Cold Stone Facial Massage Benefits

 Cold stone massage makes a wonderful summertime gift.

Cold Stone Face Massage is performed at Urban Sanctuary using smooth marble stones, chilled on ice. Cold stone therapy and it's amazing benefits are not widely known. The well being, beauty and pain relief benefits are nothing short of remarkable!

• sinus tension relief
• good for TMJ
• tired eyes
• headaches
• tension around the eyes and mouth
• calms and quiets and overactive mind
•  cools and soothes hot heads
• skin irritation
• fatigue
• stress

Book yourself a 30 minute Cold Stone Face Massage as a stand alone service for $60 or pair it with another massage.

At Urban Sanctuary you can add cold stone therapy to any facial  for $20. It effectively treats inflammation, redness and facial tension lines. The cold has a very soothing effect on the delicate skin of the face and neck.The icy marble stone massage will lift and firm your face, adding to the overall results of any facial! Pair Cold stone Therapy with a Microdermabrasion Facial or any  Advanced Facial and the cold stones will calm your skin and enhance the visible results of your facial. It also feels amazing!

How To Make: Peace Of Mind Body & Bath Oil Blend

This is a lovely aromatherapy blend combining essential oils that promote relaxation, well being, peace of mind and comfort. The blend is in an organic sesame oil base which makes it a great choice for a body oil, massage oil or a bath oil.

This makes a very nice hand made gift. An 8 ounce bottle of this blend lasts many months as a bath and body oil and has a fairly long shelf life if kept in a cool dark cabinet when not in use. It could last a year or longer.

For Peace of Mind Blend, you will need:

- 8 ounces of Organic Sesame Oil

- a blue glass 8 or 16 ounce bottle/lid

- Organic Grapefruit Essential Oil

- Clary Sage Essential Oil

- Organic Cedarwood Essential Oil

- Sweet Basil Essential Oil

- Wintergreen Essential Oil

Blend 20 drops of Organic Grapefruit Essential oil into your Organic Sesame Oil base. Drop in the Grapefruit, put the cap on your bottle and gently shake. Next add your Clary Sage Essential oil. 12 drops. Add 12 drops of Organic Cedarwood aromatherapy oil, 8 drops of Sweet Basil and 4 drops of Wintergreen. Fasten the lid tightly and shake the blend gently. Let it sit for 30 minutes before applying to your skin or bath to allow time for the essential oils to bind.

Rub Peace Of Mind oil onto your chest and temples at bed time to slow down a racing or restless mind. Use for therapeutic massage, foot massage. Use 1/2 ounce to a full ounce in a warm bath to release mental and emotional stress. Enjoy...

Headache Remedy: DIY Aromatherapy Blend

Headaches are a common by product of unmanaged stress. Sinus problems, dehydration, allergies, overworking, hormonal imbalance, insufficient sleep, excess toxins in the body, emotional distress, inflammation and muscle tension in the neck and shoulders are the root causes of most headaches.

If you are suffering from frequent headaches, drink more water, stretch, sleep, find a way to rid your body of excess toxins, stretch your neck, chest and shoulders and get a therapeutic massage. 

Aromatherapy from pure essential oils stimulates hormone receptor sites in the brain and can trigger a positive chemical reaction within seconds upon inhalation. Application and inhalation of a good blend could the release your nagging headache pain in a fairly short period of time. At least the headache tension will be reduced and at best your headache could be alleviated all together. 

Here is a blend designed to address tension, toxin and hormonal headaches. An alternative recipe can be used for sinus and inflammation headaches or TMJ.

For your headache blend you will need:

•  1/2 ounce of organic sunflower oil
•  Marjoram essential oil
•  Organic French Lavender essential oil
•  Fennel essential oil
•  Lemon Essential oil
•  Rosemary essential oil
•  Geranium essential oil (optional)
•  a 1/2 ounce  blue glass bottle and lid
•  7 clean pipettes or droppers

Blend 6 drops of Marjoram, 1 milliliter of Lavender, 6 drops of Fennel, half milliliter of Lemon, 8 drops of Rosemary and 12 drops of Geranium in your empty glass aromatherapy bottle. Close the lid and give it a shake for 10 seconds. Add your 1/2 ounce of organic sunflower oil. Not all of it will fit, just fill the bottle so that you have a 1/6 of an inch room from the top of the oil to your lid. Tightly fasten the lid and shake for 10 seconds. 

