Saturday, June 30, 2007
Pamper Yourself with At-Home Spa Treatment
People have busy lives and we are constantly dealing with stress. Whether you are a stay-at-home-mom or a corporate executive, we all have important tasks to achieve on a daily basis and we are always on the move, trying to please others and cater to them. That’s fine, just as long as we get to have a moment to relax and rejuvenate ourselves so we can start each day(or week) fresh.
Now, what can we do to relax and rejuvenate our minds? Soaking in an aromatherapy bath will do the trick. There are all kinds of bath products available for you to pamper yourself with. If you enjoy taking a bath, there are bath salts, bath bubbles, Bath Bombs, which come in variety of scents. Soak away your stress with the bath product of your choice - turn out your bright bathroom light, light a candle or two, put your head on a bath pillow and you are good to go. Close your eyes and enjoy the wonderful scent.(But don’t fall a sleep in the tub!) Of course if you can afford a day spa on a regular basis, it would be the best way to really pamper yourself, but in my opinion, the do-it-yourself spa is just as good as the real one. Here are 3 big reasons why:
- You can set up your special bath time whenever you want. No set time or date. No appointment necessary.
- You can enjoy a luxurious bath from the comfort of your own home. So if you have little kids, there is no need to hire a baby sitter. Put them to bed at night and you have all the time you need for your home spa treatment.
- It’s affordable! A visit to a day spa is nice, but it’s definitely not cheap.
If you are not so much a bath person, then turn your shower into a relaxation zone. If you have a high pressure, massage shower head, perfect! If you don’t, I highly recommend you consider buying one. A good quality shower head can easily be found at a reasonable price. You can even get one as a gift in addition to a bath and body gift set that you may be considering buying for someone.
For a shower person, check out the luxurious foaming gels from bath-and-body.com. Their shower gels are made from natural ingredients and all of their ingredients have been thoroughly tested for purity and efficacy. Also, they don’t engage in or support animal testing.
A Suggestion for Choosing a Shower Gel:
If you can’t decide which one to buy, the safest choice would be green apple or citrus. I have always been satisfied with my choices of bath products when it comes to these two particular scents.
By
Asa MillsLabels: Home Spa Treatment, Pamper Yourself
Posted by Thanate ::
7:52 AM ::
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Friday, June 29, 2007
Hot Tub Gazebos
Hot tub enclosures and gazebos are often an effective way to personalize a spa and give it a unique character while also protecting it from the elements.
Hot tub gazebos can be enclosed buildings with doors or they can be open-air structures. Both types have their advantages. Closed buildings provide greater security. These buildings can lock, ensuring that intruders will not be able to get to the tub. Closed hot tub gazebos are also good for storage. Users can put all cleaning materials and chemicals in the enclosure for easy access when they need them. Open-air structures are another option. These can provide excellent protection from wind and rain. Open-air hot tub gazebos look great and provide unique decoration for the spa.
Different types of hot tub enclosures are made of different materials. Most are made of wood, but some are made of aluminum, steel and polycarbonates. Wooden structures often look more traditional and have a more decorative as well as functional qualities. The hot tub gazebos made of other materials provide a number of services. First, they can hold in heat, insuring that the hot tub stays hot all year round. They can also have retractable roofs, allowing for direct sunlight at the user’s will.
Hot tub gazebos are a great way to add character and decoration to a hot tub while providing useful features. All types of hot tub enclosures can keep the tub out of the rain, sunlight, and wind. There are such a wide variety of models and construction materials available that even the most discriminating shopper will find what they want.
By Kevin StithLabels: Hot Tub Gazebos
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Thursday, June 28, 2007
It's Not A Sin For Pregnant Women To Have A Massage
Getting pregnant is really a moment of joy. Don’t get carried away with your morning sickness, or your hormone changing, keep your life going and treat yourself to a happy living. Relax and spoil yourself with a prenatal massage or deluxe pedicure at one of your area’s finer spas.
Don’t feel that you cannot have a good time as you start to get bigger, and your breasts become tender and your ankles are swollen, nothing will sound better to you than a long massage. Just make sure you let your masseuse know you are pregnant, especially if you are not showing, since he/she will need to know in order to serve you best.
While at the spa, it is important that you do not get into any hot tubs or go into any steam rooms, which can unnecessarily elevate your body temperature. Other services, however, are fine. Pedicures will especially be a welcome treat to your tired feet!
Massages will generally run around $80-$100 plus tips and pedicures generally cost around $35-$65. Although it can be expensive, it is still worth it to indulge in a spa treat from time to time. If you cannot afford to spare the time or extra money, however, ask your spouse to give you a nice massage and foot rub. He might even paint your toe nails if you ask nicely!
You can also indulge in a long, relaxing bath soak with some sweet smelling bubble bath, which you can find at any bath specialty or discount store. Lavender is a relaxing scent, and citrus scents have an energizing affect. If you just want to feel girly, though, go for a rose or freesia scent.
What a good idea to relax. You can also avoid pregnancy blahs with above activities. Most pregnant woman experiences the pregnancy blahs; a condition where women feel so big and unattractive during their pregnancy. And they secretly wish for the pregnancy to be over so that they could have their body back and fit into their normal clothes. It’s sad to say, really, because pregnancy is such a beautiful experience and the fact that you created this little human being that is developing in your body should make you feel wonderful through every step of the way.
Don’t let pregnancy blahs bother your day to day activities. That’s why, it is absolutely necessary to take time to pamper yourself, since you will be busy, busy, busy after your bundle of joy arrives. And, you need to feel good about yourself—it is easy to get down in the dumps when pants get too tight or when breakouts occur, so make sure you do things to help you feel like the hot mama you are!
By Sara C. JamesonLabels: pregnant Massage, Pregnant Women
Posted by Thanate ::
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Wednesday, June 27, 2007
The Day Spa Retreat - Take a Break
As the daily grind and extra work schedule takes its toll on your general health and well-being, do you ever long for time and space to recharge your batteries? The day spa experience offers the perfect option when you can’t getaway for longer than a few hours. Enjoy a break from the everyday routine and stress. Disappear for just a short time and make yourself feel like you’ve been away for a week.
Each day spa offers its own menu of services and typically includes various types of therapeutic massage, facials, body treatments, manicures and pedicures as well as luxurious body wraps. Aromatherapy is often added to the spa treatment to provide another element to the overall experience. There are different procedures in each spa, but in general you will be given slippers, towels and a fluffy robe.
Therapeutic spa therapies used by ancient civilisations have been re-born in various forms to suit the modern-day spa-goer. Why not try one of these wonderful spa treatments that originate from around the world.
- Enjoy a body wrap in seaweed, clay, mud or plant extracts for the ultimate relaxing and detox experience. Relax tired muscles, enhance blood circulation and nourish the whole body.
- A Swedish or Thai massage will soothe, relax and invigorate the body. The experience is enhanced with therapeutic essential oils.
- A European Facial will hydrate, soothe and purify the skin. Therapeutic products include calming and anti-aging ingredients.
- A treat for your feet! The treatment begins with a soak in a soothing footbath. Gentle removal of dry skin is followed by a foot and leg massage. Leave toes natural or apply the latest color.
- A Full Body Scrub with sea salt followed by a Vichy Shower or Hydrotherapy treatment with aromatic oils completes the treatment.
- Feel the stress melt away with a Hot Stone Treatment! Allow the warm aromatic stones that are gently placed on your body to relieve the stress of the day.
So take that well deserved day off. Find your perfect spa spot and put the spring back in your step. The ultimate day spa experience awaits.
By Angie KocsiLabels: Day Spa Retreat, Take a Break
Posted by Thanate ::
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Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Pamper Yourself with At-Home Spa Treatment
People have busy lives and we are constantly dealing with stress. Whether you are a stay-at-home-mom or a corporate executive, we all have important tasks to achieve on a daily basis and we are always on the move, trying to please others and cater to them. That’s fine, just as long as we get to have a moment to relax and rejuvenate ourselves so we can start each day(or week) fresh.
Now, what can we do to relax and rejuvenate our minds? Soaking in an aromatherapy bath will do the trick. There are all kinds of bath products available for you to pamper yourself with. If you enjoy taking a bath, there are bath salts, bath bubbles, Bath Bombs, which come in variety of scents. Soak away your stress with the bath product of your choice - turn out your bright bathroom light, light a candle or two, put your head on a bath pillow and you are good to go. Close your eyes and enjoy the wonderful scent.(But don’t fall a sleep in the tub!) Of course if you can afford a day spa on a regular basis, it would be the best way to really pamper yourself, but in my opinion, the do-it-yourself spa is just as good as the real one. Here are 3 big reasons why:
- You can set up your special bath time whenever you want. No set time or date. No appointment necessary.
- You can enjoy a luxurious bath from the comfort of your own home. So if you have little kids, there is no need to hire a baby sitter. Put them to bed at night and you have all the time you need for your home spa treatment.
- It’s affordable! A visit to a day spa is nice, but it’s definitely not cheap.
If you are not so much a bath person, then turn your shower into a relaxation zone. If you have a high pressure, massage shower head, perfect! If you don’t, I highly recommend you consider buying one. A good quality shower head can easily be found at a reasonable price. You can even get one as a gift in addition to a bath and body gift set that you may be considering buying for someone.
For a shower person, check out the luxurious foaming gels from bath-and-body.com. Their shower gels are made from natural ingredients and all of their ingredients have been thoroughly tested for purity and efficacy. Also, they don’t engage in or support animal testing.
A Suggestion for Choosing a Shower Gel:
If you can’t decide which one to buy, the safest choice would be green apple or citrus. I have always been satisfied with my choices of bath products when it comes to these two particular scents.
By Asa MillsLabels: At-Home Spa Treatment
Posted by Thanate ::
11:29 AM ::
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Monday, June 25, 2007
The Manicure - More than Pretty Nails
Pretty and well cared for hands are more than a delight to the eye. In the business world the two things often considered the most important in presenting yourself, are a good pair of shoes and well-groomed hands. Our hands say a lot about us and well-groomed hands make a good impression. Business and social occasions often require us to meet and greet colleagues and acquaintances. The first thing we do when we met someone is hold out a hand to greet the person.
Taking care of your hands with a regular manicure will add more than style to your appearance; it will also keep your hands well-groomed and prepared for all occasions. Whether you choose a full spa manicure or opt for an at-home treatment you need to follow a few guidelines to ensure that your hands are your best assets.
The manicure: Ultimate pampering at home or at the spa
- At home or at the spa start with a comfortable place to sit. Soak each hand in a bowl filled with warm water and perhaps a few drops of your favourite aromatherapy oil.
- Remove hands from the water and dry with a clean towel. Carefully clip and file the nails and clean gently around the cuticle area. Rinse hands and gently pat dry.
- While the hands are still moist apply a light scrub to exfoliate the dead skin. Rinse the hands again in the warm water and wipe completely dry.
- Apply a good moisturiser or lotion to the hands and wrists. This is a good time to enjoy a relaxing hand massage. Allow the moisturiser to penetrate.
- Leave fingernails natural or apply nail polish.
Handy Notes: One of the very best ways to care for your nails is to eat a healthy diet. Boitin rich foods such as eggs, soy, whole grains and liver are reputed to promote healthy nails. Foods rich in sulphur minerals like apples, cucumbers, grapes, garlic and onions are also a must for strong nail growth. The essentials oils in salmon, seeds, nuts and tuna all help to keep nail shiny and pliable. A daily moisturiser will prevent those ragged cuticles and hangnails.
Spas in Canada Copyright 2005
Angie Kocsi is co-founder of http://www.spasincanada.ca/ After many years enjoying spas in Europe and drawing upon her knowledge of the corporate world along with an successful career in Public Relations and International Marketing Spas in Canada was created.
