I was given two individual spa treatments at two different locations for my birthday. I have never gone for a massage, I do my own hair and nails...what is it like? Any suggestions?
Thank You for your reassurance. I am going to schedule my first one hour massage shortly after I have my biopsies and then I believe I will schedule my second full spa treatment in Presque Isle after I get the results...it will either be a celebration or an escape from the results...I appreciate the guidance. Are there any particular places that you would recommend in the future in case I completely LOVE it!!! ( no doubt I will, who WOULDN'T want to get rubbed down for an hour while being kid free!?)
it is HEAVENLY. go as soon as you can, you'll be so glad you did. Like you, I was given a certificate and had never been to a spa and felt funny about it. I called the spa and asked if I could use it for any of their services, not just what it said on the gift certificate and they said yes. I used it for a couple of 30-minute massages. SO awesome. You deserve it, you'll feel like a princess.
Spa treatments are wonderful and it sounds like you definitely DESERVE to be pampered!!!
I would also suggest a hot stone massage and a pedicure. Facials are also very nice because usually they include a small massage of the scalp and neck and a parafin wrap of the hands, which leaves them silky soft (where I went for a facial it did, anyway).
They will ask you if you've ever had a treatment like that before and when you answer no, they'll tell you and explain everything they are doing. So you don't have to feel in the dark about anything. Also, should you have a massage and be assigned a masseur (male massage therapist), try not to feel tense. It's a very professional thing and even if you're drop-dead gorgeous they will not do anything untoward. You don't have to take off your undies if you're not comfortable with it but even so they won't touch you in any sexual way.
You leave feeling like new after any spa treatment. You'll want to do it more often! Have fun!
Massage is awesome. They'll show you to a room and have you lie down ( you don't have to take off clothes if you don't want to , but if you do you'll be covered with a sheet) Then they give you an awesome massage..it's soooo nice. I'd suggest a hot stone massage or a swedish massage.
Also a pedicure is way funa nd it makes you feel cute:)
Have a great time with your " me time!!
Massages can be very relaxing...a warm bed, dim lights, soft music, rubbing away the tension... Sounds like it's just what you need! Reduced stress will do wonders for your health. I would have one regularly if they weren't so expensive. :-) I treat myself to pedicures in the summer time and also find them relaxing. Your feet soak in warm water, rough areas are scrubbed away and usually there's a gentle massage to feet and lower legs, at least while lotion is being applied. (Fingernail polish chips too quickly for me to bother with manicures.)
Enjoy!
J.
wow!
sounds like you've had a lot going on - you deserve some "me" time.
Fortunately, my husband & my sister-in-law give me spa certificates every birthday, anniversary & Christmas - so I get to go every few months.
I do my own hair & nails also & unless you haven't gotten a good trim lately, I'd skip those.
Personally, the most relaxing are:
1) Massage - fabulous - can't be beat - even if you don't think your body is holding stress - after a massage you'll realize how much better you feel. I always wear my undies. they keep you wrapped under sheets & only expose the part they are working on, the rest of you is under sheets.
2) Facial - super relaxing - warm steam, lots of great smells & circular motions on your face & neck, very relaxing, especially if you hold a lot of stress in your neck. Also, your skin will feel fresh! They will recommend products, but don't feel like you have to get them.
3) Pedicure - very relaxing, more than just getting polish, it includes a good foot rub, that will relax you. You may feel ticklish the 1st time, but watch out - they are addictive!
Enjoy the pampering!
WOW - after reading your profile, I can say you need these spa dates even more than the rest of us.
I would suggest you spread them out at least 3-4 weeks apart. Given your need for ME time, I would suggest a massage. It's fine to tell them you have never had one and then go for a simple 30-45 minute massage. You need at least that amount of time to really relax. You can request a male or female massage therapist, whatever you want. They really work at protecting your dignity. You'll undress (underpants okay) and get under a sheet. They'll probably use a heated blanket for you, and put on some really relaxing music. Try to put your troubles behind you and just breathe deeply and relax. The therapist may chat with you for a moment, but otherwise there isn't a lot of talking - you shouldn't have to concentrate on too much conversation, you know? But it's great to have the tension worked out of your neck, back, arms, legs, even your facial muscles.
You could also opt for a facial, as someone else suggested - that may include a scalp massage, or may not. It usually includes a shoulder & arm massage. Sometimes you wear a strapless top they give you (and keep your pants on), other times they give you a longer strapless smock so you aren't in any constraining clothes and can relax. Your bottom half would be covered by a sheet though.
A pedicure can include a foot massage and that's really nice too.
I would use one certificate, and then wait a few weeks to use the other. I wouldn't get 2 facials in a row - you don't need them that close together. So if you are uncomfortable, get a facial & pedicure at the first spa (depending on the amount of the certificate) and then get a massage at the 2nd. That way you can ease yourself into the situation.
I wouldn't "waste it" on a manicure - go for something you cannot give yourself!
Get a babysitter for a longer period of time than you think you need so you don't have to rush right out and go home to kids & chaos. Maybe take yourself and a good book to lunch or meet a friend for a glass of wine?
And most of all, ENJOY IT!
Take care of yourself....you owe it to yourself and your children.what you have been through is very traumatic take your time with this man in bagdad.....enjoy your spa day pamper yourself more often... As mothers we take vcare of everyone else besides ourselves but if mama is happy everyone else will be too....K. d momof 14 12 9 *nd 2
Hi H.,
I am a massage therapist so I can say a spa treatment/day can be a wonderful thing. It really has alot to do about how comfortable you are with doing it, yourself, etc. But as far as massage the therapist will let you know what to expect and if they don't you can say I have never had a massage will you explain more in detail what I should expect. You can always undress to your comfort zone, whether that means no clothes at all or down to underwear and bra it is up to you. You will be under a sheet, blanket if cold, and the therapist will only undrape the area he/she is working, like one leg, the back, etc. and cover it back up when he/she moves to next area. Also you can request whether or not you want a male or female therapist. This is your experience and you are in control of it. If the pressure they use is too deep or too light feel free to speak up and ask if they can go deeper or lighter....we appreciate that kind of feedback. It sounds like you have went through alot and still going through some difficult times so I suggest you take so "ME" time for yourself, make a day of it, massage, hair, lunch, maybe get a friend to join you for some of it.
I hope you have a great experience! Wishing you the best.
As a licensed Massage Therapist my advice to you is GO AND TAKE A TIME OUT FOR YOURSELF!!! YOU DESERVE IT! Stress cause so many health problems and nothing relieves it more than be pampered. Massage, pedicure, facial - its all good :)
