8 Daily Remedies For Joint Pain

 Joint pain has over 100 different causes as identified by the CDC, ranging from food allergies to rheumatoid arthritis and more. Old injuries, environmental toxins and a great variety of physical and emotional stressors cause inflammation and joint pain in 2 out of 3 adults.


The good news is that there are many drug free natural remedies that are highly effective at relieving joint pain and reducing or preventing it's re occurrence.


Massage Therapy, herbal infused salt soaks, acupressure, acupuncture, yoga and eating foods and spices with pain relieving properties can be worked into the weekly and monthly calendar.

• Green Tea
• A 30 Minute Daily Walk
• Ice Massage 
• Body Brushing
• Celery
• Parsley
• Arnica Remedy
• Yogurt or Kefir

Drink 2-3 cups of green tea or 1 matcha grren tea late' per day to enjoy the benefit of a potent joint protecting antioxident called epigallocatechin. Green tea provides a host of health and well being benefits, some of which include a gentle energy boost for mind and body, pollen allergy pain relief, antioxidents to help with healthy complexion and immune system support.

A 30 minute walk daily can do wonders in reducing joint pain. Doctors will confirm that being sedentary will exacerbate most forms of arthritis pain. Movement, fresh air and light exercise will go a long way in reducing joint pain and stiffness. Great for stress reduction as well.

Ice applied to joints and muscles that are inflamed or in pain cools the area, numbs the area and triggers rapid action of your bodies internal healing agents. Ice massage or ice application causes blood to rush to the area of pain, saturating the tissue with fresh nutrients and oxygen for tissue repair. That is why injured football players get ice packs on the sidelines. It creates rapid healing. You can incorporate Cold Stones and  ice therapy into a Hot Stone Massage, Sports Massage, Headache Massage or Facial at Urban Sanctuary if you request this.

Body Brushing is an easy and effective way to prevent joint pain and reduce joint pain. It is recommended that you dry brush your body daily for 5-10 minutes or longer to reduce joint pain, release toxins and boost your immune system. Our Signature Massage includes a full body lymphatic dry brushing massage and your own set of body brushes to take home. Read more about the Benefits of  Dry Brushing.

Celery is great for people suffering from rheumatism, arthritis or joint pain of any kind because it has anti-inflammatory properties. Eating celery helps reduce swelling, reduce water weight and to eliminate uric acid build up around the joints, all of which add to discomfort and pain in the joints.

Include 2 tablespoons or more of parsley each day to experience a host of great health benefits. Fresh parsley has powerful anti-inflammatory properties to aid with joint health, vitamin K to aid with bone health and vitamin C to support immunity. Parsley in salads, soups, shakes and as a garnish is delicious!

Arnica is a well known and highly effective natural pain remedy. Arnica is often used in sports medicine and liniments for athletes. At Urban Sanctuary we carry a number of excellent Arnica muscle and joint pain remedies. Two favorites are Farmesthetics Arnica Remedy Oil for bath and massage and Naturopathica's Arnica Muscle and Joint Gel.

Finally, on the list, we have Kefir and Yogurt. Kefir, which is a yogurt drink, and yogurt have well documented curative effects for arthritis, joint pain, finger pain and stiffness. The beneficial bacteria in yogurt reduces inflammation, improves digestion and boosts the immune system. Kefir and yogurt both calm the mind, making for a good pre-bedtime snack.

Learn about pain and stress remedies on Urban Sanctuary's blog or come in and partake in our services and products for well-being. We are located at 810 North Chase Sreet in Athens, Georgia.

Calm Your Mind With These 5 Foods

 

Modern day living often lends itself to a restless mind. Daily stressors, frequent communications and crazy schedules can leave us over-stimulated and scatter brained. Take advantage of  your body's brain/gut connection. Eat foods that settle and ease your mind.

Calm your mind with these 5 Foods:

Salmon

Kefir

Turkey

Root Vegetables
Beans


Salmon contains healthy fats such as omega 3 fatty acids that ease anxiety and clear the mind.
Eat salmon several times weekly to boost your health. Lox on a bagel for breakfast or in an omelette. Salmon is an easy food to work into lunch and dinner salads as well.

Kefir is a very delicious yogurt drink packed with healthy immune boosting probiotic cultures. Kefir calms the mind and body.  It's a great thing to drink before bed to ensure a good night's sleep.

