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Spa Review: GLO Spa at Marriott Hartford Downtown
2008-01-03 22:55:00
No matter where I go I'm always looking for a good spa. So I was happy to find a little gem called GLO Spa in Hartford, Connecticut, on the top floor of the Marriott Hartford Downtown .The hotel itself is a 22-story high-rise overlooking the Connecticut River, with 409 rooms to accommodate groups using the Hartford Connecticut Convention Center. That means it's a popular spot for business travelers.But I was in Hartford with my Mom to enjoy some of Hartford's most celebrated attractions. The first was Mark Twain's home, a gorgeous 19-room mansion where he wrote his most celebrated books, including "Tom Sawyer" and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."Our other stop was Wadsworth Atheneum, the very first art museum in America when it was founded in 1842. Its excellent collection is particularly strong in American art and furniture.Just a few blocks away is The Marriott Hartford Downtown, which a fine place for spa-lovers to stay. The modern hotel has a dramatic entrance and comfor...
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What Is Microdermabrasion?
2008-01-03 22:52:00
Microdermabrasion is mechanical exfoliation that removes the uppermost layer of dead skin cells from the face, chest and hands.For best results, it is recommended you get a series of treatments and use high-tech anti-aging skin care products. The price for a single microdermabrasion treatment usually ranges from $100 - $150, and with a series you might get one free.Benefits of Microdermabrasion * It leaves skin with a fresher, more glowing look.* Diminishes sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores, and coarse textured skin.* It makes it easy for high-tech skin care products to actually penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and help build collagen, which gives skin its youthful appearance.Other Names for Microdermabrasion Microdermabrasion is also known as particle resurfacing, power peel, derma-peel or Parisian peel. It takes about 20-30 minutes and there's no down-time for the skin to recover. That's why it's also sometimes called a "lunchtime peel."How Microde...

What is Exfoliation?
2008-01-03 22:49:00
Spas are always talking about exfoliation. But what is it? Why is it important? And can you overdo it?Exfoliation is the removal of the oldest dead skin cells that cling to the skin's outermost surface. When done correctly, exfoliation leaves the skin smoother and fresher looking. It also makes penetration easier for products like serums that nourish the skin.Exfoliation is an important part of facials and body treatments.There are two forms of exfoliation: 1) Mechanical Exfoliation. The dead skin cells are physically rubbed off with an abrasive. Examples of mechanical exfoliation include a salt glow, a body scrub that might use sugar or coffee grounds, or skin brushing. Products for the face should use small, round, gentle abrasives like jojoba beads.2) Chemical Exfoliation. Enzymes, alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) or betahydroxy acids (BHAS) loosen the glue-like substance that holds the cells together, allowing them to slough away. Facial peels are a form of chemical exfoliation. They ...

How To Find a Good Esthetician
2008-01-03 22:47:00
Facials are given by an esthetician, a skin care specialist who has gone through a professional training program in the field of skin care.Signs of A Good Esthetician* She is impeccably groomed, warm and friendly.* She is a stickler for cleanliness and sanitation. She keeps a clean table and washes her hands before she begins touching your face.* The esthetician gives you a relaxing facial customized to your skin. She can do ?extractions? (removal of blackheads, etc.) without causing too much discomfort and is responsive to your needs.* He can answer any questions you have about what he?s doing and why.* The good esthetician follows your lead in terms of how much ?chat? there is. It?s your time!* She asks about your home skin care routine and advises you on how to take care of your skin between facials.* She tells you what products are best suited for your skin type without resorting to high-pressure sales techniques.* A good esthetician recognizes skin problems that require a derma...
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How To Have Beautiful Skin
2008-01-03 22:46:00
It's not enough to get a facial to keep your skin clear and beautiful. You need to have a great home skin-care routine.Here's are the everyday habits you need to keep your skin beautiful:* Eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables and leafy green. Good nutrition is the basic building block of healthy skin.* Drink plenty of water every day. (I fill a carafe to remind myself.)* Get a professional facial to deep cleanse your skin at least four times a year, as the seasons change. Every four to six weeks is ideal.* Throw away the soap and use quality products that are right for your skin type. Discuss your home skin-care routine with your esthetician.* If you can't afford all the skin-care products right away, ask the esthetician which are most important to start, and which can be substituted with less expensive alternatives. Invest in additional products as you can.* WEAR SUNSCREEN, even on cloudy days and in winter. Use a good-quality, high-SPF sunscreen. Sun damage is the...
