Botox isn’t just for women anymore. Well, it was never just for women, but more and more men are discovering Botox these days. The reason is that men are becoming more concerned about their  appearance than ever before.

Concern For Appearance

This concern for appearance isn’t new in the animal kingdom.  Think about animals in the wild, like lions and peacocks.  It is the male peacock that has the bright tail features, and the male lion who has the attractive mane.  But in the human species, especially in our western culture, men have been told for generations that it is women who care about their personal appearance and that caring about your looks just isn’t manly. 

Well, the times they are a changing…

And why shouldn’t they?  Men go to the gym and work out to get healthy.  They try to eat right, take vitamins and supplements, and spend money on haircuts and new suits.  Using a product like Botox just seems to be part of the natural order of things when you think about it.  Men work long hours, the modern equivalent of the ancient hunting and gathering rite.  Rewarding themselves with an improved appearance is its own reward, in addition to making them more attractive to women. 

Botox For Professional Reasons

Even if a man is busy in the workforce, it doesn’t take that much time these days to schedule a Botox  treatment, which is often called the ‘Lunchtime Treatment’.  The reasons for getting the treatment are different for men than for women, according to many professionals.  It is very common to find men who have deep furrows and wrinkles that can give the appearance of being grumpy or angry.  No one wants to give this appearance, but men especially may worry about it for businesses reasons.  A sales representative needs to look professional and happy, and if he has furrows or wrinkles that give the wrong impression, that can cost him money in lost business.  Relationship building and consulting don’t go as well when the client thinks you are angry. 

Entertainers Use Botox

Men who work in entertainment and film industries worry about giving the wrong impression.  Musicians, actors, and others who are constantly in from of the public may look at Botox. 

Professional reasons and business reasons become even more critical in a tight economy, and in a culture such as ours which equates youthful appearance with friendliness and attractiveness.  Men want to get rid of crow’s feet just as much as women do.  As the baby boom generation gets older, they have the free time and disposable income to take care of these things, which might not have been thought of by previous generations.

No More Social Stigma

Another reason that men are increasingly looking at Botox treatment is that social stigmas are more relaxed now than they have ever been for men caring about their appearance.  Reality television shows, such as Queer Eye for the Straight Guy have allowed everyone to sit at home and see men getting makeovers of all types to improve the way they look and getting positive results.  We see men on the tube who are happy with Botox treatments, and that is enough incentive for the rest of the male population to join in.

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They say that eyes are the windows to the soul.  If that’s true, then how much more can people tell about you by looking at your skin, especially those areas that get noticed first?  Your face, hands, and neck, and—depending on the outfit—your upper chest are almost always exposed.  Your skin speaks volumes about you and your general health and lifestyle before you ever have the chance to utter a word.  What your skin says is only part of your story, but that story gets more complex as the years go by, leaving telltale signs of the ups and downs of your life right there on the surface for everyone to see.  And time marches ever onward. 

 

Fortunately, so does the science of skin care technology!  While this science has brought a plethora of skin rejuvenating and resurfacing options in recent years, there’s a brand new one that promises to create quite a buzz in the medspa And medical community.  Recently, at the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference held in

Las Vegas, June 2-4 a new treatment was introduced, the Ultimate MicroLaser Peel .  This revolutionary laser system offers spa clients a safe and effective treatment for pigmentation, texture, tone and fine eye lines with little to no downtime or discomfort.  The Ultimate MicroLaser Peel  laser system is designed for medspa and medical clients who are looking for simple, preventive, topical skin treatment options, without much downtime.

           

 

What is a medspa?

Think of it as your typical day spa…with advanced options.  Short for medical spa, a medspa operates under the full-time supervision of a licensed healthcare professional. Spa therapists and medical personnel work together, integrating clinical-grade aesthetic enhancement and spa treatments/concepts. Most services are minimally invasive and require little downtime, though guests may be able to meet with an on-site surgeon to discuss more in depth treatments. 

How does the Ultimate MicroLaser Peel Treatment work?

The best way to answer this question is to think of your skin as an image on a television screen.  TV images are actually made up of millions of tiny pixels, the sum of which makes up the entire picture.  Like so many pixels, Ultimate MicroLaser Peel affects only a fraction of your skin at a time with microscopic laser columns no wider than the width of a hair.  This process creates a pattern of evenly spaced microscopic laser “spots” that are actually pinpointed single skin cells. Because the skin surrounding the spots is not treated, healing occurs quickly, leaving virtually no telltale signs. Repeated treatments create additional spots, until the entire skin surface is treated.

