How to find Spa Deals During the Holidays

Sometimes it is good to take a break for yourself during the holidays and treat yourself to a nice deep tissue massage. That would be relaxing but you do not want to spend to much this holiday season. It is still possible to get that massage and stay in your planned budget. During the holidays and even different times of the year  many spas offer amazing specials. It is all in how you look for them. About.com has several ways you can find special not just for the holidays but also during the year. Finally, we will provide you a link that  covers  all of the spa specials throughout the US.

• Join Spa Deal Sites. Both Spa Week and SpaFinder now email spa deals to people who sign up for them at their websites. Btreated.com has daily spa deals, but only for residents of New York City. The big deal sites like Living Social and Groupon are available throughout the country and offer spa deals, but expect to wade through a lot of non-spa offers. And remember, once you pay for the highly discounted spa deal, you won't get your money back even if you don't use it.

• Travel Off-Season  If you're planning a spa vacation, rates drop dramatically when you go off-season. Think summers in Arizona or Florida and winters in the Northeast. You just have to decide if you can tolerate the off-season weather to get the deal. Shoulder seasons, which run in between high and low season, may offer good rates and decent weather.

• Ask About Off-Peak Rates and Other Specials. Some spas charge lower rates on the days and hours that have lower demand, such as Monday through Thursday or early morning hours.

• Sign up For Email Blasts From Your Favorite Spa. Spas don't want to advertise their spa deals, but they email or text deals to regular customers. You'll find out about last-minute discounts, even free treatments, classes and lectures.

• Join A Rewards Program. Some spas have loyalty programs that reward regular customers with a free massage after you get ten. That's a 10% discount -- and you can go anytime you want.

• Look For "Locals" Programs. Spas in big resort towns like Scottsdale, Las Vegas or Miami often have lower rates and special deals for locals. You have to show your drivers' license, so out-of-towners, don't apply!

• Ask For Group Rates. If you're looking for a girlfriend getaway (think five or more), tell the spa and try to negotiate a group rate.

• Buy A Series. Treatments that require a series such as laser hair removal and microdermabrasion  are usually cheaper when you pay upfront. But it's not a deal unless it's the right treatment for you.

Here is the Spa Special Link: Spa Specials 

Now, you armed with plenty of ways to find spa deals during the holidays and beyond. If you would like to contact us with any questions or feedback, you can reach us by email.

Thanks for Visiting!

Joseph A. Jones & The WellLife Team

Featured Spa Treatment : Hot Stone Massage

        Our featured spa treatment that we are covering is hot stone massages. This spa treatment can be very beneficial to many areas of your body and even helpful to certain physical conditions. However, there are some important  health precautions in having this treatment done that need to be followed and only using certified people in this area is a must.


The Origins of Hot Stone Massage
      Hot stones warmed by fire were used by Native Americans to treat aching muscles, but the modern revival of hot stones in massage is generally credited to Mary Nelson, a native of Tucson, Arizona. She trademarked her style of hot stone massage, called LaStone Therapy  which has a Native American spiritual component and requires training and certification.


       Most spas offer their own versions of hot stone massage (they might call it lava stone massage, river rock massage, and so on.) A hot stone massage, however, takes a lot of skill and sensitivity on the part of the therapist. One of my most memorable spa treatments was a hot stone massage. So was one of my worst. The therapist lacked finesse and I felt like an ironing board.

       The quality of the treatment depends on how well the therapist has been trained, how skilled he or she is, and whether he or she enjoys doing the treatment. Some therapists don't like to do it because the hot stones are difficult to handle.

         Even a terrific massage therapist can be so-so at hot stone. My best suggestion for making sure you get a great hot stone massage is to get a LaStone Therapy, because you know the therapist has been well-trained and has made a serious investment in training. You can also ask where the therapist learned hot stone massage, and how long he or she has been doing it. This is also a treatment where you're counting on the spa and the therapist to be impeccable with sanitation, because those stones have been on someone else's body



What Happens During a Hot Stone Massage?
            Before you arrive, the massage therapist  sanitizes the stones and heats them in bath of 120 to 150 degree water. The stones themselves are usually basalt, a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well, and have been smoothed by natural forces in the river or sea.

            You usually start face down, with the therapist working on your back. First, the therapist warms up the body with traditional Swedish Massage, then massages you while holding a heated stone. As the stone cools, the therapist replaces it with another. The therapist uses many stones of various shapes and sizes -- big ones on the big muscles, smaller ones on smaller muscles.

            The therapist might also leave heated stones in specific points along your spine, in the palms of your hand, on your belly, or even between your toes to improve the flow of energy in your body. Many therapists believe that the stones themselves have an energetic charge and that needs to be maintained by placing them in a spiral pattern, placing them in a full moon periodically.
         
