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5 Relaxing Last Minute Valentine’s Day Gifts

Valentine’s Day is here! Finding the perfect gift for your loved one can be difficult. Some people want a big extravagant gesture while others just want something small that says you care. We have a last minute Valentine’s Day gifts for any budget or expectation.

Couple’s Massage

A couple’s massage is a treat for two and is a great way to solidify the bond between a couple especially on or around Valentine’s Day. This is also a great gift for someone who has always wanted to try massage therapy but is a little nervous about going alone for their first appointment. During a couple’s massage, the two individuals are brought into a room with a relaxing atmosphere complete with soft relaxation music and aromatherapy to calm the mind. Each individual has their own personal massage therapist, but they share the room with their loved one so that they can also share the experience.

A gift voucher for a couple’s massage is the perfect way to show your loved one that you care and love to spend time with them. Better yet, you can purchase one of these gift vouchers and print it out last minute on our website!

Bath & Spa Products

Bath and spa products are an affordable way to show your loved one that you care. If you know someone that has a hard time investing in their own self-care, take away all their excuses and their worries with a gift basket made of high-quality bath and spa products.

Some ideas for your gift basket include:

  • Goat Milk Soaps
  • Therapeutic Bath Salts
  • Bath Bombs
  • Essential Oils
  • Oil Diffusers & Jewelry
  • Pain Relief Massage Balm

Drop by The Spa’ah in Conway, Arkansas to find these unique products at our location. No need to wait in the mail if you’re building a last-minute basket!

Esthetic Services

Another way to encourage your loved one to practice self-care is to gift them with an esthetic service like eyelash extensions or a facial. Esthetic services are performed by licensed skin care professionals. Their goal is to brighten complections, tone skin, eliminate acne and unwanted hair, and more.

At The Spa’ah in Conway, Arkansas we have a whole menu of esthetic service that your loved one can choose. Better yet, this makes a great last minute gift. Just purchase a gift voucher online and print it off!

CBD Products

CBD or Cannabidiol is quickly proving itself to be one of the most exciting developments in all-natural health and wellness remedies. This is because of the sheer number of potential therapeutic benefits which range from pain and anxiety management, neurological disorder (Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s) intervention, to cancer-fighting abilities. CBD is offered in a variety of forms including oil, cream/lotion, capsules, and even dog treats for your furry family member! CBD is a wonderful Valentine’s present for your loved one who might be experiencing pain, soreness, or anxiety.

We offer high-quality CBD treats from Complete Body Daily. You can purchase all of their products at our location in Conway.

If you would like to learn more about The Spa’ah’s services or book an appointment online, click here!

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How To Communicate Effectively With Your Massage Therapist

Massages at The Spa’ah in Conway, Arkansas always start with the same type of inquiry. Generally, a therapist will ask their client what type of ailments they are experiencing, what kind of pressure they prefer, or even what their goal is for that particular session. These are all fantastic questions that we encourage our clients to answer honestly. However, even if you, as a client, want to tell your therapist all about your session or massage therapy goals, many times it is hard to know exactly what to say. In this post, we are going to discuss some things to consider when learning how to communicate effectively with your massage therapist.

Thankfully, this blog post should clear up a lot of questions regarding effective communication with your therapist.

Learn How To Communicate Effectively With Your Massage Therapist

Be Honest

Honesty is very important to getting an effective massage. Many individuals are afraid to communicate honestly with their therapist for fear of sounding “whiny” or “picky”. However, this should never be a concern. Remember, you are paying for a service. You should be able to get the most effective service for your money. This means that telling your therapists if something doesn’t feel good or telling your therapist that you’d like to focus on a particular area is more than okay. In addition, it is also important to be honest about any potentially dangerous medical conditions that might impact your session. In fact, did you know that massage therapists are bound to the same or similar HIPAA laws as your general practitioner doctor? It’s true! Therapists are bound by law to keep any medical related information private. You should always feel comfortable being honest with your therapist.

