MyZenDaySpa

12 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Spa Day

2012-01-12T14:35:00.002-05:00

Whether the spa you're visiting is super luxurious or cheerfully modest — here are some tried-and-true tips for getting the best out of your experience.

by Liz Mazurski

1. Go Often

Honestly, there's nothing more enlightening than experience. Learn what you like, what heals and nurtures your body and soul. The actual act of visiting a spa is truly the only way to discover what works for you. The more you try, the more you will learn what you like (and don't like) and each visit can increase your ability to reap its benefits

2. Ask Questions

If you're trying a spa for the first time, you may want to find out what extras they have to offer. If it's a local spa, you may even want to pop in beforehand for a visit and make sure the decor is soothing for you.

Next, inquire about the menu. It will save both you and the spa reception/booking agent a lot of time if you have taken a moment to look at their treatment menu online or as a brochure. Make note of the things that interest you and ask the booking agent if she thinks any of these are right for you based on your experience level, preferences and health concerns (if any). If you're getting no help from this person, this may not be the spa for you. These are nurturing environments. And the best ones have well-trained staff on hand to guide you through the process and answer questions.

3. Understand Your Treatment

Knowledge is indeed a powerful tool when leveraged on spa treatments. Being informed about how a certain therapy may be able to affect you (whether in the sense of pure relaxation or for getting over a particularly harrowing party season) can deepen your session-both emotionally and physiologically.

4. Drink Water

It's crucial to drink plenty of it before, during and after your visit. Water hydrates the body's tissues on a cellular level, prompting the system to cleanse itself and function with fluidity. Just as you would want to hydrate before a workout, well-watered muscles (including those of the face) respond better to the activating pressures of massage, allowing the therapist to work more deeply.

Sufficient hydration also encourages the removal of toxins. Flushing your system will reward you with compliments on how great your skin looks, how well rested you seem, etc. Drink up.

5. Eat Lightly

The days preceding your visit can help prepare you mentally and physically for your treatment. Cutting back on (or eliminating) sugar, caffeine and alcohol and hard to digest foods like red meat will prime your system to detoxify with ease.

6. Take Your Time

Visiting a spa means you're taking time out for yourself. (Even if you're going with a friend or lover, the therapy is yours alone.) Allow for plenty of time before and after your booking in order to transition from your real world to the spa world. Taking the time to unwind and slow down before your appointment will make your visit more pleasant (mind) and more beneficial (body

7. Speak Up

A good spa session requires that you communicate what you like — or at least don't like. It could be pressure, music, conversation, scent, temperature — don't accept what you don't want. You are in charge.

8. Make a Gender Choice

I hear fewer and fewer spas ask clients about their preference for a male or female therapist. But some of us simply are more at ease with one gender or the other. Keep in mind that therapists are not in the business of assessing your thighs, cellulite or unshaved legs. Their job is to unwind your muscles, refresh your skin or give you a moment of peace. Talent comes in all shapes, sizes and genders. In the end, this decision is really just another aspect of the "go often" rule; follow it, and you'll find out what you like.

9. Pay in Advance

By dealing with finances up front, you can just drift out afterward. Allowing a 15 percent tip is fair to include in advance (although some spas include it in the cost of the service), but you may want to have extra bills on hand to say "thank you" for an extraordinary experience. You can simply leave the money in an envelope with the front desk on your way out.

10. Learn to Relax

Relaxing the muscles and settling the mind are a great assist to your therapist. Even if you're dead tired when you hit the table, it's not always easy to relax (although practicing the first tip-spa often-can help free you of any anxiety or unease). Various mind-over-matter techniques like deep breathing and visualization come in handy and help bodywork go deeper. Relaxing helps keep your mind in your body or at least in the room.

11. Stay Calm

Unless you're someone who finds massage or any other spa treatment super-energizing, you may not want to plan a strenuous day or host a dinner party for 10 afterward; savor the moment and let the healing sink in.

12. Book in Advance

It is all too common to look forward to spa-ing on a trip but find the spa fully booked upon arrival. Call ahead. (The telephone is still far more reliable for appointments than online systems.) This is truly one of the only ways to get the time, therapy and results you want, and it's especially crucial if you're traveling and want to enjoy a spa treatment at your hotel.

Expert Corner: Skincare Tips for Winter

2012-01-05T14:27:00.000-05:00

Here's what you need to know to avoid dry skin and keep your face looking fresh during the winter season.

by Celeste Hilling

Summer's not the only time you need to pay close attention to your skincare routine. Just like you prepare your wardrobe for winter, you need to prepare your face as well. We rounded up some skincare tips from two experts: Celeste Hilling, the founder and CEO of Skin Authority, and Dr. Alex A. Khadavi, a Los-Angeles based dermatologist and founder of Advanced Skin & Hair. Here's what they had to share:

Moisturize. "During wintertime, decreased humidity and heaters dry the skin," says Dr. Khadavi. "It is best to use lotion liberally all over the body multiple times during the day." Also apply lotion right after you get out of the shower, when your skin is damp. "If you apply lotion before you shower too it will prevent the drying effect that soap and hot water have on the skin, especially on dry areas like your feet and back," says Dr. Khadavi. If the skin on your feet is super dry, he suggests applying a thick layer of lotion before bed and covering them in saran wrap, which allows the lotion to really be absorbed.

Exfoliate Regularly: "Regular exfoliation speeds up the cell turnover process and allows the body to produce moisture-bearing properties like hyaluronic acid," says Hilling. It also plumps the skin by churning up elastin and collagen production. Hilling recommends using a resurfacing agent like glycolic acid to gently dissolve dead skin cells. With nightly use, moisture can be increased by 33 percent over eight weeks.

Banish Dry Skin with Face Masks: According to Hilling, masks play an important role in calming inflammation or combating dehydration that can result from overexposure to cold, dry winter air. Apply a mask of eucalyptus and sulpher weekly to put nutrients and moisture back into your skin.

