More on the Fish Pedicure

More information from the article I found to be important:

"From our view, under state law, it says that all tools used in pedicures must be sanitized, disinfected or disposed of after each use between customers to prevent the spread of disease and infections," said Christine Anthony, the spokeswoman for Washington's Department of Licensing.

"We felt the fish were being used as tools and there was no way to sanitize them. You can change the water in an aquarium, but you can't clean the fish."

Texas banned the practice that same month, even before it had documented any salons offering the treatment. Nevertheless, it still felt the need to take preemptive action.

"There was a question about cleaning of the tanks and concern with the chemicals that were being used," said public information officer Susan Stanford, of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. "Plus, fish shouldn't be living in hot, chlorinated water. There was a concern for patrons, too, and a risk of infection or bacteria."

[source]

I would also like to know what you all think. Is this exotic or cruel and unsanitary?

The Fish Pedicure. Banned.

Do you remember the bizarre fish pedicure I told you about in a previous post? (The treatment utilizes toothless fish that are placed into a tank to feed on a customer's dead skin.) Well, it has now been banned in five states. Yesterday, Florida was added to the list of states who find it unlawful to use fish as tools as well as expose patrons to unsanitary conditions. "According to Alexis Antonacci, spokeswoman for the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the board found that fish pedicures violate two laws, The Orlando Sentinel reports. One rule prohibits animals in salons, save assistance or service pets. The imported fish -- commonly garra rufas, which originally come from Turkey -- could also not ensure a required level of sanitation." [source] I personally agree that this could both be considered animal cruelty and very unsanitary. It may have an exotic allure but when you really think about it, it's just a gimmick with mediocre results.

Spa Week is Paying it Forward!

For the economic chrisis, Spa Week will be passing on an oppurtunity to win $50 towards spa treatments. Relax your mind and body for free! Log on, sign up. @ease can be easily found on their site.

"Spa Week is stepping up and doing something for its consumers as America is enduring this economic crisis. The promotion which is called Pay It Forward, can be found on the Company's website, www.spaweek.com, and it encourages people to pass on the opportunity to win a $50 Spa Week Gift Card. It's all about demonstrating to others that no matter the scale of thoughtfulness or its monetary value, every little gesture of kindness adds up."

Maternity Care

I found an article about a wonderful spa service for new mothers. Prenatal and Postnatal relaxation and care is so beneficial to a new mother. It will give you the confidence and refreshing you need to start the journey of motherhood. There are even spa services that will treat you right in the hospital before going home. "he pain of childbirth isn’t equal for everyone, but it leaves no one looking or feeling their best. We all share that same wan look in the first picture of mum and baby. And with an increased push to keep babies in the mother’s room at all times to promote better breastfeeding, it’s all exhaustion from there on out."[source] Prenatal care is equally important to the health and wellbeing of you and your baby. @ease Spa's Maternity Massage is great for mothers-to-be. "The receiving of a periodic massage helps pregnant women minimize the physical and emotional discomforts of pregnancy and childbirth, and is perhaps the best gift a mother-to-be can receive. Massage can help alleviate backaches, leg cramps, and ankle swelling that often accompanies pregnancy."

Aloe Vera

Let's not forget about the classic Aloe Vera. I think that sometimes we forget about its amazing healing power. I just want to remind us all of the beauties of the wonderfully natural, Aloe Vera. The University of Maryland Medical says:

"The Aloe vera plant has been used for thousands of years to heal a variety of conditions, most notably burns, wounds, skin irritations, and constipation. It is grown in most subtropical and tropical locations, including South Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Aloe was one of the most frequently prescribed medicines throughout most of the 18th and 19th centuries and it remains one of the most commonly used herbs in the United States today.

[...]

Although aloe is 99 percent water, aloe gel also contains substances known as glycoproteins and polysaccharides. Glycoproteins speed the healing process by stopping pain and inflammation, while polysaccharides stimulate skin growth and repair. These substances may also stimulate the immune system."

See You In Cyberspace!

