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Spa Luce
By Terry Westhoff
Imagine a place where stress, worries, and the harsh day-to-day grind don't exist. Now imagine stepping into a place full of tranquility, serenity, and solace. This is very essence of SPA LUCE and it is every bit as relaxing as one could believe.
Spa Luce, located in the magnificent Highland Center at Hollywood and Highland, creates an aura of leisure from moment the person steps through the white double doors, as if he or she is entering into another world free from the hassles of everyday life. Upon entry, guests are greeted by the very friendly staff and shown to their respective changing rooms. Once inside, guests are able to slip out of their natural lives and into a surreal existence. The spa provides plush, soft white robes to compliment the feeling of escapism and comfort.
Once a guest has settled in, he or she has a variety of options to choice from. He or she can receive a massage from one of the many specialized masseurs, or sweat the anti-oxidants from their bodies in a sauna. There are relaxation rooms filled with inviting and alluring couches, fresh fruit, and plenty of water. If guests wish to relax outside, a pool is available for them to soak up some sun.
The spa offers a wide variety of massages, facials, body therapy, waxing, and manicure specials. The massage therapy packages offer everything from a customized massage to massages with stones and massages for expecting mothers. The Spa Luce custom massage allows guests to choose the type of techniques and areas of massage. If a certain part of the body is tight or sore, the custom massage is the best option since a guest can tailor the massage to fit his or her needs.
The Swedish, deep tissue, and reflexology massage all use different levels of pressure and body strokes to stimulate circulation and relieve stress in the muscles. The hot stone massage uses heated basalt stones mixed with Swedish massage techniques to loosen up muscles and enhance relaxation. The prenatal massage is specifically designed for women past their first trimester of pregnancy. All of the massages have their own unique qualities for guests who are searching for special treatment depending on their needs.
The spa also specializes in facials and skin therapy for those who wish their skin to radiate and looks years younger. Similar to the massages, Spa Luce offers custom facials to fit a guest's needs, a vitamin facial to rejuvenate the skin, a detox facial for those with skin blemishes, and a men's retreat facial for guys who want to erase lines and wrinkles on their skin. Each facial uses selected lotions and organic materials to exfoliate and leave the skin with a healthy glow.
Non-surgical facelifts facials are available for those who wish to completely revitalize their face without the risks of actual surgery. Ultrasonic microdermabrasion technology is used to improve circulation in the skin and stimulate the muscles. Depending on the level of treatment, the spa presents a variety of facelifts to meet the needs of guests. They may choose from anti-gravity facelifts, which completely tones and firms the muscle in the face to create a younger, youthful looking appearance. But, for those who want non-drastic procedures, there are simple deep wrinkle treatments to erase unwanted lines on the face and eye lifts to reduce dark circles around the eyes.
Nail therapy is another service the spa offers that features manicures, pedicures, and hand treatments using hot oils and moisturizers. Exotic lotions, spices, and organic minerals and oils are all used to create an invigorating sensation that will make nails shimmer and hands as soft as a baby's face.
If manicures, pedicures, massages, and facelifts aren't enough, body therapy treatments are available for those who desire a deeply energizing experience. All of the body therapy sessions include massages and are designed to draw out impurities and leave the skin feeling like new.
The soft, dim candlelight throughout the spa creates a calming, tranquil atmosphere intended for utmost relaxation. The candles generate a moonlighting environment ideal for unwinding and resting to the highest degree. For those who want to continue their experience at home, a gift shop offers a wide variety of soaps, massage oils, scented candles, and much more to create a spa-like setting right in one's own house. Spa Luce is a small piece of paradise for those who need to take a break from the stresses of the outside world.
The Perfect Antidote to Holiday Hassles
By Kathy Highcove
The holiday season is fast approaching, and many celebrants want to look their best for company events, and the holiday parties with family and friends. Looking good might mean more that a visit to the hairdresser or purchase of a new dress or suit. For many adults, the best way to look better for the holidays is weight loss or cosmetic non-surgical enhancements.
There is still time to lose an extra ten pounds before the pumpkin pie is served and the holiday table is laden with traditional goodies. And several ways to smooth away age and worry lines that gather around facial features. Etcetera Medical Group, found in several community locations, waits to offer patients the latest in weight control methods and non-invasive skin treatments.
