Staff Highlight: Kela Griffith

Kela Griffith

     Kela Griffith was the very first person to do a pedicure at Urban Sanctuary in the summer of 2010, when we first opened the nail department at our new Boulevard location. We were a little worried that the hustle and bustle of nail services might compromise our otherwise serene spa atmosphere, but Kela set the tone perfectly from the start. Her clients get to enjoy the most peaceful, pampering and relaxing manicures and pedicures you could imagine. She is extraordinary! We've struck gold...

Here's a little Q&A so you can find out even more about Kela!

Kela, where did you grow up?

     Green County

How long have you been here?
     10 years

Is there anything you want to share about yourself?
     My Dad taught my brother and I how to lay a foundation, literally! Our family owned a restaurant and night club when we were growing up, and we actually built it from the ground up. My Dad had his own construction company, too. Dad also used to have a pair of alligator shoes in each and every color! He was very debonaire... He has always been a very sharp dresser and still is.    

What do you do in your free time?

Kela's Dad

     I write poetry and spoken word, and I workout.

Do you like music?
     I like blues, jazz, R&B, some hip-hop and oldies

Do you have any favorite movies?
     Yes, The Green Mile and Book of Eli

What are your favorite TV shows?
     Family Feud is my favorite game show, and I like to watch cooking shows, game shows and reality television.


Kela is a gem and a real breath of fresh air... She has a little boy and a girl and she's an all around positive person! We are still trying to to figure out how she finds the time to workout with two young children and a dog at home!

Book a pedicure or a manicure with Kela soon at Urban Sanctuary. You will love it!
To schedule call 706-613-3047.

Prenatal Massage: Benefits and What You Need to Know

   
  Relaxing massage can be incredibly beneficial during pregnancy. Throughout each trimester, women undergo a series of physical and emotional changes. As the baby grows, Mom's center of gravity changes, increasing the strain put on her back and leg muscles as well as other body parts. This can lead to daily aches and pains.

     A multitude of factors can create quite a bit of discomfort and fatigue for women who are with child. Achy low backs, swollen ankles, problems sleeping at night and sinus trouble top the list of most common complaints.

     Many women report that they feel terrific throughout the entire pregnancy. They glow, they're energized, they are rested and excited about the baby's arrival! For those lucky souls, a prenatal massage is still a great idea. After all, massage isn't just for solving problems and relieving chronic pains. A massage is a good idea even when nothing is "wrong," so to speak. Massage creates a pause in your day, an hour of quiet, the opportunity to feel nurturing touch, put your feet up and be completely taken care of. And it's healthy!

     Whether you would categorize yourself as a woman experiencing a super "easy" pregnancy, one who's absolutely worn out or you're somewhere in the middle; consider having prenatal massage to take care of yourself throughout this very special time...

Benefits of Prenatal Massage

• eases backaches
• settles the nerves
• relaxes tense muscles
• boosts circulation all over
• reduces swollen ankles
• relieves low back and hip pain
• stimulates sluggish circulation in the legs
• helps with numbness in the feet & hands
• reduces sinus pressure
• reduces tension headaches
• relieves sore feet and sore knees
• moisturizes and hydrates your skin
• reduces irritability
• calms mood
• rejuvenates

     The above list of benefits is not all-inclusive, but touches on the main benefits of massage during pregnancy. Some women have experienced improved sleep, decreased anxiety and decreased chronic pain as a result of regular massages received during their pregnancies. Others notice much more subtle benefits.

What You Need to Know

--Let the spa know that you are pregnant when you call to book your appointment. Do not wait until later. Not all massage therapists perform prenatal massage. The spa needs to be sure to book you with one of the people who specializes in prenatal massage.

--If you have trouble climbing stairs or would rather not, request a service room on the ground floor at the time of booking. It may be hard to switch rooms once you arrive, if the spa is busy.

--If you have any concerns about the safety of getting prenatal massage for yourself, talk to your doctor. If you have any medical challenges or questions, please, bring them to your doctor. We cannot give medical advice at the spa. It is not our place to do so.

