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

 

Staff Highlight: Misty Hardin

  We are very pleased to have Misty Hardin join us on staff full-time at Urban Sanctuary! Misty is a very talented esthetician who has been doing facials, waxing and make-up in Athens for several years. She knows the Naturopathica Skincare line very well, loves make-up, is very passionate about skin care and giving personal service. It shows.

Misty, what attracted you to the skin care profession?

I used to have really bad skin and was very self-conscious about my face. It really affected my social life. I was actually diagnosed with rosacea and I also had a lot of acne. When I finally got up the nerve to have my first  facial, I was 23. I had been discouraged about my skin for so many years by then, and I said to the lady, "I don't think you're going to be able to do anything about my skin because it's just so bad." The woman doing my facial said, "Of course I can help! Your skin isn't that bad." She was so encouraging, Dena Lafera, an Athens celebrity as it turns out!

I was really surprised at how much better my skin looked and felt after just one facial. The redness and irritation went down a lot! I felt so much better about my face and more confident in general... That's when I thought, I really want to do this for people - I could totally help people.


Where are you from, and how did you end up in Athens?

I'm from Gwinnett County and I grew up in Barrow County. I started driving to Athens every day for work after I graduated from the Atlanta School of Aesthetics. When I lived in Crawfordville, it used to take me an hour to drive to town each day to work and then I turned around, and did that drive again every night. After putting up with all of that driving for about a year and a half, I finally moved to Athens.

How do you like living here?

I love it! I love being close to everything. Living in Crawfordville, it took me 30-60 minutes to get to any stores.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love to shop for clothes. I hang out with my family and my boyfriend a lot. We watch a lot of television. I listen to a whole lot of country music. People give me a hard time about it, but I just love country music.

Who do you like to listen to?

Alan Jackson, Reba, Rascal Platts, Eric Church, Hunter Hayes and Dolly Parton

What are your favorite TV shows and movies?

First 48 and Dance Mom 5. Also, The Notebook and Paul

     Misty gives an amazing facial. She loves doing make-up applications and has many years experience with make-up services dating back to her department store job years before she went to school for Esthetics. Her extensive knowledge of problem skin care coupled with her sweet and gentle personality make Misty a fine esthetician. Unwind at Urban Sanctuary. Have a facial, make-up application or waxing service with Misty. Call 706-613-3947 to get on her schedule. Misty works Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Treat yourself!

10 Food Remedies for Winter Blues and Low Energy

                                         Heal the Blues

  Food is strong medicine. Thank goodness.There is a special magic and sense of power that comes with being able to cure what ails you in your very own kitchen. It's both nurturing and satisfying to prepare food with one's whole being and one's well being in mind--a simple approach to self-care that most of us embrace at Urban Sanctuary ...

  Please bare in mind that all people's bodies respond uniquely to various foods and that all foods are not created equally. Here are 10 energizing, mood stabilizing, comforting and uplifting foods for you to try:


1. Mushrooms- B Vitamins for strength and energy, ease depression
 
2. Sweet Potatoes- grounding, stabilizing, good for nerves and anxiety

3. Red Beans- twice the fiber of most other beans, iron-rich, grounding
 
4. Kale- brain food, blood purifier, iron, oxygenating, can ease depression

5. Apples- stabilizing, balance blood sugar, fiber, ..an apple a day...

6. Salmon- brain food, joint pain healer, good fatty acids, mood stabilizer

7. Oranges- uplifting, Vitamin C source, good for immunity

8. Red Bell Peppers- energizing, good for body aches, mood swings

9. Leeks- great for immunity, joint pain, eyes, nose and throat soreness

10. Green Grapes- stabilizing, balancing and energizing

   Organic and locally raised foods are better for your body, more nutritionally rich and better for the environment and the community, in most cases. Do your best with what is available to you. Most people will have a taste for at least half of the 10 foods on this list. Don't force yourself to eat anything that turns you off. There is no need. Oftentimes your body will be attracted to the look and the smell of foods that will help you feel balanced.

   In the winter time, we're exposed to less sunlight and fresh air. Each season comes with both its inherent gifts and challenges. One of winter's challenges is the experience of less hours available in the day. That creates a sense of lack or low grade anxiety for many people. Overeating and long hours in front of the television can exacerbate the looming depression that people refer to as seasonal depression or the winter blues. Internal and emotional ups and downs are natural.  As the seasons change, mood and energy enhancing foods will help bring out the best in you and minimize your periods of feeling down.

