Sleep

Sleep deprivation can lead to headaches, mood swings and, poor decision making.

Sleep is essential for health and well being. Getting enough hours of quality sleep is essential for proper immune system function, the health of your spine, heart health, muscle and tissue repair, memory and learning, metabolism regulation and recovery from everyday stress.

Insufficient sleep for just one night can impair your driving as much as one alcoholic beverage, slowing down reaction time and affecting decision making. Many people are sleep deprived and sleep is often under prioritized by modern men and women. We are living in an age of "do more", "be more"! Sleep is undervalued in many people's eyes.

 Doctors recommend 7-10 hours of sleep per night for adults. Athletes, weight lifters and people who spend more than an hour driving each day tend to benefit from more hours of sleep. Ten or more hours per night is very helpful for people who are fighting/ recovering from an illness or living with an auto immune disease.

For those who are sleep challenged due to insomnia, an over-active mind, chronic pain or chronic worry, massage therapy can be instrumental in improving your quality of sleep and the amount of hours you sleep. Massage can have an immediate impact on the physical pains and the nagging thoughts that have people tossing and turning at night. Scalp Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Foot Massage and Chinese Abdominal Massage, Aromatherapy and Swedish Massage are very good choices for people dealing with difficulty getting a good night's rest. Deep Tissue Massage, Headache Massage, TMJ Massage and Myofascial Release are excellent choices to address chronic pain that is interfering with sleep.

Create good conditions for a good night's rest. Sleep in a nice dark room with no television, blinking lights, neon clocks or music playing. Your nervous system needs to be free of stimulating light and sounds to prepare your body for sleep and to stay asleep. An optimal temperature for deep sleep is about 2-4 degrees cooler than what you have your thermostat at during the day. For a lot of people that's about 68 degrees Fahrenheit. It really helps to wind down an hour or two before bed. Caffeine and sugary foods after dinner ought to be avoided by the sleep challenged. Herbal tea, relaxing music, baths, foot soaks and creating a calm environment will help transform you from a restless sleeper to a deep sleeper.

The wonderful benefits of sleep include:

• sleep can spur the creative process
• improve athletic performance
• improve grades and academic performance in adults and children
• improve focus and concentration
• regulate metabolism
• reduce stress
• anxiety and depression
• sleep helps the brain assimilate new information
• supports memory function
• fights inflammation
• your spine elongates and realigns while you sleep
• beauty rest is no joke-collagen is released during sleep healing damaged cells and fine lines
• blood pressure lowers
• your heart rests and recovers
• your immune system strengthens and works powerfully during sleep
• good sleep helps you to create happiness when you're awake

8 Benefits of Scalp massage

Scalp massage is deeply relaxing and has great over all well being benefits. Healthy hair, scalp and skin are the obvious benefits. However, scalp massage can have a surprising impact on the over all nervous system and the body's other systems.

Your scalp is covered in nerve endings. Those nerve endings, when stimulated or relaxed send a message to your brain that can impact your entire body.

Your scalp will easily absorb what is applied to it.  This makes scalp massage a great way to treat yourself to highly effective aromatherapy and relaxation therapy.



Scalp Massage benefits include:

• insomnia relief and improved quality of sleep
• head ache and neck ache relief
• slowing down a racing mind or gathering a scattered brain
• improved circulation for healthy scalp, hair and hair growth
• settling nerves or anxiety
• sinus opening
• immune system boosting
• deep relaxation

6 Cooling Aromatherapy Oils For Summer

Urban Sanctuary offers many aromatherapy products and services.

Aromatherapy can help to keep your body cool and calm during the hot months of summer. Cool aromatherapy compresses, body mists, foot soaks, scalp massage and cool mist room diffusers can recover your body from heat and overexertion. There are many different ways to use aromatherapy and incorporate essentials oils into your daily routine for stress reduction, health, well being and staying cool.

