Massage
What are the benefits of massage?

Without a doubt, a massage feels great! But there’s a lot more to it than that, with its many physical and mental benefits. When you look at what it can do, it’s not surprising that massage is the most requested spa service and that Americans spend roughly $6 billion a year on therapeutic massage.
Although most people get massages to relax, reduce stress, and relieve aches and pains, massage therapists are trained to focus on specific needs.

Massage benefits the body in its ability to do the following:

Relax and rejuvenate – relieve stress and calm the mind – relieve pain and aching muscles – reduce blood pressure – increase mental clarity – promote healing – enhance athletic performance – nourish and improve skin – help prevent insomnia – relieve sinus congesting and headaches – enhance immunity – alleviate allergies – reduce anxiety and depression – improve posture – relieve TMJ – ease arthritis – improve joint flexibility – alleviate digestive disorders – allow easier breathing – promote feelings of wellbeing and harmony – increase range of motion – increase circulation of blood and lymph – nourish tissues – reduce swelling – enhance body-mind awareness – calm the nervous system – break down scar tissue – relieve cramps and muscle spasms – relieve repetitive strain injuries

Some interesting facts about massage:

• Customers receive 230 million massage sessions annually.
• 16% of US adults visited a massage therapists in 2006 and 38% have received a professional massage sometime in their lifetime.
• The percentage of gender in the spa industry is approx. 70% women and 30% men.

What do I wear during a massage?

For a full body massage, most people undress completely. However, you may choose to wear your underwear. Your massage therapist will give you the privacy to undress and you will be covered with a sheet and blanket at all times except for the area being worked on.

Can anyone get a massage?

No, there are several medical conditions that would make massage inappropriate. That is why it is necessary that you fill out the health history forms before you begin your session. It is very important that you inform the therapist of any health problems or medications you may be taking. If you are under a doctor’s care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage prior to any session.

Skin Care
(waxing, laser hair removal, and spray tanning)

What type of SPF should I look for in sunscreen?

Most SPF’s of 15 or higher will protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Known as broad-spectrum sunscreens, these products contain titanium dioxide. Other active sunscreens are zinc oxide, oxybenzone, or Parsol 1789. While sunscreen helps to minimize damaging sunburns, it doesn’t completely prevent tanning or burning and should be reapplied every one to two hours.

How long will the results of waxing last?

After your first wax, the results can last 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the individuals hair re-growth. In most cases, hair growth is minimal during the first week or two and noticeably increases in the third and fourth week. With regular waxing, the length of time required between treatments will increase significantly. If you used to shave, a few treatments may be required to see the full beneficial effects of waxing.

How long does waxing take?

Depending on the body part and the density of the hair growth, you waxing appointment will take between 15 minutes to one hour.

Does waxing hurt?

Everyone’s tolerance for pain is different. It may be more the anticipation of not knowing what to expect that makes one feel uncomfortable or vulnerable to any discomfort. However, this will quickly subside and lessen with each visit, as the hair thins and less hair is required to be removed from the area.

How long does a spray tan last?

Depending on a persons activities and skin type, the tan lasts approximately 5-7 days (up to 10 days for some people).

What is the advantage of spray tanning over UV tanning?

Airbrush tanning in an alternative form of tanning. People with sensitive skin or people who have a hard time tanning, be it natural or in tanning beds, will find this form of tanning very comforting. One application of airbrush tanning will be equivalent to approximately 6 tanning bed sessions, therefore making it cost and time effective. Spray tanning also spares the skin of excessive wear and tear and free from potential burns caused from the sun or tanning beds.

What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is a procedure by which hair is removed from the body by utilizing a long pulse laser. Lasers are developed and designed from years of research. The laser parameters are carefully defined by studying the anatomy of the hair follicle and precisely matching the laser light and pulse duration to the follicle size, depth and location to inhibit the re-growth of the hair. The laser works by disabling hairs that are in their active growth cycle at the time of treatment. Since other hairs will enter their growth cycle at different times, several treatments are necessary to disable all of the follicles in a given area.

Nails
Why do some nail technicians not use callus shavers on my feet?

The North Carolina State Board of Comedic art of Examiners has prohibited the use or possession of callus shavers. Please be aware of any nail technician who tries to use one during a pedicure.