the Miraval Resort, in Tucson: his “body, mind, spirit” perspective covers everything from eating habits to how you decorate your bedroom. The Mayflower, in Connecticut, advocates hypnotherapy and acupuncture. And, before you knock new-age methods, bear in mind that the World Health Organization has approved acupuncture as a treatment for insomnia.

While New York might revel in its reputation as the city that never sleeps, some of its residents really wouldn’t mind a bit more shuteye. Yelo and MetroNaps both offer a refuge for a quick snooze, selling 20-to 40-minute slots in a “nod pod”, where customers are tucked in with cashmere blankets, a soporific soundtrack and a side order of reflexology.

Europe’s been caught napping, but things are changing. The glitzy Fortina Spa Resort, on Malta, where Brad Pitt, Russell Crowe and the health secretary, Alan Johnson, have holidayed, is an early European innovator. It has just launched the first of 47 Wellness Rejuvenation Rooms, each fitted with £4,500 worth of sleep-inducing equipment, including a magnetic mattress, pillows and duvet. “They magnetise your entire body, relieving it of all aches, pains and stress,” the hotel says. “The proven benefits cover everything from encouraging deep-healing sleep to aiding the lymphatic system to release toxins.” The rooms also feature far-infrared technology that “detoxifies” the body, as well as an air purifier to recreate fresh mountain air.

The dynamic new six-star Capella Hotels company, created by Horst Schulze, who is widely regarded as one of the canniest hoteliers in the world, is also in the vanguard. Schulze is convinced that sleep education will play an important role at spas in the future, so Capella’s new flagship property, Schloss Velden, in Austria, will run a Sleep Health-Life Balance program from September to March each year. Guests will be evaluated by professional trainers, nutritional coaches and medical experts, then given a customized week-long schedule, including spa treatments based on the moon’s phases, lectures, yoga classes and autogenic training – a relaxation technique designed to get you snoozing. They will also use pillows and duvets filled with Swiss stone pine strands, which, according to research by the University of Graz, induce better sleep.

In the UK, they are way behind – although the Sanctuary day spa, in London, can claim a world first. Its spa director, Debi Green, spent more than a year developing the first low-frequency-sound-wave therapy beds for its new sleep retreat. The theory is that sound waves penetrate the muscles more gently and effectively than massage, releasing pain and tension, and lulling the user into a tranquil state. Most guests nod off quickly. One woman even reported having flashbacks to childhood memories – happy ones, fortunately. “We’re always a bit slower on spa innovations than the Americans,” Green says. “But sleep is so important to general health that I’m sure we’ll see lots of UK spas developing sleep programs in future.”

Until then, a cup of cocoa and a DVD of Heaven’s Gate is probably still your best bet for nodding off – although the latter could also cause nightmares.

The world’s best zzzzs

Canyon Ranch:

Pritikin Longevity Center:

Four Seasons Westlake Village:

Red Mountain Spa:

Miraval Resort

The Mayflower:

Yelo:

MetroNaps:.

Schloss Velden:

Fortina Spa:

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MIND

Meditation

Even in quick moments during the day, taking a break can relieve stress.

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Tennessee Medical Spas • Tennessee Day Spas

 

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Courtney Wilson has discovered that the best way to fight cellulite is to have her body wrapped in gauze.

As she lay on a massage table at Bella Melange Spa, certified massage specialist Beth Slaughter-Moore applied the solution-dipped gauze. This was Wilson’s first time to get a full body wrap.

 

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“It’s great; I think I’ll get this again,” she said with a smile as her session ended.

Slaughter-Moore said aside from smoothing out cellulite, the seaweed peppermint wrap she uses has other benefits.

“The peppermint improves circulation,” she said as she wrapped one of Wilson’s arms. “And just being in here is a stress reducer.”

Torrey Greer said the newest wraps are fighting cellulite. Greer is the owner of Bella Melange.

Today, there are many wraps available to help slim various areas of the body. Wraps can be done at home or at the spa. Some come in the form Slaughter-Moore uses and others are rubber or plastic wraps worn underneath clothing.

Greer said the wraps work internally.

“They soften the cellulite as well as firm and tighten skin. And it’s a long-term result.”

The number of times a customer needs to come in to get a wrap depends upon the amount and severity of cellulite, Greer said.

“They also have home maintenance that we provide,” he said.

Body wraps have multiple benefits.

“They’re good for firming the skin and it’s just a time for total relaxation,” he said.

It’s also a natural way to fix problems like cellulite but is better than surgery, he said.

“My mom always believed in home remedies, and these wraps are basically that. I’d rather have the slower result of wraps than all that surgery and anesthesia.”

At Bella Melange, customers can get a seasalt peppermint wrap in the store. Other options include a mud wrap or bath and a honey bath. The gauze used to wrap the body is soaked in the treatment before it’s applied to the skin, Greer said.

Customers get a message to loosen the muscles, Greer said. Then the person is wrapped from the neck down. A thermal blanket is applied because it will get cold.

After 20 minutes, the wrap is done. No bath or shower is needed, he said.

Ten months ago, Nancy Dowton, 56, walked into Ageless Choices, a health spa, to improve her health and energy. She spends most of her day doing manicures and pedicures. By the end of the day she’s exhausted.

“It can be very tiring sometimes,” she said.

After a few months of wraps and exercise, she started to feel different.

“It’s been great for me,” she said.

“I’m more flexible than I’ve ever been and I feel wonderful.”

Dowton used the spa’s exercise tables and body wraps to improve her figure.

It’s relaxing and it tones you, she said.

