Archive for the ‘Massage’ Category

Ingrown Hairs

Saturday, January 7th, 2012

Ingrown Hairs…We all get them! But, we can also all prevent them!

An ingrown hair is when a hair grows sideways or curls back into the skin.  If the pore the hair grows in is clogged or blocked the hair is forced to grow irregularly.  They are most common in areas we shave or wax, and in people with curly hair.    Some symptoms of an ingrown hair are itching skin, red bumps, small pus filled papules, and sometimes even a rash.  Ingrown hairs can sometimes cause discomfort and can even lead to infections or scaring.  If you see an ingrown hair, you can use a warm wash cloth on the area and tweeze it out. This may cause a slight discomfort, but you want the ingrown hair out so it won’t lead to infections.

None of us want any of these symptoms, so you may ask…How do we prevent these awful ingrown hairs? (more…)

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Staying Warm = Staying Healthy

Thursday, December 1st, 2011

As adults we take great care in keeping children safe from harsh winter elements.  Do we take the same care for ourselves?  For most of us…probably not.  We have many people that depend on us to be fully functioning, especially during cold and flu season.  Most of us “know” how to bundle up, but here are a few suggestions that may make bundling up almost enjoyable!

One important choice in gearing up for winter is snow boots.  I know, I know…they are cumbersome and messy, but necessary.  Once trick I have learned over the years is to keep a pair of neutral colored shoes at work…that way I can head out the door in my boots and not worry about grabbing another pair of shoes to change in to.  Hats and gloves are also important when gearing up for winter.  90% of our body heat escapes through our head and extremities.  Keeping our head, feet, and hands covered is crucial.  These items will allow your body to retain that ‘lost’ heat.  Your body won’t have to work as hard to keep you warm.  I have also found that in harsh weather, messy hair is acceptable…so long as it is due to “hat head”.

My favorite winter accessory… (more…)

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Feeling Stressed?

Monday, November 14th, 2011

Feeling stressed?

The holiday season is creeping up on us quick!  This time of the year can cause a lot of stress.

While everyone knows that stress can take a toll on a person physically and psychologically, it also can lead to other problems, such as acne, brittle nails or even hair loss.  When you become stressed, your cortisol level rises.  This in turn causes an increase in oil production, which can lead to oily skin, acne and other related skin problems. Professionals have also found that stress has a negative effect on the barrier function of the skin, resulting in water loss that inhibits the skin’s ability to repair itself after an injury.  Scientist’s and Doctor’s have said that skin rejuvenation procedures such as Facials, Pedicures, Massages, (more…)

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Save A ‘Grinch’!

Saturday, November 12th, 2011

Holidays are so much fun for me!  But not everyone feels the same way I do…imagine that!  Sometimes the comments from those who feel “Bah-Humbug” around the Holidays can really take the fire out of you when you’re feeling so jolly and happy.  Maybe it’s the impending weather, the lack of time and money for gift shopping, or the fact that they’ve been invited to be with family that doesn’t always get along when they’re together.  Whatever the reason, most of us have run across a ‘Grinch’ or two during the Holiday season.

I find myself trying to do that little something extra for people, especially around the Holidays.  Those I know, some I don’t…even a Grinch!  Random acts of kindness can really go far.  You may not get to see the result of those acts the moment at the time, but they do make a difference!  (more…)

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Flexibility!

Saturday, October 29th, 2011

Flexibility… a lot of life’s schedule just doesn’t afford us such a comfort.  We all, at some point, have wished that things in life could be more flexible.

I get it!  I make it a priority to understand the value of flexibility when it comes to our clients.

I’ve thought long and hard about what clients have told me they want in their skincare and massage services! I’ve taken it to heart…and here are just a few of the flexible options that we offer:

- the flexibility of the services we offer! We are able to accommodate a multitude of skin issues, budgets and lifestyles!

-on-line booking… gives you a chance to book at your convenience!

-reminder calls the day before appointments…allows you to reschedule your appointment if “life” has gotten in the way again, and you are unable to make it. (more…)

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Guys, You Have Never Been To A Spa?

Tuesday, October 11th, 2011

Maybe you should try it!   Whether you are looking for hair removal, acne treatments, rejuvenation, anti-aging or just plain old stress reduction, at Kimberly Spa we take pride in addressing your individual concerns.

My own father was very reluctant to get spa treatments when I became an esthetician 15 years ago.   He is an “old-school” kind of guy…raised in an era when men never got these types of treatments.   At first, I had to talk him in to it…but now he is not only comfortable getting treatments, he actually looks forward to them!   He leaves feeling refreshed, with unclogged pores and with  younger, healthier looking skin.

