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Last week I wrote about celebrity beauty treatments that really boggle the mind (like Kim Kardashian’s blood facial or Demi Moore’s leach therapy… ew.) But, as you might expect, there were just too many wacky, gross, and downright weird celebrity beauty treatments to fit in a single article. So, back by popular demand, here are some more of Hollywood’s strangest. It never ceases to amaze what famous people will do to look young, even when they still are!

Um, Is that Poop On Your Face?

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Yes. Yes it is. Celebrities may be prissy divas most of the time, but when it comes to beauty, they set aside their complaining and get down to business. Bird dropping facials are one ridiculous favorite. The urea in the droppings is supposed to stimulate collagen growth, shrink pores, and remove impurities. Never mind that it is basically the most impure substance on earth.

Ladies, Placentas are for Babies

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The placenta is an amazing thing. It’s an organ that grows at only one time: when a woman is pregnant. It’s single solitary purpose, to feed and support a growing baby. As such, the placenta is full of life-giving nutrients: iron-rich blood cells, vitamins, minerals, fats, and antibodies. Some women actually eat their own placentas in order to recover all of those rich nutrients after their babies are born (gasp!) But celebrities like Madonna and Eva Longoria don’t need to get pregnant to get their hands on some placenta. Instead, they use placenta cream derived from real human organs, slathering the stuff on their faces. There’s no evidence that this actually improves skin, but if you’ve got millions of dollars, why not right? (I can think of several reasons.)

Speaking of Babies…

In case you haven’t heard enough about gross baby-related anti-ageing treatments, Oprah uses SkinMedica’s TNS Essential Serum, which is derived from actual real baby foreskins. Seriously.

Snake Venom Facials

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Oh don’t worry, this snake venom won’t get into your bloodstream, we’ll just put it on your skin. Snake venom facials have become extremely popular among some celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna (again). Supposedly the venom paralyzes skin around fine lines and wrinkles, similar to Botox but shorter acting.

The Caviar Pedicure

If you had enough money to burn, you’d buy caviar for your feet too. At least, that’s what the celebrities tell themselves. In addition to being ridiculously expensive, caviar is extremely high in protein, which is great for the skin. And all those little fish eggs feel so ticklish on the feet!

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No matter what the mere mortals do, we just can’t seem to look as agelessly beautiful as celebrities. Yeah, some of it is airbrushing and makeup, but there’s only so much you can hide with cosmetics. When they’re photographed without makeup, some celebrities still look incredible. Stars like Alicia Silverstone just never seem to age, as if they were perfect, flawless wax sculptures. She still has that same peachy skin and those same line-free eyes she had in Clueless back in 1998. How is that even humanly possible? I’m not talking about celebs who have gone under the knife. Nobody wants to look like Joan Rivers. I’m talking about the natural beauties who look perpetually 25. In addition to good clean living (no sugary sodas here!), incredible cosmetics, consistent facials, weekly spa treatments, and staying out of the sun, here are some of the more outrageous lengths celebrities will go to for their precious looks. I’m just going to say a preemptive eek.

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Mariah Carey’s Jungle Room

Mariah Carey is the ultimate diva. Her list of backstage demands is a mile long and her home life isn’t any less intense. She has 25 humidifiers running in her bedroom at all times. She thinks this keeps her skin supple and young looking, and it is both. But I shudder to think of what else that moisture is doing. I imagine there’s probably a thriving fungal colony in her walls, and it must just feel like sleeping in a puddle. I’ll take the flakes, thank you very much.

Demi Moore’s Leech Therapy

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Yeah, unfortunately you read that right. Demi Moore is just one of the celebrities in the world who admits to getting regular leech therapy. The process involves shaving your body, immersing yourself in turpentine, and then allowing leeches to feed on your blood. I guess it’s supposed to improve circulation or something but I think there’s a reason we abandoned leeches in medicine back in the Middle Ages. They’re disgusting.