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What Is Sensual Massage?
2008-01-03 22:44:00
Sensual massage is another way of saying that the massage will include sexual contact. Don?t expect to get a sensual massage at a spa. The massage therapists who work at spas are trained in therapeutic massage, which is based on Swedish massage techniques.It is a breach of spa etiquette to ask for sex as part of a therapeutic massage. If you do, the massage therapist will explain that is not the purpose of this massage and continue working. If you persist, they will end the massage.Massage therapists tell me that men usually ask for sex in an indirect fashion by directing them "work higher" when they get to their thighs or "work lower" when they massage their chest. They also ask the therapist to remove the sheet or ask if the therapist does "extras." None of this is appropriate -- or legal -- in a spa setting.At home, you can incorporate massage techniques into your lovemaking. A very good book for learning massage techniques at home is "The Joy of Sensual Massage," by Jack Hofer. ...

What Is Watsu?
2008-01-03 22:41:00
Watsu is a very soothing type of massage that takes place in warm, waist-deep water. Its name comes from a combination of the words ?water? and ?shiatsu.? It was developed by Harold Dull back in 1980, when he started applying Zen Shiatsu stretches to students floating in the warm pool at Harbin Hot Springs in California.What Happens During a Watsu Treatment? A spa has to have a special Watsu pool heated to the exact same temperature as your body. It should be private and quiet, like any other treatment room. Some spas have outdoors Watsu pools surrounded by walls, with cloth panels overhead to create a combination of sunlight and shade.You and the massage therapist both wear bathing suits. You enter the water and while you sit on a step, she puts floats around your ankles. This helps your buoyancy. During Watsu the therapist literally cradles your body, with one arm supporting your knees, the other your back. One of your arms is wrapped around the therapist?s back, the other floats ...

What Is Reflexology?
2008-01-03 22:40:00
Reflexology is a treatment where the therapist works primarily on your feet. The theory behind reflexology is that there are "reflex points" in the feet, hands and ears that relate to specific organs and glands in the body. Practitioners believe that stimulating those reflex points promotes health in that organ via the body's energetic pathways.When done by a skilled practitioner, reflexology is deeply relaxing treatment with benefits that can be felt throughout the body. (If they're less skilled, you'll just feel like you've had a very long foot massage.) Reflexology can be a good treatment choice for people who want to keep their clothes on during a massage. It is also a good choice if you are pressed for time and don't want to get oil on your body or in your hair.Reflexology was first developed in the United States in the early 20th century, and was called "zonal therapy"in its earliest incarnations. It is based on the theory that the body is divided into ten zones running l...
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What Is Trigger Point Therapy?
2008-01-03 22:38:00
trigger point is a hyperirritable spot that is painful. It is called a trigger point because it "triggers" a painful response.But a trigger point is more than a tender nodule. It affects not only the muscle where the trigger point is located, but also causes "referred pain" in tissues supplied by nerves.Trigger points are located in a taut band of muscles fibers. The trigger point is the most tender point in the band. The therapist will locate and deactivate them using finger pressure. One technique is to pick up the muscle fibers in a pincer grip.What You Should Know About Trigger Point Thera py It is used to treat painful trigger points that cause referred pain.It took a while to get the muscle in that condition, and it will likely take more than one massage to get rid of it.These points are often areas of chronic "holding" and you need to learn how to move in different ways to keep them from recurring.It will probably be uncomfortable.

What Is Thai Massage?
2008-01-03 22:36:00
Thai Massage is one of the hot ?new? massages offered by most spas, but it was actually developed by Buddhist monks in Thailand as a healing modality 2,500 years ago. It uses passive stretching and gentle pressure along the body?s energy lines to increase flexibility, relieve muscle and joint tension and balance the body?s energy systems. It is both deeply relaxing and energizing.Thai massage takes place on a futon mat on the floor, and you wear loose fitting clothing. Some spas, like The Mandarin Oriental, Miami,, provide you with an outfit to wear. Others may ask you to wear something loose and comfortable, like sweat pants. You start by laying on your back, and the therapist uses gentle compression and stretching techniques to open up your body, beginning with you legs. Some people say Thai massage is a little like doing yoga without any effort, because the therapist will push your body into various positions without any work on your part.Thai massage is done with all your clothe...
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What is Shiatsu?