According to Dr. Lycka, “the precise treatment eliminates old, damaged surface cells and penetrates deep into the inner layers of the skin (dermis) to initiate and encourage the body

‘s own natural healing process. As healing begins, the damaged skin is replaced with fresh, healthy skin and new collagen is formed deep in the subsurface layers.”

 

It is the perfect way to improve texture, tone and pores; erase unwanted brown spots; smooth wrinkles and acne scars; and rejuvenate your neck, chest and hands…all with minimal downtime. 

 

Does it hurt?

This laser treatment is relatively painless, though a topical anesthesia may be applied prior to the treatment.  If a significant area will be treated, your doctor will consult with you to develop a pain management approach.

 

How many treatments will I need?

Because roughly 20-25% of the skin in any treated area is affected with each application, 3 to 5 sessions are generally required to reap the greatest results.  Sessions are optimally scheduled 2-4 weeks apart, which means that your skin will enjoy a subtle, ongoing journey toward gaining a youthful, vibrant glow. 

 

What about recovery?

Most likely, you’ll find yourself back at work or play within a few days of your treatment.  Of course, it all depends on your skin condition and the scope of your treatment.  For about 5-7 days, you’ll look and feel like the affected area has a mild sunburn.  This is actually a normal sign that your skin is healing.  If you have any swelling at all, it will be mild and will disappear within a couple of days or so.

New epidermal skin forms in about 24 hours.  Essentially, the Ultimate MicroLaser Peel treatment will expedite an extended healing process.  Following the initial redness, your skin will have a bronze appearance lasting anywhere from 3 to 14 days, depending on your treatment level.  All the while, your skin will flake, naturally and vigorously exfoliating as new skin cells replace dead ones.  Moisturizer can lessen the signs of flaking.  Of course, you should continuously wear sunscreen, too, for several months after treatments and wear hats when in direct sunlight.  Give your skin ample time to heal.

Remember, your skin is a veritable billboard that travels with you everywhere you go, telling everyone you meet about your health and lifestyle.  Why not make it your greatest asset when it comes to the image you project? 

A new body sculpting technique called SmartLipo™ promises to get rid of fat with less pain and a quicker recovery than traditional liposuction. And now it’s being offered by Doctor Barry Lycka, after Cynosure™, the companythat developed the laser approached him about it. It should come as no surprise to you that he’s one of the first in

Canada to offer it.

The Health Protection Branch of the government of

Canada has recently approved the SmartLipo™ system which uses laser light to melt away those nagging problem areas rather than the traditional suction apparatus. As a result, it’s designed to be more efficient and easier on the patient. Again, it should be no surprise to you that Doctor Lycka has been following this developing technology since the early 1990’s, ever since his friend, Dr. David Apfelberg , a plastic surgeon from

Palo Alto, California, introduced him to it. It has received a lot of Pr in the press, occurring in last November’s people magazine.Another friend, Dr. Thomas Jeneby, a plastic surgeon at the Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Center, in San Antonio, wais one of the first in the United States to use the technique. “The heat and the light break up the fat cells themselves, and then it turns into a liquid, and then you just take a small, little cannula and remove the liquid,” Jeneby said. The Smart Lipo hand piece itself is smaller than the one used for traditional liposuction — it

‘s about as big around as a pencil lead, whereas a traditional cannula is about the size of a pencil Since the procedure doesn

‘t involve physically breaking up the fat, Smart Lipo can be performed under local anesthesia. The heat generated by the laser cauterizes blood vessels, creating less bruising, and patients don

‘t have to wait as long to see the full effect. “The heat actually causes the dermis, or the layer of skin under the skin you see, to shrink. So, you get almost an immediate result, rather than waiting six weeks for the skin to shrink on its own,” Jeneby said.What are the benefits to the patient?ü      Significantly reduced bleeding, bruising and swelling, decreasing the patients downtimeü      Significantly improved tissue tighteningü      Less tissue invasion and disruption due to miniaturization of the deviceü      Precise visual targeting of the treatment areas making challenging areas easier to doü      General anesthesia not required making the treatment saferü      Postoperatively, compression garments need to be worn only for a few daysOne downside is that Smart Lipo costs a little bit more than the traditional method. But for those who are concerned about their bodies, nothing can offer the results of SmartLipo™. If you would like additional information, give Dr. Lycka a call today at 1-780-425-1212.

