Archive for the ‘Health Beauty Fitness’ Category

Spa Trend: Ganban’yoku

Tuesday, March 27th, 2012

ganban-yoku

For thousands of years, Japan has been leading the way in the health arts and sciences. Strong proponents of holistic medicine and treatments, the Japanese are naturally drawn to spa-like amenities that utilize heat to correct imbalances in the body; one such treatment is ganban’yoku.

A ganban is a sizable piece of granite that is inserted into the floor and heated up to a low temperature. Under a trained therapist’s care, a patient can lay on the ganban, allowing their bodies to gradually heat up. The ganban’yoku treatment is often referred to as “bedrock bathing without hot water” and the amount of sweat that is emitted from the body during a session is said to be more than what would be emitted during a hot sauna session. Unique to the ganban’yoku are infrared rays and negative ions which pass through the ganban stones; such elements are said to have a number of positive effects on the body. Even a single ganban’yoku session can begin to improve blood circulation, skin composition, immunity to disease, stiff joints, back pain and mental stress. It can also have a positive effect on metabolism, weight loss and detoxification. In recent times, the ganban’yoku spa trend has moved westward to top-notch spas, gyms, hotels, golf courses, ski resorts, hospitals and even into peoples’ private homes. In fact, the new Las Vegas Aria Resort and Casino features a luxury ganban’yoku that is extremely popular with guests.

True to all other holistic therapies, ganban’yoku utilizes simple, natural elements to offer its users an authentic experience that can potentially heal on a deep level. Undoubtedly, ganban’yoku is a spa trend that is here to stay.

Spa Detox: Recipes for Juicing Away the Toxins

Friday, February 24th, 2012

spa juice detox

There’s a good reason why many spas have a juice bar available to their guests; juicing fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs is not only a great way to get a rapid infusion of vitamins, minerals and other plant based nutrients into your system, it’s also a highly effective way to rid the body of toxins built up from poor diet and environmental factors. Juicing is great for cleansing the liver and it also improves the health of the heart and cardiovascular system. Vegetable juice alkalizes your system, making your PH level less acidic; as a result, brain function improves and the aging process slows down. Juicing is also great for skin, hair and nail health. The best part about juicing is you don’t always have to pay the exorbitant prices spas charge for juice – you can just make it at home with a juicer from the local appliance store. Here are some of Talk Spas favorite recipes for juicing away toxins:

Watermelon Ultra- Detox

Watermelon is a fruit that is excellent for detoxification. The strawberries are added into this recipe to boost vitamin C and the blackberries are a great source of folic acid.

Ingredients:

6 oz watermelon
5 strawberries
10 blackberries

Juice all ingredients at a cool temperature. (more…)

Top 5 Sea Salt Scrub Recipes

Friday, January 27th, 2012

Salt Scrub

Sea salt is a common ingredient in beauty products because it is proven to do wonders for the health and purity of the skin. It contains minerals that exfoliate, it helps to improve circulation, flush out toxins and also reduce inflammation of the skin. Sea salt is derived from evaporated water and when mixed with essential oils, makes the ultimate natural beauty product. Using a sea salt scrub is as simple as using soap; just put some on the tip of your fingers and gently rub the skin in a circular motion. This action, done regularly over time, removes dead skin cells and reveals fresh, living skin beneath. The best part is you don’t have to buy some overpriced name-brand sea scrub; you can just make your own at home for relatively little cost. The Talk Spas editorial team is thrilled to share 5 of our favorite sea salt scrub recipes:

Rosemary & Peppermint Sea Salt Scrub

Ingredients:

Coarse grain sea salt (2 cups)
Olive Oil (1 cup)
Liquid glycerin soap (1/4 oz.)
Rosemary essential oil (5 drops)
Peppermint essential oil (5 drops)

Preparation:

Heat the oil and soap in pot until warm. Then stir in the salt and add the rosemary and peppermint essential oils. Allow to cool before use. (more…)