2008-01-03 22:35:00
Shiatsu is a style of bodywork developed in Japan. Its goal is to restore the healthy flow of energy throughout the body.Shiatsu is similar to acupuncture, but uses finger pressure instead of needles. Its name comes from two Japanese words -- "shi" or finger and "atsu" or pressure.What Happens During a Shiatsu Massage? For shiatsu, you wear loose clothing. It is usually performed on a mat on the floor. The practitioner will use their fingers and thumbs to apply pressure to specific points on the body's energy pathways, known as meridiens. They often use other techniques such as rocking, stretches and joint rotations.Shiatsu treatment is holistic, addressing the whole body rather than focusing on the one area where symptoms are most obvious.A shiatsu session usually lasts between 45 minutes and an hour.
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What Is Sports Massage?
2008-01-03 22:33:00
Sports massage is designed to help atheletes prepare their bodies for optimal performance, recover after a big event, or function well during training.But you don't have to be in the Olympics to benefit from sports massage. Sports massage is also good for people with injuries, chronic pain or restricted range of motion. This is the type of sports massage that you see in the spa.What Happens During Sports Massage ?Sports massage is a type of Swedish massage that stimulates circulation of blood and lymph fluids. Some sports massage movements use trigger point therapy to break down adhesions (knots in the muscles) and increase range of motion.There are four types of sports massages:* pre-event sports massage -- a short, stimulating massage 15 - 45 minutes before the event. It is directed toward the parts of the body that will be involved in the exertion.* post-event sports massage -- given within an hour or two of the event, to normalize the body's tissues.* restorative sports massage...
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What Is Pregnancy Massage?
2008-01-03 22:30:00
Pregnancy massage promotes relaxation, soothes nerves and relieves strained back and leg muscles in expectant mothers, particularly in the second and third trimesters.What Happens During Pregnancy Massage ?A pregnancy massage differs from traditional massage in a few different ways. First, the massage therapist will take extra care to make sure your body gets the cushioning and support it needs.When you?re lying on your back, there will be pillows underneath your knees and shoulders. If you?re far along in your pregnancy, you might be positioned in a semi-reclining position, where you?re looking at the wall instead of the ceiling.Pregnancy massage also uses special bolsters with a deep cutout in the center so you can lie face-down comfortably. You can also have your back massaged during pregnancy by lying on your side, with pillows under your head and between your legs.A pregnancy massage should be very soothing and relaxing in style. Deep tissue work and abdominal kneading should be...
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The Health Benefits of Massage
2008-01-03 22:22:00
Are you feeling guilty about getting a massage? Does it seem too self-indulgent? Actually, massage has many important health benefits.Massage can help you maintain physical, mental and emotional well being, especially when it is part of your wellness routine.The Heal th Benefits of Massage * Massage calms the nervous system and promotes a sense of relaxation and well being.* Massage reduces tension and anxiety.* Massage improves blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells.* Massage stimulates the lymphatic system, which carries away the body?s waste products.* Massage prevents and relieve muscles cramps and spasms.* Massage therapy can also help with pain management in conditions such as arthritis, sciatica, muscle spasms.Contraindications For Massage * You shouldn't get massage if you have a fever, infections, inflammation, osteoporosis and other medical conditions.* If you have any questions about whether a massage would be right for you because of an exist...

Planning A Romantic Spa Getaway
2008-01-03 22:17:00
A friend of mine planned a romantic spa getaway with her husband but wound up disappointed. Once they checked into the spa, they never saw each other again until it was time to pay the bill!If you want to make sure you really get the romantic spa experience you're looking for at a resort spa or destination spa , ask these questions BEFORE you make your reservations.* Do you offer couples massage? Romantic spas (even day spas ) have special treatment rooms big enough for two people to get a massage at the same time. This service is often a good way to introduce men to massage .* Do you have a couples suite? What amenities does it have? The most romantic spas have lavishly equipped couples suites where you get your treatments together and lounge in private for a while afterwards. These suites are packed with amenities like fireplaces, pedicure chairs, steam showers and lounging beds. They can be indoor, outdoor or even have both indoor and outdoor rooms. A good example is the VIP Sui...