  When the weather grows cold and grey, it is really beneficial to eat food rich in Vitamins B, C and E, fiber, iron and Omega-3 fatty acids. This is very good for you whether seasonal depression and energy lows occur for you or not... Please remember to be kind to yourself throughout every season. Make good things in your kitchen.

   Candice Courcy is Urban Sanctuary's co-founder who made the happy discovery of the power and magic of healing foods at an early age. That combined with the love of mud, seaweed, aromatherapy and massage lead to a long and happy career in the spa industry and the healing arts. Candice enjoys being the person her friends come to for nurturing food and bath recipes when they are feeling blue. If you have any questions, please email Candice at candice@urbansanctuaryspa.com.

12 Ways to Ease Holiday Season Stress

  The winter holidays bring up lots of feelings for people. The holidays have a way of amplifying certain tendencies within us both positive and negative. There's ample room for being sentimental, celebrating, being generous, being grateful... There's also plenty of opportunity for overdoing things; overworking, overspending, spreading oneself too thin, getting worked up and worried about appearances, family, the money, the gifts...

  Whether you love the holidays, love the celebrating, love the traditions or not, the world around you will be turned upside down from Thanksgiving until New Year's Day. There's no way around it! Here are 12 ways to keep you at ease during the very stimulating month of December.

1. Drink water. Water helps your brain and body function while stabilizing your moods. The holiday sweets, drinks and running around get people dehydrated and crazed.
2. Plan for quiet time. Carve out time for you. Have a nice fire, book a massage, or spend some quality time on the couch listening to beautiful music. Peaceful hours replenish your reserves of energy. You have more to give and share once your well is replenished.
3. Call Wonder Woman. Run around and do just a little less this year. Get some professional help with shopping, errands and pet care from Wonder Woman Services. The best in town. Ask my Siggy.
4. Eat fresh foods. Sweets and buttery party foods are all good and fun, until you're bloated and irritable. Balance out your junk food indulgences with nutrition-rich foods. Fresh vegetables, fruit and local fair prevent crash and burn. Heirloom Cafe and Fresh Market is our neighbor. Try them.
5. Sage, Rosemary, Lavender and Thyme aromatherapy heals all... Insomnia, scattered brains, fatigue, grief and sadness, aches and pains can be eased by one or more of these four. Read about how to use essential oils, if you wish.   
6. Take baths. This is nourishing any time of year, especially in the winter months. Chapped dry skin, insomnia, frayed nerves and achy joints can be eased in a bath of medicinal oils. Lemon Balm, Arnica and Hyssop are particularly effective as well.
7. Make shorter lists. Long lists breed anxiety. Whether it is a shopping list, greeting cards list, party list, errands or to do list, I bet you can shorten it. You just might breathe easier...
8. Buy gift certificates. They require no wrapping, people love them, you can buy them online and support your favorite local businesses while covering your gift list. Try Avid Bookshop , Cine, ATHICA, Normal Bar, The National, Canopy Studios or Urban Sanctuary. Joy and more joy...
9. Get some fresh air and sunshine. It's harder to do in the winter. Maybe a lunchtime stroll or morning jog? Your brain needs the natural light and so does your skin.
10. Hire a travel agent. Best thing I did this year. After hours of struggling online with cheap tickets and 6:00 am departures, I called Natalie at Global Escapes. She saved me hours of frustration and found a first class ticket to Boston for only $60 extra.
11. Have a facial. Either do your own at home or come see us. Facials relax tension around your eyes and face, while cleansing, toning and moisturizing until your skin just glows.
12. Be kind to yourself. Avoid comparing yourself harshly to others. Don't torment yourself with criticisms that don't serve you... Be glad for your own good qualities and the beauty your life holds.

 Happy Holidays to you and yours. Unwind at Urban Sanctuary any day of the week. View our entire menu of services online. You can contact us at 706-613-3947 or email Candice at candice@urbansanctuaryspa.com.

      

Advanced Microdermabrasion Facials

            

Turn up your glow - turn up your radiance.