Kim Kardashian’s Blood Facial

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One thing is certain in this world: we can always count in Kim Kardashian to do stupid things for her looks. This week, she decided to pay $1500 to have blood removed from her arm, spun (to separate out the platelets), and then injected INTO HER FACE. It’s true, platelets can speed healing, but there is no proof that they actually benefit skin in any lasting way. Plus, Kim is pregnant. I don’t think she’s hurting the baby by doing this, but shouldn’t she be focusing on her pregnancy rather than on her vanity?

Hemorrhoid Cream… On Your Eyes!

This is a classic but it still makes me cringe. Celebrities (and the more experimental regular people among us) use hemorrhoid cream to shrink swollen skin around their eyes. Hopefully they’re not also using that tube for their rear ends.

Bull Semen Hair Treatment

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Ew. Yuck, ick, pttth! No amount of beauty is worth smearing bull semen all over your head. I mean, seriously Hollywood? I think I’d puke all over the salon, and myself, and the esthetician. This just isn’t normal.

Celebrities, you’re definitely NOT like us.

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The weather is finally getting warmer and women all over the country are flocking to their salons for some exciting spring manicures to start the season off right. Whether you’re looking for something flirty and fun or professional and understated, we’ve got some exciting new seasonal choices to choose from! Every year there are trends in manicure styles, finishes, and colors that reflect the most fashion forward among us. And the best place to find trendy manis is on celebrities, of course! So, this year at the Oscars, Grammys, Golden Globes, Spirit Awards, and Sundance, (and their many after parties) we kept our eyes on one thing: fingernails. Here’s what we found.

Dark Colors Aren’t Just for Winter

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Traditionally, black, navy blue, and deep purple were the purview of the snowy months, but these days celebrities are breaking new ground with dark nails throughout the year. Selena Gomez, a young trend setter if ever there was one, showed off her dark side at the Vanity Fair after party.

Lovely in Natural Nude

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Nude nails are a huge trend this year. Jennifer Garner, one of Hollywood’s most beautiful leading ladies, showed off her hands with prettily manicured nude nails. Sometimes there is nothing more elegant than going au natural. Nude nails don’t detract from your jewelry or from your outfit so you can let the rest of your ensemble shine. (Nude manis are great for the fellas too!)

Natural Nude too Boring? Try Blush or Metallic

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Blush nude gives you all of the class and elegance of a barely-there mani but nobody will mistake your nails for bare. Kerry Washington’s barely pink nails at the Oscars complemented her skin tone and her dress. Amy Adams went for a slightly metallic coat, adding just a hint of shimmer to her otherwise clean, natural nails.

Image source: Bellasugar.com

Pale Pink and Peach

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Pale pink brings out the pink undertones in alabaster skin, like on the fingers of Andrea Riseborough a the Chanel pre-Oscars party. It’s a color that works equally well on the hands of young up-and-comers and gracing the draped sleeves of a seasoned professional like Meryl Streep.

You Can Never Go Wrong with Scarlet

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Scarlet or crimson nails will never be out of fashion. Just take it from Greta Gerwig who’s striking nails added a splash of color to her little black dress. Notice how she didn’t overdo it by also wearing bright red lipstick (I’m looking at you, Angelina Jolie.)

The post The Spring’s Hottest Manis Straight from the Oscars: Our Top Picks appeared first on Inspa.

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I’ve written a lot about the benefits of back massage for overall health. But massage of many body parts can be beneficial, especially massage of the feet and hands. Hand massage is a client (and celebrity) favorite and for good reason: it’s something a masseuse can do quickly, is often included with inSpa manicures, and can relax the entire body. It’s also a wonderful relief for people suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome or Raynauds disorder, both are incredibly common problems in our world of desk jobs.

