Wednesday, April 8, 2015

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...










Monday, April 6, 2015

Eat Fresh Lemons For Health and Vitality

Whole fresh lemons, lemon juice and lemon essential oils offer many health benefits.
  • strengthen circulation and blood vessels
  • freshen bad breath
  • a liver cleanser
  • naturally detoxifying
  • powerful digestive aid
  • boosts metabolism
  • fights infection and viruses
  • alleviates fatigue
  • natural diuretic
  • excellent vitamin C source
  • reduces the risk of skin Cancer

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Immune System Aromatherapy: 4 Staples and 4 Greats


Organic and high quality essential oils are available at Urban Sanctuary in Athens, Ga.

Aromatherapy yields many health and well being benefits. Immune system activation and support being a primary one. There are a wide range of medicinal benefits that can be achieved with aromatherapy use as well as stress reduction, enhanced mood and beauty. Aromatherapy massage, foot baths,scalp and sinus massage, facial steams, salt scrubs and foot massage are very effective spa services that work healing essential oils into your system.  

The following four essential oils are known to activate and boost the immune system.
  • Tea Tree is an immune system tonic.
  • Lemon treats lymph gland and the immune system.
  • Chamomile activates the immune system while easing inflammation.
  • Lavender boosts immunity, ease headaches and relieves pain.
Working with essential oils is fun and easy, however, there are some precautions to take and a few possible harmful side effects with over use.For instructions on how to use aromatherapy, refer to our  2012 post.

The most rapid way to impact your system with aromatherapy is through inhalation. When inhaled, an essential oil stimulates receptor sites in the brain within a fraction of a second.That's pretty powerful!Other effective methods of using aromatherapy at home include smelling salts, foot soaks, baths, steams, room diffusers, chemical free aromatherapy candles, body oils, self massage, partner massage, muscle and chest rubs.You can also apply blended essential oils or single notes directly to your skin or pulse points.Never apply essential oils neet or without a carrier oil. They can burn your skin and scar.

The following four oils provide great immune system support, particularly if a cold, virus or congestion has already compromised your system.


  • Orange-good for flu,colds and nervous tension.
  • Peppermint-fights viruses and heals stomach problems.
  • Melissa-treats viruses, lung congestion and insomnia.
  • Eucalyptus-good for cold, flu and sinuses.





Thursday, March 5, 2015

Spices That Heal Hypertension: Cocoa, Garlic,Saffron and 10 More


Yum! Cocoa, garlic and saffron are each delicious in their own distinct ways.What do all three have in common? Each one, when consumed in healthy doses, reduces the symptoms of hypertension and high blood pressure. To keep hypertension at bay, blend a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably organic) in a cup of hot water, and drink this once daily to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level. If you like, blend it with cinnamon or cardamom.

Growing numbers of people are dealing with the effects of hypertension, particularly in the Western hemisphere. To reduce your own risk of hypertension related health problems, incorporate healing spices and whole foods into your diet. The healing and fortifying properties of whole foods and spices are boundless...

 Choose at least four or five from this list of spices to include in meals, snacks and beverages :

  • Allspice
  • Black Pepper
  • Cardamom
  • Celery Seed
  • Cinnamon
  • Cocoa
  • Coriander
  • Fennel Seed
  • Garlic
  • Onion
  • Oregano
  • Pomegranate
  • Saffron
Garlic, a spice on the list worth noting, is a global remedy. Add generous quantities of fresh garlic daily in your soups, sauces and main courses to reduce your blood pressure by 2-7% over a month's time! Garlic boosts immunity, lowers cholesterol and strengthens heart health. Garlic can be taken in capsules, also; however, your body may have difficulty absorbing some of these. Be selective.

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. Eighty thousand crocus flowers produce one pound of lovely saffron, so it is very difficult to cultivate. A miniscule 1/20th of an ounce vial of authentic Saffron costs about $20. Toss saffron on your rice, broth and seafood dishes. Saffron in capsule form may help prevent or treat hypertension, insomnia, PMS, anxiety, memory loss and depression.

Onions are easily accessible and inexpensive. Our potent-smelling friends have potent medicinal uses! Cancer-fighting and allergy healing, onions also help reduce hypertension. They are known for their anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antiviral nature. Onions come in a variety of colors: green, red and yellow. Chopped, sliced or diced, onions will do wonders for your health. Avoid overcooking them to maximize nutritional benefit. Squeeze lemon juice on your hands to get the onion odor out of your skin after cutting them.