A first-time male client (age 50+) who had never been into a spa before describes his experience…”I had a good feeling as soon as I walked in to Kimberly Spa.   It was luxurious, and comfortable…while still being clinically professional.   They earned my trust.”

Ladies, if you have a boyfriend, brother, father, spouse or just a good male friend who is curious about what a “spa experience” is all about…share our “Look Good~Feel Good” secret and send them to Kimberly Spa!   They will love it just as much as you do, and it will be an experience they’ll never forget!

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Leg Crossers Beware!

Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

I’ve known for a while now that I wanted to blog about the ill effects of leg crossing.  I’d heard that crossing your legs can cause varicose veins along with hip and lower back problems and poor circulation.

Crossing your legs does in fact impede circulation.  It puts uneven pressure on your lower back, specifically your sacrum.  So why do we do it?  72% of women surveyed (Yahoo Answers) say they cross their legs out of habit.  Others do it because  it is more comfortable and some were taught that it is polite.  Like all bad habits, it takes recognizing the habit before you can break it.

I propose a solution to breaking this potentially painful habit.  (more…)

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Why Water?

Thursday, September 15th, 2011

Monday through Friday, 9-5…and once that afternoon stretch hits you seem to start dragging.  Tired, can’t concentrate?  Most people would never think of grabbing a glass of water, but this could be just what you need.

Not drinking enough water can be the problem to several of your bodily aches pains and dysfunctions.  Next to air, water is the element most necessary for survival, making up 60-70% of the body.  H2O assists with digestion, metabolism and joint lubrication.  Lack of  water intake can cause the digestive system to be less effective; increasing body fat, toxicity in the body; causing heart burn and stomach aches, poor muscle and size, and joint and muscle soreness.  Digestion and metabolism cannot happen effectively without the dilution and lubrication of fluids.  Kidneys remove uric acid and urea…these need to be diluted down otherwise they build up and can cause kidney stones.  Dehydration may (more…)

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Massages: How Long Is Long Enough?

Monday, August 15th, 2011

Sometimes just looking at a spa menu can cause stress and since that defeats the purpose of ‘treating’ yourself, I would like to help make your massage decision stress free!  

So…How long of a massage should you get?  As a massage fanatic myself, I can honestly say that a half hour has never been long enough.  However, a half hour massage, if you are in a serious time crunch, have a specific issue, or scheduled at the end of a long day…may be just right for you.  The one hour massage is about right for relieving the “everyday” stresses.  In that time frame, your therapist should be able to get your whole body relaxed.  A ninety minute treatment is great for relieving those everyday stresses plus allowing a little more time for work on one or more specific areas.  Clients that have increased or intensified work out schedules are great candidates for the ninety minute Therapeutic Sports Massage.   Your therapist can also adjust the intensity of your massage based on your bodies response to the treatment, so make sure to let them know.

Want to add a little ‘boost’ to your massage? Make it an Aromatherapy Massage and choose from the Aroma ‘Mood’ that suits you best…Stress Relief (for relaxation and balance), Enlightening (for meditation and clarity), Energizing (for cleansing and uplifting) or Clearing (for respiratory and muscle relief).

Once you have committed to spending the time with us, help us to help you receive your best massage ever!!

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It’s Your Massage…Have It Your Way!

Tuesday, July 26th, 2011

    Okay, so we all know Burger King’s slogan “Have it your way”.  I’ve adopted that slogan, and I would love for my clients to do so as well.  You would not believe some of the things that clients have said other Massage Therapists have told them.  One of the worst was when I was meeting with one of my elderly clients for the first time, and I noticed how nervous and agitated she was.  Before I could ask what I could do to help her calm down she said to me in a very shaky voice, “I do not really want to take all of my clothes off, but the other lady I saw told me I had to take everything off…even my underclothes.”  That really floored me!  Under no circumstances should anyone tell you that you have to take off any clothes.  When massaging it is easier to really work the muscles with as few layers between my hands and the actual muscles as possible, but no professional Massage Therapist should/will ever tell you that you HAVE to remove your clothes.  Heck, wear all of your clothes and throw a parka on top if you want to!  However you are going to be the most comfortable and the most relaxed, your way is the best way!

Communication is not only important to you, the client, but is also the only way that we as Massage Therapists are going to know if the treatments are working for you or not.  For some, it is difficult to be able to say “Hey, you are hurting me”, or “That may be a little more than I can handle”.  Remember, pain is not good, even if you have been told so or if you feel that to really get better you should feel some pain.  That just isn’t true.  Be mindful of the difference between ‘good pain’ and ‘bad pain’! (more…)

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