The Heartland Spa and Fitness Resort

Each winter we dream of summer – the warmth, the easy living, and all of the weekend road trips we want to take – but as the season starts our schedules always seem to be packed full of commitments, conflicts, and often times stress. Destination Spa Group has decided that this summer their focus is going to be on wellness – on taking a second to breathe and on enjoying the “lazy days of summer” (as best we can!) “Even in the summer, which is supposed to be a slower time of the year, we can all feel overwhelmed by life’s curve balls and commitments,” says natural health and wellbeing expert Debra Koerner, executive director of the Destination Spa Group. “When I’m feeling stressed, I incorporate lessons from Destination Spas including blending up a green smoothie, taking a long walk and practicing yoga.”

The Destination Spa Group, which includes properties like Canyon Ranch Lenox, Chiva-Som, Golden Door, Lake Austin, Rancho La Puerta, and The Oaks at Ojai – just to name a few, has always been dedicated to preparing guests for a life of wellness and longevity. After a visit with these notable destination spas you’ll bring home a great to zest for life, knowledge to help you maintain a spa lifestyle at home, and a healthier and happier version of yourself! If you can’t make it out to one of these great spas they’ve rounded up some Words of Wellness to share with us! Read on for wise, wellness quotes from industry leaders:

On Defining Wellness:

New Life Hiking Spa

“Wellness is feeling good physically, mentally and emotionally. And when you feel good, you want to stay that way, so you naturally gravitate towards healthy behaviors of eating, exercising and finding ways to take care of yourself.” – Sharon Rekieta, Fitness Director, Lake Austin Spa Resort

“Wellness is the result of mindfulness and balance. Everything that we think and do, for ourselves and others, and how we treat ourselves plays a role in our overall wellness. It is about our mental, physical and spiritual health; be kind and nurture each component and they will treat you well.” – Raelene Honeycutt, Fitness Manager & Program Coordinator, The Heartland Spa and Fitness Resort

“Wellness is the health of mind, body and spirit. All three have to be in line together to really define a total being of wellness.One can be at a healthy weight and exercise regularly, but if that same person is in a stressful life situation or not feeding the spirit, the other areas need to be focused on and brought into alignment in order to experience complete wellness.”- Kathleen LeSage, New Life Hiking Spa

On Practicing Wellness:

Lake Austin Spa Resort

The team at Canyon Ranch encourages you to share a mindful adventure. “Rather than spending your evening walk together rehashing the events of the day and worrying about the rest of your week, focus instead on the shared experience you are enjoying. Share one of the reasons you enjoy this time together and ask the other person to do the same.”

Honeycutt of The Heartland Spa advises, “Any activity worth doing should include an element of education. Summer is a fantastic time to learn about bugs, flowers and how our bodies work. Visit your local farmers’ market, not just for the food, but for the experience. Learn when you go. Take pictures. Enjoy every moment.”

Lake Austin’s Rekieta advises families to enjoy life’s simple pleasure instead of “over planning” or scheduling complicated vacations, “ Have a picnic in the backyard on clear evenings and learn about the star constellations or pretend you’re a visitor in your city and take a walking tour of popular areas and attractions.”

About Destination Spa Group – Only a select group of spas follow the tradition of the true Destination Spa – where the total environment is dedicated to health and life enhancement. Representing more than 20 spas, Destination Spa Group is a membership organization dedicated to educating the public about the unique wellness and self-improvement opportunities found at Destination Spas. More details on www.DestinationSpaVacations.com

May is a month we associate with mothers – from appreciating mom, to pampering mom, to thanking her for all she’s done. But often times between the Mother’s Day Gift Guides and the greeting cards we forget that sometimes all she needs is a hand – especially the brand new mommies that can use all the help they can get! That’s why we caught up with health and fitness expert, and new mom,  Jennifer Cohen, for tips on ways new mothers can travel with ease and save time! Read on for Jennifer’s tricks!