           Be sure to speak up if the stones are too warm or the pressure too intense. And you can always ask them to stop using the stones if you don't like how it feels.


How Much Does a Hot Stone Massage Cost?
         A hot stone massage is more expensive than a basic Swedish Massage, because it requires more preparation and clean-up and usually runs longer. A typical hot stone massage is $125-$150, but the price can go higher. Lava Shell Massage is another way to get heat into a massage.


Who Shouldn't Get Hot Stone Massage??
        Hot Stone massage is not appropriate if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or are on medication that thins your blood. You shouldn't get a hot stone massage if you are pregnant or have a sunburn. You also may want to reconsider if you are menopausal, as it may trigger a hot flash.

Here is a video of : Hot Stone Massage

Again, we would like to thank about.com for their knowledge and information about Hot Stone Massages.If you would like to contact us with any questions or feedback, you can reach us by email.

Thanks for Visiting!

Joseph A. Jones & The WellLife Team

Creating Your Own Home Spa

        You can't always visit the spa every week. We want to but know it is not possible. So,we try to create a spa like experience at home. If you thought of having a home spa, you are not alone. There are many people looking to create a spa like environment at home when we are unable to visit the day spa. The big question: How do we create a home spa?  About.com does a wonderful job in explaining how to set it up and what you will need.

         A home spa day is something you can enjoy alone or with friends. To recreate the spa experience, a home spa day should include exercise, healthy food, a pampering spa treatment, rest, and time to get inspired. Here are some ideas to help you create a home spa day that helps you restore your spirit.

·                        Make a Plan For Your Home Spa Day. Think about what you want from your home spa day -- just like you were going to a real spa. Do you need time by yourself to rest, relax and renew? Think about waking up naturally and focusing on quieter forms of exercise and soothing spa treatments.

       If you want to get energized during your home spa day, create a more vigorous schedule. Maybe it's time to take on that five-mile hike. You can invite a friend and do it together.

·                        Get Organized For Your Home Spa Day. Pull together some of the things that say "spa" -- your robe and slippers, spa CDs, candles,clean sheets and towels, exercise clothing, your favorite exercise DVDs, a body scrub, your facial products, and things to get yourself a manicure and pedicure. This will help inspire you as you plan your home spa day.

·                        Plan Healthy Meals .Create your home spa menus around healthy food that will help you eat for energy -- an egg-white omelette with vegetables for breakfast, stir-fired chicken breast and vegetables for lunch, lentil soup and salad for dinner. You can cook ahead or make that part of the fun or your home spa day, especially if you're with a friend.

·                        Get Some Exercise During Your Home Spa Day. You can take a walk around your neighborhood, bike ride, go to the local gym, take a yoga class, watch an exercise DVD -- whatever works for you and where you live. You can get up early, eat a piece of fruit and some almonds before you go for a walk, then do something else later in the day. How much and what kind of exercise you want to do depends on your current fitness level.

·                        Give Yourself A Spa Treatment During Your Home Spa Day.One of the easiest home spa treatments is a body scrub and hot bath. This would be a good thing to do in the afternoon. Take time to rest afterwards. You can also give yourself a home facial, or do your nails.

·                        Give Yourself Some Quiet Time. You don't have to get on a cushion and "try" to meditate. Just sit quietly for a few minutes and notice what is going on inside you and around you.

·                        Get Inspired During Your Home Spa Day. Spas usually have lectures on health and wellness, so you might want to take a little time to read something inspiring. Books I especially love include "First You Row A Little Boat" and "Gifts of the Sea".

·                        Feel The Love. Your home spa day is about extending love and kindness to yourself -- and others. If someone is joining you at the end of the day, make sure they feel the love.

 Top 11 Spa Supplies For Your Home Spa 

1) The Canyon Ranch Guide To Living Younger Longer   2) Spa Robe 3) Spa Slippers

4) Sensual Massages for Couples 5) The Spirit of Yoga 6) Yoga Kit for Beginners 

7) Naturopathica Arnica Bath & Body Oil 8) Ti-Silk Sheer Sunblock 45 

9) Red Flower Candles 10) Philip B White Truffle Moisturizing Shampoo 11) Z movie

These supplies can be found at about.com. 

       We hope this helps you in getting set up for that special home spa experience.If you would like to contact us with any questions or feedback, you can reach us by email. 

Thanks for Visiting!

Joseph A. Jones & The WellLife Team

Explaining Spa Treatments

       So you are going to the Spa. Do you know all of the services and treatments available to you and what they entail ? This is a big dilemma when people visit their local spa or when they are on vacation. From not always knowing what the different treatments offer,  they choose the basic massage and never try anything new. Now is the time to learn what is available to get the ultimate spa experience.