Let your blend sit for 30 minutes so the essential oils can merry together.

Apply your blend to pulse points, temples, sinus and or scalp for rapid headache relief. Inhale as needed. Wear your healing headache blend on your ears, neck or wrists for headache prevention. 

Use 12 drops or so in a warm bath or 5 drops for a facial steam or foot bath. 

Try a headache massage at Urban Sanctuary in Athens, Georgia. Relieving tension headaches is one of our specialties. Also recommended for chronic headache sufferers are our TMJ massage, neck, back and shoulder massages, Deep Tissue, Myofascial and Aromatherapy Scalp massages. It is good to get at the root cause of headaches to alleviate the problem holistically. 

Find ingredients for your headache blend online at Urbansanctuaryspa.com or in our spa store at 810 N Chase St. Athens Georgia 30601.   

How To Make Your Own PMS Remedy

 PMS remedy ingredients available online and at Urban Sanctuary.

PMS is no joke. Anyone who suffers from it can attest to that, as well as anyone who lives with someone who does. The fatigue, body aches, inflammation, upset bowels, headaches, muscle cramps, water weight gain and irritability that show up for many women prior to the start of the monthly menstrual cycle are a DRAG!

This aromatherapy blend is a wonderful stress reliever and healing agent focused on targeting the most common symptoms of the much dreaded and often endured PMS.  

PMS  Remedy Ingredients List:

• Rose Geranium Essential Oil 12 drops
• Clary Sage Essential Oil 8 drops
• Organic Lemon Essential Oil 6 drops
• Organic French Lavender Essential Oil 10 drops
• Organic Grapefruit Essential Oil 10 drops
• Organic Sunflower Carrier Oil 1 ounce
• 5 clean droppers
• 6 cups of sea salt, Epsom salts or Himalayan

Blend in a clean bowl and store in an air tight glass jar with a lid. Use 1/4 to 3/4 cup of PMS salts to soak your body for relief from aches, cramps and irritability. Inhale salts blend for stress relief and energy re-balancing. Carry a small vial on the go to use for emergency PMS relief.

Try this blend and have a professional massage to ease your premenstrual woes.  Urban Sanctuary, in Athens, Georgia, is open 7 days a week and proudly offers a great variety of targeted pain and stress relief massage modalities.

Please write us and tell us how you like this blend!

DIY Holiday Gifts: Energizing Aromatherapy Salts

Aromatherapy salts make a great holiday gift or party favor. If you make your aromatherapy salt blends in big batches to portion out in a dozen or more containers, you can really stretch your gift list dollars!

Have fun blending your salts. It is not time consuming and there is lots of room for variation and creativity. Get the kids involved!

This recipe yields approximately 6-12 gifts depending on the size jar you choose. Substitute 6 ounce clear potpourri bags to yield more gifts from your batch.

This blend can be used for smelling salts and foot soaks. Not recommended for a body soak (too tingly) due to the quantity of peppermint oil.

Aromatherapy has many well being benefits, including stress relief, relaxation, increased energy, relief from headaches, PMS, insomnia and much much more.


You will need:

• 12 cups salt
• 32 drops Organic Peppermint essential oil
• 32 drops Organic Rosemary essential oil
• 16 drops Lemongrass essential oil
• mason jars and lids
• sprigs of fresh rosemary or pine clippings
• decorative ribbon or raffia

Dump your salt into a big mixing bowl. We recommend using Epsom salts, Sea salts or Himalayan salts for their healing and pain relief benefits. Choose a bowl that will not be reused for food. The essential oils will forever flavor any future foods blended or served in this bowl. A clean beach bucket or paint bucket will work for mixing also.