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Spa Travel Tips
2008-01-03 22:12:00
A spa vacation is a significant investment. What can you do to make the most of your spa vacation? Here are some spa travel tips that will help you have a spa vacation that meets all your expectations.* There are several different types of spas . Make sure you understand the differences between a destination spa , which offers an all-inclusive "immersion" experience, and a resort spa, which allows you to sample as much or as little of the spa experience as you want.* Find out exactly what the property means by ?spa.? You may be thinking a multi-million dollar facility, and they?re thinking a Jacuzzi and one treatment room. Look for photos on their website. Find a description of the facilities, including the number of treatment rooms.* Book your spa treatments when you make your reservations. Don?t wait until you get there! If you wait, you may not get the times or treatments you want?and on weekends you might have a hard time getting in at all.* If the spa has lots of classes and pr...
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Tips For Enjoying Your Massage
2008-01-03 22:10:00
massage is supposed to be a soothing, relaxing experience. So why do so many people arrive at 1:30 for a 1:30 massage? You should be in your robe already! And if you arrive late, in a frenzied state, you might as well have not come. Get there early is the most important tip for enjoying your massage. But there are plenty more. (Hint -- don't eat a big sausage sub right before you get there, and be sure to speak up if you don't like the pressure.Here are some tips adapted from the American Massage Therapy Association to help you enjoy your massage.* Be receptive. Don't eat just before a massage session.* Be on time. If you arrive in a frenzied, rushed state, it will take longer to relax.* If you don't want to remove all your clothing, discuss it with the therapist. Wear what you will be comfortable in that will allow the therapist to work on the areas of your body that need it.* Good communication is very important. Before the session, give accurate health information and let the...
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Spa Week's Bargain Spa Treatments
2008-01-03 22:06:00
Spa Week is famous for its $50 spa treatments. Here's what you need to know to get in on it.What Is Spa Week?Spa Week is a promotional event where participating spas offer select spa treatments for just $50.When Is Spa Week?Spa Week takes place in the spring and the fall in many of the U.S. and Canada's major markets. The next Spa Week is October 15-21,2007 for cities and states outside the West Coast. The West Coast Spa Week took place September 17-23, 2007. You can sign up for my newsletter to make sure you don't miss the next Spa Week in the spring.Where Is Spa Week? Spa Week takes place at over 400 spas in 22 markets, including New York City, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington D.C., Virginia, Baltimore, Atlanta, Detroit, Chicago, Dallas, Austin, Miami, Denver, Minnesota, Toronto, Arizona, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Portland and Seattle.Can I Get Any Treatment I Want for $50? No. Each spa chooses the treatment they want to offer. It could be a body polish...
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Buying A Spa Gift Certificate
2008-01-03 22:02:00
Spa gift certificates are a great gift idea for many of the biggest holidays. Almost everyone loves to be treated to a luxurious day at the spa. But there are a few things you should know before you buy a spa gift certificate so you don't get burned.Where can I buy a spa gift certificate? The easiest solution is to buy SpaFinder gift certificates (Buy Direct) , which can be redeemed at more than 3,500 spas worldwide. SpaFinder gift certificates are transferable and have no expiration date when purchased online.It's a good last-minute option becuase they let you print out a gift card, and the actual gift certificate arrives a few days later. You can also send an email to announce the spa gift certificate is coming.If there is one particular spa you want to send your wife, mom or sweetheart to, you can buy as gift certificate directly from the spa. This way you can choose a specific treatment or package instead of a dollar amount.How much should I give? The minimum is usually $50 bu...
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The Hottest Spa Deals Now
2008-01-03 21:58:00
Looking to save on your trip to the spa? Here are the hottest deals going right now at resort spas , destination spas, and day spas. Be sure to check if tax, tip, and meals are included. Also, there might be restrictions and limited availability.Arizona- JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix is promoting its new luxury Revive Spa guest rooms with the Escape! Relaxation package. It includes one night's accommodations, four spa treatments, breakfast for two and a Revive Spa CD. From $859 Nov. 20, 2007 - Jan 6, 2008.- Miraval Resort, the destination spa in Tucson favored by Oprah Winfrey, has a "Relax and Be Merry" package. Stay three nights and get a fourth night free, Mon. - Thurs. through December 31, 2007. Rates start at $595 per person, per night, and include all meals and activities, one spa service or round of golf up to a $110 value per person, per night, and round-trip transportation from Tucson Airport. Book with the code E4THNT.California- Silverado Resort in...

