The doctor is in! Pulled your back lifting the Christmas tree? Sprained your wrist wrapping all those gifts? Or just simply exhausted after 2011? CURE SPA, Malibu’s premier seaside Medical Spa has the… well, cure.

Dr. Lisa Benya is on call and there to discuss with you the best methods for your condition. At the top of her list: hot bamboo, seashells, bubbly, quartz and hot stones. How will these help you this holiday season and beyond? Let’s take a look. CURE accepts Spa & Wellness Gift Cards by Spa Week.

CURE OPTION ONE: Hot Bamboo

This full body Hot Bamboo Massage, brand new at CURE, is a tranquil fusion of hands on massage and heated bamboo application. The bamboo is rolled and massaged in areas of tension to release stress from the body. Warm oil is used to nourish parched winter skin and the pressure is tailored to fit your preference. Hot bamboo massage is an ancient Chinese technique that promotes circulation, sensory nerve perception, and lymphatic drainage, providing a deep sense of relaxation and well-being.

CURE OPTION TWO: Seashells

Bring the beach to you – spa style. Reverse the effects of time with CURE’s revolutionary Babor© treatment, the SeaCreation, available as a facial or a body treatment. It’s derived from the depths of the sea using algae and other ingredients to energize and repair the skin. This truly unique experience uses tigress seashells.

CURE OPTION THREE: Champagne

Pop the bubbly! In CURE’s Champagne Facial, a yeast extract of French champagne nourishes and stimulates the skin. The extract helps guard against free radical damage from environmental toxins, while leaving your skin with an effervescent glow. The treatment also includes a hand and foot massage. Cheers to that!

CURE OPTION FOUR: Rose Quartz

CURE’s Rose Quartz Facial is a gentle facial includes a luxurious massage with rose quartz on the skin to regenerate and promote cell growth. This beautiful stone of the rain forest is known for its healing properties and high mineral content. This treatment includes a warm hand paraffin dip.

CURE OPTION FIVE: Hot Stones

Dying for a long, delicious, post-holiday massage to really WOW you? Based on a holistic approach, this 80 minute treatment uses shiatsu techniques and hot stone massage to balance and stimulate Qi (the flow of energy) and to relax mind and body.

And the options don’t stop there! Check out CURE to cure all your woes, any time of year, with all sorts of normal and strange objects alike. And perhaps to also take a long dip in this very lovely, romantic bath…

CURE SPA
23708 Malibu Road
Malibu, CA 90265
310.456.1458

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Oh, that glorious extra hour! Why can’t we change the clocks back every day? Imagine – waking up every morning and realizing you have an hour more to sleep, to cuddle, to eat breakfast or catch up on the news… I campaign for 25 hour days, indefinitely. But alas, this might get confusing. So, with our one lucky “fall back” day of the year, I say take that extra hour you’ve been blessed with, and use it at the spa.

We’ve got many hour-long spa treatments in our November Spa Deals, and there are many actual proven reasons to use your extra time on the massage table.  TIME just featured “8 Ways to Beat the Daylight Savings Blues,” and much of it resonated with the spa lifestyle:

• Getting a massage – The country’s most popular spa treatment is also great when the days get shorter and the winter blues set in. According to TIME: “(Massage) can be as effective in treating depression as talk therapy. During massage, levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which is often high in depressed people, fall while levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin — the same brain chemical increased by antidepressant medications — rise.”
• Deep breathing – “Taking slow, deep, relaxing breaths stimulates the vagus nerve, which is responsible for counteracting the stress response,” reports the TIME article. Our yoga expert, Elena Brower, created her Spa Week Daily Challenge around this fact – check out her 5 minute breathing tips. So when your in-laws are in town for the holidays, just remember to take deep breaths!
• Drinking caffeine - Go ahead and feed your Starbucks addiction, because a recent study showed that women who drank more than four cups of coffee a day had a lower risk of depression. Lattes, here you come!
• Exercising - Elle Woods said it best: “Exercising gives you endorphins, and endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands!” Exercising repeatedly at the same time each day or days of the week helps create a habit, and the more you repeat that habit, the harder it becomes to let yourself deviate from it.
• Socializing – It can be difficult to motivate yourself to go out especially during the bitterly cold winters here on the East Coast but, get yourself to the spa (maybe grab a few friends too) and you’ll be doing yourself a service! (Click for the rest of TIME’s tips.)

Here are some great spa deals around the country to fill that 60 minutes of time you’ve been blessed with, and to help you fight off those winter blues:

Bahn Sabai Day Spa in Los Angeles has a choice of 60 Minute Body Massage with 30 Min Facial or 60 Minute Body Massage with 30 Min Foot Massage. Special: $65 Each; Originally: $95 – $120.

