Reflexology- An Overview

March 4th, 2011

reflexologyKatie here from La Spa…

Reflexology available at our day spa is the practice of applying pressure to the feet and hands utilising specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the use of oil, cream or lotion. Reflexology is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands which stimulates a physical change in the body.

It can be used to: (to name just a few)
• Create Relaxation
• Reduce Pain
• Improve Blood Flow
• Impact on cholesterol

A reflexology chart mirrors a reflection of the body on the feet and hands, left foot or left hand represents the body’s left half and right foot or hand its right half.

In reflexology practice, pressure and specific techniques are applied to the relevant reflex areas to stimulate that related part of the body. Research has demonstrated beneficial effects for several reflex areas and their reflected parts of the body.

Around the world and throughout history, reflexology has been rediscovered time and time again. Archaeological evidence points to ancient reflexology medical practices in Egypt, China and Japan.

In the East, ancient Chinese techniques were re-discovered in the 1980s and have spread throughout Asia and the rest if the world, creating today’s reflexology-rich environment with reflexology paths in parks and a thriving reflexology industry of practitioners, businesses and research.

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, if you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I will reply as quickly as I can.

Teeth Whitening Overview

February 23rd, 2011

Katie here from La Spa…Teeth_Whitening

  • Laser teeth whitening is the latest way to whiten and brighten your teeth. Over indulgence of strong coloured foods or drinks such as tea, coffee and red wine all contribute to staining of the teeth. For those of you out there that feel your teeth need a pick me up then teeth whitening is for you.
  • This is a process very similar to what the dentists use and with the correct training your qualified therapist should be readily able to answer any questions you may have about the treatment and perform a safe and successful procedure.
  • This treatment gives great results with some client teeth lightening by up to 4-5 shades.
  • Teeth Whitening (available at our day spa) takes 1hr 30 mins and it consists of 4 sessions of bleaching solution application, which is in turn set with the laser light. The bleach is removed after each application and a new layer applied.
  • Once all 4 applications have been set with the laser light the client then rinse the mouth to remove excess solution.
  • The results are immediate and differ for each client. A client with a blues/grey tint to the teeth may not whiten as much as a client with a brown/yellow stain to the teeth.
  • Home-care advice will be given to each client with regards to the up-keep of the effects of the treatment etc

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, if you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I will reply as quickly as I can.

Endermologie – An Introduction

February 9th, 2011

EndermologieRachel here from La Spa…

This revolutionary method used by doctors and estheticians is excellent for sports injuries, cellulite removal, skin toning, muscle conditioning and lymphatic drainage.

The most popular treatments to be performed are post pregnancy/post weight loss, cellulite removal and lymphatic drainage (for post liposuction treatment or water retention).

The therapist will select a programme from the endermologie machine which best suits your concern. Depending on the treatment choice the machine will use different levels of suction and vibration to stimulate and break down fat cells, exercise blood flow through muscles, drain lymph or tone.

The client wears a fitted body suit which is included in the price of the treatment and they will keep and use it for the duration of the endermologie treatment course.

A hand held roller works over the entire body or specific area of concern for the treatment time. It can be quite a relaxing treatment to have done and the benefits can be seen after a few sessions.

Endermologie Treatment is available at La Spa Therapie Malahide.

Check out the video link below for a little more information.
http://bit.ly/i7t6wV

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, if you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I will reply as quickly as I can.

Recession Busting Beauty Tips

January 31st, 2011

Katie here from La Spa…Recession Busting Beauty Tips

We women always want to know the secrets of saving money on our ever growing cosmetic bag! Especially these days when every cent counts….

Below are some top tips for a savvy make-up bag or cosmetic cabinet!

  • Did you know that most make-up products can be used in more than one way?A cake eye-liner can also be used as an eye shadow base to achieve a super hot colour on the eye, weather its black purple or brown cake liner, they can all be used as eye bases for your eye shadow.
  • You can also use your cake liner to add dept to your brows when doing an evening or a daytime look. Just use an eye liner rush and comb a small amount of your cake liner through your brows adding colour and dept with one application. You can use a shade that matches your natural brow colour or go a shade darker, if you’re brave enough!
  • All lip and eye pencils are just that! No matter weather they say lip or eye on them, they can both be used on both areas of the face. So if you have a cute peach or light brown lip pencil that is great for a day time look you can also smudge a bit of this on your upper and lower lash line to give a really soft look.
  • Any powder colour can also be used as an eye shadow. So you can use your blush as an eye shadow too!!
  • Look out for the more advanced cosmeceutical skincare ranges. The reason for this is a lot of these newly formulated results driven brands have the latest in skincare revolutions, such as the hydrating vital C serum from Image. This little beauty is so light weight, but yet contains enough moisture for even the driest complexions, that you can also use it on the eye area, ruling out eye cream!! Talk about a great recession buster!

