2013 Top Spa Trends - Authentic Ayurveda and Other Ancient Revivals

Authentic Ayurveda is an ancient, 'science-of-life' wellness system based upon the three doshas;
1. vata (air and space) - cool, thin body, dry skin, circulation issues, active lifestyle, sensitive to stress
2. pitta (fire and water) - warm, healthy body style, active mentally and physically, even balance
3. kappa (water and earth) - larger body, weight issues, smooth skin,  inactive lifestyle

Ayurveda practitioners work on the theory that we are a combination of all three doshas, with one of two dominating the other(s). An imbalance of doshas is believed to cause an overall imbalance that greatly contributes to problematic health issues. During a consultation, your dosha will be determined and a diet and lifestyle consultation will be prescribed. Many Ayurveda spa treatments are available to help achieve great self awareness with respect to personal wellness such as; Indian Head Massage, Rhythmic Herbal Oil Treatments, Lymphatic Stimulation and Drainage, Deep Tissue Massage, Facials using ayurvedic herbs and oils, Muscle Detox, Eye Soothing Treatments, Dosha Balancing Massage, and a variety of Sinus Treatments.

Ayurveda and other ancient wellness systems are definitely finding their way onto spa menus with treatments ranging from Chinese medicine to address medical issues, Turkish Hammam BathTreatments with massage treatments offering steam and a combination of jasmine, mint and lemon essential oils, and Russian Baths with differing temperatures of hot and cold used to ease the throat and feed the skin. Yes, ancient spa rituals around the world are definitely making a comeback.

Acupuncture vs Acupressure Facials

What is the major difference, other than the obvious, between acupuncture and acupressure facials?


Acupuncture involves the application of filaments (needles) piercing the skin at specific points, and in some cases, manipulating them into position. It must be performed by someone specifically trained in the field of acupuncture. Although the procedure may lead to visible results, it may not be the most pleasant process for those sensitive to touch. One time treatments yield short-term minimal results, therefore, a series of 8 to 12 treatments are needed for longer lasting results. Acupuncture works on the concept of balance, the yin and yang, which gives the skin an overall healthy glow, stimulates collagen, and minimizes fine lines.

Acupressure, on the other hand, is generally more pleasant and easily worked into a facial treatment. The theory of the meridians and acupressure points follows that of acupuncture without the application of needles. Acupressure involves the application of pressure on specific points to address detoxification, regeneration, elimination, improving energy flow, and enhancing the well being of the client and skin. It also requires specific training, but not the years of study required for acupuncture. Many estheticians incorporate some acupressure in their massage, some have been trained on specific points to address specific concerns, while others have been trained extensively enough to offer acupressure treatments designed to compliment the skincare plan and address the concerns of each client. For best results a series of treatments is recommended, 2 or 3 times a week for 10 to 12 treatments, depending on the desired outcome.

Acupuncture and acupressure can both offer results, however, acupressure is more common in the esthetic industry. Acupuncture is more popular in the para-medical, or medical field, and is most often used to address conditions or injuries that are more critical than aging. There are also some machines on the market that offer light therapy in combination with pressure point massage which intensify the results dramatically.

Facial Massage

What are the five classical massage manipulations mentioned in the Signature Facial post?

No matter if it is a hand, facial, foot, or body massage there are different manipulations used to achieve different results. Most beauty therapists use a structured massage format and will vary it depending on the needs of the client and the result they are after. Almost every massage will include the five classical massage manipulations, used in different rhythms, different pressures, different depths and different order depending on the client’s needs, tissue condition, therapist and the goal of the treatment. Some are gliding manipulations to soothe, relax, aid circulation and help the body to detoxify, while others are kneading, vibrating or tapping movements done to stimulate circulation, stimulate and detoxify deeper tissues, improve tonus, and promote cell regeneration. The movements can be done with finger tips, whole fingers, or the entire hands, depending on the area being treated. The pressure applied will depend on the goal, depth of tissue being treated and the comfort of the client. Five classical massage manipulations, . . . five more reasons to visit your beauty therapist on a regular basis.

Signature Facial

Signature facials are special treatments created by spas to represent their calibre of work and help clients remember the incredible treatment and care they received at the spa. They usually include a few little extras like a hand massage, paraffin treatment, scalp massage, back massage, special massage, foot massage, to name a few. It will also give the esthetician an opportunity to complete a skin analysis and advise the client on the best course of action for her skin.