Keep Wearing that Sunscreen: Even if it's not hot oustide, Hilling says you should still apply sunscreen daily to all exposed skin, which in the winter months often includes our faces, neck, ears, décolletage, hands and forearms. According to Dr. Khadavi, even though cloudy days can filter out UVB rays, the more dangerous UVA rays are still reaching your skin

Holiday Season

2012-01-03T14:25:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had fantastic holiday season! Thank you for stopping by to see us over the holiday's.

The Amazing Brain: 10 Facts About Your Brain

2011-10-17T15:40:00.003-04:00

I couldn't help myself from posting this article from Dr. D'Adamos website. Truly interesting......

By Nancy Kuhn,

Did you know that your brain accounts for less than 2% of your body weight, yet uses roughly 20% of our daily calories?

Your brain is a picky eater. It demands a constant supply of glucose, primarily obtained from carbohydrates like fruits, veggies and grains. Sugary snacks provide the wrong kind of glucose, and damages cells everywhere in the body – including the brain.

A study at Aston University in England suggests that more frequent, but smaller meals help the brain work best. They found that the brain works best with about 25 grams of glucose circulating in the system – about the amount found in a banana.

The brain is 60% fat. Essential fatty acids – the Omega 3’s are brain food!

20% of our blood circulation is devoted to the brain.

Don’t eat too much! A study at the University of Wisconsin found that there is an immune response to too much food and may cause cognitive deficit.

Rats that gorged themselves on highly saturated fats for several weeks showed damage to the hippocampus – a brain area critical to memory.

The frontal cortex is the CEO of our brain and particularly sensitive to falling glucose levels. When the glucose level drops, confused thinking sets in.

Keep building your brain. Your brain continues to develop new connections through learning throughout your life.

Exercise daily! Physical exercise helps the brain by improving circulation and memory, and balance, coordination and reflexes are all improved with exercise. Mental exercise can help the brain by building new neural connections, boosting memory and offsetting the debilitating effects of age and disease.

BrYOS

2011-09-07T16:36:00.002-04:00

We're running a BrYOS special......Bring Your Own Sheets.

Bring your own sheets, and you'll get $5.00 off any massage.

Cannot be combined with coupon deals, and offer good until September 18th!

Study: Massage beats meds for lower back pain

2011-07-08T16:33:00.006-04:00

USAToday, By Maureen Salamon HealthDay

July 2011

Massage therapy may be better than medication or exercise for easing low back pain in the short term, a new government-funded study suggests.

Seattle researchers recruited 401 patients, mostly middle-aged, female and white, all of whom had chronic low back pain.

Those who received a series of either relaxation massage or structural massage were better able to work and be active for up to a year than those getting "usual medical care," which included painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants or physical therapy, the researchers found.

If you're having continuing problems with back pain even after trying usual medical care, massage may be a good thing to do.

Lead study author Daniel Cherkin, director of Group Health Research Institute, said he had expected structural massage, which manipulates specific pain-related back muscles and ligaments, would prove superior to relaxation or so-called Swedish massage, which aims to promote a feeling of body-wide relaxation.

Structural massage, which focuses on soft-tissue abnormalities, requires more training and may be more likely to be paid for by health insurance plans, which may equate it with physical therapy, said Cherkin.

"I thought structural massage would have been at least a little better, and that's not the case," Cherkin said. "If you're having continuing problems with back pain even after trying usual medical care, massage may be a good thing to do. I think the results are pretty strong."

The study, funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, is published in the July 5 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine.

Participants were randomly assigned to one of the three groups: structural massage, relaxation massage or usual care. Those in the massage groups were given hour-long massage treatments weekly for 10 weeks.

At 10 weeks, more than one-third of those who received either type of massage said their back pain was much better or gone, compared to only one in 25 patients who received usual care, the study said. Those in the massage groups were also twice as likely in that period to have spent fewer days in bed, used less anti-inflammatory medication and engaged in more activity than the standard care group.

Six months out, both types of massage were still linked to improved function, Cherkin said, but after one year, pain and function was almost equal in all three groups.

Noting that most Americans will experience low back pain during their lifetime, Cherkin said another benefit of massage is its relative safety.

"Maybe one of 10 patients felt pain during or after massage, but most of those thought it was a 'good pain,'" he said. "A good massage therapist will be in tune with the patient and will ask what hurts."

One of the study's weaknesses was that those who were assigned to usual care knew that others were receiving massage therapy and may have been disappointed to be excluded, tainting their reported improvement, said Dr. Robert Duarte, director of the Pain and Headache Treatment Center at North Shore-LIJ Health System in Manhasset, N.Y.

"I think massage therapy can be useful for patients with back pain, but more as supplemental therapy," Duarte added.

Weekly massages effective in preventing job 'presenteeism'

2011-07-08T16:31:00.002-04:00

By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

7/7/2011

Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

Massage seem to work more effectively than pain killers an exercise

According to a new report, a weekly massage reduced back pain better than using only medications and exercises, and the effects of the 10-week treatment lasted for six months. The study is significant for chronic pain sufferers, who drain the workforce with absenteeism and ""presenteeism," where the employee is present but largely unproductive.

In addition, structural massages are more likely to be covered by health insurance plans than relaxation massage, the researchers said, but relaxation massages are more widely available.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - "This is important because chronic back pain is among the most common reasons people see doctors and alternative practitioners, including massage therapists," study researcher Daniel Cherkin says, a senior investigator at the nonprofit Group Health Research Institute in Seattle.

Massage is one of the most popular alternative treatments for neck and back pain. There was limited evidence previously that it was effective. The study was published July 5 in the journal the Annals of Internal Medicine.

The 400 study participants had suffered from chronic low back pain for at least three months. There was no apparent reason for their ailment.

One-third of them received a structural massage every week, one-third received a relaxation massage and the remainder continued treating their pain as they had been, typically with painkillers, muscle relaxers, reducing their activity levels or exercising.

Both massage groups reported that their symptoms were less bothersome after 10 weeks than the group that didn't receive massages. Participants who hadn't received massages six months later were still reporting worse symptoms than those who had, the researchers found.