Communicate Before, During, & After

A 360 degree approach to communication is best when thinking about massage therapy. For example, communicating any acute or chronic ailments that your therapist should know about before the session begins should be communicated immediately. In addition, it is also important to give your therapist feedback during the session if there is something you aren’t entirely pleased with regarding your massage. For example, you could communicate that you want more or less pressure or that the table warmer is making you too hot. These are all things that the therapist can adjust to make your massage session as pleasant as possible. Post massage, it is okay to give your therapist feedback if you have questions about your session or need to communicate a possible change for next session. Even if you’re just thirsty, it’s okay to tell your therapist! We provide bottled water at The Spa’ah free of charge for this very reason!

Be Specific

Although many think that massage therapists are miracle workers, we are certainly not mind readers. Providing your massage therapists with specifics about your ailments or things that you would like to change about the session is a great way to make sure future sessions are super effective. In addition, if the client is not specific enough about their needs or desires, there is little the therapist can do to fully accommodate the client. In other words, specificity is very key when communicating your needs.

We Encourage Communication With Our Therapists!

Communication with your therapist is key. Whether you need to tell your therapist about your high blood pressure or if you don’t like the pressure they are giving during your session, communicating is the only way to continue improving your massage experience. In addition, our therapists do their best to ask the right questions. Communication is not all on the client by a long shot. So, if there is something that you think your therapist should know, please don’t hesitate to share.

If you would like to learn more about The Spa’ah’s services or book an appointment online, click here!

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Massage Memberships Can Steal Your Relaxation Time

Most massage enthusiasts in Conway, AR would say that the perfect massage time length is as long as possible. Unfortunately, massages can’t last forever. Schedules, therapist endurance, budget limitations, and wellness goals are often factors that influence the length of a client’s massage. However, these factors should never impact the actual massage time that the client pays for and receives. At our local spa, we make sure that each client receives the full time or service that they request. Sadly, some spas, especially massage memberships spas, require that at least 10 minutes of your 60 or 90-minute massage is reserved for consultation and dressing.

In this week’s blog, we look at why this practice is bad for spa clients and why The Spa’ah avoids it at all costs.

Hurry Up and Relax!

I’m sure that many of you have heard the phrase, “hurry up and wait.” Have you ever been told to, “hurry up and relax?” Many franchise or massage memberships based spas consider a 60-minute massage “50 minutes of hands-on service and 10 minutes for consultation and dressing.” The same logic is applied to a 30 or 90-minute service.

Consultation Confusion!

A proper consultation is essential for a great massage. During a typical massage consultation, your therapist should ask about your lifestyle, any focus or trouble areas that need to be addressed, as well as any medical concerns. Therapists should also be familiar with the client’s goals for their session which can include relaxation, increased mobility, pain relief and more.

Unfortunately, many spas require you to pay for your consultation as part of your service and limit consultation time. This means that the client is often forced to rush through an explanation of their ailments and preferences in an effort to get as much massage time as possible. This can be confusing for the therapist and result in a sub-par massage that may not address all of the client’s aches and pains.

Dressing Dangers!

To make matters worse, spas that utilize massage minutes for consultation also require that time to be used for dressing and undressing. The result is that the client is not provided with very much time to dress and undress before and after a massage. This can present some real issues for clients who may be in a great amount of pain or have trouble dressing and undressing due to muscular or joint abnormalities. In addition, if a client takes more time to dress and undress, their massage minutes are docked which results in less time with a therapist.  All in all, this practice is not good for clients and can make their massage experience a stressor rather than a relaxing experience to be enjoyed.

Get What You Pay For!

It is important to read to the fine print when seeking out massage therapy deals. Understanding what you are getting when you pay for a massage is very important to weigh the value of one service provider against another. In other words, what may appear to be a good deal at first glance could, in fact, end in a bad experience or more money paid per massage minute.

For example, a typical 60-minute Swedish massage at The Spa’ah in Conway, Arkansas costs $65. This includes a full 60 minutes of massaging from a licensed therapist with no interruptions. This is because we request clients arrive early to their appointments so we do not have to include consultations or dressing in their actual massage time. Other massage providers, like massage memberships spas, charge $50 or $60 dollars for a 50-minute massage with 10 minutes of rushed preparation that can ultimately result in unpleasant experiences. When you compare the two approaches, The Spa’ah provides a full 60-minute massage at nearly the same price as massage memberships spas plus additional preparation and consultation services free of charge. 

