The EMS system uses High Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology, which uses electromagnetic energy to stimulate muscle contractions. It is primarily used in aesthetic medicine and physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve body contouring.

EMS with HIFEM technology is typically used for two main purposes:

1. Muscle Stimulation: HIFEM devices generate focused electromagnetic energy that penetrates through the skin and fat layers to target specific muscle groups. The energy induces involuntary muscle contractions, similar to what occurs during intense physical exercise. These contractions are much more powerful and frequent than what can be achieved through voluntary exercise, leading to a phenomenon known as supramaximal contractions.

2. Body Contouring: By stimulating muscle contractions, HIFEM technology can enhance muscle tone and strength. This can help in sculpting and toning the body, particularly in areas such as the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs. The contractions created by HIFEM technology also have the potential to reduce localized fat deposits and improve overall body shape.

During an EMS session, a specialized paddle is placed on the targeted area of the body. The paddle delivers electromagnetic pulses that trigger muscle contractions in a controlled and precise manner. The intensity and frequency of the contractions can be adjusted based on the individual’s tolerance and treatment goals.

EMS is generally considered safe and non-invasive, with minimal discomfort and no downtime. However, it may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions or implanted medical devices. It is always important to consult with a qualified professional to determine if an EMS treatment is appropriate for you.

Ready for a toner, tighter body? Give us a call to schedule a free consultation to see if this service is the right one for you!

The laser carbon peel is a virtually pain free procedure with little to no down time.

It’s used primarily by people with oily skin, acne, enlarged or clogged pores, melasma, and fine lines and wrinkles. This treatment is also beneficial if you’re starting to see the effects of sun damage to your skin.

What are the benefits of a laser carbon peel?

Laser carbon peels deeply exfoliate the skin. They also help stimulate collagen production.

Laser carbon peels are used to treat:

• acne pigmentation
• acne scarring
• enlarged and clogged pores
• melasma
• fine lines and wrinkles

A laser carbon peel uses heat and requires virtually no down time. People with sensitive skin or skin conditions like eczema will usually experience less redness and irritation after a carbon peel than they would from a chemical peel.

What’s the procedure for a laser carbon peel?

A consultation will be done prior to the service to be sure you are a candidate.  

Retinols should be stopped for around one week before the laser carbon peel. You should also use sunscreen daily during this time.

The laser carbon peel is a multi-part process that takes around 30 minutes from start to finish. For this reason, it is sometimes referred to as a lunchtime peel.

Here’s what you can expect from a typical laser carbon peel:

1. Your skin will first be cleansed.
2. Then a layer of liquid carbon will be spread onto your face. The liquid carbon absorbs oil, dirt, and dead skin cells from deep within the pores.
3. The liquid carbon takes about 10 minutes to dry.
4. You will be given eye shields to protect your eyes from the laser.
5. A laser will be used over the skin on a low-energy setting. This heats up the carbon, binding it to the epidermis.
6. The laser also heats up sub-dermal tissue, boosting collagen and plumping up fine lines.
7. On a higher-energy setting, the laser will be used to fragment the liquid carbon into tiny particles.
8. A smoke evaporator may also be used with the laser to help remove the carbon as well as the debris and impurities.
9. A hydrating moisturizer or serum and sunscreen may be applied to your skin after treatment.

You should immediately see brighter, glowing skin and tighter pores.

If you have sensitive skin, you may experience a slight pinking or reddening of the skin. This usually lasts for one hour or less.

What’s aftercare like for a laser carbon peel?

• Treat your skin gently after getting a laser carbon peel by continuing to moisturize daily.
• It’s normal to see some flaking or experience dryness for a few days.
• Use sunscreen regularly with at least SPF 30+ for several days after treatment.
• Don’t use any products containing retinol for at least five days after treatment.
• Do not exfoliate or use any abrasive or invasive skin treatments for at least one week.
• If you have oily skin, use products designed to combat acne to maintain optimum results.

