How many of us have seen “aromatherapy massage” offered in spas, massage clinics, or salons? Have you ever received one? What, I ask you, is your definition of “Aromatherapy”?

I would be willing to bet that your first thought was “it’s just a massage with scented oils”.

Sadly, most people don’t know what aromatherapy really is, nor do massage therapists take the time to educate their clients on the power effects it can have.

By Definition:  aromatherapy: aro·ma·ther·a·py - noun - The use of volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being.

Essential oils are really key here. Essential oils are pure extracts of flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, trees and grasses in concentrated form. There are many methods of extraction (including chemical) but steam distillation is always the purest and most preferred form of extraction by the health-conscious therapist and consumer. They are a necessity to medicines, foods and cosmetics. However, synthetic forms used in the cosmetic industry merely for “aromatic” benefit as in perfumes, IS VERY DIFFERENT from 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oils. Also, essentials oils which have been “cut” with a carrier oil (such as almond oil, etc) are weakened. It is always best to go with the purest.

Each individual essential oil has its own medicinal and therapeutic properties. Among the list of benefits essential oils can be: antiviral, antibacterial, anti fungal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antineuralgic, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, anti-venomous, antitoxin, antidepressant, sedative, nerve-calming, analgesic, digestive aiding, deodorizing, stimulating, diuretic, and the list goes on.

Aromatherapy is administered most effectively in three ways: by inhalation, massaging the oils into the skin, or by osmosis in the bath. The essential oil molecules go into the lungs and/or penetrate the skin and go to work right away in the bloodstream and nervous systems, just the same way a medicine would after taken orally. Only, essential oils can be more effective since it does not have to pass through the digestive system on the way. Also, unlike drugs, they enter and leave the body with NO harmful side effects, leaving NO toxins behind.

Our “De-stress Raindrop Massage” is our version of the Aromatherapy massage. We allow you to personally experience each essential oil blend and decide which one agrees with you the most. After all, your body is very intelligent and will let you know which oil you need, if you listen. This massage focuses along nerve pathways of the spinal cord, cranium and sacrum. It stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for putting you to sleep at night and making you relax and unwind. It also “resets” the sympathetic nervous system, responsible for your stress, keeping you wide awake and alert. Sedating you and inducing a hypnotic state of relaxation, the essential oils penetrate into the body and produce desirable therapeutic benefits.
… don’t be surprised if the “real deal”- 100% medicinal grade oils - are a tad expensive. Rose oil, for example, is very costly. However, it takes 60,000 rose blossoms to produce just 1 oz. of rose essential oil!!

Here are some more specific examples of a few essential oils and their benefits/uses/treatments:

Sandalwood: Acne, Cystitis, Menstrual problems, depression, skin infections, fungal and bacterial infections, sedating.

Tea Tree: fungal, viral and bacterial infections, colds, influenza, cold sores, warts, candida (yeast overgrowth)

Roman Chamomile: Nerves, migrains, acne, inflammation, insomnia, menstrual problems, and dermatitis.

Frankincense: (favorite of the spa and used for inhilation at the beginning of treatments) good for sores, wounds, fevers, coughs, colds, stress, nervous conditions, eases tension, grounding, bronchitis, laryngitis, and migraines.

Oils can be blended to form a desired effect(s). Right now, I am working on special essential oil blends, exclusive to Grace Healing Day Spa, for a wide range of uses. If you have any questions or have a specific ailment and would like to know which essential oils may benefit you, please do not hesitate to contact me.

NAMASTE

Category: News/Announcements

Hello all! Recently I started a Referral Rewards Program to give my valued clients something back, as well as their family, friends and colleagues. I want you all to share your experience and be able to give others a discount on their first treatment - and benefit yourselves as well! The following describes the ins and outs of the referral program!
How does it work?
I have created special Referral Reward Cards that you may distribute to anyone you know looking for fabulous massage or spa services. They include our contact information and are essentially a “coupon card” for $10 off with a slot for your name. Simply let your friends, family and colleagues know how much you enjoyed your treatment(s) at Grace Healing Therapies by presenting them with one of our referral cards with your name on it. When they come in to get their first treatment, that is considered a “qualified referral” and they will receive a $10 discount and you get a $10 credit placed on your Rewards Account.

How can I redeem my credits?
You may let your credits build up until you have enough to get the treatment you desire, or you may use the credit(s) at your next appointment as a discount. In addition, you can transfer the credits to someone else to use, or, you may redeem them for gift certificates!

How do I get referral cards?
Give me a call or send an email with your mailing address, and I will drop some in the mail to you, or I can leave them for you in the box on the wall outside the spa office. You may also pick them up at your next appointment. Keep them on hand so that if anyone you meet is looking to get a great massage or spa treatment, you can hand them a card with your name written on it. They can save$10 and you get $10 credit!

How will I know if the people I referred have come for an appointment?
When we receive a referral card with your name on it or a referral in your name, we’ll send you an email or give you a call to let you know. A credit will be placed on your account in your file. You can also contact us at any time to inquire about your credit balance.

Start Referring Your Way to Free Spa Treatments Today!

Recently, thanks to a wonderful massage therapist named Tammy Howell who is a graduate from the Center for Massage in Asheville, I’ve been able to start providing some new services in my day spa with advance notice. Among these include Couples Massages, which is an ever-growing trend in the spa industry.

There are many times when I am in the mood for a spa day in which I want to experience it alone. Sometimes peaceful solitude is simply what I desire, and to go experience the quiet ambiance of the spa with my favorite book in hand to read in between treatments is, indeed, very rejuvenating and relaxing. But what about being able to share the experience with someone else? Maybe a friend or your partner who, for whatever reason has been leery of bodywork because of shyness or just the mere uncertainty of what happens during a massage. Spa culture in East Tennessee is relatively new to most. What better way to introduce a friend or family member to the wonderful world of therapeutic massage and spa therapies then to go to the spa together?

It can be a very romantic gesture for a man to book a couples’ retreat and a lovely dinner afterward to celebrate an anniversary, her birthday, or “just because”. That way, not only does she get a great massage, but he can too, and they can share the experience simultaneously, in the same room. Ladies, you can be romantic too… so it is something you could surprise HIM with as well!

Women enjoy being together, going out to lunch and going shopping with each other. But going to the spa together can be a fun and different way to relax and have a day out. Most recently, I’ve had mother/daughter come in for a spa day together, and some friends who wanted to share the spa experience. While couples massage with 2 tables in the same room is mostly for romantic couples… you can still bring a friend and enjoy massages, facials or body treatments in separate treatment rooms since we now have another therapist available to provide services.

So, next time you want a massage but would like to bring a friend, or, if you want to bring your partner, call ahead and we can get you set up with multiple treatments or couples massage. Maybe you could bring mom to the spa for Mother’s day! You can treat her and yourself all in the same day!!
It is a terrific way to spa!