Facelogic Spa in Encinitas, California has a 60 Minute Microdermabrasion Facial with Upper Body Massage. Special: $59; Originally: $109.

La Petite Rose in San Francisco has a choice of Luminous Vitamin C Facial or 60 Minute Pure Relaxation Massage. Special: $65 Each.

mySpa at InterContinental Miami has a choice of a 50 Min True Transformation Facial or My Massage, 60 Minute Anti-Cellulite Body Wrap or 95 Min Journey Manicure and Pedicure with choice of Lavender or Ginger. Special: $50 Each.

U-topia Spa in Naples, Florida has a choice of 60 Minute Bliss Massage or Glisten Body Polish. Special: $70 Each.

Newbury Electrology & Skin Care in Boston has a choice of 60 Minute Spa Facial with Enzyme Peel and 15 Min Electrolysis for $55, normally $125, or 60 Minute Deep Pore Cleansing Facial and Eyebrow Wax for $50, normally $95.

Suede Salon, Spa & Body in Marlton, New Jersey has a choice of 45 Min Pomegranate Brightening Peel for $69, normally $104, or 60 Minute Massage for $59, normally $81.

Monty Beauty Spa in Brooklyn, New York has a choice of 60 Minute Aromatherapy Massage with Cupping Therapy, 60 Minute Lava Hot Stone Massage or 90 Min Vitamin C and Seaweed Facial Treatment. Special: $60 Each.

Epiphany Day Spa in Hempstead, New York has a choice of 60 Minute Microdermabrasion or 60 Minute Aromatherapy Massage. Special: $65 Each; Originally: $120.

Click here to see all November Spa Deals.

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By Shelby Jones, ISPA

One of the most popular massage treatments on menus today is a hot stone massage. This deeply relaxing treatment is offered by 90% of spas in the U.S. and is the third most offered type of massage behind deep tissue and Swedish.

This massage uses smooth, flat rocks that are heated and placed at key points on the body. Usually the rocks used are volcanic basalt rocks which are heated in water to 125°F. The heat from the rocks melts into your muscles helping them to relax. As your muscles relax your therapist can apply deeper pressure.

The stones are different sizes and can be placed on your back, between your toes and in the palms of your hands. Therapists are careful to ensure that the rocks are not too warm, but if you feel they are too hot to handle simply let your therapist know.

The heat from the stones also helps to improve circulation and create a sense of relaxation. It’s the perfect treatment if you suffer from back pain, poor circulation or arthritis.

And if you’re keeping up with the latest spa and wellness trends, you’ll know it’s not just hot stones – check out the Hot and Cold Stone Massage on Live Spa TV.

If you want to learn more about different spa treatments visit ISPA’s spa glossary at experienceispa.com.

Shelby Jones is based in Lexington, KY at the ISPA  headquarters, Spa Week’s exclusive trade partner. She has worked as ISPA’s Public Relations Manager for five years where she connects with top media outlets to promote ISPA members and the spa lifestyle. To get in touch with Shelby please email her or follow @ISPADoYou on Twitter. If you’re in the spa industry, we encourage you to become a member of ISPA; weekly e-mails with pointers like these are just one small part of the package to help you succeed!

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By Jenna Nicole Levine

Speaking as someone with a high pressure job who drinks too much coffee, stress is an aspect of my daily life that is hard to avoid. Work, social, and financial pressure can translate to increased risk of illness, ulcers, and depression (and people constantly saying my favorite sentence, “Wow you look tired!”) While it is impossible to cut out all the stress in your busy life one of the easiest ways to ease the effects is massage therapy. Stress is the #1 reason Americans go to the spa. Not only does a massage relieve the initial feeling of stress, but it also relieves the most pressing symptoms stress causes, such as stiffness, lack of energy, and insomnia.  In addition, a good massage can improve posture, increase circulation, and lower blood pressure.  The best part is that with Spa Week right around the corner you now have the ability to get an A+ massage for only $50!

If you are a little overwhelmed by the awesomeness of the Spa Week menu, below are a few of the most popular massages available, and the benefits that come with them.

1. Swedish Massage

The Swedish massage is the most popular type of massage in the West, and a great introduction to massage for all you newbies out there.  During a Swedish massage the therapist uses oils combined with a series of stokes to relieve tension, break up muscles knots, and increase circulation.  Before you start your session tell your therapist of any injuries you may have, and what you are looking to achieve from your session.

(Try: the 50 Min October Harvest Swedish Massage with Choice of Cinnamon-Ginger Essential Oils or Cranberry Body Butter at The Spa at Boncaldo’s in Quincy, MA)

2. Hot Stone Massage

The basic principal of the hot stone massage is simple. The therapist uses smooth heated stones in varying shapes and sizes to loosen your muscles and aid in the flow of energy. This is generally accompanied by a Swedish massage to increase circulation and promote healing.  Additionally, the heat from the stones allows the therapists to work more quickly and efficiently because it loosens your muscles for them. It’s a win/win for all.