Drop your Organic Peppermint essential oil, Organic Rosemary and Lemongrass and blend thoroughly with a wooden spoon. Let the blend sit for 10-30 minutes and portion out into your mason jars or potpourri bags. Tie the containers with a bow and tie or tuck your decorative sprigs onto the container. Use a marker to write on the jar or a note card with instructions for use.

Instructions for use: Inhale this energizing blend as needed for a boost. Use 2-4 tablespoons in warm water for an energizing foot soak.

Do have the window open while you make your energizing salt blend. These essential oils will seriously pep you up. Rosemary and Peppermint are powerful natural stimulants, so use sparingly to avoid getting over stimulated. If you suffer from insomnia, do not make this blend at night. You may feel as though you drank coffee before bed.

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.

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. 

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... 

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...

9 Reasons to Choose Urban Sanctuary

1 We Give Result-Producing Massages:

Bring us your headaches, your sciatica, your frozen shoulder. We'll work with your sports injuries, the crick in your neck and that hitch in your lower back. At Urban Sanctuary we have a strong track record of results producing massages that make a measurable difference in the chronic pain and stress ailments that you are dealing with. Ask for deep tissue, myofascial, sports massage, deep therapeutic foot massage or let us make a specific recommendation to address what ails you.

2 We Are An Award Winning Spa:

Urban Sanctuary won Best Day Spa in Athens. We’ve enjoyed a Beautiful Business Award and a Historic Preservation Award. The greatest honor of all has been to be voted Athens’ Favorite Day Spa by the readers of Flagpole Magazine for three consecutive years. 

3 We Specialize In Services For Men:

We are a Man-Friendly Spa. We had men in mind when we designed our space. We have a Men’s Service Menu, which includes Massage, Pedicures, Facials and Waxing. Men are welcome to unwind and to enjoy services designed specifically for them.

4 We Celebrate Relationships:

Unwind at Urban Sanctuary together. We have many offerings for groups and for pairs. Mother Daughter Spa Days, Birthday Parties, Spa Parties, Bridal Spa Services, Staff Parties and Services for Couples.

5 We Are Eco-Friendly:

We maintain eco-friendly practices in our day-to-day operations. We carry many eco-friendly product lines as well as organic products, natural, fair trade, handmade, free trade, cruelty free, chemical free, vegan and biodegradable products and gifts.

6 We Are a Sanctuary:

Unwind in this tranquil and serene space. Our clients do not have to compete with the hustle and bustle of a salon. The colors, the aromas and the music weave together naturally to create the perfect space to unwind.

7 WE ARE OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK:

 That gives you plenty to choose from.

8 We Provide Skincare That Makes a Visible and Lasting Difference:

Our estheticians are passionate about skincare and give extraordinary customer service. Have a facial that addresses your unique skin type and learn how to best care for your face at home with wholesome, natural and effective products.

9 We Guarantee All of Our Services:

At Urban Sanctuary we are committed to excellent customer service. We stand firmly behind that with a money back guarantee. If you are not happy with your service, we will offer you a “do-over” to ensure that your experience meets your expectations--or you can have your money back. You deserve to feel happy and well taken care of and you will be, here at Urban Sanctuary.

810 N. Chase Street  Athens, Georgia 30601   •  706.613.3947

 www.urbansanctuaryspa.com  urbansanctuaryspablogspot.com

Top 12 Benefits of Natural Microdermabrasion Facials

Garden flowers at Urban Sanctuary in the Historic Boulevard District of Athens, Georgia.

   Natural Microdermabrasion Facials are a great way to turn up your glow. They utilize pure baking soda crystals to evenly abrade the skin and provide a thorough exfoliation and resurfacing of the entire face. Our Natural Microdermabrasion Facials use pure baking soda crystals instead of  aluminum oxide, which is what is used in standard microdermabrasion facials. The Natural Microderm is a great option for people who prefer to go natural; people who have extra-sensitive skin or those who have reactions to aluminum oxide.