Splish & Splash: Best Water Therapies for the Mind, Body & Soul

Monday, January 23rd, 2012
thalassotherapy

Thalassotherapy, a form of water therapy

Since the dawn of civilization, water therapy has been used to not only relax the mind, body and soul, but also to alleviate acute, transient, and chronic conditions. Water therapy, which comes in many different forms, can improve muscle strength and tone, increase cardiovascular function, reduce stress, decrease swelling, enhance circulation, increase strength and endurance, facilitate better range of motion and flexibility, and increase balance and coordination. There are many different approaches to water therapy, some influenced by culture, others by nature, and still others by advancements in technology. The Talk Spas editorial team is big on water therapy and we’ve put together the following list of the best water therapies out there:

Thalassotherapy

Thalassotherapy is a therapy in which the properties of seawater are utilized to benefit the body through the pores of the skin. The therapy is applied in various forms, including: showers of warmed seawater, application of marine mud or algae paste, or the inhalation of sea fog. Many spas make hot seawater and provide mud and seaweed wrapping services. Thalassotherapy
is used to help treat stress, cellulite, rheumatism, arthritis and a variety of skin conditions

Sitz Bath

The sitz bath is a highly effective and noninvasive form of hydrotherapy. It involves sitting in a shallow pool of hot or cold water, which rises up to the hips, and may contains essential oils or bath salts. People with hemorrhoids, menstrual problems and some forms of urogenital infections may benefit from the use of sitz baths. It works by keeping the affected area clean and increasing blood flow.

Watsu

Watsu
is a form of balletic shiatsu, a therapeutic bodywork for the water. Supported by your therapist, you are moved through a warm water pool in a manner that your limbs are flexed and stretched for ultimate relaxation. Watsu opens up both the body and mind, and helps to release physical and mental tension. (more…)

Steam Showers for Better Health in 2012!

Wednesday, January 18th, 2012

New Year's Resolutions

In 2012, many people have made New Year’s resolutions to improve their lives; using steam showers for better health should undoubtedly be a part of those resolutions.

Silky Smooth Skin

Steam benefits are innumerable and there is almost nothing that is better for the health of skin, both on the surface and beneath the epidermis, than the heavy sweating produced by spending time in the steam shower. Even more so than washing with soap and water, you can use steam showers for better health of the skin, awakening and opening up pores, and forcing deep-seated dirt, oil and dead skin cells to be thoroughly flushed out. This method also goes a long way towards leaving skin feeling clean and silky smooth. Additionally, you can use steam showers for better health by increasing blood circulation, bringing vital nutrients like vitamins and minerals directly to the skin surface and significantly enriching it. All it takes is one look at an individual who regularly spends time in the steam shower; their healthy and glowing look will be proof that fantastic skin is a great benefit of steam showers.

Stress Buster

Our daily lives and environment cause us numerous stresses; the rigors of work, family life and financial pressures can cause enough stress to make us sick. Thankfully, you can turn to steam showers for better health and utilize them to lower stress instantly, and with regular use, potentially eliminate your stress all together. A steam shower benefits the unwanted condition of stress in several ways including: lowering high blood pressure, reducing the severity of cardiovascular disease, easing migraine headaches and melting away muscle tension. All it takes is spending 15-20 minutes sitting in a steam shower. Additionally, you can utilize steam showers for better health because they reduce stress by promoting relaxation, calming the mind and facilitating a deep, restful night of sleep. In this day and age, stress is commonly referred to as the “silent killer,” but by utilizing steam showers, stress can be a thing of the past.

Detox Rocks!

Polluted air, water and food results in some pretty nasty things happening within our bodies. What do you do about it? You use steam showers for better health and detoxify all the pollutants. Detoxification is a prime benefit of the steam room and in most cases, far easier and more effective than other methods including dieting, fasting and taking questionable detox supplements. The human body has approximately 3 million sweat glands and during a typical steam room session, 25 to 30 percent of toxins can be sweat out. The benefits of using a steam showers to detoxify cannot be overstated, as the long term negative effects of environmental pollution have the ability to cause significant damage to the body. Steam showering can reduce those risks through detoxification and keep the body functioning at a high level. Additionally, steam showers can be utilized in conjunction with other detoxification therapies in order to enhance the overall effect of toxic elimination. With a detoxification plan that incorporates steam showers for better health, the road to wellness in the New Year doesn’t have to be a long and arduous journey

Modern Health Features

In addition to providing soothing steam, you can use steam showers for better health in ways you may have never imagined. Music can be very relaxing for the mind and some modern steam showers, like those by ThermaSol, come with audio devices or are equipped to handle external audio devices to enhance the steam shower experience. ThermaSol products also factor in to the theme of steam showers for better health because of the holistic features in their steam showers. They offer an aromatherapy oil well where once you place a few drops of oil, it merges with the steam and provide a sensational experience. An additional feature that can be added to the steam shower is chromatherapy light, believed to balance energy.