The Spas in Canada website provides a place where premier spas and industry professionals offer useful information and links for all spa lovers everywhere.
By Angie KocsiLabels: Manicure, Pretty Nails
Posted by Thanate ::
6:00 AM ::
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Sunday, June 24, 2007
Medical Tourism - Most Popular Destinations
Medical tourism has been growing for more than a decade. It began with people choosing cosmetic surgery abroad in search for better prices and anonymity. Since then, it has moved inevitably into the non-cosmetic area. Patients from various regions of the world now travel for orthopedic and heart surgery, dentistry, hernias, cataracts and almost any kind of elective surgery.
One of the most popular destinations is India. What makes India an attractive medical tourist destination is low-cost treatment. It is estimated that treatment costs in India start at around a tenth of the price of analogous procedures in the United States or Britain. Many of the doctors were educated or practiced in the West, so their expertise is equally impeccable. In many countries, people have to wait a long period of time to undergo a surgery, so these countries have developed links with India for fast treatments for their nationals. The Indian government has created incentives such as a fast-track visa for foreign patients. However, India has competitors. Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore – all have government-backed medical tourism programs.
Thailand has long been a big draw for medical tourists. More and more hospitals are accredited by JCAHO (the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health care Organizations), and the number of medical tourists is increasing. Over one million every year go there for medical procedures ranging from cosmetic surgery to heart treatment.
The Philippines also boast some of the best hospitals offering best expertise, highest level facilities, and warm hospitality. There are also some of the world’s best spa resorts and tour destinations in the region.
Singapore, another medical hub, is planned to be developed into a leading health care destination in Asia. Although there are no official figures yet, industry experts are guessing that more than 400,000 foreigners visited Singapore for medical care last year, maintaining a steady growth of an average of 20 percent over the past few years.
Latin American countries offer hospital-and-tourism packages to the US residents. In Central America, nations are marketing their plastic surgery, dentistry and certain surgical procedures, along with a “getaway” vacation.
Then there are Eastern European countries, which offer the lowest prices in Europe. For instance, cataract removal in Poland or Lithuania would cost £650, as compared to £2,350 in the UK.
Clinics are also popping up in transit zones: there is one at Munich international airport; Dubai is planning to open the Dubai Health care City by the end of the decade.
Africa, Jordan, Tunisia, Turkey – all have entered the lucrative market or are trying to do so, and the list of countries is expanding every year.
By Donatas SvetakaLabels: Medical Tourism, Popular Destinations
Posted by Thanate ::
7:12 AM ::
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Saturday, June 23, 2007
The Pedicure - A Treat for Your Feet
So often we take our feet for granted as they carry us around each and every day. We pamper our hair and faces but tend not to give our feet a second thought. Until the time arrives when we get a remainder in the form of aching arches or even a more serous foot condition. Taking care of our feet with a regular pedicure will add more than pep to your step; it will also keep some of those unhealthy foot conditions at bay.
Pretty and well cared for feet are more than a delight to the eye. A pedicure can be a wonderful form of pampering; it can lift your spirits and soothe your feet at the same time. Whether you choose a full spa pedicure or opt for an at-home treatment your feet will thank you for it!
The pedicure: Ultimate pampering at home or at the spa
- At home or at the spa start with a comfortable place to sit. A footbath or large bowl filled with warm water and perhaps therapeutic mineral salts. As you soak your feet for 10 minutes or so, listen to music, read a book or just relax and enjoy the sensation of the water.
- Remove feet from the water and dry with a soft clean towel. Clip and file the toenails carefully and clean gently around cuticles. Rinse feet and gently pat dry.
- While the feet are still moist apply a foot scrub to remove any hard skin or calluses from the areas around the heels especially. A pumice stone may also be used at this point. Rinse the feet in the warm water. Wipe feet dry paying special attention to the areas between the toes.
- Apply a good moisturiser or lotion to the feet and ankle area. Steady massaging stokes will give you a relaxing and therapeutic foot treatment. Allow the lotion or cream moisturizer to soak into the skin.
- Leave toes nails natural or apply the latest nail polish.
Foot Notes: Schedule your spa pedicure in advance. Many spas and salons take walk-in customers; however, you’ll have less stress and far less chance of a long wait if you make an appointment in advance. Bring a pair of sandals with fully open toes. Allow a full hour for your pedicure. You may be done in 30-40 minutes; however, you don’t want to rush it and you’ll want to make sure your toe nail polish is completely dry before leaving. Bear in mind that you may be sitting in an open area with your feet elevated. For your own comfort plan what you wear accordingly!
By Angie KocsiLabels: Pedicure, Treat for Your Feet
Posted by Thanate ::
9:27 AM ::
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Friday, June 22, 2007
Aromatherapy - a World of Frangrance
The ancient Egyptians used aromatherapy thousands of years ago. Aromatherapy, a word that derives from ‘aroma’ meaning fragrance or smell and ‘therapy’ meaning treatment is based on an ancient principle that the spirit and the body should be in harmony. Hippocrates claimed that the secret to good health was to have an aromatic bath and a scented massage each day.
Aromatherapy, the healing art of using essential oils extracted from aromatic plants for therapeutic purposes is enjoying a modern-day revival. Extracted from fruit, flowers and tress, blends of these essentials oils can be incorporated for their healing properties and create a particular aroma.
Each essential oil used in Aromatherapy can be used either alone or in combination with other oils to promote health and a sense of emotional well-being. A full Aromatherapy treatment combines the beneficial properties of essential oils with a warm relaxing massage.
While essential oils are considered to be safe to use, they are very powerful, highly concentrated substances which should be treated with a great deal of respect.
Some of the most common essential oils and their effects:
Chamomile: Soothing and harmonizing
Clove: Warming
Fennel: Clearing
Eucalyptus: Balancing and stimulating
Grapefruit: Refreshing
Jasmine: Soothing
Lavender: Calming and healing
Lemon: Cleansing and stimulating
Orange: Calming and energizing
Before beginning any Aromatherapy treatment, it is important to understand how each essential oil works. Do not use any oil that you are not familiar with. Certain oils should not be used during pregnancy or when breast feeding. Consult your local professional for advise on which Aromatherapy treatment best suits your needs
By Angie KocsiLabels: Aromatherapy, World of Frangrance
Posted by Thanate ::
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Thursday, June 21, 2007
Walk In Bathtubs - More Comfortable Than You Think
Not everyone has a bath tub at home, and for those individuals who do have one, they often find it hard to get in or out of their bath tub comfortably and safely. This makes them frustrated and so a lot of people prefer the walk in bath tub. Fortunately, walk in bathtubs are available to make bathing safer and more comfortable.
Many of the elderly and the disabled have problems comfortably maneuvering over the traditional bathtub rim while getting in and out of the tub. Fortunately there is a wonderfully affordable solution to these problems, as there are now many manufacturers of walk in bathtubs. They enable individuals to open a door and then step into the tub using small steps, allowing them to safely and comfortably enjoy bathing. Walk in bathtub manufacturers sell and install numerous lines of bathtubs, and a thorough search for such a bathtub will give you all sorts of affordable ideas.
As it should fit all your bathing needs, be sure to find a bathtub that is comfortable and safe and encourages independence of use. Generally, the walk in bathtub is shorter than stall types or tradition showers. The majority of these walk in bathtubs will include a 17-inch non-slip surface seat as well as non-slip floors, which help to reduce maneuvering accidents while inside the bathtub. You will be able to enjoy the feature of turning on and off the bathtub's faucet with ease. The shower also includes a sliding rail, which enables you to bathe while either standing or sitting.
There are several walk in bathtubs that feature air-filled jets that provide you with a massage from head to toe which encourages the circulation of blood to the many important areas of the body. Many doctors will prescribe this type of walk in tub since it will provide additional healing therapy to individuals who are afflicted by many types of illnesses.
For people who have lost their independence and comfort in bathing, this is a great solution. Disabled and elderly individuals can take care of their personal hygiene with a walk in bath tub at home. This can help in curtailing illnesses and even help in recuperation of an injury.
Walk in bath tubs can really make wonders in your bathroom and in your personal hygiene. Now, you will not get bored in taking a bath or soaking yourself in a perfumed warm bath after a long day. What's best is that bathroom accidents are reduced or minimized. The manufacturers of these tubs are more concerned with your hygiene needs and they want to make your life safer and more comfortable.
The installation of a walk in bathtub normally takes two days, and then you will be able to safely walk into your tub and take a relaxing bath. Keep in mind while shopping for a walk in bathtub that you will want one that will be able to last you for many years while giving you the most comfort.
By Christopher W SmithLabels: More Comfortable, Walk In Bathtubs
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Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Celebrity Cruises for All-Inclusive Vacations
Why Take a Cruise Vacation? Well, with all the cruise lines available, all the cruise destinations,and the range of prices, there exists a cruise to please even the most jaded traveller.
If you think about it, it's an extremely cost-effective and time-efficient way to take a holiday. Consider all the time you'd spend driving yourself to several different destinations, packing and unpacking at each hotel, and searching for restaurants and other services. On a cruise you don’t drive anywhere for seven, ten, fourteen days or even even more. Even if you were on a bus tour with no driving yourself, you haul your luggage or at least one package and unpack it at every new stop. On a cruise, you check your luggage when you check in and it magically appears in your cabin, stateroom, or even suite. You're at home for the duration of the cruise. And the food! Every ship has several restuarants staffed by world-class chefs, and the cost of the food is included as part of the cruise. At each port, guided tours are available so you won't miss any local attractions. Supervised activities such as snorkeling are available to keep the children occupied. And at the end of your holidy staff will pick up your luggage and place it on shore at the intended pick-up point. Taking a cruise vacation frees you from so many of the hassles of traveling, and leaves you with more time to relax and enjoy your destination.
Celebrity Cruise Lines offer some of the best deals in the business. Conde Nast Traveler consistently rates Celebrity Cruises as one of the world's best cruise lines. Services include informative lectures about your location, upscale boutiques, and Las Vegas style entertainment created for Celebrity by Cirque du Soleil. Try your luck in the Casino or collect fine art during an onboad auction. The nightlife spectacular at The Bar At The Edge of the Earth.
There's a whole world of pampering waiting for you at the world-famous Aqua-Spa by Elemis. Try a deluxe manicure, a luxurious facial or a relaxing massage. There is even acupuncture by a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese medicine as well. You'll feel renewed and invigorated.
Children feel right at home on a Celebrity Cruise. The Celebrity X-Club Youth Program has age-specific activities and entertainment for every child. Science and nature exploration, talent shows, treasure hunts, children's dinner parties, slumber parties and more are all arranged by professional staff. Special areas of the ship are set aside for children only, such as the Shipmates Fun Factory, teen center and pools. When the ship is docked, adults have the option of going on tours by themselves while the children are supervised onboard. What could be more enjoyable or safer?
Age or disability are no impediment to cruising. Ships are designed for mobility-impaired passengers, and staff is always ready to assist. Celebrity accommodates those who need dialysis or oxygen, and other medical services can be arranged if requested beforehand. Emergency care is always available on board, saving you the trouble of finding a doctor who speaks your language in a foreign country.
Dinner is a vital event in itself on a cruise ship, a tradition dating back to the late 1800’s when cruises were for royalty and the wealthy who expected elegant formal dinners. Again, in today’s lifestyle the elegant dinner is optional, and for those who like to dine casually, food is available around the clock . However, for those who like a ritzy event where they can show off their best attire and jewelry, there are optional formal dinners where ladies wear long formal gowns or evening dresses and gentlemen have on tuxedos.
Did I forget to mention the cruise destination itself? Celebrity Cruises dock at a different port of call every day or two, depending upon distances and sailing time between points of interest. You can stay aboard the ship all day or disembark. You are free to explore every destination on your itinerary as long as you return to the ship before departure time.