The facial may have an exotic name and the protocol and massage will support the theme of the treatment and/or the theme of the spa. There will be some form of exfoliating deep cleanse to prepare the skin for the application of the serums and products that will follow. The massage will offer the five classical massage manipulations and may include some pressure point or lymphatic drainage as well. It may include a special type of mask, or possibly one customized for the treatment, finishing with a day cream and perhaps a touch of make-up depending on the spa.

A signature facial may not be the most advanced facial care the spa offers as it will not be that specific. It may not be the quick fix facial either, but it will be the one recommended to new clients to start with. Why? When you do not know which facial you need for your skin, the signature is always a good place to begin. Generally speaking, knowing reputations stand on these treatments, . . . signature facials are rarely disappointing.

Rosacea Facial

Facials specializing in the care of rosacea are becoming quite popular as more and more women are being diagnosed with the condition. It is usually diagnosed in the early thirties and is more common for individuals that have fair skin, blush easily, are prone to fragile capillaries, or had acne in their late teens or early twenties. The early stages are diffused redness with visible capillaries, and if not cared for, will worsen in time to acne rosacea. The skin thickens unevenly and is easily over stimulated. There is no cure for the condition so it is important to care for, and protect, the skin to prevent the advancement of the stages.

Rosacea facials will incorporate soothing, gentle care. Exfoliants will usually be enzyme or AHA based as there can be no rubbing on the skin. Depending on the stage of rosacea, massage may be contra-indicated as you do not want to stimulate this skin. There will be no steam and extractions are nearly impossible without causing more damage. Harsh treatment is most detrimental to this skin condition. High Frequency can be used to ease circulation as well as deal with blemishes if they are present. Light therapy treatments have shown incredible results. Home care must play a supportive role as well as provide daily protection to prevent the condition from worsening. Soothing, refining texture, calming, strengthening capillaries, and healing are the focus of the rosacea facial.

European Facial

Europeans take their skincare seriously, not as a luxury, but as a necessity. The European facial is really the basis for any facial, or at least it should be. This type of facial consists of a full consultation, including what you are prepared to do at home, a skin analysis, and a treatment plan. The facial often incorporates the use of machines, as well as a massage, and will generally be offered for anywhere between 20 and 50 minutes. During this treatment the face, neck, and décolleté will be treated. The massage portion will include the upper back, and in some cases, the ears and scalp.

In many esthetic salons, and spas, you will still find those that specialize in facials and treat from the chin up while strongly recommending the same for homecare. Thank goodness with the population traveling more, a world of treatment protocols are being shared, clients are demanding more, and professional estheticians are offering more global services. There is a very good reason why European women seem to have such nice skin. Ooh-la-la . . .

Oxygenating Facials

An oxygenating facial is perfect for anyone who is stressed out. Stress comes with one clear-cut guarantee, . . . if you are dealing with stress, your skin and every other tissue in your body will be dealing with it. In a stressed skin the cells are not getting sufficient oxygen and are unable to detoxify themselves, nor are they able to regenerate. The result is what skin care professionals refer to as an asphyxiated skin. In a younger person it will usually show as toxins sitting under the surface of the skin, like blemishes that have not yet made their debut. In a more mature person the skin is usually tired looking, dull, and lacks vitality.

Most of us have some level of stress in our lives and we could all benefit from a facial directed at boosting the oxygen activity in our skin. It is also a great way to start another series of treatments to benefit from the increase in cell activity which will offer a much more pronounced result with the treatments and products that follow. This presents a perfect time to kick off a new anti-aging regimen.

Most oxygenating facials are designed to boost the cellular uptake of oxygen improving cellular function (detoxifying and regenerating), enhance the circulation (the blood provides oxygen to the cells and carries away waste), and promote detoxification, often through specific massage manipulations, or incorporating lymphatic drainage. An oxygenating facial will give your skin clarity and brightness while energizing your cellular activity. A royal stress-buster indeed!

Oxygenating Facials - The Way to Glow

My skin is dull and I can't remember the last time I had that peachy, healthy glow. I have heard oxygenating facials are the way for me to go. Should I just have this type of facial from now on or should I mix it up a little?


Oxygenating facials will certainly help you regain a healthy glow. Whether or not you should change it up depends somewhat on the cause. Someone who smokes, has a poor diet, poor elimination, or has poor health is continually stressing the skin cells and will find a need to keep something oxygenating in their skincare regimen, either facials or home care. If you are healthy and have gone through a temporary disruption in your skin, stay with the oxygenating care until the skin has regained its glow, and then consider addressing the other concerns of your skin. A mask, or serum, would be a great addition to your daily care to help to boost oxygenation. You glow girl!

