 Summer Skincare Tips Summer is a time for beach days, pool parties, and vacations. It’s also a great time to take a little extra care of your skin. Overexposure to harmful UV rays can cause a host of issues from skin cancer to premature aging. Taking the time to educate yourself and take proper precautions will help you in years to come. The sun plays an important role in our health. While it’s true that sunburns and skin cancer are very real threats and that SPF is essential, there are also positive effects of sun exposure. The sun can also do plenty of good things for your body. By soaking up some sunlight you can do wonders for your mind, bones, mood, and more. When you give your skin access to a healthy dose of the sun’s rays, you are likely to experience some amazing benefits. 1. Increased Vitamin D Vitamin D has some important functions in the body. It promotes reduced inflammation and modulates cell growth. It’s also very hard to get enough from food sources alone. The sun is the best natural source of Vitamin D, and it only takes 5-15 minutes of sunlight a few times a week to notice a difference. Get outside and expose yourself to direct sun on your arms and face to soak up this necessary vitamin. Just remember to use sunscreen if you’ll be outside for more than 15 minutes. 2. Improved Mood It turns out “sunny disposition” is more than just an expression: Researchers at BYU found more mental health distress in people during seasons with little sun exposure. On the contrary, days with plenty of sunshine were associated with better mental health while increasing your serotonin— in fact, the availability of sunshine has more impact on mood than rainfall, temperature, or any other environmental factor. 3. Higher Quality Sleep That serotonin you soak up from the sun’s rays does more than boost your mood – it might also help you get more restful sleep at night. Working in tandem with serotonin is melatonin, a chemical in your brain that lulls you into slumber and one that sun also helps your body produce. 4. Stronger Bones Low Vitamin D has been linked to diseases like osteoporosis and rickets, and one of the most specific benefits of Vitamin D is earning stronger bones and teeth. How much Vitamin D do you need? For adults, a daily intake of 4,000 international units (or IUs) is recommended. While calcium intake is also crucial for bone health, getting enough sun helps your body absorb the calcium. 5. Lower Blood Pressure When sunlight hits your skin, your body releases something called nitric oxide into your blood. This compound brings down blood pressure and improves heart health. Maintaining healthy blood pressure can reduce your risks of cardiac disease and stroke. Feelings of relaxation may also naturally bring down blood pressure, so boosting your happiness by soaking up rays also aids in keeping your pressure down. The recommended amount of sun exposure is fifteen minutes two to three times per week. Because most people spend considerably more time outdoors, this is where sunscreen comes in handy. SPF is your best line of defense! Here is a breakdown of what your need to know about sunscreen. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and it indicates the percentage of sun rays that get blocked by your product.  Dermatologists correlate the following numeric SPFs with the total percentage of sun protection. The numbers may surprise you: · SPF 15 filters out about 93% of sun rays · SPF 30 filters out about 97% of sun rays · SPF 50 filters out about 99% of sun rays There’s a common misconception that really high SPFs, like an SPF 75 or 100 will offer far greater protection, especially if you have fair skin. In reality, the protection of these SPFs is not significantly greater, so no need to use an SPF over 50. Higher SPFs actually tend to be less balanced in the protection they offer against UVA vs. UVB rays. Often, they will offer far greater UVB protection than UVA protection. Sunburns are a result of exposure to UVB rays, the rays responsible for causing skin cancer.UVA rays are the ones that cause wrinkles, and other visible signs of aging like age spots. These rays are a little sneakier and affect your skin even when you are out of direct sunlight by shining through clouds and windows. The difference between chemical and mineral SPF is in the way they work to protect your skin. Mineral SPFs use active ingredients like Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide to create a physical barrier on top of your skin that works by reflecting the sun’s rays. Because of this, mineral SPFs do not penetrate the skin, which tends to make them less irritating. Zinc Oxide is the Environmental Working Group’s first choice for sun protection because it is stable in sunlight and can provide greater protection from UVA rays than Titanium Dioxide or any other sunscreen approved in the U.S.* Chemical SPFs work by filtering UV rays. Ultraviolet light penetrates the skin and then chemicals like Oxybenzone, Avobenzone and Octisalate absorb the sun’s rays, transforming them into heat and then dispersing them from the body. Unlike mineral SPFs, chemical SPFs allow UV rays to penetrate the skin and the heat from the rays can break down the chemical filters, causing allergic reactions and irritation. And what’s worse, this heat can cause damage to your skin cells which has been linked to skin cancer. Mineral SPFs offer amazing sun protection, plus they are safe for the environment. Oxybenzone is a common ingredient in chemical SPF, and a 2016 study* reported that when Oxybenzone washes off in water, it can contaminate coral reefs, thus harming the aquatic ecosystem. Unlike chemical SPFs that take about 15 minutes to work after applying, micronized Zinc Oxide begins working immediately so you can spend more time outside enjoying the sun. If by chance you do get burned, here are a few tips on how to begin to heal the skin. 1. Take frequent cool baths or showers to help relieve the pain. As soon as you get out of the bathtub or shower, gently pat yourself dry, but leave a little water on your skin. Then, apply a moisturizer to help trap the water in your skin. This can help ease the dryness. 