The types of massage worked equally well to reduce pain, the study found.

"The massage therapists assumed structural massage would prove more effective than relaxation massage," study researcher Karen J. Sherman says, also a senior investigator at the institute. "They were surprised when patients in the relaxation group got so much relief from their back pain."

Participants who didn't receive massages were aware that others were getting them, and this may have been led them to report worse symptoms.

In addition, structural massages are more likely to be covered by health insurance plans than relaxation massage, the researchers said, but relaxation massages are more widely available.

Massage + Heat = Pain Relief

2011-06-23T17:24:00.001-04:00

MassageMag.com, Susan Baer

When injury occurs, pain messages are sent to the brain and muscles in the injured area contract to guard against further damage. Muscles often go into spasm, further reducing circulation, which deprives tissues of oxygen, thus increasing the damage and sending more pain signals.

There are several ways massage and heat help reduce pain.

Massage stretches and compresses muscles, which activates proprioceptors—sensors that detect pressure and movement in tissue, and whose messages help block the reception of pain signals in the brain and tell the spinal cord to relax the muscles being worked.

Heat activates thermoreceptors, which detect changes in skin temperature, and whose messages also help block the reception of pain signals and cause increased circulation. Increasing circulation brings fresh oxygen to injured tissues and carries away metabolic debris that contributes to pain and spasm. (Contraindications to heat therapy include acute injury, swelling, fever and broken skin.)

By applying heat and compression simultaneously to muscles that are locked in the pain-spasm-pain cycle, massage engages four separate pathways that reduce pain, decrease spasm and increase circulation.

Fix It With Massage

2011-04-20T14:11:00.011-04:00

Yes, massages feel fantastic. But they're more than just indulgences; they're proven health and mood treatments. Case in point: We've found seven common ailments that can be alleviated by a good rub down. So consider this your excuse to schedule a massage today. After all, it's for your own good.

Neck Pain - Ten neck massages over 10 weeks. Sound good? It was for chronic neck pain sufferers, who reported a 55 percent improvement of symptoms in a 2009 study published in the Clinical Journal of Pain. They even scored 39 percent better on the worst-sounding test ever, the Neck Disability Index. (It assesses how neck pain affects a person's life.)

Athletic performance - A musculotendinous massage targets where muscle meets tendon, and a 2010 study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that even a 30-second round improved hip-flexor range of motion. Try it yourself: Locate an intersection of tendon (it will feel like a cord) and muscle, and rub it in small circles with your thumb.

Stress - You don't need a full-body rubdown to feel good. In a 2010 Swedish study, one 80-minute hand-and-foot massage significantly lowered people's heart rates, cortisol levels, and insulin levels—all of which help lower stress. Scalp massages may help relax you, too. Plus, giving them is good way to score points with your partner, which is why you should learn how to give the perfect 15-minute scalp massage.

Depression - Take your pick: Swedish, shiatsu, and other common massage types may help ease depression, according to a 2010 meta-analysis in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. How? A massage can reduce your stress hormone levels, blood pressure, and heart rate, as well as boost your mood and relaxation by triggering releases of oxytocin and serotonin in your brain. Another fix for depression: Exercise.scientists found that regularly lifting weights significantly reduces symptoms of major depression. In fact, the response rate was similar to those taking antidepressants.

High blood pressure - For a study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, people with normal blood pressure underwent deep-tissue massage for 45 to 60 minutes. (Such suffering for science!) At the end, their systolic blood pressure had fallen by an average of 10.4 millimeters of mercury (mm/Hg) and their diastolic blood pressure by 5.3 mm/Hg.

Lower back pain - Back problems are complex. One solution is simple: Common massage techniques help you relax and trigger an endorphin release that raises your pain threshold—and that might help people with all sorts of lower-back pain, according to a 2009 meta-analysis in the journal Spine.

Constipation - Would you like an abdominal massage with that laxative? Yes, you would: A 2009 Swedish study found that people who received both a massage along with traditional constipation treatment felt significantly better those who stuck with just laxatives.

Source: Men's Health, from the editors at Men's Health, April 14, 2011

Lewis, Our Newest Team Member

2011-03-26T09:31:00.001-04:00

Come on out and meet Lewis. Lewis specializes in deep tissue massage, and his massages are EPIC!

Spring Has Sprung

2011-03-14T14:06:00.003-04:00

Hello Everyone!

I am sooooo happy that spring is in the air. Before we jump off the exercise cliff, let's all remember to do a few things before, during and after our enthusiastic activities.

1. Remember to eat a heart healthy and sports nutrutional diet. Eat a balanced carbohydrate/protein meal 2-3 hours prior to any exercise or sports activity. And remember to hydrate often and keep a water bottle with you at all times.

2. Get the blood flowing and your body warm before stretching or activity. A light jog or walk, jumping jacks or doing the laundry will work nicely.

3. Easy on the stretching, and only when your body is warm.

4. During your activity, drink plenty of fluids - water or light sports drink.

5. Following your activity, again, drink plenty of fluids. Incorporate a light stretching session to finish off your activity.

This Weekend Only - Three Incredible Offers

2011-02-26T14:54:00.004-05:00

1. A 60 minute massage.

2. A 60 minute massage and exfoliation.

3. A 60 minute massage, facial and exfoliation.

Hurry while supplies last!

New Year's Eve

2010-12-31T09:07:00.002-05:00

Hello,

I'd hope everyone has a fun filled, and safe, New Year's Eve!

Gift Certificates

2010-12-20T10:11:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone, We have gift certificates available for those last minute gift ideas. See our website at www.myzendayspa.com to purchase one now.

Americans Facing Mental Health Challenges, Massage Can Help

2010-12-04T09:06:00.000-05:00

Massage therapy lessens stress and depression, and increases relaxation and feelings of well-being. Americans are stressed, and that is manifesting in some instances as mental health challenges.

Depression, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts are all prevalent in the U.S., according to a new report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a public health agency within the Department of Health and Human Services.