5 Travel Tips for New Moms

1. Always pack healthy snacks for yourself. You just can’t rely on nutritious snacks from a vending machine or snack stand. I always carry Evolve in my bag – they’re easy to pack,  and with 12 grams of protein and only 110 calories, it keeps me satiated until my next meal. Remember, you have to take care of yourself to take care of your newborn!

2. Dress in layers. Layers will make the transition from air-conditioned flight to a sweaty taxi stand much easier! They’re also strategic – if a sweatshirt gets spit-up on it, you’ve got a fresh shirt underneath.

3. Give yourself extra time. Plan for the unexpected. A sudden diaper change, feeding, or spit-up will always happen and throw you off even the most perfectly timed schedule. Leave extra time so when these realities of motherhood throw you off schedule, you’ll still be able to make your flight. If you get to the gate early, walk around the terminal to burn a few extra calories and to get the blood circulating before your long plane ride.

4. Get an aisle seat. If you need to get up to go to the bathroom, to walk down the aisle to calm the baby, or even just to give yourself a little elbow room, the aisle is the way to go.

5. Wake up early. Though you may want grab sleep wherever you can, waking up before your child gives you some much-needed “me time,” especially when traveling. This extra time is perfect for a quick hotel workout. Pack a resistance band in your suitcase – it’s perfect for working your entire body, it’s quiet so it won’t wake your sleeping family, and it’s lightweight and won’t add bulk to your luggage.

5 Time-Saving Tips for New Moms

1. Plan. Restock the diaper bag each night after your little one is in bed. Doing so will alleviate the morning panic. Don’t forget to include snacks for yourself too. I always keep Evolve, a naturally flavored protein drink in my bag, to keep me fueled throughout the day.

2. Set Limits. You don’t have to join every Mommy and Me group and you don’t have to set a play date for every day of the week. Make sure you’re not overextending yourself; decide what is most important to yourself and your new family, and center your activities around these values. If something isn’t important to these values, it’s time to re-evaluate your involvement; is it benefiting you or just adding more stress?

3. Get  Help. You do not have to do everything yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and take some much needed “me” time.

4. Clean in 15 minutes. When you breeze past the mail pile, toss out the junk. Walking to the bedroom? Put your shoes away. These small, random acts of housekeeping every day can seriously organize your entire life. When cleaning is something you do constantly, it’s no longer a chore, it’s just a habit.

5. Be flexible. As much as you want to schedule every feeding, nap, and poop – you can’t!  Try to let go and be flexible, which will in return create less stress.

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Jennifer Cohen is a fitness and health expert who delivers a savvy, straight-talking approach to wellness and produces sustainable and dramatic results for her clients. Jennifer’s work goes beyond training. She is the lifestyle and fitness spokesperson for world class brands including Muscle Milk, Good Feet and Polar Heart Rate Monitors. Weight Watchers appointed Jennifer their fitness spokesperson as well as the national ambassador of their third annual “Walk it!” Challenge. Her bestselling book No Gym Required – Release Your Inner Rock Star (2009) outlines her no-nonsense approach to fitness and health, and serves as an overall healthy lifestyle guide. The book includes fitness plans and workouts that utilize a variety of moves that can be incorporated into any schedule anytime, anywhere, no excuses.

by Jessica Remitz

Whether you’re looking for a new class at the gym or hoping to take advantage of the great outdoors this spring, cycling is a great activity to add to your fitness routine. In honor of National Bike Month, here are just a few ways cycling can improve your health, as well as tips for starting a cycling routine and a few routes to try.

Health Benefits of Biking

In addition to being an easy and efficient way to get to and from work, biking has health benefits for your heart, waistline and joints. Taking a long, fast-paced ride or signing up for an indoor cycling class will torch calories and build strength while improving your aerobic and anaerobic capacity, said Danielle Hopkins, group fitness manager and indoor cycling instructor at Equinox. Increasing your aerobic and anaerobic capacity will help whittle your waistline and improve your cardiovascular health, which help keeps your risk for heart disease down.