More tasty facts on Fennel Seed, Cardamom, Black Pepper, Pomegranate and other spices on the above list coming soon. This is one of my favorite subjects to talk about.

Be kind to yourself...unwind at Urban Sanctuary...

                         Urban Sanctuary is open seven days a week. The perfect place to Unwind...

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Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Staff Highlight: Ian Guthrie






Ian Guthrie is Assistant Spa Manager at
Urban Sanctuary. He assists in managing the front desk, oversees the scheduling and  flow of spa services, attends to clients' needs and looks after the well-being of the overall house. Ian is indispensable, and his personality is such that he's won the love and favor of many staff and Urban Sanctuary clients. We are very fortunate to have him with us.

One of Ian's favorite aspects of his job is researching and vetting new product lines and merchandise to carry in the store. He is really talented at it! In the past few years, Ian has successfully introduced stylishly aromatic bath and body lines. Level Naturals is one and Herbivore Botanicals is another. Ian looks for quality eco-friendly household items as well. Soap and Paper Factory is one of Ian's best finds.

Most of the merchandise in our online store has been uploaded by Ian. He edits and compiles the blog and community books that you'll find in our waiting lounges. Ian records our community donations and sponsorships. And he even cuts and arranges flowers from our garden in all of the spa rooms, restrooms and waiting rooms. He keeps Urban Sanctuary happy and beautiful.

Ian has been with Urban Sanctuary for less than three years, but he's lived in Athens forever.
Below, we share some fun facts about him.


Favorite Athens Hang-Outs:
Hi-Lo, Old Pal, Normal Bar, Go Bar and Broad River

Favorite Places To Shop:
Hobby Lobby, Athena Jewelers and Urban Sanctuary

Best Restaurant:
Last Resort

Things To Love About Athens:
Halloween, summers, the Ginkgo on Prince Avenue in the fall, the Broad River and all of the activities within walking and biking distance.

Favorite Holiday:
You guessed it! Halloween...

TV Shows:
Walking Dead, American Horror Story, anything with Rupaul and Six Feet Under

Movies:
Death Becomes Her and The Craft

Creative Outlets and Hobbies:
Ian has a knack for fantasy makeup and costumes. He loves baking, cooking, drawing, painting and container gardening.

Family:
Ian comes from a family of artists and musicians. He and his sister, Sarah, are five years apart in age almost to the day. She works as a family counselor. Ian's two nieces visit Urban Sanctuary frequently to get their nails done with special designs. They are nine and five years old...how cute!

Ian's mom, Tina Guthrie, was an art teacher for 13-plus years. She has a Masters in Drawing and Painting and has dabbled in welding. She's currently the program director at Georgia Conflict Center, specializing in non-violent communication. 

Ian's dad toured Europe extensively as a drummer in a band with his brother. They played in the band together for 40 years. Mr. Guthrie traveled to Uganda several times to do humanitarian work.

What an amazing family!

Pets:
Ian has a hairless Chihuahua: Ouija has lots of little doggy sweaters which he loves wearing. 

If you are planning a spa party or spa day for a special occasion, or just simply need to unwind, Ian will help you. Call (706) 613-3947, and Ian or one of our other fabulous hosts will advise you, mixing and matching our services to your heart's delight!  




 


Tuesday, February 3, 2015

10 Flirty Valentine's Gifts For Her $12 And Less

Lavender Lemon Body and Room Mist is made with pure essential oils and available at Urban Sanctuary for $11.

At Urban Sanctuary, you'll find hundreds of choices in body sprays, room mists, bubbles, butters, gels,bath bombs, salts, candles, soaps and soaks for $12 and less. We have many flirty scents to choose from such as brown sugar vanilla, passion fruit guava, grapefruit bergamot and more. Here is a list of 10 fun and flirty Valentine's gift ideas:


Sunday, February 1, 2015

12 Great Sweetheart Gifts

Romantic Escentual Love Soy  Candles contain no perfumes or dyes, 100% clean and pure.

Gifts from the spa for Valentine's Day have soared in popularity in the last decade. The word is out that a relaxed Valentine is a happy Valentine. Pamper your Valentine this year with some lovely gifts from
 Urban Sanctuary.  Here is a list of some of the most cherished gifts:


Urban Sanctuary was voted Athens' Best Day Spa. You can count on us to take excellent care of you and your Valentine.

Shop our services and check prices online. We have more than 40 varieties of aromatherapy candles,body scrubs, soap and bath soaks in our store.Select bath and body products and house and home items are available online. We are Man-Friendly, Eco-Friendly, Organic and Natural. Be kind to yourself. Unwind at Urban Sanctuary.