According to results from the national survey:

19.9 percent of American adults in the United States (45.1 million) have experienced mental illness over the past year.
Mental illness is more likely among adults who were unemployed than among adults who were employed full time (27.7 percent versus 17.1 percent).
11 million adults (4.8 percent) in the U.S. suffered serious mental illness—a diagnosable mental disorder has substantially interfered with or limited one or more major life activities—in the past year.
8.4 million adults in the U.S. had serious thoughts of suicide in the past year, while 2.2 million made suicide plans and one million attempted suicide.
Nearly 20 percent (8.9 million) of adults in the U.S. with mental illness in the past year also had a substance use disorder. Among those with serious mental illness in the past year, 25.7 percent had a substance use disorder in the past year, approximately four times the level (6.5 percent) experienced by people not suffering from serious mental illness.
Less than four in ten (37.9 percent) of adults in the U.S. with mental illness in the past year received mental health services.

"Too many Americans are not getting the help they need and opportunities to prevent and intervene early are being missed," said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D. "The consequences for individuals, families and communities can be devastating.

"If left untreated, mental illnesses can result in disability, substance abuse, suicides, lost productivity, and family discord," she added.

Results from the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Mental Health Findings is based on the 2009 NSDUH, the latest in a series of scientifically conducted annual surveys of approximately 67,500 people throughout the country. Because of its statistical power, it is a primary source of information on the levels of a wide range of behavioral health matters, including mental health and substance abuse issues.

We're Closed This Weekend

2010-10-22T17:05:00.001-04:00

Hey Everyone, We are closed this weekend because we're out learning new massage techniques. Keep an eye out for some amazing deals next week.

Incredible Special This Week!

2010-10-06T13:01:00.000-04:00

60 Minute Massage for $37.50
Choose either a Swedish or Swedish+Deep Tissue Combination

Give me a call at 770-369-3606 to schedule your appointment!

Weekend Sale

2010-10-01T14:36:00.000-04:00

60 Minute Massage and Body Polish or Facial for only $49.00

60 Minute Massage, Body Polish and Facial for only $69.00

Labor Day Weekend

2010-09-03T12:44:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder that we'll be closed Labor Day Weekend. Hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather.

Incredible Special This Week!

2010-08-05T15:22:00.000-04:00

We've got an incredible special this week. A 60 minute massage for $30.00. See us at www.myzendayspa.com for more details.

Back to School Pressures?

2010-07-27T09:58:00.001-04:00

Feeling the pressure of back to school shopping? Relax, we have a limited special - a $29 massage special - Call Marie at 770-369-3606.

Sports Massage - When To Get A Sports Massage

2010-07-13T13:35:00.000-04:00

By Anitra Brown

Sports massage was designed for athletes, but is useful for anyone with chronic pain, injury or range-of-motion issues.

Sports massage was originally developed to help athletes prepare their bodies for optimal performance, recover after a big event, or function well during training. Sports massage emphasizes prevention and healing of injuries to the muscles and tendons.

But you don't have to be in the Olympics to benefit from sports massage. Sports massage is also good for people with injuries, chronic pain or restricted range of motion. The massage therapist generally concentrates on a specific problem area. (Sore neck and shoulders, anyone?) This is the type of sports massage that you see in the spa.

What Happens During Sports Massage?

Sports massage is a type of Swedish massage that stimulates circulation of blood and lymph fluids. Some sports massage movements use trigger point therapy to break down adhesions (knots in the muscles) and increase range of motion.

There are four types of sports massages:

* pre-event sports massage -- a short, stimulating massage 15 - 45 minutes before the event. It is directed toward the parts of the body that will be involved in the exertion.

* post-event sports massage -- given within an hour or two of the event, to normalize the body's tissues.

* restorative sports massage -- given during training to allow the athelete to train harder and with less injury.

* rehabilitative sports massage -- aimed at alleviating pain due to injury and returning the body to health.

When Should I Get A Sports Massage At The Spa?

A sports massage is a good choice if you have a specific problem -- a tender knee from running, for instance. It is also be a good idea to see a movement therapist, who can help you identify and correct the movement pattern that might be causing your injury in the first place.

The therapist generally focuses in on the problem area -- a frozen shoulder or pulled hamstring, for instance -- rather than giving you a thorough full-body massage.

Sometimes men who are new to the spa are more comfortable getting a sports massage because it sounds more masculine. That's fine, even if they don't have an injury.

No matter what type of massage you choose, the therapist should check in with you about what your needs and expectations are for the massage.

June Specials!

2010-06-14T17:42:00.000-04:00

$29 for 60 – Includes a 60 minute massage.

$39 for 60 – Includes a 60 minute massage, and a hand or foot exfoliation.

$49 for 60 – Includes a 60 minute massage and facial

$59 for 60 – Includes a 60 minute massage, facial and paraffin treatment.

$69 for 60 – Includes a 60 minute massage, facial, hand and foot exfoliation.

And as always, no contracts or membership required!

Call Marie at 770.369-3606 to schedule your appointment!

Massages and services are by appointment only.

Please remember to call and book your appointment in advance.

If you need to cancel or rebook, please provide 24 hour advance notice.

Phone: 770-369-3606

Location: Google Maps

Memorial Day Weekend!

2010-06-01T14:49:00.001-04:00

I hope everyone had a nice Memorial Day Weekend!

Mother's Day Special

2010-05-04T08:57:00.000-04:00

Hello, We're having a fantastic deal for Mother's Day.

60 Minute Massage, Spa Facial and Parafin Hand Treatment.

$69.00

Free Your Shoulders

2010-04-14T14:58:00.000-04:00

By Anita Boser

You can counteract the effects of eight hours a day at a desk with just 15 minutes of movement.

Even with an ergonomically designed workstation, comfortable chair, and good posture, working at a computer is likely to result in strain, because it requires the body to alternate between repetitive motion and stillness, and that creates stiffness and strain.

