Sandalwood Aromatherapy Benefits

Urban Sanctuary has Sandalwood soap and candles available for purchase and features a Sandalwood Scalp  massage.

Sandalwood is a very precocious essential oil with great medicinal and fortifying properties. It is one of the most expensive essential oils on the planet, to harvest, because the Sandalwood tree must be at least 30 years old before it produces any of the sweet oil. Sandalwood trees are considered sacred in several of the countries where they thrive and that limits the availability and increases the value in the world marketplace. The effects of the oil are incredible and well worth the effort, if you can find a small vial to purchase and use at home.

Sandalwood aromatherapy is great for scalp and foot massage, because it pacifies the nervous system and brings calm and focus to scattered, fragmented energy. Sandalwood oil is both calming and cooling for overactive skin. It is healing and balancing in cases of inflammation, insomnia, frayed nerves, lack of sex drive, a racing mind, lack of focus, anxiety, dry skin, dry scalp and itchy scalp. Here are some of the primary benefits in list form. Sandalwood oil is commonly used to promote:

• peace
• balanced nerves
• restful sleep
• meditation
• sex drive
• calm
• confidence
• healthy skin
• healthy scalp
• focus
• spiritual fortitude

Sandalwood has been used throughout the ages in meditation practice. It is known for heart healing and opening. It's also a powerful aphrodisiac.

Sandalwood can be found in many soaps, candles, bath and cosmetic blends. It has a sweet woodsy scent that is slightly masculine with out being overpowering. It is popular with both men and women.

Try a Sandalwood Scalp and Neck Massage at Urban Sanctuary. Or stop into our store and sample our Zum sandalwood soap and candles. Call 706-613-3947 to inquire or book yourself a massage and spa service. We are open seven days a week, in Athens, Georgia to provide the perfect place to unwind...

Nettle Remedy Oil: A Winter Wonder for Dry Itchy Skin and Achy Joints

Nettle Remedy Oil can be purchased at Urban Sanctuary. Shop our Farmesthetics products online.

Nettle (Urtica Dioica) has been employed for centuries in both the Eastern and Western worlds to treat allergies, skin irritations, internal health problems and arthritis. Nettle leaf is commonly prescribed in Germany to treat bladder infections, kidney stones, allergies and arthritis. It is very popular in Austria, England and China, as well. Nettle is a wonder cure for skin irritations and achy joints. Recent studies conducted at the National School of Naturopathic Medicine, in Portland Oregon, show that Nettle is extremely effective for treating allergies with little to no negative side effects. Try Nettle Remedy Oil for:

• achy joints
• stiff fingers and toes
• high blood pressure
• allergies
• childhood eczema
• dry scalp and dandruff
• sciatica
• bronchitus
• bursitus
• bladder infections
• cold and flu

Nervous tension and many of the above ailments are well remedied with topical application Of Nettles Remedy Oil. Take a hot bath with 2-4 capfuls in it. Try scalp massage, abdominal massage, a chest rub, neck rub, hand and foot massage or a full body massage with Nettles Oil. These methods of application will allow you to reap the healing benefits for yourself.

Call Urban Sanctuary at 706-613-3947 to book yourself a massage incorporating our Farmesthetics Nettle Remedy oil or to purchase a bottle for home use. View our foot massage, scalp massage, specialty massage, products and gift certificates online. Urban Sanctuary has been voted Best Day Spa in Athens, Georgia 8 times! We are open 7 days a week. Be kind to yourself. Unwind at Urban Sanctuary... 

Add 2-4 caps full of Nettle Remedy Oil to a hot bath for relief from arthritis, dry itchy skin and nervous tension.

Chamomile: One of Natures Best Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Urban Sanctuary carries a multitude of bath and body products with  chamomile essential oil, as well as the tea.

Chamomile is one of nature's most powerful anti-inflammatory agents. Chamomile soothes, calms and cools both body and spirit. The tea is wonderful for upset stomach, insomnia and nervousness. Both the tea and essential oil are very healing and soothing.

The medicinal and beauty benefits of chamomile were well-employed in ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece. Chamomile tea is used today all over the world as a digestive aid, immune system booster, sleep aid and stomach soother. The essential oil and herbal infusions of chamomile can be found in high quality beauty products, especially cleansers, masks, creams and soothing tinctures for the face. Chamomile has anti-septic properties, which in combination with its ant-inflammatory properties, makes it very effective in clearing up acne, eczema and skin irritations. It is a key ingredient in many sensitive skin products for the face and is often used to treat rashes and burns.