--We offer side lying massage with lots of special body pillows for pregnant women at Urban Sanctuary... It's really quite comfortable! The pillows can bolster the chest, belly, knees and so on. If you are still comfortable laying supine (on your back), that's okay, too.

--You can get up to relieve your bladder halfway through the massage, if you need to. Anyone can, but we know that this is something that pregnant women might especially need with more pressure on the bladder. We understand!

--Lavender aromatherapy has a reputation for being wonderful for pregnancy and very safe. We avoid using other essential oils for the most part to err on the conservative side. Inform us if you'd prefer we do otherwise for you.

--Things that you enjoy during your "usual" spa visits may not agree with your system during pregnancy. It's amazing how the body changes and adjusts for the baby.

--There are a few services we avoid with pregnant clients. We do not usually offer much heat, deep tissue massage, hot stones, scrubs, muds or seaweeds to pregnant women... They seem to be too taxing to the system and tend to be very detoxifying services.

--If you prefer very firm pressure during your prenatal massages, that is something to request ahead of time when booking. We do not want you to be disappointed with your massage therapist. Not all massage therapists are comfortable giving firm pressure during prenatal massages, but some are. We trust that you know your body and you know what you want. Provided that you've cleared it with your doctor, we will strive to give you just what you want, as long as you let us know in advance what that is.

--Lastly, please arrive early and please linger after if you have time! We have created a beautiful space for you to enjoy a nice pause in your day to regroup... Please accept our invitation to be kind to yourself and unwind at Urban Sanctuary!

**Call 706-613-3947 for a personal consultation to match you up with the best services and the right massage therapist to suit your unique needs and preferences. Or write to us at info@urbansanctuaryspa.com with questions and suggestions.

Your First Massage: How To Choose and How Long It Should Be

Urban Sanctuary is nestled in the historic Boulevard district of Athens, Georgia.

     Massage is the most popular of all types of spa services. Massage therapists use various techniques to heal and relax both mind and body. There are many types of massage to choose from. Below are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the massages we offer at Urban Sanctuary.

What kind of massage should I get? 
     There is no short answer to this question. It all depends on your personal likes and dislikes. Here are a few to consider:

• Swedish Massage-- is a safe bet for a first time client who would just like to relax. It is the most well-known type of massage and incorporates lots of kneading and long gliding strokes.
• Our Signature Massage-- we recommend for clients who want to experience a sampling of several  techniques and massage styles during one massage. It's a good way to help you learn what your preferences are. Our Signature Massage rolls Hot Stones, Dry Brushing, Aromatherapy and Deep Tissue techniques into one graceful treatment.
• Back, Neck and Shoulder-- this massage targets where many people ache the most. A good choice for a first timer.
• Deep Tissue or Sports Massage-- are perfect for you if you'd like to work out a few specific areas of your body or prepare yourself for strenuous activity. Both massage styles target the client's goals in a very productive, result-oriented way. The focused and directed attention to detail makes a lot of people feel very satisfied. If that sounds good to you, choose either deep tissue or sports massage for your first time. Both modalities appeal to people who prefer deeper pressure.
• Prenatal Massage-- addresses the special needs of an expecting mother. We perform prenatal massages in the side lying position and incorporate special techniques to address swollen ankles, legs and sinuses. Extra time and attention is devoted to the low back and hip area as well. We avoid using extra heat, very deep pressure and most aromatherapy during prenatal massages.
• Aromatherapy Massage-- focuses on incorporating essential oils in the massage and working the aromatherapy into your system. Lots of wave-like and rhythmical strokes orchestrate this very graceful, mood-altering massage. A great choice if you like aromatherapy. Not for pregnant women or people craving deep tissue work.

Want to try something other than the massages described above?
     We also offer Hot Stones, Thai massage, Foot Massages and Scalp Treatments to name a few. Read about the massages that aren't described here, on our website www.urbansanctuaryspa.com or  call us for help choosing which one to schedule... Your massage therapist will be a good person to help you decide which massage style will best serve your needs.