For 35 years Etcetera has offered pioneering treatments for the obese: appetite suppressant medication, Optifast Program for reduced caloric intake, and the original "Diet Shot" to accompany their diet program. Since the beginning of the Medi-spa organization, Etcetera Medical has emphasized a major maxim for all their centers: Etcetera patients are counseled and supervised by highly trained, caring and professional personnel who acquire and maintain specialized knowledge for the Etcetera individualized programs. No "cookie cutter" approach. Each patient is assisted through a customized program of weight loss and counseled on ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Another major way to "look good" for the upcoming festivities is to acquire a fresher, younger appearance. Patients come to Etcetera to find ways to erase the worry lines, crow's feet, and forehead lines with precise injections of Botox. Noticeable lines caused by stress and forms of facial expressions are smoothed out with injections of Restylane and Juvederm.
Etcetera offers Mesotherapy - a process pioneered in the 1950's by French physician Dr. Michel Pister. Mesotherapy uses painless microinjection of vitamins, minerals and medications by practitioners just under the surface of the patient's skin. These applications offered by Etcetera target weight reduction, spot weight reduction, cellulite reduction and face and neck rejuvenation.
Many of the Etcetera patients are looking for an option to invasive expensive techniques such as liposuction and plastic surgery. The Medi-spa practitioners treat lines, wrinkles, age spots, melasma, acne scars and stretch marks on the torso with Palomar Lux 1540 Fractional Laser treatments.
According to an Etcetera information sheet: "Lux 1540 works by delivering light in an array of narrow, focused 'microbeams' to create columns of coagulation (heat) deep within the skin. The heated tissue within these columns initiates a natural healing process that stimulates collagen remodeling to form new healthy tissue. This process results in a fresher, more youthful skin tone and texture."
Etcetera advertises a LuxIR Skin Tightening handpiece that is said to transmit infrared (IR) light pulses deep into the dermis to create an area of higher temperature. The center's practitioners state that "...the heating technology has been shown to trigger a biological response that leads to collagen remodeling in the deep dermis. Remodeled collagen can smooth out fine wrinkles, tighten sagging skin and can also stimulate increased collagen production with very little discomfort and downtime."
All these procedures, with the addition of Photo Facials, Hair Removal, and Yag Vein Removal, can add up to a whole new look with years taken off one's personal appearance. Etcetera offers free consultations at their five locations, and potential patients are shown examples of the procedures with before and after photos.
Etcetera means "everything else" and the list of services seems to imply that everything else that might be adjusted, by non-invasive means - has been included in the list of potential procedures.
Prices are competitive with other centers and similar spas and clinics in the area. Visit their website and consider a holiday gift for your own pleasure. Reward yourself for the hours spent shopping and wrapping gifts - stressful activities that might deepen those frown lines. Better yet, spread some heavy hints and ask for Etcetera services as your holiday gift from anyone who wants to see you looking good.
Etcetera Medical has 5 locations for your convenience:
~ Santa Clarita 661-259-8884
~ Agoura Hills 818-889-5580
~ Encino 818-385-0163
~ Simi Valley 805-582-0555
~ Camarillo 805-383-9908
www.etceteramedical.net
Thanksgiving Nutrition
By David Allen
Thanksgiving is an Amer-ican treasure. It is an occasion to gather with family and friends, reconnect and share the joy of a meal with love and care.
At David Allen Nutrition, we give thanks for the blessing of healthy living by urging our clients to enjoy Thanksgiving without the extra calories or poor eating habits during the holidays.
When it comes to the Thank-sgiving meal itself, it can present a challenge. Thank-sgiving, for a lot of us, represents the beginning of the end of our healthy eating routine.
Here are some tips to help you through this holiday season.
*As the cook, you can take this opportunity to introduce your relatives and friends to healthier options.
*If you are not in charge of meal preparation, you can also bring a healthy dish for dinner.
*Load up on lean turkey breast rather than the legs or thighs. Also avoid the skin.
*Munch on raw veggies and fill your plate with an assortment of lightly cooked veggies.
*For beverages, stick with Iced tea, Perrier with lemon or lime. For alcoholic drinks stick with clear alcohols (gin, Vodka, tequila).
*Instead of choosing sweet treats, opt for fruit.
*Never, Ever, Ever, bring any leftovers home with you,.
Above all, remember that what is truly important and valuable is being around loved ones. Don't use it as an excuse to stuff your belly with meals that are unhealthy and calorie-packed. So, enjoy the company as well as the food without having to wait for the New Year's resolution to eat healthy and live happily.
http://www.davidallennutrition.com