Tips and Trends
Massage Therapy: More Than Pampering?
For many, massage is a way to spoil, indulge and pamper. Paired with a relaxing spa visit, receiving a body massage can be an excellent remedy for stress and tension. However, is massage more than pampering? Medical findings show that massage, in fact, boasts medical benefits.
The benefits of massage therapy include:
- Reduced muscle tension
- Improved blood circulation
- Better lymph movement
- Enhanced skin condition
- Better digestion and intestinal function
- Relief of acute and chronic pain
Massage has been used to treat musculoskeletal problems; as rehabilitation after surgery; to reduce muscle spasms; and, to relieve discomfort during pregnancy.
“As licensed massage therapists, we offer a wide variety of treatments, each carried out in a manner focused on providing a remedy for our guests’ specific needs,” explains Odalys Alvarez, lead massage therapist at Daireds. “Since massage types can seem mysterious, we’re trained to ‘prescribe’ the treatment that would be most beneficial for our guest.”
Recommendations for massage frequency vary based on the desired result. If the purpose is to relieve back pain or serious tension, it is most beneficial to schedule a massage once a week. For general stress relief and relaxation, a routine of at least once per month is recommended. When scheduling a massage, communicate your needs so you can be treated to the massage type that best fits your needs, such as deep tissue, aromatherapy, or Swedish.
Massage has proven benefits for infants and children too. Autistic children have shown less erratic behavior following a massage session, while infant massage can play a role in calming and soothing babies, encouraging bonding between parent and baby. Daireds offers infant massage classes on the first Thursday of each month to teach parents how to keep baby healthy and happy with a soothing massage. “Infant massage has been found to ease common problems such as colic, gas, dry skin and constipation, as well as help build a child’s social skills and sense of security,” says Alvarez. “For parents, infant massage can aid in postpartum depression, confidence building, developing sensitivity and overall parent-child relationships.”
It is ideal to find a routine and massage style that best fits your lifestyle and circumstance. For more information about massage options and therapists, contact a Daireds guest service representative at 817-465-9797.
Laser Hair Reduction for Dark Skin Tones
The Med Spa at Daireds now offers laser hair reduction for all skin types. “The expansion of our Med Spa and the addition of new laser equipment has allowed us to grow our service menu and respond to the requests of our guests,” said Daired Ogle, owner Daireds Salon & Spa Pangéa. Initially the best candidates for laser hair removal had to have dark hair and light skin, but newer technology allows hair removal for people of all skin types.
Since the laser works by releasing its energy into dark pigment, those with dark tans should let them fade before the treatment. For all skin types, the best time for laser hair removal is when tans have faded. Avoid the sun and tanning 4-6 weeks before and after treatment. You must avoid electrolysis, plucking or waxing hair for 6 weeks prior to treatment. For dark skin types, a bleaching cream may be recommended 4-6 weeks before treatment to optimize results. The number of treatments to achieve desired results may vary, with the average being from five to seven treatments.