If you would like to learn more about The Spa’ah’s services or book an appointment online, click here!

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Why Franchise Spas Might Not Provide The Best Massage Experience

The allure of a large franchise massage establishment to the average massage customer is understandable. These businesses are large, usually have some great amenities and some interesting pricing options. In addition, their brand and name are fairly recognizable to the general population. However, all of the apparent benefits may not equate to the best overall massage experience for the true relaxation enthusiast.

Here are some reasons why franchise massage providers do not always provide the best service to those who want to get the best bang for their buck.

Personalized Experience

Many massage franchises are notorious for back to back scheduling practices. This means that they maintain strict policies which don’t allow for adequate time between appointments for things like changing sheets or even bathroom breaks for therapists. While this is great in some ways for customers because it means that more clients can be seen throughout the day, there are definitely some adverse effects on both clients and therapists. One of the most significant places we see this practice impact client experience is in the personalization portion of a service.

When a client pays for an hour of service, they generally expect to be massaged for the entire hour. However, if their consultation and room cleanup time bleeds into their actual massage time there is little the client or therapist can do to recoup the lost massage time as it could impact the next client’s massage time as well. Many times this situation can lead to a shorter consultation or a lack of personalization because the therapist is focused on providing a complete service for their customer despite their time and scheduling constraints. All around, this back to back scheduling practice is not relaxing for either client or therapist.

Flexible Service

Franchises also tend to lack the versatility that a local massage provider or spa is often capable of providing. You see, small and locally owned spas like The Spa’ah do not have to answer to corporate headquarters. We pride ourselves on our ability to work with customers in their specific situations. Many franchises or “big box” spas do not have this capability. In fact, they require strict yearly contracts that bill monthly for massages whether a customer is actually able to get the massage or not.

In a perfect world, a massage a month or more sounds wonderful, however, we understand that life happens. Some months are busier than others and our customers cannot make it in to visit us. That is why we do not require subscriptions or contracts to use our services. We value our customers and their schedules because we are here to serve you.

Versatile Offering

Locally owned spas can also offer a level of versatility that many franchises or big box stores may not be able to provide. Large franchises are usually restricted to a certain menu of services. Franchise owners generally are not permitted to venture beyond the traditionally marketed categories of services to maintain uniformity across the franchise. Locally owned spas and massage service providers are at liberty to add a variety of modalities to their offerings.

Choosing to sign a contract with a franchise spa means that you will be closing yourself off from the many different variations of massage that could help alleviate specific ailments you may be experiencing. In other words, you may not have access to the best massage for your condition. For example, many clients find great relief from allergies when they receive a lymphatic massage from a trained lymphatic specialist. Unfortunately, many franchise spas do not offer lymphatic massage specifically so members do not have access to its healing benefits. Lymphatic massage is just one example of the versatile offering you may be missing by signing a contract with a franchise spa instead of visiting a locally owned provider in your area. Some others include hot stone, lomilomi, Thai, cupping, and more!

We Believe In Local Small Business!

Large franchises like Massage Envy and Hand & Stone are often owned by investors who do not live in or care about our communities. While this is not always the case, directing your dollars at a locally owned small business that you believe in is a great way to support your local economy while receiving a great service. The Spa’ah offers many different modalities of massage and spa services in Conway, Arkansas. We believe in serving our community with the best possible products and customer service in our power because you all give so much to our business and community. Thank you for continuing to choose locally owned and operated products and services for all of your needs…not just for relaxation. Thank you, Central Arkansas!

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Don’t Call The Fire Department. We’re Just Cupping!

What is cupping, anyway?

Our owner and lead therapist, Michelle Christen, recently received her dry cupping therapy certification. The Spa’ah in Conway, Arkansas is proud to announce the new therapy offering as it is an exciting procedure that dates back to ancient times

Cupping therapy is an ancient technique that can be found in one of the oldest medical textbooks in the world. The Ebers Papyrus details how the ancient Egyptians used this therapy as early as 1550 B.C. This procedure is particularly exciting and unique, because it involves the use of a controlled flame to remove the oxygen from inside of a cup. The cup is then quickly applied to the skin in a troublesome area for the patient. A vacuum will then suck the skin up slightly under the cup. This causes the skin to redden as the blood vessels in the patients skin and muscles expand thus allowing greater blood flow.