What are the side effects of a laser carbon peel?

Apart from a slight reddening of the skin and a tingling sensation, there should be no side effects after a laser carbon peel.

It’s important to have this procedure done by an experienced and licensed professional. This will help to ensure the safety of your skin and eyes as well as provide optimal results.

Conclusion

Laser carbon peels can refresh and improve the look of skin, the treatment is best for people with oily skin, enlarged pores, acne, sun spots and melasma.

Laser carbon peels are virtually painless, and require no recovery time. Other than mild and temporary redness, there are no reported side effects. Experience brighter and glowing skin with the Carbon Laser Peel!

Call today and schedule a free consultation (702) 685-3333

Have you ever felt like your energy was a bit off? Maybe you wake up in the morning, spill your coffee, catch every red light on the way to work, get yelled at by a customer…things are just not going as planned and it’s only 10am. You might feel a bit under the weather, but don’t have any symptoms. We’ve all felt like that from time to time. If only there was a way to balance out your energy. Well maybe there is! A Reiki treatment might be the perfect answer.

What is a Reiki Energy Treatment?

• A Reiki session is an energy treatment.
• A Reiki treatment helps balance the Chakra centers.
• The session can be done with the practitioners hands on or hands above the body.
• There is no undressing with a Reiki session.
• Reiki energy is channeled to assist and enhance the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

The Chakras

There are 7 major Chakras (energy centers) on the body. Each one resonates to a different frequency and color, and corresponds to different emotional and physical aspects.

• 1st Chakra is the Root Chakra. It vibrates to the color red and it is associated with grounding and stability. This can be stability at work, at home or in the body (think bones). When this chakra is balanced there is order in your life. If it’s out of balance you might be fatigued or feel insecure.
• 2nd Chakra is the Sacral Chakra. It vibrates to the color orange and is associated with finances, sexuality and creativity. The creativity flows freely when this chakra is balanced. Out of balance you might have anxiety, lower back pain or urinary problems.
• 3rd Chakra is the Solar Plexus. It vibrates to the color yellow and is connected to your power center. In balance and you have confidence and determination. Out of balance and you might have low self esteem or digestive issues.
• 4th Chakra is the Heart Chakra. It vibrates to the color green and is the area where you give and receive love, forgiveness, compassion and acceptance. Out of balance you might feel jealous, angry or might have fear.
• 5th Chakra is the Throat Chakra. It vibrates to the color blue and is the communication chakra. When this chakra is balanced, verbal and non verbal communication come easy. When it is out of balance you might feel powerless to speak out.
• 6th Chakra is the 3rd Eye Chakra. This chakra resonates to the color indigo and is the area for intellect, spirituality, psychic ability and vision. When it is out of balance you might experience headaches, nightmares or have poor memory.
• 7th Chakra is the Crown Chakra. It vibrates to the color violet. This chakra is our connection to the universe. Out of balance might have you feeling disconnected, hopeless or depressed.

The Treatment:

You lay on a comfortable massage table, face up with your eyes closed. Soft, relaxing music is playing to help facilitate a relaxed environment. The practitioner’s hands are placed on different chakra (energy centers) points on the body. The energy is guided to where it is needed. There might be more time spent on one chakra area versus another, depending on what the body needs. Crystals are sometimes used to enhance the treatment. There might also sound therapy added. You might have an emotional release; such as crying or laughter. This can happen during the treatment or sometimes after. This is normal.

After the session:

Since each Reiki session is unique to the person, every one has their own unique reaction to a treatment, depending on where more energy was needed or needed to be taken away. For instance, if your throat chakra was blocked (never closed, only impeded) before the treatment, it might now be open and communication will flow freely. Just like a massage, drinking water after the service is recommended. Also like a massage, you might feel very tired and have vivid dreams. For most people, the session is very relaxing.

