Monday, February 27, 2012

Two friends discuss Bella Contour



Spa Utopia co-founder Awni Abu-Ulba and Bella Contour guru Moshe Ben-Shlomo chat with Studio 4 host Fanny Kiefer about the Middle East, coming to Canada, and why the Bella Contour is an incredibly effective tool for trimming fat and looking great...

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

The many benefits of massage













How often have you heard someone exclaim, "I need a massage!" when caught up in the pressures of everyday life? It's a common sentiment and one that you may be nodding in agreement with. On the other hand, you might never have experienced a massage and may be wondering what it actually feels like and how it can possibly halt you in your stressed-out tracks.

So just how does a professional massage benefit you?

Researchers at McMaster University found that massage affects the activity of specific genes, reducing inflammation in the muscles and increasing their ability to recover from exercise. (This is the same effect as taking an anti-inflammatory drug such as Aspirin.) The researchers determined that massage sets in motion a series of molecular events within the muscles that helps reverse the discomfort caused by exercise. The activity of pain-causing proteins known as inflammatory cytokines is dampened, and levels of proteins that signal the muscles to produce more energy-producing mitochondria within the cells is enhanced. This helps the muscles to recover quicker.

Different types of massage are employed to benefit specific health conditions, and we have briefly explained these below.

Beyond the benefits for specific conditions or diseases, many people enjoy massage because it involves caring and comfort and can generate a sense of empowerment leading to better stress management.

A variety of massage treatments

Spa Utopia offers a number of specialized massage treatments including:

Utopia Royal Massage - a 100 minute, full body Swedish massage employing hot stones, towels and steam to completely relax body and mind.
Utopia Siesta Massage - a 75 minute Swedish massage using our signature Siesta massage oil, that prepares you for sleep.
Utopia Deep Tissue Massage -  a 50 or 75 minute deep treatment massage that targets areas of muscular stress and tension.
Utopia Signature Massage - a 75 minute treatment using hot stones, aromatherapy. A foot massage
is included.
Utopia Hot Stone Massage - this 75 minute massage employs hot stones and the skill of your massage therapist to produce complete relaxation.
Utopia Classic Swedish Full Body Massage  - a 50 or 75 minute treatment that will leave you relaxed and refreshed. A perfect introduction to the pleasures of massage.
Utopia Classic Swedish Back, Neck Shoulders - a  relaxing 50-minute treatment focusing on areas of the body that are frequently tense.

All these services may be viewed on our website.

Massage services may be provided by a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) or non-registered Massage Therapist. (All
Spa Utopia massage practitioners have received the highest level of education in their specialty. (RMTs registered in BC must have completed a minimum of 3,000 hours of training, the most comprehensive in North America. In addition, Spa Utopia massage practitioners are required to successfully complete in-house training—a process that can take several weeks.)

In addition to the above massage services, Spa Utopia also offers Advanced Therapeutic Massage designed to ameliorate specific conditions such as headaches, arthritis, lower back pain, sciatica, and neck/shoulder pain. To determine what type of massage is best for you, we offer a free consultation with one of our Registered Massage Therapists (usually prior to your first scheduled treatment). 


Advanced Therapeutic Massage treatments include the following:

A 50 or 80 minute Designed for U massage, focusing on your specific health condition. Conditions addressed include pain, anxiety, insomnia and stress related to conditions such as asthma and diabetes.

A 50 or 80 minute Sports Massage is recommended for both elite athletes and weekend warriors. A variety of stretching, deep tissue massage, and specific rehabilitative techniques are employed to get you back on the playing field faster.

A 50 or 80 minute Postural Restoration session ideal for people who spend long hours sitting at a computer, driving long distances or spending their day in ways that may affect the posture.

A 50 or 80 minute Tension Headaches massage which decreases musculoskeletal tissue tension resulting from work and life stressors.

A 50 or 80 minute Easy Breath session is recommended for those with shallow breathing or shortness of breath associated with sore neck and shoulders, anxiety and panic episodes, headache, frequent cough and colds, allergies, bronchitis, trouble sleeping, and injuries to the ribs.

A 50 or 80 minute Easy Digest massage treatment is helpful for those experiencing constipation, and conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, nervous stomach, abdominal bloating, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.

You can read more about Advanced Therapeutic Massage options on our website.


A special offer just for you

Be sure to watch for our eBlast the morning of Tuesday, February 14, for our special  offer:


A 50 minute Utopia™ Classic Full Body Swedish Massage
         
Regularly priced at $110. (plus applicable taxes)
         
Special pricing: $83.60 ( plus applicable taxes )
         
A savings of 24%
(Some conditions apply)