Staff Highlight: Nathan Hale

 Urban Sanctuary has been voted Athens' Favorite Day Spa 3 times and Athens' Best Day Spa 5 times.

  
Nathan Hale came on staff at Urban Sanctuary during our couples massage rush week in February, this year. He brings many years of experience and professional training to the table. Nathan has worked in Athens as a massage therapist for over 6 years and has enjoyed great success in a medical massage practice as well as another busy spa in town. Nathan is trained in Thai Massage, Sports Massage, Deep Tissue, Swedish Massage, Hot Stones, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Medical Massage and Body Scrubs. In the  time that he's been with us, several clients have shared with glee at the front desk, "That's the BEST massage I've ever had in my life!"

We love it when clients are absolutely blissed out after a  massage with us. It looks like Nathan has a lot of very happy clients. There is nothing in this world quite like a really good massage. Learn more about Nathan here or on the "Staff" page of our website, where our staff profiles are listed...


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

I'm originally from New Holland, Pennsylvania, in Lancaster County. I wound up in Athens because one of my high school drum teachers had moved to Athens with his band and he loved it here. When visiting family in Pennsylvania, he came to check out my band and convinced us that we'd do really well in Athens. We visited in June 1994 and moved here in August that same year.

Tell us what you love about Athens.

I love the Athens community. There really is no place like it. While I was drawn to Athens because of its music scene, there are lots of other things that make Athens very appealing to me. Places like Wuxtry Records, Cozy Yum Yum and Daily Groceries give Athens an atmosphere that I haven't found anywhere else. 

What did you do in town for work before you went to Atlanta School of Massage?

I've always enjoyed the downtown area. Before I began working as a massage therapist, I worked in many different restaurants and clubs downtown, while also playing music in various bands. My longest stint was at the Grit. I also worked at the 40 Watt Club and the old Georgia Theater.

How did you become interested in being a massage therapist?

I first got interested in massage in high school when I received a massage after a wrestling tournament. I was really impressed with the benefits I got from it. It relieved both old injuries and new injuries. That's also how I became interested in physical therapy. Currently, I'm pursuing a BA in Exercise Science at UGA.

Tell us about your wife and your family.

My wife, Jessica, is in the Anthropology doctorate program at UGA. She is an underwater archeologist with an MS in Geology. We are both certified scuba divers. We have a daughter who is 2 1/2 years old and I have an 11 year old step-son. We may not have much free time, but we certainly have a full life!

And your music life?

I stay active in playing music, although my band SVA with whom I moved to Athens, is no longer performing. I play drums for Cosmic Charlie and have been part of that project since its inception in 1999. I used to be an active member of an Athens Haitian folkloric drum and dance group called Dance Dambala. I've studied Haitian music in Manhattan, Brooklyn and briefly in Haiti. I'm fascinated with world music; especially Afro-Cuban and Afro-Haitian folkloric drum and dance.

Mention this blog post and enjoy $5 off your first massage with Nathan. He works on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at Urban Sanctuary. Nathan has a special interest in providing massage to people with cancer and in recovery from cancer. View our entire menu of services and our prices online. Call 706-613-3947 to book yourself a service. People love to unwind at Urban Sanctuary...

Urban Sanctuary won a Historic Preservation Award in 2010 and a Beautiful Business Award in 2012 and 2013.

Top 12 Benefits of Natural Microdermabrasion Facials

Garden flowers at Urban Sanctuary in the Historic Boulevard District of Athens, Georgia.

   Natural Microdermabrasion Facials are a great way to turn up your glow. They utilize pure baking soda crystals to evenly abrade the skin and provide a thorough exfoliation and resurfacing of the entire face. Our Natural Microdermabrasion Facials use pure baking soda crystals instead of  aluminum oxide, which is what is used in standard microdermabrasion facials. The Natural Microderm is a great option for people who prefer to go natural; people who have extra-sensitive skin or those who have reactions to aluminum oxide.

    We chose this natural method over the traditional aluminum oxide method for several reasons. One, being that this method is in keeping with our philosophy at Urban Sanctuary. Natural is the easier, softer way, usually, when it comes to choices for skin and body care. Two, organic and natural is our preference, whenever possible. Three, the aluminum oxide is too toxic for use near the eyes and mouth. And finally, some people have adverse reactions to the aluminum. The Natural Microderm facials using baking soda have greater versatility as far as where you can go on the face and who can receive the facials. We love this facial!

Here are the top 12 benefits that our clients experience from
NATURAL MICRODERMABRASION FACIALS:

1. bring out your natural glow
2. treat inflammation and redness with natural baking soda crystals, which are anti-inflammatory
3. oxygenate the skin
4. plump up the skin by stimulating collagen production
5. revive devitalized skin
6. smooth and tone uneven skin color
7. refine the pores
8. increase circulation and elasticity
9. treat dark circles under the eyes
10. detox blemished and congested skin
11. smooth fine lines, scars and wrinkles
12. safe for many reactive skin types and safe for exfoliating the lips

  We include a fifteen minute consultation with every first Advanced Microdermabrasion Facial at Urban Sanctuary to ensure that this is an appropriate choice for your skin. Microdermabrasion cannot be performed on sunburned skin or open wounds. Some people elect to have it performed only on concentrated areas like the chin, forehead, neck or decollete only. We have lots of choices for you.

