Yesterday I had an opportunity I rarely get these days, to give a client a facial treatment. I "retired" from hands-on treatments about ten years ago, but occasionally I get called off the bench when one of our wonderful estheticians falls ill.
"Jenny" was one of my private clients from Day One. Back in those days, Preston Wynne occupied less than five hundred square feet into which we'd shoehorned three little treatment rooms. It was very cozy! As we reminisced yesterday, we realized we've known one another for twenty five years. She is now 81 years old.
Her skin is utterly amazing. This fair-skinned, lovely lady has taken the absolute best care of her skin, and the centerpiece of that regimen has been a monthly facial treatment. She has also been vigilant in her use of sun protection. She was an avid walker for years. It's not often one gets to see the long-term effects of excellent skin care and self care, but it's very gratifying! She has the skin of a much younger person, with superb tone and resilience, and texture like rose petals.
Enjoying an hour in her company, I felt deeply honored that the ritual of her monthly facial treatment--and our wonderful visits--has been a part of Jenny's life for over two decades.
Jenny no longer visits the spa under her own power--for years, she walked into the Village for her treatments. These days, her devoted son drives her, escorting his mother with great tenderness. She's fragile now and moves slowly, but there's a determination in her soft blue eyes that delights me. Her facial treatment and pedicure are a non-negotiable!
As any woman knows, beauty rituals transcend appearance enhancement. They are part of the social fabric of our world, and an opportunity to experience for ourselves a bit of the care and nurturing that we extend to others.
Jenny's visit reminded me how fortunate I am to be in this amazing business!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Getting Wellness
I'm about six weeks into my got-religion wellness program for rehabbing my arthritic shoulder, and I'm happy to report I'm making progress. Here's the protocol so far:
ACUPUNCTURE: Twice-weekly acupuncture has done wonders for the inflammation in my shoulder. Thanks to Adam for making time for me in his busy schedule. I'm learning that in Chinese medicine, it's all about heat. Ice is for fresh injuries only. After that, heat, heat heat!
HEAT: I am using two (count 'em) heated neck pillows. We sell these at the spa, naturally, and I actually stack mine one atop the other, because much of this arthritic-shoulder business is being caused by stuff going on in my neck. And yes, my neck is sort of long, but the double-pillow trick is good for any tall or large person who isn't getting a neck-ful of heat with just one. I pop them into the microwave when I'm getting ready to sit down at the computer. Wearing them at the computer reminds me about the most important element of my rehab program...
POSTURAL IMPROVEMENT: According to Adam and my chiropractor, these problems are most likely the result of poor posture. I spend a LOT of time at the computer, with my shoulders rolled forward and pectoral muscles shrinking...shrinking...but it's never too late to fix that. I will be starting Pilates with a physical therapist here in Santa Cruz. I have changed my computer posture by keeping my feet flat on the floor and core "engaged," instead of crossing my legs and slumping back in my chair. As well, I am increasing the size of the type on my screen whenever possible to prevent myself from craning and leaning forward. And I am taking much more frequent breaks, which is fun.
ARNICA: I am taking a natural anti-inflammatory, homeopathic arnica (pick it up at Whole Foods, in the supplement area) as well as using arnica-enriched AcquaCures Relief Gel, which goes such a long way. (Don't be afraid of that tiny tube! It reallly lasts.) Remember, when you're using homeopathic medicines, don't consume mint. That means switching toothpaste. I like the Trader Joe's Fennel toothpaste. (Yes, it took a week or so to get used to the refreshing taste of...fennel in the morning!)
CHIROPRACTIC: I see Sheila Campbell, D.C., who practices in the same office as Adam White, our acupuncturist, in Capitola. Tiny but mighty Dr. Campbell has really helped me with neck issues.
WORKING OUT: Interestingly, my shoulder feels best when I've had a very active week, especially when I run on the beach or trails, or even do yardwork--like my weedinator weekends, spent obsessively raking and hoeing. Adam says while this seems counterintuitive, it's really about increasing circulation.
READING: I have to say, one of the best books I've ever read, "Healing Back Pain" by Dr. John Sarnow, encourages plenty of physical activity and encourages us to stop thinking of ourselves--and particularly our spines--as fragile and breakable. Just knowing you're not going to hurt yourself by working out releases a great deal of the "protective" muscle tension that is keeping your body in spasm.
MASSAGE THERAPY: Last but not least, I have benefited from the work of the cranial-sacral angels of Preston Wynne Spa, including Frankie and Ellen. Weekly massages (darn it) are part of the plan. This subtle but powerful form of bodywork is fantastic for anyone with neck issues. That would be about 90% of the guests we see!
I know this sounds like a lot of work--after all, the orthopedist offered to shoot some cortisone into my shoulder and send me on my way. But the benefits extend beyond my shoulder. Not only does that part feel better, I am finding that this program--and particularly the acupuncture--has energized me and helped me de-stress, too.
ACUPUNCTURE: Twice-weekly acupuncture has done wonders for the inflammation in my shoulder. Thanks to Adam for making time for me in his busy schedule. I'm learning that in Chinese medicine, it's all about heat. Ice is for fresh injuries only. After that, heat, heat heat!