Visit our new website and check out the new format, beautiful design, and information we've got up! We are also on Facebook, MySpace, Digg, Delicious, Twitter, and StubleUpon! We want to be your friend & give you the inside on time sensitive deals! Check out our website at www.at-easespa.com plus find us on your favorite social networking site!

A Brooklyn Spa Horror Story

I was recently told a spa horror story that astonished me. A man in Brooklyn wanted to take his girlfriend to a couple's massage on Valentine's Day and needed to find a place close by. He needed to surprise her so he couldn't leave Brooklyn and found a place online that advertised couple's massage complete with "champagne and chocolate". When the couple arrived the woman at the front desk told them "Oh, you're early" and had them walk around the block for a while!! When they returned she had them wait for 40 mins. for a masseuse to arrive. They were offered no champagne, no chocolate, no nothing. Then, they were told that the "room was not big enough" and they would receive massages separately...for a couple's massage!! The couple left the spa, disappointed. This should never happen! I am appalled that a spa would falsely advertise...and on Valentine's Day! They ruined that couple's special day. I don't want to brag, but our couple's massage has rave reviews and you can actually spend your time WITH your significant other. Come in for a couple's massage at @ease and discover the meaning of relaxation. Brooklyn Couple, if you're out there, come on in!

Madonna's Strange Self Treatment

In an online California magazine, I found an article that describes Madonna's strange nightly beauty ritual. It sounds so uncomfortable and over-the-top. She needs to go to a spa and get some real treatment. Here's what the article "Spa Treatments Too Bizarre To Believe":

"Odd beauty regimens aren't new. The recent popularity of treatments that use animals and animal byproducts and non-synthetic ingredients is.

A-Rod may not be the only supposed catalyst in the demise of Madonna and Guy Ritchie's marriage. Ritchie has allegedly cited Madonna's bizarre beauty treatments, such as her nightly ritual of lathering on a $790 jar of cream before hopping into a plastic body suit, as a factor leading to their impending divorce.

While this may be a bit over the top, bizarre beauty regimens are not new. What's unique is the recent popularity of treatments that utilize animals and animal byproducts and other all-natural ingredients.

These include snake massages, caviar hair treatments and leech detoxification."

Will You Be Our Valentine?

Ok everyone, Valentine's Day is tomorrow! Are you ready for it? Don't forget about @ease Spa's couple's massage, chocolate treatment, and package deals. Give the gift of relaxation or show yourself some love this Valentine's Day. Whether you've got a valentine this year or not, @ease Spa hopes you have a great weekend. Will you be our Valentine?

Surviving the Waters of the Recession

I've already talked about how spas are still being able to keep their heads above the waters of recession. However, I recently read an article that states they not only are doing alright but have actually seen in influx in customers. An Indiana new station reports "Whether laid off, looking for a job or low on cash, customers said they find a welcomed retreat at the spa, with neck and shoulder massages in particular demand." I realized I have noticed a lot of my friends talking about their latest massage or some women I know are getting massages for the first time! Personally, I believe it is a shift in priorities. We all prefer to feel our best now in order to tackle these tough times. If we feel better we can do more to beat through these troubled waters.

Valentine's Day is Just Two Days Away!

Haven't decided what to give or receive for Valentine's Day? Who doesn't want chocolate? Give it to the one you love or indulge yourself! @ease Spa has a special "Chocolate Fix" body treatment that will rejuvenate the skin. In an article from The Washington Times, "Chocolate has all those great antioxidants, which help fight free radicals." It not only leaves your skin glowing, but is also perfect for Valentine's Day. Check out these and other great Valentine's Day ideas on our Website or on our Facebook Group page (where you can learn about special Valentine's Day promotions and other events!)

Who Says Mother's Day is just once a year?

Surprise your mother with a second Mother's Day! March 22nd is Mother's Day in the U.K. Bring England to New York and give your mom a pleasant surprise. Bring your "mum" a cup of tea, some toast, and a card with a spa treatment inside! I think we would all agree that our mothers deserve more than one day a year. I think this would be a great opportunity to go that extra mile and surprise your mum with a treatment of her choice, just a little extra thank you.