So the next time you’re feeling a step behind, try getting your energy balanced with a Reiki treatment! If you’re looking for a practitioner, Margo Hecht is accepting new clients. Her number is (702) 845-1680 and you can also visit her website at www.oraclemessages.com.

The information relayed in this blog should not be construed as medical advice. If you have any concerns please consult your medical practitioner.

When was the last time you looked in the mirror and thought, “my skin looks great”? If you’re like most women, the signs of aging are unmistakable. The fine lines, uneven texture, sun damage, and skin laxity are just some of the things women deal with on a daily basis. Face powders and foundation can only cover up so much, but it doesn’t correct the problem areas and slow down the aging process. If you’re serious about wanting your skin to be healthier and look better, getting facials on a monthly basis and using good quality products are a must!

The Oxygen and Vitamin C treatment is a dynamic combination of traditional botanicals and scientifically advanced ingredients that moisturizes, rejuvenates, and lightens the damaged areas of your skin. This facial treatment starts off with deep cleansing, followed by a lactic acid or Jessner peel. Some people feel a slight stinging at this point, but nothing too uncomfortable. A Vitamin C cool rubberized masque is applied on top of the peel to brighten the skin. The final step is the application of a super active oxygen mask, which calms, brightens, and infuses the skin with a burst of oxygen. One treatment gives you a healthy, glowing result! A series of 4 or more treatments will give you the ultimate, best results.

Benefits:

• Lightens and evens skin tone while inhibiting melanin production
• Exfoliates damaged cells, encourages cell division and stimulates healthy cell growth
• Restores and protects skin against attack from free radicals
• Increases collagen and elastin synthesis
• Provides anti-aging properties and rejuvenates the skin
• Increases skin’s overall consumption, moisture and volume

You can spend a pretty penny for the perfect hair color that you have always been wanting. So, it is important to keep that new color staying fresh and up-to-date, even a month or two after the treatment. The big question is, what can you do to keep your hair color fresh in-between your hair services?

When you dye your hair, the pigments are held captive inside the hair strands. But anything that can lift the hair shaft’s cuticle, allowing pigment particles to escape, can fade that pretty color. One of the biggest color-stealing culprits? H2O. Plain water dilutes the pigment and causes it to fade faster. But before you stop washing your hair for good, try these hair saving techniques that will save your color!

Avoid Hot Showers

Hot water doesn’t only dry out your skin; it can decrease the life of your hair color. The temperature opens up your cuticle, releasing your precious color—and moisture. The key to showering with hair color is to shower and shampoo with room temperature water, towel dry, condition, then rinse with cold water. This will provide longer-lasting color, keeping your locks nice and hydrated while also eliminating split ends.

Swim Smarter

Protect your hair in the sun and chlorine. Use a hair protector with SPF when in the sun, pool, and ocean to keep your color from fading. A product with sunflower oil is great as it also has antioxidants to protect the hair.

Wait to Wash Your Hair

The new dry shampoo offerings on the market can be a hair saver to newly-colored hair because when you wash less, color lasts longer. After getting your your hair color service, it is best to not wash your hair for at least 24-48 hours. When you do have to wash, opt for a gentle sulfate-free shampoo.

Don’t Overuse the Hot Tools

Staying away from your hot tools the first week after coloring your hair will also help prevent the color from fading. Hot tools such as blow dryers and straighteners actually speed up the process of color fading. While these tools are sometimes necessary, it is best to stay away from them the first week or so after you color your hair.

Use a Thermal Protectant

This will protect your hair against heat damage from styling tools. Thermal protectants will help reduce color fade by keeping the integrity of the hair in good condition.

Deep Condition Less

While deep conditioning or at-home masks are a good idea before you color, but they can fade a rich brunette or vibrant red. The conditioner or mask is designed to get deep in the hair follicle to moisturize. However, when it’s rinsed out, it takes the color molecule with it—resulting in the color fading. To avoid this, a good daily conditioner will do the trick (just don’t leave it on for a long period of time).