Liver spots – as the name implies – really have nothing to do with your liver. They get their name from their color, nothing else. More commonly called age spots, theyt also have otbher names such as “senile spots”. I prefer to call them wisdom spots. . Those little brown patches that pop up on your hands, arms, back, and chest are definitely not a welcome sight. But what can you do about them?Heavy sun exposure and your genes determine whether you get sun spots and how early they occur. Type 1 skin, the skin that never tans and alsways burns,  will see the earlier development of age spots - in some cases as early as the thirty age group.. What is fairly certain though, is that almost everyone will eventually see the results of sun exposure on your face and body - and it may not be pretty.So - despite their name and contrary to popular belief, age spots aren’t caused simply by your skin getting older. They are the result of sun damage - if you lived to be 99 years old and had never had sun exposure, you wouldn

‘t have a single age spot.Most age spots are simply harmless, so there’s no need to worry about them as a health risk. Of course - just because age spots are unlikely to harm your health, that doesn

‘t mean you have

 to live with them.Blemishes on the skin can cause you to feel less happy about your appearance and undermine your overall self-confidence - and nothing adds more years than lack of confidence about how you look. Age spots are naturally associated with age and you may be self-conscious about them simply because of that.

But the good news is you don

‘t have to put up with them if you

‘re unhappy - taking action to deal with something so apparently trivial as age spots can be a huge boost to your self-esteem. Age spots can be treated with increasing success nowadays and you have a range of options to choose from.To start with, you may want to consider a fade cream which is simply a topical anti aging skin treatment that contains a skin bleaching agent – in the

US this is usually hydroquinone. The level of the active ingredient is important - the fade cream will not work effectively if it contains only a small amount of the key active ingredient. The effect of a sufficiently strong fade cream will be to lighten the age spots gradually over time so they become less noticeable.Other ingredients are used in fade creams outside the

US where there is a bit of controversy about the effect of hydroquinone on skin cell health. Other topical creams are based on vitamin A (Retinol),Vitamin K, glycolic acid and licorice extract - again used at high enough doses to help lessen the appearance of the sun spot over time.What is important in using any type of cream for age spots is that you keep going even if you don

‘t get an instant result. The formulation of these creams is meant to be effective over a fairly long period of time when used as recommended. Failing to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturers will mean a less successful outcome.If you want a more instant result - you may prefer to opt for a chemical peel - perhaps after an initial application of a good fade cream. Chemical peels that use glycolic acid work by removing the outer layers of skin and the age spots together. Bear in mind that a chemical peel may not work instantly to get rid of all your age spots. You may need repeated treatments in order to completely remove them.A more effective and much more long term treatment to consider is laser resurfacing which works in a simular way to a chemical peel by removing the outer layers of skin with the age spots. Laser treatment is extremely effective and likely to be much more long term than a chemical peel but it can be costly.

Prevention is always better than cure - especially if you spend a small fortune on treating your age spots. The best way to prevent age spots recurring is to use an effective sunscreen or sun block.

An anti aging moisturizer with a broad spectrum sunscreen should be an essential part of your daily skin care routine. The result will be younger looking skin - less wrinkled, smoother and free of age spots.

---

Like so many things accepted as part of the normal aging process - age spots are completely avoidable. Anti aging sun protection creams are very sophisticated now - giving us the option to prevent age spots and other signs of skin damage by proper anti aging skin care. Looking younger is really a choice women of any age can make.
 

Wrinkles are inevitable, but there are treatments available to minimize wrinkles and maintain a youthful and healthy look.  There are three different kinds or levels of wrinkles.  One is called static wrinkles which tend to rear their ugly heads due to lack of elasticity of the skin caused by sun damage, smoking, genetics or poor nutrition. 

Static facial wrinkles are the ones that stay even when we have relaxed our facial muscles from laughing, smiling or frowning.  Facial treatments that plump the skin or remove the damage skin are effective in diminishing static wrinkles.  Treatments such as laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels remove the damaged skin and stimulate new collagen formation which improves the skins appearance resulting in a youthful, radiance look. 

Laser therapy, Intense Pulsed Light technology, and microdermabrasion also are very effective in diminishing the fine lines or static wrinkles.  In some cases, Botox treatments also are used to improve the appearance of static wrinkles and may prevent the static wrinkles from getting deeper.  A skilled esthetician or cosmetic surgeon is trained to know which treatment is best for you.