HEAT: I am using two (count 'em) heated neck pillows. We sell these at the spa, naturally, and I actually stack mine one atop the other, because much of this arthritic-shoulder business is being caused by stuff going on in my neck. And yes, my neck is sort of long, but the double-pillow trick is good for any tall or large person who isn't getting a neck-ful of heat with just one. I pop them into the microwave when I'm getting ready to sit down at the computer. Wearing them at the computer reminds me about the most important element of my rehab program...
POSTURAL IMPROVEMENT: According to Adam and my chiropractor, these problems are most likely the result of poor posture. I spend a LOT of time at the computer, with my shoulders rolled forward and pectoral muscles shrinking...shrinking...but it's never too late to fix that. I will be starting Pilates with a physical therapist here in Santa Cruz. I have changed my computer posture by keeping my feet flat on the floor and core "engaged," instead of crossing my legs and slumping back in my chair. As well, I am increasing the size of the type on my screen whenever possible to prevent myself from craning and leaning forward. And I am taking much more frequent breaks, which is fun.
ARNICA: I am taking a natural anti-inflammatory, homeopathic arnica (pick it up at Whole Foods, in the supplement area) as well as using arnica-enriched AcquaCures Relief Gel, which goes such a long way. (Don't be afraid of that tiny tube! It reallly lasts.) Remember, when you're using homeopathic medicines, don't consume mint. That means switching toothpaste. I like the Trader Joe's Fennel toothpaste. (Yes, it took a week or so to get used to the refreshing taste of...fennel in the morning!)
CHIROPRACTIC: I see Sheila Campbell, D.C., who practices in the same office as Adam White, our acupuncturist, in Capitola. Tiny but mighty Dr. Campbell has really helped me with neck issues.
WORKING OUT: Interestingly, my shoulder feels best when I've had a very active week, especially when I run on the beach or trails, or even do yardwork--like my weedinator weekends, spent obsessively raking and hoeing. Adam says while this seems counterintuitive, it's really about increasing circulation.
READING: I have to say, one of the best books I've ever read, "Healing Back Pain" by Dr. John Sarnow, encourages plenty of physical activity and encourages us to stop thinking of ourselves--and particularly our spines--as fragile and breakable. Just knowing you're not going to hurt yourself by working out releases a great deal of the "protective" muscle tension that is keeping your body in spasm.
MASSAGE THERAPY: Last but not least, I have benefited from the work of the cranial-sacral angels of Preston Wynne Spa, including Frankie and Ellen. Weekly massages (darn it) are part of the plan. This subtle but powerful form of bodywork is fantastic for anyone with neck issues. That would be about 90% of the guests we see!
I know this sounds like a lot of work--after all, the orthopedist offered to shoot some cortisone into my shoulder and send me on my way. But the benefits extend beyond my shoulder. Not only does that part feel better, I am finding that this program--and particularly the acupuncture--has energized me and helped me de-stress, too.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Time to get serious...
Self care isn't selfish. You're not of much use to others if you're not taking proper care of yourself. During stressful times, self care can seem frivolous. But nothing could be further from the truth!
I received a sobering diagnosis today from an orthopedist. I have severe degenerative arthritis in my left shoulder. It's been giving me pain. And I've been ignoring it for awhile, hoping it would go away. That's been a fairly successful strategy of mine in the past.
During my granddaughter's recent visit--she is just five months old--I had difficulty lifting her out of her stroller. Absurd. Unacceptable! I need to be a fit and flexible Grandma. Bone spurs, bone schmurs.
So, to my self care routine of daily workouts, frequent massage, almost-daily meditation (getting there!) and eating well, I'll be adding a program of regular acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture delivers outstanding results for arthritis. I've recommended it to plenty of people. Now it's my turn.
Adam White, L.Ac., is at our spa weekly. We are fortunate indeed to steal him away from his thriving practice in Capitola. He is an expert in Traditional Chinese Medicine, has researched, taught and lectured extensively, and has helped many of our clients in the past several years.
I'll let you know how my treatment progresses!
I received a sobering diagnosis today from an orthopedist. I have severe degenerative arthritis in my left shoulder. It's been giving me pain. And I've been ignoring it for awhile, hoping it would go away. That's been a fairly successful strategy of mine in the past.
During my granddaughter's recent visit--she is just five months old--I had difficulty lifting her out of her stroller. Absurd. Unacceptable! I need to be a fit and flexible Grandma. Bone spurs, bone schmurs.
So, to my self care routine of daily workouts, frequent massage, almost-daily meditation (getting there!) and eating well, I'll be adding a program of regular acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture delivers outstanding results for arthritis. I've recommended it to plenty of people. Now it's my turn.
Adam White, L.Ac., is at our spa weekly. We are fortunate indeed to steal him away from his thriving practice in Capitola. He is an expert in Traditional Chinese Medicine, has researched, taught and lectured extensively, and has helped many of our clients in the past several years.
I'll let you know how my treatment progresses!
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