Use Color Protecting Shampoo and Conditioner

Wash and condition your strands with products formulated to be protective. At Elements, there are several products by Moroccanoil, Sudzz, and Loma that have color protectant ingredients to help keep your color treated hair intact. Especially if you have blonde highlights or are a full color blonde, using a purple or blue shampoo weekly will help tone down the brassy/yellow tones in the hair, keeping your blonde looking like new.

It is no secret that beauty has come a long way, especially since the awkward pencil thin eyebrow trend in the 90’s. Before a woman reaches her thirties, most of them aspire to polish up their makeup game, figure out which hairstyle is actually their best look, and finally shake off tired insecurities for good. At the same time, turning 30 has a way of suddenly making wrinkles and gray hairs pop up somewhere on your to-worry-about radar. So, for all of you approaching this era in your life, read on about the fascinating beauty tips that will make you feel young and beautiful at any age in your life.

1. Skincare isn’t just about your face.

Neglecting your neck while applying your skincare is a big no-no! Or even the backs of your hands. Without daily broad-spectrum sun protection and adequate moisture, these zones can quickly start to look weathered before their time. When it comes to skincare application, do not stop at your jawline, or even your neck. Applying your skincare as far as your chest will result in healthier looking skin, making you age gracefully.

2. The most boring hair product is the most important.

Part of growing up as a woman and conquering the ages is solidifying daily healthy habits, however boring they may seem. For hair, that means applying a heat-protective product any time a blow-dryer or other hot tool gets near it. Doing this has no real instant-gratification effect on your style, thus why everyone is always tempted to skip it. But we guarantee that doing so will hold you back from the gorgeous shampoo-commercial hair of your dreams. Always use protection! And the right blow-dryer!

3. Don’t fear foundation.

Foundation will become more useful and less optional as you get older. According to sources, modern foundation have become lighter in coverage than some tinted moisturizers. If you’ve just been dabbling in applying a little here and there using your fingers, try using a beauty blender, it helps with evening out the foundation on your skin and applies better than your fingers.

4. Bedtime is when all the beauty happens.

They don’t call it your beauty rest for nothing! By now you’ve learned that smooshing your face into your pillow with a full face of makeup on can mean paying the price later (in pimples, pink eyes, and other fun ways). But what’s even worse is that you’re missing out on applying targeted skin care before the best long, restful stretch of time when it can deeply penetrate, without adverse effects from sun exposure. Bedtime is prime time for deep moisturizing, fighting future lines, plus treating your lips, cuticles, heels, and other problem areas. Your skin will thank you over time.

5. But for nights when the sleep didn’t happen so much…

This is the one trick every busy girl-about-town needs in her morning-after arsenal: After concealing your under-eye circles, add a dab of highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes. There’s no better trick for looking instantly awake and alert. In a pinch, light-colored eye shadow works too.

6. Think of lush brows as an Instagram filter for your face.

Among a full brow’s many, well-documented magical effects: ample, filled-in arches have a way of making you look younger. We credit their soft texture—which softens your features in turn—and the way they divert attention from fine lines. And unlike other features, brows can continue to look 20 years old forever—provided you learn how to fill them in believably.

7. Sunscreen really IS the best anti-aging product you can use.

Here’s a new way to think about sunscreen, though: At some point, often in your 30s, the visible effects of past sun exposure really begin to surface—not just fine lines, but discoloration and dark spots that are stubborn to treat and tough to cover up. If you ask any dermatologist to name her number-one anti-aging tip, boring-old sunscreen will be it, guaranteed. So it’s as simple and hard as that: Be diligent about broad-spectrum sunscreen on all your exposed skin every day. It is also recommended to always wear sunglasses during the day and constantly apply a lip balm with SPF in it to protect your lips.