For a small additional fee, Celebrity offers adventures geared toward the unique features of each destination. As an example, Caribbean cruises offer snorkeling, diving or beach excursions while Alaskan cruises offer helicopter tours or sea kayak trips. For the less adventuresome, commonly there are bus tours or even supervised shopping excursions in the local port. Every single thing, including meals, is prearranged. All you have to do is find the correct line onshore and an experienced guide handles the rest of your tour.
By Frank Vanderlugt
Labels: Celebrity Cruises for All-Inclusive Vacations
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Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Spa Etiquette - What You Need to Know
Spa-goers visiting the spa for the first time often need to know what is expected of them as they prepare for their spa experience. As the spa strives to provide the client with a tranquil and safe environment so too the spa-goer has certain expectations placed upon them.
To make the spa experience as relaxing and enjoyable as possible here are a few simple guidelines to follow:
- Book well in advance and where possible pick up a brochure from the spa that includes prices and treatments. Call 24-hours in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule.
- Request detailed information on the type of treatment booked.
- Ask about the therapist assigned to you. Do you prefer a male or female spa therapist? An often missed and important detail.
- Wear suitable clothes and be prepared to undress according to spa treatment you have booked. Spa robes and slippers are provided for the comfort of the client and spa personnel are trained in proper draping techniques for complete comfort and privacy.
- Arrive 10 – 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment to ensure you are calm and relaxed before the spa treatment.
- Always alert the spa therapist to any current or chronic health condition that may need to be addressed before your spa treatment.
- In consideration of the other spa clientele, cell phones and pagers are not a good idea in the spa – remember your there to get away from the stress!
- Allow the therapist to advise and prepare you for the treatment you have reserved. As you relax and benefit from the spa treatment you will be sure to feel the stress melt away.
- Everyone is different – so feel free to speak or not during your treatment. Share information and feedback on your personal comfort level or any sensitive areas on the body.
- Relax you’re at the spa! Enjoy the treatment and reap the full benefits.
- Take time as you prepare to leave the treatment room, however, remember there may be another client waiting to use the space.
- Determine the tipping policy in advance and be prepared accordingly.
- Let the spa personnel know if your experience at the spa was as expected. Your feedback is always appreciated.
- Now is a good time to ask about any new products to take home. Scented candles or essentials oils will help you to enjoy the spa experience at home.
- Remember the right way to spa is your way so always have good communication with the spa personnel and make the experience a relaxing and memorable one.
Spa Etiquette - What You Need to KnowBy Angie Kocsi
Labels: Spa Etiquette
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Monday, June 18, 2007
Spa Types - Indulge In Your Spa Style
Spa has been part of therapeutic healing and health maintenance throughout the ages. Today’s spa originated from the ancient custom known as “taking the waters” in spectacular European health spas.
New innovative treatments and newer versions of ancient therapeutic treatments comprise the modern spa. As the spa industry continues to grow, today’s spa-goer often requires a guide to the many professional services now available and advertised under the heading “spa”
Canadian spas are wide-ranging from world-class getaway destinations spas to superior day spas in vibrant city locations. All provide rejuvenating, relaxing and luxurious spa treatments. The following list will help you to select your spa style and maximize your authentic spa experience.
Ayurvedic Spa – This type of spa is based in ancient Indian practise of traditional folk medicine, includes, nutrition, herbal therapy, aromatherapy, massage and meditation.
Day Spa – A clean, safe and nurturing environment offering a menu of spa treatments administered by highly trained professionals. It can be a self-contained facility, but more and more the spa may be found in a full service salon, hotel lobby or shopping centre location. Treatments can last for 1 hour or all day.
Destination Spa – A place where guests can participate in a variety of exclusively structured programs, including, weight loss, nutrition, a fitness regime, healing, mediation, yoga and of course all the pampering the spa experience offers. A total renewal of the mind, body and sprit is offered at the destination spa.
Eco-Spa – Eco-spas offer all the luxuries of a traditional spa but use of chemical and processed elements are strictly limited. The emphasis being on natural elements.
Medical Spa – Spas that concentrate on wellness, preventive healthcare and cosmetic procedures along with among other innovative treatments. There is usually a Medical Director overseeing all treatments in combination with Medical Doctors of various disciplines, e.g. complimentary and alternative medicine, dermatology, plastic surgery, along with traditional head to toe deluxe spa treatments
Resort Hotel Spa – A spa facility at a resort/hotel, where guests who enjoy the spa concept can take advantage of traditional resort activities. Here guests can combine vacations along with the amenities the modern spa has to offer. The resort/hotels spas are often located close to a natural mineral spring source.
Spa Types - Indulge In Your Spa StyleBy Angie KocsiLabels: Indulge, Spa Style, Spa Types
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Sunday, June 17, 2007
Wonderful Foaming Honey Foot Bath at Home
I imagine you can tell me at length about how tired your feet and legs get after your busy day. When’s the last time you got to treat yourself to a day at the spa? Even if you had the time, it’s not too often you can afford the $100 cost of a simple, relaxing, foot soak.
Doesn’t that sound nice? A relaxing foot soak at a spa. So I put together this simple recipe so you can have that soothing soak with ingredients you probably already have at home, and can whip up immediately.
Step 1. Create this wonderful foaming honey foot bath at home.
Here’s what you need:
1 tablespoon Honey
1 tablespoon Liquid Soap (I used dish soap)
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
2 tablespoons Sweet Almond Oil
The almond oil was the only things that sounded like it was tough to find, but my wife and I found it at the chain drugstore at the corner of our street. Just take a look in the beauty/cosmetic aisle.
Mix all these ingredients together in a bowl and its ready for your foot bath. Note: If you want to make this stuff in a large quantity to save for later, you can bump up all the ingredients to something like this:
½ cup Honey
½ cup Liquid Soap (I used dish soap)
1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
1 cup Sweet Almond Oil
Now you can save this in a bottle and save some time for next time.
Step 2. Find yourself a foot bath
These days you can get a fancy, space-age, foot bath for about $20. They promise they do all sorts of things like vibration, bubbles, and heat. I haven’t tried one myself, but for $20 that probably isn’t a bad experiment.
My wife however didn’t need one as she had me volunteer to provide all the scrubbing and massaging for her.
Wait! Hon, I don’t recall you ever offering me a foot bath?
So anything around the house that can submerse your feet just above the ankle is going to work here. We ended up using a disposable aluminum roasting pan.
Yes it was brand new and didn’t have roasted meat in it!
Step 3. Fill up your foot bath
Put your mixed up concoction from Step 1 into your foot bath and fill with warm water.
Please be real careful with the water temperature. Do this by triple checking the temperature of the water with your hands when it’s done. And if you are doing this for a spouse make sure you understand their taste in temperature.
I speak from experience here. I got a little lazy, and didn’t judge the hotness of the water. Although my wife was a trooper and tried to go along anyways. I could tell from her grimace and refusal to dip more than like a toe into the water, that I made it too hot.
Step 4. Soak for 10 minutes
After I got the temperature of the water right, we soaked her feet for 10 minutes. There is all sorts of good stuff going on now during this soak.
The soap is obviously cleaning all sorts of impurities from your feet. I can’t even explain how many things the honey is doing. Here is a short list:
1) Apparently honey forms hydrogen peroxide which is a great anti bacterial agent. So there is goes cleansing your feet some more.
2) Honey contains antioxidants. Health news constantly revolves around us getting more antioxidants. So without me getting all biologist on us, I’ll just confirm that getting more antioxidants on our skin and in our diet is really super great!
3) Honey is also a terrific humectant. All that means is it makes a great moisturizer.
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Just knowing about this foot bath, you can get started on your at-home foot spa. So take 15 minutes tonight and pamper yourself. Those feet are going to feel so soft, especially in a comfy pair of flip flops.
By Nathan KotnyLabels: Foaming Honey, Foot Bath
Posted by Thanate ::
7:49 AM ::
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Saturday, June 16, 2007
Keeping Your Home Spa Clean
Purchasing a home spa is a great expense; which can be easily wasted if you don’t keep your hot tub in good condition. Hot tubs provide an area for you to relax and unwind at the end of the day. They also provide a luxurious place to entertain guests. That being said, like your house, you want your hot tub to be clean when others are relaxing in it.
The following illustrates tips and procedures that will help to ensure that your hot tub remains in good condition:
Recommended Procedures for Hot Tub Maintenance:
On a Day-to-Day Basis
- Check and regulate the sanitizer level as required.
- Monitor the PH level to ensure it is at a safe and appropriate level.
- Check the water line with water cleaning paste.
On a Weekly Basis
- Oxidize the hot tub with non-chlorine shock.
- Add no-foaming lotion to reduce the amount of foaming in your tub.
- Check the calcium hardness.
On a Monthly Basis
- Using a cartridge cleaner, clean the filter cartridge.
- Check the water balance by taking a water sample.
Along with the procedures above, there are also a number of things to remember to do whenever you change or top-up the water in your hot tub. The three most importance hot tub maintenance procedures are - balance, sanitization and oxidization of the water in your hot tub.
- Water Balance – Water balance ensures that your hot tub maintains an ideal comfort-level for everyone in the tub. It also ensures the chemical efficiency is up to par. Calcium hardness, total alkalinity and pH levels are all key factors to maintaining water balance. Here are the appropriate levels for each of the elements:
- Calcium Harness – Between 100-200mg/l
- Total Alkalinity – Between 125-150mg/l
- pH Levels – Between 7.4 and 7.6
- Sanitization – Sanitizing your hot tub kills any bacteria that might be living in there. It also aids in the prevention of algae growth and the overall safety of your hot tub. The sanitization level should be monitored on a regular basis using test strips; which are available in bromine and chlorine forms. Here are the appropriate levels for bromine and chlorine:
- Bromine – Between 3-6mg/l
- Chlorine – Between 3-5mg/l
- Oxidization – In order for your hot tub and spa to remain clean, you must oxidize it on a weekly basis using non-chlorine shock. Oxidizing increases the comfort for bathers. It also gives the water a little extra sparkle. Follow these steps to ensure a clean, well maintained hot tub for you and your friends to enjoy.
By Terri Greene
Labels: Home Spa Clean
Posted by Thanate ::
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Friday, June 15, 2007
Delightful Defrazzlers
I will cherish this moment. I will not let it slip away like sand between my fingers.
Yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come, but I have this moment today!
(Unknown)
With the crazy kinds of schedules that moms need to cope with today It's more important than ever to learn how to grab hold of moments to refresh, strengthen and nourish our souls and bodies. If you asked most mothers what their biggest frustration is, I think you'd find that one of them is a lack of time to look after their own needs so that they can be more effective at their mothering.
The key for me has been the ability to find small moments – like five minutes - and then use them well. The trick is being prepared! Here are some ideas to get you started.
”Mini Car-Spa”- In the glove compartment of your car put a CD of relaxing music, a facial mister (or make your own with distilled water and a few drops of tangerine essential oil) and a stress ball. When you end up waiting in the car, put on the CD, spritz your face with the mister, and then breathe deeply
”Waiting Room Manicure” in a small bag in your purse, put a good nail file and some really luxurious hand and nail cream – not cheap stuff, really good stuff. While you're waiting, file your nails and then take time to massage the cream well into your hands and nails.
”Humour for the Arsenic Hour” - The “arsenic hour” is that time at the end of the day just before supper when everyone's grumpy and tired. Here's a good way to cope. Somewhere handy in your kitchen keep a book that makes you laugh – like Erma Bombeck. Then, in that “useless five minutes” while you're waiting for dinner to finish cooking, get a cup of really good tea/coffee, and sit for a minute and read a few bits of humour. The laughter will ease the tension of a long day, and put you in a good frame of mind for dinner with the family.
