Recession Fighting Ingredients

According to The Economic Times, the best way to beat the recession blues is by taking a trip to the spa. They even include a list of the best treatments and best ingredients to elevate your spirits. Their "Nine Best Spa Treatments" include chocolate and stones! Take a look!:

"If chocolate is your sinful indulgence try chocolate spa which can make your fantasies come true! Known for its beneficial qualities, the essential nutrients and vitamins of chocolate makes it good for the skin too.

While stone may not instantly come to mind as a relaxing therapy, the fact is that stone therapy actually is quite a rejuvenating experience. This therapy uses stones that are heated to offer a relaxing massage. The combination of aromatic essential oils are known to de-stress and balance energy levels. "

@ease Spa offers treatments that include both chocolate and stone massage. Chase away the recession blues at @ease spa at a price you can afford!

The Back Facial

The back facial has nothing to do with the face, but everything to do with the back. It works like a facial for those prone to acne located on the back. " The @ease Spa's Back Facial is a life-saver. The back facial is a luxurious but high-intensity treatment that involves powerful cleansing, toning, exfoliation and then extraction. At the end, once the pores are closed and balance is restored, the session is completed as the back is re-moisturized during a full, relaxing, hydrating, emollient massage." The back facial does everything a facial does, only clearing up the skin on your back, leaving you feeling confident and relaxed.

Generation Y

I found an article on how those belonging to Generation Y are the first to be raised in the spa. Generation Y sees the spa in a totally different way. In Globe Life, the author writes "'Younger generations are now hitting the spa in record numbers, and they're shaping the experience to meet their unique desires.' The first generation raised on spas, Gen Y is the driving force behind treatment rooms big enough for parties, and their sensibility drives a few spas to watch for this year." Generation Y includes those born in the mid-eighties and have been brought to the spa for occasions such as prom unlike in generations before. Now that Gen. Y is all grown up and have jobs they are continuing so frequent spas and spas need to cater their treatments towards the high expectations and tech savvy Gen. Y's.

Getting away in a Different Way (And on a smaller budget)

It's getting to be the dead of winter when everyone starts getting a little antsy. The ways we would usually avoid cabin fever and get warm are very different from what our budget could withstand today. Many of us can no longer take that much needed vacation to a tropical island for relaxation and maybe some exfoliation. So, it's local spas to the rescue! Just because you can't afford to fly to an exotic place doesn't mean you can't experience the same amount of pampering. Spas like @ease Spa can offer you treatments that will take you away to another place. You can get a massage or a facial for under $50! @Ease Spa offers many treatment combos that will give you more for less! Check out our price list to find your perfect get-away! Don't give up on your winter get-away just get-away in a different way!

Another Treatment to Keep You Warm

With the temperatures so cold, we've got to come up with ways to warm ourselves up. Warming and completely thawing ourselves will restart our engines, like the winter has just begun. You will feel revitalized. I know, a sauna! Not only is it HOT but an infrared sauna offers so many benefits to the body. The UV-free infrared light is necessary for all living things. Without it, life forms become ill, depressed, and Vitamin D deficient. In the sauna, the light utilizes healthy electromagnetic wave lengths that are produced naturally. The heat reaches the cells in your body directly. Thus, increasing circulation, the relief of minor aches and pains, boosts the immune system and cardiovascular systems. Get this! it even burns calories and and fat while detoxifying the body. When you sweat it out you're also losing calories as well as releasing toxins present in your body. The sauna will warm you to the core and leave you feeling refreshed and ready to go back out into the cold.

Spa Treatments are Good for Your Health

Going to the spa can change your outlook, rejuvenate your mind and body. "Spas are known to combat aging while fostering health and wellness. The spa treatments are not an invention of the modern era, it is known that the mother of all spas could be traced back to the classical era when the Greek took social bathes, and enjoyed spending time in a leisurely and relaxed environment. This tricky intervention was so successful that the Romans soon followed, they you read the Greek writers writing and followed the instructions meticulously. Spa treatments should not be regarded as just a medical or health treatment. It is much more than that, a spa treatments and can provide that long testing service and can be regarded as a beauty treatment. In fact most people find it surprising that the top 10 spa treatments are not directly linked to any particular health problems or any kind of pathological physical inabilities." According to ezinearticles.com, spa treatments will enhance your overall mental health, allowing for needed relaxation and thus promoting good health.