8. Gray hairs = no reason to panic.

Gone are the days when a woman got a couple grays and felt like she had to embark upon a forever ritual of dyeing her hair every 12 days. Amazingly effective root coverup products buy you time by letting you temporarily cover individual strands before dyeing your entire head. And once you do dye, they buy you time between color sessions. Choosing a demi-permanent color is helpful for not damaging your hair.

9. Exfoliation: easily overdone (or under-done)

If you don’t exfoliate regularly and are approaching age 30, now’s prime time to start. In your 20’s, your skin is making a lot of new skin cells. In your 30s, your cells turn over more slowly, leading to dull, dry, flaky patches. Exfoliation will reveal new skin cells and keep your skin having that glowing effect. It also allows your anti-aging products to sink in more efficiently. But it’s easy to go overboard. Exactly how often you should exfoliate depends on your skin’s sensitivity and what product you choose, but a good general rule is no more than twice a week once you pass 30, when skin’s losing elasticity and requires gentler care.

10. “I regret spending money on that spa treatment,” said nobody ever.

One truth that really sinks in as you get older: How you feel makes a huge difference to how you look. So don’t feel guilty about indulging in the beauty rituals you really enjoy once in a while. It is best to go to a spa and receive a facial at least once a month to keep up with your skincare needs. It is very important to make time for yourself!

The right amount of sleep is necessary for maintaining a healthy, functioning body. However, an estimated 50 to 70 million Americans experience sleep issues that affect their health, which often leads to low work performance, slowed reaction time, obesity, higher risk of longtime disease, and substance abuse.

According to certain studies, massage therapy has found to be beneficial for:

• Insomnia-related stress
• Anxiety
• Digestive disorders
• Headaches
• Soft tissue strains or injuries
• Myofasical pain syndrome
• Sports injuries

Massage therapy can reduce fatigue and improve a person’s sleep. Massage has also been shown to improve sleep in infants, children, adults, and the elderly alike, as well as individuals with fibromyalgia, cancer, heart disease, lower back pain, cerebral palsy, and breast disease.

Good facts to know:

The “Body Clock”

Many people report that they fall asleep easily, but wake up at the same time in the middle of the night. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially is you can’t fall back asleep and wake up tired the next day. The concept of the “Organ Clock” in Chinese medicine is a useful tool in understanding why this occurs. In Chinese medicine, energy or qi, moves through the body’s meridians and organs in a 24 hour cycle. Every two hours, the qi (or energy) is strongest within a particular organ and its functions within the body. The body, mind and emotions are inseparable in Chinese medicine- meaning that if you have disharmony in your physical body, it is tied to your emotional state. So if you wake up at 3 AM, when Liver energy peaks, you may be suffering from Liver Qi stagnation, which could be related to an unhealthy diet- excess alcohol consumption, unresolved anger or high levels of stress. If you consistently wake up at 4 AM, it could be due to an imbalance in your lungs, which is related to grief and sadness, fatigue, and reduced immune function.

The most important time to sleep!

Many people are night owls and think nothing of it, especially if you get a decent amount of sleep each night. However, according to Chinese medicine, it’s not only how much sleep you get that matters, but also when you get it. A bedtime of 10:30pm (at the latest) is advised so that you are asleep by 11pm when the liver and gallbladder start to regulate qi, process emotions, balance hormones and detoxify the body. The window from 11pm-3am, which correlated to the liver and gallbladder, is the most important in terms of maintaining health, especially as you age.

The deepest part of sleep, or Slow Wave Sleep (SWS), is the most restorative part of our sleep. During these hours the stress hormone cortisol is reduced and parasympathetic nervous system activity increases, which allows us to fully rest and move away from the fight or flight responses that dominate during waking hours. SWS is associated with memory or learning. A lack of this type of sleep can lead to reduced daytime functioning and alertness as well as waking feeling unrefreshed. Human growth hormone, which is essential to repairing our bodies from daily injury and maintaining health, is released from 9pm-7am, making each hour of sleep during this time critical.