    We chose this natural method over the traditional aluminum oxide method for several reasons. One, being that this method is in keeping with our philosophy at Urban Sanctuary. Natural is the easier, softer way, usually, when it comes to choices for skin and body care. Two, organic and natural is our preference, whenever possible. Three, the aluminum oxide is too toxic for use near the eyes and mouth. And finally, some people have adverse reactions to the aluminum. The Natural Microderm facials using baking soda have greater versatility as far as where you can go on the face and who can receive the facials. We love this facial!

Here are the top 12 benefits that our clients experience from
NATURAL MICRODERMABRASION FACIALS:

1. bring out your natural glow
2. treat inflammation and redness with natural baking soda crystals, which are anti-inflammatory
3. oxygenate the skin
4. plump up the skin by stimulating collagen production
5. revive devitalized skin
6. smooth and tone uneven skin color
7. refine the pores
8. increase circulation and elasticity
9. treat dark circles under the eyes
10. detox blemished and congested skin
11. smooth fine lines, scars and wrinkles
12. safe for many reactive skin types and safe for exfoliating the lips

  We include a fifteen minute consultation with every first Advanced Microdermabrasion Facial at Urban Sanctuary to ensure that this is an appropriate choice for your skin. Microdermabrasion cannot be performed on sunburned skin or open wounds. Some people elect to have it performed only on concentrated areas like the chin, forehead, neck or decollete only. We have lots of choices for you.

  For more about how it works refer to our November blog post. To schedule your consultation and Advanced Microdermabrasion Facial call Urban Sanctuary at 706-613-3947. You may view our entire menu of services online. Be kind to yourself. Unwind at Urban Sanctuary. We are open 7 days a week to make it easy for you.

Neck and Shoulder Pain: A Great Cure

Urban Sanctuary serves steaming warm neck pillows to spa clients before services.

Herbal Ease Neck Pillows--combine heat, steam, aromatherapy and healing Ayurvedic herbs to relieve neck pain and achy shoulders. The neck pillows are very versatile stress relievers and wonderfully effective. 

Basmati Rice creates steam once the pillows are heated. The steam helps carry the vapors of the herbs into your system through the pores, the soft tissue and sinuses. Steam passes easily through your clothing, so the neck pillows are very effective whether you're wearing one over your shirt or on bare skin. Basmati rice is a natural preservative, which helps the herbs inside of the pillows keep for 4 years or so. 

Cardamom treats muscle spasms, settles nerves and strengthens the immune system. It helps with insomnia and nervous exhaustion. In India, Cardamom's use is very wide spread. Cardamom massage oils, tinctures and teas are blended for healing and longevity. In the neck pillows, Cardamom's medicine is put to good use.

Clove is a very effective pain remedy. Clove heals sore muscles and nerve pain, arthritic pain and body aches. Mothers have rubbed Clove oil on teething babies' gums for ages, because it has a very soothing effect. The aromatic vapors can lift mental fatigue. 

Cinnamon steadies the nerves, boosts circulation and raises body temperature. The Cinnamon in the neck pillows helps to soften and relax tense muscles in the neck, shoulders and chest area.

Relaxing, delicious smelling and weighted, the neck pillows are comforting and very healing. We think they are one of the best neck and shoulder pain home cures available! Stop by Urban Sanctuary at 810 North Chase Street in Athens, Georgia to try some on for size. We'll even heat one up for you.
Be kind to yourself. Unwind at Urban Sanctuary...

Urban Sanctuary was voted Athens' Best Day Spa.

Hot Stone Massage Benefits

Urban Sanctuary's basalt stones are used for hot stone massages and pedicures.

Hot Stone Massage offers all of the benefits of therapeutic massage combined with the healing benefits of heat applied to the body. The combination of the two is deeply relaxing and nurturing. The hot stones can be utilized during a deep tissue massage, a neck, back and shoulder massage, or during a pedicure.

 Contrary to popular belief, the stones do not prevent the massage therapist from being able to do specific therapeutic massage work during the session. The stones can be used to warm up the body's soft tissue in preparation for deeper massage work or they can function as an extension of the therapist's hands during the entire massage. This serves as a tool for trigger point therapy and other pain relief techniques.

