What is a Hot Stone Massage?

The weather is getting cooler, the leaves are changing – it’s the perfect time for a hot stone massage!
Hot Stone Massage is deeply relaxing and very comforting.  It’s my favorite type of bodywork to give and receive.  I call it the “hot chocolate” of massage.  It’s perfect thing after a long, stressful week.  It warms you to the core, relaxing both mind and body.
Hot stone massage provides a deep, moist heat that could benefit those with back pain, arthritis and fibromyalgia.  Those suffering from chronic muscle pain or stubborn tension knots will love it.  Your tension and anxiety will melt away.  You’ll probably sleep like a baby after your session, too.
Smooth basalt stones – known for their heat-retention properties – are placed into a water-filled stone warmer.  Once they’ve reached a certain temperature range (usually between 120-130 degrees), they’re ready to use.   The stones come in a various sizes and shapes.  Larger, heavier stones hold their heat best, and are used over broader parts of the body (the back, the length of the legs).  Some of the smaller stones have pointy tips that, when applied with pressure, act as tools to target deeper knots.
Massage oil will be applied to the body and to the stones to insure proper glide.  The stones will be swept and rubbed over the muscles to relax them.  Once the stones have cooled a bit, the therapist may apply them to problem spots to loosen the muscles up a bit further.  Then the therapist will apply Swedish massage techniques to the warmed muscles.  This combination insures unbelievable relaxation.  The result is a gentle yet effective massage.
Precautions
Make certain that your massage therapist has been properly trained in hot stone massage.  The temperature of the stones must be monitored continuously during the session to make sure that they are not too cold or too hot.  Freshly-heated stones must be glided over the skin continuously to prevent burns.  A therapist will never rest a stone that has just been removed from the heater directly on your body.
The massage therapist always holds the stones first before touching them to your body, which ensures that the temperature will not be too hot. Everyone, however, has their own comfort range. Be sure to speak up if the stones are too hot for you.
People with the following conditions should NOT receive hot stone massage:
People with infectious skin disease, rash, or open wounds
Anyone with a cold, influenza or infection
Immediately after surgery
Anyone with cancer, and those who have been in remission for less than a year
People prone to blood clots. There is a risk of blood clots being dislodged. If you have heart disease, check with your doctor before having a massage
Pregnant women
Those suffering from nerve damage (neuropathy)
Those who are desensitized or highly sensitive to heat
Diabetics
Those with high blood pressure
People with muscle injuries that involve inflammation
Massage should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, or areas of recent fractures.

One final note:  hot stone massage can be dehydrating.  It is imperative to properly hydrate before AND after your session.

The Spa of Cool Springs offers luxurious massage and skin care at affordable prices.  We are located in Franklin, TN.  Find us on the web at www.thespaofcoolsprings.com or call us at 615/771-0003

Waxing 101

What is waxing?

Waxing is a semi-permanent depilatory (hair removal) method.  Unlike shaving or cream hair removers, waxing removes hair at the root.  Hair regrowth takes 2-8 weeks.  Frequent waxing slows hair growth, and the hair may tend to come in softer.

Preparing for a waxing

Seek a properly-trained, experienced waxing technician.  Choose a technician who has done a lot of waxing.  She’ll be more knowledgeable about the type of wax that is best suited for your needs and the proper amount to apply.  An experienced waxer will know more about removing the wax quickly and efficiently with the least amount of pain.  This could translate into less damage to your skin and more lasting results.

Out of respect for your waxing technician, please do not schedule a bikini wax during menstruation.   Besides being unsanitary, your skin is more sensitive during your period, and may be more prone to pain.   Scheduling a waxing a few days before or after your period is okay.

Don’t shave prior to a waxing session.  Waxing does not work if it doesn’t have enough hair to grip to.  Grow the area out at least ¼ of an inch for fine hair, ½ an inch if it’s coarse.  With this in mind, you may want to forgo shaving or tweezing the area that will be waxed for a week or two prior to waxing.  Don’t worry if your hair is longer than these guidelines – your waxer will trim it to proper length before the session. 

Make sure your skin is clean.  Take a warm (NOT hot) shower and use mild soap.  Consider using a gentle exfoliate scrub to remove any dry skin.  Be careful not to scrub too hard, or you’ll irritate the skin.  Don’t use a toner, astringent or ice on the skin; these will close pores and make the hair harder (and more painful) to remove.  Don’t apply oils or lotions to the area prior to treatment.

Is waxing painful?