@ease is on Facebook!

I would just like to tell you about our new @ease Spa group on Facebook. Find out about promotions, start discussions, read about treatments. You can even become a fan of @ease spa! Check it out HERE!

Join the group, upload photos, tell us your favorite @ease treatment!

Decisions, Decisions

One of the biggest dilemmas I find in going to a spa is what treatments to get. If I only have time to receive one thing, what will it be? Do I want the complete body relaxation of a massage, or do I want others to notice my supple, revitalized skin from a facial? A pedicure? There are just so many choices. So, I start reflecting on how my life has been going, what my plans are. Been extra stressed at work? Get a massage. Have a hot date this weekend? Get a facial. I think that the massage or a body wrap is the thing to go for first, it revitalizes your entire body. But then go back for a facial and get that perfect skin. But, it's really about personal preference. Decide for yourself!:

Massage

Facial

The 2009 Spa Trends of India!

I found an interesting press release on the top ten Spa Trends for India in 2009. Interested in what other parts of the world is doing? Check out these trends you can find right in your own local spa in the exotic land of India! :

Thou Who Seekest a Spa, Will Find One.
With over 700 spas predicted to open doors in the next 2-4 years, there's no doubt that the spa industry in India is growing fast.

Yoga, Ayurveda Represent Serious Business, Now More Than Ever
In 2009, both yoga and ayurveda will continue to be classic examples of global cross-pollination across borders.

Alternative Healing Back in Vogue
Alternative healing has always been a traditional part of the Indian cultural milieu. Spearheaded by spas, 2009 will see a renewed interest in a wellness lifestyle and diverse alternative healing approaches.

The Spa-Savvy Indian Male
The urban Indian male increasingly wants to look good and feel good: and now seeks wellness treatments--like Champissage (head massage) and full-body massage on a regular basis.

For the Love of Luxury
The affluent Indian consumer loves brands.

Medical Tourists Will Spa!
With the extended global spa economy now estimated to be worth $255 billion, there has never been a better time for medical tourism in India. India will continue to be a hot spot for medical tourists that seek travel services that incorporate diverse wellness packages, including those that couple medical procedures with spa indulgences, ayurvedic treatments or cultural immersion experiences.

Aesthetic Treatments Get More Attractive
Look for an uptick in medical spas, dental spas and cosmetic clinics that cater to both locals and traveling medical tourists.

The Spa Tween-Teen Year
Spas and cosmetic clinics will continue to roll out specific treatments for pre-teens and teens.

Bollywood Stars Spice Up Spas
While several celebrities such as Ameesha Patel, Kareena Kapoor, Riya Sen, Katrina Kaif, Kunika, Kim Sharma, and Ayesha Jhulka enjoy spa-ing, many also actively promote health and wellness initiatives.

Culture, Myth, History Catch Spa Fancy
Many of the newer Indian spas are fashionably designed around Indian history, astrology and values, and offer incredible immersive spa experiences, dedicated to indigenous culture, myth, materials and design.

http://www.spafinder.com.

Everything you want to know ABOUT Spas

Here are just a few spa trends for 2009 I found on About.com.

• Customized Treatments: In addition to 30-minute facials and massages, spas are listening to the demands and desires of their customers. So whether you're looking to combine a series of treatments or have one tailored to

Read more »

Why We Spa

In an article from The Sun News, there is a nice article about the function of spas in our daily, stressful lives. Why do we go to spas? "Tired muscles, broken hearts, sore feat and sad faces get some level of relief whenever they get the special attention spas are known for giving." When you go to a spa, you are allowing yourself to to relax, release, and enjoy some peace. Instead of hiding your tension or feeding into it, you are allowing yourself to let go. "'I think people find spas ideal because they can escape all of the hustle and bustle,' said Susan Taylor, owner of The Spa on Broadway in Myrtle Beach. 'It is also a time to energize and rejuvenate. I think spa treatments help them deal with their daily lives better.'" Focus on yourself for a change and take a break at a local spa.