De-Stress and Save Your Life

Stress is a killer. It’s implicated in a wide range of diseases from obesity to cancer, and is something many of us experience chronically, every single day of our lives. Stress is insidious—it can sneak up on you silently and without warning: like when that rude man cuts you in line at the Starbucks, your husband forgets to pay the electric bill, or you’re stuck in unexpected traffic on the way to work. If you have a stressful job, you’re probably just used to feeling wound up. It’s your default state, like breathing. Jobs in hospitals, fast-paced corporate environments, with financial firms, or doing customer service can all get the heart rate up, and keep it there. This can be extremely dangerous for your long-term health. Taking steps to reduce stress in your life (like getting a hand massage) is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Reducing stress will directly affect your blood pressure and general life satisfaction while it reduces your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

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Hand Massage is Great for the Novice

If you’ve never had a professional massage before, you may feel apprehensive about the idea. What will the massage entail? Will I have to remove my clothing? Will I feel uncomfortable or self-conscious? What if it hurts my back? Hand massage is unobtrusive, peripheral, and simple. You can easily stop the massage early if you feel uncomfortable (this is true of any massage, but when it’s just your hands, it’s easier to just walk away).

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The Power of Reflexology

Hand massage is an ancient practice. Reflexologists believe the hands contain many pressure points that correspond to different parts of the body. By manipulating these pressure points, all sorts of discomforts can be alleviated, from heartburn to headaches, stomach aches to shoulder pain. While our estheticians aren’t trained reflexologists, a general, soothing hand massage will address multiple reflexology points at once.

Relaxation is Beautiful

When you’re stressed, it shows in your face. Your forehead pinches together between the eyes, your jaw clenches, and your skin becomes taught. Fine lines become more obvious. Over time, stress can take its toll in other ways, leading to acne, dry skin, headaches, and more. A happy person is a beautiful person. Make hand massage a part of your everyday routine in Almaden, WA for overall beauty and health.

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It’s old news that our environment is in trouble. Super storms like Sandy and Katrina have devastated our cities. Every day, thousands of undiscovered species are being wiped off the face of the earth by deforestation, development, acidic oceans, air pollution, invasive species, and human neglect. The water is swallowing up the land. Pretty soon we’ll be building our houses on the ocean! We don’t know what the future has in store for us. Most climate models have fallen woefully short, predicting far more mild conditions than we’ve already experienced. It’s enough to make you afraid for your children, and for the future of the human race. But the culture is changing rapidly. As we all become increasingly aware of the impact of our activities on the environment, we all begin to feel more responsible for making our world a better place. It’s the only world we have, after all.

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You may not think about environmentalism when you go to the salon for a pedicure, but bringing your ecological awareness to everything you do is a great way to start making a real difference. Every choice every person makes matters. It’s funny: sometimes I think people feel like the little stuff is inconsequential. A friend of mine doesn’t recycle because she thinks her waste won’t matter in the scheme of things. But when you consider that the average American creates 3.8 pounds of recyclables per day (that’s 1,387 pounds per year) you realize just how important our choices really are. You can only control yourself and your family so why not make choices that reflect your values?

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Beauty treatments are like everything else: they often result in waste. The average pedicure uses at least four gallons of water. Remember: that foot soak can’t be reused for the next customer. So each person who comes in for a pedicure uses another four gallons, and another. Fresh water is one of our most precious resources. When I think about the one billion people on earth who don’t have fresh drinking water for themselves or their children, I realize the very real impact of every single gallon I use or consume.

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inSpa’s Re>Fresh Signature pedicures provide the same amount of relaxation, pampering, and pleasure as your traditional pedicure without all the waste. Instead of a foot bath, let your feet luxuriate between steaming towels that soften and relax your skin. It may seem like a small thing, but in our world small things matter. If you think about all of the salons in the world, four gallons for every single patron can really add up quickly.