Having hair pulled out by the root hurts.  The lips, eyebrows, bikini area, genitals and chest are especially sensitive.  The first time that you wax an area is usually the most painful.  It gets less painful with each waxing – perhaps hair grows back softer with frequent waxing.  Plus, you know what to expect.

Avoid caffeine or alcohol for at least 2 hours prior to waxing.   They can make your skin more sensitive.

Many estheticians suggest that you take an over-the-counter pain medicine (Tylenol, for instance) 45 minutes prior to waxing.  You may also consider using a skin numbing spray prior to treatment.  It can be purchased from your local drug store.

Finally, try and relax during the session.  If you’re tense, you’ll feel more pain. 

A word of caution

Waxing is not appropriate for the following conditions:

- Lupus

- HIV or AIDS

- Contagious skin conditions

- Those currently receiving cancer therapy including chemo or radiation

- At the site of a recent Botox or other cosmetic injection

- Anyone who has spent a long period in direct sunlight

- Anyone who has used a tanning bed within the last 24 hours.

- If you’re using certain drugs including accutaine or on steroids, you are advised to wait between 3 months and a year following treatment to be waxed. 

Waxing should not be done at the site of:

- Irritated, bruised or broken skin

- Warts, raised moles, skin tags and pimples

- Varicose veins

- Thin or delicate skin

- Sunburn  

- Certain powerful exfoliators (including Salicylic acid, alpha-hydroxy acid or enzymes) strip cells from the skin.  Using these prior to waxing could damage skin and invite infection.  You may want to avoid using these products on the waxing site for three days before and three to four days after waxing.

You will need a written doctor’s approval prior to waxing if:

- you’ve recently been treated for cancer or are in remission

- you’re pregnant

- you’re taking blood thinners

- you have Rosacea, diabetes or phlebitis

 Waxing may not be appropriate for the following conditions.  Check with your doctor prior to waxing if:

-  you take birth control or hormone replacements

-  you’re taking antibiotics

-  you’re a smoker
What can I expect during my session?

Your waxer may trim the hair at the site of the waxing.  She may also apply talcum powder to the skin.  This will keep the wax from sticking to your skin.

Next, she’ll dip a clean, wooden stick into a pot of hot wax and spread it thinly over the skin.  A paper or cloth strip will be pressed firmly on top of the wax.  When the wax has cooled, your technician will hold the skin tightly and the strip will be pulled off with a quick movement against the direction of hair growth.  This will remove the wax along with the hair.

If the waxing is too painful, you may ask the technician to use smaller strips.  Some people claim that using a thicker, hard wax instead of a warm, thin, melted wax results in a less painful session.  Talk to your waxer about your options. 

At the end of the session, your technician may apply a soothing lotion over the waxed areas. 

Post-Waxing care tips

Your hands and fingernails should be scrupulously clean before touching freshly-waxed skin.  Try not to touch the area anymore than you absolutely have to. 

In the days following treatment, you may consider applying aloe or a hydrocortisone cream if you develop bumps, redness or ingrown hairs.  There are also commercial products available that are specifically geared towards soothing and treating recently waxed skin. 

Avoid baths and opt for showers for a full day following waxing. 

Avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs and any kind of swimming for two days after waxing.  These can introduce germs into the waxing site. 

If you’ve had a bikini wax, avoid wearing tight underwear for several days after waxing.  Wear cotton area, which will allow your skin to breathe.  Consider abstaining from sexual activity for 24-48 hours following a bikini wax.

Wait two full days before exfoliating the waxed area.  Make sure you use a gentle exfoliator, and don’t rub too hard.

*This article is intended for reference only.  If you have any health issues, please consult your physician prior to receiving a waxing treatment.

The Spa of Cool Springs is located in Franklin, TN.  We offer luxurious massage and skin care at affordable prices.  Call us at 615/771-0003 or visit us at www.thespaofcoolsprings.com to book an appointment.

Putting Your Best Face Forward: Facials 101

A professional facial is an in-spa/salon skin care treatment.  Some facials moisturize and hydrate.  Some detox and calm stressed-out skin.  Others treat specific skin ailments like acne and rosacea.  A professional facial usually takes between 30-90 minutes.  It gives you a more dramatic effect than one you’d do yourself. 

Facials are performed by licensed estheticians, who are specially trained in skin care.  When you arrive for your first treatment, you’ll be asked to complete an intake form, detailing your medical history and listing any medications that you are currently taking.   This is an important step, since certain medical conditions and prescriptions may preclude treatment.  Likewise, certain medical conditions and prescriptions may lend themselves to the current condition of your skin (such as cancer drugs, Accutane and Retin A).

