Nami Spa Blog

These days a lot of people understandably want a "bang for their buck" when it comes to spa treatments. And Boston has a lot of spas to choose from so here are some tips to help you choose wisely.

Bigger doesn't always mean better, sometimes the bigger the spa the bigger the attitude and price count. Somebody has to pay for the extra square footage and all the amenities like the sauna, jacuzzi, steam showers, etc. Personally, I prefer the smaller independently owned spas Boston, Cambridge, Brookline, and the surrounding suburbs have to offer. Everybody loves a bar that "knows your name", so why not a spa?

I find it nice when you walk into a spa and you're greeted with a sincere smile and hello. Then offered a seat and a cup of tea to enjoy while filling out your intake form. A form that your technician will actually read and then address your concerns with you. Larger spas and chain spas are usually taught to do a cookie cutter service for every client. This is so they are sure that everyone is receiving the exact same treatment. It is also easier for them to train their large staff if all the services are consistent. Definitely the opposite concept than at Nami Spa, we believe every client should be treated as an individual and each service should be performed to address their individual needs and concerns. Not everyone carries their tension in their shoulders, some carry it in their legs, back, or jaw. So why would you perform the same massage on every client? The same goes for facials, everybody doesn't have the same skin type and concerns. So why again would you perform the same facial on every client? I have even heard of places that have the therapists time out every step during a massage or facial. For example, a massage therapist is told to spend 20 minutes on the back, 5 minutes on each arm, 10 minutes on each leg, etc, etc.

I always think its best when the owner performs services themselves. This way they know exactly what it is like to be an employee and what is involved in performing a great service. When the owners are strictly investors and do not perform services their bottom line is making a profit and keeping costs down. Granted every owner is concerned about a profit because without one you can't pay your bills and therefore you wouldn't have a business. But, usually this isn't the only concern of an independent owner. Most independently owned spas' major concern is their reputation. I believe if you have a good reputation your clientele will increase and naturally so will your profits.

Recently I have heard some disturbing stories when it comes to spas cutting back on expenses and trying to increase profits. Things like; double booking clients in case one of them cancels and if one doesn't end up cancelling the first one to arrive will be seen and the second one will have to wait or reschedule, watering down facial products or using less expensive ones and then recommending more expensive products to the client to purchase, and the grossest one I've heard - reusing massage sheets. Think about if a spa is offering drastic discounts in their services they are cutting back somewhere. Staff members and the spa can only take so much of a cut in their profits, again bills do need to be paid, so the cuts usually are in the quality of the services.

Recently I have received marketing calls from a few different internet marketing companies that ask us to advertise with them at no cost to us. Please! How it works is they have the clients, you, buy a membership to receive serious discounts from participating businesses, discounts up to 50% off. Their marketing spiel is that your business will see a huge increase in the number of clients you see. Sure every business wants more clients, but again at what expense? I am sure we would see an increase in our clientele if we decreased our services by 50%, but that would mean I would need to see double the amount of clients I already see. As a massage therapist I know that this would burn me out, which affect my performance and the longevity of my career. I would never want to that to myself, my staff, or my clients. Therefore I repeatedly decline their generous offer and tell them our focus on quality, not quantity. I am not interested in becoming a McSpa ever.

Don't get me wrong, I believe massages and facials are truly beneficial for everyone and its great there are places available for everyone's budget. Just keep in mind you don't always get what you pay for, so ask yourself what is really important to you. If its the service then I would check out some of Boston's smaller independently owned spas like Nami Spa and if its the amenities then you are probably going to be happiest visiting one of Boston's hotel spas or larger franchise spas.

Check us out at http://www.namispa.com.

Absolutely! A pimple forms when excess sebum (oil), dead skin cells, or bacteria gets trapped in a pore and becomes inflamed. If you squeeze the pimple it may cause the debris to rupture or be pushed deeper into the hair follicle, thus causing the follicle wall to rupture releasing the debris into the dermis layer of the skin. See Image Below

Even if some of the infected material is released through the pore opening some may have been pushed down and released into the dermis (innermost layer of the skin), this may worsen your acne and cause scarring. The safest and best way to get rid of a pimple is to leave it alone and see a professional. (My recommendation)! A professional has sterilized instruments, like a lancet.