The deep penetrating heat of the stones relaxes and unwinds soft tissue right down to the bones allowing for easy release of tension and bound up muscles. The heat of the stones is great for joint pain, achy feet, stiffness and sore muscles.

Hot Stone Massage Benefits

• increased circulation
• supports effective deep tissue therapy
• relief from joint pain and stiffness
• great for soothing achy feet, back ache and neck aches
• improves flexibility and range of motion
• great for cold hands and feet
• supports stretching during and after massage by warming up the muscles
• helps with restless leg syndrome
• provides deep relaxation
• good for insomnia
• very grounding and comforting

  The heat and weight of the stones enhance the work that the massage is doing and increase some of the overall benefit. If you find heat to be relaxing for your shoulders and back or you just love having toasty feet, try a Hot Stone Pedicure or a Hot Stone Massage this week. Upgrade your massage or pedicure to incorporate Hot Stones at Urban Sanctuary. Call us at 706-613-3947 to inquire about availability. Unwind with Hot Stones at Urban Sanctuary any day of the week.

The Healing Wonders of Arnica

Arnica Remedy Oil by Farmaesthetics is one of Urban Sanctuary's best-selling home remedies.

  Known as a rapid recovery aid for bruises, strains, injuries, aches and pains, Arnica has gained increased popularity with athletes and physically active people. Many use Arnica rubs after working out, dancing, walking, hiking and running. Its pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties are fast acting.

  Enjoy Arnica as preventative medicine. When massaged into the muscles and joints before physical activity, it can reduce inflammation, swelling and body aches. For arthritis pain prevention, Arnica applied topically has been said to work as well as Ibuprofen. It is particularly effective for knee injuries, back aches and arthritic hands.

  As a travel aid, Arnica is instrumental in reducing the swelling, joint pain, stiff necks and achy muscles that occur on plane, train and car trips. It helps remedy swollen legs, bulging veins, varicose veins and spider veins. All of which are exacerbated by travel and long hours of standing.

  Use a capful of Arnica oil in a hot bath or massage for relief from:

• spider veins 
• varicose veins
• bulging veins
• muscle aches
• back aches
• arthritis
• hypertension
• insomnia
• headaches
• heart palpitations
• nightmares
• neurosis
• bronchitis
• tonsillitis
• flu

Urban Sanctuary  706-613-3947 is open 7 days a week in the Historic Boulevard District of Athens, Georgia.

  Stop in and shop our spa boutique for Arnica bath and body products. Choose from several herbal preparations, organic bath gels, salts and oils containing Arnica. Are you interested in having a healing Arnica massage? Purchase the Farmaesthetics Arnica Oil with us and we'll incorporate the oil into your massage at Urban Sanctuary. Afterwards, you can take the rest of your bottle home to use in the bath. Unwind at Urban Sanctuary any day of the week; we are open all seven...

Feel free to call us at 706-613-3947 or email Candice with any questions at: candice@urbansanctuaryspa.com

 

Sharpen Your Mind with These 6 Foods

Fresh herbs on the porch of Urban Sanctuary in Athens, Georgia, which are grown by massage therapist, Krista Kramer.

   Mental clarity is closely linked with happiness, confidence and contentment. Our minds can be easily dulled by stress, lack of sleep and poor nutrition. The up side is that the mind responds very quickly and favorably to rest, water and nourishing food. These six foods sharpen both the mind and memory...

1-Spinach
Eating spinach provides high doses of potassium, which helps you to think clearly and respond quicker. Potassium maintains the electrical conductivity of your brain.

2- Eggs
Eating eggs can slow down naturally occurring brain atrophy associated with stress and aging. Eggs help boost memory, focus and energy.

3-Berries
Blueberries, blackberries and raspberries top the list of antioxidant-rich berries that enhance cognitive function, protect the brain from decline and improve memory.

4- Acorn Squash
Keep your mind sharp by eating foods rich in Folic Acid. Acorn squash is loaded with Folic Acid, which helps to improve the speed at which your brain processes information.