These 6 essential oils are particularly good for keeping cool and cooling down:

• Peppermint
• Spearmint
• Geranium
• Chamomile
• Eucalyptus
• Lavender

Eat Garlic For Anti-Aging and Good Health

Garlic is one of nature's best anti-aging agents. It is a powerful immune system booster, blood purifier, anti-inflammatory agent, antioxidant and the list goes on. Studies have shown measurable health benefits to eating fresh garlic daily. Approximately one clove of fresh garlic a day can help keep the doctor away. Eating a clove a day can:

• improve brain health and agility
• reduce the chances of catching a cold by up to 63%
• boost the immune system in general 
• strengthen your bones
• improve stamina
• decrease hypertension
• increase circulation
• boost heart health
• detox the body of heavy metals
• act as a natural pain remedy
• heal allergies
  
  
  
  
  Steaming, sauteing or roasting garlic will mellow the flavor and odor, if that is a concern. Raw garlic chopped, pureed or sliced is very, very good for the body, however, it can create stomach upset for some. One clove a day can easily be worked into salads, soups, main dishes, smoothies and side dishes. Challenge yourself to eat a clove a day for one month and notice the impact on your allergies, your circulation or any aches and pains you regularly put up with.
  
  

 Urban Sanctuary has been serving the Athens, Georgia community for over 10 years. We source two blogs that share information on foods that heal, massage, stress remedies and skincare.

Men and Massage

Many men are turning to massage to manage stress and to enhance their overall health and well being. Massage has become increasingly popular with men over the last two decades in both spas and clinics. The number of men booking monthly, bi-weekly and weekly massage sessions is at an all time high and growing steadily.

Generally speaking, men are seeking the same results from their massages as women. Men are especially interested in the pain relief properties and enhanced athletic performance that therapeutic massage can create.

For men over 30 in particular, the health benefits of massage are a draw, as well as the stress relief and anti-aging benefits of massage.

Benefits most often reported by men from their massages include:

• relief from chronic pain
• relief from old injuries
• increased range of motion 
• neck and shoulder tension relief
• recovery from work related stress
• recovery from travel fatigue 
• decreased recovery time from sports injuries and pain 
• improved performance at the gym
• headache relief 
• improved sleep
• overall relaxation

Men are more likely than women to stick to a regular massage time slot. Our male clients are highly likely to get a massage series to save money on individual sessions. Massages favored by men include:

• scalp massage
• sports massage
• deep tissue massage
• myofascial massage
• foot massage
• our deep therapeutic foot massage
• hot stones
• our signature massage
• the massage and scrub combo

Urban Sanctuary is a man-friendly spa. We had men in mind when we designed our space and our service offerings. Spas are not just for women anymore. Times have changed. Everyone benefits from a good self care and stress prevention regime.

We like to say, "be kind and unwind"... 

Tips For Reducing Stress And Creating Peace of Mind Before Bedtime

Stress plays a big part in inadequate sleep and poor health for people of all ages. Common practices such as taking work home at night, taking stress home from work and letting tensions and worry take over at the end of the day can wreak havoc on home life, enjoyment of evening meals and general well-being.

Create a way to enjoy peace of mind and time to unwind in the evenings before bed. This will do wonders to ensure good health and well-being for your body and mind.  Left to our own devices, many of us will work late, eat in a rush, and stay glued to our smart phones trying to play catch-up responding to messages into the wee hours. What these practices ultimately do is over stimulate ourselves until we fall into bed without any real peace of mind or unwind from the hectic day.

Incorporate some nurturing, some quiet, some joy and comfort into your evening routines every night. Include the people you love. You'll benefit enormously and so will your relationships.

Here are some after work practices you might adopt at home to reduce overall stress, recover from work stresses and end your day on a high note with peace of mind:

• Go for an evening walk in the neighborhood and get your blood pumping.
• Drink lots of water in the evenings to help your brain and body recuperate. Water with fresh thyme, cucumber or cut fruit is refreshing and a great soda substitute.
• Turn off the smart phone and computer at a predetermined cut-off time and fully disengage.
• Make a to-do list for the following day/week. Get all the unfinished items in your head down on paper and put that list away and out of sight for the night!
• Soak your feet in epsom salts or bubbles for 10-15 minutes.
• Plan a do-over or redo for anything that did not go at all how you hoped during the day. Tell somebody. Get it off your mind. Then stop thinking about it.
• Drink herbal tea to calm your mind and your belly.
• Eat dinner in a lovely spot in the house or a quiet spot outside. 
• Exchange TV time for some reading time.
• Play and have fun with the kids, dogs or by yourself. Fun is really important!
• Stretch out on the floor and listen to some beautiful music.
• Stretch out all of your muscles. Do stretches that feel good to your body.
• Call people on the phone and tell them you love them. (Perhaps people that know you...)
• Call a friend.
• Meditate.
• Do a craft or something creative with your hands.
• Be kind to yourself in some way (small or large) at the end of the day, every day.
• Celebrate another's success at the end of each day in some way.
• Soak in the tub and throw in some dead sea salt, herbs or aromatherapy.
• Sing your heart out. Play an instrument.
• Tidy up your living space so it feels fresh and welcoming.
• Burn aromatherapy candles.
• Trade massage with your mate.
• Breathe long, slow, deep breathes for 5-10 minutes.
• Make your bedroom look, feel and smell peaceful and lovely.