Most "Depressing day in history?" No way!

According to experts, yesterday was the most depressing day in history. But cheer up and beat the wintertime blues. Go to your local spa for some relaxing treatments with your friend and help relax and ease the stresses of a bad economy. Help your friend get out of a rut with some quality time and quality treatments. It will also be a great chance for you two to get a taste of what your local spa offers as well as try new spa treatments you may not have tried before. Or, bring the spa home to you with at-home facials, pedicures, and more. Lift the spirits of you and your friend while taking care of your skin.

Rejuvinate!

Time makes for beautiful memories but not so beautiful age spots. Look forward to the future with photo rejuvenation. Photo rejuvenation is a revolutionary treatment and uses light therapy to produce healthier and younger looking skin. It's different that tanning and uses the good parts of light to correct skin texture and collagen structure. By doing so, it transforms skin into its optimal state of firm beautiful skin. Photo rejuvenation utilizes Intense Pulsed Light technology which is a non-invasive kind of cosmetic treatment and is a little bit more intense that microdermabrasion and is more effective in boosting collagen firmness. It is also very very effective in treating and alleviating signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles and age spots.

The Shifting Spa

According to the International SPA Association (ISPA), last year there were 14, 615 spas in the United States. In their research they have found a very large shift in spa trends from strictly exterior enhancement services to an increasing amount of services that treat your inside as well. Rather than focusing on Botox, spas look towards aroma therapy and other services that provide tranquility for the mind and muscles. New, natural anti-aging techniques also come in to play for the baby-boomers who want an organic alternative (like the Acai berry, wraps, and specialized massage). People today are now more concerned with health and beauty that comes from the inside - out. Here, at the @-ease spa we are happy to cater to these needs for a happier, healthier life along with spas all around the country.

Cure Your Cabin Fever

Just looking out the window makes me shiver. But we can't just hibernate inside for the duration of the winter. When you start to feel yourself getting cabin fever the best way to get out of the house is if your destination is the spa. "Destination spas are places to warm chilled bodies, soothe sore muscles, and pamper faces brutalized by the snow, sleet, wind, and subzero temperatures. They’re also where skiers and shoppers, riders and readers can regroup, relax, and relive their day’s experiences in a pampering —and warm — environment." New York and all of the North is a cold place to be sometimes. But there are ways to help your mind escape to the feeling of summer. "Spas preserves elements of both hot and cold, and while still a splurge, is far less pricey than jetting to Aspen or Antigua." (source)

Subfreezing Temperatures... Hot Treatments!

This is the coldest week of the year everybody! Stay warm! Here are two treatments that will warm you to the core and leave you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the subfreezing temperatures!

• The Hot Stone Massage is a specialty massage that is an extension of the Swedish variety. Extraordinarily soothing and calming, this massage employs smooth basalt stones, ranging in size, that are sanitized and heated in water. Once heated, the stones are placed on acupressure locations along the body in order to relax the muscles, dissolve tension, and alleviate stress.
• The @ease Spa Moor Mud Cocoon is an exotic and delicious wrap that feels like a warm, sleepy womb. You'll emerge from this whole body treatment feeling like you've just had your greatest night of sleep ever.