Because cycling is primarily a non-weight bearing activity, it reduces the amount of stress on your joints and helps keep wear and tear on the body at a minimum, Hopkins said. Riding a bike also helps to tone and build lower body muscles while remaining a low-impact form of exercise—an important part of your fitness routine if you’ve sustained a hip or leg injury.

 Starting a Routine and Where to Ride

As with any new activity, there may be an initial learning curve as your body adapts to being challenged in a new way, Hopkins said, but the nice thing about biking is that you can set your own pace and intensity both out and indoors. “Indoors, keep the resistance a little lower [on your bike],” she said. “Outdoors, pick a shorter course with fewer hills and watch for a measurable improvement as you add time and distance on the bike.”

If you start with an indoor class, be sure to get there early and have the instructor help you get set up on the bike, Hopkins said. Maneuvering a bike outdoors is a little bit more difficult, with traffic, other cyclists and changing terrain to contend with. Your best bet? Start slowly, take your time to learn how to work your gears and brakes and be aware of your surroundings, Hopkins said. Joining a local cycling group, like New York City’s Terrier Tri or Team Lipstick, can help teach you the necessary skills and organize team rides depending on your skill level.

If you’re ready to hit the road, be sure to take a look at a few of these great rides across the country:

• Cape Cod Rail Trail, Mass.—this 22-mile, paved trail winds its way through six towns along the cape, with plenty of places to make stops at the beach along your route.
• Central Park, N.Y.—providing both flat and hillier terrain, New York’s Central Park several long distance routes circling the perimeter of the park or shorter distance rides as you cross the park.
• Portland, Ore.—this commuter-friendly city has some of the best outdoor biking in the country, Hopkins said. Find routes and get cycling-related news on the city’s bike blog .
• Prairie Spirit Trail, Kan.—this 51-mile path is great for mountain or hybrid bikes and winds through small towns and prairies, all on a well-groomed limestone trail.
• Arkansas River Trail, Ark.—the river trail system winds through Little Rock, connecting 38 parks, six museums and over 5,000 acres of park. Great for beginners, the route is primarily flat.
• Mount Tamalpais, Calif.—great for mountain bikers looking for a challenge, this state park has more than 50 miles of trail that also connects to a larger, 200-mile trail system.

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Each Friday we bring you something we’re Currently Craving – whether it’s a product we love, a treatment we’ve got to have, or a delicious recipe we need to make ASAP – these are our current cravings of the moment! This week we’re shining the light on a recipe for Blackened Shutome from Travaasa Austin!

With summer (and its heat) just around the corner, we’ve been on the lookout for light, refreshing, but completely satisfying meals! This Blackened Shutome recipe fits the bill. It calls for Pacific-caught swordfish, a house-made blackening spice, cucumber salsa, jasmine rice, and Johnson’s Backyard Garden bok choy slaw!

Blackened Shutome
Calories: 355.4 | Total Fat: 4.6g | Cholesterol: 0.0mg | Total Carbs: 37.1g | Dietary Fiber: 4.4g | Protein: 40.6g

2 4 oz. pieces of swordfish (or you can substitute with your favorite white fish)
1 bunch bok choy
1/4 red cabbage
2 carrots
1 cup cooked jasmine rice
Blackening spice
1 cucumber
1 lemon
2 cilantro sprigs

Blackening Spice

1/4 cup chili powder
1 tbsp. onion powder
1 tbsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. cayenne powder
1 tbsp. dried basil
2 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. black pepper

1. Cut bok choy into thin ribbons, cut carrots into matchsticks, and slice red cabbage then dress with a Chablis or less oaky white wine and season with salt and pepper. (set aside)

2. Mix spices together and place one side of fish down in spices. Grill to preferred temperature.
Swordfish is always best medium rare to medium.

3. Peel, seed, and dice one cucumber and add zest and juice of one lemon. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

4. Place 1/2 cup of cooked jasmine rice onto plate. Gently stack the slaw and top with grilled fish. Finish with cucumber salsa and cilantro.