5- Nuts
Walnuts, pecans and almonds are especially good for concentration, sustained energy and memory. It is good to eat nuts while studying or reading dense material.

6- Fish
Salmon is nature's highest source of Vitamin D other than the sun itself. Healthy amounts of Vitamin D in food can prevent memory loss, cognitive decline and depression. Most types of fish contain a good amount of Omega-3 fatty acids and protein - all very good for brain function and mood.

  Certain spices enhance mental clarity and agility. Turmeric, Cinnamon, Cocoa, Sage, Curry and Rosemary are wonderful for the mind. Peppermint, Fennel, Lemon, Lavender and Rosemary aromatherapy enhance concentration, memory function and mental clarity also.

  There are plenty of brain boosting foods that did not get included on my list of six. Leafy greens, seeds, mushrooms, apples and quinoa are all really great for the brain. Experiment with four or five brain healthy foods by working them into your weekly diet and tracking how you feel and respond to stimulus after eating them. It is kind of fun, and you might adopt some empowering new habits!

  Remember to rest and relax on a regular basis, as best you can. Unwind at Urban Sanctuary when in Athens, Georgia. Give your brain and body a nice pause in a beautiful place. We are open 7 days a week.

Urban Sanctuary 706-613-3947
candice@urbansanctuaryspa.com

 

Rosemary Aromatherapy

    Rosemary is one of nature's most powerful stimulants. It stimulates both the mind and the body. During Shakespeare's time the smoke was used to remedy brain weakness. Shakespeare nicknamed Rosemary "the herb of remembrance". Well deserved. Rosemary beautifully enhances confidence and perception. It is also known to improve memory, creativity, attention span and focus.

 The scent of Rosemary is clean, sharp and penetrating. The aroma has great appeal to both men and women. Due to its camphorous fragrance, it is sometimes mistaken for Eucalyptus. The two essential oils have similar medicinal properties, but their scents are fairly different. Eucalyptus is more pungent and heat producing, whereas Rosemary has more of a clean, crisp and cooling scent. It doesn't smell quite as medicinal as Eucalyptus. After a few uses, your nose will be able to tell the two apart. 

  Rosemary is a wonderful pain remedy. It is often used in sports rubs, penetrating liniments and healing salves due to its pain reducing, strengthening and balancing attributes. You'll also find it is a key ingredient in a wide variety of chest rubs, scrubs and soaks. It blends well with Lavender, Ginger, Peppermint, Lemon, Birch, Sweet Orange and Ylang Ylang to name a few.

• cosmetic uses
• dandruff or itchy scalp
• hair loss
• dry skin
• dull complexion
• general deodorant
• foot deodorant

 

• medicinal uses
• muscle aches
• joint pain
• poor circulation
• lung congestion
• sluggish metabolism
• diuretic 
• anti-septic
• treats sore throat
• potent anti-depressant
• stimulates the adrenals
• strengthens motor nerves
• short term memory aid

      It's a good aromatherapy for beginners, but should be used sparingly and with caution. Rosemary essential oil can overstimulate the body. If over used, it can disrupt sleep or increase blood pressure. Use the essential oil conservatively until you have a fair amount of experience with it. Rosemary is not good for pregnant women. As with all essential oils, if it does not agree with you just don't use it. An aversion to the smell of an essential oil is telling you that it is not quite right for your body chemistry. Don't fret. There are many to choose from!

    At Urban Sanctuary, we use Rosemary in our Lavender Rosemary Body Scrubs, our Peppermint Rosemary Scalp Massages, our Lavender Ginger Warming Rub and many other services. All of these healing blends are available in our store as well as single notes, candles and baths with Rosemary. Come by any day of the week and inhale each one until you've had your fill.

     Aromatherapy services and products are one of our specialties... We are open seven days a week. Call 706-613-3947 to schedule an aromatherapy massage or scrub. Email candice@urbansanctuaryspa.com with questions or for a personal aromatherapy consultation.