The steam routine is a lifelong commitment that takes time and dedication. However, the benefits of taking the time to relax the body, get the circulation going, detox impurities, enhance the health of the skin, and in general pamper the body and mind in the New Year, are well worth the effort.

Benefits of Bath Oils

Monday, January 16th, 2012
The benfits of bath oils

The benfits of bath oils

Bath oils have probably been around a lot longer than you think; the people of the Stone Age were known to combine olive and sesame oils with fragrance to create a soothing bathing experience. There is documentation that most cultures utilized bath oils for both luxury and aromatherapeutic benefits, as well as to counter dry skin.

Today, the use of bath oils has been refined to a science and it is well known that when oil is mixed with water, it has an ability to penetrate deep into skin tissue and provide rejuvenation. Oil bathing is commonplace in South Asia, especially India, but it is also commonly practiced in the Western world, too. Spas all over North America, Canada and Europe offer various oil treatments, and individuals who practice home spa rituals also make use of bath oils. Aside from rejuvenating skin tissue, many claims have been made about the benefits of bath oils. Prevention against cancer is one claim, though there has been no substantial research to support it. However, oils baths are believed to build stronger immunity to viral and bacterial infections, and skin conditions. Due to there intrinsic warmth, they also improve blood circulation by dilating blood vessels; benefits include reduction in fatigue and stiffness in joints, and increased range of motion in joints. Another obvious direct benefit of taking an oil bath is the resulting health and glow of the skin. Oil keeps the collagen in the skin supple and the result is a younger and fresher look for a longer period of time. There are a plethora of different types of oils that work well in the bath – far too many to name here – but here are a few of the most popular to give you an idea:

Lavender – Well known for its calming properties, lavender is among the best oils to use in the bath as it is known to have some anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

Sandalwood – This is a fragrance that is often used to enhance other fragrances in perfume and it has a similar effect on other fragrances added to the bath. Sandalwood has been said to work well in treating anxiety and it also may have anti-depressant properties.

Tea Tree – This highly potent oil has antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties and as such, makes an excellent choice for use in the bath.

Frankincense – For an incredible aroma that is sure to make your bath a pleasurable experience, use frankincense. As an added benefit, the oil may improve your digestion and have a beneficial effect on your muscles and joints.

Additionally, sesame oil, coconut oil, mustard oil and apricot are some of the best oils for rejuvenation. The next time you take a bath, just remember that all it takes is a few drops of oil to transform your bland bath into a dynamic home spa experience.

Full Circle: From Ancient Swedana to Modern Steam Showers

Friday, December 30th, 2011
Swedana

Swedana steam therapy

Steam therapy dates back thousands of years to numerous ancient cultures all over the world, among the oldest being India. Though we’ve made technological strides in the “steam” field, all the way up to the most modern steam showers designed and manufactured by companies like ThermaSol, it’s always fascinating to look back.

Swedana is an ancient Ayurvedic healing technique that was first mentioned in holy Indian texts. Still practiced today in India and spas all over the world, the treatment involves sitting in an enclosed, herbal-infused steam box or tent for around 30 minutes. The custom herbal preparations, created by an Ayurvedic physician, stimulate oxygen flow through the body as the steam opens up the pores and triggers the body’s natural sweating process.; once the pores are open, deep seated toxins can be released. Other immediate benefits of swedana include: enhanced skin, increased circulation, ease of muscle pain, and a state of relaxation. In Ayurveda, the larger purpose of swedana is to relieve excess doshas from the body – one of three bodily humors that make up one’s constitution – establishing a state of balance that promotes general health.