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It’s May, which means the start of more time outdoors—and that means more reasons to coat on the sunscreen. But as you’re slathering on the SPF, make note to pay careful attention to these seven spots that are typically forgotten about during the application process.

We spoke with two members of the American Academy of Dermatology—Dr. David Kriegel, director and founder of the Manhattan Center for Dermatology, and Dr. Heather Rogers, Seattle board-certified dermatologist at the Madison Skin & Laser Center®—who shared their insight on the spots most of us miss:

“We tell patients in our office at the Manhattan Center for Dermatology that the top places that people forget to use sunscreen are known as the ‘forgettable four,’” Dr. Kriegel tells us. Ears and lips comprise the first two slots, and he explains why.

“It is especially important to remember to apply sunscreen to the ears and lips, as skin cancers that occur in these areas are much more dangerous and have higher risk for spreading,” Dr. Kriegel says. “Lip balms with SPFs of 30 and above should be adequate for the lips but reapplying every few hours is critical.”

When covering the ears with sunscreen, make sure to not only apply to the most prominent parts of the ear, but to any part of the ear that gets sun exposure, he continues.  (Believe us, you might not remember to smear on lotion here, but you’ll certainly remember the oversight once they’re red!)

What comprises the rest of the “forgettable four” list?

The scalp—including the part line and balding area for men—a spot that’s often overlooked…

“People think that their scalps are protected by their hair. Even people with thick hair should protect the exposed parts of their scalps. Using a sunscreen spray will make this process a bit easier,” Dr. Kriegel says.

…and the tops of the feet, which easily burn.

Dr. Rogers agrees with this last one as well. “The feet are perpendicular to the sun, so even if you don’t put sunscreen on your legs, they don’t burn nearly as much has your feet.” (The same goes for your nose, she says—your nose sticks out, so it gets burned before your cheeks do!)

So now we have the “forgettable four,” but what are additional missed spots? The backs of hands, for one.

Skipping sunscreen here can lead to age spots, so be sure to apply…and reapply, particularly if you’ve washed your hands, Rogers says. And while we’re at it, don’t forget in between your fingers and toes!

Around the bathing suit, for another.

“Both men and women do a bad job of putting sunscreen right near their bathing suit because they don’t want to get cream on their swimsuit and stain,” Rogers says. Women will get burned by their bikini strap, while with men, it’s where their swim trunks hit their legs and along the top edge of the suit. “I always tell patients to put on sunscreen before they put on their bathing suit so they get better coverage,” she adds.

As well, most people tend to cover their faces thoroughly—it’s a given to slather on SPF to your nose, forehead, and cheeks—but right around the hairline is also key. Pay close attention to this area before you head outdoors!

And while you’re remembering all of the above, also burn this thought into your brain: “Sunscreen is just one of multiple steps of sun-protective behavior,” Rogers says. “Sunscreen’s great, but won’t do it alone. Don’t lie in the sun during the hottest hours of the day. Wear sun-protective clothing. Wear sunglasses. Wear a hat. If you follow those steps—even if you don’t do the perfect job applying sunscreen—you have other things to protect you.”

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by Jessica Remitz

As you get ready to fire up the grill and head outdoors for another summer of alfresco dining, be sure to fill your plate with some in season and nutrient packed fruits and veggies. Here are five can’t miss items, their health benefits, and how to cook them, straight from the experts.

Blueberries

“Summer is one of the best seasons when it comes to healthy fruits and vegetables,” said Vandana Sheth, RDN, CDE, registered dietitian nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Antioxidant-rich blueberries are one of them. In addition to helping strengthen the body’s ability to fight infection and disease, blueberries can help reduce plaque build up, which leads to decreased risk of heart attack and stroke. They may also help with bone health and reduce the risk or slow down the development of neurodegenerative diseases, Sheth said.  A recent study from New Zealand also suggests that the antioxidants found in blueberries may help ward off muscle fatigue.