”Insomnia kit” - get a nice lavender scented candle (real essential oil is better than an artificially scented one), a CD of Bach's “Goldberg Variations” (written for an insomniac King!) and a book like “Chicken Soup” with short, inspirational stories and put them into a little basket by a comfy chair somewhere outside of your bedroom. When you can't sleep turn on the music, light the candle, and breathe deeply. Then curl up and read the book until you're sleepy. Just make sure you don't fall asleep before putting out the candle!
There are lots of other ways you can utilize frustrating moments to re-charge your batteries. Just use your more lucid moments to think about what you'd rather be doing, and get it ready for the next time! I'd love to hear any ideas you have – just send me a quick e-mail at darlene@mom-defrazzler.com
by : Darlene Hull, http://www.mom-defrazzler.com/Labels: Delightful Defrazzlers, Insomnia kit
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Thursday, June 14, 2007
Salt Therapy and its European Well-known Beneficial Effects in Respiratory Diseases
The benefits of salt therapy (also called Halotherapy) or speleotherapy are well known and documented in Europe. Halotherapy uses dry aerosol micro particles of salt and minerals to treat respiratory diseases and seeks to replicate the conditions of speleotherapy (from Greek speleos=cave), a treatment that has been practiced in old salt mines of Eastern Europe since the early 19th century.
In the mid 18th Century a Polish health official Felix Botchkowski, noticed that the workers of salt mines did not get ill with lung diseases. He wrote a book about the effects of salt dust in 1843. His successor M. Poljakowski founded a Salt Spa in Velicko near Krakow, which is still in operation. During the Second World War salt mines were often used as bombproof shelters. After spending time there many people who suffered from asthma felt that their health had gotten better! Today there are many salt sanatoriums in Europe (Austria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Russia...).
The Halotherapy belongs to the category of the physical therapies non-drug and non invasive treatments of diseases. In the former Soviet Union, medical researchers engaged in a concerted effort to develop physical therapies in order to avoid the costs and side effects of drug therapy as well as microbial and tumour resistance. Russia has become the world leader in developing and testing new and increasingly effective physical therapies. Many of the clinical trials have focused on Halotherapy as a treatment of asthma and chronic bronchitis and also very effective as a main or adjuvant therapy across the entire range of upper and lower respiratory tract diseases.
Respiratory diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Most drug therapies of respiratory diseases have only palliative effects, and many have significant side effects, especially those with corticoids or steroids. So, a physical therapy like Halotherapy is greatly needed.
Speleotherapy also makes a great demand on patients' time. The mines are not conveniently located for most people and the total cost is fairly significant.
The effectiveness of speleotherapy is not acknowledged in all countries of the world, but in countries like Romania (Praid, Tg.Ocna,Seiged, Sovata, Slanic, Ocna), Poland (Wieliczka), Germany (Teufelshöhle), Austria (Hallen, Solzbad-Salzeman), Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Hungary, Russia, Slovenia, Ukraine, Nakhichevan mines in Azerbaijan, the salt aerosol plays an important role in the treatment of chronic respiratory diseases, working well with or without medical treatment and without any known side effects. Because of these, pregnant women with asthma or other respiratory diseases could use this therapy without any harm to the child. Very well known and appreciated in these middle-eastern European countries, this therapy is covered by the public health care system. In Romania there are also many salt lakes - Sovata with 7 salt lakes, Ocna Sibiului with 52 salt lakes in S-W of Transilvania, very well known in the treatment of infertility, metabolic diseases,skin diseases. These salt lakes were usually formed by collapsing of salt caves ceilings. All these salt lakes have different salinity, increasing with deepness – from 9g/l to 320g/l.
This salt therapy being very well known for its beneficial effects, a Romanian inventor puts his mind at work and developed a device that is able to reproduce a speleotherapy micro environment in your home in an affordable and convenient way. Internationally recognized, with Gold and Silver medal at “Salon International des Inventions”,Geneva and “World Exhibition of Innovation, Research and New Technology”, Brussels, this Romanian invention brings new hopes in the natural treatment of chronic respiratory diseases.
The inventor thought this device as an air salinizer that uses forced ionization of the indoor air by salt sublimation creating a micro climate of dry aerosol salt therapy in your living space. He used a natural process of salt crystallization to obtain salt micro crystals under 5µm in diameter, invisible to human eyes, being able to penetrate deep into the lung. The device uses only natural salt from within the mountain of salt, untreated or touched by the human processing technology.
Based on clinical studies, the inhaled saline has bactericide, mucokinetic, hydrophilic, anti inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation in the whole respiratory tract, absorbing edema from the mucosa lining the airway passages leading to widening of the airway passages, restoring the normal transport of mucus and unclog blockages in the bronchi and bronchioles leading to rapid elimination of the residual tar and foreign allergens, all of these in a natural process.
Edema of the nasal mucosa and the oropharynx and soft palate, causing nasal obstruction and snoring is diminished, leading to widening of the airway passage in the nose and the tubes of the sinuses and improving the sinuses drainage and reducing snoring.
In the auditory tube, edema of the Eustachian tube causing ear infection, is also diminished, leading to widening of the airway passages, better drainage and better aeration behind the tympanic membrane.
The salt therapy was found to have beneficial effects in the treatment of:
Asthma and Chronic Bronchitis
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
Allergic Rhinopathy or Hay Fever
Cystic Fibrosis
Sinusitis
Ear Infections
Smoking Cough
Various acute or chronic respiratory disease
Reduce snoring and activates better sleep by clearing the airway passages in oropharyngeal region
Increased resistance to Cold & Flu by opening and clearing the nasal airway and improving the drainage of the sinuses
Humidifies the bronchial secretions reducing broncho-spasm and facilitating elimination of the smoke residual tar, phlegm expel and other allergens
Improves the quality of the indoor air by eliminating the dust, cigarette smoke, bad odours, mould and mites, having bactericide reduction properties.
The salt therapy is a natural method of therapy and does not involve any risk and is finally adapted to the living space. However, this is not a substitute for medical treatment and should only be used as an adjuvant helping to improve the quality of patients’ life, reducing the antibiotics and corticoids or steroids intake, reducing the rate of annual hospitalizations and decrease the frequency of respiratory diseases attacks. For more information, clinical studies and testimonials you can visit the web site.
By Livia TibaLabels: Beneficial Effects, Respiratory Diseases, Salt Therapy
Posted by Thanate ::
7:48 AM ::
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Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Create a Home Spa Experience - Homemade Facials, Scrubs, and More
The same stress in our daily lives that makes us yearn for a spa experience often keeps us from taking the time out from a busy schedule to book a day of relaxation. Even with time, a day at the spa can be a big hit to wallet. While I often can’t find the time (or budget) to be pampered in a luxurious spa, I do my best to treat myself with a home spa experience. When I take a few hours out of my schedule to treat myself right, I am rejuvenated and energized to take on the daily grind!
I start with an extra-special bath experience by turning off the lights and using candles and incense to set the mood. While filling the tub with great smelling products, like chamomile and lavender for relaxation or rosemary and mint for rejuvenation, I set up the CD player with some groovy tunes and turn off the phone. High quality soaps and scrubs, along with a terry cloth face mitt, round out my routine. I always keep plenty of fresh-smelling, fluffy towels for the finish.
Now it’s time out for my face. I like to start with a scrub to remove dead skin and prevent blackheads. In a small bowl, mix equal parts olive oil and granular brown sugar, and add a few drops of essential oil. I often use lavender and orange oil, but in a pinch, I’ve used a few drops each of orange and vanilla extract – it’s not surprising that I was dreaming of Dreamsicles while I scrubbed! Gently scrub your face and neck in small circles for a few minutes, avoiding the eye area.
My skin tends to be as mercurial as my moods, so I whip up a mask based on how it feels that day.
- To remove blackheads: I mix a little warm water with baking soda, work it gently into the T-zone, and leave it on for 3-5 minutes.
- To moisturize: I mash 2 parts avocado with 1 part honey, apply and leave on for about 15 minutes before rinsing with cool water. Hint: If the doorbell rings ignore it – a bright green face scares small children and men!
- To reduce oil: Whip up a whole egg with a spoonful of honey and a few drops of lemon juice. The egg white pulls out the oil, the vitamin A in the yolk helps heal blemishes, and the lemon is an astringent. Leave on for 10-15 minutes and rinse with cool water.
- To firm: Whisk together a spoonful each of honey and glycerin with an egg white and a few pinches of flour to create a paste. Rinse with cool water after 10-15 minutes.
After any of these treatments, gently pat your face dry with a towel and moisturize well.
To get my body smooth and add a glow to my skin, nothing beats a great salt scrub. Simply combine 1 cup of course sea salt or kosher salt with 1/2 cup of almond or olive oil and a spoonful of Vitamin E oil. Add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance. Scrub all over, giving special attention to any rough patches, especially elbows and knees! To avoid irritation, be sure to either shave before scrubbing or wait a day to shave.
To finish off I give myself a manicure and pedicure. Summer feet are for showing off so be sure to take the time to remove all the rough spots!
A home spa day isn’t as fabulous as getting the deluxe treatment at a “real” spa, but it’s a great way to rejuvenate and feel better about yourself without putting a big strain on your wallet!
By Jessica HardwickLabels: Home Spa Experience, Homemade Facials, Scrubs
Posted by Thanate ::
9:18 AM ::
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Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Garden Hot Tubs
Imagine starting your morning with a saunter out the back door to enjoy a cup of coffee in your garden hot tub, or relaxing just before bed with a lazy soak in your backyard hot tub under the stars. More and more homeowners are taking the plunge (pardon the pun!) and installing a hot tub in their backyard or garden. If it all sounds tempting to you, here are a few things to consider when deciding where and whether to put a hot tub in YOUR backyard.
Do you have the space?
A hot tub may look small, but even the smallest hot tubs weigh hundreds of pounds – thousands when filled with water. You’ll need to figure in space for the plumbing and controls as well – and if your county requires security fencing around your tub, you’ll need to take that into consideration as well when you’re planning for your garden hot tub.
Where will you put it?
No, really, it’s not the same question as above. Because of their weight and the need for plumbing and electricity, you’ll need to plan the location of your hot tub carefully. A hot tub on the patio or deck may sound wonderful – but it will need reinforcement to carry that much weight safely. Besides structural considerations, there are practical ones that are a lot more fun to consider. Do you want it close to the house – perhaps just outside your bedroom sliders so that you can slip in and out of it easily? Choose a spot for your backyard hot tub that gives you privacy, beauty and convenience.
Do you want a seasonal or year-round hot tub?
You might think that soaking in a hot tub in your garden in winter is a chilling experience, but there’s something especially cozy about watching the snowflakes fall from the relaxing warmth of a garden hot tub. If you’d like to use your hot tub year round, discuss weather proofing with the construction company, and while you’re at it, consider a gazebo roof or similar protection for rainy days as well.
What are the zoning regulations in your area?
In many townships and cities, outdoor backyard hot tubs require the same protections as swimming pools. The regulations may require a locked privacy fence around your garden, or at least around the hot tub itself to prevent accidental drowning.
How large a hot tub do you want?
A two-person hot tub is cozy and romantic, but garden hot tubs can spark some wonderful entertaining and parties. Will you want to invite the neighbors or workmates to party with you in your garden hot tub once in a while? A 4-8 person tub isn’t that much more expensive, and gives you the option of coziness and entertainment.
Should you choose an in-ground or above ground garden hot tub?
The choice is strictly a matter of preference. In-ground garden hot tubs can blend into the landscaping in your back yard – but with the proper surrounds (a garden gazebo? A glass conservatory?) so can an above ground hot spa tub. Price is another consideration here – an in-ground hot tub will require excavation that will make both construction and maintenance more costly.
What can I do in a garden or back yard hot tub?
Ah, now – do you really need ME to tell you that? Simply enjoy!
