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.

Massage Pressure and Pain: How Much Is Too Much

Urban Sanctuary specializes in pain relief and deep tissue massage.

Does massage have to hurt to do any good?
Certainly not, but a good massage may bring your attention to areas of your body that do hurt or ache already. Massages should feel good to you and help you to let go of tension in your body.


How do I know what kind of pressure to ask for?
You may need to experience a few massages to know what suits you best. As a general rule, levels of pressure are classified as light, moderate, firm and deep pressure. For your first massage, it's a good idea to start out with moderate pressure and graduate to firm pressure, if you find that your tissue does not feel quite engaged enough by moderate pressure.

What is the difference in effects between the different levels of pressure?
Pressure refers to the amount of weight your therapist puts into the massage or how heavy-handed the massage is.

     Light Pressure--increases circulation and pacifies the nerves. For people who bruise easily, have thinning skin or high levels of sensitivity to touch, light pressure is ideal. Approximately 15% of massage recipients do best with light pressure. If you get a light pressure massage and find that you are not quite letting go of tension, you probably need to go up a level in pressure.

     Moderate Pressure--is the next level up from light pressure. It involves more engaging massage strokes that knead and lift the muscles. About 30% of massage clients find moderate pressure to be ideal. Many people need a minimum of moderate pressure in order to feel that the massage is productive and truly releasing tension. It is just enough pressure to begin to loosen knots without being challenging for sensitive body types.

     Firm Pressure--is preferred by around 35% of spa goers and massage clients in the United States. It takes a nice firm massage to get a very wound up "type A" personality to stop thinking and planning their to do list during their massage. Firm pressure is good for people with dense muscle tissue, chronic tension, a racing mind, an athletic body type or people who really want to flush their system out during the massage.

     Deep Pressure--is often requested, but not always the best fit. About 20% of the population are ideal candidates for it. Because tensing up against the pressure and resisting the massage is counterproductive for the muscles and nerves, deep pressure is best for experienced massage clients who know how to breathe into painful areas of the body and work with the flow of the massage to truly let go of their knots and chronic pain. It's great for people who are committed to working through areas of chronic tension, deep pain or old injuries.

Why do people say that a good deep tissue massage actually "hurts good"?
A ghost pain or referred pain that releases the pressure, tension and pain in an area of your body, actually feels good and hurts a little at the same time. It's hard to describe, but those who have experienced this will be nodding their heads.There's an amazing feeling of letting go that accompanies the "good hurt", so to speak. Aggravating pain, however,causes your body to tense up and to resist the pressure or to fight the massage. Deep tissue massage aims to unwind and release the deeper layers of muscle and fascia in your body. It can be intense, but should not be torture. Aggravating massage inflicted pain is counterproductive.If you pay attention, you can feel the difference between the two.

Is it strange that some areas of my body are more sensitive and tender than others? 
That is actually very common. Many people enjoy more pressure on their back massage than their legs or vise versa. Shoulders can often take more pressure than low back muscles. Feet can often take more pressure on the soles than the tops and the list goes on. Inform your massage therapist of areas that need more or less pressure than the rest.


Deep Therapeutic Foot Massage, TMJ Massage, Myofascial Release, Reflexology, Sports Massage and Deep Tissue Massage are modalities that mindfully work with peoples' pain threshold levels.
Each of these unique modalities is aimed at creating the ideal conditions, timing and technique to help your body let go of pain. Each modality offers increased range of motion and freedom within the body.

Somehow there is an appropriate level of pain involved in the healing and releasing process. It's not easy to find the right language to have this make sense on paper. However, once you find a massage therapist that is a good fit for you there are both verbal and non-verbal cues between the two of you that will allow the healing process to unfold like magic.

Our front desk staff at Urban Sanctuary is a great resource for you. They'd love to guide you in your quest for just the right service with just the right person. Please call 706-613-3947 to unwind at Urban Sanctuary...

Urban Sanctuary has been voted  Athens' Favorite Day Spa year after year.

Couples Massage: Unwind Together...

             

 Couples massage allows both of you to enjoy your massage in the same room, side by side. It makes for a wonderful date and a wonderful shared experience. At Urban Sanctuary, we have three spa rooms set up for couples, and cozy waiting lounges to unwind in together before and after your service is complete.

 Taking that extra time at the spa to quiet your mood before the massages begin, will help you both to have a more tranquil experience together. As you settle into the space here, your nerves settle, your head space gently shifts, and you naturally ease into a state of peaceful awareness. Racing thoughts take a pause and your whole being begins to unwind...

  It is amazing to have this experience as a couple. Take a quiet pause, regroup and unwind together in a beautiful space. For many couples, quiet hours are few and far between due to child care, work appointments and sleep. This is a mini-vacation from your going out and staying home routines. This affords you both a special time to share, and neither of you will need to lift a finger once you walk in the door to Urban Sanctuary.

  Many couples ask if they both have to have the same style of massage during their couples service. No, you do not. Each of you can choose your favorite type of massage and have your massage customized for you. Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue, Hot Stones, Men's Massage, Aromatherapy, Scalp Massage or mix and match. You each get to have the massage that is just right for you, while enjoying those massages in the same room near each other.

  Many couples ask if it is okay to request a female or male therapist. Certainly, it is. Also, you may request your favorite massage therapist for yourself or for your date. We want to make this experience as seamless and flawless as possible for you. Please allow us to get it just perfect for you both. You'll feel good for days...

  The renewed and peaceful state of mind the two of you will share after you leave the spa is just priceless. You will feel deeply relaxed, wonderfully at ease and you will share that feeling between the two of you for the rest of the day - perhaps even longer. I think that is the best aspect of couples massage...

  Call Urban Sanctuary at 706-613-3947 to book your couples massage experience or purchase your gift certificate online.

Clint and Leah Watson of Tribe Fitness enjoy couples massage at Urban Sanctuary.

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

 

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!