Next, you’ll meet with your esthetician.  She’ll review your intake form and ask you about your skin care routine and treatment goals.  This will help her to tailor your treatment.

First, your skin will be cleansed with a cleanser specifically geared to your skin type.  Then, your esthetician will examine and observe your skin closely, often using a large, lighted magnifier.  She may use a variety of tools to remove impurities like blackheads and acne.  The face will be massaged to stimulate blood flow to the skin’s surface and relax facial muscles.  You may even receive a relaxing neck and shoulder massage.  Finally, professional-grade skin care products (like masks, creams and toners) may be applied.  Your esthetician may send you home with some skin care products and a skin care schedule.

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The Spa of Cool Springs is a day spa located in Franklin, TN.  We feature Eminence Organics – an award-winning, all-natural skin care line – in our facial treatments.  For more information, or to book an appointment, contact The Spa of Cool Springs at 615/771-0003 or at thespaofcoolsprings.com

What is “medical massage?”

Many people receive massage because they are experiencing pain. The pain can be the result of a medically diagnosed condition such as tendonitis, a muscle strain, fibromyalgia or a herniated disc.  The pain may be a result of general muscle tension, a previous car accident or injury, or from an unknown cause.

Massage therapy is an excellent form of rehabilitative medicine and can be very effective in helping you recover from injury. Massage therapy serves a different purpose than physical therapy and is much more effective in treating muscle and other soft tissue injury.

Massage therapy can make the difference between partial and total recovery. It has helped scores of people completely recover from chronic and acute pain, range of motion limitations, and many other disorders.

Whether you have been suffering with chronic pain for many years, or just woke up this morning with a stiff neck, you may benefit greatly from medical massage therapy. Physicians are referring more of their patients for this very specific, outcome-orientated type of bodywork.

Medical massage therapy is the focused use of advanced massage techniques to treat a specific condition and achieve a specific outcome. In some cases, a condition is first diagnosed by the client’s physician. In other cases the medical massage therapist simply treats the client based on the client’s subjective description of symptoms and a thorough assessment of the client’s muscles, posture, etc.

Techniques used during a medical massage often include neuromuscular therapy, myofascial release and lymphatic drainage massage, among others.  It may also incorporate more common techniques such as Swedish (relaxation) massage.

Medical massage is performed by therapists with advanced training.  The medical massage therapist will structure a client’s treatment obtain a specific outcome.

In many cases, medical massage therapy can eliminate a client’s pain permanently in only a few visits by releasing chronically hypertonic (tight) muscles, and bringing proper muscle balance back to the body. In other cases, medical massage therapy may only reduce pain, perhaps enough to allow the client to avoid surgery or other more invasion medical procedures.  In only one visit, the therapist will usually know to what extent they can help the client.

Medical massage can help to restore muscles to their proper length, increasing range of motion and decreasing pain and swelling.  Blood flow and oxygen is increased, which may help heal soft tissue injury.  Following medical massage, many clients experience less pain, sleep better and find that they’re able to return to their daily activities quicker.  By treating accident-induced injuries early, clients may avoid complications later (such as a build-up of scar tissue, chronic/ debilitating pain and a reliance on pain medicine).

Medical massage therapy has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of medical conditions including:

• Low Back Pain
• Stress
• TMJ Pain
• Leg Cramps
• Sciatica and Piriformis Syndrome
• Tingling in Hands
• Neck Tension (including whiplash and wryneck)
• Costochondritis
• Muscle spasms
• Reduced Range of Motion
• Postural Imbalances
• Recovery after Surgery
• Chronic Pain in any area
• Lymphedema
• Joint Aches
• Fibromyalgia Pain
• Headaches
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Tendonitis
• Constipation

 

If you have been injured in an auto accident, and your auto insurance is paying for your medical expenses, you may be able to bill your insurance company for medical massage services. 

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Even if you have tried massage therapy in the past we urge you to visit us for a medical massage. One session will likely provide a noticeable reduction in your pain.

The Spa of Cool Springs accepts most auto insurance plans for medically necessary massage therapy when prescribed by your physician.

Click HERE to visit The Spa of Cool Spring’s website.  Visit our medical massage therapy page for more info.  You may also call us at 615/771-0003.

What is Ear Candling?