2. Use a moisturizer that contains aloe vera or soy to help soothe sunburned skin. If a particular area feels especially uncomfortable, you may want to apply a hydrocortisone cream that you can buy without a prescription. Do not treat sunburn with “-caine” products (such as benzocaine), as these may irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction. 3. Consider taking aspirin or ibuprofen to help reduce any swelling, redness and discomfort. 4. Drink extra water. A sunburn draws fluid to the skin’s surface and away from the rest of the body. Drinking extra water when you are sunburned helps prevent dehydration. 5. If your skin blisters, allow the blisters to heal. Blistering skin means you have a second-degree sunburn. You should not pop the blisters, as blisters form to help your skin heal and protect you from infection. 6. Take extra care to protect sunburned skin while it heals. Wear clothing that covers your skin when outdoors. Tightly-woven fabrics work best. When you hold the fabric up to a bright light, you shouldn’t see any light coming through.  A few basic tips to keep your summer skin at its best:
Skincare Services for Summer Some of our favorite skincare services here at The Wellness Hub in Jacksonville, Florida are our back facials to reveal clear and glowing skin on your back - in a time when sundresses, low-cut shirts and bathing suits are our mainstays! We also love our deluxe customizable facial any time of the year because it can be customized to your needs. In the summertime, we always focus on hydration and gentle exfoliation as well as whatever else you need for your specific needs. The deluxe facial allows you to pick any three modalities to customize your experience. You can choose from a peel, microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, cupping and gua sha, facial reflexology and more! We wish you a healthy, happy, and safe summer!
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 We are massage pain-relief specialists in Jacksonville, FloridaWhat is Neuromuscular Massage?
Neuromuscular massages consist of applying different levels of pressure on the soft tissues of the body. In addition to this changing pressure, specific movements are also made with the massage therapist's hands to promote the following benefits: Pain Reduction Pain relief is the key symptom that makes people go for this type of massage therapy. Although there may be some lingering discomfort at the end of the session, relief will be noticeable after a few hours. It is very effective for chronic pain, especially that pain that does not respond well to anti-inflammatory drugs, relaxants, or analgesics. That which takes several days or even weeks or months and does not disappear. Any type of fasciitis, tendonitis, joint pain, repetitive muscle spasms, sports injuries, different locations of spinal pain and lumbar, rib, dorsal cervical muscle pain can be addressed with neuromuscular massage Relief from Muscle Cramps and Muscle Spasms A muscle cramp is a sudden involuntary tightening of one or more muscles or tendons, this is temporary but if it lasts longer it can become a muscle contracture and cause deformity, loss of movement, and a lot of pain. The purpose of massage is to relax the muscles, so one of its main benefits is to recover muscle tissue in a pathological state. In the case of contractures, the fibers causing it will be specifically treated, returning them to their usual state. This effect is also known as normalizing muscle tone. Increased Mobility So, massage helps to keep a healthy muscle tone, but there's more. An additional benefit of having toned muscles is that we will have greater mobility. That is, it will "let itself be stretched" instead of being stiff, and you will notice it in each movement. Having naturally relaxed muscles improves the quality of your sleep and quickens fatigue recovery after long hours of work. Improved Circulation The goal of removing pathogenic substances is to restore normal circulatory levels. This not only helps to keep the musculoskeletal system in good working order, but it also helps to eliminate harmful substances. How Does it Work? Neuromuscular massages base their effectiveness on specific types of muscle stimulation. The main purpose of this method is to stimulate muscle fibers to work and recover faster than the normal cycle of contraction and relaxation. This also applies to the tendons, and even the nerves can be stimulated so that they remember how to perform their function correctly. To understand how all this works, let's talk about the specific functions that neuromuscular massage performs: Trigger Points One of the symptoms that neuromuscular massage therapists treat with great attention is trigger points. It is about the exact point where fibers are dysfunctional and causing muscular pains. The massage therapy technique in this case is based on keeping these pathological fibers pressed for about 30 seconds. During this time, the pressure is modulated so the patient feels a certain degree of discomfort (called taking you to the edge), don't panic it will disappear later. The pressure is then suddenly released, causing a large amount of blood to flow to the area, flushing out harmful substances. By suddenly increasing circulation, the fibers return to their normal healthy state. Postural Problems Secondly, when we get a muscle or group of muscles to relax, we will also achieve an improvement in posture. In other words, we work on individual elements so that the whole work correctly. This is why a contracture in the neck can give us lumbar problems. Although it seems that there is no connection, when