Detoxify and Balance Your Body With Himalayan Sea Salt

Himalayan salt has remarkable healing and purifying properties, including pain and stress relief. It's been used to help detoxify and revitalize the body for centuries. Himalayan salt can be used in the bath, as a seasoning salt for cooking, inhalation, room purifiers, body scrubs, foot soaks and more. Being a day spa, we like to recommend Himalayan salts for baths, body scrubs and foot soaks.

Himalayan salt provides 84 essential minerals for healthy bodily functions. Sodium helps regulate blood volume and blood pressure, controls muscle contractions, nerve transmissions and heart function.

Himalayan salt is high in iron, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium and chloride. It also contains traces of boron, fluoride, iodine, zinc, selenium and copper, all of which are important for health and well-being and help to create a balanced mind and a relaxed body.

For centuries people have trusted the benefits of salt therapy (speleotherapy with Himalayan salt) to relieve respiratory illnesses, improve skin conditions and strengthen their immune systems. Here are some of the benefits of soaking in Himalayan salts. You can find support and healing for the following:

• Fatigue
• Stress
• Muscle and body aches
• Headaches
• Skin conditions caused by stress
• Nervousness
• Insomnia
• Seasonal allergies
• Sinus problems
• Cold, cough and flu
• Immune system 
• Joint pain and inflammation

Himalayan salt’s mineral benefits are available regardless of what form the salt is consumed.  Himalayan salt is most often found as coarse grains, fine grains, or large blocks which can be used as room purifiers.

6 Gifts For Moms That Bring Comfort and Calm

We like to say that every day is Mother's Day at Urban Sanctuary. Moms love it here. We have lots of spa services to delight a mom of any age, including Prenatal Massage, Aromatherapy Massage,our Mother Daughter Spa Day, Queen For A Day, Advanced Facials, Foot Massages, Scalp Massage, the Sweet Birch Mineral Pedicure, Seaweed and Mud Wraps, Massage for people Over 70, our White Tea Hydrating Facial, Manicures and much much more...

Our vast selection of eco-friendly products for house and home or bath and body give Mom lots to choose from to create the calm, comfort and peace of mind that every mother needs and deserves.

 Here are 6 favorite gifts for mom:

1. Spa Time Certificates-- available in increments of time and redeemable toward whatever service makes Mom's heart content.
2. Gift Certificates-- can be written for specific dollar amounts or a spa service and they are redeemable toward any product, service or merchandise in stock.
3. Candles--    lovely aromatic soy candles to choose from ranging from $7.50-$19.99.Favorites for Mom include Level Natural's Jasmine Rose in glass and Citrus Harmony travel tins.
4. Perfume Lockets and Cameo Pendants-- handmade locally and ranging in price from $28-$36.
5. Organic Tea-- favorites include the Green Tea Heart Box $20 and Peace of Mind Tea $15.
6. Relaxing and Beautifying Baths-- try Lavender Chamomile bubbles $14, Joy bath salts by Urban Sanctuary$10.50- $22, Herbivore's Calm $18 and Coconut Milk Bath $32.
   

Massage Therapy For Cancer Pain and Stress Relief

Massage has been proven very effective for cancer pain and stress relief. Therapeutic massage as cancer pain intervention has been evaluated and determined to be safe for many people in various stages of dealing with cancer, including advanced stages. It is important to get doctor approval and incorporate best practices.

At Urban Sanctuary, we welcome people with cancer to the spa for services. We are happy and
 we are prepared  to provide massage services to cancer patients who have written consent from their doctor.

Our clients, as well as many cancer patients across the U.S., have found massage therapy to be beneficial both prior to surgery and post surgery in reducing procedural pain and related anxiety. Some of our clients book massage before and after chemotherapy sessions to reduce both physical and emotional distress.