  For more about how it works refer to our November blog post. To schedule your consultation and Advanced Microdermabrasion Facial call Urban Sanctuary at 706-613-3947. You may view our entire menu of services online. Be kind to yourself. Unwind at Urban Sanctuary. We are open 7 days a week to make it easy for you.

Foods That Boost Happiness

Urban Sanctuary won a Beautiful Business award in Athens, Georgia.

  Being in the "feel good" business, we often have the opportunity to recommend happiness enhancing foods and other terrific well-being practices to clients. Massage, Body Scrubs and Body Brushing have an incredibly uplifting effect on people, partly because of the resulting boost of endorphins and seratonin. Yoga, exercise and aromatherapy spike endorphin production as well. Endorphins and seratonin are known as the "feel good" hormones.They improve mood and decrease pain and stress levels for people. There are many foods and spices that have the capacity to improve your mood and overall happiness levels over time. Here are just a few:

• ARUGULA-nutrient dense with many nutrients and several that protect us from depression. High in magnesium, calcium, folate and fiber.
• GARLIC-influences the brain's regulation of serotonin, a happiness chemical. Garlic is very rich in chromium which protects the brain.
• RED POTATOES-can lower blood pressure and protect the brain with kukoamines. Potatoes are iodine and folate rich; both nutrients help prevent depression.
• BEETS-are a high Vitamin B source with betaine, a natural anti-depressant.
• CHILE PEPPERS-contain a fat-soluble molecule called capsaicin which causes rapid endorphin release in the brain.
• TOMATOES-help your brain produce important mood-regulating neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine.
• GRAPEFRUIT-contains essential oils that uplift mood and balance the nerves. Grapefruit is high in Vitamin C and good natural sugars.
• GINGER-is a natural aspirin impersonator, stomach soother and pain remedy. Fresh ginger releases endorphins and boosts energy.

Surveys show that regular trips to Urban Sanctuary for services improve overall happiness levels for many people. We've been voted Best Day Spa and Favorite Day Spa in Athens for 7 years in a row. Call us at 706-613-3947 or view our entire menu of services online.

Purchase Urban Sanctuary gift certificates online.

Staff Highlight: Terra Johnson

A rose petal foot bath and pedicure top off a Queen for a Day Spa Day at Urban Sanctuary.

Terra Johnson does manicures and pedicures at Urban Sanctuary .   She specializes in the Asian Foot Massage Pedicure and gives an amazing foot massage. We are really happy to have her with us. Thanks to Terra, you now have many more options to choose from in the evenings and on the weekends when scheduling your manicures and pedicures at Urban Sanctuary. These additional options include Sundays from 1:00-6:00. Hooray!

Terra's favorite services are the Asian Foot Massage Pedicure, the Urban Pedicure and the Urban Manicure. She gives a great hand and foot massage and is truly a good listener. Have a service with Terra and you'll have an opportunity to talk about your day, decompress and just completely unwind....


Terra, what got you interested in studying cosmetology and doing nails?

I have been painting other peoples' nails since I was seven years old. I used to love watching my mom do her make-up and hair. I have always been a "girly" girl, myself. I just love it all. Nail polish, make up, accessories--you name it! I think it's fun!

Tell us about your family.

I've been married for seven years and have two great step kids. Elizabeth is 12 (not at all into my nail polish and make up!) and Sloan is 17. We have two very spoiled dogs.

Tell us about life in your hometown.

Elberton is where I grew up and I still live there. It's about 45 minutes outside of Athens. In Elberton, you mostly have granite companies. I have worked for two of them. Once in a granite slab house and another time working with people designing custom kitchen counters. Everybody knows everybody in Elberton.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love planting flowers and doing yard work. I take great pride in my yard and really enjoy finding rare and unusual plants to display. I get that from my father. I also like cooking, entertaining friends and family, and listening to music. Our favorite restaurant is called Moogy's. It's in Tacoa.

Any favorite movies or TV shows?

I'm completely addicted to all of the Housewives shows! Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Real Housewives of Atlanta, Orange County, New York and the list goes on. I'm a junky. I also love the Food Network. Pretty Woman is my all time favorite movie!

Terra is really fun. Whether you just love dishing about reality television or not, you'll find her company to be delightful. Book a manicure or pedicure with Terra today by calling 706-613-3947. View our entire menu of spa services online at Urban Sanctuary Spa.

Photo taken during a little girls' spa party at Urban Sanctuary.

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.