a muscle is dysfunctional, the rest of the body tries to protect it. This leads us to adopt unnatural postures that can end up deteriorating other muscle groups. Muscle Fatigue Along with rest, neuromuscular massages come in handy to re-nourish the muscles. Again, we are talking about increasing circulation favored by the pressures and relaxations in the ill fibers. This increase in blood —noticed when heat appears— also helps the muscles to hydrate and nourish themselves. In this way, they help us recover before intense sports sessions. What Specific Ailments Can Neuromuscular Massage Treat? Neuromuscular massage is beneficial for the following orthopedic and chronic pain conditions: Sciatica Plantar Fasciitis Tendonitis Rotator Cuff Pathologies TMJ pain and dysfunction Hip Pain/SI Joint Dysfunction Knee Pain Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Low Back Pain Upper Back Pain Headaches and Migraines and more... A benefit for athletes and desk-workers alike Treating these ailments helps the patient have greater mobility and quality of life. Neuromuscular massage improves athletes' performance and desk-working sedentary persons who suffer from stiffness, cramps, or contractures due to poor or sustained posture and repetitive motions. For good reason, neuromuscular massage therapy has been one of the most used techniques in the healing arts and medical settings for decades. Our experienced licensed massage therapists in Jacksonville, Florida at The Wellness Hub are trained in neuromuscular massage therapy as well as other techniques to help get you out of pain. Our massage sessions are customized to your unique needs to help you feel better, increase mobility and get you back to the life you love! You can learn more about our massage services and our massage therapists here.  These workshops will combine the deep healing and restoration of two complementary wellness practices: yoga nidra and acupuncture. Explore how relaxing and rejuvenating these ancient practices can be when combined together. Your workshop hosts Kendra Lay, Licensed Acupuncture Physician, and Tamara Davidson, Certified Yoga Teacher, will guide you on a journey to heal and transform different elements and manifestations of stress. Yoga Nidra is a sleep-based guided meditation that allows students to relax deeply and heal their body on the physical, emotional and mental levels. Yoga Nidra takes us into deep relaxation and then while in this state we use a variety of techniques to train our mind to be still and balance out the tensions we accumulate in daily life. One session of Yoga Nidra is equal to 3 or 4 hours of sleep. Acupuncture is a holistic healing system based on the principles of Chinese Medicine - one of the oldest systems of medicine in the world. Tiny needles are inserted into the body to enhance the flow of energy, circulation and to calm the nervous system. Acupuncture addresses imbalances and restores harmony on mental, physical, emotional and spiritual levels. These workshops are offered at The Wellness Hub located at 9086 Cypress Green Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32256. The class will be delivered in the community acupuncture room and you'll be seated in a comfy reclining chair. You'll receive an acupuncture point prescription to address the theme of the workshop and then as the needles do their work, you will be guided on a Yoga Nidra meditation for approximately 35-40 minutes. Wake up refreshed, rejuvenated and with new tools to move through the world with less stress and more peace. WORKSHOP DETAILS All workshops are offered on Sundays from 2:00 to 3:30 pm. Workshop 1: Sunday, April 10th - Yoga Nidra & Acupuncture for Deep Breathing to Reduce Stress and Release Tension One of the most effective ways to reduce stress is through conscious breathing. In this workshop, we will be utilizing deep breathing techniques to decrease stress. Acupuncture points will be used to strengthen and enhance the communication between the lungs and the adrenal glands/kidneys to improve stress handling and breath. Workshop 2: Sunday, May 15th - Yoga Nidra & Acupuncture for Happiness, Health & Immunity Imbalance in the body can be linked to habitual stressful thoughts. This workshop is designed to strengthen the immune system and general sense of well-being through positive health-affirming intentions. Acupuncture points will be used to reduce stress, calm the nervous system, improve overall vitality and boost immunity. Workshop 3: Sunday, June 12th - Yoga Nidra & Acupuncture for Balancing Worry & Cultivating a Peaceful Mind How we respond to our thoughts can cause stress. This workshop is focused on lessening the reaction to stressful and worrying thoughts to promote peace of mind. Acupuncture points will be used for the spleen, which is in control of rumination, overthinking, and worry according to Chinese Medicine. Points will also be used to calm the mind and spirit. Workshop 4: Sunday, July 10th - Yoga Nidra & Acupuncture for Lowering Cravings & Habits Fueled by Stress Most habits begin when we are experiencing stress. This workshop intends to reduce the stress that drives us toward cravings and habits. Acupuncture points in the ear, which are known to help with both stress and cravings/addictive tendencies will be used. Other points will be used to reinforce calming of the mind and body. INVESTMENT & REGISTRATION Investment: $60 per session (must be prepaid) or you may purchase the whole series of 4 for $220 ($220 for the whole series - $55 per session) Registration: Please call The Wellness Hub at 904-834-0740 to schedule and pre-pay for your desired workshop dates. Online booking is also available. Make sure to register yourself for each date you'd like to attend. The credit card you put on file for the event will be charged after you register online.  Tamara Davidson, LMT, RYT, IHP Tamara Davidson is a massage therapist, holistic health coach, dancer, energy worker and registered yoga teacher with multiple certifications in yoga nidra, yoga therapy, jaya yoga and more. An attentive listener, Tamara holds space. She creates a safe, comfortable and trusting environment to help students and clients relax and feel their best. Students and clients leave her feeling loved, cherished and energized. Learn more about Tamara on her website Taru Healing.  Kendra Lay, AP, ACN, LAc