Fortunately, the body is forgiving. You can counteract the effects of eight hours a day at a desk with just 15 minutes of movement. Of course, you’ll also need aerobic exercise and strength training to stay healthy in other ways.

Here’s one exercise to help keep your shoulders loose.

1. Lift your shoulders up toward your ears and hold for a couple of seconds. Then let them drop. Repeat this a few times.

2. Lift your shoulders slightly, release, and pull them down toward your hips and hold a couple of seconds. Repeat this several times.

3. Circle your shoulders—up, back, and down both at the same time, and then alternately.

4. Lean to one side. As you lean, reach your arm out to that same side.

Come back to center. Move from your spine first; draw your body toward the opposite side and reach with the other arm. Note that the following steps areBosereasier to do when standing. As you reach to the side, let your elbow and wrist bend, first moving up and then as you reach to the other side, pull down. Reach your arms as far overhead as is comfortable. Let your spine and shoulders roll with the movements.

Of course, avoid moving in a way that causes pain or makes your pain worse. If a movement causes your neck, shoulder, or back to hurt, move differently: smaller, slower, or in a different direction. Don’t think that the pain is good for you. It’s not.

As you get more comfortable with this series of movements, spread your feet farther apart so that your body can sway further to each side.

Anita Boser is a Hellerwork Structural Integration practitioner with a private practice in Issaquah, Washington. This feature is part of her free ebook 7 Undulations to Relieve Office Tension, available at www.undulationexercise.com.

Weekend Away From The Office

2010-02-19T16:01:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone, I'm going to be out of the office this weekend, February 19, 20 and 21st, and our office will be closed.

Massagethon for Haiti

2010-01-14T16:18:00.001-05:00

As we’re all aware, a tragic and terribly devastating earthquake just occurred in Haiti. According to news agencies, monetary donations are needed the most.

In order to try and help just a little bit, Zen Day Spa & Wellness Center is having a Massagethon. ALL PROCEEDS, EVERYTHING, from this event will be donated to the Food For The Poor organization.

Saturday, January 16 from 9am to 5pm

Please stop by and get a massage, spa facial, or exfoliation
to help support the people of Haiti.

30/60 Minute Massage—$30.00/$45.00
Spa Facial—$30.00
Exfoliation—$30.00

The Food For The Poor organization is featured on the Christian radio station 104.7 The Fish, and 97.7% of their donations go to programs. They focus on direct relief assistance in the Caribbean and Latin America. Their website is www.foodforthepoor.org and they are 4 star rated by Charity Navigator. (Click here to view the Charity Navigator rating.)

Happy New Year!

2010-01-07T15:48:00.000-05:00

I Hope everyone is off to a good start for this new year. Here are some ideas to help turn those new year's resolutions into accomplishments.

- Expand Your Thinking with New Experiences

- Write a Personal Mission Statement

- Write Your Top 10 Goals For This Year.....And a Life Goal List.

- Make a C0mmittment to Fitness

- Find a Volunteer Opportunity

- Build Value Every Day

- Practice the One a Day Principle - Do something extraordinary for someone each day.

- Schedule Family Time

- Keep Friends Close

- Have Gratitude

Nuskin Galvanic Spa and AgeLoc Demonstration

2009-12-21T12:34:00.001-05:00

LOOK 10 YEARS YOUNGER BY 2010!

Come and see what all the buzz is about! Yes, you can look 10 years younger in just 10 minutes!

With Nuskin's Galvanic Spa and AgeLoc, both award-winning, age defying products!

FREE DEMONSTRATION.

Reserve Your Seat Today!

Monday, December 28th at 7:30pm

The demonstration will be at the office at our Zen Day Spa & Wellness Center parter located at:

The Posture Project Yoga & Massage

303 Hickory Ridge Trail

Woodstock. Ga 30188

www.thepostureprojectyoga.com

Incredible Weekly Specials

2009-12-06T09:32:00.000-05:00

Manic Monday - Buy 60 minute massage for $39.95 and get 30 free massage minutes.

Terrific Tuesday - Refer a friend and you both get 30 free massage minutes.

Wacky Wednesday – Buy a 60 minute massage for only $25.00.

Thrifty Thursday - Buy a 60 minute massage for $45.00 and get a free facial.

Fantastic Friday - Buy a 60 minute massage for $45.00 and get a free exfoliation.

Saavy Saturday - Get a 60 minute massage, facial and exfoliation for $50.00.

Fantastic Friday

2009-11-27T09:33:00.000-05:00

Fantastic Friday - Buy a 60 minute massage for $45.00 and get a free exfoliation.

Manic Monday Special

2009-11-23T09:43:00.000-05:00

Manic Monday - Buy a 60 minute massage for $39.95 and get 30 free massage minutes.

CitySearch Voting

2009-11-20T15:07:00.000-05:00

Hey, Thanks to you we've been nominated!!

Now, we need everyone to vote for us. Click here to go to our CitySearch site.

Thank you!!

CitySearch Nomination

2009-10-28T14:20:00.000-04:00

We need your help!!
CitySearch is conducting their "Best of CitySearch Spa and Beauty" for 2009. We need our valued customers to nominate us for Best Spa!

And to thank you, the best review will recieve a 60 minute massage, facial and exfoliation.

Massage Therapy Fast Facts

2009-10-06T16:23:00.000-04:00

Here are some interesting tidbits from the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals. www.massagetherapy.com

Fourteen percent of U.S. adults visited a massage therapist in 2008, and 42 percent have received a professional massage sometime in their life.

Consumers in 2009 had a positive response to a massage, with 80 percent reporting favorable feelings about their most recent experience.

The median price for a one-hour massage is $65 (Harstad Strategic Research 2009 Consumer Survey)

Swedish massage therapy is the most requested service in spas and spas are the most common place to receive a massage (43 percent of all sessions.) (ISPA 2008 Global Consumer Survey and Harstad Consumer Research 2009).

