Acupuncture for Allergies

It seems like the spa has a cure or enhancement for almost everything these days: stress, wrinkles, joint pain, acne, cellulite, even less-than-desirable eyelashes. Now, according to this New York Times article, it looks like we may even be able to add one more to the list: spa time may help reduce allergy symptoms!

A recent study tested over 400 people with grass and pollen allergies. They were divided into three groups: group one received regular acupuncture treatments over the eight week trial period, group two received placebo needles, and group three had no treatment. At the end of the trial period, the group who was receiving true acupuncture felt the most relief from allergy symptoms.  However, once the treatment stopped, the effects started to fade.

Essentially, acupuncture DOES help with allergy relief, especially with consistent treatment. The problem with this? Acupuncture is an EXPENSIVE procedure! Luckily, from April 15-21, spa and wellness locations all over the nation have acupuncture treatments on the menu for just $50 each! Book one now for some relief from runny nose and watery eyes:

10 Spa Treatments Everyone Should Try

It seems like every week there’s a trendy new spa treatment to try — and thanks to the Spa Week event this April, we can all afford to! But there are certain treatments that are so amazing, so universally appealing, that we feel everyone should experience them at least once. Take a scroll through our list of the top ten below — and use this as an excuse to indulge in any you haven’t tried when Spa Week returns.

1. Massage on a heated table.

The quickest way to make any massage better? Have it done on a heated massage table. Some spas even use memory foam or mattress-like tabletops for a cushioned, truly relaxation-inducing experience.

2. Glycolic peel.

Facials are great for moisturizing and decongesting pores, but a glycolic peel can yield even more impressive results. Since medi-spas can use stronger acids than you can buy at home, you can expect to shed dead skin and leave your appointment (temporarily) poreless, glowing, and smooth.

3. Mani/pedi with massage.

Springing for 10 extra minutes of massage during a pedicure is worth it. So worth it. Likewise, opting for a 10 minute chair massage while your manicure dries is a low-cost way to turn a trip to the local nail salon into a more luxurious experience.

4. Cellulite treatment.

While nothing can cure it (that’s up to geneticists), spas have many powerful weapons to minimize cellulite. You can temporarily smooth out the appearance of your skin with a treatment like Lipomassage, Velashape, Endermologie, or Viora. These machines use heat, vacuum-suction, rolling massage pressure, or all of the above to target fat supplies and smooth out skin’s appearance. Combine them with a sweat-inducing wrap or infrared sauna session to feel 10 pounds thinner by the time you leave.

5. Eyelash extensions.

Semi-permanent false lashes (glued to your regular lashes one-at-a-time by a trained professional) are the best thing since sliced bread for many women who’ve tried it. Eyelash extensions require patience (sometimes more than an hour) and an investment (up to a few hundred dollars, so spring for a reputable salon!). But weeks of waking up to long, dark, perfectly-curled lashes make it worth it for plenty who swear by it.

6. Airbrush tan.

Airbrush tans remain one of the fastest and easiest ways to get tan without UV exposure. From quick-drying formulas to custom-blended tones, this service is a must for anyone who needs to feel a little more like a bronzed bombshell when showing some skin.

7. Gel manicure.

No, not the old pink-and-white type popular throughout the ’90s. We’re talking about Shellac, Gelish, and all of the modern gel formulas that look like (and apply like) a polish, but harden into a shiny, solid finish that won’t chip for weeks. Even if you can’t commit to one shade for that long, it’s still so satisfying to leave the salon with nails that are immediately dry and chip-proof that we recommend everyone try it at least once. For many women, gel manicures have become a monthly ritual!

8. Scalp treatment.

Whether it’s part of your body wrap (how better to pass the time while you’re cocooned in seaweed?) or an extra add-on to a full-body massage, a scalp treatment is a heavenly experience. Aside from the conditioning benefits of the rich oils used, we also hold a lot of tension in our heads and necks, so focusing massage on the scalp will bring you to an even deeper level of relaxation.

9. Couple’s massage.

There’s probably no better way to set a romantic tone for the evening — or cap off an amazing vacation — than with a couple’s massage. You, him, dimmed lights, and relaxing music… it’s the go-to way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, and other big events for a reason.

10. Eyebrow Threading.

While threading is an ancient hair removal method, it’s experienced relatively recent popularity in the U.S. over the past ten years — and for good reason. Using just a twisted loop of sewing thread to catch hairs along the skin, the technician can easily create clean lines on brows, or remove hard-to-wax hair on other facial areas.

Adventures in Coffee-Making

I am now the proud owner of a coffee machine (early wedding gift) and attempted to make my first cup last night. I thought it would be easy, but it turns out there are many opportunities to make mistakes — and we made them all. It took my fiancé and I about 6 tries to get it right — that’s a whole lotta wasted beans!

The first time I opened up the filter to dump the leftover grinds, I felt too wasteful to do it. There had to be some way to use them, right? Well, 10 years as a beauty editor weren’t spent in vain, because I immediately thought of the perfect way to recycle them: Make a coffee body scrub.