By Garry JohnLabels: hot tubs
Posted by Thanate ::
7:30 AM ::
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Monday, June 11, 2007
Common Mistakes When Planning Your Medical Spa
Everything starts with a business plan: If you don’t have one. Write it. A good business plan will help you get a handle on all of the things that get glossed over in the excitement of starting a new business. It’s also a usual requirement for getting financing.
Remember that this is a medical business and comes with special requirements. Non-physicians can not employ physicians, medical oversight, HIPPA compliance, and a host of other regulatory issues need to be addressed. Play fast and loose with these rules and you’re asking for trouble. (One of our local competitors in Utah was not providing adequate physician oversight. The state walked in one day, confiscated all of their technology and patient records and closed them down.) All lenders want to know how you’re going to handle these issues. ADVERTISEMENT
Financing is easy. Financing smart is hard: Speak the words “medical spa” as a physician and you’re everyone’s best friend. Banks, lenders, technology companies will all have big smiles on their faces and papers in their hands, ready to lend money or finance everything you need. If you’re not a physician it’s going to be harder.
If you need money or a line of credit for needs other than technology, a bank will probably be your first stop. Banks will provide the best rates but are the most rigorous in investigating borrowers and have the least tolerance for risk. Banks will require that you have spotless credit and that the entire loan is secured. In most cases, everyone who owns 10% or more of the business will be personally responsible for the loan and have to provide two or more years of tax returns. Be prepared for a blizzard of paperwork. Banks will want to see financial statements, cash flow, a business plan (although they don’t read it), and have a little visit.
The bank is going to want to know what the funds are intended to be used for. They want to see tangible assets that have a market and can be sold if the business fails or you can’t make the payments. They don’t want to hear that you need more money for marketing and advertising or salaries that don’t have any resale value.
The money that banks will lend you will take the form of a loan, or a line of credit. Loans have a set schedule and payments. A line of credit is somewhat different. The idea is that the bank extends a line of credit that you may draw on. Interest is paid only on the amount of money that is used. However, banks usually require that the entire balance is paid off and unused for one month every year to ensure that the business is liquid. If you can’t meet this requirement, the entire line reverts to a loan.
Some bankers are helpful and some are not. In one instance a branch manager told one of our accountants that wanted some information that “he didn’t need our business and we could just live with that”. Avoid these types if you can. A friendly banker can go a long way in securing loans and providing a little flexibility if things don’t go exactly as you planned. If you find a great banker, send him a Christmas card and some cookies once in a while.
If you are in the fringe of what a bank can tolerate risk wise, they will often suggest or apply on your behalf for an SBA (Small Business Administration) loan that’s partially guaranteed by the government. (www.sba.gov/financing)
Half of something is better than all of nothing: If you’re going to need more money than you have in assets, you still have a couple of options. These involve partnerships, joint-ventures, venture loans or equity.
Most start-ups involve some form of equity trade. Partnerships are a good example. Sweat equity in the early stages provides ownership in lieu of payment or salary. It’s very common for entrepreneurs to take little or no money, sometimes for years, until the business is on its legs. Sweat equity at this stage usually extends only to the founders but may extend to badly needed partners. When we started Surface, I took more than an 80% reduction in income.
Equity: The simple rule is; the more money you need and risk you entail, the more equity you’re going to give up.
Angels: This is the first stop for most entrepreneurs. Angel financing (also called seed money), is usually raised from friends and family or “high net-worth” individuals. In some cases you may find “Angel Groups” that meet together and look for investments. Angels are usually found a the early stages of a business and are often bought out when larger investors come in.
Venture Debt: A recent surge in venture debt has made its way into the market and is worth discussing. Venture debt is basically a venture loan. The lender charges a higher interest rate than banks are allowed to (often around 14%) and accepts more risk in return. In addition, you will have to give up a small percentage of your company in what are called warrants. This small percentage (usually less than 5%) allows the lender to share in any potential upside. Venture debt is worth considering if you’re sure of success and you don’t want or need to give up a large equity position in you company. But you’ll still be personally responsible.
Venture Capital: When most people think of raising large amounts of money, they’re thinking of venture capital. For most start ups, venture capital is not an option. VC money has some downsides though. It is hard to get and extremely expensive. When you add up the entire enchilada, you’re looking at about 80% compounding interest each year in return for that money. VC’s are looking for an investment term of three to five years and a ROI (return on investment) of 700% or more. Whew. You’re also going to loose complete control of your company and have someone constantly looking over your shoulder. There are cases where this actually makes sense. Many VC are extremely well connected and bring these resources to the table.
So, now you’ve got the money you need. What are you going to do with it?
Most medical spas have grown out of an existing physician practice. The idea of having technicians producing revenue, low additional overhead, increased patient flow, and the feel that “I could do that” is attractive to a large number of doctors who are tired of the grind of medicine. (We’ve been approached by a surprising diversity of physicians looking to enter this market including; anesthesiologists, cardio-thoracic surgeons, and even podiatrists.)
Multiple Locations: After some initial success, many physicians and MedSpa owners attempt to open additional locations. (For some reason, these second-clinic startups are often opened by a relative, usually a wife or daughter.) These second locations never achieve the success of the first clinic for a very simple reason; their a completely different animal. If you’re thinking of opening multiple locations you’re work load just tripled. Multiple location sites are outside the abilities of most physicians and involve a much greater financial risk. Staffing and human resources, legal issues, medical oversight… most fail within the first year.
Successful multi-location practices are built around systems. If your first clinic doesn’t run without you there, you’re not ready for a second. Expanding to fast is a sure why to overextend your resources. Then you’re in big trouble. If you’ve closed a second clinic, lenders are going to be very wary of lending you money.
The Turn Key Solution: Franchises and consultants love to drop this phrase. The idea is an attractive one. Experts will guide your steps to financial glory. Marketing, financing, training, everything will be delivered in a nice little box with a bow on top. But, knowing a number of franchise owners and the problems they’ve encountered, I would give this advice; beware.
The current crop of franchises have a lot of problems. (One of them in California was shut down for selling medical practices to non-physicians. They’ve since reopened and are among the most aggressive advertisers.) Franchises are attractive because they claim to have all the answers. If you’ll just write the checks all of your troubles will be over. Not so fast. What you’ll really get are some manuals, pre-written scripts for sales, and bad ad-slicks. You’ll also get: locked into specific technologies that might be second-tier (the franchise gets kick-backs), spend money you could use elsewhere, and pay royalties on all of your income. (The franchises that offer a flat fee are an even worse idea. They have absolutely no motivation to help you.)
Big dogs eat little dogs. The next five years will see dramatic and disruptive changes in this marketplace. Large, well-financed medical businesses with smart physicians and high-quality care are going to open up next door to you. (You’re the corner store, they’re Wal-Mart) These businesses will be category killers and if you’re not well established with a broad market presence and multiple revenue streams, you’ll be gone.
The $80,000 towel dryers. Choosing the right technology is one of the things that will let you move ahead a step, or put you in cement boots where you stand. I always think of the way one physician described the pair of IPLs [Intense Pulsed Light devices] that he’d bought; as $80,000 towel dryers. Before you decide on which system to buy you’re going to need to crunch the numbers. How many shots will the IPL heads last for until they need to be rebuilt? How much support is included? What kind of training is provided? Does the device work better than its competitors? Before you sign your next few house payments away, make sure of your technology decisions.
Buy or lease. Leasing is the best way to go if you want to pay for your equipment as you use it while preserving your capital. Many of the technology companies have delayed payment plans as long as six months. Buying used equipment is often the best way to save money if cash flow is not an issue. (We purchase used medical lasers and IPLs online from a broker we trust and sometimes negotiate with our buying power for other physicians.) You can often save up to 40% off the price of a new machine if you have the cash on hand.
Don’t guild the lily: Cash flow is a problem many start-up medical spas face. Revenues and growth projections are commonly exaggerated in the excitement of a new business. Before you invest in embroidered leather treatment tables, make sure you can pay your bills. One medical spa startup spent $350,000 on build out and didn’t have any money left to attract patients. They were out of business in four months.
A few simple finance rules:
- The Golden Rule is actually translated as: He with the gold makes the rules.
- You will end up being personally responsible for the money: Physicians sometimes think that they can use equity in their medical practice or future earnings as security. Nope.
- Be frugal: Take only the amount of money you need. It’s tempting to take as much money as you can get. Don’t. All the money you take will come with strings attached.
- Take enough money: Lenders hate it when you need additional money. They worry something’s going wrong in the original plan.
- Sometimes you can’t get there from here: Competition is fierce. If your market is already “owned” by a competitor, think carefully before going into debt to compete in a market you can’t win.
Tighten your belt: Financing is like anything else. In order to really find the best solutions you’re going to need to do some research. Find a mentor, someone who’s done it before and knows what to avoid. And remember, the most common reason that businesses fail is not lack of capital, its poor decision making.
By Jeff BarsonLabels: planning Medical Spa
Posted by Thanate ::
9:57 AM ::
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Sunday, June 10, 2007
Building A Medical Spa Inside Your Existing Medical Practice
The physicians conundrum: Everywhere, physicians are contemplating or engaged in expanding into the “medical spa” market. Seduced by the media buzz around this hot new phenomenon, many doctors see the medical spa as a means boosting their income and eliminating the growing grind and countless headaches of their daily practice. They read about growth statistics, see dazzling new equipment at trade shows, watch competitors popping up, and fear that they may be falling behind the times. With pen in hand they’re ready to sign lease agreements, loan documents, and lots of checks in order to catch up with a crowd of savvy entrepreneurs who know where the real action is. And the truth is, they’re right. Medical spas are the natural evolution of cosmetic medicine, and those who don’t join the revolution will watch from the sidelines as their fate is decided.
Medical spas are the forerunner of a revolution. From Galen until now, the primary method of care has been through the hands and individual knowledge of a physician. But that’s changing. The default method of care is becoming technology based. In every market and time, technologies are developed that replace an individuals knowledge and skill.
Lasers, IPLs, radio frequency, infrared, personal DNA testing, Pointe Lift™, Liposolve™, Clear², PDT, telomere clipping, anti-aging drugs and a smorgasbord of other technologies in development promise to change medicine in the same way that computers, jet engines, and GPS have changed aviation. Technology now enables a technician (under medical supervision) to perform effective medical treatments and places the physician in an oversight roll instead of being the primary practitioner. In the near future, physicians will have more in common with an astronauts than the Wright Brothers.
But changing technology poses very deep problems for physicians. Technology allows easy replication and scalability, forces an unimaginably steep new learning curve on overworked doctors, and eliminates many of the barriers and protections that physicians have relied on in the past. And it’s only going to get worse.
Consider this. The combination of markets that Surface competes in is huge (40-50 billion per year and growing), highly fragmented (individual practitioner model), completely new (technology based), and free of any meaningful national players (yet). Already there are very deep pockets investigating ways to exploit this emerging marketplace. The Wal-Marts and Home Depots of this new medical marketplace are being built.
But there’s opportunity as well. Technology opens new doors for physicians who can manage this new paradigm. That’s why a ready supply of smart and motivated physicians tired of the daily grind of insurance patients are moving into the marketplace and successfully competing. For the first time, physicians outside the current specialties of plastic surgery (cutting and stitching) and dermatology (diseases of the skin) have the potential to earn the income of these “big money” specialties. This new market will inevitably give rise to a new specialty whose focus will be “non-surgical cosmetic medical technologies”. You can see the fragmentation today. Many dermatologists now label themselves as “cosmetic” to market themselves as a subspecialty.
Hurry up and wait. You can’t get enough good information fast enough. But this is a new business and demands a huge investment of time to make the right decisions. Sales reps will stream into your clinic armed with charts and graphs that go up and to the right, advertisers will drop phrases like “top of mind awareness”, and you'll have a creeping suspicion that the market is getting away from you. Go slow. There are a host of land mines in the area and there are some that will be advising you to jump directly on them.