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We all want to look beautiful and many of us are willing to go to extraordinary lengths to achieve it. Not content to simply sample the cosmetics in the drug stores, women everywhere have turned to strange eastern, holistic, spiritual, or otherwise wacky sources for beauty tips. We’re not talking about your everyday steam facials or mud baths either. Here are some of our favorite unconventional treatments and quick fixes. Sometimes it takes a little creativity to look your best.

Shop Beyond the Cosmetics Aisle

The whole supermarket is your oyster. For centuries women have been using foods as beauty treatments. From avocados (they help moisturize your skin), to egg whites (they strengthen your hair), to cucumbers (they reduce puffiness and fine lines around your eyes), to beer (it adds shine and bounce to dry, tired locks), food has been helping women make the most of their looks. And don’t stop there. Eating a healthy diet can do wonders for your looks too. Remember: you are what you eat!

Image source: She.sukekha.com

Shave Your Legs, Arms, and (eek) Face

It’s a myth that shaving makes hair grow in faster and darker, and many women swear the stimulation from the blade actually stimulates the skin to produce more collagen (though I couldn’t find any actual experts to back this up). If you really struggle with unwanted hair, sometimes waxing, plucking, and depilatories just aren’t enough. And remember this: most older women shave their faces. As we age, hair grows in thicker and darker making traditional more feminine hair control much less effective. There’s no shame in it, even though you might find it a little embarrassing.

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The Two-Toe Pedicure

Don’t know what I’m talking about? Then you’ve probably never worn a pair of peeptoes. (And if you haven’t, I’m not criticizing. Good for you, actually! Heels can be really terrible for your feet!) Sometimes a woman in a rush has to focus on what really matters: just the parts the world can see. If you don’t have to paint every toe, why do it? Sorry busy moms everywhere, didn’t mean to blow your secret!

So It Says It’s for Men…

There’s no law that says you can’t use a little Speedstick once in a while. Men’s products often work perfectly well for women. That goes for cologne, razors, moisturizers, and so much more. Also, a very sexist but true fact: they’re often much cheaper than the women-oriented products.

Image source: Visual.ly

Dirty Hair? No Problem!

Sleek buns were invented for a reason and that reason is no time for a shower. Tie that hair up, splash some water in those pits, and you’re ready for anything.

The post Beauty Confessions: Surprising (and Sometimes Embarrasing) Tricks that Work appeared first on Inspa.

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It’s not something I usually like to talk about, let alone think about, but PMS is a major problem and often I don’t think it gets enough attention. For women who suffer from it, and most of us do to some degree, it can be truly horrible and, in many cases, legitimately debilitating. Cramps, migraines, nausea, intense irritability, anxiety, fear, back pain, vision problems… these are just a few of the hundreds of symptoms associated with PMS. And this isn’t a disease with a beginning and an ending, an onset and a cure. This is something that happens every single month, year in and year out. For some women it starts a full two weeks before menstruation, meaning they spend half of their lives struggling with pain, emotional difficulties, strange sensory problems, and more.

And the medical establishment and culture don’t tend to respect PMS nearly as much as they respect other medical conditions. Why is that? Is it because it only affects women? Or perhaps because it doesn’t sound like a big deal. Trust me: for those of us that really experience strong PMS symptoms, it’s a very very big deal.

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Treatment, however, is not easy to come by. You can take painkillers or diuretics, but these medicines aren’t meant to be taken long-term. If half of every month of your life is spent battling symptoms, taking medications probably isn’t the safest choice. So what do you do? Just grin and bear it? For many women, that feels like the only option.

Food choices can help. Eating a healthy diet low in sugar, salt, and saturated fat can make a big difference in regulating hormones. Drinking plenty of water can too, since it helps to flush hormones out of your system, which can make your body’s job of regulating a whole lot easier.

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Working up a sweat can help you in multiple ways. It gets your blood pumping, which moves hormones through your body more quickly so they can dissipate more quickly. It also boosts endorphins: your brain’s feel good chemicals. This can make a huge difference in your mood and general outlook, and has the added benefit of dulling pain.