The National Cancer Institute offers massage as an adjunctive therapy to cancer treatment at more than half of their centers. The American Massage Therapy Association has conducted clinical massage research with breast cancer survivors. Both the American Cancer Institute and National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health have funded studies with very good results. All of the aforementioned organizations have found massage therapy to be highly effective in providing support with reducing cancer pain and stress.

Many control studies and trials have been conducted to measure the short term effects of massage on cancer patients. Measured results show that for people dealing with cancer, massage can effectively:

• reduce procedural pain
• relieve chronic pain
• ease anxiety
• ease depression
• anger
• reduce nausea
• decrease stress
• increase levels of dopamine
• improve quality of sleep
• improve quality of life
• create a sense of well being

Massage therapy is instrumental in the long term healing process years after cancer has gone into remission. Massage clients have reported feeling regenerated as their bodies heal from the painful side effects of the cancer drugs. Lavender can help with that process.

Few known control studies have been completed that effectively measure the long term effects and health benefits of massage for cancer patients, unfortunately. However several of those studies are underway.

We have special accommodations for clients dealing with cancer as well as safe practices. We love having the opportunity to make a difference in this aspect of the community. Please call Urban Sanctuary at 706-613-3947 for a consultation for yourself or a loved. Or email candice@urbansanctuaryspa.com if you're considering incorporating massage therapy into your wellness care regimen. 

Lavender Aromatherapy:11 Amazing Properties

Urban Sanctuary's lavender lime essential oil blend is a great stress and headache remedy

.

  Lavender is the most loved and most utilized essential oil for aromatherapy around the globe. Lavender's wide spread use is due to its incredible versatility and because it's easier to use (can safely be used "neet") than most any other essential oil available on the market. Lavender has a very rich global history. Lavender essential oil is highly effective in treating stress as well as a broad range of physical ailments. It is an amazing beauty agent. And, most noteable of all, lavender carries potent natural medicine.

Lavender is:

1. a potent natural pain reliever
2. an agent of healing and relaxation
3. a head ache remedy
4. an effective way to ease P.M.S.
5. activating for the immune system
6. an allergy and sinus remedy
7. a mood stabilizer and nervous system tonic
8. an effective anti depressant
9. a skin cell regenerator that prevents scarring, wrinkles and stretchmarks
10. a first aid kit treatment for wounds, insect bites and burns
11. safe for pregnant women

Drinking Water Reduces Stress,Boosts Your Brain and Mood

Water is is good for your heart,your brain and your mood. It is vital for every single metabolic process in your body. It is needed for mineral and nutrient absorption, as well as flushing the body of toxins and waste daily. Water actually runs your body.

The human body is 83% water. Muscles are 75% water, bones 22% and the brain is 74% water. No wonder people get confused and irritable when dehydrated!

Fatigue, muscle pain, cramping, hypertension, irritability, joint stiffness, head aches and stress can all be remedied by drinking more water. At the least, water eases the conditions mentioned.

Here are some of the benefits of drinking plenty of water every day.Staying well hydrated:

• protects your heart
• helps keep your heart healthy
• is good for your brain
• helps maintain mental stamina and concentration 
• supports memory and cognitive function
• balances mood swings
• reduces fatigue both physical and emotional
• prevents muscle cramping
• increases physical performance and stamina
• supports equilibrium
• cushions joints and muscles
• protects muscles from shock and injury
• keeps skin and eyes healthy
• is crucial for immune system function

Drink up.Drinking water reduces stress!It's an easy habit to create and very inexpensive if you filter your water at home or purchase 5-10 gallon bottles. If you're not used to drinking water through out the day, you can develop the habit in a number of ways. Keeping a glass, tumbler or bottle of spring water with you where ever you go will make it much easier to develop the habit of staying hydrated. Keep good drinking water by your bed, in your car, your gym bag, at your desk and in your lunch box. If you don't have much of a taste for water now, you will start to crave it once your body gets used to the feeling of being hydrated. You can enhance the flavor of your water with fresh lime, lemon, thyme, cucumber or mint. The more you drink water, the easier it will be for your body to register the message when your getting low on fluids or under-hydrated.

 Water helps the body to assimilate nutrients from the food you eat and makes it easier to deal with the stresses of every day life. It runs your body, supports healthy aging, is essential to beautiful skin. It is absolutely vital to your health and well being.Drink up...