                             

 

 Microdermabrasion enables your skin to breathe and regenerate more powerfully, which in turn creates that incredible glow we all associate with vitality and youth. Glowing skin is associated with beauty, health and happiness. Wouldn't you enjoy all of that beaming off of your face? 

  With microdermabrasion facials, you can actually increase your glow and radiance. It's incredible! There's no substitute for kindness and good living (of course) to enhance one's inner glow. However, microderabrasion facials are second to none for creating radiant skin and glowing beauty from the outside-in.... Here's a list of some of the benefits:

microdermabrasion

• increases oxygen to your skin
• brings out your healthy color
• increases elasticity
• stimulates collagen production
• refines your pores
• plumps up your skin
• makes skin very smooth, even and soft
• increases circulation

it treats 

• sun damage
• enlarged pores
• acne
• acne scarring
• fine lines and wrinkles
• dull or grey complexion
• discoloration
• devitalized skin
• age spots
• scar tissue
• under eye circles

   Microdermabrasion facials are performed with state of the art spa equipment. A vacuuming process both lifts and rolls the skin while performing a very thorough, very deep exfoliation. The exfoliation, rolling and massage combined increase oxygen flow to the skin, detox the soft tissue and release holding patterns in the face. Stress lines are literally erased!

  Microdermabrasion facials are all the rage! Because of their ability to produce dramatic results, they have become wildly popular at destination spas, day spas and resort spas all over the country. Men and women alike enjoy the dramatic and visible results.

  Baking soda verses aluminum oxide? We prefer the natural baking soda method. That is what we use at Urban Sanctuary, because it is non-toxic, anti-inflammatory and very safe to use around your eyes and mouth. The natural baking soda microderm wand can be used directly under and around your eyes. It's excellent for dark under eye circles and fine lines. The wand can actually be applied right over your lips to include them in the facial. Because of the natural soothing properties of baking soda, redness and irritation are minimal after a baking soda microderm facial.

 Microdermabrasion facials are not right for you if you're on medication that causes thinning of the skin or excess inflammation. Please consult with us if you are on prescription medications for your skin or medications that effect your skin. We want to ensure your safety. If you have acne or rosacea, microdermabrasion could be very good for your skin. However, it's important that you have a short consultation before booking your facial. The progression of your acne or rosacea needs to be assessed before booking the facial to ensure that it is right for your current skin condition. Sunburned skin cannot be treated.

  Call Urban Sanctuary at 706-613-3947 to learn about our three choices in advanced microderm treatments and our series price breaks. View our choices and prices online. Enjoy your microdermabrasion facials with Layne, Misty, Lizzy, Jennifer or Alan.

 

Deep Tissue Therapeutic Foot Massage

  Not for the faint hearted, but enormously productive for those who have plantar fasciitus, hammer toe, dancer's feet or old foot and ankle injuries. Our Deep Tissue Therapeutic Foot Massage routine aims to produce measurable improvements in your stance, gate and range of motion. The deep myofascial work included in this massage usually impacts overall posture for people after just one session!

  Our Deep Therapeutic Foot Massage is available at Urban Sanctuary for 60 minute sessions, 90 minute sessions and two hours. The time flies by even during a two hour session, as hard as that is to believe. It takes the initial 20-30 minutes of the massage to open up the energy and blood flow in the legs, knees, hips and torso to prepare your feet for the therapy to come next. Your ankles, arches, calves and soles require time to warm up, soften and let go of surface tensions before the deep therapy can begin. This should not be rushed. No need to cause you white knuckling pain by zipping through this massage. Most massage therapists agree that effective deep tissue requires a slow hand and careful attention. This has never been more the case than when handling your soles...

Who this is good for:

• men with thick or dense foot tissue
• runners, cyclists and tennis players
• professional dancers
• athletes
• people engaged in foot pounding activities
• people with old foot injuries that continue to affect their gate

  The Deep Therapeutic Foot Massage will usually "hurt good" and therefore allow for the release of old holding patterns in your feet and ankles. Deep specific friction helps to break up scar tissue and adhesion. A variety of methods are implored to allow for the release of chronic pain. This is a highly intentional and slow moving massage. In order to fully stretch and expand the tissue of the soles of the feet, slow thorough coverage works best. Along the arches and heels, slow pinning, stretching, stripping and deep specific friction are employed. If you can give yourself an hour or longer, you will be very happy with the transformation that comes...