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, if you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I will reply as quickly as I can.

How to Energise? – 8 Top Tips!

January 25th, 2011

Katie here from La Spa…Re-Energise

January is most often a month we struggle with keeping ourselves energised after the party season, it can be tough going back to work and getting some normality and routine back into our days.

Here are 8 tips to help beat feeling sluggish and make you more energised!!

1) Make sure you get a restful night’s sleep.
As we all know it’s obvious we need to get an adequate amount of sleep each night.
8 hours sleep is what is recommended but not always realistic in some circumstances, however if you lack energy try going to bed earlier each night. If you wake up feeling well rested it will indicate that you are starting to get the appropriate amount of sleep at night.

2) Eat a good breakfast.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day as it kick starts the metabolism.
When you wake up your blood sugar level is low, if you do not eat you run the risk of energy drain. Try to have something healthy like porridge or a boiled egg and one slice of whole meal brown bread.

3) Stay hydrated.
This is very important as if you are dehydrated it will make you feel tired, 8 glasses of water a day are recommended. This will keep you hydrated and keep the body working properly as well as drain toxins from the system.

4) Exercise regularly.
It is essential we exercise regularly, it enhances and maintains physical fitness and the overall health and wellness of the body. Frequent and regular exercise boosts the immune system and helps prevent diseases such as heart disease and cardiovascular disease. Walking or doing an aerobics class 3 – 4 times a week for 30 to 45 mins are what’s highly recommended to make you feel energized and healthy.

5) Eat a well balanced diet.
Eating a well balanced diet everyday will help keep your energy up and keep you feeling good. Ensure sure your diet consists of the appropriate amount of carbs, nutrients and fat. Try to cut out simple carbohydrate intake of sugars such as fizzy drinks, coffee and sweets as these will give you an instant boost of energy but will also give you a low and won’t provide the nutrition you need to get you through the day without leaving you feeling tired. Have a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner. By eating the correct foods it will eliminate cravings during the day and evening. Eat more fruit and cut down on salt intake.

6) Limit your caffeine intake.
Caffeine is not just in coffee, it’s in tea and energy drinks, so if this is what has been getting you through the day you need to cut back on the above. Too much caffeine will in actual fact tire you out in the long run. One cup a day is ok but any more cravings and it’s time to reach for something else, try having a glass of water or a herbal tea, these will hydrate you and keep you alert. Caffeine will only tire you out and dehydrate the body.

7) Stay positive
Worry, anxiety and stress can drain your energy, even positive emotions like excitement and anticipation can wear down your energy so be sure to take the time every day to calm your mind and relax.

8 ) Vitamins
If you are not getting the sufficient amount of vitamins from your food make sure you are taking vitamins to help you along daily. Have a chat with your local health store and don’t forget to tell if you are taking any medication.

I hope this helps keep everyone energised and feeling good to kick start a great year!

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, if you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I will reply as quickly as I can.

Detox Plan – 4 Quick Kick Starters

January 5th, 2011

Detox PlanRachel here from La Spa…

New Year, New Start!!

Everybody feels sluggish after Christmas. We all also feel guilty for indulging so much!!! But these days there is no need to wallow in self pity when we can easily pick ourselves up and start the New Year as we mean to go on.

Below are some top tips for the New Year to help us all detox.

• Herbal teas are a great start in the detox process. Any teas that contain seaweed are great and also white tea and pu-erh tea are two of the most detoxing kinds of herbal teas around. These teas help to detox the liver and kidneys while also boosting the metabolism.

• Start re-introducing salads to your evening meal instead of potatoes and pasta etc. as potatoes, pasta and rice all have high sugar content and if we don’t use this sugar as energy it will get converted to fat – we don’t want that!

• Exercise is also key. Even a ½ hour walk a day is great for releasing the feel good hormones and boosts our metabolism.

• Just to kick-start some weight loss, why not try a universal contour wrap? This 2 hour wrap is guaranteed to make you loose at LEAST 6 INCHES!!

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, if you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I will reply as quickly as I can.

Red Lipstick – How To Get One That Suits?

December 14th, 2010

Rachel here from La Spa…

Have you always wanted to wear red lipstick but could never find the right colour lipstick or maybe never Red Lipstickhave the confidence?

Well then this time of year is a perfect time to start!!

Firstly, you need to know the undertones of your skin, the underlying colours in your skin tone. This is important as a lot of red lipstick has underlying tones also and this way you can choose a lipstick that will match your skin.

Once you know what skin tone you have you can then match up to your lip stick.

