Posted by John Peretz on Wed, Feb 17, 2010 @ 08:13 AM
Touch is a basic human need. Along with food, shelter and water, touch provides a connection with the human spirit that is missing more and more in today's Internet age.
Researchers have shown that touch actually releases endorphins in our brain that can:
- Reduce stress
- Boost the immune system
- Lessen fatigue
- Ease pain
- Improve depression
- Decrease anxiety
- Slow the heart rate
- Decrease blood pressure
According to Dr. Andrew Weil, America's most well known Integrative Medicine Doctor, “touch is a basic requirement for optimum health.”
Touch is critically important in all stages of human life.
There is evidence that babies that have been deprived of touch suffer developmental problems. Some experts have linked touch deprivation to compulsive behaviors, increased aggression and higher death rates.
At the other spectrum of life, older patients suffering from dementia can also benefit from touch therapy, according to the Caregiver's Home Companion. It is widely thought that some of their symptoms can actually subside, at least temporarily, through the gift of touch. 
Unfortunately, not everyone has easy access to touch. People who are not in a relationship or who have few close family members may be touch deprived.
For these people and others, massage is an excellent alternative.
There are many types of massage available. Swedish massage uses long, gliding strokes. Deep tissue massage goes into the connective tissue for a deeper, more vigorous massage. There are other specialized massage techniques such as Hot Stone Massage and Pregnancy Massage. And Couples massage is increasing in popularity because two partners in the same room benefit from the gift of massage by two therapists.
If you're feeling the winter blues, or just want to benefit from the healing aspects of touch, treat yourself to a massage, or have your partner give you one. You'll feel better, be more alert, and generally have an improved sense of wellness.
Posted by John Peretz on Fri, Oct 02, 2009 @ 08:51 AM
All Season Wellness, an Asian-infused Day Spa in Steamboat Springs, CO was recently featured in an extensive television news interview on TV 18 by morning co-host Andy Rossbach.
Among other things, the television segment covered the recent journey of day spa owner Pam Peretz to Thailand on her quest to bring Thai massage back to Steamboat Springs, CO. "I really wanted to develop a completely different spa experience in Steamboat," states Pam Peretz. "I want our spa to be a refuge from the stresses of every day life."
In the interview, Pam also covered the various unique spa treatments her spa offers, including the Mountain Man Makeover, a combination of a massage, facial and manicure designed just for men.
The spa also offers a wide range of traditional western Steamboat massage services, including deep tissue massage, hot stone therapy, couples massage and pre-natal massage.
In other interview topics, Pam Peretz also covered the other spa brands that are unique to Steamboat Springs, including A Calming Touch, Artistry Nail Spa and Allstar Mobile Massage.
Ms. Peretz has seen her business grow extensively, even in a down economy. "I think there's always room for a quality spa operation. Not only does massage have tangible physical benefits, but it can also improve your overall mindset. It's like taking a day spa vacation in a couple of hours," Pam continued.
To make a reservation at All Season Wellness Day Spa in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, please click here.
Posted by John Peretz on Tue, Aug 25, 2009 @ 06:24 PM
Take a deep, cleansing breath. Hold it for a moment, and then exhale, slowly. Here's a guide to help you find the perfect Day Spa in Colorado that will really help you to relax.
- Does the Day Spa offer a unique environment that sets the mood for your Day Spa adventure? Is it Asian-infused, or country rustic? This is going to be your sanctuary for the next several hours, so pick a place that will help you get in your comfort zone.
- Does the Day Spa offer professional spa products, or just some off the shelf products. You should be able to try new products that you wouldn't normally get from a run-of-the-mill facility.
- Are all of the massage therapists licensed and do they come from strong backgrounds, like the Canyon Ranch Spa or other upscale spas. This is a good sign that they know how to provide the quality guest experience that great spas are known for.
- Does the owner work at the Spa, or is it simply an absentee owner who's trying to milk as much money as possible.
- Are the spa packages affordable? It doesn't make much sense to overpay considering the economic times.
- Does the Spa have innovative treatment offerings? Maybe you'd like to try a new body scrub, a creative massage and facial combination, or a couples massage. Try something you've never had before.
- Are you offered complimentary beverages, such as water infused with fruit or green tea?
- Is the facility immaculately clean? Is there a real commitment to the guest experience that starts when you walk in the door.
- Is there plenty of free parking? Is it easy to find? You don't want to be stressed before you even enter the door.
- Can you take a tour beforehand if you have any questions. Be sure you'll get the desired Spahhh effect.
Day Spas are not a luxury and the benefits of massage are real. A Day Spa in Colorado can help you reduce stress, improve circulation, enhance your mental state and help soothe sore muscles.