Urban Sanctuary recommends drinking water before and after receiving a massage, facial , pedicure  or waxing to flush the system of stress and toxins. Be Kind. Unwind. That is our motto... 

Top 10 Great Teacher Gifts: National Teacher Appreciation Week

Urban Sanctuary provides complimentary on site mini massages at local schools 6 months out of every year.
We are for hire for end of the year teacher and staff massages.

Teacher Appreciation Day is recognized on the first Tuesday in May. This year it falls on May 5th. Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated the first full week in May. This year that will be Monday May 4th-Friday May 8th.

What a great opportunity to honor and recognize some of societies every day heroes and every day influencers of our society. Teachers everywhere are playing a key role in shaping the minds and hearts of the next generation of authors, artists, voters, entrepreneurs, leaders, consumers, activists, parents and you-name-it...

Sometimes the job is rewarding. Sometimes the job is thankless. Either way, day in and day out, teachers show up and rise to the challenge of educating and creating an environment where students can overcome both internal and external obstacles to learning. It requires wit and stick-to-itiveness  to meet the demands and needs of a classroom with any measure of success. For some it may even take a great deal of creativity and courage. What ever a teacher's position may be, they're all worth noting and applauding for at least a week out of the year.

The following list is influenced by the fact that I am a spa enthusiast. Most of my top 10 teacher gifts involve relaxation at home, at a spa or eating. Here are 10 really really great teacher appreciation gifts:

1. a massage Gift Certificate
2. local bookstore gift certificate (Avid Book Shop is THE best)
3. organic teas or a tea sampler
4. mini bath salts,bath bombs,bubble bath or coconut milk bath
5. local restaurant gift certificates
6. natural aromatherapy candles and goat's milk soap
7. a pedicure or manicure
8. a facial Gift Certificate
9. fresh flowers
10. chocolates

Staff Highlight: Allison Snell LMT

Allison Snell is the newest member of our massage department at Urban Sanctuary. Allison brings with her a wealth of interesting life and career experience as well as a real passion for massage.

People are raving about Allison. She is really fun to be with and clients thoroughly enjoy her massage work.

Allison has a background in Medical Massage which has proven useful in instances where people seek pain relief from their massages.NueromuscularTherapy, Myofacial Release, Deep Tissue and Reiki are some of her favorite modalities to incorporate into Medical Massage or stress reduction Massage.

Allison excels at Sports Massage. She was massage therapist for Georgia Southern University Swimming and Diving Teams at Collegiate Coastal Conference Championships! Not an honor that many licensed massage therapists are afforded. It speaks volumes about the quality of Allison's deep tissue, sports massage and therapeutic massage skills.

Background: Allison holds a B.A. in journalism from the University of Georgia.She's a graduate of the Georgia Career Institute  in Conyers. After completing their massage program, she studied Thai Massage and medical massage.

Experiences: Allison was a wild-land firefighter for the United States Forest Service in both Vermont and Colorado. She spent many years as an organic farmer in the western mountains of Maine and in Mansfield, Georgia.

Enjoys: Telemark skiing, mountain biking, hiking, organic farming and yoga.
Loves: Trail running with her English setter, belle. Loves bluegrass music and Thai food.

 

8 Reasons To Eat An Apple a Day

It has been said that "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." Turns out, there is a lot of truth to this and if the apple is organic and locally grown, all the better for vibrant health and well being. Studies have shown men who eat an apple a day reduce their risk of heart attack by 32%. Apples have more antioxidant power than any common fruit found in the U.S., next to cranberries, which are not as nice to munch on.

Here are 8 great reasons to eat an apple every day:

1. great source of fiber
2. great source of boron - builds bones, prevents osteoporosis
3. blood sugar regulator
4. energy booster
5. powerful anti-cancer properties
6. great for cardiovascular health
7. tremendous antioxidant power
8. anti-asthma benefits

Nurses Week: 11 Reasons To Thank A Nurse

National Nurses Day is celebrated annually on May 6th in the United States.The purpose of National Nurses Day is to honor and recognize nurses for the important work that they do and the role that they play in society. It is a time to celebrate the achievements of nurses. And to acknowledge the compassion and care that nurses give tirelessly, day in and day out, through out the year.

