Showing posts with label foot bath. Show all posts
Showing posts with label foot bath. Show all posts

Monday, October 29, 2012

12 Benefits of Asian Foot Massage


   At Urban Sanctuary, we very much respect and appreciate the wisdom of the East. The Asian Foot Massage was the first to grace our menu of foot services when we opened 8 years ago. Today it is the most popular of our foot massage offerings. The wholesome and energetic approach of our Asian Foot massage routine addresses the entire body, creating freedom and renewed energy in the legs, hips & back. The feet are connected to the legs, the legs are connected to the back, the back is connected to the head and in between you have your ankles, knees, hips and so on... The overall balancing and recharging effects of this massage are quite remarkable!




   The Asian Foot Massage incorporates Thai, Japanese and East Indian massage techniques. Three powerful healing traditions from the East are combined with some of our unique methods (developed at Urban Sanctuary in Athens, Georgia). All are engaged to release tension, pain and restrictions in the toes, ankles, feet and legs. In doing so, the hips, knees and back are often completely renewed. In fact, many find this massage to renew their entire being.

  The list of possible health benefits is quite extensive. Here are twelve:

  1. Relaxes the Feet, Legs, Hips & Back
  2. Improves Flexibility
  3. Increases Range of Motion
  4. Eases Soreness from Standing, Walking, Sports & Running
  5. Helps with Neuropathy
  6. Eases Foot Cramps, Aches & Pains
  7. Headaches, Dizziness & Lightheadedness
  8. Improves Balance, Gait and Posture
  9. Increases Circulation
  10. Recovers old Injuries
  11. Relieves Stress & Tension
  12. Feels Amazing 
   This very rounded approach to foot massage incorporates rhythmical movements to gently coax tension out of the legs, hips, low back and feet. The rocking, rotations and compressions open up meridians in the legs and along the entire spine. People often feel a rush of energy through the sacrum and along the spine as the massage progresses. People often feel their pelvis and low back relax. It extends up to the face, neck & shoulders for many.




   Your feet spend years holding the weight of your entire body. That is a big job. Extra wear & tear is caused by flip flops, ballet shoes, work boots, high heels and many types of dress shoes. Feet change shape over time to accommodate your shoes as well as your standing and living habits. Having the soles of your feet massaged and stretched helps make it so that your stance is better. This in turn helps with balance, coordination and posture. The more pliable and relaxed the soles of your feet are, the more your feet can properly mold to the ground and contact the ground when you stand and walk. A sure and steady stance is very good for the health of your knees, hips and back. The older we get, the more likely this is to be compromised.  People notice their stance improve after just one massage!

  This foot massage is recommended for adults of all ages and it is especially beneficial for older people. It's not usually recommended for pregnant women or for children. There are exceptions, of course. It is enjoyable as a 30 minute or a 60 minute service. An hour allows for much more thorough coverage of the feet, ankles and legs with time to address specific problem areas. Some people request 90 minutes or 2 hours. We offer both the Asian Foot Massage and our Deep Tissue Therapeutic Foot Massage in 1 hour, 90 minute and 2 hour appointments. One hour appointments are the perfect fit for most, but 90 and 120 minute appointments have served to treat people with Plantar Fasciitus and chronic foot pain very well...




  Call Urban Sanctuary at 706-613-3947 to book an Asian Foot Massage for yourself or a friend. We have more than 14 people who have special training with this massage on staff. You can have this incorporated into a pedicure or booked as a massage to be received lying down on the massage table in a private spa room. You have an array of in-house-made herbal foot baths to choose from, should you decide to have a foot bath to compliment your massage. Email questions to candice@urbansanctuaryspa.com. Our entire menu of services can be viewed online at http://www.urbansanctuaryspa.com/


 
 

Monday, July 30, 2012

Aromatherapy: How To Use Essential Oils




 There are many ways to use aromatherapy to enhance overall health, beauty and well-being... Here is a list some of the quickest and easiest uses. Following the list are a few specific examples and details outlining each method.

1. Inhalation
2. Direct Application to the Skin (at safe dilutions)
3. Baths and Foot Baths
4. Aromatherapy Diffusers and Candles
5. Aromatherapy Massage
6. In Cleaning Products
7. In Body Products, Skin Care Products and Mists
8. Hot and Cold Towel Compresses

inhalation
  Inhalation is the quickest way to affect mood using aromatherapy... Hormone receptor sites in the brain interact with essential oils upon the moment of inhalation! This rapidly alters your brain chemistry, creating a notable difference in the body, mind and heart. It takes just a fraction of a second (a nanosecond) to work. Try inhaling Rosemary essential oil and notice the quickening of your pulse. Rosemary interacts with the adrenal glands, providing a second wind or burst of adrenaline when needed.

direct application to the skin
Direct application to the skin, by dotting or rubbing, in key places is also quick and effective. What you put on your skin soon makes its way into your blood stream. The ears are loaded with nerve endings and are very thin skinned. Massage Lavender into your ears and temples to stop a headache in its tracks! Rub your wrists and scalp with blended Sandalwood or Sweet Basil to ease anxiety. The scalp, ears, hands and feet are great places for aromatherapy spot rubs, because the extra nerve endings in those places rocket essential oil medicine throughout the body. As a safety precaution, never apply essential oils "neat", or undiluted, directly to your skin. Burning, discoloration and discomfort could occur.

baths and foot baths
Baths and foot baths are age-old healing remedies. Depending on the desired results, a wide variety of salts, herbs and essential oils can be employed to heal ailments of the body and mind. A cool Rose and Chamomile milk bath will ease hives and heat rashes.

Rosemary and Lavender (8 drops apiece) in a hot salt bath will draw the pain out of achy, cramped muscles. Tea tree or Peppermint in a foot bath (4 drops or so) will boost circulation and clear the head.

diffusers and candles
Aromatherapy diffusers and candles, made with quality essential oils, slowly emit essential oil vapors into the air, altering your mood and the atmosphere. The scent and medicinal effects linger. Watch out for cheaply made perfumed imposters!

Most aromatherapy diffusers come with instructions for use. A Lavender candle is a good choice for the bedroom. Peppermint aromatherapy drops on a car mirror diffuser can keep you from falling asleep at the wheel.



aromatherapy massage
Aromatherapy massage works essential oils into your lymphatic system. Lemon and Geranium essential oils are great tension and PMS reducers. Try Chamomile for overall revitalization. Peppermint massage will boost energy and circulation beautifully. Peppermint is not subtle.


in cleaning products
Aromatherapy cleaning products are a great answer to the harsh chemical cleansers that tend to burn out your eyes, skin and nose. Tea Tree, Thyme, Lemon and Lavender are all great cleaning agents. I love Seventh Generation detergent, dish soap and cleaning sprays. They smell divine and actually do get the house clean! Try making your own aromatherapy cleaning products.


in body products, skin care products and mists
Look for bath, body and skin products made with pure essential oils. Add a few drops of Rosemary to your shampoo to relieve dry, itchy scalp. Mix a few drops of geranium into your body cream to ease PMS. There are too many high quality aromatherapy beauty products on the market to name! Naturopathica skin care is second to none, as are EO bubble baths, Zum soaps, Bindi body oils and Suki mists.


hot  and cold towel compresses
Lastly, hot and cold compresses are on my short list. Eucalyptus drops (4 or so) on a hot towel are just what the doctor ordered for a stuffy head. Press onto the head and chest until cooled, then refresh. A cold compress with Lemon and Cypress will stimulate and renew a tired mind.

Request a blending class or personal consultation at Urban Sanctuary by emailing candice@urbansanctuaryspa.com or by calling 706-613-3947.