You can watch a video of Eastern Medicine Guy, Tim Sullivan performing cupping on an individual with an old sports injury to get a better idea of what this actually looks like.

Who can benefit most from cupping therapy?

Many people can benefit from this therapy. Just like paper, concrete, and breath mints, this ancient relic is still around and thriving for a reason.

Cupping therapy has been used for a huge list of ailments including:

  • Chronic Pain
  • Allergies and Asthma
  • Chronic Stress
  • Inflammation
  • Body Toxins
  • Troublesome Skin
  • Cellulite
  • GI Issues
  • Migraines

In fact, this therapy is often used by Olympic athletes to treat injuries. During the Olympics in Rio, rumors that athletes like Michael Phelps had contracted Zika began circulating largely due to the “mysterious” circular purple bruises on their bodies. However, those bruises were not a result of disease. Cupping therapy was to blame!

Is there anything else I need to consider before trying this therapy?

Although cupping therapy is not painful, it does leave large circular bruises where the cups were placed for 3 to 4 days. So, it is a good idea to think about events you might have to attend. For example, if your wedding is tomorrow, we would not suggest a cupping session unless you are okay with cupping bruises in your photos. Although, it would be a great way to relax before the honeymoon!

Contact us at The Spa’ah in Conway, Arkansas to find out more or schedule your cupping therapy session today!

May you have peace, happiness, and wellness!

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Gua Sha Greatness: Client Interview

What is Gua Sha?

This therapy is a method used to remove stagnant blood and lymph from the subcutaneous fascia. It uses rounded smooth edged tool to repeatedly stroke over an area of the body, allowing the body to metabolize cellular waste and promote fresh blood and cells in that area. In other words, gua sha is an effective way to promote blood flow to areas that were previously getting less than the necessary amount of healing blood and oxygen. This treatment is very effective at relieving pain.

What does our interviewee have to say about her Gua Sha experience?

Why did your therapist suggest an additional treatment for you ailments? Was the therapy in addition to another treatment?

Michelle suggested Gua Sha because I carry a lot of stress in my shoulders, neck, and upper back. She had been working on those muscles for 45 minutes, before the Gua Sha, with deep tissue massage. She knew that the Gua Sha would help relieve those muscles even more and start to draw the toxins out of my body.

What was your impression of Gua Sha before receiving treatment, and how did your view of the therapy change once it was complete? 

I was hesitant at first. I had never heard of it before and I really wasn’t sure if it would make any difference in the tight muscles and pain I was having. Immediately after she finished with Gua Sha, I knew it had made a difference. I felt instant relief.

Did Gua Sha help with your pain, inflammation, or other chronic ailments? 

Yes, it made a huge difference on the stress and pain that I was carrying in my neck, shoulders, and upper back. The pain and inflammation were instantly gone. It took several days before I began to feel any discomfort return after the treatment, which is very unusual for me. After a normal massage, I tighten back up within a day or two.

Would you return to The Spa’ah specifically for our Gua Sha services? 

Yes! I scheduled a second appointment before I left The Spa’ah that evening.

Would you recommend this therapy to a friend of family member? Please explain why. 

Absolutely. I have been raving about Gua Sha since Michelle used it on me. I suffer with chronic upper back pain and stress carrying, and I know many other people do, as well. This treatment is something that everyone should have to help with those symptoms. The instant relief was incredible and I could not be more thankful for how it continued to work for several days after treatment. I am very thankful that Michelle recommended this treatment to me!

You can find out more about our different services including gua sha, here!

May you have peace, happiness, and wellness!

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Hot Stone Massage Can Provide These Four Wellness Benefits

What is hot stone massage therapy?

This therapy has a long history and has been practiced by ancient civilizations all across the world. According to a Massage Magazine article, “Both verbal and written history confirm the Chinese used heated stones more than 2,000 years ago as a means of improving the function of internal organs.” Hot stone massage was even used as a means of healing in North and South America, Africa, Europe, Egypt, and India.