 

The Miraval Life in Balance Resort and Spa is renown both for its luxury, environmental-friendly accommodations and its commitment to excellence in customer service.  Located in the Catalina Desert north of Tucson, Arizona, enjoys an outstanding reputation for helping guests find and/or restore a level of balance in their lives through proper exercise, healthy eating, self-reflection and self-awareness.

 

On account of its premiere offerings, world-class staff, refined menus and full range of spiritual and physical activities, Miraval continues to rank among the top spas in the world and, thus, attract renown clientele the likes of talk show host extraordinaire, Oprah Winfrey.

 

It stands to reason that Oprah Winfrey and her best gal pal, broadcast journalist Gail King, selected Miraval as the site to bring 60 women guests as a way of presenting them a rewarding challenge.

 

Calling it both the “Ultimate Girls’ Getaway” and “Oprah and Gayle’s Big Spa Adventure,” the memorable trip included many outstanding moments. While on the surface it may have looked like the women were being whisked away for a relaxing retreat, there was another plan rumbling beneath the surface.  Oprah and Gayle had another plan in mind.

 

Upon arrival at Miraval, that plan was unveiled!

 

When Oprah, Gayle and their 60 guests arrived at Miraval they were greeted by Molly, their Challenge Facilitator, who introduced them to their introductory activity, A Swing and a Prayer, during which each participant was to hang 40 feet up in the air until ready to ‘let go’ and fall to an inflated mattress below.

 

Naturally, as the underlying theme at the Miraval Spa is to practice letting go of excess baggage, the activity is symbolic of a deeper type of emotional release, one in which the person is truly ready to be free and live an unencumbered life.

 

Prior to embarking on this initial quest, Molly, their Miraval spa personal challenge guru, informed all of the guests they would regularly be asked—and should continually ask themselves— “What is your intention?” The underlying question was, “What do you want to experience or accomplish today?”

 

As Molly got each to woman share her goals for the day’s exercise, it became crystal clear that focused, meaningful experiences—and not just massages and manicures—were at the core of the group’s complementary spa visit.

 

Poised to embark on the A Swing and a Prayer exercise, Oprah said that her goal was “More joy.” Although she stated she was already pretty joyful, she also said joy is one thing you can never have enough of!  Bring it on: “…more joy!”

 

Oprah, the brave soul she is, volunteered to go first. Aside from being pretty talkative—and probably nervous—she managed to easily let go of the rope and descend to the ground bellowing the words, “More Joy.”

 

When it came time for Ms. Gail to follow suit, she appeared to be far more afraid than her best buddy. Reluctant to let go of the rope, when Molly asked what was preventing her from letting go, Gail sniped back, “Fear!”

 

Molly did her best to assuage Gayle’s fears by offering advice and questioning her intentions.  Gayle finally faced those fears, set her intention on personal growth, and took it upon herself to let go of the rope.

 

After falling through the air and landing safely on the mattress, Gayle, who still seemed a bit miffed by the entire experience, firmly stated, “That was very frightening to me and I’ll never do that again.” 

While this snippet from Oprah and Gayle’s “Big Spa Adventure” does have a humorous element to it, there’s an upshot in all of it, a deeper meaning from which we can all glean some meaning and maybe even hone our own intentions.  The experiences of these women illustrate that success in one realm does not exclude fear in others.  Successful people quite simply do not let their fears restrain them.   

 While a fear (some say it is an acronym for False Evidence Appearing Real) isn’t necessarily something to be ashamed of, it is something to be reckoned with.  Not realized and addressed, it can hamper your goals and your progress toward them.  The overriding idea then is to identify the fear and then find ways to overcome it. At Miraval, you’ll face those fears head-on! 

The four-pronged approach outlined to Oprah, Gayle and their guests by Miraval Life Coach Martha Beck contained the four following elements: stillness, truth, desire and trust. 

1.    Focus on staying still in order to hear what your inner voice is saying to you. Be willing to experience some discomfort when sitting still as it is likely to bring up difficult emotions like fear, anger, sadness, and other feelings that you would prefer to avoid.

2.    Identify your own truth by answering the completing the following statements:

a.       What I really don

‘t want to know is that…

b.      I

‘m avoiding looking at the fact that…

c.       The absolute bottom-line truth about my life is…

d.      The thing I

‘m avoiding thinking about is…

 

3.    Determine what you personally desire out of life as opposed to what other people want for you or that which you think you should want.

4.    Develop a sense of trust and faith that the universe will provide everything you need and that your life will work out just as it is meant to be.