Massage therapy is a safe and effective way to reduce pain and improve function in adults with osteoarthritis of the knee, reports a 2006 study in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

The Annals of Internal Medicine reported in 2003 that massage therapy was effective for treating persistent back pain, as did a 2000 report by the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

Research has shown massage reduces carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. The Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 2004.

Massage therapy has been shown to strengthen the immune system, according to research published in the Journal of Neuroscience, 1996, and Psychosomatic Medicine, 2000

In 2005, Cancer Control reported massage therapy effectively reduced stress and anxiety in cancer patients, with a promising outlook for pain control and management of other symptoms.

Oncology patients show less pain, fatigue, nausea, anxiety and depression following massage therapy, according to a study by Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 2004, and a report in the Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 2002.

Forty-eight percent of respondents to a Consumer Reports survey rated massage therapy as “very helpful” in relieving back pain. The survey revealed pain relief was a top motivator for those seeking massage. (Consumer Reports, May 2009)

Labor Day Sale

2009-08-31T15:00:00.000-04:00

We are running an incredible Labor Day sale for our valued clients. If you are not on our mailing list, sign up on our homepage to get our email for this sale.

"Backpacks 4 The Kids" School Supplies Special

2009-07-27T11:39:00.000-04:00

Two Weeks, Two Weeks....
Can you believe it's only 2 weeks 'till the kids are back to school. Emphasized by our current economic situation, there will be many kids that don't have the basic supplies for the upcoming school year.

To try and help, we are offering an incredible offer to provide a few of these kids with the supplies they need.

For two weeks, if you bring a book bag/backpack with the supplies listed below, you will receive either a 30 minute massage or facial absolutely free. No strings attached!

Supplies for the "Backpacks 4 The Kids" offer.
1 Book Bag/Backpack
No. 2 pencils
12-inch wooden rulers
Five-subject spiral notebook
Child safety scissors
Colored pencils
Glue sticks
Pencil pouches
Pencil top erasers
3 Plain pocket folders

We work with several excellent charitable organizations in our area, so all of your supplies will be used locally.

$39* Introductory 1-Hour Massage Session

2009-07-22T15:18:00.000-04:00

Wow, you say to yourself....$39 bucks for a massage. I'm all over that. Whoa..not so fast. See that little * next to the "$39 Introductory Rate"?

See the fine print that comes attached to that little *.

* One hour session, which consists of a 50-minute massage and time for consultation and dressing. Prices subject to change. Rates and services may vary by location. Additional local taxes and fees may apply.

Additionally, the website says, "Introductory offer for first time visitors. Prices and services may vary by location".

If you figure in 5-10 minutes of "dressing" and 5-10 minutes of "consultation", you now have yourself a 30 minute, $39 massage, with a contract.

Natures Newest Free-Radicals Fighters

2009-07-15T12:28:00.000-04:00

From DAYSPA, Andrea Moret, July 2009

AÇAÍ - For more natural sources in antioxidantskin care, açaí berry tops the list, according toSam Dhatt, president andCEO of DermaQuest SkinTherapy (dermaquestinc.com). This superfoodcontains phytosterols, andamino and omega acids toprovide a promising panelof antiaging benefits. Unlike its water-lovingberry counterparts, açaí contains 50% oil, and isnaturally high in oleic acid—the same fatty acidfound in olive oil.

ARGAN OIL - Another relative newcomerto the U.S. market, this product of theendemic argan tree is rich in tocopherols,phenols, carotenoids and essentialfatty acids. It’s been used for centuriesin Moroccan skin care and cuisine. Itsnourishing, protective and moisturizingbenefits are just being noticed in the West,Dhatt says.

BERRIES - By comparison, water-solubleberries—including pomegranates,blueberries and raspberries—sit closer tothe surface of the skin. Their high vitamin-Ccontent helps enhance a product’sUV-protective abilities.

COFFEEBERRY - Early research on thebright, red fruit of thecoffee plant suggeststhat it may exudestronger antioxidantproperties than green tea, pomegranate,and vitamins C and E.

DARK CHOCOLATE - This treat hasgained attention for its flavonoidcocoa content. High in catechins andtryptophans, which are precursors to themood-altering neurotransmitter serotonin,these ingredients can result in a skincalmingaction, says Gül Zone, presidentand founder of DermAware (dermaware.com). Some manufacturers areformulating products that combine cocoawith quinone, kojic acid and licoriceextract to control pigmentation.

GRAPESEED EXTRACT - Likelicorice, grapeseed extract diminishesinflammation, and helps firm and healthe skin.

GREEN TEA - Despite theinflux of new botanicalsflooding the topicalantioxidant market, greentea—with its powerfulepigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) content—remains the most proven to neutralizefree radicals and fight inflammation. Italso suppresses the photocarcinogensthat lead to skin cancer, according to theInternational Journal of Oncology.

HONEY - One of the oldest natural remediesknown to humans is making a comebackto skin care. Its history dates back tothe Middle Ages when this antibacterialflavonoid was used to preserve food andapplied as a poultice on wounds. Today,we’re seeing the sweet stuff used as ananti-inflammatory in acne treatments andto stabilize vitamin C before it oxidizes,Zone says.

LICORICE - Lichochalcone fromlicorice root offerspotent antioxidantsand provides stronganti-inflammatoryactions. Plus, combininglichochalcone withAHAs can help reduce irritation, says MarkLees, Ph.D., founder of Mark Lees Skin Care(marklees.com).

RED TEA - Also known as Rooibos, it’smade from the leaves of the Aspalathuslinearis plant, which grows in SouthAfrica. While research on this tea is stillrelatively new, it contains tannins anda similar EG CG content to that of NorthAmerican black tea. South Africans haveused it as a natural remedy for hay fever,asthma, eczema, heartburn, and to ease thepain of stomach ulcers and nausea.

WHITE TEA - Green tea’s kid sister—thenew growth from the same Camelliasinensis plant—may have it beat in termsof potency. Because it’s quickly processedand not subjected to the same extremedrying conditions as green tea’s moremature leaves, the younger white budsbear an even higher catechin count.