If you can't restrain yourself or wait to see a professional then there is a proper way to pop a pimple, see http://www.acne.org/pop.html. VERY IMPORTANT - Leave cysts or nodules alone and see a dermatologist, they may need to give you a Cortisone injection.  Cysts are similar to Nodules, but are pus-filled and are aproximately 5mm in diameter and Nodules are larger, harder bumps under the skin that can last for months. For more information on different types of acne visit http://www.acne.org/types-of-acne.html.

Some spot treatments that I have found to be very effective.

Juice Beauty Blemish Be Gone Stick - Sold at Nami Spa http://namispa.com/.

Desert Essence Blemish Stick - Sold at http://www.desertessence.com/skin-care/face/tea-tree-oil-blemish-touch-stick or Trader Joe's. I have found the Facial Cleansing Pads to be very drying to the skin, especially for sensitive skin.

Always feel free to call and speak to one of our estheticians for recommendations.

Nami Spa

262 Beacon Street - 6th Floor

Boston, MA 02116

Ph. 617-267-6264

Web. www.namispa.com

The other night I couldn't fall asleep. I had an overwhelming feeling of anxiety. I thought that I had forgot to put an appointment into the computer for the following day. I kept telling myself to stop worrying and just go in early the next day to double check. No matter what I did I couldn't stop stressing though. I was about to drive back to the spa at midnight just so I could relax and go to sleep, but I thought the building manager would think I was up to something suspicious or that I was crazy. So, what causes this to happen?

Stress and anxiety can cause your muscles to tense up, release the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline, and increase your heart rate. The exact symptoms I was feeling that night!

Sometimes there isn't a thing you can do, but sometimes there are.

Here are some of those things:

A Warm Bath - Take a warm bath or shower before bed and add some essential oils like Lavender, Camomile, or Rose.

A Nice Cup of Decaffeinated Herbal Tea - Camomile is always good!

A Warm Cup of Milk - Milk contains tryptophan, an amino acid that is converted into serotonin - a chemical in the brain that helps with sleep.

A Good Book - Reading helps you to relax and distract your mind from your worries.

Soft Music or Talk Radio - Hit the "Snooze" button, the lulling effect will help you to relax and fall asleep.

Meditation - Visit your "happy place" when you lie down. Whether its the beach, a forest, or sitting by a campfire - visualize your tranquil place before falling asleep!

Aromatherapy and Massage - Granted its hard to stroke your own back like your mom used to do when you couldn't sleep as a kid, but you can massage your temples or head before bed. Use some relaxing essential oils or candles! *Just remember to blow the candles out before falling asleep!!!

Stretching - Do some relaxing shoulder or head and neck roles before bed. Bend forward and just let your body hang to stretch out your low back muscles. *Don't force yourself, just "hang".

I hope that some of these tips help you get a relaxing night's sleep. Nighty, night, sleep tight! Zzzz!

Oh and don't forget - regular massages help tremendously in decreasing stress, so if you can book an appointment today!

Nami Spa

http://www.namispa.com 

Seasonal Affective Disorder affects 10-20 percent of the US population. It is a mood disorder brought on by seasonal changes and a decrease in sunlight exposure. Sunlight releases our body's endorphins and has an affect on regulating our melatonin, which gives us a sense of energy and good health.

Endorphins are a group of hormones that affect our emotions and are known as "the body's natural painkillers".

Melatonin is a hormone that regulates our sleep cycles.

The Fall and Winter months can bring on the "winter blues". People tend to stay indoors, exercise less, and sleep and eat more. This can trigger feelings of depression and fatigue. The mood changes are brought on by the lack of and quality of sunlight.

So how can massage help?

Massage has been reported to help with such things as; depression, fatigue, circulation, sleep, energy levels and overall well-being. Massage releases the body's natural endorphins, decreases heart rate, improves circulation, and helps to restore and energize the body. Short-term effects can be felt in one session, but it is recommended for long-term effects you make massage a part of your healing process. For some it may mean weekly sessions, while others may just need monthly sessions. Everybody's body is different, thus the reason for Nami Spa's name and philosophy.

Nami is the Japanese word for "wave".

Like waves there are no two bodies the same.
Each responds differently to the energy surrounding it.
It is our goal to treat each client as an individual. Body and
skin care treatments are provided in a calming environment
using only the finest all natural spa products as a provision
for mental, emotional, and spiritual harmony.