Turkey eaters experience the relaxing and sometimes sedating effects of a hormone called  tryptophan. Ground turkey, baked turkey and turkey soups are a great cure for restless mind.

Root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, beets and turnips have a grounding effect. These foods can be easily worked into your evening meals when in season.

Beans beans, good for your heart. And, who knew?! Good for your brain. Black beans are especially rich in fiber and protein which both aid in brain function and peace of mind. Red beans, navy beans, pinto beans and split peas are very healthy as well.

Alongside a healthy diet, massages are a great cure for a restless mind and body. Be Kind and Unwind!

Gifts That Bring Comfort and Joy

Say Happy Holidays with a Gift Certificate To Urban Sanctuary.

Be Kind. Unwind. That is our motto. What would be kinder than a Gift Certificate to Unwind at Athens' favorite day spa? Our Gift Certificates can be purchased and printed online to save time. Or come in to the spa and purchase yours. It will be wrapped with a sprig of fresh eucalyptus and a bow. Lovely...

• Queen For a Day spa day gift certificates $312
• Couples Massage $165-$185
• Swedish Massage one hour $80
• Spa Time Gift Certificates $100-$360
• Signature Facial $80
• Men's Massage 90 minutes $125

Recommended Men's Massages

 Massages most favored by men include:

•           scalp massage

•           sports massage

•           our signature men’s massage

•           deep tissue massage

•           myofascial massage

•           Asian foot massage

•           hot stones

•           back, neck and shoulders massage

•           TMJ massage

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.

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!

Great Gifts For Dads

We have recommended  Gift Certificates for Dads for sale online.

Urban Sanctuary is a man-friendly spa. We had men in mind when we designed our space. Our calm and comforting ambiance provides the perfect space to unwind. Who deserves and needs to unwind more than dear old Dad?

Pain relieving, therapeutic massage is one of our main specialties, as well as deep tissue, sports massage and foot massage. Call 706-613-3947 to book time to unwind or get our best recommendations.Dad is sure to find just what he needs to get in the zone. 

•                                                              Eucalyptus Tea Tree Scalp  Massage  $55

•                                                                         Asian Foot Massage $45

•                                           Energizing Eucalyptus Menthol Shower Bombs $2.25-$7.99

•                                                                    Hot Herbal Ease Neck Pillows $39

•                                                                  Deep Tissue Foot Massage $55-$90

•                                                                   Grooming Oil Vials Kit from Mod Cabin $40

•                                                                              Cedarwood Soap $5.25

•                                                                        Sea Salt Soak for muscles $28

•                                                                      Men’s  60 Minute Massage $90

•                                                                 Massage Series Gift Certificate $540

•                                                                           Cedarwood Bergamot Post Shave Elixir $22                                                                           

•                                                                          Sports Massage $90-$125

•                                                                                 Zum Bundle Soap Box $10

•                                                                                 Charcoal Soap  $5.99

Man-friendly,eco-friendly, organic and natural relaxation is available at Urban Sanctuary every day, seven days a week.

Benefits Of Massage For Men

 

Massage has gained tremendous popularity with men over the last decade. Stress relief, pain relief and enhanced well-being benefits have been enjoyed by many male spa goers.

Men are especially interested in the pain relief properties, enhanced athletic performance and improved focus that therapeutic massage can create.

Measurable results male massage clients report: 

•           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

Fruits That Energize The Body

• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Cantaloupe
• Mango
• Peaches
• Apricots
• Nectarines
• Plums
• Cherries
• Oranges
• Lemons
• Limes
• Apples
• Watermelon
• Bananas
• Dates
• Pineapple

Eat fruit when you need an energy boost.The fruits listed above are high octane foods that will balance your blood sugar and keep you feeling light. Eating heavy foods to correct an energy lull, will usually create more fatigue and weigh your body down.Eating fresh fruit in moderation will help balance your blood sugar levels, release excess water weight, boost your mood and your energy.

Teacher Appreciation Week

National Teacher Apreciation Week takes place  the first full week in May each year. For 2016 it falls the week of Monday May 2nd - Friday May 6th. For a nice change, teacher week does not overlap with National Nurses Appreciation this year! 

Teachers deserve to be recognized and honored for the work they do daily and for the broad scope of influence they have in the lives of children, parents, people they mentor and other teachers. 