How long should my massage be?
     

• Half Hour Massages-- work great for attending to a specific area, like a face and scalp massage, foot massage, or back, neck and shoulder massage. A Headache Massage, sinus massage, or TMJ Massage fit into 30 minutes nicely. It's not long enough for a full body massage, but it is long enough to turn your day around. Tess Wilson and Alan McArthur both enjoy giving thirty minute massages.

• 1 Hour Massages-- are the most common length booked. Full body massages and massages for specific areas of tension work very well in an hour's time. Our Signature Massage starts at an hour because it combines three techniques. The Aromatherapy Massage and Full Body Hot Stone Massages are booked at an hour and up. Elizabeth, Suzy and Becca love to give 60 minute massages.
• 1.5 Hour Massages-- work best for tension and knots all over,  for deep relaxation and for people who need a combination of several different massages. Some of our clients with high-stress jobs like to get a 1.5 hour Swedish so they can completely unwind and turn off their racing minds. My'leka, Jen Berry and Nathan enjoy giving 90 minute massages.
• 2 Hour Massages-- are best if you need complete transformation. Do you need thorough coverage of a chronic pain area with plenty of time left over for a full body massage? Would you enjoy Reflexology, Scalp Massage and a Deep Tissue Massage all combined in one visit? Two hour massages are very transformative. Nina Paterson, David Williams, Candice and Krista Kramer each love to give 2 hour massages at Urban Sanctuary. 

  We can help you determine which massage type will best address your needs. We can also pair you with a massage therapist who will be a nice fit for you. Send your inquiries about massage by e-mail or call us. Our email is info@urbansanctuaryspa.com and our phone number is 706-613-3947.

Benefits of Aromatherapy

    A wide range of benefits  can be achieved by using aromatherapy. Essential oils are profoundly healing and fortifying physically and emotionally. One inhalation can bring a remarkable change to your head space. The beauty benefits are plenty as well...

     Some essential oils will agree with your system beautifully and some just simply will not. This is completely natural. Every person has many parts that come into play causing some scents to delight, while others repel... These factors include body chemistry, body temperature, memory and association, gender, skin type and other much more subtle factors than all of the above. What you choose to use in your home, on your skin and in your bath should depend on what appeals you and which effects you are aiming to create...

     Not all essential oils have the same emotional, medicinal or cosmetic properties. They are each extracted from the roots, fruit, seeds, bark, leaves and flowers of a great number of plants around the world. That being said, it makes the task of writing an all-inclusive list of benefits nearly impossible. Some oils are more medicinal than others. Here is a general list of the benefits that are often experienced when using good quality aromatherapy oils for health, beauty and relaxation. Aromatherapy can:

  1) boost circulation
  2) strengthen the immune system
  3) repair damaged skin
  4) improve overall complexion
  5) help to purge the body of toxins
  6) ease muscle and joint pain
  7) clear and relax the mind
  8)  ease headaches
  9) act as a hormone and mood regulator
 10) regulate appetite
 11) stimulate digestion
 12) act as a sleep aid
 13) combat depression and fatigue
 14) relieve cold and flu symptoms
 15) improve stamina and concentration
 16) promote relaxation and well-being
 17) strengthen a feeble mind and improve focus

     This is not an all-inclusive list by any means. These are benefits that we most come across with our clients, as we use aromatherapy in our facials, massages and pedicures. There are many more. However, this list should be enough to inspire. Also, at Urban Sanctuary we carry skin, bath and body products in our boutique with over seventy different essential oils.

     Methods of delivering essential oils into the body vary. Inhalation most rapidly brings about emotional and mood changes, while massage or soaking will create the more systemic benefits, such as pain relief and detoxification.

     For suggestions and directions on how to use aromatherapy go to our article on how to use essential oils. Feel free to contact us at Urban Sanctuary for more information at 706-613-3947 or email candice@urbansanctuary.com.