Nurses Week is observed from May 6th to May 12th in the United States dating back to the early 1980's. May 12th was Florence Nightingale's birthday. Many hospitals and medical facilities around the country host banquets, luncheons and gatherings to celebrate the nurses on staff. The week serves to raise awareness of the important role that  nurses play in upholding standards in healthcare, patient relations and the impact nurses as a group have in the community.

Nurses Week presents an opportunity to all of us to honor a remarkable group of  human beings who have chosen a challenging profession that requires a lot of heart.

To all nurses everywhere,
thank you

• for your kindness and compassion 
• your calm in a crisis
• your grace with my upset,tired family
• for comforting worried families every day
• thank you for NOT passing out at the site of blood
• and cleaning up bodily fluid that most of us would rather not touch
• thank you for working all night
• being on your feet for hours
• being a messenger, a record keeper
• a janitor, a medicine straightener outer
• a listener, a pep talker and an ally

Thank you for being a nurse.
If you are a nurse reading this, I hope you feel truly acknowledged.

If you are not a nurse and you're reading this, I hope you'll treat a nurse special this year between
May 6 and May 12th. Heck, you certainly don't have to wait until then or restrict yourself to those days.Popular gifts for Nurses Appreciation Week are:

• flowers
• spa products
• restaurant gift cards
• massage gift certificates 
• ice cream cakes and deserts
• foot massage
• fruit baskets
• candles
• coffee cards

We have lots of great gift ideas for nurses and their employers. Gift Certificates, Products, Foot Massage, Spa Days, Couples Massage, Pedicures and Facials to name a few. Shop our services and products online.Call us at 706-613-3947 to inquire about on location massages for nurses and medical staff.

We love nurses. At Urban Sanctuary, we love taking care of people who take care of people.

Four Natural Allergy Remedies

Pollen allergies can put people in a miserable state. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.These four natural remedies will provide more than an ounce of relief with none of  negative side effects pharmaceuticals can cause. For fatigue, headaches, sinus pain, itchy watery eyes and congestion, try:

1. Vitamin C- It's a natural antihistamine and very gentle. 500-1000 mg is recommended
2. Spice-Chilly pepper and cayenne both help to remedy stuffy noses,sinus pain and congestion 
3. Peppermint Tea- Eases headaches and congestion.Green tea can be a preventative measure.
4. Aromatherapy-Lavender, Eucalyptus, Tea tree and Peppermint ease headaches, lethargy and fatigue.

Vitamin C,being a natural antihistamine, reduces cold and allergy symptoms by reducing histamine in the body.Histamine is released by the body in allergic reaction to pollen causing itchy, swollen, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, wheezing, swollen lips, shortness of breath, irritated skin and coughing. Vitamin C daily dosage amounts can be adjusted to bowel tolerance.

Chilly pepper and cayenne pepper both have a compound called capsiacin.Capsaicin can clear up sinus pressure, sinus pain and nasal congestion. It has natural pain relieving properties, as well. The healing properties in spices are truly amazing.

Peppermint boosts circulation, reduces drowsiness, aches and pains and boosts immunity. The tea is great for headaches, congestion and fatigue. Peppermint tea is a mild alternative to peppermint aromatherapy which is swift acting, strong smelling and potent. None of which are bad things, however people aren't always willing to deal with the strong smell of peppermint essential oil or the stimulating effects.

Aromatherapy offers world of natural cures, pain remedies and support for vibrant health and well being. Lavender, Eucalyptus, Tea tree and Peppermint are four greats for headaches and fatigue. How to actually use aromatherapy effectively at home and on the go is a big topic. Easy effective and safe application methods for when you're on the go include:

•  inhaling aromatherapy directly from the the bottle to clear sinuses and get a boost
• applying your blend directly to pulse points, scalp or temples
• using an aromatherapy desk top or car diffuser
• carry a mists to spray and breath as needed

At home use aromatherapy in the bath, your body lotion or oil, for massage, facial steams, foot soaks, candles and room diffusers. Or get an aromatherapy massage, scalp and sinus massage, foot massage, body scrub or any spa service utilizing high quality, pure essential oils. Call Urban Sanctuary for an aromatherapy consultation or to book an appointment for a spa service.Send in a friend and make someone happy! Shop our aromatherapy candles, soaps, baths, scrubs, bath bombs, lotions, salts and soaks online.

Be Kind To Your Sinuses. Unwind at Urban Sanctuary in Athens, Georgia. Voted Best Day Spa 8 years in a row. Serving up aromatherapy seven days a week for 10 years.

