Today’s spa series is written by none other than our own Anthony McCammon, a member of the Wine & Roses team.  Anthony writes about his very own spa experience.

Take it away Anthony…

Truly the Most Wonderful Spa Around

The anticipation of the new spa opening was exciting for everyone, well, almost everyone.  My past experiences of friends trying to give me a massage left a bad memory and I was not as ecstatic as everyone else was.  So the day came when the manager at The Spa at Wine & Roses said we were all going to get a chance to experience all the beauty and relaxation The Spa had to offer.  My co-workers at the front desk tried to calm my nerves and tell me how wonderful an experience it really is.  So with a little more confidence I headed for my first spa treatment, the Wellness Massage.

Having peeked in from time to time during the construction process I thought I knew what was going to be in store, but when I walked in, it was somehow different.  Somehow there was this special sparkle now that construction was finished and I was greeted with a smile when I walked in.  It was special to walk into the locker-rooms and see the details of even the combs and such laid out on the counter.  It was wonderful to slip into that big comfy robe and sandals.  To sit in the plush over-sized chairs of the Tranquility room with a gentle fire along the wall.  Everything began to just fall into place as I began to finally relax a little in preparation of my first treatment.

When my therapist came, she introduced herself (even though we already knew each other) and asked how I was feeling about this.  Once she knew I was still a little nervous, she really calmed me when she explained how the massage was going to work and all I had to do was relax.  And I did.  It was nothing like I had experienced before and was pure bliss.  When we were finished she guided me back to the Tranquility Room and set me up with some refreshments.  I was told I did not have to move until I was ready and was invited to use some of the other amenities in the area- the plunge pools, & the steam room.

After that first massage I knew I was hooked.  I’ve now been back for several treatments, trying some of the different services offered (my favorite now being the La Stone massage).  When I moved away to San Jose for a period of time, I searched desperately for something similar, but was unsuccessful.  I sure was glad to have The Spa at Wine & Roses back in my backyard when I moved back to Lodi.

Not Anthony enjoying the fire pit at the Spa

Spa Plunge Pool

Whatever spa services you sign up for, don’t forget your feet & scalp.  These two add-on services are designed to treat the parts of our body that we often mistreat.

O Sole O Mio~

Let’s face it; we take our bodies for granted, and we allow our feet to take a beating.  Most of us spend far too long each day standing still, or worse, barely moving.  We overdo exercise, or don’t exercise at all.  Ladies, got a fabulous pair of shoes that you lovingly force your feet and toes into in the morning- thinking only about the rave reviews ’THE SHOES” will bring throughout the day, giving no consideration to the cramped quarters your feet and toes must share.  All of this leads to tired, aching limbs, swollen ankles, pain and stiffness, and even sluggish blood flow. 

Massage for the Feet the means to ease this tension and revitalize this weight-bearing part of our bodies.  It stimulates the lymph system and refreshes our whole body.  Bad posture, back aches and fatigue can all stem from feet problems.  According to chinese medicine, the sensory nerves of the internal organs that spread throuhgout the body are gathered at the soles of the feet; therefore, foot massage stimulates the functions of the internal organs.

Reflective Zones of the Feet, according to Chinese Medicine

Intensive Scalp Treatment~

The head is one of the most important areas of the body, and most of the time we don’t give it the attention it needs. It is also where we keep emotions, feelings, and memories.  Due to continually more stressful lifestyles, we experience more stress and anxiety daily.  (Like wanting everyone to fall in love with our fabulous new pair of shoes!)

A scalp massage focuses on the head, neck, and scalp.  It clears, revitalizes the mind, and improves concentration.  It enhances blood circulation in the head and neck.  When the scalp is tight from stress, circulation and hair growth are impeded, so a scalp massage helps relax the scalp and increase pliability giving you a feeling of calm and peace as it releases anxiety, nervousness, and tension.  Scalp massage also promotes sound sleep patterns at night, and leaves you feeling grounded and balanced.  Got tired eyes?   This treatment can also help your eyes to relax and minimize chronic eye strain.  Not only is scalp massage beneficial for our nervous systems, but it is also for the nutrition and beauty of our hair.  The treatment strengthens the roots of the hair and nourishes the hair shafts, promoting new hair growth and strengthening current hair relieving itchiness and dryness.  Another benefit is protection from environmental toxins and weather conditions that your hair is exposed to daily.

Intensive Scalp Treatment and Massage

Combine your scalp massage or foot massage with deep breathing for even deeper results, and fall head over heels for these add-ons!

Exciting news for us at Wine & Roses! We have expanded our salon services. We are now an Aveda Salon offering full service haircare treatments and services. So why all the fuss?  Well, Aveda happens to be the industry trendsetter in the arts of hair styling and coloring, makeup, skin care and spa services. They are a professional brand of plant-based products. Aveda’s ingredient philosophy is simple: what you put on your body should be as healthy and natural as what you put into it.

Aveda’s guiding principles:

• Aveda is one of the largest purchasers of organic ingredients in the personal care industry.
• Aveda has and never will conduct animal testing on their products, and they are tirelessly working to help promote alternative methods in the beauty industry to end all animal testing.
• Avdea believes there is no responsible alternative to doing business other than through environmental sustainability.

Giving is also in Aveda’s nature. They help support indigenous communities. They help protect the earth. They are the 1st beauty company manufacturing with 100% certified wind power. They are mindful of the need to reduce their environmental footprint in every package they develop.

Aveda is a pioneer. Their product line is elegant and clean; it’s integral and pure. And it is not just about the products, it’s about the experience for our guests. Whatever it takes- Aveda is there. Whatever education and training we need in the salon to support our team, Aveda gives it. And it’s not just selling the product, it’s about letting our team know how to serve our guests. Aveda also makes sure that their salons are staying cutting edge, that they’re always at the forefront of what the next techniques and trends are in the industry.

We are proud, ecstatic, to partner with Aveda. Becasue we know we are giving our guests the very best; and that makes us very excited!

Some of the Aveda products in the spa