Less known uses of chamomile include treatment of muscle spasms, joint and muscle pain, cleaning of cuts and wounds, support in dealing with diabetes and hyperglycemia and relief from headaches. Almost anything that could be brought on by excess inflammation, heat, agitation or nervous tension is likley to be healed by chamomile. The following list includes a variety of ailments very well treated by chamomile:

• enlarged capillaries
• puffy skin
• allergies
• joint pain
• muscle spasms
• inflammation
• muscle soreness
• nervousness and anxiety
• hyperactivity
• depression
• indigestion
• headaches
• insomnia
• joint pain
• burns and rashes
• skin irritation and break outs
• weak or compromised immune system
• diareaha
• ulcers
• PMS
• menstrual pain

Chamomile essential oil has a very pungent medicinal scent. One drop of chamomile essential oil has the potency of 300 cups of the tea. That being said ,the essential oil aroma is not soft and sweet like the aroma of chamomile tea. It's quite harsh smelling and is best when diluted or blended with base note essential oils and a carrier oil or cream.

If you don't currently use chamomile at home, try incorporating it into your health, wellness and beauty routines at home. Here are some ideas to try:

• lay moist tea bags on your eyes for puffiness
• soak in a blended chamomile bath to improve sleep
• use sensitive skin products with chamomile for irritation and redness
• drink the tea to relax and boost immunity
• soak your feet in chamomile tea, bubbles or blended salts for PMS or stress relief

Call Urban Sanctuary with questions or email candice@urbansanctuaryspa.com for a list of chamomile infused products available through our store.

Staff Highlight: Dina LaFera

Dina has joined us on staff at Urban Sanctuary with 18 years of success in the field of esthetics under her belt. To name a few of Dina's gifts, she has a wonderful passion for skincare, a nice sense of community and a great love for people. We are thrilled to have Dina with us.

Dina gives facials, facial peels, waxing and microdermabrasion treatments at Urban Sanctuary during the week and weekends. Call us at 706-613-3947 to find out which available appointments suit your schedule and book yourself in for a great spa service.

Dina, tell us about your career background and your skincare philosophy.
I have come full circle with my skincare philosophy. I began working in esthetics 18 years ago at Natural Body in Buckhead and later grew into medical esthetics for a while.

I believe in balance. You must feed your skin, the largest organ in your body, the same as you would feed your body. Use whole and organic ingredients as much as possible and save the pharmaceuticals only for occasional use.

Where are you from and what brought you to Athens? 
I was born in Kingston, New York. I later moved to Athens from Atlanta to simplify my life with my children and escape Atlanta traffic. I am blessed with two angels, my daughter Gabrielle and my son Sasha.

How long have you lived here?  
7 years

Tell us what you love about Athens.  
There's an amazing sense of community here! I used to love WOW boot camp at 5:30 with my sister Andrea. (Andrea owns A LaFera salon here in town). I also really loved watching my son, Sasha (a musician), find his happiness with the help of Nuci's Space. Nuci's Space is amazing. Also, I've had the best clients in the world here! I have bonded differently with my clients in Athens than I have in any other city where I've worked. The relationships have been stronger.

What do you put your energy into when you're not at work?
I love cooking with my fiance, Martin, and cooking for friends. I love gardening and specialize in growing herbs and flowers. Fresh flowers in my house are a must!

You come from a big Italian family, right?
Yes, I am one of seven siblings. I love American Italian classic music and anything that reminds me of my family.

Anything else that you'd like to share?
I love people and food from all over the world. My dream would be to be able to speak every language and experience all cultures in my lifetime.

What a beautiful dream, the product of a lovely human being's imagination...

Read about the many services you can book with Dina and the other talented estheticians at Urban Sanctuary on our facials, facial ad-ons and microdermabrasion website pages. Microdermabrasion benefits, pumpkin and cherry facial benefits are listed on our blog, as well as the general benefits of getting facials regularly.

Urban Sanctuary is open seven days a week. Pick a day and come by for an hour. Smell the delicious soaps, try on a hot neck pillow and sample our vast array of eco-friendly, organic skincare products and gifts for the home. Some of our products can be viewed online. Gift certificates can be purchased online.

The Healing Powers of Ginger

Ginger tea has many healing properties.

Ginger is a wonderful and versatile healing agent. It has a spicy and sharp fragrance, which makes it especially nice for fall and wintertime. Ginger boosts circulation and warms the body, and it is both a stimulant and natural aphrodisiac. Ginger is very effective at relieving pain, especially for joint pain, stomach cramps and muscle aches. Ginger is also a great cold symptom remedy. Here is a list of the benefits of eating, drinking, and topically applying ginger:

• great anti-inflammatory
• treats colds
• fevers
• eases indigestion
• stomach cramps
• nausea
• heals joint pain
• muscle pain
• muscle fatigue
• muscle spasms
• head ache remedy
• good for lung infections
• throat infections
• increases energy
• increases stamina
• boosts circulation
• boosts immunity
• normalizes blood pressure

Ginger is a warming liniment which makes it a popular key ingredient in massage oil blends, muscle rubs, athletic creams, chest rubs and bath blends. It should always be blended with a carrier. Ginger alone could make the skin burn and cause great irritation.

At Urban Sanctuary we carry many products blended with ginger essential oil and ginger tea. These include Zum soap, EO bubbles, organic bath bombs, Ayurvedic teas, Gypsie Teas, handmade lotions, essential oil, organic lip balm and several other eco-friendly products. The most popular is Farmesthetics' Deep Lavender Rub. Blended with ginger, this muscle rub is a very effective warming liniment widely used in our Urban Neck Massage, Sports Massages and Deep Tissue Massage.