Staff Highlight: Jan Bush

Jan Bush joined our massage department over the winter holidays of 2014.She started by helping us out with Sunday massage shifts and quickly moved into a full time position. Jan is a very talented massage therapist with a lot of heart. A great fit for Urban Sanctuary.

Jan, tell me what your favorite clients services are at Urban Sanctuary. What do you love to do the most?
I really love to work on people's sinuses, sinus relief massage whether it's incorporated into a face and scalp massage, TMJ massage or another type of massage. It's really just so great for people. Relieving that pressure and pain, so people can breath and be head ache free...

Back, neck and shoulder massage is one of my favorites also. So many people need extra attention in those three areas. I really like our signature massage and prenatal as well. There are many modalities that I like to incorporate into the massages that I give.

How would you describe your massage style and your strengths as a massage therapist?
My massage is responsive and intuitive. I choreograph a different massage during each session a repeat client has with me rather than defaulting to a routine. It's an evolving and unfolding massage, where I incorporate different techniques and modalities to address what my clients are dealing with and their bodies.

My priority is to have the massage accomplish something on the road to better health, stress relief and pain relief for my clients.I really like to create a treatment plan with clients that involves repeat massage sessions, stretching and home care in between massages to alleviate pain and stress.

Have you done any specialized training, study or research related to well being, massage and healing modalities outside of your massage school training?
Yes. I've done extensive self study on muscular skeletal tissues, common stress patterns, stretching and trigger point therapy. Some lymphatic drainage, foot massage and sinus relief massage training.

Are there particular communities or groups of people the community that you would especially like to impact through your massage work at Urban Sanctuary and our community outreach work?
Yes! I have a special and deep affinity for the elderly population and I'd love to have the opportunity to work with people who have cancer. 

I was the primary caretaker for my parents for years. While I cared for them, my Step Dad had cancer and my Mom had Alzheimer's. I have a tremendous amount of respect and appreciation for the elderly and for people with cancer. That is especially so after having an up close look at what my parents were dealing with.

Tell us more about your family. I heard you say that you have four kids.That's a lot of kids! What are their names and where are they?
My youngest son, Malachi, is 19 and he is a freshman at UGA. That's what drew me closer to Athens. My other three are Zach, Macy and Madison. They are spread across the country. I also have two grand-kids named Max and Jack. I absolutely love to spoil them. My dog's name is Buddy.

My mother was a master gardener when I was growing up and my Dad was an avid sports fan. Loved football especially. 

Are you an animal person?
Yes. I am a dog person and I love horses.

I rode horses and raised horses as a young girl. I developed a life affirming bond with horses. My Father died when I was very young. The connection I had with horses and the time I spent with them really got me through some of the pain of  losing my Dad.

More about Jan: Jan has inherited some of her mother's love of gardening. She loves to grow herbs in pots, rosemary being a favorite.And as for her Dad's influence, Jan is a sports trivia buff! Her father taught her tons about football and sports trivia when she was just tiny.

Jan has enjoyed several interesting career paths prior to becoming a licensed massage therapist. Being motorcycle sales person for over ten years has been a highlight. She was the marketing director for Harley Davidson Atlanta. Wow .

Jan is at Urban Sanctuary 4-5 days a week including Sundays and evening shifts. If you have not had a massage with her yet, mention this blog post and receive $5 off your first session. Call 706-613-3947 to book your appointment at Urban Sanctuary.

Browse our menu of services, scalp massage, foot massage, specialty massage and prices.
Be kind to yourself. Unwind at Urban Sanctuary...

Eat Fresh Lemons For Health and Vitality

Whole fresh lemons, lemon juice and lemon essential oils offer many health benefits.

• strengthen circulation and blood vessels
• freshen bad breath
• a liver cleanser
• naturally detoxifying
• powerful digestive aid
• boosts metabolism
• fights infection and viruses
• alleviates fatigue
• natural diuretic
• excellent vitamin C source
• reduces the risk of skin Cancer

Immune System Aromatherapy: 4 Staples and 4 Greats

Organic and high quality essential oils are available at Urban Sanctuary in Athens, Ga.

Aromatherapy yields many health and well being benefits. Immune system activation and support being a primary one. There are a wide range of medicinal benefits that can be achieved with aromatherapy use as well as stress reduction, enhanced mood and beauty. Aromatherapy massage, foot baths,scalp and sinus massage, facial steams, salt scrubs and foot massage are very effective spa services that work healing essential oils into your system.  