An Organic Spa Magazine

A commenter told me about Organic Spa magazine on a post on the greener spa goers of 2009. As more people become more environmentally aware, organic treatments are become more popular and necessary to today's spa. I took a look at the magazine and discovered many helpful tips and information on how to make your spa experience as green as it can be. The current issue includes "Tips for Tough Times", "The Tao of Dog" (Canine lessons on wellness), and "On the Organic Trail". The feature spas, news, and updates on all the newest organic spa treatments. Check it out and decide for yourself if you'd like a subscribe at organicspamagazine.com

Luxury and Wellness

The way we see spas is changing. With the recession, many are beginning to rethink and polish their choice of spa treatments. According to "SpaFinder President Susie Ellis said spas have also been making a huge effort during the past few years to move away from the idea of "luxury" and toward that of "wellness," a shift she thinks will serve spas in bad economic times. In the coming year, Ellis predicts that novelty treatments such as fish nibbling away dead skin on hands and feet and gold flakes embedded in facial creams will fall away in favor of "evidence-based" quasi-scientific services such as DNA analysis and vitamin customization. Even brain health will become a spa concern as spas compete to be seen more as a medical service than as an indulgence."

What to Expect in 2009

In president elect,Barack Obama's, speech yesterday he said that we should all have great hope and high expectation for 2009. That by taking care of ourselves and others we can make 2009 be remembered as the year our country rose up and gave itself new hope. We should not allow ourselves to be crippled by the state of the economy. That said. I found an article that speaks to the future of the spa industry."The global spa industry’s extraordinary growth and resiliency has been fueled by important new ideas in health, wellness, fitness, beauty, design, and cuisine. Despite a turbulent economy, SpaFinder President Susie Ellis believes 2009 will prove no exception, with the industry continuing to innovate, including developments such as the ‘in-transit’ spa experience, new offerings for the exploding Gen X and Y demographic, bolder eco-friendly initiatives, and the ramping up of global spa brands." (SpaFinder)

Herbs Heal

Winter can be tough on the skin. In an article I found in East Valley Living, they describe the changing trends in spa treatments. Spa-goers favoring treatments with ingredients "plucked from nature" because of a heightened awareness in protecting the environment with organic ingredients. Products like sea salt, sea weed, and mud, are very popular right now. Not only are people opting to avoid chemicals but they are also -- during the fall and winter months compelled to find spa treatments "that bring in a lot of moisture back into their skin to prepare it for the harsh, cold and very drying weather. Spa devotees look for treatments that use herb-infused, emollient oils and creams to keep their skin supple and to maintain its elasticity." By treating the skin ans scalp people can avoid the itchy and embarrassing effects of the harsh weather.

Trend of 2009: Not Being Trendy

According to the International Spa Association, one of the major trends of 2009, is not really a trend at all. "Tried & True: Consumers are moving away from the trendy and seeking treatments with proven and tangible results. They're getting back to basics, focusing on core spa services like deep tissue massage and clarifying facials." This makes sense. We're all a little less interested in the decadent superfluous treatments of years passed. If we're going to be spending the money, we want results! We don't want to just smell nice! We want to feel rejuvenated with clarified skin and relaxed muscles. I think this is a good "trend" for 2009. It will filter through America's spas and allow the "tried & true" to shine on through!

Bonus!

It's a new year. Wondering where your bonus is? Still trying to figure out what to give as a bonus? In the Philadelphia Inquirer I found an article about companies giving spa treatments as bonuses. With this struggling economy many companies cut out bonuses altogether. But giving a spa treatment is far more economical for a business. If the point of the bonus is to show appreciation to employees and let them know you care then a spa treatment is the perfect package. Let employees know you care about their wellbeing for the new year and give a spa treatment.

"Not a bad way for Leeper, 39, to spend a workday afternoon. After all, the Mount Laurel woman deserved to be pampered. For a year of work well done, this was her bonus: a few hours of being fussed over.

In a limping economy, year-end bonuses are being replaced by creative alternatives that both save money and boost employee morale."

Back to Nature

Happy New Year! The big trend of 2009 is totally organic. With the recession and a strong awareness of our struggling environment, spa-goers are looking for a naturally affordable way to take care of their skin. "Instead of chemical treatments, many estheticians are now advising women to put on their skin the same good stuff they've been taught to put in their bodies -- healthful plant-based products loaded with vitamins and antioxidants." (source) Chemicals can not only be expensive but also harmful to the environment. The spa-goers of 2009 are an entirely new breed, with an understanding of and appreciation for the natural.