Coffee grinds are soft enough to gently exfoliate your face and body. Caffeine is also thought to help reduce cellulite, specifically by helping your body metabolize fat, and reducing swelling.

Here’s the easy way to do it: Dump the extra grinds into a bowl, and add a small amount of milk to make the mixture creamy. If you like a clean-rinsing formula, leave it at that. If you want more intense pampering, add a little olive oil or honey. I already had a plastic drain cover in my shower, so I knew that would catch the grinds — if you don’t have one, I recommend you get one before trying this, as you don’t want to risk any plumbing issues.

Then, just scoop out a bit with your hands and scrub in a circular motion. My coffee-and-skim-milk scrub left my body so soft that I used it on my face, too — just be extra gentle (as always) until you see how your skin reacts. For easy clean-up, grab the shower head and rotate it around the perimeter of the tub at any grinds that accumulated there, and they’ll quickly wash right down into the drain catcher. Then simply dump that when you’re done, and enjoy your soft skin.

You can even make these in advance and store them in mason jars. Let us know if you have your own body scrub recipe (because we know many of you clever girls do!) and we’ll feature it in an upcoming post here. Email daily@spaweekmedia.com.

The Best Hidden Gem Spas in NYC

Not every spa in New York City is as well-known as, say, Bliss. But being Spa Week, we have the inside scoop on thousands of smaller spas throughout this beautiful city. If you’re wondering which of the little guys is a hidden gem, look no further. Our staff picks for the best hidden gems in Manhattan are below. Try them out on your next trip!

Origo Spa Lounge:

If you want to feel like a ‘natural’ woman, visit this spa, which focuses on products with plant extracts and organic ingredients.

York Spa:

This Soho staple has a relaxing atmosphere that will zen you out before your treatment even begins.

Deva Spa:

One of the most luxe (and longest-lasting) mani-pedis in town.

SKN Spa:

This new spa offers killer facials with unexpected ingredients — like 14-karat gold!

Gotham Beauty Lounge:

This is your one-stop shop for makeup, manicures, and pre-date primping.

Bunya Citispa:

If you like your massage with an Eastern flair, this spas East-meets-West services are for you.

Treat Yourself to Spa This Valentine’s Day

Happy Valentine’s Day! You don’t need to have a hot date tonight to partake in the celebration of love – show some romance to yourself at the spa! Top spas nationwide have created dreamy packages to soothe, nourish and pamper you this month. Lure body and mind into the lull of total relaxation with the sweet scents of chocolate, roses and champagne, while also enjoying the benefits of a luxurious massage, facial or body scrub. Move over Hallmark and Hershey’s, we’ve found a new way to celebrate!

Book yourself one of these sweet spa deals as a pick-me-up tonight or over the weekend:

$120 120 Minute Package with Massage and Sweetheart Facial at A Better Body Salon and Day Spa in San Diego, CA (was $155)

90 Minute Love Me Chocolate Facial Scrub and Massage from Angel’s Touch Skincare & Wellness in Greenbelt, MD (was $180)

$160 120 Minute Sweetheart Package: Including Hot Stone Massage, Foot Reflexology and Lunchtime Facial at Aveda Red Bell Spa in Hicksville, NY (was $210)

$150 60 Minute Romance Massage: Including Champagne and Chocolate Dipped Strawberries at Hotel Valley Ho – VH Spa in Scottsdale, AZ (was $222)

$75 Chocolate Lover’s Massage at Jamachi Medi-Spa in Silver Spring, MD (was $100)

$40 75 Minute Organic Chocolate/Roses Facial at Mammina’s in San Clemente, CA (was $110)

$75 February Chocolate Peel at Mari’s Skin Care Salon in Dallas, TX (was $105)

$75 45 Minute Queen of Your Heart Treatment: Choice of Facial or Massage at Parma Wellness Spa in Vienna, VA (was $95)

$56 30 Minute Chocolate Raspberry ‘Sugar Kiss’ Body Scrub at Da Noi on Fifth Salon & Spa in Brooklyn, NY (was $80)

$35 Champagne and Chocolate Pedicure at Serenity in the City Salon & Spa in Medford, MA (was $49)

$69 50 Minute Custom Valentine’s Massage and Artisanal Cookies at Soulstice Spa in Santa Rosa, CA (was $89)

$155 Wrapped in Love Body Treatment at The Spa at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL (was $186)

$138 105 Minute Best Valentine Ever: Includes Hot Stone Massage, Crystal Mud Lavender Pedicure, Spa Manicure, Champagne & Chocolate at Faina European Day Spa in New York, NY (was $232)

$65 55 Minute Deluxe Champagne and Chocolate Pedicure at Synergy Spa in Raleigh, NC (was $85)

$75 Very Berry Valentine’s Facial with Lip and Eye Treatment at The Spa at Boncaldo’s in Quincy, MA (was $75)

For more sweet spa deals in your hometown, visit SpaWeek.com!