Hot stone massage is a massage therapy technique that involves positioning warm stones along key areas of the patient’s body. Flat and oblong river rocks are often used in hot stone massage therapy. Due to their high iron content, the river rocks maintain adequate temperatures throughout the duration of the session. The hot stones can either be used as stationary pockets of heat to target trouble areas or as deep-tissue massage aides. Stones are used in a variety of other therapies as well including facials, pedicures, manicures, meridian therapy, and more.

There’s no need to worry about the “hotness” of the stones during hot stone massage therapy, however. There is always a barrier between a client’s skin, and the stones unless the therapist is moving the stone. There is no need to worry about safety or discomfort during hot stone therapy if it is performed by a trained professional.

What benefits does hot stone massage provide?

Stress / Anxiety Reduction

A survey that was conducted on May 18th in 2017 found that 77% of adults regularly experience physical symptoms caused by stress. Hot stone therapy can help reduce stress by lowering your heart rate and increasing your body’s natural “feel good” chemicals called endorphins.

Aides Sleep

According to an Examined Existence article, “Stress is one of the main factors causing insomnia and other sleep disorders. When stressors are present, the body naturally heightens its response system, thus, leading to wakefulness.” Hot stone massage helps the body sleep by decreasing the body’s cortisol (stress hormone). High levels of cortisol impede the production of melatonin (sleep hormone).

Boosts Immunity

Hot stone massage can have a marked impact on the body’s immune system.  Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles found that, “people who received a 45-minute massage had an increased number of lymphocytes.” Lymphocytes are white blood cells. These white blood cells play a large role in defending the body from disease.

Relieves Muscle Tension / Pain

Generally, muscle tension or pain is the main complaint of massage therapy clients. Hot stone massage is especially suited to relieving these ailments. The heat of the stones stimulates that body’s circulatory system which allows stiff muscles to receive rejuvenating and oxygenated blood. The heat from the stones can also treat painful muscle spasms and particularly troublesome knots.

What else should I know about hot stone massage therapy?

While hot stone massage therapy is wonderfully beneficial for most people, be sure to check with you massage therapist before scheduling an appointment if you are experiencing any of the following:

  • Pregnancy
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Heart Disease
  • Nerve Damage
  • Sun Burn

These conditions do not preclude anyone from receiving a hot stone massage. However, we recommend that you disclose this information before your session.

If your trained massage therapist does not think you are a good candidate for hot stone massage, there are many other treatments and therapies at The Spa’ah in Conway, Arkansas that can alleviate almost any ailment. You can view our full list of services here.

May you have peace, happiness, and wellness!

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Lymphatic Massage is Now Available at The Spa’ah

What is Lymphatic Massage?

To answer the question, “What is a lymphatic massage?”, you must first understand your body’s lymphatic system. According to a Live Science article, “The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials.” In other words, the lymphatic system is essential to a healthy immune system and proper nutrient absorption.

The lymphatic system is made up of fluid or lymph, fluid transportation vessels, and organs that contain lymphoid tissue (i.e. lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus). Each of these serves a specific purpose within the lymphatic system. The fluid or lymph contains nutrients, oxygen, hormones, and fatty acids, as well as toxins. Fluid transportation vessels transport the lymph to the cardiovascular system. Lymphoid tissues monitor what is in the lymph / fluid, and produce nutrients to be transported by the cardiovascular system to other parts of the body.

Lymphatic massage, also known as Manual Lymphatic Drainage, is a gentle non-invasive technique designed to increase the movement of lymph and interstitial fluid. As you can imagine, an under functioning lymphatic system can wreak havoc on your ability to fight infection. A compromised lymphatic system can even impact your body’s healing process and energy levels.

How do I know if I can benefit from a Lymphatic Massage?

This therapy can be beneficial for many ailments or illnesses. It relieves chronic inflammation associated with conditions like acne, eczema, and allergies. Lymphatic massage is also great for individuals who are recovering from surgeries, because it is known to reduce swelling. Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia suffers are also great candidates for lymphatic massage.