Kendra Lay is a licensed acupuncture physician, a nationally certified herbalist and holds a certification as an applied clinical nutritionist. Her practice integrates acupuncture, self-care, nutrition, herbal medicine and lifestyle change to cultivate health and wellbeing in her patients' lives. Kendra is co-owner and the clinical director of The Wellness Hub, a holistic health center & organic spa in Jacksonville, FL.
 By Mandy Rhodes, Jacksonville, FL Based Holistic Licensed Esthetician
Skin type, texture, and skincare needs are different for everyone. It would be great if there was a one size fits all skincare routine for every single person, unfortunately, it does not work that way. If you asked every person you know about their skincare routine, we could almost guarantee that each person would have a different answer. Some people could have a routine that only involves rinsing their face with water morning and night, and others might swear by their expensive serums, moisturizers, eye creams, sunscreens, and toners. Genetics also play a huge role in what our skin texture and aging can look like. Climate is yet another factor in determining skincare needs. Going to a store like Sephora or even Walgreens can be extremely confusing. Choosing between the thousands of products in the skincare aisle can be overwhelming and trying to understand the ingredients can be a daunting task. Making the choice of what you’re going to apply to your biggest organ (your skin) is an important one. Don’t worry, we are here to help!! There are a few basic rules for skincare that you should know, and everyone can benefit from. We have broken it down into a simple formula that’s easy to understand. 1. CLEANSING: Use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and toxins. WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: Cleansing your face morning and night is a step that you never want to skip because it removes the dirt and oil that builds up over the course of the day and night and any toxins or allergens that you have encountered throughout the day. When choosing a product, be sure to stick to a gentle cleansing formula so you don’t disrupt or strip your skin’s natural protective barrier. A cleanser does not need to be expensive or fancy. It is made to remove things that should not be on the skin and balance the skin out. It doesn’t stay on the skin so expensive, formulated ingredients aren’t going to do much. 2. EXFOLIATING ONCE OR TWICE A WEEK: You want to remove any dead skin build-up. There are different ways to do this. You can use a mechanical exfoliant like a scrub, or a topical exfoliant that will gently remove the dead skin and buildup. WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: In addition to clearing away dead and dry skin, a regular exfoliation routine can improve your skin’s clarity, radiance, and youthfulness by unclogging pores and boosting circulation and lymphatic drainage. The process of removing dead and dry skin allows your other skincare products to penetrate more deeply and effectively by removing outer layers that may block the products from reaching the areas it needs to. Over time, exfoliation helps stimulate collagen, improving your skin’s texture and lessening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 3. TREATMENT: Designed to nourish, protect, and hydrate your skin, a face serum or mask offers a concentrated dose of active ingredients that should be applied between cleansing and moisturizing. WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: Think of a serum or mask as your secret weapon to combat skin issues such as discoloration, dullness, fine lines, or acne. There are different types of serums with amazing ingredients that brighten and hydrate while combatting issues such as aging, acne, rosacea, or autoimmune skin disorders. There are a lot of buzzwords in the skincare industry. Try to skip the hype and look out for some key ingredients that can really make a difference. A few to look out for are: Retinol Topical retinoids (including retinol) help your skin speed up its normal cell-turnover process, meaning it will shed skin cells more quickly. That helps tackle issues like fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and acne. Researchers also think retinol can help increase collagen production, which further reduces signs of aging. Vitamin C Is an antioxidant to counteract and protect against free radicals. Plus, it can also be used to effectively brighten dark spots over time. Niacinamide Is a form of vitamin B3 that has shown to fight free radical damage, brighten dark spots, and manage acne. Those with sensitive skin will be pleased to know that some research shows it can brighten skin with fewer side effects or irritation than other first-line treatments, like hydroquinone. Salicylic acid Can be used as an acne treatment, this beta-hydroxy-acid (BHA) has some serious exfoliating powers, which makes it a good option for managing signs of aging as well. There’s evidence to suggest it can also boost the production of collagen. Glycolic acid Is one of two major alpha-hydroxy-acids (AHAs). Glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant that’s regularly used in products like peels and exfoliating toners, pads, cleansers, and creams. It works by dissolving the bonds between skin cells. Lactic Acid Is another, often gentler, AHA. It works similarly to other chemical exfoliants—meaning it removes dirt and