Please don't go through the winter months feeling down and depressed, let us try and help you!

Aromatherapy is a great aid in helping Seasonal Affective Disorder.

We'll incorporate fragrances that make you feel happy and relaxed in your next massage.

Check out our website for pricing and massage descriptions http://www.namispa.com.

Christopher Columbus may have not found his way to Asia, but why not celebrate his holiday with some Asian flare. Nami Spa is offering $40 off any 60 Minute or More Couple's Massage. Enjoy a Japanese Mint Massage or a Japanese Hot Stone massage for two!

Book your appointment today!

Nami Spa

262 Beacon Street - 6th Floor

Boston, MA 02116

Ph. 617-267-6264

Web. http://www.namispa.com

The cold winter months can dry out your skin. The cold air is a contributing factor, but so is our heating systems. That is why it is so important to hydrate your skin on a daily basis. Below is a good regime to follow.

The Japanese believe in a dual cleanse. The first cleanse is with an oil to remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil. Yes that's right, oil to remove oil! Trust me, it works. Then it is followed by a soap or milk cleanser.

Cleanse - Cream or milk cleansers are good during the winter months. They are less harsh than gel cleansers. Stay away from soaps that contain drying agents such as; glycerin, sulfates, perfumes, and artificial colors. If you skin feels tight and dry after washing it you need a more moisturizing cleanser.

Tone - There is controversy over whether a toner is necessary or not. In my opinion, it is. It helps to rehydrate the skin and close the pores. That is why toners feel cool to the touch. The key is to not rub it into the skin, but to pat or press it in. Apply the toner to a cotton square and gently press it against your skin. Again, avoid drying agents such as alcohol and witch hazel. If you have oily skin you DO NOT want to over dry your skin because then you will produce an excess of sebum (oil). See below for more information.

Moisturize - During the winter months you will want to use a heavier moisturizer than you would in the summer months. Essential oils are good for rehydrating the skin during winter months as well. Try using an olive or jojoba oil. If you skin feels dry and itchy it is because the moisturize in your top skin layer (epidermis) is evaporating too quickly. You need a heavier moisturizer that your skin will absorb. Always remember to moisturize your hands after washing during cold and flu season. And lay off the anti-bacterial soap, some germs are good germs. A gentle soap with warm water and a vigorous rubbing of your hands for 15-20 seconds is all you need. An alcohol-based sanitizer is good when soap and water aren't available, but again alcohol is a drying agent, so don't overuse.  

Exfoliate - It is best to exfoliate at least twice a week. Everybody's skin is different though and some might need it more. Consult with your esthetician. Exfoliating the dead skin cells allows your skin to be truly clean and absorb the moisturizer. One main reason for clogged pores is dead skin cells and sebum getting trapped. Exfoliation allows water to be retained in the lower dermis, which is necessary for healthy clear skin. Cream-based exfoliants combined with essential oils are good for the face. Gentle sugar scrubs combined with essential oils are good for the body.

Important Key Notes:

Taking a shower uses less water than taking a bath. If you take a bath you should always rinse in a cool shower afterwards.

Take warm showers over hot ones. Always cool your skin before leaving the shower to close your pores.

It is best to pat yourself dry with a clean towel or air dry. This will help you retain some of the water moisture from the shower.

Apply a cream lotion or oil right after your shower to rehydrate your skin. Crunched for time? Do it while you are in the shower.

Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated.

Vitamin E (found in fish oil) has many properties that are beneficial to healthy skin.

* Over drying your skin can cause you to create more sebum (your skin's natural oil), so be careful when using a lot of anti-acne medications or topicals. Consult with your dermatologist or esthetician for recommendations.

Recommended Products - Available at Nami Spa:

Juice Beauty - Cleansing Milk, Exfoliating Cleanser, Hydrating Mist, and Oil-free Moisturizer

Mango Madness - Microdermabrasion Exfoliating Cream

Cosme Proud - Gold Revitalizer and Cleansing Oils

Recommended Services - Available at Nami Spa:

Green Tea and Crushed Rice Sugar Scrub, followed by a Massage (Relaxation or Aromatherapy)

Moisturizing Body Wrap

Hot Stone Massage

Ultrasonic Facial - helps to penetrate the products deeper into the skin.

Visit http://www.namispa.com for more information.