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Mounting evidence shows that massage can reduce PMS symptoms by regulating the hormones in your body. Relaxation is a powerful thing. When you’re body is relaxed, your heart can pump you blood without strain, your digestion can work without hindrance, and your mind can process your emotions without distraction. Massage also helps to improve circulation in your muscles, releasing sequestered hormones so they can leave your body. And who doesn’t enjoy some pampering when she’s feeling icky and blue? Visit any of our Washington locations for a soothing hormone balancing massage.

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I’ve always found the saying “you are what you eat” to be incredibly apt. You are, literally, made of the stuff you put in your mouth. But your body also reflects the quality of that stuff. I know this sounds obvious. It is and yet, so many of us still eat greasy, fatty, fast food and junk food that affects our health in hundreds of insidious and dangerous ways. It’s hard to resist—that food is so darn delicious—but the more I learn about bad food’s effects, the easier it gets to just say no. There’s nowhere on your body more obviously affected by food quality than your skin. As the largest organ in your body, your skin requires huge amounts of vitamins, minerals, clean water, and healthy food to stay supple and strong. When your eating falters, your skin does too. Here’s how.

Blood Sugar Spikes = Bad

Blood sugar is an important indicator of overall health. People with diabetes can’t control their blood sugar and need insulin and a special diet to stay healthy. But the rest of us experience spikes and dips in blood sugar too, in response to the foods we eat. Skipping meals, eating very sugary foods, and eating foods that have a bad glycemic index can make blood sugar soar or drop precipitiously. New research suggests that blood sugar fluctuations along with insulin spikes can cause acne: a good reason to skip the sugary soda!

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Pass on the Greasy Foods

While the grease in greasy foods isn’t going to ooze out of your pores, but it can affect hormones associated with acne. Also, greasy food tends to be salty food and excess salt can cause water weight gain, which may show in your face. And remember: that food isn’t giving your body much in the way of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

The Right Kind of Fatty Acids are Great, The Wrong Kinds Not So Much

Most people have heard of omega-3’s but have you heard of omega-6’s? Omega-6 is found in many foods, from tilapia to corn-fed beef, and it doesn’t help with inflammation and skin elasticity the same way omega-3’s do. In fact, while some omega-6 is necessary for health, too much may actually contribute to skin inflammation! Opt for grass-fed meat, tuna or salmon instead of farm-raised tilapia, and bring on the walnuts.

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Dairy and Acne: The Controversy

There haven’t been any studies that definitively link dairy products and acne but there are many theories about it out there. And, there is quite a lot of anecdotal evidence from people who have cut out dairy and have experienced improvements in their skin. Dairy is an important source of calcium and vitamin D, so only cut back if you’re prepared to get those nutrients from another source.

The post A Large Fries With That: 5 Ways Your Diet Affects Your Face appeared first on Inspa.

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Pregnancy is a time of great excitement and, for many women, of great difficulty beauty-wise. While some women only get the best of what hormones have to offer—fuller hair; longer, prettier nails; smoother skin—others aren’t quite so lucky. Pregnancy acne, oily skin, extra hairs sprouting everywhere, and weight gain are just a few of the many delights pregnancy has to offer. So, pregnant women are frequent visitors to spas everywhere, looking for facials, hair removal, haircuts, manicures, stress-busting massages, and just about every other service you can imagine. And it’s a great thing: pampering yourself when you’re expecting relieves stress, boosts self-esteem, and can really help a woman stay emotionally and physically healthy. On the downside, some of those spa treatments aren’t recommended during pregnancy.

Sorting Through the Treatments: Do Your Research

Finding good information during pregnancy can be extremely difficult. Often studies haven’t been done, only a single study exists (not enough for definitive proof), or multiple studies show conflicting results. For most women, playing it safe is the name of the game when a baby’s health is at stake. Still, not all estheticians will know whether or not a treatment is 100% safe so it’s best to do your research before you hit the salon.