Best Cheap Destination Spas
2008-01-03 21:56:00
Are you looking for a cheap destination spa? There are plenty to choose from, as long as you don't mind modest accommodations.At these cheap destination spas, prices include meals and classes, which are extra at most resort spas .Spa treatments are included in some packages at these budget spas, or you can buy them "a la carte". Spa treatment prices are less expensive than at luxury spas because the facilities are more modest. Prices at the cheap destination spas on this list start at $750 per person per week for people who bunk four-to-a-room at Tennessee Fitness Spa in Waynesboro, Tennessee.Best Cheap Destination Spas Birdwing Spa in Litchfield, Minnesota. Just 70 miles from Minneapolis, this cheap destination spa is set on 300 acres with a private lake. Lots of hiking, biking and canoeing. Guests stay in a chalet or a converted red barn with guest suites. 320-693-6064Echo Valley Ranch and Spa, Jesmond, Clinton, British Columbia, Canada. If you like horseback riding, this is the s...

What Does A Massage Cost?
2008-01-03 21:55:00
The cost of a massage will vary, depending on three factors:* where you live.* whether it's a day spa , resort spa or destination spa and how luxurious the spa is.* the type of massage you're getting.Massage Cost s Start At $75 an Hour The cost of a Swedish massage generally starts at $50 for a half-hour and $75 for an hour at a day spa in small cities. The cost is higher in larger cities, generally starting around $90 for a one-hour Swedish massage.It may be slightly less if you see a massage therapist in their home, or you're in a very small market.Massage Costs More At Overnight SpasA massage costs more at destination and resort spas. Lake Austin Spa Resort in Austin Texas, for instance, charges $105 for a fifty-minute Swedish massage.Prices are highest at a luxury hotel spa like The Spa at Mandarin Oriental in New York City, where a Swedish massage lasts eighty minutes and costs $305 plus tax and tip. Remember, however, that part of what you are paying for is access to their l...

Spa Bargains - Keeping Costs Low
2008-01-03 21:54:00
Massages at most spas start at $90 and facials at $75 and higher. Many states have a service tax, and a tip of 15-20% is good spa etiquette. Is there any way to get these services more cheaply?The biggest savings to be had is by going to a school where massage therapists or aestheticians are trained. A facial might be $25, a massage $40. But it won't offer a "luxury" experience, and their skill level will not be as high as a practiced professional.Massage therapists and aestheticians who work out of their home usually have lower fees than a full spa. They don't usually charge tax or expect a tip. Again, you won't get luxury amenities that make a spa an "experience".Destination spas have lower prices in their off-season -- summer in Tucson or winter in Lenox, Mass. Check their web sites for particulars.
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How Much Does a Day Spa Cost?
2008-01-03 21:53:00
Prices at the day spa will vary, depending on a number of factors:* Where do you live? Prices in big cities or major suburbs are usually higher.* How luxurious is the spa? The more luxurious the amenities, the higher the prices.* Is it a resort or hotel spa ? Their prices are the highest. Get your money's worth by scheduling time to relax and use the facilties.Typical Prices At Local Day Spas: * A one-hour Swedish massage is $75 to $90.* A specialty massage like hot stone is more expensive, around $115-$125. It may also run a little longer.* A basic European facial is usually $70 to $90. Adding special masks and serums will make it more expensive.* A half-hour salt scrub is $55. A longer body wrap will cost $80-$110.* A spa manicure is $25 - $35. A spa pedicure is $45 - $55. Spa nail services should have extras like scrubs, masks and paraffin dips.* Spa packages combine more than one service, such as massage and facial. Longer packages often include lunch. Prices typically start at...
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Saving on Your Spa Vacation
2008-01-03 21:51:00
Want to save money on your spa vacation? Here are a few tips for getting the best deal.- Look at the the hottest spa deals to find the best deals I've uncovered right now.- Make sure you know what type of spayou're staying at and what's included. Is the price just the room, or does it include meals, exercise classes and a credit toward spa treatments?- Travel off-season. In the Northeast, rates are lower in the winter, higher in the summer. It?s the reverse in the Southwest and Florida.- Stay mid-week for the lowest rates. Destination spas usually have a three-night minimum. A Thursday night arrival will cost more than a Sunday night arrival.- Look for special packages like Girlfriend Getaways, but add up the costs a la carte to make sure you're really getting a good deal. Sometimes it's just another way to package things at "rack rate."- If there is a particular spa you want to experience, visit its website. It will let you know about any special savings programs.- Look at des...