Stop in and sample some of our delicious ginger bath and body products. Urban Sanctuary is located at 810 North Chase Street in Athens, Georgia. View our menu of services online at www.urbansanctuaryspa.com or call us at 706-613-3947. We are open seven days a week.    

At Urban Sanctuary, we use Farmesthetics' warming lavender ginger rub for sports massage and deep tissue massage.

   

9 Reasons to Choose Urban Sanctuary

1 We Give Result-Producing Massages:

Bring us your headaches, your sciatica, your frozen shoulder. We'll work with your sports injuries, the crick in your neck and that hitch in your lower back. At Urban Sanctuary we have a strong track record of results producing massages that make a measurable difference in the chronic pain and stress ailments that you are dealing with. Ask for deep tissue, myofascial, sports massage, deep therapeutic foot massage or let us make a specific recommendation to address what ails you.

2 We Are An Award Winning Spa:

Urban Sanctuary won Best Day Spa in Athens. We’ve enjoyed a Beautiful Business Award and a Historic Preservation Award. The greatest honor of all has been to be voted Athens’ Favorite Day Spa by the readers of Flagpole Magazine for three consecutive years. 

3 We Specialize In Services For Men:

We are a Man-Friendly Spa. We had men in mind when we designed our space. We have a Men’s Service Menu, which includes Massage, Pedicures, Facials and Waxing. Men are welcome to unwind and to enjoy services designed specifically for them.

4 We Celebrate Relationships:

Unwind at Urban Sanctuary together. We have many offerings for groups and for pairs. Mother Daughter Spa Days, Birthday Parties, Spa Parties, Bridal Spa Services, Staff Parties and Services for Couples.

5 We Are Eco-Friendly:

We maintain eco-friendly practices in our day-to-day operations. We carry many eco-friendly product lines as well as organic products, natural, fair trade, handmade, free trade, cruelty free, chemical free, vegan and biodegradable products and gifts.

6 We Are a Sanctuary:

Unwind in this tranquil and serene space. Our clients do not have to compete with the hustle and bustle of a salon. The colors, the aromas and the music weave together naturally to create the perfect space to unwind.

7 WE ARE OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK:

 That gives you plenty to choose from.

8 We Provide Skincare That Makes a Visible and Lasting Difference:

Our estheticians are passionate about skincare and give extraordinary customer service. Have a facial that addresses your unique skin type and learn how to best care for your face at home with wholesome, natural and effective products.

9 We Guarantee All of Our Services:

At Urban Sanctuary we are committed to excellent customer service. We stand firmly behind that with a money back guarantee. If you are not happy with your service, we will offer you a “do-over” to ensure that your experience meets your expectations--or you can have your money back. You deserve to feel happy and well taken care of and you will be, here at Urban Sanctuary.

810 N. Chase Street  Athens, Georgia 30601   •  706.613.3947

 www.urbansanctuaryspa.com  urbansanctuaryspablogspot.com

6 Beauty Enhancing Foods

 Urban Sanctuary was voted Best Day Spa in Athens. 

The beauty and health enhancing benefits of eating a variety of fresh foods are plentiful. Many fruits, grains, protein rich foods, herbs and vegetables are known for providing a healthy dose of energy, brain power and immune system support. In addition to healthy fats, fiber and Vitamin C, many foods contain vitamins and minerals which help repair the body, boost circulation, hydrate your skin and relieve pain. You are probably eating many of these wonderful health and beauty enhancing foods already! Here are details about six of them:

1. Avocado - is rich in healthy fats that improve your skin's luster, your joint health and cause your hair to shine.
2. Yogurt - contains healthy strains of bacteria, which restores intestinal health and strengthens immunity. A healthy gut creates a radiant face, vibrant energy and clear eyes.
3. Strawberries - help prevent wrinkles and hair breakage. They are rich in nutrients and vitamins that strengthen hair, skin, teeth and nails. Also, strawberries can boost elimination.
4. Blueberries - soften the skin and help build collagen, in turn creating a youthful glow. They are great for stabilizing blood sugar levels and balancing metabolism.
5. Greens - leafy greens contain vitamins and nutrients such as beta carotene and Vitamin C, which help prevent sun damage and produce collagen to keep skin, teeth, and hair healthy, strong and beautiful.
6. Purple Foods - such as cabbage, beets, red onions and grapes, contain a flavonoid rich pigment which improves circulation, heals inflammation and detoxes the body, creating a vibrant beauty.

In addition to the foods named above, there are many others that enhance over-all beauty and health. Spices such as cinnamon, turmeric, garlic, cayenne pepper, curry and ginger are great for circulation, immunity and for healing inflammation. Regular doses of these spices will help maintain a glowing complexion and clear eyes.

Please call 706-613-3947 or write candice@urbansanctuaryspa.com to add to our list of beauty enhancing foods.

Urban Sanctuary is open 7 days a week in Athens, Georgia.