Oh baby it’s cold outside! What an excellent time to focus on a little self-care. Heat up a cup of tea, put on your slippers, curl up in front of a fire and relax; or pick up the phone and call one of the many spas in the area to arrange for some pamper time. As a health and wellness coach I see clients every day that have yet to wander into that part of self-care. They feel it is indulgent or extravagant or simply they don’t take time to relax and renew. I challenge them to consider finding a way to create time for simple rituals of nurture that will keep them healthy and in balance.
The options today are endless with everything from hair and nail salons that offer pedicures and manicures for men and women and a variety of other spa services in your nearby strip mall to full service day spas offering up to 100 different spa services with products and luscious ingredients from around the world. Right in the Old Town Alexandria area there are wonderful salons and spas including Sugar House on 111 N. Alfred Street, The Fountain Day Spa at 422 S. Washington Street, Serenity Day Spa at 209 Madison Street, Salon de Zen 1008 King Street, Windsor of Old Town at 107 Union Street and Bazzak at 822 King Street. One of my favorite healing centers in the area geared toward massage is the Healing Tree with two locations in the Del Ray section of Alexandria.
According to the National Spa Associations 2007 figures, there were an estimated 14,615 spas in the United States in August 2007, up 6% from 13,757 spas in August of 2006. There were 10,128 spas in April of 2004. That is an awful lot of manicures, facials, massages and pedicures going on all the time everywhere.
Today I had a wonderful relaxing 90-minute massage at the Healing Tree with Diane a gifted massage therapist that I have used and followed around town for over 15 years. She carefully selects the right music and aromatherapy oil to “enhance” the experience. I have learned the healing touch of massage is a gift I can give myself that keeps on giving. I know it does my mind, body and mood good. I notice if I go too long without one everything begins to feel tight and out of balance.
There are numerous healing benefits of massage. It calms the nervous system and promotes a sense of relaxation and well-being; reduces tension and anxiety; improves circulation which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells; stimulates the lymphatic system which carries the bodies waste products; prevents and relieves muscle cramps and spasms and can also provide pain management in conditions such as arthritis, sciatica and muscle spasms.
In addition to massage there are many simple treatments that you can also enjoy in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Here are a few self-care tips that friends shared with me for this article.
Danielle from California wrote: One of my favorite winter rituals is to put on some relaxing music, fill a hot tub adding a few drops of Dr. Haushka's spruce bath oil, apply my Lerosette clay masque to my face, tie up my hair and soak until deeply warmed. I take the mask off with a washcloth while in the bath. When I get out I wrap up and dry off with my favorite bamboo/organic cotton towel and I'm ready to moisturize. I might use jojoba oil, cocoa butter, or shea butter, depending on what my body wants. Into bed I go, loved and relaxed.
Michelle added: I did a HAIRY LEG party once! I invited my girlfriends in January and had the party the week before Valentine's Day we had a contest to see who had the hairiest legs.
We all did pedicures and shaved our hairy legs so we would be silky smooth before the big day. We even wrapped our legs and feet in red saran wrap and each had our own tub of warm water for our feet. We had hot tea and Valentine cookies, fun memories!
And finally Cindy added: Once a month a woman friend opens her home to my mother (who is 76) and her girlfriends. They call it “Tuesday Toes Day”. Everyone has a scheduled time to show off their toes, however you may come early or stay after your appointment to chat. The hostess sets out a light snack (cheese & crackers, cookies, etc) along with teas & coffee. You may bring something additional to drink if you’d like. They start around 9am and go until 3pm. Another great relaxing time spent with friends.
For those of you who would like to host an in home spa party there are several options to help guide you such as the book, Girls ‘ Night In: Spa Treatments at Home or check out the website http://www.getspaaed.com for ideas and product suggestions.
With Valentines Day upon us, consider a couples massage offered at both Serenity Day Spa or The Fountains or surprise your sweetie with his and hers pedicures, let the chairs massage you while you chill out side by side letting the tensions of the day melt away.
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