dead skin cells—but tends to be easier on sensitive skin. Azelaic acid Is another type of acid that’s useful for exfoliating purposes. In fact, it comes in a few different prescription forms, which are prescribed to treat acne and rosacea (especially the type of rosacea that comes with acne-like bumps). Hyaluronic acid Is one of the most common humectant ingredients out there today and helps maintain hydration in your skin. It’s also a compound that’s found naturally in the skin, which makes it unlikely to cause irritation or allergic reactions. Ceramides Work as a barrier to seal in moisture and protect your skin. 4. PROTECTION: Moisturizer and sunscreen. WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: Moisturizer is what holds moisture in creating a barrier to protect your skin from the elements. This should be the last step in your daily skincare routine. Choosing one that is appropriate for your needs and time of day is important. For example, if you are going to be in the sun, having a moisturizer with an SPF can be a game-changer for protecting your skin. Choosing one that is appropriate for your skin type and age is just as important. You will most likely be using a more nutrient-dense moisturizer for the evening and one that is going to protect from the sun’s rays for daytime. We believe that less can be more, or quality over quantity is a great rule of thumb. Self-care rituals are important not only for our physical health but also for our mental health. Taking care of your skin falls under self-care and improves self-worth. WHERE DO PROFESSIONAL FACIALS FIT INTO YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE? What you do on a daily and weekly basis for your skin is always the most important step to the complexion of your dreams. However, getting a series of professional facials can help you to correct imbalances such as acne, blackheads, dullness, wrinkles or discoloration. Even if you don't have any major skin concerns, a facial on a monthly or quarterly basis can be an important part of your overall skincare plan. Facials help to improve circulation to the skin and face muscles with facial massage, resurface and extract impurities from the skin and help to deeply moisturize in a way that's hard to always do at home. Professional facials can help to fill any gaps in your at-home regimen, and give your skin a supercharge of health and vitality. We would love to help you find your best skincare regimen and we offer complimentary skincare consultations in Jacksonville, Florida. Schedule online now or give us a call.
Are you looking for a unique gift for your Valentine? This Valentines Day we are offering couples massage all weekend long in our cozy Jacksonville, Florida holistic spa!
Dates: Friday, February 11th, 1-7 pm Saturday, February 12th, 1-7 pm Monday, February 14th, 1-7 pm These days and times don't work for you? We offer couples massage at other times, just give us a call at 904-512-7551 Your special couples massage experience will include sparkling wine, chocolates and special treats from local bakery Breanne's Kitchen. Enjoy a massage side-by-side with your significant other. Two highly skilled massage therapists will give you a 60, 90 or 120 minute customized massage. Couples massage is a wonderful way to celebrate special occasions and to relax and renew together! If you'd like to book your couples massage for Valentines' weekend please give us a call at 904-512-7551 (this cannot be booked online). 60 minutes for two $130 90 minutes for two $196 120 minutes for two $260 If Couples Massage on Valentine's Day isn't your thing, we have gift certificates available for purchase for acupuncture, massage therapy and organic facials...design your ultimate pampering day at our holistic health center and organic spa! Natural Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis with Clinical Massage Therapy in Jacksonville, Florida1/27/2022  Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the tissue that connects your heel bone to your
toes; that tissue is known as plantar fascia. People who suffer from plantar fasciitis often experience a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel or arch of their foot. The pain is usually worse in the morning and if left untreated, it can be debilitating. Treatment for plantar fasciitis typically revolves around the bottom of the foot, yet that is not always where the solution lies. Often times, the key to reducing symptoms related to plantar fasciitis lies in the calves. Both the calf muscles and the plantar fascia attach to the heel bone. However, due to the location of where these two muscles groups attach, an imbalance can easily occur. When left untreated, the calf muscles become tight and pull upwards on the heel bone. In the meantime, the plantar fascia also becomes tight and pulls on the heel bone- struggling to compete with the strength of the calves. Essentially, the two muscle groups play a game of tug ‘o’ war with one another. This is often times what causes the symptoms associated with plantar fasciitis. Treatment to the calves is often overlooked because we focus far too much on where we feel our pain rather than why the pain is happening in the first place. Clinical massage therapy is a very useful technique for treating the root of plantar fasciitis, not just the symptoms. Through the use of myofascial release, compressions, and manual trigger point therapy, a clinical massage therapy session can treat the true culprit of the pain related to plantar fasciitis. Written by Alexis Krebs, LMT certified in Clinical Neuromuscular and Structural Bodywork  Do you ever wonder which type of massage is best for you and your specific needs?Are you suffering from chronic pain? Maybe anxiety or insomnia? Or do you have a sports injury? Finding the right massage technique and therapist for you will be crucial for meeting your health and pain relief goals.