Rejuvenating the lymphatic system can have some more surprising benefits as well. Often times, breastfeeding mothers find relief in lymphatic massage, because it helps reduce fluid retention and plugged ducts. Lymphatic massage can also help with cellulite, migraines, and sinus congestion.

Almost everyone has one or more of these ailments that can be managed with lymphatic massage, and would be a great candidate for this revolutionary therapy!

I’m convinced. Now, where can I get a Lymphatic Massage?

The Spa’ah in Conway, Arkansas now has a Manual Lymphatic Drainage Certified massage therapist on staff that would be delighted to assist you. If you choose to schedule a lymphatic massage with The Spa’ah, there are a few things that you can do to get the most out of your session.

Before your Lymphatic Massage at The Spa’ah in Conway, Arkansas, you should:

  • Think about increasing your intake of antioxidants to aid in the detoxification process.
  • Drink lots of water in the days leading up to your appointment.
  • Avoid alcohol or recreational drugs so that your lymphatic system is not compromised during           your session.
  • Plan for a short period of gentle movement after your session to support lymph transportation.

May you have peace, happiness, and wellness!

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Perpetuating Factors and Chronic Pain

What are Perpetuating Factors?

According to the Institute for Integrative Healthcare, perpetuating factors are “things that perpetuate myofascial pain due to muscle trigger points.” In other words, these factors are essential components of chronic conditions that often cause pain. Many individuals who have perpetuating factors of chronic pain often find temporary comfort in massage therapy. Because the reprieve from pain is only temporary for these sufferers of perpetuating factors, they often consider massage therapy to be a luxury service rather than a viable source of chronic pain relief. The reality is that a massage therapist as well as your medical doctor or chiropractor can help you identify any perpetuating factors that may be contributing to your chronic pain. Unless the true source of pain can be identified, you will have a hard time finding long term relief.

There are four different types of perpetuating factors:

  1. Mechanical Stress: Caused by body structural inadequacies like one shorter leg, postural stress like a ill fitting office desk / chair, dental malocclusion or misfitting teeth, and / or outside factors of muscle constriction like heavy purses or backpacks.
  2. Nutritional Inadequacies and Excess: Cause by a deficit or surplus of specific nutrients including Vitamins B1, B6, B12, and Folic Acid.
  3. Hormone Inadequacies and Diet: Caused by hormone fluctuations during menstrual cycles and inadequate levels of thyroid hormone. Allergies and hypoglycemia can also play a role in this kind of perpetuating factor.
  4. Acute or Chronic Infection: Caused by a viral or bacterial illness like the Flu as myofascial trigger points increase during systemic illnesses or active infections.

Most Americans can identify one or more of these types of chronic pain perpetrators as present in their lifestyle. Many of those Americans are also turning to massage therapy as a source of long term relief!

How can massage therapy help address Perpetuating Factors?

Massage therapy can provide temporary and long term relief to chronic pain. Temporary relief is provided by a therapist’s skill with various modalities of treatment. Long term relief can be found by an experienced therapist’s knowledge and practice.

An experienced massage therapist can help you identify lifestyle changes that can greatly impact your chronic pain. For this reason, it is a good idea to continue using the same spa for your massage therapy needs. This will allow the therapists there to all become familiar with you, your lifestyle, and your perpetuating factors. An experienced massage therapist can help chronic pain sufferers break their cycle of rehabilitation and relapse.

When you visit the same experienced therapist regularly, they will notice a specific pattern of problem areas. For example, your therapist might notice that you consistently have very tense shoulders. If he / she knows that your job involves sitting for long periods of time, your therapist might suggest a more ergonomic desk. Your massage therapists can suggest when a visit to your regular medical doctor might be warranted for a nutrition evaluation or treatment of an infection.

How can I identify Perpetuating Factors in my chronic pain?

Click here for a very helpful chart of potential perpetuating factors. Give this link a look before your next massage therapy appointment, and prepare yourself to discuss any potential chronic pain perpetrators with your therapist. Perpetuating factors are often the difference between temporary relief and long term recovery.

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Esthetican Provided Skin Care at The Spa’ah

A licensed esthetician can help you look and feel great!