“I’ve lost more than 16 inches and gone down two dress sizes. And I’m proud of it,” she said.

Sharon Hammond said previous body wraps used compression or water loss to take inches off, but both methods are temporary.

Hammond is the owner of Ageless Choices.

“The inches would almost immediately come back,” she said. “This is not the usual body wrap which is usually water loss. The gel on these applicators metabolizes the fat in your fat cells and the resulting inch loss is fat loss, not water loss.”

At her spa, clients use a cloth wrap soaked in a gel.

“The gel absorbs into the skin and metabolizes the fat in fat cells,” she said.

“It also tones and tightens the skin. Some use it to condition their skin.”

Most of the gel is absorbed within the first hour, Hammond said.

“The best results happen if a person showers or bathes before they put on the wrap,” she said.

“That opens the skin’s pores.”

Most wraps, like the one Hammond uses, can be applied anywhere on the body.

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North Carolina Resort Spas • North Carolina Medical Spas • North Carolina Day Spas

Microdermabrasion could be for you. The exfoliating facials remove dead skin cells to reveal healthier, newer skin underneath.

The procedure, which has become popular in medical spas and day spas, is catching on at home with the introduction of do-it-yourself microdermabrasion kits.

Most of the home microdermabrasion treatments come with exfoliating creams, hand wands or foam applicators, and nourishing lotions. Others have just the creams, which contain the exfoliating crystals. The kits cost anywhere from $15 to more than $50, depending on the brand. That’s compared to spa treatments that can cost $100 or more per session.

The kits promise to refine your skin and do away with fine lines and spots. The results, however, won’t be as dramatic as what you would get at the spa, said Esther Thompson, owner of Ravenhill Medical Day Spa & Salon in Fayetteville.

 

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Thompson said the microdermabrasion machines used in professional salons provide stronger resurfacing of the skin than anything you could get over the counter. The machines suck away the dead skin cells, leaving you with fresh, refinished skin.

But microdermabrasion alone won’t give you flawless skin, she said. Best results are obtained when it is used along with other treatments. So if you have sunspots, for example, you would use microdermabrasion combined with a lotion designed to brighten dark spots to erase those marks.

“(Microdermabrasion) prepares the skin to accept anything that’s put on it,” Thompson said.

Dr. Robert Clinton, president of Coressence Laser & Skin Center, said microdermabrasion is more of a maintenance tool for keeping fresh-looking and glowing skin. Clinton compared the procedure to cleaning the windshield of your car.

 

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“You know how there’s a film over the windshield, and when you finally clean it, both inside and out, it just looks so much better,” he said. “It’s kind of like that. Or like doing the final sanding and polish on a wood floor.”

Still, he said, the home kits are effective if you can’t afford to go to the salon. Just don’t expect spalike results.

“If they are having good results,” Clinton said, “and they’re happy with it, I would keep doing it.”

But sometimes people damage their skin by being overly aggressive with the at-home kits. If you are looking for long-term results, it’s best to consult a professional to help you determine what’s best for your skin

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Tags: Beauty Tip, Microdermabrasion, Spa, Spa Experience, Spa Treatments, Spas by Spavelous
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This article is brought to you by Spavelous.com.

Nestled in the lush La Cienega Valley–just minutes from the shopping and culture of Santa Fe’s historic downtown plaza–is a restorative retreat dedicated to nurturing body and soul: Spa Samadhi.

REVIEW THIS SPA NOW

Samadhi is a Sanskrit word referring to the state of pure bliss that can be actualized through breathing deeply and living mindfully, and the philosophy guiding Spa Samadhi is one of healing from the inside out.

All elements are conceived with that vision in mind. Spa treatments are conducted in private rooms with windows that provide soft natural light, some with pond-side views, while sounds of nature mingle with the soothing scents of aromatherapy. Guests are provided with spa robes and sandals, and invited to unwind in the Relaxation Lounge, where they can enjoy fresh fruit and hot tea. Cedar sauna and outdoor hot tubs provide rest and relaxation.Spa Samadhi boasts an exceptional range of intuitive and innovative bodywork, with a group of transformational treatments taking center stage.Explore yourself through Holographic Therapy (which helps integrate the different levels of consciousness) and Medicine Helper (a deeply healing treatment for trauma that incorporates elements of Native American healing traditions, bodywork, fresh herbs from the property’s heirloom gardens, traditional song, and prayer).Other transformative treatments offered by Spa Samadhi:

 

    * Natural Medicine

    * Bartenieff Fundamentals: Movement Re-Education

    * Craniosacral Therapy

    * Polarity Therapy

    * Lymphatic Release

    * Intuitive Readings

    * Sound Healing

    * Reiki

The spa uses locally made, wild-harvested, organic wellness products, as well as the Naturopathica line. Indulge in one of Spa Samadhi’s many rejuvenating treatments’a Cherry Blossom Regenerative Facial or a Hot Stone Massage featuring a blend of white pine, sage, and pink peppercorn oils.

Sunrise Springs Resort Spa is also a thriving center for the contemplative arts, featuring diverse ways to integrate mind, body, and spirit. Sages Art Center offers custom private or group instruction to enhance your getaway–from cooking classes and Tai chi to Chinese brushwork and Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging).

The resort maintains a dedication to the well being of visitors. The exquisite 70-acre property’s tranquil walking paths, spring-fed ponds, and graceful cottonwoods offer visitors a myriad of ways to rediscover themselves. Respect for the environment manifests itself in the resort’s commitment to sustainability.

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Tags: Massage, New Mexico Spa, Resort Spa, Spa, Spa Experience, Spa Getaways by Spavelous
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