Enjoy them in: your morning yogurt, hot or cold cereal, or yogurt popsicles

Mangoes

This delicious tropical fruit is packed with vitamins A and C—which are beneficial for good eye health and boosting our immune system to help fight against disease. Mangoes are also high in fiber, which can help increase a feeling of fullness, and potassium, which helps with heart health, Sheth said.

Enjoy them in: smoothies, salads, or salsa

Watermelon

Over 90 percent water, watermelon is an excellent source of hydration on steamy summer days, Sheth said. Watermelon also contains lycopene, a powerful carotenoid pigment that helps keep our skin clear and healthy. Because of its high water content, snaking on watermelon can also help create a feeling of fullness.

Enjoy it in: salads, homemade ice pops, and blended into juices

Tomatoes

Another superfood rich in lycopene, tomatoes are also known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic properties, Sheth said. They’re rich in vitamin A, C, E, Folate and potassium—nutrients many of us are deficient in—and are also beneficial to heart health. Their antioxidant properties may also help with bone health.

Enjoy them in: an array of soups, stews, sauces, and healthy, filling summer salads

Bell Peppers

Low in calories and high in a variety of vitamins an minerals, bell peppers contain phytochemicals and carotenoids that have been associated with a decreased risk for heart disease, age-related eye disease and some cancers. Just ½ cup of bell peppers provides more than 230 percent of your daily requirement of vitamin C for only 20 or so calories, according to Sheth.

Enjoy them in: soups, stews, as-is on the grill, and in a variety of salads

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May is Melanoma Awareness Month, a cause that’s very near and dear to our hearts here at SpaFinder Wellness. Accounting for 75 percent of deaths from skin cancer each year, melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer – but one that rarely strikes without a warning sign. Read on to discover the ABCDE’s of melanoma (thanks to the Skin Cancer Foundation) and discover products that you can use to reduce your risk and to help give back to this worthy cause!

The ABCDE’s of Melanoma

Because melanoma rarely strikes without warning signs early detection can help save your life! Regular skin checks are a great way to detect the cancer in its early stages. Moles, brown spots, and growths are not always just harmless marks on the skin. If you have more than 100 moles on your body, you are at a greater risk and should definitely read on!

Using the first five letters of the alphabet, the Skin Cancer Foundation devised an easy way to guide us through the early warning signs of the cancer.

A – Asymmetry (if you draw a line through the mole the two sides won’t match)
B – Border (early melanoma moles have uneven edges)
C – Color (a variety of colors or shades of brown, tan or black is a warning sign; melanoma can also turn red, blue or some other abnormal color)
D – Diameter (melanoma is usually larger in diameter than the size of a pencil’s eraser – ¼ inch – but they may also be smaller when first detected)
E – Evolving (any change in size, shape, color, elevation or other trait – new symptom such as bleeding, itching or crusting – is a major red flag)

by Rachel Chemerynski

It’s no lie that we love experiencing the latest and greatest yoga studios, spas and wellness centers over here at SpaFinder Wellness! I mean, can you blame us really? That’s why when we got the chance to spend the day at Kripalu—known as “the largest and most established retreat center for yoga, health, and holistic living in North America”—we felt compelled to share the ins and outs with you. Below, you can see for yourself what a day in life at a Kripalu looks like.

Where It’s Located: Tucked away in the scenic Berkshires of Western Massachusetts in Stockbridge, MA, Kripalu truly is the ultimate retreat. From breathtaking mountain views to serene nature walks, you’ll feel like you’re in a magical land far, far away from home.

The Schedule: While Kripalu offers a number of options for visitors from Healthy Living Immersion Programs to R & R Retreats, the Day Pass includes:

• Entry to all R & R Workshops
• Three all-natural meals
• Unlimited Yoga classes (all levels available)
• Kripalu Noon Dance
• Evening activities (from cooking classes to group chanting)
• Use of all amenities including sauna, whirlpool, labyrinth, walking & hiking trails, fitness center and beach area

$100 Sunday – Friday (excluding summer); $120 Memorial Day –Labor Day & all Saturdays year-round. Pre-registration required.