Check out the guidelines below to learn about why you may be waking up at a certain hour at night:

9 PM-11 PM–Triple Burner (related to the heart and pericardium) Emotion: Joy or lack of joy, depression, hopelessness. Functions: The triple burner is not a distinct organ but is related to our endocrine and lymphatic systems. It controls metabolism within the body. Symptoms of imbalance: Mania, feelings of guilt, depression, adrenal fatigue, hormonal imbalance, sluggish metabolism, frequent headaches, fatigue, earaches. Tips: Consider going to bed earlier, establish a calming nighttime routine, avoid artificial light after 9pm.

11 PM-1 AM– Gallbladder (strongly tied to the liver) Emotion: Indecisiveness Functions: The Gallbladder stores and excretes bile to facilitate proper digestion. It also rules the decision making process, controls the sinews and tendons and governs dreams. Symptoms of imbalance: Indecision, frequent sighing, rash decisions, poor judgment, difficulty making decisions, shyness, high cholesterol, resentment, dream-disturbed sleep, weak tendons. Tips: Avoid alcohol, trans fats and spicy food. Eat a smaller dinner well before bedtime and avoid snacking before bed.

1 AM-3 AM–Liver Emotion: Anger/Irritability Functions: The liver is responsible for detoxifying our bodies and processing emotions each night. Think back to a night when you had too much to drink or a period of intense frustration at work. Did you wake up between 1-3am unable to fall back asleep? From a Chinese medicine perspective your liver was overloaded with and struggled to do its work. Symptoms of imbalance: Explosive outbursts of anger, bottled up emotions, resentment, irritability, moodiness, frustration, high blood pressure, PMS, bitter taste in mouth, red face, blurred vision. Tips: Make sure to drink alcohol in moderation and eat your last meal a few hours before bed. Consider a whole foods cleanse. Cut out coffee for a week and replace it with green tea. Get regular exercise.

3 AM-5 AM– Lung Emotion: Sadness/Grief Functions: The lungs govern the respiratory and immune system, regulate the sweat glands, and moisten the skin. Symptoms of imbalance: Feelings of sadness or grief that have not been dealt with, shortness of breath, sweating easily, weak voice, fatigue, cough, headache, asthma, chest pain, dry skin. Tips: Try breathing exercises, meditation or yoga to improve your lung capacity. Consider getting counseling or talking to a friend about feeling of sadness or grief.

The different types of massages that help improve your sleep:

• Swedish massage—This is a gentle form of massage that uses long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration, and tapping to help relax and energize.
• Deep massage—This massage technique uses slower, more-forceful strokes to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, commonly to help with muscle damage from injuries.
• Sports massage—This is similar to Swedish massage, but it’s geared toward people involved in sport activities to help prevent or treat injuries.
• Trigger point massage—This massage focuses on areas of tight muscle fibers that can form in muscles after injuries or overuse.

Fun Fact:

Human beings have an intrinsic and powerful connection to sunlight that evolved over thousands of years. Before the advent of electricity, we were bound by the constraints of daylight, and our sleep cycles followed suit. But today, electricity and technological stimulation allow our minds and bodies to be active after sundown, which can wreak havoc on our health. Many hormonal processes in our body are literally hardwired to be orchestrated by sunlight and the absence of sunlight. It is no surprise that adhering to a normal sleep pattern is therefore highly important to maintaining optimal health.

When you are traveling, it may seem that your skincare list is not a top priority to you. But, if you have spent time trying to figure out the best skincare routine for you, do not neglect it when it comes to traveling!

It is important to find a way to keep your skincare routine intact when traveling, even if it means downsizing your products into travel size containers. It is important to keep your skin looking it’s best while you’re in the air, on the road, or just spending a few nights away from home.

Below are some tips and tricks to maintaining your skincare routine while on the go!