Building upon the knowledge of ancient cultures that utilized steam therapy on a regular basis, today we have modern steam shower manufacturers who bring a high level of design and technology into peoples’ homes with their products. ThermaSol, the leader in the steam shower industry, offers customers the only 100% digital networked steam systems in the world – the safest and most reliable technology. They go the extra mile, offering customers a combination of quality and value, with standard features like: FastStart™ Technology, providing steam in seconds; whisper quiet functionality; constant steam at a constant rate, meaning no interruptions in steam; all metal controls with advanced PVD lifetime finishes; superior style, including matching controls, remotes and steamheads in traditional and contemporary styles; a lifetime warranty; and all the green benefits of steam.

Modern steam shower by ThermaSol

Modern steam shower by ThermaSol

Steam therapy, in combination with an overall healthy lifestyle, is a method of achieving and maintaining a state of well being that has been proven over the course of thousands of years. With modern steam shower technology, it’s also a method that is easy to bring into the home bath environment.

Steam Therapy: A Natural Way to Soothe a Nasty Cold or Flu

Monday, November 21st, 2011

sneezing man

‘Tis the season for many things; some good, some not so good. Of the latter, nasty, debilitating colds and flus that clog your sinuses and congest your chest are among the least desirable “gifts” of the season. For some, reaching for a few tablets of Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine, or other over-the-counter medication, is the first line of defense against unwanted cold or flu symptoms. However, in this day and age of progression towards more natural remedies, you always have the option of turning to the benefits of steam therapy to relieve the symptoms of your cold or flu.

Although steaming is a remedy that can be accomplished in the confines of a home bathroom steam shower, it is hardly a one that can be written off as an old wives tale. The benefits of a warm steam shower to someone who is suffering from a cold cannot be overstated; steam vapor that enters the lungs and the sinuses is the ultimate natural way to promote expectoration (coughing) and relax the breath. Congestion is caused by a combination of inflammation of the air passages in your lungs and build-up of phlegm in your chest. Steam relaxes and opens up these passages, allowing air to move more freely through them. Medical professionals typically recommend that you spend about 10 to 15 minutes in a steam shower, up to three times per day, when you have a cold or flu. Your children and toddlers with colds or flus can also benefit from a steam shower as long as you get into the steam shower with them to supervise. Additionally, both you and your children can benefit from aromatherapy essential oils introduced into the steam process; eucalyptus, rosemary, lavender and others specific oils can significantly help to boost the effectiveness of steam treatment. If you don’t have a steam shower in your home, you can try to steam in your regular shower, but unfortunately, a regular shower in lieu of a steam shower will not generate the same intensity of steam that a severe cold or flu requires. A company like ThermaSol, that’s been bringing steam showers into their customers’ homes for over 50 years, offers you leading steam technology and the only 100% digital networked steam systems in the world – the safest and most reliable steam technology. Boasting features like FastStart™ steam in seconds, and providing constant steam at a constant rate, a ThermaSol steam shower will provide you with a professional quality steam experience in the comfort of your own home.

Contracting a cold or flu can easily be the most dreadful experience you have all year. Incorporating steam therapy into your cold and flu relief regimen can go a long way towards helping you breathe easy and get well faster.

Home Steam: Wellness “Tourism” Without the High Prices

Thursday, November 10th, 2011
thermasol-steam-shower

ThermaSol steam shower with light and music system

We hear a lot about wellness tourism these days and people opting out of typical city or beach breaks. They are instead spending their time at spas, yoga retreats, and other places where they can improve the state of their mind, body, and spirit. With personal wellness increasingly becoming an important factor for individuals who desire to take responsibility for their own health, the wellness industry is booming. One of the great benefits of wellness tourism is that it can give people the tools to continue a program of wellness at home after their trip, without paying the high prices it typically costs to attend a spa or retreat for a week or more. One of the major changes people can make at home, to bring wellness into their lives, is to install a steam shower.