Are 'Promotional' Facials Really A Bargain?

Great question. A facial should be customized to your needs upon the conclusion of a skin analysis, and a discussion, to make sure your concerns are addressed. A completed client profile provides important information regarding your health (allergies, medications, etc.) life style, previous treatments, and anything that is pertinent to achieving desired results with your skin care treatments and homecare. Certainly, a large part of a facial treatment is to de-stress and relax, but anyone who invests their time and money into this type of service wants to improve and protect their skin, and of course, results must be a part of the program, promotional or not.

Promotional facials, on the other hand, generally offer a one-size-fits-all treatment focusing on a broad-spectrum need, such as hydration. Everyone benefits from these type of promotions (as long as it is offered at a reputable spa), and as an added bonus, they are usually much easier on your pocketbook. The drawback? While these type of facials provide a great service to your skin, they are not focused on customizing your care to address the other important needs of your skin.

There are many types of facials, ranging from basic to advanced cures and exotic traditional treatments from around the world. No matter the type, the focus should always be on whatever will produce the best results for your needs.

Stay tuned for an insider's look at a variety of facials over the next few weeks . . .

The Customized Facial Massage

Have you ever gone for a facial and found it to be absolutely incredible and on another occasion thought it was alright, but nothing special? A good spa menu offers so many different facials to choose from that it would be a shame to just have a product rubbed on your skin, or settle for a basic facial massage. There are so many modalities of massage, Thai, Swedish, Reiki, Lymphatic Drainage, Reflexology, Pressure Point, Shiatsu, . . . to name a few. While the fundamental massage is fine, incorporating different massage techniques is far more specific and targets skin care problems more efficiently. This is as important as choosing the correct products for your skin type. Keeping all of this in mind, the beneficial effects of the products will be drastically increased, not to mention your overall well-being.

For example, what if your skin is dull, stressed, has uneven color and circulation, congestion under the surface (asphyxiated), and if there is a history of medication, poor eating habits, lack of water intake, elimination irregularity, sun damage and/or smoking damage? The massage you should choose incorporates some classical Swedish massage techniques for de-stressing and improving circulation, but must also include some lymphatic drainage techniques to detoxify the skin and pressure point techniques to promote elimination and improve nourishment to the cells.

If, however, the focus is primarily anti-age the goal is to improve cell nourishment and regeneration, as well as the tone, color, hydration, and vitality of the skin. The facial massage choice should incorporate classical massage manipulations that relax, improve circulation and de-stress, but also one that focuses on massage techniques that stimulate cellular activity of the skin and the muscles of the face and neck, perhaps combined with Shiatsu and/or pressure point techniques to trigger regeneration.

How do you choose the right facial? The best advice we can offer is to have an open discussion with your skin care professional about your needs and expected results. Ask about incorporating different facial massage techniques during your appointment and how it may improve your treatment. Take a trip away from the 'same old, same old' and imagine the results when a customized facial massage is combined with a superb product. Incredible!


*Do you need help figuring out what type of facial you should choose? Write to us and we would be happy to make some personalized suggestions.

Urban Luxury: 24K Gold Facial

Cleopatra slept in a mask of gold every night. The Queen of the Ch'ing Dynasty had gold rolled on her face everyday. Spas are now taking Cleopatra's lead. Pure gold facials are being offered in specialty spas around the world. 24K gold is used exclusively as 14K and 18K gold contain other materials and metal which may prove toxic or cause skin problems. The application process is accompanied by Gamma PGA, a 100% natural fermentation product of the soy protein, which claims to be 10 times more hydrating than hyaluronic acid (retains moisture like a sponge) and more elastic than collagen. An ultra sonic mist with water droplets seven times smaller than a traditional steamer is used to penetrate and soften the top layer of the skin creating an perfect environment for moisture absorption.

This treatment is said to exfoliate and refine the skin, increase blood flow, stimulate cellular growth, regenerate healthy cells and provide a tightening effect, all the while, fighting free radicals. The jury is still out on this treatment. Unfortunately, there is no current supportive data showing any benefit when gold is applied topically to the skin. What is definite is that the 24K gold facial certainly takes pampering to a whole new level. Your pockets better be lined with gold as this treatment costs $400