BENEFITS

• releases knee, hip and low back pain
• relieves plantar fasciitus
• hammer toe
• old football and sports injuries to the feet
• improves stance and balance
• lengthens the body by releasing restricted muscles
• helps recover the feet from regular pounding (tennis, running)
• helps recover the feet from restrictive shoes (high heels, work boots) 
• releases holding patterns affecting your walk and the way you stand
• rejuvenating

   Please call us with questions or to schedule a foot massage at 706-613-3947. At Urban Sanctuary we have an army of massage therapists ready to transform your feet...

Staff Highlight: Krista Kramer

   Krista Kramer has been a massage therapist at Urban Sanctuary since we were in our infancy. This is her 7th year on staff and we feel it's a real compliment that she's stayed with us for so long. Before our paths crossed, Krista became interested in massage while studying dance.

  Her background in the medical massage environment and her love of anatomy bring a special strength and versatility to her massage. Some of Krista's specialties include TMJ massage, Asian Foot massage, Deep Tissue Foot massage, Prenatal massage and the Urban Neck massage. 


Krista, where are you from?
I was born in Illinois and grew up in Marietta. I've been in Athens on and off for 15 years.

What brought you here?
 The UGA biology program.

What are some of the things that you like about living in Athens?
The Botanical Gardens, the parks, the people, the music, the art and culture here.

Do you have favorite places to shop and eat in town?
The Last Resort, Heirloom (across the street from Urban Sanctuary), Farm 255, Earth Fare and The Daily Coop.

Tell us about getting into massage through your studying dance.
I've danced all of my life, and danced with a competitive company in high school. Growing up as a dancer, my mom would massage my calves at night when they hurt so bad that I couldn't sleep. She massaged my low back and legs, and I think that's what got me into massage...

What are your favorite pastimes now?
I go to Good Dirt where I love making pottery, especially mugs and bowls. I play the flute. I love photography. My garden is my favorite place to be.

Have you traveled?
I love to travel! I've been to Costa Rica three times and to Europe once, just recently.

Music?
Music is the international language. I love how it effects people physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Want to share anything else?
I'm into holistic health care, prevention and wellness through eating organically, using herbs, yoga and massage. Take care of yourself!

  Krista has shared her green thumb with us by planting and caring for herbs and plants on the deck at Urban Sanctuary. Stop by and take a peek. Call 706-613-3947 to inquire about booking a massage with Krista. She works four days a week. View our entire menu of services online or other staff profiles.

                           

Tea Tree Aromatherapy

                                Clarifies Lungs and Sinuses

  Tea Tree essential oil is non-toxic and has a wide range of uses. The Australian tree that it comes from is a relative of Eucalyptus. The two essential oils are similar in scent, but Tea Tree is softer than Eucalyptus and much smoother. While each has distinct cosmetic and medicinal properties, both essential oils provide great cold & flu relief as well as good immune system support. We carry both at Urban Sanctuary in our gift store.

 There are two things that stand out to me about Tea Tree essential oil. Tea Tree is second to none for relief from dust & mold and allergies. It's also the only essential oil (apart from Lavender) that can be applied directly to the skin with out harm. Other aromatherapy oils need to be blended into a carrier before being applied or else burning & scarring could occur. Tea Tree is very versatile, in part, because of its ability to be applied neet. This makes it essential to first aid kits.

  Here are some of Tea Tree's uses:

• cold and flu remedy
• good for sinuses
• non irritating antiseptic oil
• eases mental fatigue
• treats acne, rashes and skin wounds
• fights lung and sinus infection
• great for foot fungus, foot soaks and tired feet
• great for scalp massage

  At Urban Sanctuary, we have many services and products incorporating Tea Tree aromatherapy. One is our Tea Tree Eucalyptus bath aromatherapy blend called To The Rescue. It's our house-made cold remedy. We also have foot soaks, candles, bubbles and organic body wash containing the essential oil. My favorite Tea Tree fix of all time is our Tea Tree Eucalyptus scalp massage. It's completely revitalizing. View our entire menu of services online or call Urban Sanctuary to inquire at 706-613-3947.