Many parents, young students and adult students choose to give end-of-year gifts to their teachers. Thank you gifts come in many shapes and sizes. The key is to say thank you. 

Spa Gifts that we love for teachers:

1- Asian Foot Massage 

2- Signature Facial GC

3- Hot Stone Massage GC

4- Herbal Neck Pillow

5- Sweet Birch Pedicure 

6- An Organic Tea Sampler

7- Lavender Rosemary Body Scrub

8- An Hour of Spa Time GC

9- Spa Cash

For the budget conscious, we have created a list of great gifts for $20 and under $20

1- Lemon Verbena Bath Bomb singles 

2- Peace of Mind Herbal Tea

3- Clear Head Aromatherapy Soy Candle 

4- Invigorating Shower Bombs

5- Good Karma roll on Aromatherapy 

6- Lavender Bath Salts

7- Zum goat's milk soap bundles

8- Joy bath salts,scrub and foot soak 

Buy spa gift certificates, spa time and spa cash online, over the phone 706-613-3947 or in our store at 810 N Chase St, Athens, Georgia in the historic Boulevard District.

 Urban Sanctuary is for hire, for on location mini massages for school staff. 

Massage For Headache Relief

 

 

Massage is a powerful headache remedy, highly effective at creating headache pain relief for many.  Better yet, targeted massage is known to provide more than an ounce of prevention, effectively addressing the root causes of reoccurring headaches for those who partake.

 

At Urban Sanctuary, we have a host of specialty massages designed to address the most common root causes of tension headaches.

 

- Headache Massage

- TMJ Massage

- Neck Massage

- Cold Stone Face Massage

- Lavender Rosemary Face & Scalp

- Tea Tree Eucalyptus Scalp

- Sandalwood Scalp & Neck Massage

- Hot Stones Massage

- Lavender Lime Face & Scalp

- Myofascial Release

- Chinese Abdominal Massage

 

Common root causes of repeat headaches include:

- sinus tension and swelling
- stiff neck
- clenched or overworked jaws
- inability to sleep sufficiently
- dehydration
- poor posture
- knots in the muscles of the upper back
- knots and tension in the shoulders
- cramping in the abdominal muscles
- stomach tension
- tension in the muscles of the face and forehead ( worry and frown lines)
- hormone imbalance
- inflammation
- general hypertension
- exposure to toxins in the atmosphere or food
- worry and anxiety

The above list of massages recommended for headache relief is very long. If you think you know the cause of your headaches, that information can guide you in selecting your best massage. Or call our front desk at 706-613-3947 and we'll consult with you and make an informed recommendation.

At Urban Sanctuary, we make headaches go away every day.

Go with the massage type you are most attracted to first, get a recommendation, or try them all!

8 Benefits of Drinking Tea

- Immune System Support

- Increased Circulation

- Allergy Relief

- Stomach Soothing

- Restful Sleep

- Relaxation

- Breathing Ease 

- Clear Mind

These are some of the available health and well-being benefits of drinking tea. Green tea, black tea, red tea, white tea and herbal teas have a broad variety of health benefits. The benefits vary according to the blend. 

Green tea is known for boosting immunity, clarity of thought, circulation and respiration. Green tea has some caffeine but much less than black tea.

Black tea is highly caffeinated and provides a boost to energy and circulation. Black tea can provide relief from pollen allergies, headaches, inflamation, joint pain and sluggish circulation.

Red tea has a natural slightly sweet taste. It contains no caffeine unless added.   One of the most common red teas is red African roibos. Red tea is great for brain function, digestion, mood and memory. Red tea is wonderful for balancing the nervous system.

White tea is very good for metabolism, memory function, immunity, improved concentration and respiration. It has a minute amount of caffeine. White tea  is very restorative. 

Herbal teas come in many many varieties. Some popular ingredients include chamomile, one of natures greatest anti inflammatory agents. Hibiscus is cooling and soothing, as well as balancing. Peppermint tea is a great stomach soother. Echinacea acts as a powerful immune system booster. Cats claw is a known anti depressant. Cardamom, an expectorant and sleep aid. Cinnamon is warming and tonifying. Lemongrass, a metabolism booster. Rose hips tea is calming. Herbal teas blends come in thousands of extraordinary varieties, which usually without caffeine. 

Drinking tea is a wonderful way to relax before bedtime and throughout the day. Teas benefits are as broad and beautiful as the herbs and flowers grown across the globe.