Avoid Fumes, Dyes, and Other Harmful Chemicals

It may seem obvious, but strong fumes are never good during pregnancy. This means regular manis and pedis may not be in the cards, though the occasional splurge isn’t likely to do any harm. When it comes to hair dye, however, steer clear. Dyes contain harmful chemicals that are absorbed through the skin and can affect the baby.

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Avoid Skin Treatments with Retinols or Bleaches

Unfortunately, many facial beauty products contain retinols, chemicals that can cross the placenta and affect your baby. If you need a facial, just be sure to ask about any products that go on your skin. Most organic products are safe though face washes that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide may not be (studies are inconclusive but doctors advise against using these products). Be particularly cautious with any anti-wrinkle or anti-aging products since these often contain retinol or other similarly dangerous compounds. Also note: some hair removal creams and gels or bleaching products also contain harmful chemicals.

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 Speaking of Hair Removal…

Waxing and shaving are always safe! Just beware: often skin is more sensitive during pregnancy so a full bikini wax may be a bit more painful (and result in more redness or swelling) than usual. Be sure to tell your esthetician you’re pregnant so she can be extra gentle.

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If You’re Worried, Call First

You can always call the salon to inquire about the products that will be used during your treatment. And rest assured: there are plenty of natural, harmless skin and beauty products you can safely use during pregnancy.

The post Safe Spa Treatments During Pregnancy, And Those to Avoid appeared first on Inspa.

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The winter is finally coming to a close but now is the time that many of us are suffering the most. You don’t have to have clinical SAD (seasonal affective disorder) to feel down in the dumps in the colder months. Short days, lots of time indoors, the holidays, and everyday stress reach a climax for most people right around February and March. It’s the late winter doldrums when the days are still gone before they begin, the weather is cold and rainy, and we’ve all been less active and engaged than we normally are. There is no doubt that environmental conditions have a direct impact on our emotional health. Just imagine how you feel on a warm summer day, sitting outside with the gentle breeze in your hair, smelling the flowers, and listening to the chickadees. I’m guessing it’s a far cry from how you feel right now.

Fortunately, massage can help! You don’t have to suffer through your winter blues in silence. Instead, take some pro-active steps to improve your state of mind.

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The Cycle of Negative Emotions

Negative thoughts and feelings tend to feed more negative thoughts and feelings in a vicious spiraling cycle. Feeling bad about your relationship problems makes you feel bad about yourself, which hurts your performance at work, which makes you feel worried about your job, which stresses you out about finances, which puts additional strain on your relationship, and so the cycle continues. The key is breaking that cycle—dramatically shifting your perspective so that you can see things differently. Interventions like a deep, relaxing massage, can reset your mind, shifting your frame of reference.

Set Aside Your Skepticism

Even diehard skeptics must admit to the benefit of one-on-one attention. Even if it’s nothing more than the placebo effect, studies have shown that the placebo effect is extremely powerful. Stress and anxiety are often the result of feelings of detachment and isolation. Spending time under the care of a person whose only job is to make your body feel relaxed can make a real difference.

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The Science is Growing

It’s difficult to measure mood clinically, since it’s such a subjective state. But many studies have sought to measure the affect of massage, aromatherapy, and other methods of therapeutic touch on mood and emotional health. Most have shown real lasting benefits. One study measured the stress hormone cortisol in 500 depressed or anxious people before and immediately after a massage. They found a reduction of up to 53%. Massage has also been shown to help relieve migraines in chronic sufferers. Reducing anxiety can have a protective effect on many of the body’s systems.

You Have Nothing to Lose

If you’ve never had a professional massage before, you have nothing to lose by giving it a try. At the very least you’ll be doing something special for yourself. Taking time to nurture yourself is its own kind of stress reliever. Visit any of our Washington locations for a signature, Swedish, deep tissue, mom-to-be, or tension relief massage.

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