Treatment Glossary

2009-06-26T14:05:00.003-04:00

Anti-Cellulite Massage - A soothing massage using anti-cellulite cream instead of oil, targetting mainly at the legs and areas where there is cellulite. The masaged area will feel toned and lighter due to the slimming effect of the cream.

Aromatherapy - Dating back to 4500 B.C., this ancient healing art combines essential oils extracted from plants, leaves, barks, roots and flowers, with treatments such as massage, facials and body wraps. This therapy stimulates the nasal/olfactory senses, mental responses and circulatory functions.

Body Contouring - Working on specific parts of the body, such as the abdomen, buttocks and thighs to improve toning and increased flexibility

Cleansing - To free and detoxify one's body from cumulative toxins.

Deep-cleansing Facial - Aestheticians use machines or manual techniques to open pores, extract blackheads, purify and revitalise skin.

Essential Oils - Aromatic liquids are extracted from some types of flowers, fruits, roots and trees to use on the body. These oils are created to help bring oxygen and nutrients to the tissues while assisting to remove carbon dioxide and other waste products produced b cell metabolism.

Facial - A treatment that revitalises skin on face and neck. A typical facial includes massaging, cleansing, toning, steaming, exfoliating and moisturising.

Fango Therapy - Treatment utilising various types of mud, which are rich in minerals and nutrients, to remove toxins from the skin's pores and aid in the exfoliation process.

HydroTherapy - Water therapies using jets and underwater massage for therapeutic purposes.The use of water in professional treatments has long been proven an effective aid in promoting health and well-being. Our hydrotherapy bath consists of 150 air jets and 60 water jets which are fully adjustable so that we may customize treatment to suit the individual's needs and tastes. Salubrious effects of the bath include: relaxing the body, improving strength, strengthening the immune system, equalizing circulation, accelerating metabolism, improving digestion and relieving stiffness and pain.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage - A therapeutic massage using a gentle pumping technique to drain pockets of water retention and trapped toxins. This anti-aging treatment is designed to help stimulate circulation and boost the body's ability to eliminate wastes and absorb nutrients.

Massage - Manipulation of tissues by rubbing, stroking and kneading with the hand for remedial purposes. There are may forms of massages available at spas.

Paraffin Treatment - Warm paraffin wax is applied over the body to form a vacuum that draws out dirt in the pores, removes dead skin and leaves skin smooth.

Physiotherapy - Healing treatment that uses herbs, essential oils, seaweed, and herbal and floral extracts applied via massage, packs, wraps or steam therapies.

Reflexology - Based on an ancient Chinese, Egyptian and Indian technique, pressure point massages are used to restore the flow of energy throughout the body.

Retreat Spa - Located in scenic, secluded surroundings removed from the hustle and bustle of big cities or as an added feature at a hotel or country club, these spas offer traditional spa services that invigorate the body and mind.

Salt Glow - A body treatment which consists of rubbing on coarse salt mixed with essential oils and waters, followed by a gentle shower and body moisturiser to cleanse pores and remove dead skin.

Sauna - A dry heat bath in wooden structure set at temperatures of 160 -210 degrees Fahrenheit, designed to cleanse the body of impurities by sweating.

SeaWeed Wrap - A wrap or mask of concentrated sea water and seaweed with a balance of the ocean's nutrients, including minerals, rare trace elements, vitamins, and proteins, The nutrients are absorbed into the blood stream to revitalise skin and body.

Shiatsu - A cross between acupuncture and massage, this treatment works with vital points and energy meridians and uses finger-thumb-palm pressure to stimulate the body's inner powers of balance and healing.

Skin Care Consultation - Experience customised skin care as our Spa Consultant recommends the perfect products and regime for your skin's health and well-being.

Skin Masque - Customised to each person's skin type, skin care products are applied to the face and neck to cleanse, tone and remove dry skin.

Sports Massage - A deep-tissue massage directed specifically at muscles used in athletic activities.

Steam Room - A tiled room with wet, hot steam that promotes sweating and softens the skin, cleanse pores and relieves tension.

Stress Management - Programs that teach relaxation techniques and incorporates relaxing spa services designed to reduce a person's stress and the conditions it causes.

Swedish Massage - One of the most popular types of massage, this technique uses oils and employs five different movements: long strokes, kneading of individual muscles, tapping movements, rolling of the fingers, and vibration.

Thalassotherapy - Various treatments that use the therapeutic benefits of the sea for vitamins and minerals that reinvigorate skin and hair.

Waxing - Removal of unwanted hair from face, arms, legs or body using wax.

Different Types of Spas

2009-06-26T14:05:00.001-04:00

Day Spa – Offers standard spa treatments, such as massages, facials and body treatments, on a day-use basis. Most ofer manicures and pedicures as well. Many hair salons have added day spas, which allow you to combine spa and beauty services in one day.

Destination Spa - Offers a complete spa experience in an overnight setting. Its sole purpose is to provide mind and body fitness, healthy eating, spa treatments and relaxation.

Resort Spa - A facility that is just one of the many guest amenities at the resort, not the sole or primary attraction.

Club Spa - Spa that is attached to a fitness club.

Hotel Spa - A luxury spa that is attached to an upscale urban hotel.

Medispa - Offers treatments that require a doctor's supervision, such as laser resurfacing and Botox injections, in addition to traditional spa services.

Spa Etiquette

2009-06-26T14:03:00.000-04:00

Turn off cell phones and pagers.
The Spa is meant to be an escape from hectic everyday life. Please turn off cell phones and pagers so both you and other spa patrons can fully enjoy the peace and quiet the spa offers.

Be mindful of other guests.
Others want to enjoy the spa too! Please refrain from holding loud conversations with other spa patrons.

Arrive on time.
If this is your first visit to a particular day spa arrive 30 minutes early to allow yourself time to check in, change, and relax in the lounge, sauna, or steam facilities. If for some reason you cannot make your appointment on time call and let the spa know that you are running late.

Cancelling a reservation
Please give the spa a 24 hour cancellation notice. Cancellation at some spas may result in a service charge.