 

Look online for more information about Miraval and talk to your cosmetic surgeon about any questions you may have on spa options.  In the meantime, consider what’s keeping you clinging to that figurative rope in your own life…and what you have to gain by letting go!

Perlane is a clear gel, derived from a non-animal hyaluronic acid, that is designed for injection into deep facial folds and wrinkles.  It can also be used for lip augmentation as well as for contouring of the cheeks and chin to minimize facial depressions or scarring.  Perlane has the same chemical makeup as the common cosmetic filler Restylane, but with a larger concentration of hyaluronic acid.  Because of this, it is better suited than Restylane for larger wrinkles and folds, and lasts longer than Restylane. Perlane has recently received FDA approval.  It has been approved and is commercially available in Europe, Latin America and Canada. 
 
How Does it Work?

Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the skin and other body tissues; in our bodies, this substance depletes as we age.  Small amounts of Perlane are injected just under the skin’s surface using an ultra-fine needle.  It works with your body’s own hyaluronic acid to instantly create natural volume and smooth lines, providing a more youthful appearance.  Perlane does not contain an anesthetic, so skin must be treated with a regional block such as a numbing cream prior to treatment.

Why Should I use Perlane?

Perlane is popular for temporary correction of a number of very common skin conditions, including worry lines, smile lines, crow’s feet, deep nasiolabial folds, marionette lines at the corners of the mouth, wrinkles caused by smoking, cheek depressions and acne scars.  It can also be used to redefine the borders of lips, make lips fuller and more pouty, augment the chin, fill cheek depressions, fill hollows under the eyes, soften the appearance of jowls and create a temporary, nonsurgical eyebrow lift.  One of the main advantages of using a hyaluronic acid filler like Perlane is that it does not pose an allergy risk. 

After Treatment

There can be side effects to Perlane treatment, including temporary swelling, pain, itching and tenderness at the injection site.  Because Perlane is a natural substance, it is biodegradable and thus its effects are not permanent.  Treatments last between six months and one year, longer than collagen or Restylane.

How Much Does it Cost?

Because Perlane is not yet approved for use in the U.S., it is hard to say how much it will cost.  In other countries where this filler is popular, a typical cost is around U.S. $600 for a 1 cc/ml syringe of Perlane, slightly more than for Restylane.

For further information, you might want to compare other injectable treatments such as Botox, Restylane and Collagen. Treatment is always better when you have all the facts about plastic surgery and cosmetic enhancement procedures.

Spa DefinitionThe International Spa Association (ISPA) formally defines spas as, “Forums devoted to enhancing well-being through a range of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit.”  

Originating from the Latin verb, spagere, meaning to pour forth, the word spa elicits images of lush health retreats boasting an array of holistic treatment options complemented by healthy spa-style cuisine. 

The bottom line is that spas provide you with numerous options to enhance the way you look and feel…from the inside out. 

Spa Service ProvisionsTo meet the worldwide demand of people aspiring to attain better health and look more youthful, the spa industry—which generates revenues in excess of $50 billion per year—the spa industry continually expands and diversifies its service provisions. 

Referred to as lifestyle pursuits, spas now address a full realm of focal points from therapeutic and holistic programs to specialized disciplines and exotic destinations.  

Spa Categories & OptionsTo date, spafinder.com classifies spas into the following ten categories: connoisseur spas, community spas, casino spas, day spas, dental spas, destination spas, medspas-cosmetic, medspas-wellness, mobile spas and resort/hotel spas. And within the growing number of spas coming onto the scene, the number of categories is certain to increase. 

While those categories intersect and overlap in delightful ways, the general breakdown helps you to select a spa based upon desired criteria. Choices are good, so don’t be overwhelmed by them.  The best way to select a spa is to make a list of priorities. For example, are you more interested in the geographic locale or the whether the spa offers a full-range of fitness and nutritional programs? 

Once you determine your number one concern you can then go about researching all of the spas that fall under this main category.  You then can further search for a spa based upon your second and third priorities, holistic treatment options and organic food, for instance.  

Another way to search for a spa is to focus upon the activities you want to experience and/or the results you hope to attain.  Considering things like adopting a healthier lifestyle, eliminating impurities from the body, partaking in active, outdoor activities, etc.  

Generally, full-service spas tend to offer the following the categories as part of their menu provisions: massages, facials/skincare treatments, salon services, bodywork, fitness, nutrition, physical-outdoor activities and spiritual pursuits. 

The number of offerings under any one given category is dependent upon the nature of the spa, its particular area of specialty, geographical locale and locally available offerings.  

