VALENTINE'S DAY PROMOTIONS - DR. HAUSCHKA

Dr. Hauschka Body Firming Care Kit
Three carefully selected lemon body care products perfectly packaged in 30ml limited edition trial sizes and presented in an attractive organza gift pouch.
• Dr. Hauschka Lemon Bath
(lemon essential oil, jojoba oil, essential oils)
• Dr. Hauschka Lemon Lemongrass Body Oil
(sunflower oil, extracts of lemon peel, lemongrass, field horsetail, mistletoe, jojoba oil, essential lemon oil, essential oils)
• Dr. Hauschka Lemon Body Moisturizer
(sloe berry petals and fruits, olive fruit oil, sage, carrot root, lemon peel)

Top 10 Exotic Island Spa Treatments

LAVA WATSU TREATMENT
Watsu is a form of shiatsu given in a serene, shallow pool of warm water. Hawaii's Big Island offers aquatic Watsu treatments within a heavenly lava cave. Since water offers the body a whole different level of freedom and a much wider range of motion, the Watsu practitioner can easily manipulate the limbs and spine with greater fluidity. The therapist gently guides your body through a series of stretching movements and rhythmic sequences. Water is the magic ingredient that enourages the body to accept a more peaceful path resulting in a major reduction of tension, pain, stress, blood pressure and sleeplessness, while boosting energy and greatly promoting healing.

Top Exotic Island Spa Treatments

BLUE LAGOON GEOTHERMAL SPA
The Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa located 40 minutes from Reykjavik, Iceland was recently voted as the best medical spa worldwide by the readers of Conde Naste Traveller. The volcanic lagoon, complete with a geothermal beach, lava caves and silica mud is located in the region's lava fields and holds up to six million litres of geothermal seawater, originating from 6,562 ft. below.

The mineral rich water is mixed with coccoid algae and filamentous algae (which helps to revitalize the skin's natural collagen production) as well as a rich concentration of minerals, silica, algae, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, to name a few. Visitors are able to treat themselves to a natural, white silica mud mask while basking in the warm milky blue waters, created by the mix of seawater and algae. The entire experience is said to be one of the most relaxing and invigorating spa experiences available. Three words come to mind . . . exotic, mystical, delightful.

Top Exotic Island Spa Treatments

BORAH HERB WRAP / SORE MUSCLE RELIEF
This two hour treatment originates in the Balinese farmer's culture, which is dependent upon making sure the land's keepers and harvesters remain strong and healthy. Aching muscles are treated with a warm paste (borah) herb wrap consisting of "cloves, ginger, black and white pepper, sandalwood, cinnamon and nutmeg mixed in a rice-based powder." The client is wrapped in a warm blanket for approximately 40 minutes while the attending therapist massages the head and scalp for the entire duration of the treatment. A warm bath laden with flowers achieves another level of relaxation, followed by a one hour Balinese massage.

RAINFOREST FACIAL
The Rainforest Facial is sourced from each specific region's offerings of fresh ingredients, essential oils, herbs, and plants. A rainforest botanical extravaganza in an awe inspired setting that kick-starts a natural process of relaxation while the beauty professionals go to work to cleanse, tone and hydrate the skin. Radiance . . . rainforest style.

Top Exotic Island Spa Treatments

AYURVEDIC MASSAGE
A two hour intoxicating treatment using the benefits of powerful healing botanicals (basil, neem, castor) harvested fresh from local medicinal gardens, warmed in oil and massaged deeply into the body. The nature of this massage is determined by the nature of each client and the specific needs for balance and wellbeing.

BOMBO MASSAGE FIJIAN RITUAL
A one hour, South Pacific treatment where therapists use every part of their hands, knees, elbows and feet to massage indigenous herbs and oils deeply into the body's pathways to release stress and tension in an effort to help the body regain its natural rhythm.