So, how do you build a medical spa inside your existing practice? Surface has three locations, four physicians, master aestheticians, technicians, patient coordinators, managers and office staff. Every treatment at Surface is governed by a set of proprietary protocols. As a business, we have advised dozens of individual physicians, managers, and investors about opening and operating medical spas. Be advised this is not easy, but here are a few suggestions.
Physician heal thyself: This is your business. Consultants make their money by telling others how to run businesses that they can’t run themselves. Believe me, if a medical spa consultant was worth hiring, they would be running their own medical spa. Consultants will tell you that you have to have massage, retail should be 30% or your gross sales, and “you might want to consider hydrotherapy”. Wrong. The day that retail is 30% of our gross sales I’ll eat my left foot. Our retail is around 3%. If it ever gets to 5% we’ll cut back. If this is going to be your business, make your own decisions.
Find someone smarter than you: The most important step is good management. Without that, people can, and have, lost everything. If you don't have good management skills, hire someone from outside medicine who does.
Franchises: “Turn key solutions”. That’s how almost everything is marketed to physicians. Buy this technology, hire this personnel, run these ad slicks, and everything will fall into place. Sorry. It doesn’t work that way. Most of these franchises are sold as a sort of “we’ve already worked out the kinks” sort of deal. It’s a lie. Franchises focus on the treatments that everybody else will be able to replicate with ease. It’s more a case of, “ In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king”. You don’t need a franchise.
All technology is not created equal: Despite what company reps will tell you, choosing the right technology will mean big differences at the end of the year. Efficacy, cost per treatment, initial costs, usage, and a long list of other considerations should go into technology decisions. Many physicians jump first and then end up with $80,000 towel dryers that they still have to make payments on every month. Used medical devices are readily available from the constant stream of bankruptcies and failed medical practices. Choose your technology carefully.
Understand the marketplace: Medical spas are a luxury business. And for most physicians it comes as an unwelcome surprise that their new patients are more demanding. Long waits, aloof staff members, poor communication, and ambivalent staff, are all in the past. You’re touting yourself as a luxury service, act like one. Hire top-notch people that are service-oriented, friendly and courteous. Protocols can be taught easier than attitude.
Rein in your ego: This is business. It’s not personal. If you feel you must charge twice as much as your competitors because you “deserve it” or you’re board certified, get used to empty appointment book. One of my personal pet peeves is the condescending attitude of many physicians.
Do not use “advanced” or “laser” in your name: The number of “advanced” laser clinics is staggering. Don’t do it. It’s inane, overused, and bland. I actually had a physician ask me if changing his name from Advanced Laser Centers to Advanced Laser Group would get him more business.
Network with successful medical spas: Successful business owners are only to happy to help newcomers to the industry. We have constant dialogue with physicians and investors who are investigating the marketplace and have advised clinics on four continents. Successful medical spas will be happy to build bridges with smart businesses.
Don’t look to day spas to solve your problems: Physicians hear “spa” and immediately think that day spas have the answers they’re looking for. Wrong. The average net margins for day spas are around 8%-10%. The average physicians is 60%. This is a different market.
Don’t base your pay on commission: Commissions sound like a great solution. You save overhead and motivate your staff to grow the business. Wrong. Commissions are used in spas to keep overhead low, but guess what. Staff members working for commission aren’t working for you. Commissions lead to overly aggressive staff that don’t do anything for your reputation.
Don’t gild the Lily: You may have heard that you have to “build out” your clinic at the cost of $80-$120 per square foot. Nope. You don’t have to start with treatment tables that have your clinics name embossed on them. Spend all your money before you open and you won’t be able to spend it where you’ll really need it… getting butts in the seats.
Stay lean: Physicians practice medicine based on science. You don’t need to offer massage and you don’t know anything about it anyway. Stick to the basics.
By Jeff BarsonLabels: Building A Medical Spa, Medical Practice
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8:13 AM ::
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Saturday, June 9, 2007
How to Use a Footbath with Herbs
Recently I read a book by William L. Fischer called “Hidden Secrets of Super Perfect Health at Any Age”, Book II, 1986. In chapter 10, The F-M Circulizer System, he discusses the use of an herbal footbath. After reading this chapter, I understood the importance of using herbs in a footbath to improve your health. It’s a simple concept yet this is the first time I have read about this idea.This book was written in 1986 and Fischer claims this herbal footbath has been in use overseas since 1946!
When you use a footbath and heat the water, the veins in your feet start to dilate. Over a period of 20-30 minute, the warm water affects your entire vascular system and you get an improved circulation of blood throughout your body.
By adding herbs to hot water, the minerals from the herbs enter the soles of your feet and move into you blood stream. What this means is that you can introduce into your blood stream a variety of herbal chemicals into your body using the footbath. During the your footbath, these herbal chemical will be quickly circulated throughout your body and get used where there is a deficiency.
The herbal footbath can result in improved health provided you pick the herbs that are beneficial to your health. You can start by adding herbs that are high in minerals. Most people are deficient in alkaline minerals and have an acid body. Adding minerals into your body is a definite plus.
Here’s how to prepare and use an herbal footbath.
- Buy these four herbs that are high in minerals – alfalfa herb, parsley, horsetail herb, kelp herb. Buy 1-2 oz of each. This might cost you $10.00 or less
- Mix all 4 herbs
- Prepare an herbal infusion by boiling 2 - 3 cups of water. After boiling pull the water off the hot plate. Add 2 tablespoons of the mixed herbs. Let this mixture sit for 20 minutes. The longer you let this mixture sit the stronger the infusion will be.
- After 20 minutes, start your footbath and press the heat button
- Strain the herbal infusion using a strainer and a cloth so that no herbal particles are included in the tea infusion
- Add the infusion into the footbath
- Place you feet into the footbath for 20 – 30 minutes.
Use the footbath every other day for 30 days before going to bed. Then take a 7-day rest before you use another herbal mixture. If you want to treat a specific ailment, find the herbal mixture and use it in your footbath. Use it every other day for 30 days.
I have been using the footbath with herbs rich in minerals for 3 weeks and here’s what I noticed.
- Improved sleep
- Less pain in my shoulder joint
- More energy
- Eyes see clearer longer though out the day
- Warmer hands and feet
The footbath spa that I’m using is the Homedics model JetSpaUltra. I like this unit because it has a jet stream action and bubbling. It has a button for heat and a rotator to do manicuring. I don’t use the manicuring but you might. My daughter of 8 years likes play with these rotating items. And, it is easy to fill and clean.
By Rudy SilvaLabels: Footbath with Herbs
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8:59 AM ::
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Friday, June 8, 2007
5 Tips to Enjoying Your Day Spa Visit
There's just something about walking into a day spa, isn't there? It's a haven from your hectic every day life, an oasis that lets you do something just for you. That massage or body treatment feels like a guilty indulgence, even though it's probably necessary for your sanity!
Whether you're visiting a day spa for the first time or the fiftieth, these tips will help you get the most out of your massage, body wrap, aromatherapy, etc.
- Remember when Mom told you not to swim for an hour after eating? Well, the same holds true for spa visits. Don't eat for at least an hour before a massage or body treatment.
- Arrive 30 minutes early. If you're worried about being late, tapping your foot waiting for the elevator and rushing to the receptionist desk, you won't get nearly as much out of your visit.
- RELAX! I know, that's how you're supposed to feel after you're done. If you can take a few deep breaths before your treatment (in the waiting room, since you're early, right?), your experience will be that much more rewarding.
- Drink LOTS of water before and after. Water enhances the detoxifying and rehydrating benefits.
- Talk to your therapists - they don't bite! If anything feels off, let them know: too hot/cold, too much pressure/too little pressure, music's too loud - anything. They want you to have the best experience possible so you'll come back for more.
Theresa Carter is the creator and publisher of TheLocalTourist.com, a free online guide to downtown Chicago. Find restaurants, bars, spas, salons, events, attractions, shopping, media, transportation – anything Chicago. Theresa also provides a weekly events newsletter.
By Theresa CarterLabels: Day Spa Visit
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Thursday, June 7, 2007
Pregnancy Does Not Mean Stopping Aromatherapy
A lot of women think that just because they are pregnant, there are certain things they can do and certain things that they absolutely should not do. While this is true, this fact has no bearing on a pregnant woman treating herself to an aromatherapy session. In other words, there is no reason for a pregnant woman to stop living just because she is pregnant.
Of course a pregnant woman should be concerned about normal things during pregnancy, particularly things like maintaining the proper diet and getting sufficient (but not too much) exercise. Many pregnant women also have many questions about the use of certain beauty products, which appears to be the result of way too much media hype over a particular beauty product that is not even marketed anymore.
Aromatherapy spa sessions can actually be significantly beneficial for people, including pregnant women. The aromatherapy session at the spa can create a sense of euphoria and utter relaxation if done properly, which is actually beneficial to both mother and baby. The aromatherapy session can help you deal with the stress of normal daily life and work.
You should make sure you are familiar with what oils are going to be used during your aromatherapy session, but generally speaking, the effects of aromatherapy would be considered beneficial instead of potentially harmful.
If you are pregnant and have a specific condition which may lead you to wonder if a session at the aromatherapy spa might be harmful to you or your baby, definitely check with your doctor to make sure, and that apples to aromatherapy or virtually anything else. But a typical aromatherapy session at the spa can create a great atmosphere for you to relax and release the tensions of the day, and can actually do far more good than any harm for both you and the baby.
By Jon ArnoldLabels: aromatherapy spa, Pregnancy Aromatherapy
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3:46 PM ::
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Things to Consider when Buying a Hot Tub or Jacuzzi Tub
We recently purchased a new Hot Tub and Gazebo from Cal Spas in Minnesota. The purchase was not something we planned, just something that caught our eye when visiting the Minnesota State Fair. As a result we learned a few things that would have made our purchase smarter. In the end we're pleased with the decision but its easy to say now that all the work is done. In this article I'll outline the information I wish I had considered when making this purchase. I hope it helps you in your decision.
The Tub
This isn't going to be a detailed rundown on what to look for in a good tub or who to buy it from. I'll leave that to the other articles out on the internet. There are two points I'll make of things I may have changed. We purchased the top of the line system, the only thing it lacked was an LCD monitor and DVD player.
So what would I change?
Well after using it for a season I find that the multitude of jets is irrelevant for me. I am more of a soaker and actually prefer that the jets aren't all blasting. Its too much noise and I don't like the splashing. So I would look for something at a better price point and give up some of the fancy jets in favor of more common ones.
A friend of mine paid 1/2 of my cost for a more basic unit and he couldn't be happier.
So where would I put this money?
I would ALWAYS splurge and get the stereo and speakers built into the tub. My wife insisted on this and it added quite a bit to the price but I wouldn't want it any other way. The tub uses a marine radio/CD player with water proof speakers and a remote controller on the top side of the tub. You can easily hear the music and I even ran a TV in through the Auxiliary so we can hear the TV through the tub speakers. My friend who didn't buy this feature is left with setting up elaborate wiring and remote control extenders to get his stereo to play outside.
Another feature I'd suggest is fiber optic lighting. There are a bunch of small lights around the top of the tub that change color. At first glance it looks like this would just be to make it fancy. Try the tub at night and you'll find they provide a great deal of light which makes the tub much easier to use. It also helps when messing around outside the tub with CD's Drinks Towels, Chemicals etc.
My friend again, is stringing rope lighting.
So in a nutshell on the tub, consider the stereo and fiber optics and if necessary go with less jets to cover the cost.