Ear candling (also called ear coning) is a very old therapy.  It was first performed by ancient cultures, including the Egyptians and the Aztecs.  Ear candles are still hand-made the traditional way – using beeswax and unbleached cotton cloths.

Many people attest to the value of this gentle and non-toxic treatment. Ear candling may aid in cleansing the ear canals and sinus passages of toxins and impurities, including residual from past ear infections, yeast (candida), fungus and bacteria.

If you struggle with seasonal allergies, blocked-up sinuses and sinus headaches, frequent ear aches, swimmer’s ear, ear itching, ringing in your ears (tinnitus) and vertigo, ear candling may benefit you.

As you lay on your side, your therapist will insert a hollow, hand-made ear candle (which is between 9″-12″ long) into the outer edge of your ear canal. She will light the candle, and you’ll begin to feel a gentle suction inside of your ear. The candle will burn for 10-15 minutes. The therapist will remain with you throught the treatment. As the wick burns, it will vacuum the air from your ear canal.  Excess earwax and other debris will be softened, loosen and lift. You may also feel a release of pressure in your sinuses. The process will be repeated on the other ear.

Ear candling sessions, when done by a properly trained therapist, should not hurt. Most people find the treatments extremely relaxing. If you experience any discomfort during the treatment, let your therapist know and she will stop the session.

Following a candling session, you may find that your senses of hearing, taste and smell improve. You may also experience a reduction of nasal congestion and improved sinus drainage.

Check with your doctor prior to treatment to make sure ear candling is appropriate for you. Do not receive ear candling if you are experiencing an active ear or sinus infection; have had recent ear, nose or throat surgery; have tubes in your ears or have a punctured ear drum.  It is also important to make sure that your ear candling therapist is properly trained.

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The Spa of Cool Springs , located in Franklin, TN, offers luxurious skin care and massage at affordable prices.  Click HERE to visit our website!

Massage: good for your mental health

By Michele Hood, LMT

Touch is a basic human need.  We know that premature babies who are held and touched thrive better than those who are not.   Most folks are surprisingly touch deprived.  This may be especially true of people who lack a life partner (the divorced or widowed, for example) and those living with “stigmatized” health issues (such as HIV or mental illness).  

Massage – even a short session – is a mini mental health break.  The receiver is encouraged to detach from the outside world and self-focus.  Some employers provide their staff with in-office chair massage – and they’ve seen an increase in employee concentration and productivity. 

There is a very real science behind the benefits of touch.   Touch lowers stress hormones (such as Cortisol) and releases a rush of “happy” hormones (including endorphins and Oxytocin).  This release may assist in pain relief/pain management, encourage healing of injured tissue and boost the immune system.   Touch can also lower blood pressure and heart rate, and induce deeper, more satisfying sleep.

Touch also promotes “body awareness.”  It offers the recipient the opportunity to reconnect with his or her body, and may promote healthier self-esteem.   Touch can help cancer survivors, amputees and those with eating disorders “relearn” how to love and honor their bodies again.

The next time you feel blue, consider getting a massage.  The benefits are more than skin deep!

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The Spa of Cool Springs is located in Franklin, TN.  Click HERE to visit us online.

Why it’s important to drink water before and after a massage

By Michele Hood, LMT

Many of my clients have asked me why I encourage them to hydrate following a massage session.  There are several important reasons to stay hydrated not just after, but prior to receiving bodywork. 

Most of us don’t drink enough good, old-fashioned, plain water.  As a result, we’re usually somewhat dehydrated.  Just a 2% drop in our body’s hydration can trigger symptoms.  Thirst is an obvious sign of dehydration; fatigue, achiness and lack of mental focus can be others. 

Remaining hydrated before and after a massage session is important because: 

-       Plumped-up body tissues (including muscles) are more pliable.  This allows for a more satisfying and more effective massage.  Pliable muscles are also better at releasing toxins (such as a build-up of lactic acid) that are trapped within them. 

-       When you are properly hydrated, you are less likely to feel “bruised and battered” following a massage.  If you’ve ever experienced flu-like symptoms following a particularly long or deep massage, it may have been due in part to dehydration. 

-       Water helps the circulatory system work more effectively.  This, in turn, benefits the lymphatic system, which “piggybacks” a ride in the pulsation of the circulatory system.  The lymphatic system is essential in the body’s ability to fight, manage and eliminate infection. 

-       Water assists in the body’s waste elimination processes (urination, defecation, perspiration and respiration).  Toxins in the body – including those in your muscles and lymphatic system, are eliminated via these processes.