SENJA SUNYI MASSAGE
Senja, means nightfall, and is considered the most "spiritual and magical time of the day." This gentle, evening massage is timed with the phases of the moon using warmed moon stones and long, slow, methodical, flowing strokes with the finest organic body balms and rose essences.

STEM CELL SKIN CARE

The controversy surrounding stem cell technology is still very much divided. Ethics are at the center of this controversy, as well as the issue of health and safety. Currently, research shows embryonic stem cells are not being incorporated into skin care products because of the obvious difficulties in formulating and maintaining the integrity of live materials. Plant stem cell technology, on the other hand, offers no questionable ethics and lots of exciting potential.

Stem cells are the most important cells in the skin. Their self renewing properties, along with the extraordinary potential to divide and transform into other types of cells, offer more specific functions addressing a myriad of health concerns. Skin care products using stem cell technology have origins in the plant world. Since certain species of apples have the ability for self repair and long-term storage capabilities, their resilient stem cells became the object of enthusiastic studies. Scientists in Switzerland found a rare apple tree species, the Uttwiler Spätlauber, that produces a remarkable apple with the unique ability to stay fresh for up to four months after harvest, while others would have shriveled and perished. Further investigation found their stem cells could stimulate human stem cell growth, protect stem cells from UV radiation, replenish the skin and reverse the effects of aging on the skin. The extract called PhytoCellTec Malus Domestica is based on the apple's "callus cells" which are cells that form when the plant is wounded. This extract has shown significant reduction in wrinkle depth after two to four weeks of use by 8% and 15% respectively.

The Uttwiler Spätlauber tree is endangered and the Swiss are doing their best to turn things around to protect the species, but in the meantime (and in the name of beauty, of course) chemists have figured out how to create the cells in their labs. High science, indeed. Keep an eye out for the serums and creams utilizing this beautiful blend that showcases the exCELLent adage, "an apple a day keeps aging at bay."

TOP SPA TRENDS FOR 2011

SPA TREATMENTS IN A NEW YORK MINUTE
Spa treatments on-the-go have been around for a few years and were created to fit the time constraints of our busy lives and the limitations of our wallets. There are now many spas offering express menus with $50 sampler treatments, mini treatments, express menus as well as more expanded business hours to accommodate those will busy schedules.

Spas also offer mobile apps with a built in GPS system to help consumers find the closest spa, access easy directions, locate the best deals, look over the spa menus, view photos, and figure out where certain gift cards can be used. Convenience to simplify the spa experience in an otherwise complicated world.

TOP SPA TRENDS FOR 2011

HYPER LOCAL SPAS
Until now, exotic spa treatments usually included ingredients and products imported from other countries and cultures around the world. Currently, there is a growing trend toward spas integrating their treatment menus with locally sourced fruits and herbs. The farm-to-table foodie movement led the way and greatly influenced the farm-to-spa trend. Spas are now supporting small, local farms and utilizing their homegrown bounty to boost their brand and lower the carbon footprint of transported goods. Some spas are tending to their own organic gardens to add to the overall "fresh and pure" experience and by all accounts . . . consumers love it.

A few good examples of the farm-to-spa trend is the Ojai Valley Inn Spa in California that offers a "Pixie Tangerine and Pomegranate Scrub" using locally grown tangerine halves to scrub the body with a sugar-based exfoliant mixture. A spa in Sonoma, California, offers a spa treatment based around a salve made of wine and honey from nearby vineyards. The Aspira Spa in Wisconsin created treatments based upon elderberries grown on the surrounding plains, and contracted the work out to a nearby organic farm, along with lavender, rosemary and other beautifying herbs. Nature's beautiful bounty at its very best.

TOP SPA TRENDS FOR 2011

EXTREME BEAUTY TREATMENTS
According to research, beauty within big city limits opens more doors, gets one person hired over another, and offers better pay and faster promotions. As much as these results are offensive in almost every way . . . it happens. Beauty is a powerful form of social currency. Right or wrong, the beauty industry has identified this as a major money making market and created a multitude of ways to change a person's appearance almost over night. In fact, the cosmetic enhancement industry is moving so fast that Botox is almost passé.