For example, the Boulders/Golden Door Spa in Carefree, Arizona boasts a signature body wrap made from such local ingredients as blue cornmeal and ionized turquoise clay.  The Fairmont Banff Springs/Willow Stream Spa in Banff, Alberta, Canada, draws from the fact that it is nestled in the Canadian Rockies where visitors can take advantage of the natural healing waters. 

Forbes Magazine’s Spa Assessment

 In July of 2005, Forbes Magazine ran an article entitled, “Most Luxurious Spas in the US.”  There Jim Coyle, president and founder of the New York based hospitality consulting firm, Coyle Hospitality, stated, “Spa treatments used to be an indulgent buy two years ago. Now they are a lifestyle buy.”  Spas are now considered part of healthy lifestyle. 

 

In Forbes Magazine’s follow-up article entitled, “The Most Luxurious Spas in the World,” Kate Mearns, chairman of Kentucky-based International Spa Association, said, “Consumers are savvy, and they are starting to look at spas as a requisite part of staying healthy.”In addition, Mearns commented that people are also busier and, as such, are hoping to have all the services they seek not just consolidated under one roof but within the very same room. He went on to say that one thing is true regardless of where in the world you may be. “Globally, the No. 1 spa treatment is a massage…People go to spas to relieve stress and feel relaxed and that isn

‘t likely to change.” 

Popular Spa ServicesWhat do continue to change are the types of services and provisions offered by spas. You’ll commonly find options like these on spa menus:Ayurvedic programs—Based upon ancient Indian folk medicine teachings, Ayurvedic principles address nutrition, herbal supplements, massage, meditation and aromatherapy. They are intended to restore a person’s inner balance.

Bindi–This is a type of bodywork featuring a trifecta of exfoliation, herbal treatment, and light massage.Body Wrap—Also known as herbal wraps, these are intensive treatments where cloth strips of cloth are soaked in herbal teas and swathed on the body. Colonic—Also referred to as hydrotherapy and colon cleansing, the process essentially involves an irrigation of the colon for the purpose of eliminating harmful toxins. Eco-spas—In addition to being situated in environmentally preserved settings, these are spas that emphasize sustainable lifestyle practices such as organic gardening, land preservation, water conservation, and ecological building design. They also strive, through sensitivity training, to make guests aware of environmental issues and helpful protocols.Fango—Derived from the Italian word for mud, this treatment features a mineralized mud solvent that is liberally applied all over the body as a way of detoxifying the skin, soothing the muscles, and promoting circulation. Hot Stone Therapy—This is a therapeutic treatment whereby smooth stones heated in hot water are applied to such parts of the body as the back, the palms of the hands, and in-between the toes to promote relaxation, usually before a massage. Lymph Drainage—This type of massage treats you to a gentle massage where wave-like movements are intended to stimulate circulation in the lymph system and drain away excess toxins. Microdermabrasion—This is a facial skincare procedure involving a procedure referred to ‘sandblasting,’ whereby very fine crystals of aluminum oxide are used to remove the top layer of skin.  

Nutraceuticals—These are foods items containing added supplements like herbs, vitamins, or minerals for the purpose of promoting good health and preventing disease.  

Oxygen Facial—This is an anti-aging facial treatment whereby oxygen and other nutrients are sprayed onto the face.  

Paraffin Treatment—Available as part of a manicure, pedicure or all over body treatment, the process involves brushing wax over the entire body as a means of soothing muscles and removing the dead skin.  

Phytotherapy—A healing treatment made from botanicals (plants), it is commonly used as part of a massage/wrap, inhalation treatment, and homeopathy. 

Qi Gong (also spelled Chi Gung or Chi Kung)—From the Chinese words ‘qi’ meaning energy and ‘gong’ meaning something achieved through practice, this term refers to a group of Chinese self-healing exercises focused on breathing and mental imagery. 

Reiki—This term refers to a Japanese healing practice involving hands-on healing for the purpose of lulling the client into a state of deep relaxation and genuine well-being.  

Shiatsu—In this Japanese massage technique, the therapist exerts pressure upon specific points on the body. In turn, the process helps to simulate and unblock meridians (pathways through which energy flows).  

Swedish Massage—This classical European massage technique in which massage oils are used to relieve muscular tension, improve circulation and increase flexibility.  

Thai massage –This style is a combined full-body treatment inclusive of Yoga-like stretching and a pressure-point massage (Shiatsu) along specific points on the body for the purpose of releasing pent-up frustrations and cultivating peace and awareness. 