The following four essential oils are known to activate and boost the immune system.

• Tea Tree is an immune system tonic.
• Lemon treats lymph gland and the immune system.
• Chamomile activates the immune system while easing inflammation.
• Lavender boosts immunity, ease headaches and relieves pain.

Working with essential oils is fun and easy, however, there are some precautions to take and a few possible harmful side effects with over use.For instructions on how to use aromatherapy, refer to our  2012 post.

The most rapid way to impact your system with aromatherapy is through inhalation. When inhaled, an essential oil stimulates receptor sites in the brain within a fraction of a second.That's pretty powerful!Other effective methods of using aromatherapy at home include smelling salts, foot soaks, baths, steams, room diffusers, chemical free aromatherapy candles, body oils, self massage, partner massage, muscle and chest rubs.You can also apply blended essential oils or single notes directly to your skin or pulse points.Never apply essential oils neet or without a carrier oil. They can burn your skin and scar.

The following four oils provide great immune system support, particularly if a cold, virus or congestion has already compromised your system.

• Orange-good for flu,colds and nervous tension.
• Peppermint-fights viruses and heals stomach problems.
• Melissa-treats viruses, lung congestion and insomnia.
• Eucalyptus-good for cold, flu and sinuses.

Staff Highlight: Ian Guthrie

Ian Guthrie is Assistant Spa Manager at
Urban Sanctuary. He assists in managing the front desk, oversees the scheduling and  flow of spa services, attends to clients' needs and looks after the well-being of the overall house. Ian is indispensable, and his personality is such that he's won the love and favor of many staff and Urban Sanctuary clients. We are very fortunate to have him with us.

One of Ian's favorite aspects of his job is researching and vetting new product lines and merchandise to carry in the store. He is really talented at it! In the past few years, Ian has successfully introduced stylishly aromatic bath and body lines. Level Naturals is one and Herbivore Botanicals is another. Ian looks for quality eco-friendly household items as well. Soap and Paper Factory is one of Ian's best finds.

Most of the merchandise in our online store has been uploaded by Ian. He edits and compiles the blog and community books that you'll find in our waiting lounges. Ian records our community donations and sponsorships. And he even cuts and arranges flowers from our garden in all of the spa rooms, restrooms and waiting rooms. He keeps Urban Sanctuary happy and beautiful.

Ian has been with Urban Sanctuary for less than three years, but he's lived in Athens forever.
Below, we share some fun facts about him.


Favorite Athens Hang-Outs:
Hi-Lo, Old Pal, Normal Bar, Go Bar and Broad River

Favorite Places To Shop:
Hobby Lobby, Athena Jewelers and Urban Sanctuary

Best Restaurant:
Last Resort

Things To Love About Athens:
Halloween, summers, the Ginkgo on Prince Avenue in the fall, the Broad River and all of the activities within walking and biking distance.

Favorite Holiday:
You guessed it! Halloween...

TV Shows:
Walking Dead, American Horror Story, anything with Rupaul and Six Feet Under

Movies:
Death Becomes Her and The Craft

Creative Outlets and Hobbies:
Ian has a knack for fantasy makeup and costumes. He loves baking, cooking, drawing, painting and container gardening.

Family:
Ian comes from a family of artists and musicians. He and his sister, Sarah, are five years apart in age almost to the day. She works as a family counselor. Ian's two nieces visit Urban Sanctuary frequently to get their nails done with special designs. They are nine and five years old...how cute!

Ian's mom, Tina Guthrie, was an art teacher for 13-plus years. She has a Masters in Drawing and Painting and has dabbled in welding. She's currently the program director at Georgia Conflict Center, specializing in non-violent communication. 

Ian's dad toured Europe extensively as a drummer in a band with his brother. They played in the band together for 40 years. Mr. Guthrie traveled to Uganda several times to do humanitarian work.

What an amazing family!

Pets:
Ian has a hairless Chihuahua: Ouija has lots of little doggy sweaters which he loves wearing. 

If you are planning a spa party or spa day for a special occasion, or just simply need to unwind, Ian will help you. Call (706) 613-3947, and Ian or one of our other fabulous hosts will advise you, mixing and matching our services to your heart's delight!