Here is the top 5 most available spa treatments :

1. Massage

Most everyone knows what a massage is, but many people aren't quite sure about the details. Do you get undressed or leave on your under clothes? Will you have a man or woman masseuse? These are common concerns which prevent many people from having an easily accessible (and in my opinion, mandatory) spa treatment. As for under clothes, you are free to do what you are comfortable with, on or off. If you have a preference in gender, just ask when you book!
If you book a 30 minute massage, the masseuse will spend most of the time on a specific area such as your back. To get the real experience, you need at least a 1 hour massage. You'll get a full head to toe massage. My last masseuse even massaged my ears.

2. Body Wrap

A body wrap usually starts with an slight exfoliation of your skin and a brief massage to apply your body mask. Wraps are given as a detox treatment for your skin. You may have mud, algae or one of many other agents rubbed onto your skin, and then you'll be wrapped tight so your body sweats out your impurities. If you don't mind being wrapped up tight like a mummy, you'll love the relaxing benefit of a wrap.
Once wrapped, you'll get to relax for about 15-20 minutes before you are unwrapped. Once unwrapped, you'll get a quick shower either by a hand held hose, a stand up shower in the room or a Vichy shower which is a shower while lying down. Add in an application of moisturizer and you're left feeling completely relaxed.

3. Hot Stone

You'll enjoy a Hot Stone spa treatment if you have a specific ailment, such as a sore back or fatigued muscles in general. Rocks heated by warm water, are covered with essential oils and placed in specific areas on your body. These rocks give pressure to pressure points on your body to relax them further. Your technician may rotate from hot to cool rocks depending on your complaints.
Hot Stone treatments are usually combined with a massage to give your muscles the attention they need. This is a great pick for an athlete.

4. Body Scrub

Exfoliation is essential for glowing skin. A body scrub gives you a complete body exfoliation using a multitude of different ingredients. Two commonly used products to exfoliate are sugar and salt, but your spa treatment could include a combination of ingredients to exfoliate your skin. Exfoliating not only removes the dead layer of skin, it also boosts your circulation.

5. Facial

You'll have a big choice when you book your facial. Usually the most extensive on the menu is the list of facials. From facials for acne to anti-aging to face brightening facials using fresh fruit and vegetable ingredients; there is a facial for your skin. The best thing is to touch base with an an esthetician first and talk to them about your skin type. They'll help you decide what's best for you. If you're giving this as a gift, give a general spa gift certificate and let them decide.

You'll start with a consultation so your esthetician can examine your skin. She will cleanse, exfoliate or add a mask, massage and moisturize your face while you lay back and relax. You'll likely get a hand massage as well; it's a treat for any face.

A big thanks to about.com in explaining these  five spa treatments.If you would like to contact us with any questions or feedback, you can reach us by email.



Thanks for Visiting!
Joseph A. Jones & The WellLife Team

Featured New Spa Treatment - Watsu

         There are so many new therapies and treatments offered by the Spa industry.

It can be difficult to keep up and to learn about new and effective spa treatments.

There is an existing spa treatment that is becoming very popular today. That is Watsu.

        What is Watsu? ABANZ a Watsu organization from New Zealand  explains this treatment.Watsu is a gentle form of body therapy performed in warm water, (around 35°C.) It combines elements of massage, joint mobilisation, shiatsu, muscle stretching and dance.

The receiver is continuously supported while being floated, cradled, rocked and stretched. The deeply relaxing effects of warm water and nurturing support, combine with Watsu's movements, stretches, massage and point work, to create a bodywork with a range of therapeutic benefits and potential healing on many levels.

  Moments of stillness alternate with rhythmical flowing movements, which free the body in ways impossible on land. The warm water relaxes the muscles and supports the spine.

With this support and without the weight of the body, the spine, joints and muscles can be manipulated and freed in a way unique to water work.

The effects include a very gentle, yet deep stretching and a release of muscular and joint restrictions, along with a state of deep relaxation, which encourages the release of stress and tensions.

Many clients will come with a specific focus (e.g. pain syndromes, post injury or post surgery, specific movement restrictions)...while others seek Watsu for the experience of relaxation, blissful letting go, time-out, and quiet meditative stillness it can induce.

Specific therapeutic effects noted by receivers, include increased mobility and flexibility, muscle relaxation, fuller deeper breathing, reduction in anxiety and stress levels, decreased pain, improved sleep and digestion and a general sense of well being.

If you would like to contact us with any questions or feedback, you can reach us by email.

Thank You for Visiting !

Joseph A. Jones & The WellLife Team