 

Some recent additions to spa options:Blackberry Balm Hand Massage—Of course, this is a new on-site treatment geared to offer relief to those who suffer from Blackberry Thumb due to overuse and excessive text emailing on such high-tech PDA devices.  

Mobile Spas—These spas do not have permanent sites but instead perform treatments at clients’ homes, places of work or other designated locations.Serenity Showers—This very high-end amenity-driven spa features 18-shower heads that simulate the pulsating sensations of a real-life waterfall. 

Somme Vitamin Facials—Employing the patented technology known as MTD5, this supplement-based treatment infuses the skin with high concentrations of essential vitamins A, B, C, D and E. 

Rollersage—Relatively new, this hybrid treatment is part hot stone massage and part Swedish massage. This is only one example of a larger movement whereby spa and fitness centers are combining modalities on the heels of Yogalates, a combination of Yoga and Pilates.  Spa Services OverviewThere are nearly as many different spa service options as there are spas. Offering guests the benefit of a wide array of choices, spas continue to ensure their appeal by constantly updating traditional offering like microdermabrasion; combining services in spas and medspas; and putting delicious spins on things by adding ingredients like chocolate, peppermint, and caviar to classic services like facials, foot scrubs and body wraps. 

There truly is something for everyone.  Whatever that something may be, it ultimately feels good, makes you look good…and sometimes even tastes good!

You’re planning your big day.  The bridal groom and bridal parties, the family, the friends, the attire, the menu…the stress!  Of course, planning your wedding—be it an intimate gathering or a massive gala event—is joyful but also inherently stressful.  Ultimately, when all is said and done, the day will be perfect.  It won’t matter that your nephew decided to try out his in-line skates on the dance floor or that your distant aunt and uncle called you by the wrong name.  Your wedding is about you and the love of your life. 

To keep the focus on the joy and the two of you, make sure that you have a page in your wedding planner titled “Spa Getaway.”  Who ever said that you necessarily had to save the spa for your honeymoon?  While a resort spa is a great honeymoon vacation, don’t overlook the relaxing, therapeutic options for your indulgence before your wedding, too.  Yes, weaving plans for spa treatments into your pre-wedding plans will help ensure that your day-of-all-days is exactly what it should be…a celebration of everything good in your life. 

Unless you are a spa lifestyle veteran, considering adding the spa to your plans may bring up more questions than answers.  Well, relax.  This experience is supposed to help you reduce and avoid stress, not magnify it, remember?  You have more fabulous options than you realize, all within easy reach. 

Where to begin?

Big wedding, small wedding, day spa or resort spa, you can find all of the qualities you’re looking for in the total experience.  Once you have your wedding location picked out, the Internet can provide you with information on spas in the area.  Spafinder.com is a wonderful resource.  This site offers information on over 3,600 spas worldwide, so you can’t go wrong.  It and other sites like it offer basic information as well as gift certificates, so when it comes to wedding gifts, feel free to direct your friends and family to the specifics of what you have in mind.  Shopping for wedding gifts can be tricky, so they’ll probably appreciate the help!  If you are using a professional wedding planner service, let your planner know that you would like to incorporate a spa visit in your plans.

Many spas and spa networking sites offer wedding packages that include bridal shower themes and couples’ themes.  But, let your imagination be your guide.  If you don’t see what you like, don’t hesitate to create your own package for a half-day, full-day or extended stay of bliss. 

Oh, the Options!

Most spas offer salon services, and what better way to prepare for your big day than being coiffed and waited on at the same time in the comfort of a beautiful, relaxing environment?  Step into the spa day before or morning of your wedding, and you’ll emerge with the clarity and relaxation that will make your day all the more enjoyable.

A Good Hair Day

Perfect wedding day hair is essential for both men and women.  Whether you need a cut, color, or just styling, contact the salon you have in mind to learn the spectrum of services they offer.

Best Face Forward

Why not start your wedding day with a facial?  Yes, men get facials, too.  After a mild exfoliation, you’ll look vibrant and ready to face your future spouse with a youthful glow.  Brides can then enjoy having their makeup done by a professional, for that picture-perfect look. 

Hands and Feet

Don’t forget about that quintessential wedding day hand photo.  You’ll want your hands to look their best for that one.  Now, lest you think that a manicure means simply having your nails done, think again.  A modern manicure will, indeed, leave you with beautiful nails, but it will also rejuvenate the skin with skin softening treatments and perhaps even a paraffin dip to give the skin a polished, youthful glow.  While you’re seated in that comfy chair, give you feet some attention, too, with a full pedicure. 