What to Expect: Picture a wellness center with everything you need, and then multiply your expectations by 1,000. With top-notch yoga classes, dancing, meditations, guided biking, hiking, and snowshoeing excursions, on-site wellness workshops, counseling and even spa services, there’s never a dull moment at Kripalu.

Workshop discussions cover a number of topics including “10 Ways to Heal Your Life,” “Rhythm and Poetry,” Attitude of Gratitude,” and “Qigong on the Lawn.”

Not to mention the quality time you get to take for yourself during the stay. Rest assured, you’ll have plenty of “me” time and can truly take this journey anywhere you’d like!

The Vibe: Don’t expect your typical high-end, spa-like ambience, or luxury amenities (which may come as a shock for some). In fact, Kripalu is very much low-key when it comes to appearances, focusing mostly on the experience factor. This means simple decor, basic shared rooms, and an all around laid-back vibe with few outside distractions. That being said, it’s plain to see that the dedicated, enthusiastic staff members truly care about making your retreat as enjoyable as possible.

The Eats: The food is hands down one of the best parts of the trip! The meals are prepared fresh and on-site daily, served up buffet-style in their large dining hall. Nourish your mind and body with home-cooked meals like warm grains, spicy tofu scramble, sautéed greens, seasonal soups, D.I.Y tacos, and curry quiche.

All the meals are prepared with simple, real ingredients, with a number of options (like Dairy, Vegan, and Gluten-free) to fit your personal dietary needs. Guests can treat themselves to a variety of tea, water, milk, fresh juices, and other seasonal beverages as well. Kripalu follows an Ayurvedic approach for the most part, serving up three nutritional meals, utilizing seasonal ingredients when possible, and offering something for every body type.

Who Should Make the Trip: From seasoned yogis to those just embarking on their personal wellness journey, Kripalu will meet you wherever you’re at in life. Whether you’re looking to get your health back on track, learn from some of the best spiritual gurus and teachers or simply get away, we highly recommend making the trip!

Know Before You Go: Wear comfy clothes like yoga pants and a roomy tank with a hoodie (in case you get cold), as you’ll be moving around quite a bit. You definitely don’t need to dress to impress here! If you plan to use the spa facilities (including sauna, fitness center, and whirl pool), a swimsuit and change of clothes would definitely come in handy.

Also, consider setting an intention for the trip to really get the most out of it, and prepare for an experience like no other!

5 Quick Takeaways from Kripalu’s Workshop “Ayurveda: A Life in Balance” with Dean of the Kripalu School of Ayurveda Hilary Garivaltis

1.    Drink your water at room temp, as it aids with digestion, supports the lymphatic system and gives your body a little break. Cold water can be harsh on the body, especially during the morning. Who knew?

2.    Get Into a Routine: According to Ayurvedic medicine, it’s extremely beneficial for our emotional and physical health to get into some sort of routine. While some of us may naturally resist at first, they recommend creating more of schedule by waking up with the sunrise, exercising in the morning and preferably eating your biggest meal at lunch.

3.    Eat according to the seasons (the way nature intended us to) for optimum health for your mind, body and soul. Check out some of our favorite in-season spring eats here!

4.    Get to know yourself: Know what it’s like to feel your very best self! That way when something feels “off” (i.e. when you’re having an off day) you can investigate why.

5.    What works for one may not work for another: We’ve all heard the saying that one man’s poison can be another’s medicine. Well, the Ayurvedic approach believes the same! Learn to become more in tune with your body, discovering which exercises and dietary styles work best for you (not your best friend or your fitness idol).

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Rachel Chemerynski is a certified health coach and freelance writer living in Boston, Massachusetts. She is the founder of Healthy Chicks, a wellness community dedicated to inspiring twenty-something women to live happier, health

Did you know that arthritis is America’s #1 cause of disability? In fact, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “by 2030, an estimated 67 million Americans ages 18 years or older are projected to have doctor-diagnosed arthritis.” With numbers that high it’s no wonder many spas feature treatments that can help relieve the symptoms of and pain associated with arthritis. In honor of Arthritis Month we’ve rounded up spas that offer services for arthritis and joint pain.