There are needles, lasers, chemical peels, stem cells, cell rejuvenation, and plasma therapy . . . to name a few. Make no mistake, many of these treatments are painful and should not be decided upon lightly, but numbers don't lie. $679 billion dollars were spent on cosmetic enhancements during a trying economy. What does that tell us? Beauty, whatever that means, reigns. The slogan, "no pain, no gain" has recreated itself and those who subject themselves to these types of treatments expect immediate and extreme results. Extreme beauty, indeed. One more thing . . . research also states that this beauty craze thrives only within the city big limits . . . apparently those who live rurally, don't share the same views on beauty. Interesting.

TOP SPA TRENDS FOR 2011

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE SPA
Spa consumers are smart, conscientious, and monetarily mindful. In this type of financial climate, they have to be. Economic woes shook us to the core, one way or the other, leaving an unforgettable mark straight down the middle of every city and town across the nation.

Spending trends changed and consumers began using more caution than ever. Consumers want to make informed decisions and invest their money in evidence-based spa treatments and skin care purchases. They want assurances that the product, or service, will address their needs and offer guaranteed results. A guarantee? Well, as hard as that is to do, consumers are now embracing the scientific and medical research in order to qualify their purchases with solid, indisputable answers before they lay down their weary bodies and reap the beautiful benefits of a day at the spa. In this type of business climate, every body wins.

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - Nestles Spa Weekend Giveaway

Nestle's Spa Weekend For Two
Enter by January 13th
GRAND PRIZE: One winner and guest will receive a spa getaway to Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona. The grand prize includes a round-trip coach air transportation to Tucson, AZ and a three thousand dollar ($3,000) Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa gift certificate to be used for accommodations and other goods and services offered at the resort. Approximate Retail Value “ARV” up to $4,500.

TOP SPA TRENDS FOR 2011

DEALS GONE WILD
Clipping coupons and cashing in on money saving "two-fers" has historically been a great way to save money. Until now, coupon afficionados quietly took care of their money saving business amidst an awkward stigma attached to coupons. Enter Groupon.com where the world of coupons changed almost overnight. Now, savvy consumers are using collective buying power to dramatically lower the price and secure a great deal. Groupon is all about the power of numbers. Along with a myriad of other group buy companies, every day there is one deal per city with discounts ranging from 40% - 90 % of the normal price . . . and if enough people buy into the offer, the deal is on and everyone wins. Participants are motivated to get their friends involved to make sure the deal goes forward. Word of mouth marketing at its best. Group purchases have found a significant place in the spa industry offering incredible savings for the consumer and filling up the waiting rooms of many spas across the nation. So what are you waiting for? One spa listed a deal that sold for $50 but had a face value of $188 . . . that's a grand savings of $138. Sold!

TOP SPA TRENDS FOR 2011

SALT ROOMS AND SALT CAVES
The ancient Greeks discovered that spending time in salt mines and salt caves produced a positive effect on the respiratory system. They found that inhaled saline provided bactericide and anti inflammatory properties for a myriad of other ailments. In fact, the medical and scientific communities have confirmed that Halotherapy has the ability to calm asthma, hypertension, digestive, cardiovascular and nervous system issues, not to mention the interesting effect it has on skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis.

In order to reproduce this type of environment, researchers and scientists have developed a unique method of replicating a microclimate where the air is saturated with dry salt particles. The hospital grade medical equipment controls the temperature, humidity, size and the concentrations of dry salt particles in the air. Inside the salt cave, clients can expect to experience 45 minutes lounging in a beach chair while being treated to mineral soaked air, light therapy and calming music to increase the relaxation benefits. Many participants have reported that since they began visiting a salt treatment room they have not been sick with any viral diseases. Halotherapy is definitely something to consider.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We wish you a very peaceful,
joyous and prosperous New Year!
One year older, one year better.