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What A Spa Trip Costs
2008-01-03 21:49:00
Just because you're staying at a spa doesn't mean you have to spend a lot of money. There's a huge range in the pricing at overnight spas.A week-long stay in a room for four costs $750 per person at Tennessee Fitness Spa, one of many budget destination spas.At the ultra-luxurious Golden Door near San Diego, a week-long stay would set you back nearly $8,000. And you can find spas at every price between.Here are the factors that will affect how much you spend on your spa trip:- How far am I traveling? Spas are so popular now that there's usually one within reach. Take a weekend spa getaway near home and save on travel. If you want to have a more unusual experience half-way across the country, airfare adds to the cost.- How long do I plan to stay? Most destination spas have a minimum stay of two or three nights and it might go up to a week.- What's included in my package? Most destination spa rates include meals, exercise classes and sometimes spa treatments. Most resort spas are ...
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Spa Code of Conduct
2008-01-03 21:46:00
When you walk through the doors of your favorite spa, sit down in the massaging pedicure chair and stick your feet into the water that isn't quite the right temperature, do you say anything to your therapist?What about if you walk into a treatment room for your hot stone massage and the music is too loud? If the stones are too hot, do you just lie on the table and grin and bear it?You should speak up and communicate your preferences in all these situations, according to A Spa "Code of Conduct" developed by The International SPA Association and Resort Hotel Association.The Spa Code of Conduct spells our you rights and responsibilities as a spa guest so you have a more satisfying spa experience.Here is the Spa Code of Conduct: As a Spa Guest, it is your responsibility to:- Communicate your preferences, expectations and concerns- Communicate complete and accurate health information and reasons for your visit- Treat staff and other guests with courtesy and respect- Use products, equipm...

Spa Etiquette: Everything You Wanted To Know But Were Afraid To Ask
2008-01-03 21:38:00
First-time spa-goers have a lot of anxiety -- especially about getting undressed in front of a stranger. The staff is there to make you comfortable and guide you through the experience. And most people enjoy it so much they come back. But here are a few tips and answers to questions about going to the spa.First, get there early. Arrive at least 15 minutes early so you can change into your robe...longer if you want to enjoy the facilities.Will you have to take off all your clothes for a massage? For a traditional Swedish massage, the answer is usually yes, but modesty is always protected. And there are forms of massage where you stay clothedWill men get aroused? The therapist uses a non-sexual form of touch called therapeutic massage, and it should be deeply relaxing, not arousing.What if it hurts? The therapist is there to give your body what it needs. If the pressure is too much-- or too little -- speak up.How long can I lie on the table after the treatment? Usually they need the r...
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Ten Things Not To Do At The Spa
2008-01-03 21:37:00
*Don't arrive for a 2 p.m. spa appointment at 2 p.m. Arrive at least 20 minutes early to check in, change and relax, or earlier if you want to enjoy the steambath and sauna.* Don't spend your spa treatment talking about your problems at work, with your husband, your kids. You're just stressing yourself out.*Don't work out and then show up for your massage all sweaty. It's not nice for you or the therapist.* Don't hop into the Jacuzzi and then go straight to your massage or facial. Rinse the chlorine off right away. It's not good for your skin.*Don't talk on your cell phone in the meditation room (or locker room, or anywhere in the spa.) It disturbs others and keeps you from relaxing.* Don't treat the staff like they're servants and you're the Queen. You won't get their best work.* Don't expect miracles. You won't permanently get rid of all your muscle tension in one massage.* Don't rush off right after your treatment. To get the most out of it, you need time to rest a...
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What Is Sensual Massage?
2008-01-03 21:36:00
Sensual massage is another way of saying that the massage will include sexual contact. Don?t expect to get a sensual massage at a spa. The massage therapists who work at spas are trained in therapeutic massage, which is based on Swedish massage techniques.It is a breach of spa etiquette to ask for sex as part of a therapeutic massage. If you do, the massage therapist will explain that is not the purpose of this massage and continue working. If you persist, they will end the massage.Massage therapists tell me that men usually ask for sex in an indirect fashion by directing them "work higher" when they get to their thighs or "work lower" when they massage their chest. They also ask the therapist to remove the sheet or ask if the therapist does "extras." None of this is appropriate -- or legal -- in a spa setting.At home, you can incorporate massage techniques into your lovemaking. A very good book for learning massage techniques at home is "The Joy of Sensual Massage," by Jack Hofer. ...