The Ahhhhh of Massage

So, while all of those external treatments do wonders for how you feel on the inside, too, by boosting your confidence, how about something to truly both relax you and to get those endorphins flowing to prime you for the day ahead?  A Swedish, Hot Stone or other gentle massage will help to melt away any pre-wedding jitters and send you off as relaxed as possible.  You’ll want to avoid Deep Tissue or other more aggressive massages, as they work on a deeper level and may leave your muscles a bit achy—not the feeling you want as you walk down the aisle.

For less traditional couples, you may even opt for a couple’s massage before getting ready for your ceremony.  This is a great option for relaxing together and setting the tone for an intimate, romantic beginning to the wedding day. 

The Best Laid Plans…

…are sure to result in a wedding day that brings joy both on the actual day and with each memory through the years.  So, indulge yourself and your loved one!  Some intentional pampering and indulgence will set the tone for your marriage and serve you well for years to come.

It seems that in today’s day and age, your appearance may have more of an influence on how you are treated, the types of jobs you will receive and how much money you will make. You hope that your talents, skills and personality will win people over, but the sad reality is that if you don’t look a certain way, the odds are against you.

            Not too long ago, MTV featured a program about young adults who were having extreme cosmetic surgery (or “makeovers”) done to look like their favorite celebrities in exchange for hopeful relationships, better jobs and popularity.

The Statistics

According to the

American

Academy of Cosmetic Surgery’s 2006 Consumer Perception Survey Results:

• 20% of the population aspires to have some type of cosmetic surgery done at some point in their life
• An overwhelming five out of six consumers believe that personal appearance is key to professional success
• The two most wanted celebrity features, according to the survey, are Jennifer Aniston’s eyes for women (46%) and Nick Lachey’s abs for men (51%)
• If there was disposable income to be had, 46% of consumers say they would forego an expensive vacation or luxury car to pay for cosmetic surgery

Influences

The media pushes celebrity news at us at every corner. The younger generation — especially young women — have found that in order to be accepted by their peers, it’s important to wear the clothes or accessories that celebrities wear, while popular fashion magazines rarely feature clothes over size 6. These unrealistic expectations have led to numerous eating disorders and excessive cosmetic surgeries to look a certain way as celebrities and models do.

            Television shows now include beautiful, thin women married to unattractive, overweight men, which indicates that women still need to look a certain way, while men don’t need to focus nearly as much on their physical appearances. And you won’t find many “super model” types promoting household cleansers.

            Katie Couric made media history when she became the evening news anchor and managing editor for CBS, but found that her talents and qualifications didn’t matter nearly as much as how she appeared on camera, or what type of clothes she wore. In her first week at CBS, CNN and other major news networks criticized Couric for wearing white and debated whether or not she had “work” done. Even print ads for CBS were digitally enhanced to portray a “thinner” Katie. Time, a reputable news magazine, seemed to also overlook her credentials: “Couric has a gymnast’s flexibility and a sometimes deceptive amiability: more than one interviewee has fallen into the Venus flytrap of her neighborly charm.”

What To Do if You’re “Just Average”

Looks may seem important, but only to the superficial. If you think you’re “just average” or below average, don’t fret. People may not take an instant notice to you by your looks alone, but once you are given the opportunity to let your personality shine, you will discover that those worth knowing will like you for who you are and not what you look like.

            The reality show, Beauty and the Geek, reveals that this is quite true. As geeky guys partner-up with gorgeous dim-witted girls, two worlds collide and the lessons are learned, as the hotties discover “not to judge a book by its cover” (and reading isn’t so bad after all).

            If you still feel unsatisfied with how you look — based on your own opinion and not what other people think — consider your options. If it’s your weight that you struggle with, try exercise and dieting. If it’s your complexion that makes you feel self-conscious, try finding products that will help treat the problem or talk to your physician for specific medications. If you have physical deformities, consult your physician for cosmetic surgery options, if necessary.

            Some women have found that having their breasts enlarged gave them greater confidence and made them feel “womanly”. Acne scars or minor facial flaws can be safely eliminated through a series of chemical peels or laser surgery. And fine lines and wrinkles can disappear with injections of Botox or microdermabrasion.

            Good looks always fade with age, and many relationships that are developed based on looks alone will fade just as quickly. Even though we live in a world where your looks can make or break you, the saying still hold true, “It’s what’s on the inside that matters most.”