 Holistic care and surgery seem like oxymorons. Isn't surgery the antithesis of natural wellness options?
Perhaps it seems like that, but in our modern world, if we do find ourselves needing to have surgery, the great thing is there are options to help us recover faster through holistic medicine. There is no need to feel that if a person avails themselves of Western medicine that they can't use natural medicine modalities as well to complement their treatment. At The Wellness Hub in Jacksonville, Florida we offer several different services that can help your recovery from surgical procedures, whether it is a planned procedure or one that occurs unexpectedly. Our acupuncture, red light therapy and manual lymphatic drainage services can greatly assist you on your post-surgical recovery journey. Natural and Holistic Modalities for Integrative Surgical Recovery How Acupuncture Can Help Surgical Preparation and Recovery
How Red Light Therapy Can Help Surgical Recovery Red light therapy is a non-invasive therapeutic technique that uses specific wavelengths and frequencies of red light to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and improve skin health. It is also known as low-level light therapy or photobiomodulation therapy. Red light therapy has been shown to help with a variety of conditions, including wound healing, muscle pain, joint problems, and skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It has also been used in cosmetic treatments for reducing wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. Here are some ways that red light therapy works for surgical recovery:
How Can Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Aka Lymphatic Massage Help) Help Surgical Preparation and Recovery? Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a type of massage therapy that is perfectly positioned to help with surgical preparation and recovery. Here are some ways that MLD can be helpful:
Bonus - Nutrition for Surgical Recovery While not a specific service we offer at The Wellness Hub, having proper nutrition and employing a couple of specific nutritional strategies can aid your body in healing fully and completely.
Having surgery can be quite a disruptive time in a person's life. Everyone wants to have the best plan and treatment strategy to decrease downtime, reduce pain and promote proper and speedy healing. If you are having surgery in Jacksonville, Florida or you've recently undergone a procedure, we are here to help you recover with our natural and holistic modalities! Contact us today for more information and to schedule an appointment.
0 Comments
 A picture of our beautiful couples massage room at The Wellness Hub in Jacksonville, Florida This Valentine's Day Weekend we are offering a special couples massage experience. 😍
(Valentine's Day is on a Tuesday and this takes place the weekend before) Dates: Saturday, February 11th, 9:30 am - 7:30 pm Sunday, February 12th, 10 am - 4 pm Tuesday, February 14th, 2:30 pm - 7:30 pm Your Valentine's Day couples massage experienced will include sparking wine (or sparkling apple cider, if you prefer), chocolates and special locally made V-Day cookies from Breanne's Kitchen. These spots will go quickly, so call us now to book your appointment! Pre-payment is required to book the appointment. If you need to cancel you will receive a full refund as long as your cancel at least 48 hours before your appointment. To book, give us a call at 904-512-7551 (this cannot be booked online). Valentine's Weekend Couples Massage Pricing 60-Minute Couples Massage Package - $175 Regular Price/$165 Member Price 90-Minute Couples Massage Package - $260 Regular Price/$245 Member Price 120-Minute Couples Massage Package - $350 Regular Price/$330 Member Price Pricing is for 2 People Does this weekend not work for you? No worries, we offer couples massage year-round, so give us a call to book your special date.  Prenatal Massage Therapy in Jacksonville, Florida Prenatal massage, also known as pregnancy massage, is a type of therapeutic massage that is specifically designed for pregnant women. It involves the use of gentle and safe massage techniques to alleviate physical discomfort and emotional stress during pregnancy. While some people may view prenatal massage as a luxury or indulgence, it offers many important benefits for the mama and her unborn baby. At The Wellness Hub here in Jacksonville, Florida, we believe that every mother-to-be deserves prenatal massage during all stages of her pregnancy! Below we will explore some of the benefits of prenatal massage: Relief from Physical Discomfort Pregnancy can be a physically challenging time for women. As the baby grows, the mother's body undergoes significant changes that can lead to physical discomforts such as back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, leg cramps, and swollen feet. Prenatal massage can be very effective in relieving these discomforts by reducing muscle tension, improving circulation, and releasing endorphins (the body's natural painkillers). This can help pregnant women feel more resourceful during pregnancy and provide relief from aches and pains. Improved Sleep and Relief from Discomfort During Sleep Many pregnant women experience difficulty sleeping due to physical discomfort, anxiety, or hormonal changes. Lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, irritability, and other negative consequences. Prenatal massage has been shown to improve sleep quality in pregnant women by reducing stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation, and improving circulation. This can help pregnant women get the rest they need to feel their best during pregnancy. Reduced Stress and Anxiety Pregnancy can be a stressful time for women, as they prepare for the arrival of a new baby and navigate the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy. Prenatal massage can be a valuable tool for reducing stress and anxiety during pregnancy. Massage has