Before your massage, make sure to ask your massage therapist about which techniques are right for you. You may also contact us and receive guidance from our clinical team on which massage is right for your specific condition prior to coming in. Learn more about our massage therapists and their specialties here. Here is a brief overview of the numerous types of therapeutic massage therapy we offer at The Wellness Hub, right here in the heart of Jacksonville, FL: Relaxation Massage - Relaxation (also called Swedish Massage) massage is one of the most commonly offered types of massage therapy in the western world. It is called Swedish massage because it was invented at the University of Stockholm in Sweden in the 1700's by a physiologist who also pioneered the practice of physical therapy. A relaxation massage is generally given as a full body massage, which includes the neck, shoulders, back, head, arms, hands, legs and feet. A relaxation massage uses light but firm strokes to induce the release of tension from the muscles and to calm the nervous system. This type of massage stimulates the lymphatic system, which helps to facilitate the removal of toxins from the body...so a relaxation massage is good for whole body health. In a relaxation massage, special focus will be given to areas of concern such as the back, neck or any other area you mention to your therapist. Sometimes relaxation massage will be used to warm up the muscles before moving on to other massage techniques such as deep tissue or neuromuscular massage. Deep Tissue Massage - Deep Tissue is similar to Relaxation massage, however pressure is applied to the deeper layers of the muscle and fascia (connective tissue) to address chronic or acute pain and tension. It can be used to treat strains and sports injuries, as well as repetitive strain injuries (which can come from working at a computer or being on a phone). Sound familiar?? Neuromuscular Massage/Medical Massage - This is also called Clinical Massage or Trigger Point Massage. This type of massage is very specific for treating chronic pain syndrome or specific orthopedic conditions. Examples of the types of conditions neuromuscular massage can treat are: sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff injuries, thoracic outlet syndrome, frozen shoulder, knee pain, tension headaches, nerve entrapment, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis and more. Neuromuscular massage is good for athletes as well as someone with an orthopedic injury or a repetitive strain injury. Trigger point therapy is employed often in neuromuscular massage, which is specific pressure applied to areas of taut and tense muscle fibers, which can feel like a knot or even a marble. Trigger points tend to "refer" pain to other areas, which means it can cause pain in areas other than just where the trigger point is. It's important to note that neuromuscular massage isn't as relaxing as a traditional massage (like a Swedish or deep tissue) and usually doesn't address the whole body (just the specific areas of pain). Neuromuscular massage is an excellent option for correcting long standing pain patterns. Since this is a medical massage, a treatment plan will likely be recommended, just as if you were going to a chiropractor or physical therapist. Hot Stone Massage - This type of massage has been used in many ancient healing traditions, first in ancient Indian and Chinese medicine. The modern form of hot stone massage originated in Hawaii and uses warmed, smooth basalt stones to massage the body. The heat penetrates into the muscles to further relax them and improve circulation. It is a comforting, luxurious and deeply relaxing treatment! Cupping Therapy - Cupping therapy has been used in ancient healing systems throughout the world, but most notably in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In the west it used to be that cupping was something you'd only get when you saw an acupuncturist, but now many massage therapists incorporate this modality into their massage (thank goodness!). Cupping uses plastic, silicone or glass cups to apply negative pressure to the muscle and connective tissue. This has many similar benefits of massage such as relaxation to the muscle and improved circulation, but instead of compressing the tissue like in massage - it decompresses it - which allows for effective pain relief. Cupping can be done as stationary cupping (the cups are left in one place) or sliding or massage cupping (when the cups are glided across the body). Cupping therapy is excellent for treating many different types of pain syndromes, especially low back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain and tension headaches. Reflexology - Reflexology, like cupping therapy, is a system of massage that also comes from East Asian Medicine and Chinese medicine. It involves the theory that different zones of the feet and hands can impact other parts of the body, including organs and regions of the body such as the neck, shoulders or back. Indeed, there is evidence that pressure on the hands or feet can stimulate the central nervous system, which has an impact on areas of the body away from the hands and feet. This is similar, but not exactly the same, as acupuncture theory. Reflexology is deeply relaxing and while it can help pain in the feet or hands, it can impact so many other areas of your health. We hope that this has given a good overview of different types of massage therapy available. If you are still wondering what type of massage therapy is best for you or which practitioner would be best for you, please feel free to reach out to our clinical director here or call (904) 834-0740 and we'll be happy to help match you up to the best type of therapy and therapist for you. Remember, there are a couple of things that make our massage services different from other spas and massage establishments:
 Grand Opening Party Schedule of Events - You're Invited! Saturday, November 13th 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Arrive between this time to receive a free acupuncture mini-treatment targeted to treat stress and anxiety. First come, first served. 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Join us for food, drink, chair massage and reflexology (please tip your therapist, but otherwise free), a chance to win numerous raffle prizes, pop-up shops from local Jacksonville makers and vendors, tours of our facility and live handpan music from Streams of Sound. View the Event on Facebook. Thank you to our local event sponsors and partners: Cindy Corey Realtor Streams of Sound Joyfull Catbird Coffee Roasters Grassroots Natural Market Little Sun Candle Beeutifully Organic  Our musical entertainment will be Streams of Sound, providing us with beautiful handpan music! Streams of Sound is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the musical therapy of the handpan into healing spaces of all types. Available Raffle Prizes!
By Mandy Rhodes, Holistic Licensed Esthetician at The Wellness Hub and author of Pretty Simple Beauti  Holistic Skincare and Alternatives to Botox at our Organic Spa in Jacksonville, Florida 1. Body Brushing What in the world is dry body & face brushing? Also known as dry skin brushing, body & face brushing involves lightly brushing your skin with a dry brush, made from natural hair bristles, to help remove dead skin cells, improve skin tone, and target cellulite. The technique has been used for hundreds of years and is also thought to help stimulate circulation and kick-start the metabolism. There are many health benefits associated with body brushing including glowing skin, reduction in water weight, detoxifying your body, and diminishing cellulite. Your skin is your largest organ and plays an important role in helping to remove toxins from the body. For this reason, it is important that the upper layer of the skin (the epidermis) is regularly cleared of dead skin cells which block pores and cause the skin to become congested. By brushing the body & face lightly with a dry brush daily you can help your skin to:
2. Cupping This may sound strange and scary to some, but the results can make a huge difference. Face cupping is an ancient technique that uses suction cups to stimulate your skin and muscles. It can be done on your face or body. Note if you have ever had body cupping, face cupping is much gentler and should not leave marks. The suction promotes increased blood circulation, which may help relieve muscle tension, promote cell repair, and aid in other regeneration. The suction effect pulls blood into the area of skin underneath the cup. This saturates the surrounding tissue with fresh blood and promotes new blood vessel formation. Facial cupping has been shown to:
3. Gua Sha Gua Sha for the face and neck is called the Eastern Botox for a reason. This ancient Chinese therapy uses a tool to rub or scrape the skin’s surface in long strokes. Traditional medicine practitioners have used this method for centuries to boost circulation, increase blood flow, break up scar tissue, help chronic pain and generally improve the health of the entire body. Not to mention it is completely relaxing and feels like a massage for the face. A few of the benefits you can have from using Gua Sha are:
If you're interested in having Gua Sha incorporated into your facial service, we offer that at The Wellness Hub in Jacksonville, FL - it's called our Natural Sculpting & Resurfacing Facial.  Gua Sha tones the facial muscles and tightens the skin 4. Face Yoga Let’s start with what face yoga is. To put it plainly, face yoga is exercises for your face. Just like exercising keeps your body in shape, face yoga is a series of facial exercises intended to tone the muscles in the face which after time can reduce the signs of aging and improve skin elasticity. You can even slim up your jawline and define your cheekbones. Facial exercises increase blood circulation in the face, creating a healthier, more vibrant complexion. Face yoga also strengthens the muscles in the face, which can weaken as we age. 5. Hydration This is a no-brainer, but one that we all seem to forget about. The importance of water for our bodies and our skin to stay hydrated. That beautiful skin you’re in is made up of about 64% water. And without enough fluids in your system, your skin can lose its elasticity. So, all those expensive creams your slathering on every night would be a waste of time and money. The more elasticity your skin has, the less likely it is to form fine lines and wrinkles. That said, staying hydrated will help keep your skin plump and prevent signs of aging. And of course, drinking a lot of water helps flush toxins from your body which improve your appearance as well. Staying hydrated will help plump up your skin so that it looks and feels smoother. This is because the outermost layer of the skin has the moisture it needs to flush away toxins and carry nutrients to the skin’s cells. Skin that is well-hydrated also is less sensitive to irritants and germs that can slip through the lipid barrier when the skin lacks moisture. Skin that is lacking the hydration it needs often becomes itchy, flaky, red, or even inflamed. Dry skin can even exaggerate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles due to shrinkage of skin cells. An easy remedy to all of this is to drink water.  Dry brushing can improve the elasticity and is a natural alternative to Botox  Facials services are so lovely. Imagine going into a deep, deep state of relaxation and then coming out with skin that looks amazing for weeks afterward! At our organic and holistic spa in Jacksonville, Florida we use the best natural products and these steps to give you to best facial of your life!
