Massage

Using Evening Primrose Oil for Massage Have you ever thought about using evening primrose oil for massage? Using evening primrose oil for massage not only feels great but is also very nourishing for your skin.  Your massage now becomes a relaxing treat that is also medicine for your skin. Here is how. Evening primrose oil is an extract of the seed of the evening primrose plant. A native of North America, the oil has been used since the 1930’s as a folk remedy for eczema. It is high in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid associated with human growth and development.  One of the many proven benefits of evening primrose oil is its ability to treat dry, scaly, or itchy skin. These conditions, include rosacea, acne and atopic dermatitis. In addition, evening primrose oil may also help clear skin allergies, rashes and even prevent pores from becoming clogged. Taken internally in capsule form, the list of ailments that this oil may help with is extensive. As a caution, be aware that this oil may induce labor in pregnant women. It may increase the likelihood of bruising and bleeding so use caution if you have a bleeding disorder. The Many Uses of Evening Primrose Oil At Balance Spa, we enjoy this oil for its versatility! It can be used on the body and the face. It’s aroma is subtle and pleasing. It always leaves hands feeling soft and silky and provides the silkiest glide of all oils.  Evening primrose oil is easily absorbed as far as oils go, but it does have a limited shelf life.  Be sure to check the expiration date before using. As with all topical products applied to the skin, always check for contraindications, allergies or sensitivities before applying. Again, remember that it may induce labor in pregnant women. The choice of medium in a treatment makes a difference for both the therapist and the client. Matching the medium to the client and the treatment can make or break the experience. Keep in mind personal factors like allergies. Those with nut or seed allergies should stay away from nut based oils or sesame oil. If you’re a therapist, discuss allergies and contraindications with clients before you start any treatment. It is helpful to suggest what medium you believe best for them. If you are a client, don’t be shy! Ask about the medium being used and let your therapist know about any issues or concerns. Don’t be afraid to ask for a specific medium. Whatever medium you choose, have a GREAT massage!  If you would like to book your appointment for a massage at Balance Spa, you can do so here.   As an update to this post, Balance Spa has now started using a truly amazing massage cream called Sacred Earth. If you would like to know the ingredients and how it works, click here.

Using Fractionated Coconut Oil for Massages As winter rolls in and the air becomes dry, our skin often pays the price. There’s nothing worse than the discomfort of cracked, irritated skin. We’ve found using fractionated coconut oil for massages can help with winter’s drying effect on the skin — even for those with more sensitive skin! This lightweight oil gives your skin the hydration it needs while also enhancing the overall massage experience. In the end, you’ll leave with your skin feeling soft and nourished. Let’s find out more about what fractionated coconut oil is and its incredible benefits for your skin and massages. What is Fractionated Coconut Oil? Just as the name implies, fractionated coconut oil is only a part, or a fraction, of raw coconut oil. An absolutely saturated oil is created by removing almost all of the long-chain triglycerides and leaving mainly the medium-chain triglycerides. This saturation gives the oil a very long shelf life and stability. These qualities make it a very popular choice as a product base for both home and spa use. There’s a reason why it’s widely used in health products, lotions, hair care products, and soaps! Benefits of Using Fractionated Coconut Oil for Massages The right massage oils can make all the difference. Fractionated coconut oil brings many benefits that add to the massage experience and the health of your skin. Antioxidant-Rich and Disinfecting Fractionating the oil also raises the comparative concentration of Capric acid and Caprylic acid. This gives it a more antioxidant and disinfecting edge. Capric acid, also known as decanoic acid, and Caprylic acid, or octanoic acid, are both fatty acids. Their short chain lengths make it easier for them to go through fatty cell wall membranes. The antimicrobial properties make the capsule form of Caprylic acid a homeopathic remedy for some bacterial infections. Cooling and Soothing Properties for Skin A clear and odorless oil with cooling and soothing properties, fractionated coconut oil is suitable for use on all skin types. It protects and moisturizes and is particularly beneficial for dry, sensitive, or aged skin. This light oil is readily absorbed by the skin. It doesn’t leave a greasy feeling and is an excellent choice for work on inflamed or irritated skin. Using Fractionated Coconut Oil for Massages vs. Castor Oil At Balance Spa, we can use natural body and carrier oils like fractionated coconut oil and castor oil to soothe tension and hydrate the skin. Which one is right for you? It depends. Each oil is filled with benefits but provides a different feel and experience.  Fractionated Coconut Oil for Massage Therapy Castor Oil for Massage Therapy Using Fractionated Coconut Oil for Massages Choosing between these oils depends on your needs. If you prefer a light, smooth feel, fractionated coconut oil is the way to go. If you’re looking for something thicker and more therapeutic, castor oil might be your choice!  Using fractionated coconut oil for massages is a luxurious-feeling choice, especially for full-body or essential oil treatments. Next time you are booking a massage in Boca Raton, make sure to ask your therapists to use fractionated coconut oil to get the best out of your massage!

Using Shea Butter for Your Massages Let’s talk about shea butter — this amazing natural ingredient loved for generations. More than a moisturizer, it’s filled with nourishing antioxidants your skin and body will love. In this blog, I’ll share what shea butter is, why it’s great for your skin, and how using shea butter for your massages can make your experience even better. What is Shea Butter? Shea butter is the fat of the nut of the African Shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). Traditionally, shea butter harvesting was strictly reserved for women. Even today, many commercial sources support women-owned co-ops that support this tradition and provide women with business opportunities. What are the Benefits of Shea Butter for Massage Therapy? Using shea butter for your massages provides great benefits for dry and cracked skin. This is because of its many rich properties: Anti-Inflammatory Healing Shea butter has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This is thanks to several fatty acids and plant sterols, including: These oil-soluble components are nonsaponifiable. This means they do not convert to soap when introduced to an alkali. Shea butter contains a higher percentage of nonsaponifiable materials than most other nut oils and fats, which lends it greater healing potential. Antioxidant-Rich Nourishment Shea butter is packed with vitamins A and E, as well as catechins, which are antioxidants found in green tea. We don’t know the absorption rate of these vitamins in raw shea butter. However, research shows that cinnamic acid esters in shea fat may help shield the skin from UV damage. Using Shea Butter for Skin Health The traditional use of shea butter is to: I often use shea butter on small scrapes and cuts. The skin seems to heal much faster and with less of a scar when I apply it daily. It’s great to use on the dry, cracked skin on the feet. When shopping for shea butter, look for high-quality, raw, or unrefined shea butter.  Using Shea Butter for Your Massages Shea butter’s thick and creamy nature provides significant benefits during massage, enhancing both hydration and healing: Using Shea Butter for Your Massages with Essential Oils Pairing shea butter with essential oils can enhance the relaxing, relieving benefits of the rich natural product. Using shea butter for your massages provides deep hydration and nourishment for your skin. To make it even better, I love combining it with essential oil blends. It creates a soothing aromatic experience that can enhance your overall well-being. Ask your massage therapist if they can combine the benefits of the two natural ingredients for your next appointment. Considerations for Your Next Massage Appointment in Boca Raton: Shea butter’s thick and creamy nature can leave a residue on the skin so it might not always be the preferred choice during a humid summer or if you are going back to work following a treatment. But if you don’t mind that lovely richness, definitely make sure to ask your massage therapist at Balance Spa to use shea butter during your massage. The benefits are worth it!