been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increase levels of the feel-good hormone serotonin. This can help pregnant women feel more relaxed and calm, and may even lead to better outcomes for the baby. Improved Immune System Function Pregnancy, by design, suppresses a woman's immune system, so colds, flu and allergies can be a common occurrence. Prenatal massage may also have benefits for the mother's immune system. Research has shown that massage therapy can increase the activity of white blood cells, which play a key role in the body's immune response. This can help pregnant women stay healthy and reduce the risk of bothersome colds during pregnancy. Reduced Swelling and Edema Swelling and edema (excess fluid retention) are common during pregnancy, especially in the feet, ankles, and legs. Prenatal massage can be very effective in reducing swelling and edema by improving circulation and promoting lymphatic drainage. This can help pregnant women feel more comfortable and reduce the risk of complications such as varicose veins and blood clots. We have several lymphatic massage specialists at The Wellness Hub, and many of them also offer prenatal massage! How Often Should a Pregnant Woman Receive Prenatal Massage? The frequency of prenatal massage will vary depending on the individual needs and preferences of the pregnant woman. However, there are some general guidelines that can help determine how often to get prenatal massage. In the first trimester, prenatal massage is generally safe, according to The American Pregnancy Association. However, during this time, many women are not yet experiencing significant physical discomfort and may prefer to wait until later in the pregnancy to begin massage therapy. If a woman does choose to receive massage in the first trimester, once a month is generally sufficient. At The Wellness Hub, we just ask that you receive verbal clearance from your ob-gyn doctor to proceed with massage in the first trimester. In the second trimester, as the baby grows and the mother's body undergoes significant changes, prenatal massage can be very beneficial. During this time, women may experience increased muscle tension, back pain, and other discomforts. Many women choose to receive massage once every two to three weeks during the second trimester to help manage these symptoms. In the third trimester, prenatal massage can be especially helpful for preparing the body for labor and delivery. During this time, women may experience increased fatigue, swelling, sciatica and back pain. Many women choose to receive prenatal massage once a week during the third trimester to help manage these symptoms. It's always a good idea to consult with your obstetrician and your massage therapist to help determine what is appropriate for your specific condition and evaluate any individual risk factors.  We offer a comfortable side-lying position for prenatal massage in Jacksonville, FL, and can also provide a special pregnancy bolster that can safely allow you to lay face down! Is Massage Therapy During Pregnancy Safe?
When performed by a qualified and experienced licensed massage therapist, prenatal massage is generally considered safe for most pregnant women. However, as with any type of medical treatment or intervention, there are some risks and precautions to keep in mind. It is important to note that there are some circumstances in which prenatal massage may not be recommended. For example, women with certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or placenta previa may need to avoid massage therapy or obtain clearance from their healthcare provider before receiving massage. It is also important to communicate openly with the massage therapist about any health concerns or discomforts during the massage. If at any point during the massage a woman feels uncomfortable or experiences pain, she should let the therapist know immediately. A prenatal massage therapist is an important part of the healthcare team during pregnancy, so any medical changes should be reported directly to the therapist. A Happy, Healthy Pregnancy with Prenatal Massage A healthy pregnancy helps with the outcome of a healthy delivery and a healthy baby. Adding a prenatal massage plan to your pregnancy wellness toolkit is a great way to be at your healthiest during this special time.  At our holistic health center in Jacksonville, Florida, we are concerned about your health and wellbeing as well as giving you the most beautiful skin. Our owners and licensed holistic estheticians have carefully selected the best natural skincare products to make sure they are non-toxic.
Did you know that beauty and skincare products are largely unregulated in the United States? Research has shown that many personal care items and cosmetics contain carcinogenic ingredients, can cause allergies and immune system toxicity, and disrupt hormones. We like the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep database for researching products, including ingredients and brands. However, when receiving a facial at a spa, how can you know you get clean and non-toxic products? At The Wellness Hub, you can rest assured any products and ingredients we use during your facial or any products we recommend for you to take home are healthy, safe and effective. Our philosophy is that you should never sacrifice your health for beauty! What are the Top 5 Benefits of an Organic Facial?
If you are someone who is concerned with using the most natural products on your precious skin, we invite you to come to The Wellness Hub in Jacksonville, Florida for one of our skincare services. You can always make a day of it and book a massage session too for the ultimate in health and relaxation!  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!  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 |
AuthorThe Wellness Hub Center for Integrative Medicine and Holistic Spa in Jacksonville, Florida Archives
March 2023
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed