Sculptra

Sculptra is not a dermal filler. It is an injectable volumizer that works on building the body's own collagen while improving and restoring facial contours. How does this work? Once injected, the body creates a defense strategy against this trespassing agent and builds up a weapon chest of collagen giving the face more volume and less wrinkles.

The Scoop: Sculptra injections are absorbed deep in the dermis to stimulate skin cells to make collagen. Results take four to eight weeks to be noticeable as restoration of collagen takes time. In other words, Sculptra is not the product if you need to see speedy results. On the other side of things, where other dermal fillers last only 6-12 months, Sculptra has the potential to last 3-5 years.

The Downside: Unlike Juvederm and Restylane, Sculptra is not reversible and there are reports that injections can cause small bumps under the skin that are not easily removed.

The FDA finally approved this product for cosmetic enhancement applications in July of this year. Sculptra requires a series of treatments to achieve desired results. An average of two to three treatments at three to four week intervals are required. Most people require at least three treatment sessions costing between $700 to $2,500 per treatment.

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - SPA WEEK & PEVONIA PRESENT . . .

Exotic Resort Spa - 7 Night Luxury Escape
Enter by Oct. 31st
Grand Prize: One winner will receive an airfare travel voucher (up to $2,000.00); accommodations for seven days and nights at The Verandah Resort & Spa, Antigua (the "Resort"); three meals daily, as well as snacks and beverages at the Resort; non-motorized water sports and entertainment at the Resort; Pevonia spa treatments at the Resort (up to $1,400.00); personalized Pevonia Botanica Skincare for one year (up to $4,000.00); one private boat trip during the "Escape" to/ from the Resort and Green Island; one zip-line canopy rainforest tour during the "Escape;" and one couples luxury amenity gift basket. Approximate Total Retail Value $15,000.

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - YOGA JOURNAL

THE ZOBHA WEEK OF GRACE GIVEAWAY
Enter by Sept. 30th
Grand Prize: One winner will receive a getaway to The Standard Spa, Miami Beach. The prize includes 7 nights for 2 in a Wet Large Room, ‘anything but standard’ signature massages, daily yoga classes, mud lounge sessions bayside, bathing rituals, unlimited access to their Turkish hamam and hydrotherapy areas, including cedar sauna, aroma steam room, wall of sound showers, soaking tubs, roman waterfall hot tub and pool. Airfare included (up to $500 each) and ground transportation. Each will receive a $250 wardrobe collection from Zobha. Approximate Retail Value $4,500.

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - STARZ ENTERTAINMENT

Vegas, Baby Sweepstakes
Enter by September 30th
Grand Prize: One trip for two to experience Wynn Las Vegas Resort & Country Club in Las Vegas, Nevada, including 4 days and 3 nights in a luxurious Mobil Five Star award-winning Tower Suite, US Airways round trip coach airfare to Las Vegas, Nevada, roundtrip limo transportation between McCarran airport and Wynn Las Vegas, fine dining experience for two at Daniel Boulud Brasserie inside Wynn Las Vegas, tee time for two at the 18-hole Wynn Golf Club, VIP Indulgence tickets for two to see Le Rêve (the live aquatic spectacle at Wynn Las Vegas) and spa treatments for two at The Spa at Wynn Las Vegas. This great package includes one bottle of Perrier-Jouët champagne with bottle service, chocolate covered strawberries and lounge seating with video monitors and $5,000 spending money. Approximate Retail Value $10,000.

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - SPA MAGAZINE

ECO-SPA GETAWAY AT MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE
Enter by Sept. 30th
GRAND PRIZE: One two-night midweek stay (Sunday through Thursday) for two including, overnight accommodations in a Victorian-style room with balcony and wood-burning fireplace, all meals prepared by award-winning chefs, afternoon tea and cookies, one Signature of Elements of Nature Spa Treatment per person (choose from: Mohonk Eco Sampler, Indigo Herbal Poultice Massage, Mohonk Red Massage, Shawangunk Grit Mineral Body Treatment, Mohonk Red Facial), a private yoga or meditation session for two, complimentary resort activities including tennis, golf, boating, swimming in the mountain lake or indoor heated pool, 85-miles of hiking trails, nature walks, yoga and meditation classes, access to comprehensive fitness center, evening entertainment and more, chocolate turndown service each night, and an eco-friendly welcome gift upon arrival.

Move Over Botox . . .

Move over botox . . . there is the promise of something much bigger, more natural and a lot less painful coming our way. Scientists in Germany are reporting an anti-aging breakthrough. A non-invasive treatment utilizing high intensity LEDs (red light therapy) combined with a skin lotion containing a powerful antioxidant found in green tea extract (epigallocatechin gallate) are the new kids on the anti-aging block.

According to documented research, LED therapy coupled with the green tea lotion revealed prominent results in one-tenth the time it took when only using LED exposure. In other words, this dynamic skin care duo is 10 times more effective. Impressive. The daily application of both produces, "less pronounced wrinkle levels, shorter wrinkle valleys, and juvenile complexion."

Speaking of tea. . . tea extracts have the ability to act at the cellular level and can help effectively treat damaged skin in cancer patients, inhibit inflammations, boost bone and joint hardiness, boost cardiovascular health, reduce periodontal disease, inhibit bacteria, and improve memory. LEDs and green tea extracts are about to light up the faces of men and women around the world.

Watsu Massage

What's Watsu? The answer is within the word itself. Watsu is a combination of two words, water and shiatsu. This type of aquatic shiatsu therapy is practiced in a serene, shallow pool of warm water. Since water offers the body a whole different level of freedom and a much wider range of motion, the Watsu practitioner can easily manipulate your limbs and spine with greater fluidity. Once in the water and fitted with a pair of ankle floaties, the therapist will gently guide your body through a series of stretching movements and rhythmic sequences.

Clearly, trust plays an enormous part of this intimate type of treatment. A bond between you and your Watsu therapist is critically essential because you will be required to surrender control of your body's movements in order to maximize the benefits of the treatment. For this reason, Watsu may not be for everyone, but for those who are not 'touch timid', this treatment is one of the most relaxing wellness therapies for pain management. It is also tremendously effective for those suffering from arthritis and back pain. Water is the magic ingredient that enourages the body to accept a more peaceful path resulting in a major reduction in tension, pain, stress, blood pressure and sleeplessness, while boosting energy and greatly promoting healing.

Grab your swimsuit, a pair of ankle floaties, and give it a try. It may be a little harder to find a spa that offers Watsu since this treatment requires a pool. As a specialty massage, it is generally found offered at destination resorts. A one hour treatment ranges from $75 - $125.

Lava Shell Massage

One of the hottest new massage trends found on many spa menus this year is the Lava Shell massage. Similar to the Hot Stone massage, this treatment uses recycled tiger striped clam shells from the Philippines. The shells are meticulously cleaned, polished and varnished until they are completely smooth to the touch.

The shape of the shells make a perfect massage tool that fits beautifully in the palms of the therapist's hands. Each shell has a small hole fitted with a rubber plug which converts it into a small vessel capable of holding fluid. A self contained packet of minerals, volcanic lava powder, algae and sea kelp is placed inside the shell. Once a sea water activator is added to the packet, a chemical reaction releases an even heat that lasts for at least an hour. Just enough time to indulge in a wonderful Swedish Massage. Say good-bye to aches and pains. The Lava Shell Massage is deeply soothing and relaxing while easing tight muscles, and offering a wonderful feeling of health and well being. Kumusta!

Stone Therapy Massage

Stone Therapy is a great specialty spa treatment offered as a solo massage, or is incorporated with other types of body treatments and massages to boost their effectiveness. The most popular stones used in hot stone therapy are basalt. Basalt is a fine-grained volcanic rock with a high iron and magnesium content, which allows them to maintain heat and slowly release the warmth during the massage.

Generally, some of the warmed stones will be placed on the treatment bed to heat specific points on the body while you gently lay on them. Others will be strategically placed on other points of your body, such as along the spine, palms of your hands, etc. A warm oil blend is used as a massage medium to help the stones easily glide over the skin. The therapist will hold a stone in each hand to use while working over the skin, usually incorporating the basic techniques of Swedish Massage. Stone Therapy Massage, or Hot Stone Therapy, helps promote relaxation, reduce stress, relieve pain, release toxins, promote physiological and spiritual healing and awaken the spirit.

Oh, and in case you wondered, the stones are thoroughly sanitized prior to your appointment. Typically, a hot stone massage is 60 to 90 minutes in length and costs anywhere between $60 - $150

Prenatal Massage

Ah . . . pregnancy. Exciting, exhausting, and the baby isn’t even here yet. Prenatal massages are designed to help new mom's-to-be to get through those uncomfortable periods while the body adjusts to your growing treasure. Many of the techniques used are the same as for relaxation massage, but they may be adjusted slightly for the stage of your pregnancy. Prenatal massage can help your body relax, relieve lower back pain, help reduce that “heavy leg” feeling, improve circulation, increase mobility, promote well being and help the body to be less stressed.

Try to find therapists specifically trained in prenatal massage as they will know where the aches are and how best to make you feel better. Some prenatal massage therapists have special beds and/or cushions that facilitate lying face down and allow for tender breasts and a growing tummy. Generally the weight of the uterus makes lying on your back uncomfortable, in fact, this position is not advised because it can affect the blood flow of the lower extremities. If your massage therapist doesn’t have a special bed, a massage can be done while lying on your side using a body pillow for support.

Remember, the more comfortable you can be during your pregnancy, the happier mommy 'n' baby will be. The cost of prenatal massage is about the same as standard massage ranging from $60 - $90 for an hour massage. BTW, check with your health insurance as some insurance plans will cover it.

Indian Head Massage

Unfortunately, most massage therapies overlook the head, which is the literal the command center of the entire physical, mental and emotional presence. Yes, shoulders and the neck are usually included, . . . but the head? Not so much. In fact, sometimes the best head rub in town is given by a small percentage of top notch hairdressers who understand the magic of a good scalp massage.

Ayurvedic practices incorporate an ancient head massage technique utilizing warm oil (sweet almond, sesame, or olive) to slowly massage the scalp. In the West, each client is given a choice of a wet or dry massage, and one that is focused on relaxation or stimulation. Since this treatment is given while fully clothed, this decision will accommodate everyone's schedule and time of day. A dry, stimulating head massage is perfect for those who are on a lunch break or at the airport 'heading' for a meeting. In the evening, a wet (oil) head massage focused on relaxation is the perfect prelude to a peaceful night with the bonus of a great night's sleep.

Each treatment begins with a firm, gentle rhythmic massage of the upper back, shoulders, upper arms and neck, impacting the three higher chakras - body, mind, spirt. The massage continues down the arms and hands, up the neck to the scalp, face and ears. This soothing massage not only treats the head and hair, but benefits the entire body. It eases strained muscles, migraines and tension headaches, stress, and emotional trauma. An Indian Head Massage is clearly more than just a simple head rub. Each treatment usually lasts 45 minutes and costs on average between $75 - $100.

Lomi Lomi Massage

Lomi Lomi massage is based on an ancient Hawaiian healing touch therapy where thumbs, knuckles, hands, forearms and elbows are used in continuous flowing movements to release blocked energy and ease tension. Initially, a Lomi Lomi practitioner will create a harmonious stillness with the client to spark a deep communication with the body through intuition, mediation and touch. Once this is accomplished, the massage will commence through a gentle kneading of the body using wavelike, rhythmic motions to move and radiate healing energy throughout the body. Breath work and energy are also used to create a symphonic healing environment where the client and practitioner are in chorus with one another to facilitate the flow of healing and nurture the body into a positive state of relaxation.

The overall purpose of a Lomi Lomi massage it to align and connect the body, mind and spirit for a more peaceful approach to life. Other benefits include relaxing the nervous system, increasing circulation, aiding digestion, easing congestion, restoration, recuperation from illness and increasing spiritual awareness. In order to properly receive the benefits of this specific type of holistic therapy, it is important to go with an open mind. The proper amount of time should be taken to choose a practitioner carefully. Fees range from $75 - $90 per hour.