Here are the steps of a facial and what to expect: 1.) It Starts with a Consultation At the beginning of your service, your esthetician will talk to you about the condition of your skin and your skincare goals. You will discuss lifestyle factors that could be contributing to skin concerns and you'll also go over the current products you're using on your skin. 2.) Cleansing Your esthetician will cleanse your skin of any makeup or dirt. Often a double cleanse with two different cleansing products is used to make sure the skin is thoroughly clean. 3.) Analysis Your esthetician will look at your skin under a bright lamp (with your eyes covered, for comfort) to analyze your skin. She'll be determining your skin type (normal, combination, oily, dry, etc) and also looking for any skin conditions that might be present (acne, blackheads, whiteheads, aging, sun damage, dehydration, etc). Doing this analysis will help her select the appropriate products for your skin. 4.) Steam Depending on what type of facial you're getting steam might not be included, but often than not, it will be. A facial steamer is a machine that directs a thin vapor of warm steam to your face. This is relaxing and helps softens up any blackheads and whiteheads to be extracted. The steam helps to open your pores to help them be cleansed and also better absorb the masks and serums that will be applied. 5.) Exfoliation Your esthetician will use a product that is appropriate to your skin type that helps to slough off any dead skin cells that may be dulling your complexion. They may use a manual exfoliant like a scrub or a natural plant enzyme or peel, depending on the service you're receiving, as well as your skincare goals. The previous step of steam helps the exfoliant work better. 6.) Extractions If necessary, your esthetician may perform extractions. Extractions are the removal of blackheads and whiteheads to relieve congestion in the skin and promote a clearer complexion. This can be a little bit of a sensitive process, and your esthetician will discuss with you beforehand what to expect. 7.) Facial Massage Your esthetician will perform a facial massage to help bring circulation to the skin as well as promoting lymphatic drainage to tone, lift and smooth the skin. This is a deeply relaxing part of your facial! Techniques such as facial gua sha, facial cupping or facial reflexology may be used during this part of the facial, depending on which service you're receiving. 8.) Facial Treatment Mask A treatment mask appropriate for your skincare concerns will be applied, such as one that addresses acne or dryness. While the mask is working, your esthetician will massage your neck, shoulders, arms and hands for additional relaxation. A scalp massage can be added on here as well. 9.) Application of Moisturizers, Toners, Serums and Sunscreen Now that you're thoroughly relaxed, your esthetician will select appropriate products for your skin type and skin concerns and apply them to the skin. Bonus Step: Recommendation of Homecare and Products Ask your esthetician which products and skincare routines they recommend to maintain your new skin glow. Facials set you up to have the best skin, but your daily skincare routine and products are going to make the biggest difference over time! How Often Should I Receive a Facial? This answer really depends on what your skin goals are. If your skin is normal and in good condition, about 4 times a year (at season change) should be sufficient. If you have more challenging skin, getting a facial once a month for maintenance should be appropriate, however, to correct skin issues your estheticians may recommend a series of treatments once a week before you get the maintenance phase. What Makes Our Spa Different? At our wellness spa in Jacksonville, Florid we are committed to using natural and organic skincare products and holistic techniques in our facial services. We care about your health and wellbeing, and that the cost of beauty should never be your health! |
AuthorThe Wellness Hub Center for Integrative Medicine and Holistic Spa in Jacksonville, Florida Archives
July 2022
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