1. Keep things as similar to your usual routine as possible.

In general, trying to keep up as much of your skin-care routine as possible is ideal. If what you’re doing is working, why change if you don’t have to? And for those who are trying to manage skin conditions while traveling, keeping your routine consistent is especially key.

There can be many reasons to why a person’s skin can fluctuate while traveling. However, keeping your same skincare routine that you do at home while traveling is important.

The easiest way to keep your same routine is to buy travel sized, (under 3oz if traveling by airplane), versions of your favorite products. If the brand you like does not have travel size, pick up a few small to-go product containers and fill them up with your facial cleanser, serums, and moisturizers.

2. If you are limited to a few products, focus on the essentials.

If you need or prefer to pack lighter, stick to the essentials of your skincare routine. The skincare essentials are considered to be: Sunscreen with at least SPF 30, makeup wipes, facial cleanser, and nighttime moisturizer. Skipping out on the toners and serums for the time being is OK.

3. If your favorites do not come in travel size, get creative!

There are a ton of excellent skin-care products that come in travel-friendly sizes these days. But if your go-tos aren’t available in minis, there are some other things you can do.

Like I stated before, the easiest way is to pack your products in mini containers that you can purchase at the store.

You can also use contact lenses for smaller quantities of products, such as eye cream. You can also pre-soak cotton balls in makeup remover or toners and store them in a tightly sealed bag to lock in the moisture.

4. Think ahead about the dry plane ride.

Long plane rides can dehydrate your skin. Applying a thick, nighttime facial moisturizer prior to boarding is best to ensure your skin’s hydration.

You might also find it helpful and refreshing to use hydrating sheet masks, under-eye masks, or facial mists while in flight.

Of course, wherever you are traveling to matters as well. Keeping your skincare routine the same is important, however, increasing or decreasing your moisturizer depending on your location is up to you to decide. If you are traveling to somewhere colder, a thicker moisturizer is needed. If you are traveling to a hotter destination, a thin layer of moisturizer will do.

5. Pay special attention to your eyes and lips.

If you’re enduring a dry plane ride or a change in time zones, your eyes and lips may be the part of your face to feel most of the effects.

A time change or jet lag can be the biggest downfall in traveling. Which is why using the correct amount and right eye cream can be crucial while traveling.

Don’t forget the lips! Your lips can become chapped and irritated while traveling and changing to different climates. So, keep them moisturized constantly!

6. Don’t just think about skincare products.

Sun safety is always essential for preventing both skin cancer and early signs of aging, but it’s also something way too many of us tend to slack off on. And we know that sunscreen alone isn’t enough to keep us as protected as possible.

Along with sunscreen, be sure to bring sunglasses to protect your eyes, a broad brimmed hat, and sun protective clothing as well.

Familiarize yourself with the basic foot reflexology chart. Starting out, learn about the basic areas on a foot reflexology chart. This outlines the major organs locations on the foot.

• The right foot is associated with the right part of the body and left foot is associated with the left side of the body. The stomach, for example, is primarily located on the left side of the body so massaging and applying pressure to the left foot can treat stomach ailments.
• The toes and feet indicate your head and neck. Massaging your toes in foot reflexology means working your head and neck.
• The thinnest part of your foot, usually found towards its center, is known as the waistline. Parts of your foot correlated with the stomach are found above the waistline. Parts correlated with the intestines are found below
• The bottom of your foot is connected with your pelvic area.
• The area just underneath your toes corresponds to the chest.

The sole chart: The sole chart is fairly easy to learn and deals only with the underside of the foot, not the tops or sides of the feet.

• When it comes to toes, the second and third toe after your big toe are connected to the eyes. If you have eye strain, applying pressure in that area can help. Your remaining toes are connected to your teeth, your sinuses, and the top of your head.
• Pressure points do differ on the left foot and right foot; however, there are some similarities.
• Your ears are affected by the areas just below your toes on both feet.
• On both feet, the lungs are found about an inch below all your toes except the big toe.
• Your heels on both feet are connected to your legs.
• The area just below the waistline is connected to your small intestine on both feet.