(I, personally, will be getting my Spa Week Hot Stone Massage at Magdalen’s Pure Skincare in Rockville, M.D.)

3. Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy massage relies on essential oils such as peppermint and eucalyptus to either promote healing, breathing, or relaxation. The therapist can tailor their treatment based on the experience you wish to have during your session. Aromatherapy has been shown to relieve the symptoms of asthma and can even assist in the prevention of hair loss. It’s the most relaxing Rogaine on the market.

(TRY: 90 Min Body Massage, with Choice Aromatherapy… or Thai Traditional Yoga Massage, Japanese Shiatsu, Thai Deep Tissue,  Thai-Oil Combination Therapy or Foot Reflexology at Bahn Sabai Day Spa in Los Angeles, CA)

4. Acupressure Massage

Acupressure follows the same principals of acupuncture in which the therapist applies pressure to certain meridian points of the body to relieve pain. The only real difference between these two Ancient Chinese practices is acupuncture uses needles, while acupressure uses the gentle but firm pressure of the hand.

(TRY: Both acu-pressure and -puncture with the 60 Min Acupuncture with Cupping and Auricular Acupressure at Cinnabar Acupuncture Clinic & Spa in San Diego, CA)

5. Deep Tissue Massage

A deep tissue massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles and is great for those with persistent pain and a physical lifestyle (if you are a runner or a mom who is constantly holding a 10 pound infant this is for you).  Deep tissue is often confused with deep pressure which involves sustained strong pressure throughout the full body, and not to address a specific area.

(TRY: 50 Min Customized Massage with Choice of Deep Tissue, Trigger Point, Relaxation or Muscle Therapy Techniques and Warm Foot Cleanse at one of the 78 LifeSpa locations participating)

Visit Spa Week for a list of the participating spas in your area, and remember Spa Week is the perfect time to get YOUR well deserved massage. On top of your massage why not indulge in a facial, some laser hair removal, or a spray tan. As Michelle always says, make it a spa adventure! This week is designed for you to pamper yourself at a low cost, so take advantage and take care of yourself.

Jenna Nicole Levine is a native New Yorker turned Washingtonian. When she isn’t writing about ways to save you cash on your favorite beauty treatments, you can find her living the low cost life. To read more from Jenna Nicole please visit Woman Around Town, Gal Time, or just stop by and say hello on her twitter @Jenna_Nicole.

You’ve bid your bittersweet farewell to Fall Spa Week, and now you want to maintain those glowing faces and avoid the kinks, aches and pains from creeping back in. Say hello to Spa Week’s spa discounts year round – if you don’t know, now you know. At spas across the country you can get your fix at a fraction of the price, sometimes even less than $50. So dive in for more facials, massages and beauty treatments. A sampling of November’s deals:

Get a head to toe treat at Violet White Total Body Care in Virginia Beach, VA. Pick three 30 Min Treatments for the price of one: Mini-Facial, Pumpkin or Champagne and Wine Body Glow Treatment, Back Facial, Hand or Foot Reflexology, Hand or Foot Treatment, or Makeup Lessor or Application for $80, or 60 Min Eve Taylor Clinical Aromatherapy Body Massage for $50. Call 757.200.5273
At Aurora Spa in Shoreline, Washington choose a 70 Min Spa Signature Foot Reflexology with 10 Min Foot Soak, 70 Min Spa Signature Hot Stone Massage, 70 Min Spa Signature Deep Tissue or Swedish Massage, or any 60 Min+ Treatment. Also receive 10% off on Gift Certificates. Can not be combined with other specials, $50 Each. Call 206.801.7562.
At Tribeca Spa of Tranquility in New York City try the Tribeca European Deluxe Facial: includes an exfoliation process which will excite the senses due to its unique and delicious aroma, an extraction plus a relaxing massage and an exclusive mask that firms, brightens and detoxifies the impurities from your face for $99, normally $119, or 45 Min European Facial: includes extractions, exfoliation, and customized mask for $69. Call 212.226.4141

At bella SALON in Austin, TX choose the Fall Eye Trio Plus Package: includes Eyebrow Wax, Eyebrow Tint, Eyelash Tint and Collagen Eye Treatment for $55, normally $90, or 30 Min Bella Petite Facial: includes Cleanse, Peel and Home-Care Application using PRIORI Skincare or 30 Min Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage for $50, normally $65 – $85. Call 512.474.5999.

To see the rest of the Spa Week spa deals for November click here.

Images Courtesy of rwoshr.ca, massageschools.com, scientificamerican.com, julytwenty.com