Gazebo Information
My wife insisted on a Gazebo surrounding the tub and for years I put off the purchase because I didn't want to spend another $7000.00 on a Gazebo. Once we took the plunge I'd say that for the Minnesota winters I'd have it no other way. I have neighbors that freeze climbing in and out and maintaining their spa. Ours is like another room in the house and is quite warm in the winter due to the heat from the tub.
Now a word of advice.
My buddy purchased an 8x8 Gazebo that basically encloses the tub with no extra space. They climb up stairs and go through the windows of the gazebo to get in the tub. On a showroom this looks like a fine arrangement. Well this winter his wife climbs in, closes the windows to keep the cold out and finds herself trapped in the gazebo. They had to damage the windows getting it open due to the condensation that froze the window shut. My smart wife insisted we purchase a larger gazebo. We went with a 12x12 that had racks and storage for chemicals and towels. It also has built in lights which are a bonus.
The important thing to note about this decision is that I enter the gazebo through a sliding door, not the window. If anything freezes it will be the windows by the tub not the ones opposite the room and the sliding door. Additionally its just nice to have a new room on the house and the cost relative to the benefits isn't bad at all. Plus we have room for a bar and stools in there.
Preparation and Additional Costs
Here are a few things to consider in your decision they either provided additional cost or hard work on my part.
Electrical: You'll most likely need a dedicated 50 amp circuit with a breaker box in plain view of the tub. In our case this meant digging a 36 inch deep trench from the garage to the gazebo (50 feet) so the electrician could run the conduit. The cost of the electrical work was about $1000.00 and I had to dig the trench myself. My buddy did his own electrical and still spent $500.00 in parts so keep that in mind.
Cement: I also needed a new cement slab to accommodate my tub and gazebo. We put in a 14x15 slab to accomplish this. What I did not consider was that cement has gone way up in price since my last 10x10 slab. We spent almost $2000.00 for the labor and materials to have this poured. What I also did not consider was the work of removing the grass from that area. This took three days of exhausting work cutting strips of sod and hauling them to the disposal site.
Gazebo: What I did not consider and was not told by the sales rep was that immediately upon erecting the gazebo, we'd need to stain it to seal the wood from the weather. This is a 12x12 structure I hadn't considered staining. Let me just say it was a day of hard work which will need to be done at least every other year.
Additional Items to Consider
A few additional items you may want to consider purchasing.
Cover Helper: The covers of these hot tubs are not easy to move around by yourself. This is especially true in a Gazebo. They sell cover helpers which are lever type devices that life the cover mechanically and put it behind the tub. Unfortunately for me my wife wants the tub against the wall so we're stuck either using 1/2 the tub or man handling the heavy cover. This is my pet peeve about tubs. So if you have the room or consider making the room, this will make your spa much more enjoyable.
Portable Utility Pump: Tubs have a gravity drain at the bottom but these can take all day to drain a tub. My neighbor was smart and purchased a utility pump or sump pump at the local Home Depot or Menards. This drained the tub in about an hour and let us get to work cleaning and refilling fairly quick. After borrowing his I went right out and picked one up for about $70.00 For those of you who've drained a waterbed without a pump you'll know why this is a good investment.
Hose for adding water: Just like with my waterbeds, I prefer to purchase a special hose for adding water to the tub. I keep it inside so it stays clean and not frozen. Tubs evaporate water at a surprisingly fast rate so plan on adding water once a month or so.
In Home Jacuzzi Tubs
When we built our house we splurged and added one of those large two person Jacuzzi tubs with six jets. I thought we'd be in heaven and was reminiscing of nights spent in the Jacuzzi suites in a hotel. What I didn't consider is the following and because it these things, it functions more as an ornament to make the bathroom look grand.
Filling: These things take time to fill, by the time its filled do you still need or want that bath?
Hot Water: Filling these will drain your water heater down unless you've planned for extra capacity. I find that the water for my pre bath shower isn't very warm once I've filled the tub.
Cleaning: Ok so I'm lazy but just like a hot tub, you have to clean the tub and jets and the larger the tub the more work it is just to keep the dust out.
I hope my thoughts have given you something to consider and plan when making a large purchase such as a spa or gazebo. All things considered I'd do it again if I moved but I'd be a little smarter and save money and effort.
By John GallLabels: Hot Tub, Jacuzzi Tub
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Wednesday, June 6, 2007
How a Ultrasonic Home Spa Can Make You Younger and Prettier in 15 Minutes
Most of you have heard of ultrasonic in different applications. For example, doctors use ultrasonic to treat patients. Opticians use ultrasonic to clean lenses. Industries use ultrasonic to detect and control product quality, quantity, size, thickness, and height. Perhaps you have never heard of ultrasonic home spa can improve your health and beauty.
The history of spa comes from Latin “Solus Per Aqua”, meaning “Health via Water”. The concept of immersing the body in water to maintain and restore health is essential to life. Sebastian Kneipp, the “Father of Hydrotherapy”, said that the correct combination of water and herbs can treat almost any illness.
Today, with the changing social environment, many people are feeling stress and sick. Maintaining a balanced diet, having good exercise, and getting enough rest become a challenging issue for men and women. You may feel stress from work during the day. And then, you get more stress from home with your spouse or children around in the evening. How often do you give yourself a getaway? How about using a home spa to reduce your stress and relieve your pain every day?
A new breakthrough in spa technology combines ultrasonic waves, far infrared rays, and ozone negative ions into one portable home spa machine. This device gives you an alternative health treatment for stress and 36 most common illnesses. Research has shown that five minutes in this ultrasonic bubble bath is equivalent to an hour of professional massage. And, every 15 minutes of ultrasonic bubble bath helps you to burn 200 to 300 calories, which is equivalent to a 3 to 5 km intensive jogging.
Traditional massage applies pressure onto your body tissue directly. In this new home spa technology, ultrasonic bubbles actually apply pressure by penetrating your skin and dilating your cells. This means promoting cell activities and increasing blood circulation. Besides the health benefits, you will get beauty benefits like: deep cleansing, body detoxification, and total body care with shiny and resilient skin tone.
Ultrasonic home spa provides internal warming, total relaxation, body massage, deep cleansing, and beauty contouring. It is different from sauna, jacuzzi, and normal bath because they don’t have the ultrasonic application to drive heat deep into the body, bones, and internal organs.
More importantly, if you want to create your own aroma hydrotherapy at home, you just need to add a few drops of herbal oil that is specially designed to be water soluble for ultrasonic bath. Then, you are ready to enjoy life with a home spa that simulates the natural healing power of a hot spring, a waterfall, and a forest bath.
By Dr. Vivian LeeLabels: breakthrough in spa technology, Ultrasonic Home Spa
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Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Home Spas: They're Not Just For The Rich & Famous Anymore!
Aaah, a spa. It used to be that you needed a Hollywood mansion to even entertain the thought; but now, home spas are popping up everywhere you look and with good reason.
The basis for all the "ooh-ing" and "aah-ing" when people settle down to soak in their home spas is "hydrotherapy" or "water healing" which was first made famous by the Greek Hippocrates, the "father" of medicine, in the 4th century BC. He used to prescribed bathing and drinking spring water for its medicinal benefits. Soaking in hot springs was another Greek favorite which was quickly picked up by the Romans who built thousands of communal baths which were the forerunner of modern home spas!
Although the number one "official" reason for the remarkable increase in the installations of home spas is to sooth overworked muscles and soak away the effects of stress caused by our hectic lifestyles, home spas are also a wonderful socializing tool as many people have found out over the years.
Having access to home spas means that although parties may start out in the living rooms, they often end up in the "spa room" accompanied by soft music, low lights, a little wine or spirits and a whole lot of relaxing. Bathing suits are, of course, optional depending upon the "house" rules!
Today, home spas come in shapes, colors and sizes to match any taste, budget and available space. From built-in to portable, if you want one, there is sure to be one that wants you in return! There are "family size" home spas with lots of seating room all the way down to cozy ones that just fit two.
The latest models of home spas include a wide variety of lighting, music, water jet and seating options. Seating options should not be overlooked. You might want lounge-style which allows you to soak while fully reclined, or you could opt for the bench or chair-type seating which accommodate more people.
You can even get a floating remote control to set your music and lighting levels along with jet pressure and temperature. Home spas can be located almost anywhere that you have the space plus access to water and electricity. Portable home spas can be setup and moved relatively easily. Some people opt to have them installed into an existing bathroom or bedroom, while others will convert a porch or sun room into a spa room. Indoors or out, cold weather or warm, home spas are relaxing and enjoyable way to soak away what ails you or to get to know that certain someone a little bit better.
Although home spas are low maintenance, they aren't "no maintenance". You can usually find out all you need to know about keeping your spa clean and sanitary by reading the manual that came with it or by checking with your local pool and spa supply store.
Here are some important safety tips for users of home spas:
Read and follow all maintenance and usage instructions fully. Chemical poisoning or electrical shock, while unlikely, could result if you fail to follow instructions.
Never allow the water temperature to exceed 104F (40C)
Never enjoy your spa alone. You could fall asleep and drown.
Never use the spa if you are pregnant.
Never use the spa if you are intoxicated.
C
heck with your doctor if you are taking medications before using the spa.
Always lock down the spa cover when not in use. Children and pets could fall in and drown.
Forget expensive memberships to health resorts. You don't need them. Not when home spas start as low as $600 and can be installed in one day or less!
By Mike JonesLabels: Home Spas
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7:31 AM ::
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Monday, June 4, 2007
Create A Home Spa
Here are 10 personal little home spa tips that will make you look and feel like a million bucks!
Squeeze in a few extra minutes to your every day self care time and you’ll see how easily these step by step pampering recommendations will turn even the toughest days around. Or if you can negotiate a few minutes here and there from your day to get even more time…by all means… do it! Your family, friends and co-workers will meet a much happier, more chipper, fantastically refreshed you!
In Preparation:
First things, first. No shopping, buying or leaving the house. Scour the house for a few fun spa essentials and make a decadent ‘Home Spa Day’ just with what you have tucked away! Why put off what you could be doing right now?! I suppose if you are out and about and feel so inclined to pick up special bath salts, moisturizers or essential oils… so be it. I admire your level of commitment!
- Grab your robe and slippers
- Find a soothing CD that you absolutely love
- Scented candle
- A washcloth, loofah, bath brush or a new scrubbie back there in the drawers you forgot about
- Fluffy cotton towel
- Bath salts or essential aromatic oils (if you have them)
- Your cleansers, toners and moisturizers
- Coarse sea salt
- Plenty of chilled spring water (with a splash of lime or lemon) in the fanciest glass you can find
- Steep a cup of green tea
Let go of your day… your obligations… responsibilities… stress… and strain. Toss out the barrage of thoughts streaming through your mind (even if it’s just for a moment). Trust me... they’ll still be around later for you to poke at, ponder or peruse.
Try to relax. Take yourself on a far away vacation in your head, tell yourself a “Once Upon A Time” story, remind yourself what a princess you are and remember how essential these precious moments are to your happiness and sanity!
Welcome To Your At Home Spa Vacation!
- Take it easy and slow down your breath, your thoughts and your movements. Put on your favorite CD and start prepping a very simple shower or bath in a wonderfully slow, deliberate and unhurried way. Take time to watch the candle burn, smell the fragrance, feel the soft robe or towels, look at the sparkling drops of water and run your hands through it… take in the joyful process of an every day activity that we just fly through without a second thought!
- Use essential oils. Not only do they smell great, but they are extremely good for your skin. The rule to applying essential oils is to never apply them directly on your face or skin. Just add about five drops to a bowl of warm water. Soak a washcloth in the water and then apply to your face and neck as a compress for five minutes. Repeat three times. Gently towel dry and finish yourself off with an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory facial splash.