The outside chart: An outside chart displays what areas of the body correspond to the side of your foot pointing away for the body. It also covers the top of your foot.

• The very top of your foot corresponds to your lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is the part of your immune system that helps filter out toxins and other wastes.
• The area just above your toes is connected to the chest. The side of your foot above your heel is connected to the hips and knees.
• The side of your foot just below your waistline connects to the elbow. If you move down slightly further, to the side of your foot just above your pinky toe, you’ll hit your shoulder.

The inside chart:  An inside chart addresses addresses the side of the foot facing inward towards your other foot.

• The bottom of your foot from the tip of your big toe to your heel represents your spine. The insides of your feet are the same basic shape as your spine, with the same curves and bends.
• Just under the waistline there should be a puffy, oval-like mound on the side of your foot. This is connected to your bladder.

Did you know?

Your hands also have a reflexology chart just like the feet do.

Consider doing spot massages for specific ailments. For example, pinching the area between the middle finger and the ring finger may help with eye conditions such as conjunctivitis or eyestrain. If you have allergies, they might be helped by pressing gently on the adrenal gland area.

• You can also hold a golf ball and roll it with both hands over the areas of your hand to apply pressure.
• If you suffer from tension or anxiety, try pinching the skin area between your thumb and your first finger.

It is inevitable for us humans to experience pain in our jaws some point in our lives. Certain exercises are known to help ease the pain, however, a certain type of massage is known to improve jaw pain in an instant. This type of massage is called the pterygoid massage. The lateral pterygoids are muscles on each side of your head that help control the temporo-mandibular joint, or TMJ. The muscles help to open your jaw and to move it from side to side. The joint is very complex, so if you are experiencing pain, make sure to see an expert.

The Pterygoid Muscle

The pterygoid is a powerful muscle of mastication. The pterygoid muscles are two of the four muscles of mastication. These muscles are: lateral pterygoid and medial pterygoid. It is involved in closing the jaw as well as protrusion of the jaw. Therefore manual release of the pterygoid muscle can benefit those both with generalized TMJ pain and discomfort as well as people with overbite.

What causes the pain?

The jaw is virtually constantly working when talking, chewing, grinding and clenching and there are estimates that it moves more than a couple of thousand times every day. Below is what causes the pain of the jaw.

• T.M.J
• Teeth clenched
• Poor body position
• Stress or anxiety
• Reduced jaw opening
• Clicking jaw
• Headaches
• Cheek tingling
• Chronic pain and inflammation in the jaw area
• Chewing too much gum

Trigger points

If there are trigger points present in the medial pterygoids then you will often have pain in the TMJ and also around the ear. It can also be difficult to swallow with pain referred to the back of the mouth. If you have restrictions in how far you can open your mouth then there is likelihood that you will have trigger points in this muscle, normally present on both sides of the head.

How to prevent the pain:

• Eat soft foods
• Avoid eating too much gum
• Practice stress reduction and relaxation techniques
• The use of plastic toothbrushes recommended by jaw care professionals
• Get a pterygoid massage at Elements!

Why a pterygoid massage is important for you

Everyone knows that any type of massage is beneficial for them. If you are continuously experiencing pain in your jaw/mouth, the pterygoid massage will help to ease the pain. And, coming in for continuous sessions will result in your pain going away quicker. This massage is also beneficial for headaches. If you experience frequent headaches, this massage will help control the headaches better and decrease the frequency of them. At Elements, the pterygoid massage can be added onto any type of full body massage.

After the pterygoid massage

Any time you massage trigger points in muscle groups it is a good idea to stretch them out afterwards to enhance the relaxation of the muscle. One recommended stretch for these muscles is to open your mouth against resistance by placing your hand under your chin while you slowly open the mouth against the resistance.