The Oaks at Ojai – Ojai, California

Joint Health Massage – After a day’s workout, muscle soreness is common. The herb Arnica (Arnica montana) has been used for medicinal purposes since the 1500s and has been used to soothe muscle aches, reduce inflammation, and heal wounds. The Oaks has developed a treatment that focuses on joint pain and relieving it.  It’s a wonderful way to recover from a day of workouts at The Oaks – or to sooth those with chronic joint pain. 50 minutes; $95

Ayurvedas World – New York, NY

Janu Basti (Knee Pain Treatment) – In this treatment the knee is bathed in warm medicated oils or herbal decoctions. It promotes the strength of the knee joint by improving the circulation. The treatment is beneficial for those with pain in their knee joints and Osteo Arthritis of the knee joint. 30 minutes; $85, 60 minutes; $125

Champneys Tring – United Kingdom

Kriotherapy – The signature Kriotherapy session consists of three minutes in a chamber set at a temperature of -135 degrees, used to rejuvenate the skin, increase circulation, and aid in ailments such as osteoporosis, arthritis, and more. 25 minutes; £55

Teatrees Boutique Spa – Blue Ridge, Georgia

Mini Arthritis Hand Treatment – Arthritis Hand Massage with peppermint oil to reduce inflammation and joint pain, followed by warm compresses. 10 minutes; $15

SIA Spa – Cincinnati, Ohio

Deluxe Full Body Massage (Pizichilli) – Heated oil, infused with healing herbs, is poured by two therapists. The combination of the heat, flow of oil, and massage is deeply relaxing and nurturing. This massage helps relieve pain from arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and pain from trauma. Most beneficial for Vata imbalance. 75 minutes; $225

Treatments that can be found all around the world:

Paraffin Wax: According to the Institute for Integrative Healthcare Studies, warm paraffin wax dips (a common add-on to many spa manicures and pedicures) help to expand the blood vessels, increase circulation, draw nutrients to the skin’s surface, and flush out toxins. “In 2006 Cochrane review reported positive results for paraffin wax baths for arthritic hands. When comparing various heat therapies, researchers concluded that paraffin wax treatment was especially helpful for arthritic hands on objective measures of range of motion, pinch function, grip strength, pain on non-resisted motion and stiffness compared to control (no treatment) after four consecutive weeks of treatment.”

Thermal Springs: They aren’t called healing springs for nothing! Hydrotherapy has six amazing benefits. Taking in the waters can release endorphins, reduce stress, eliminate toxins, increase blood circulation, reopen breathing passages, and relieve aches and pains associated with arthritis.

Massage Envy’s Healing Hands for Arthritis – Massage Envy Spa is a national sponsor of the Arthritis Foundation’s Arthritis Walk^® events throughout the country as well as the host of Healing Hands for Arthritis™, a one-day, in-clinic nationwide event. For every one-hour massage or facial session performed during the one-day event (this year on September 18), Massage Envy Spa makes a donation to the Arthritis Foundation.

Even more SpaFinder Wellness locations that offer treatments for arthritis

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Summer’s right around the corner, which means upcoming weddings to attend and afternoons at the beach or the pool to enjoy—and heightened anxiety regarding our looks. So that being said, we’d like to give a shout out to the medical spas in our SpaFinder® Wellness Network! They’re at your service during this very busy season of trying to appear our very best.

Debating on scheduling a series of laser therapy before slipping into that swimsuit? Opting for an advanced skin-care treatment or round of Botox prior to a big event? You’re not alone—according to Marketdata Enterprises, Inc.’s report, “Medical Spas: A Market Analysis,” revenues of the 2,100 med spas currently operating in the U.S. generated $1.94 billion in 2012, and will reach $3.6 billion by 2016. And SpaFinder.com has an extensive list of medical spas to help you find what will best suit your needs.

Plus, check out who you voted in as the Top 10 Best Medical Spas in the SpaFinder Wellness 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards.

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