If you have a choice of essential oils to choose from, select one that suits your mood and purpose. If you are desparking the stress level this holiday, choose soothing oils (like lavender, chamomile, jasmine, sandalwood and ylang-ylang). Good revitalizing and energizing oils when you need them are peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, basil and juniper. The aroma can also provide psychological and physical benefits too! Essential oils can help with physical conditions, rejuvenate the skin, eliminate waste, alleviate stress, enhance your mood, restore vitality and facilitate the regeneration of new, healthy cells. - Basic Body Scrub and Cleansing If you decided you only have time for an indulgent, relaxing shower… start with a basic body scrub and cleansing. I found this fabulous new product called Spongeables (www.spongeables.com). It’s a soap and a sponge all in one. It lasts for a full month of frothy fragrant showering. My favorite fragrance is fresh lavender… and they have them fragrance free too if that’s more your style.
Whatever sponge, cloth or brush you decide on… scrub mindfully and only gently brush your skin. Gentle circular motions will increase your circulation and eliminate toxins and excess water.
Another in home spa trick is to mix an ounce of ground sea salt with 10 or so drops of your favorite essential oil. Add water and make a paste so it spreads easily. Apply it to your entire body and slough off the dead skin with big circular strokes. This salt scrub will exfoliate dead skin cells, cleanse the pores and help your body get rid of any toxins. - Draw a bath. Add 5 to 10 drops of an essential oil to bath salts. Grab an extra pillow, put a kitchen trash bag over it to keep it dry and then put a pillow case over that. You just bought yourself 10 extra comfy minutes in the bath tub. You might as well take a book too! Follow it with a warm shower and a dry yourself off with a fluffy cotton towel. If someone in the house really loves you… get them to toss it in the dryer for 5 minutes and greet you with fluffy warmth. If you have a body toning lotion handy, apply to your body (not your face) for additional firming and toning so you’ll look even better in that little black dress.
- Be nice to yourself. These are your precious rejuvenating moments. Take your time. Pamper yourself and try not to get caught up in the have-to’s and the should-do’s. Don’t be in a rush. Not only will you lose some of the benefits of this quality time to refresh and relax, you may start sloughing off and using rough, damaging strokes.
- Hurrying has its risks. Without slow, mindful, attentive movements, you could cause inflammation and jeopardize that fresh, healthy, glowing complexion that will make you a bright shining super star. You can actually accelerate the aging process by being too rough! Now there’s a good enough reason in and of itself to slow down.
- Care for your hair. It is taking a beating in these winter elements. Add ¼ ounce of lavender to sixteen ounces of shampoo. Or for oily hair, add ¼ ounce of lemongrass or rosemary to 16 ounces of shampoo. Essential oils can make invigorating scalp massages. Rosemary is awesome! If you decide not to use the oils, make sure you at least give yourself a long, sudsy scalp massage. Close your eyes, lay your head back and drift for a moment.
- Replenish lost moisture to your skin and hair this winter by taking two tablespoons of organic flaxseed oil twice a day. You’ll get rid of the itchies and combat wrinkles and sagging skin.
- Treat your fabulous face. All the treatments above were just for your bod. Your face is special and delicate. The skin on your face is thinner and more fragile than your body. Treat your face with extreme care and gentleness. Even though it’s cold avoid extremely hot water, harsh soaps or any drying cleansers.
Grab a new wash cloth or small sea sponge, add a few drops of your favorite cleanser (preferably an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory liquid cleanser) and then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Apply face firming treatment then put an ice cube inside of a small plastic bag and gently rub over the face and eye area for several minutes to tone and plump up the skin. - Rejuvenate from the inside
Drink 8 to10 glasses of water every day. Eat lots of whole foods, green vegetables, fresh fruits, grains, nuts and lean protein to reduce inflammation, replenish moisture and bring back a youthful glow.
Take 3 full, deep breaths from your abdomen (keep your shoulders still) to complete your simple happy essential home spa experience.
The benefits and joy you experience during your at home spa day will be more colored by your desire and your intentions than any fancy, expensive products you can buy. Be mindful, set your intentions and gradually transition in to or out of your work day… always cherishing these simple, sacred rejuvenating moments.
By Julie
Labels: Create A Home Spa, Home Spa Vacation
Posted by Thanate ::
5:03 AM ::
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Sunday, June 3, 2007
Water Therapy: Therapeutic and Esoteric Properties for Your Home Spa Smart Bathing
Something New Interesting About Water Therapy.
"The more I find out, the moreI find out I need to know"
Water therapy, or hydrotherapy, or balneology is a powerful natural tool you can use at your home spa.
What do you know about water therapy (hydrotherapy,balneology)? If you could choose a simple quick method in your home spa to enjoy better wellness, more energy and well-being, would you be interested in learning it ?
The good news is that this powerful tool is possible for you …if you have a tub with hot and cold water. And if you want to open your mind to something new.
Do you know One Of the Most Powerful Wellness Tools in accordance with Nature you can use at your home spa any time? It is WATER (water therapy)!
Yes, I am talking about WATER- "this common and ordinary substance" as most the people think. Let's change this phrase to another one: water is one of the most powerful and affordable wellness tools for everyone.
And you can use with water therapy techniques many natural bath products such as bath salts, mud baths, herbal baths, thalasso baths.
Hydrotherapy (balneology, water therapy) is a therapeutic and beautiful way to use water for healing and wellness, to balance body and mind. For general home therapy for easing of stress and strains a home bath can offer many excellent benefits.
Bathing can be a very valuable, effective resource for your wellness and health.
For many years numerous scientific researches and studies have proved the following 5 (five) main therapeutic benefits of bathing:
- Bathing promotes physical and mental relaxation, rest and feeling of well-being, reduces stress.
- Warm water draws blood from the other parts of the body to the skin and muscles. Bathing increases the oxygen-rich blood circulation throughout the body to help dissolve and eliminate toxins through the skin. Bathing improves nourishment to the body. Bathing is a very smart method to increase circulation so mildly and so therapeutically.
- Bathing increases body's metabolism and helps balance body's functions.
- Bathing relieves from muscle pain and spasms.
- Bathing stimulates the immune system.
What about something esoteric?
Subscribe to Free Smart Home Spa Bathing Course at www.tonusworld.com to read:
- Why is bathing (water therapy, hydrotherapy, balneology) such a powerful tool?
- 5 main therapeutic benefits of water therapy
- Esoteric properties of water
By Oleg MoskvineLabels: Home Spa, Smart Bathing, Therapeutic and Esoteric, water therapy
Posted by Thanate ::
8:31 AM ::
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Saturday, June 2, 2007
Home Spa and Body's Adaptation. The More the Better?
The More The Faster The Better?Or Some Words About The Body's Adaptation.
"Change your mindand you will changeyour life"
Today we will talk about the tendency in our busy world to make more activity and procedures in one spa day to get fast results. The more the faster the better?
The word "SPA" can be translated from a Latin abbreviation for :S - salud, P- per, A-aqua, or
"Health Through Water".
You are "Your Home Spa Owner" and so should be a bit professional in spa products and their use (methods, frequency, intensity etc) to obtain Health Through Water.
Today " You as a Home spa owner" have a "You as a client" at your Spa Home bath. Do 'You-owner" wish "You-client" better health and well-being? Yes. Do "You-owner" want to have a long-term valued customer "You-client" at your Home Spa? Yes.
How many procedures would you apply to "You-client" today? The more the better? How many baths per week would you recommend "You-client" at home: 1,2,3 and why?
"Do I need to know this ?" you might ask. In our busy information age it could be a good advantage to have some basic knowledge about your body's adaptation, stress definition and how your body responds to external loads to understand what you are doing, why and what results you can expect.
Being able to know when to begin and stop any activity and make a smart decision is an useful skill.
There are three main definitions in the body's adaptation theory:
Homeostasis - a tendency of the body to maintain its internal balance. Stressor- any activity (physical, mental and emotional) applied to the body to change this balance (homeostasis).
Adaptation- change or adjustment of the body's functions to the needs required by activity.
Running, walking, swimming, bathing, sunbathing, bicycling etc. are examples of physical stressors.
Stressors load our body with activity (or external stimulation). Activity in sufficient quantity for your body's condition will positively move the body away from its homeostasis. This activity leads to the body's response and adjustment of the body's functions to create positive health and well-being changes (so-called positive adaptation).
When the activity level is suitable for your body this activity can be named positive. Such an activity improves your health and well-being through positive adaptation. When the activity level is more than you can adjust this activity can be named negative.
The more is not always the better!
There are two types of external influences - smart influence and hard influence.
Smart influence (smart amount, smart dose, smart signal) triggers (stimulates, activates) mild positive beneficial body's reactions without overstressing the body.
Hard influence suppresses positive body's responses and results in body's defense and overstraining.
Have a good and smart Home Spa bath!
By Oleg MoskvineLabels: balneology, mineral salts, mud applications, smart amount, smart dose, smart signal, water therapy
Posted by Thanate ::
3:13 PM ::
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Friday, June 1, 2007
Mineral Baths: Smart Bathing Versus Hard Bathing
"There is a power of choice- what we do today with our time, information and habits reflects our tomorrow"
Did you swim in a sea or an ocean ? You could not forget these beautiful sensations of energy and revitalization after sea mineral bathing. Can you restore these feelings at your spa? Purchase mineral salts , dissolve a desired (?) amount in warm water and relax as if you were swimming in a sea…No undiscovered information? You can ask : what is a desired amount- a cup, two cups, 1 kg (2.2 pounds) or more? I would answer : "You should add at least 1 kg (2.2 pounds) per bath ". Let me specify why.
The salinity (salt concentration) of sea water is at least 3%. It means that 3 kg ( 6.6 pounds) of mineral salts should be added to a bath to simulate sea bathing. The primary principle of a bath is to disperse botanicals in the water matrix. Then these botanicals can be available for skin absorption.But regular salt formula hardly provides these benefits because of the skin's low absorption rate for minerals , dissolving mechanism and the body's salinity.
The mechanism of dissolving of ANY regular mineral salts in the water is the following: crystals of salts are dissociated to many ions and these ions are covered by water molecules. These hydrated ions in water have a decreased level of energy and activity for proper absorption and assimilation through the skin.
I have been searching and studying for many years a lot of clinical studies of efficiency of mineral salt treatments. Results differ, efficiency differs, methods differ, salt types differ. But ONE common figure I did find is that for therapeutic treatment purposes scientists use at least 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of ANY regular mineral salts.
The minimum figure of 1(one) kg is originated from the fact that our body salinity (healthy blood plasma) is about 0.9% (salt equivalent of 900 g or 2 pounds per bath).
So, at least 1 kg (2.2 pounds) of REGULAR salts is required to support proper mineral absorption and assimilation through the skin to nourish and re-mineralize the skin and the body with deficient micro- and macro-elements. And water therapy professionals know this figure very well. More often medical spas, clinics and health resorts can use for therapeutic purposes 2 kg (4.4 pounds) , 4 kg (8.8 pounds) or more salts per bath!
For relaxing, balancing and other wellness purposes a less amount of mineral salts can be used. But you should understand that the main effect of 250-500 grams (one -two cups of ANY regular salts) per bath is more a skin's stimulating effect than a real nourishing effect.
That is why the only recommendation for REGULAR mineral salt bathing can be :"The more salts the better".
The more salts are added the better…. Nothing can be changed….Hmm.
The more salts are added the better? Hard bathing…
No new ideas?
This old dogma can be doubted and new approaches, scientific ideas and technology are discovered to create a NEW generation of bath products for Smart Bathing!
Oleg Moskvine, held the Senior Scientist position of the R&D department of Technofit cosmetic manufacturing company.
Oleg has the good expertise in hydrotherapy (balneology, water therapy) treatments with water, mineral salts and mud applications.
By Oleg MoskvineLabels: Hard Bathing, Mineral Baths, Smart Bathing Versus
Posted by Thanate ::
6:39 PM ::
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