Keeping Bodies in Motion at The Spa’ah

Spas offer many services, ranging from massage to aromatherapy or even skincare offered by either therapists or an esthetician. While most people think of skincare as focusing only on the face, skincare can be used to treat all of the skin. Services offered can include hand and foot massages (reflexology), paraffin baths to soothe joints and soften skin, and the more commonly known facial. Some spas stick to the facials that massage therapists can offer, called relaxation facials. These are very basic facials, using warm, moist towels, and offer a simple skin treatment of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing.

While we do offer relaxation facials at The Spa’ah in Conway, Arkansas, we will soon be able to offer advanced skincare services that can only be performed by a licensed esthetician. A licensed esthetician goes through schooling specific to esthetics. Many dedicated estheticians are members of the National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers/Distributors, and Associations (NCEA); this certification requires double the average number of hours of training that most estheticians have.

What does an esthetician actually do?

Licensed estheticians, unlike a massage therapist, have training in the evaluation of skin tone, skin issues, and are qualified to recommend skincare products to treat client’s trouble areas. Estheticians can also provide services like blackhead removal, peels, waxing, makeup application, and more. They are also trained in methods of sanitation, human physiology, skin care, and hair follicle growth and development so that they can offer a comprehensive set of skin care services to any and everyone. Etheticians spend a lot of time with each client to learn their skin care needs, and often perform skin care consultations in which they recommend the optimal skin care routine for your skin type. Please keep in mind that estheticians are not a replacement for visits to your dermatologist for medical issues and diagnostics, as they cannot provide prescription medications.

Stress doesn’t only affect your muscles, it can affect how your skin behaves. Hormone changes that occur during pregnancy or menopause can also cause skin changes that lead to acne or dry skin. Spa services by a licensed esthetician can help alleviate these symptoms. Getting regular facials, along with an optimal daily skincare regimen that is recommended by a licensed ethetician, can help your skin maintain its healthy glow and encourage good circulation, while mitigating the visible signs of stress.

When do I need a licensed esthetician?

Skincare needs often change from season to season (a moist summer requires less moisturizing than does a dry, cool winter). This means that your skin care regimen should also be evaluated as the seasons change. A licensed esthetician can help you determine your skin type (which can sometimes vary between parts of your face) and give recommendations as to what products would benefit your skin in whatever conditions you may find yourself. The products recommended by estheticians are most often their “tried-and-true” products and are the same products they use on their own skin.

The epidermis (skin) is the largest organ in the human body so it is important to treat your skin kindly. Like any other organ, certain things can be done to make sure it functions at its best. Giving your skin the proper care (moisturizing, cleansing, etc.) can help you to maintain a healthy, youthful appearance. A licensed esthetician can assist you in finding the best skincare regimen for your skin type. Your skincare regimen should be regularly reevaluated for optimal performance and an esthetician can help you make the correct choice for your skincare and budgetary needs.

Skincare needs extend beyond just the face, however. An esthetician can help you with things like back acne and other locations on your body. Backs can really be beautiful expanses of skin, but sometimes they need a little help to look their best. The back equivalent of a facial may be just what you need to keep your back ready for those sweetheart tops, or for showing off the toned arms you’ve been working on for months. An esthetician can help by doing extractions as needed and by helping you to improve the overall condition of the skin on your back.

Spa Treatments and Esthetics at The Spa’ah can help you look and feel great!

Paraffin wax can also be used on the hands and feet to soften the skin, ease any joint pain, and aid in moisturizing some of the most often neglected parts of the body. Moisturizing and paraffin treatments can help fight the effects of aging on the skin. Hands that are well-taken care of give a great, youthful appearance. A good pampering on the feet can add some pep in your step, and there’s nothing better than soft feet in clean sheets back at home. Let us help you enjoy the skin you’re in!

Quality of service is paramount to The Spa’ah so that we can better serve the skincare needs of our clients in the Central Arkansas area. We can’t wait to be able to expand our already comprehensive selection of services offered at Spa’ah to those services that only a licensed esthetician should provide. The next time you’re fighting a breakout or feeling the stress of daily life, come on in to the Spa’ah! We can help you and your look and feel amazing!

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