Shaving
Generally, shaving is not recommended prior to any treatments or hair removal services. However, it is recommended that men shave prior to a facial treatment at least 2 hours before the scheduled appointment time.

Do not bring food into the day Spa.
Most day spas will be happy to prepare you a healthful snack.

Gratuities
Gratuities for services are greatly appreciated and can be either given directly to the staff member, or extended at the front desk of the spa facility. Standard practice for excellent service ranges from a 15-20% gratuity.

Leave the kids at home
The Spa is a place where parents come to relax. Please, make babysitting arrangements in advance and come enjoy the Spa without the little ones.

Wear what makes you feel comfortable.
Many spa visitors ask if they should go partially clothed or totally nude, especially when they are having a massage. The answer is simple. Wear whatever feels comfortable. It's all up to you.

2009 Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia Magnolia Run

2009-06-19T11:39:00.000-04:00

Ohhh.....I almost forgot. I will have a tent and tables set up at this event. Come on out and enjoy the day.

The 26th Annual Magnolia Run includes a four-mile run and one-mile fun run/walk, hosted annually in June at Perimeter Mall to bring awareness and support to EFGA. This is a great way to spread the work about the resources available at the Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia. Last year, over 600 runners participated and all proceeds went directly to help fund support groups, educational programs, children’s camps and medications for those in need. Come out for a fun-filled morning of exercise, good company philanthorphy!

Father's Day Weekend Specials

2009-06-19T11:07:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday! We have some great Father's Day specials going on that I wanted to tell you about.

1 hour Massage, Exfoliation and Spa Facial -- Only $50.00

1 hour Massage or Spa Facial -- $45.00

20% off Peels and Facials

15% off Massages

Offers expire 07/31/09

Tip of the Week

2009-06-19T11:04:00.000-04:00

Hot Stone Massage Therapy

Enhance your massage session with the soothing, deep penetrating relaxation of hot stone therapy. In a hot stone massage, heated stones are incorporated into your massage session by gliding them along the body as well as selected placement of the stones on the body. The heat from the stones penetrates deeply into the muscles to encourage deeper relaxation and increased circulation. If you have not tried a hot stone massage before, it feels really refreshing. To learn more about our hot stone massage, give me a jingle!

Going Up! 7 Pointers to Lift a Bad Mood

2009-05-21T11:48:00.000-04:00

The other day I wasn't exactly in the best mood. I found this Yahoo article, printed it and put it my folder, and actually forgot about it until the drive home. Sitting in traffic while returning phone calls, it fell out on my lap. I amused myself and read the little quip. Here's the link - http://health.yahoo.com/experts/drmao/6715/going-up-7-pointers-to-lift-a-bad-mood/. In summary, the author suggested-

Laugh (I turned off the radio)
Get Hands On - Give somebody a hug
Exercise
Breath
and Smell the Joy (I simply enjoyed the neigborhood landscaping)

Amazingly, and perhaps performed subconsciously, I began to feel the dark cloud disappear. By the time I got home, hugged my kids, I was a new person. I know this sounds a bit polly annish, but it worked for me!

Mother's Day Special

2009-05-06T14:20:00.001-04:00

Hi Everyone! I hope you are having a good week. I have a Mother's Day special for you to take advantage.

Here it is - 60 Minute Massage or Spa Facial, $30.00 each
(Offer valid from 05/03 to 05/31 so act quickly!)

Call me at 770-369-3606 to reserve your spot!
Thanks,
Marie

The Benefits Of Massage

2009-05-06T14:17:00.000-04:00

What exactly are the benefits of receiving massage or bodywork treatments? Useful for all of the conditions listed below and more, massage can:

Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
Ease medication dependence.
Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
Increase joint flexibility.
Lessen depression and anxiety.
Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
Reduce spasms and cramping.
Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
Relieve migraine pain.

Are you aware of the profound effects of massage?

2009-05-06T14:12:00.000-04:00

In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade throughout the body, with profound effects. Research shows that with massage:

Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow.
Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.
High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.
Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.
Preterm infants have improved weight gain.

Research continues to show the enormous benefits of touch—which range from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and injuries, to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles. Consequently, the medical community is actively embracing bodywork, and massage is becoming an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units. Many hospitals are also incorporating on-site massage practitioners and even spas to treat postsurgery or pain patients as part of the recovery process.

What Massage Therapists Do in Treating Patients

2009-05-06T13:53:00.000-04:00

Massage therapists work in a variety of settings, including private offices, hospitals, other clinical settings, nursing homes, studios, and sport and fitness facilities. Some also travel to patients' homes or workplaces to provide a massage.

Massage therapy treatments usually last for 30 to 60 minutes; less often, they are as short as 15 minutes or as long as 1.5 to 2 hours. For some conditions (especially chronic ones), therapists often advise a series of appointments. Therapists usually try to provide an environment that is as calm and soothing as possible (for example, by using dim lighting, soft music, and fragrances).
At the first appointment, a massage therapist will discuss your symptoms, medical history, the results you (and your health care provider, if applicable) desire, and possibly other factors such as your work and levels of stress. She will likely perform some evaluations through touch. If she finds nothing that would make a massage inadvisable, she will proceed with the massage. At any time, you can bring up questions or concerns.

During treatment, you will lie on a special padded table or sit on a stool or chair. You might be fully clothed (for example, for a "chair massage") or partially or fully undressed (in which case you will be covered by a sheet or towel; only the parts of your body that the therapist is currently massaging are exposed). Oil or powder helps reduce friction on the skin. The therapist may use other aids, such as ice, heat, fragrances, or machines. He may also provide recommendations for self-care, such as drinking fluids, learning better movement, and developing an awareness of your body.
Source: National Institutes of Health, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2009

Preparing for a long run.

2009-05-05T20:04:00.001-04:00

Hello Race Fans and Fellow Runners,

While preparing for the big race, don't forget to watch the lactic acids in those muscles.....be sure and take care of yourselves. Get yourself a really good conditioning staff to help through these tough times.