Steam showers are a direct extension of wellness tourism, as you can find them in spas and resorts all over the world. They offer individuals a number of short term and long term health benefits – best of all they only need to be used for 15 to 20 minutes a day. Taking a steam shower has been proven to aid in restful sleep and increase the length of REM cycles. Doctors often prescribe steam therapy as an alternative to sleeping pills. Over the course of many centuries, steam therapy has been used for the purposes of relaxation and to create a sense of well being. For people with conditions like anxiety and stress, they can reap great benefits from taking a steam shower. Steam showers induce sweating and therefore aid in the process of detoxification. Steam showers are also excellent for alleviating symptoms of the common cold by clearing nasal passages and reducing congestion.

Modern steam shower remote by ThermaSol

Modern steam shower remote by ThermaSol

For those who desire a quality steam shower in their home, a company like ThermaSol who has been in the steam shower business for 50 years, offers an unparalleled level of quality and design. As the leader in the steam shower industry, they offer customers the only 100% digital networked steam systems in the world – the safest and most reliable technology. They go the extra mile, offering customers a combination of quality and value, with standard features like: FastStart™ Technology, providing steam in seconds; whisper quiet functionality; constant steam at a constant rate, meaning no interruptions in steam; all metal controls with advanced PVD lifetime finishes; superior style, including matching controls, remotes and steamheads in traditional and contemporary styles; a lifetime warranty; and all the green benefits of steam.

The trend of wellness tourism has directly resulted in individuals becoming more health conscious in their own homes. With modern steam shower technology, they can maintain and improve their health without paying the high prices of professional services.

Spa Fit for a Sultan: Nickel NYC Men’s Spa & Salon

Wednesday, October 19th, 2011

In Talk Spas’ “Spa Fit for a Sultan” series, we profile the most luxurious and lavish spas in the world.

If you’re a man and you’ve never been to a spa that is dedicated exclusively to the pampering and grooming of men, then you’re missing out. If you make the decision to go to one, perhaps you should consider Nickel NYC Men’s Spa & Salon. A relaxed masculine environment well versed in the spa arts, you couldn’t hope to receive better care and treatment anywhere else.

Nickel Spa

Nickel Spa for Men in New York City

Situated in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York, Nickel was founded in 1996 when it dawned on the owners that men needed their own spa in which to retreat and rejuvenate. At the time, masculine beauty was somewhat uncharted territory and the opening of Nickel was rather groundbreaking. Nickel created a comfortable environment for men and helped make it socially acceptable for them to treat themselves to facials, massages, manicures, pedicures and host of other pampering services. Furthermore, they made it so that a trip to the spa was as easy as a trip to the barber. Nickel also pioneered a men’s, no nonsense, high performance skincare range, often marketed with a sense of funkiness and whimsy; for example, their famed Morning After Rescue Gel was sold as the ultimate hangover product to restore beauty to the hair. Today, their products can be found on Amazon and in stores all over the world. Nickel’s hair salon offers men a full service experience including cut, color, highlight and free touch ups within two weeks of a hair cut. Nickel’s spa offers the ultimate range of treatments for men. Specialty massages include: the Destress Muscle Release, a deeply restorative treatment specifically designed for tight, stressed and aching muscles, which incorporates Swedish and cross muscle fiber massage techniques (60 minutes – $115); the Jet-Lag Treatment, an enlivening and rejuvenating massage using physical manipulation to transport you quickly into the right time zone and get your body back in business (60 minutes – $110); and the Aromatherapy Experience, combining the power of pure essential oils with a specialized massage drawn from the traditions of both East and West, concentrating on the back, scalp, face, neck, shoulders and feet (60 minutes – $110). Nickel addresses men’s unique skin care needs with treatments including: the Complete Facial, which deeply cleanses and exfoliates your specific skin type (60 minutes – $110
); the Super Moisturizing Facial, designed for skin experiencing a pre-mature aged look from sun exposure, city pollution, poor diet or even from a little too much partying (60 minutes – $115); and the Touch of Youth Facial, a complete facial plus 50% more treatments that include an anti-aging mask to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (90 minutes – $130). Nickel also offers men a full range of “man-scaping” services including waxing and body trim.

Undoubtedly, Nickel is one of the very best spas in the United States for men. Additionally, Nickel has spas in Paris, on Rue Francs Bourgeois, and in London’s Covent Garden. For those of you men who want to up the level of care you provide yourself, you can hardly go wrong with Nickel.


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