The following are some red shades of lipstick and the matching skin tones…

  • Blue/Red – this shade is for somebody with pale/blueish undertones in their skin
  • Orange/Red – this shade is for somebody with sallow undertones in their skin
  • Pink/Red – this shade is for somebody with peachy undertones in their skin
  • Brown/Red – this shade is for somebody with darker undertones in their skin
  • Yellow/Red – this shade is for somebody with orange undertones in their skin.

If you are unsure about what skin tone you are, what not ask a member of staff at your local day spa.

So get shopping for your festive red lipstick!!

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, if you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I will reply as quickly as I can.

Skin & Hair Care Tips When Snowed In!

December 7th, 2010

Katie here from La Spa…

Winter Hair & Skin TipsWith all this bad weather, you may not be able to get to your local day spa, so here are some home tips as to how to look after your hair & skin while you’re snowed in!!!

Hair Care

Hair mask for really dry hair:
Mix 1 mashed banana, 1 full egg, 3 tablespoons of honey, 3 tablespoons of milk and 5 tablespoons of olive oil. Leave for 15-30 mins and wash out with a gentle shampoo.

Hair mask for coloured hair:
Soften a large chunk of coconut cream in your hands and massage into your hair. Wrap your head in a warm towel and leave it on for an hour. Wash out with a gentle shampoo.

Face masks

Natural skin brightener recipe from India:
Mix a tablespoon of turmeric powder in 1 cup of plain yogurt. Leave on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse off.

Natural exfoliate for all skin types:
Mix a tiny amount of brown sugar with olive oil in your palm. Once it turns into a paste, massage into your face. Cure chapped lips by mixing brown sugar with honey and massaging into lips.

I hope this gives you something to do while you are snowed in!!

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, if you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I will reply as quickly as I can.

Massage Therapist – What Makes a Good One?

November 29th, 2010

Massage TherapistI recently read a blog on a hot stone massage that went wrong that completely shocked me. The article was on a man that got burned during a hot stone massage in a spa. The stones had been heated in a microwave and placed on his back, shoulders and legs without any protection on the skin. This caused the man third degree burns and in turn resulting in scarring.

The reason i decided to write about this article is to emphasise now important it is to have a good experienced massage therapist on board in a spa.

A hot stone massage is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable of massage treatments and it is essential a highly qualified therapist carries them out. The stones must be maintained at 120-130 F. If the stones are ever too hot for the therapist to hold then they are too hot for the client!!

All the movements must be explained to a first time client, that they will feel therapists hand first and then the heat of the stones to ensure the client does not get a shock. Feedback regarding the temperature and the pressure is essential during this massage. Only when the stones have cooled slightly may they be tucked in strategic areas such as behind the shoulders, on the back or legs.

It is so important to have a good experienced massage therapist in the spa to provide a relaxing, enjoyable, and a high standard of treatment for the client. Many things combine to make a good massage therapist whether it is their ability to create a rapport with their clients, or the little touches they add to their treatments, ultimately each persons style and energy is unique.

A good masseur is fully trained and qualified. Attention to hygiene and cleanliness is a critical aspect of their role. They need to understand what pressure is required based on the physicality of the client. The massage therapists intention is to make the client feel better, relaxed and at ease. Caring for the client is expected and is the minimum requirement.

A masseur also needs to be a brilliant communicator, building rapport and trust, has genuine interest in the client’s wellbeing and understanding what they need. They leave their own personal issues at the door and YOU are their main priority. Every massage therapist must have a high qualification in anatomy and physiology, this is so important as the client may have areas of concern that need work or areas that are contra-indicated, therefore the therapist must have the knowledge of how to handle these situations and giving the correct treatment and highest quality of client care. The power of touch is an amazing thing and is a critical part of being a good massage therapist.

Here at our Day Spa we pride ourselves on our highly qualified massage therapists, who give exceptional treatments and client care, each therapist will tailor a perfect massage to suit every clients needs.

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, if you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I will reply as quickly as I can.

Top 3 Essential Jungle Products!!!

November 22nd, 2010

Rachel here from La Spa…Top 3 Beauty Products

When watching I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!! It made me wonder what my top 3 things to bring to the jungle to help keep me looking at my best would be?!!

As we all know it takes a whole cabinet of stuff for hair skin and make-up to keep us happy so what would you take with you?

Well considering that make-up, skin care and hair care is important to us I thought I would like to bring a product from each to look and feel at my best!!

  • My mineral foundation is a must as this contains a natural SPF, does not clog pores and will give my skin a fresh healthy look.
  • As mineral make up washes off with just water, I felt that a cleanser would not be as important as a good moisturiser so I could not leave without my vital C Serum from Image skin care, which is a cosmesuitical product that gives the best results on the skin for de-hydration.
  • As there is no electricity for hair straighteners and blow dryers!! I thought that a hair mask would be the best way of keeping your hair in good condition. This would also give me something to do if I was bored!!

I would love to know what thoughts you all have on what products you find essential….