Avoid caffeine, sugary drinks and alcohol prior to and just after receiving massage.  These are dehydrating.  Plain water is the very best way to hydrate.  In general, doctors recommend 8-10 servings of water a day.  A serving is equal to one measuring cup.  If you’re doing strenuous activity, working outside in the heat or pregnant, you may need a few more servings; ask your doctor for his recommendations.  Space your water intake out throughout the day.  People have experienced “water intoxication” from drinking too much water too quickly, and it can be deadly.  So use common sense.

The Spa of Cool Springs is located in Franklin, TN.  Click here to visit our website.

Making The Most of Your Spa Visit

Preparing for a spa visit goes beyond booking an appointment.  Knowing what to expect before your visit can make it a safer and more fun experience.

Whether you’re planning your first spa visit or your fiftieth, here are some tips for making it the very best it can be!

Booking Your Appointment

When booking your appointment, it’s important to tell the receptionist about any serious medical conditions you have.  Some conditions can make certain spa treatments dangerous to receive.  These include (but are not limited to) cancer; a history of stroke or blood clots; uncontrolled high blood pressure; recent surgery; diabetes; infection or fever; infectious disease or an autoimmune disorder.

If any of these conditions apply to you, your spa may require a doctor’s written approval prior to treatment. 

Most massage therapists will not perform bodywork on a woman in her first trimester of pregnancy, when the risk of miscarriage is highest.  If you are over 12 weeks pregnant, and your doctor approves massage for you, you’ll be booked with a massage therapist who has been specially trained in prenatal massage.  You will need to mention your pregnancy when booking your appointment.  You’ll need to bring a written doctor’s approval to your appointment.

If you prefer work with a male or female therapist, or you’d like to request a particular therapist, let the receptionist know when booking your appointment.

Cancelling Your Appointment

If you are unable to make your appointment, please give the spa a 24-hour notice.  This courtesy allows your therapist to fill that spot with a paying client.   If you are simply a “no show,” you may be charged for the full price of your missed session.

If you are unsure of your spa’s cancellation policy, speak with their receptionist.

Preparing for Your Session

Prior to your treatment, make sure that you’ve eaten and are well hydrated.  Take your medications, if applicable.  If you’re a diabetic or asthmatic, bring your medication with you in case there’s an emergency. 

Please Be On Time

Plan on arriving at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment time.  This will give you time to check-in with the receptionist, use the restroom and prepare yourself for your spa visit.  First-time guests will need to fill out new client paperwork, including a medical intake form.  Your treatment time may be shortened if you arrive late.   

Shhh… It’s a Spa…

A spa is a peaceful place.  Please be mindful of other clients.  Turn your cell phone off completely.  Keep your voice down and your conversations to a minimum.  Please leave your children and pets at home.   

The Intake Form

On your first visit to any spa, you’ll be asked to complete an intake form, detailing your medical history, including conditions (past and present) and medications that you’re taking.  This will give your therapist a better idea of which types of bodywork are best suited for you. 

Once a year, you may be asked to update your intake form.  Make sure to mention any changes in your medical history (including any medicine changes) at each visit.

What to Expect During Your Session

It’s your session – you’re in charge!   Maybe you’d like the room temperature or music volume adjusted.  Perhaps you’d like your therapist to apply a firmer (or lighter) touch.  Just let her know.

You also have the right to end your session at any time.  Of course, if you’d like to fall asleep during your massage, that’s okay, too!

Undressing for Your Session

Some clients feel comfortable removing everything for a massage.  Others prefer to keep their underwear on.  There are clients who leave everything on.   It is entirely up to you and your comfort level.  You should never feel pressured to remove any item of clothing that you don’t want to.  Your massage therapist will adjust your session accordingly.   If you do choose to completely undress, you should expect to be appropriately draped at all times.    

Gratuities

Gratuities are usually not included in the price of a spa treatment.  If you’d like to tip your therapist, 15% is standard.  You may choose to leave more or less according to the service you’ve received. If you’re using a gift card, you may want to ask the receptionist if a tip has been included. 

After your session

It’s important to stay hydrated following a spa session.  Avoid alcohol and caffeine (both of which are dehydrating) for the remainder of the day.  Take care driving home.  If possible, avoid any strenuous activities afterwards.  Go home, rest and relax.

The Spa of Cool Springs is located in Franklin, TN.  Click here to visit us online!