The physical aspects of stress

May 27th, 2010

Fact: We live in an extremely stressful world.


Fact: Our bodies, on both physical and mental levels, pay the price.


As humans, we are hard-wired to cope with stress. It’s when stress kicks into overload that we face

problems, sometimes large problems.  Stress can disrupt almost all of your bodies processes, putting

you at at increased risk of such heath problems as  heart disease, sleep problems, digestive problems, depression, obesity, memory impairment and the worsening of skin conditions.


Here at the Spa, we offer a variety of services that are conducive to reducing stress in a calm, peaceful

and quiet environment. From the relaxing sound of waterfalls to soothing music, our team is dedicated

to your well being.


The Touch Research Institute research suggests that massage therapy creates a reduction in stress

 levels. It is documented that following a massage, we feel less pain, are less depressed, anxiety levels

decrease, we are less fatigued and have less difficulty falling asleep.


While the benefits of a restful night’s sleep have been readily available, recently the media has turned

its eyes on promoting the benefits with regard to our general happiness, productivity at work, the way

we interact with others and our general outlook on life.


Several treatments at the Spa are classified as preventative care. Look at your insurance to see what is

covered. Your well being is not a luxury, its a necessity.








Ahhhh, the massage

May 20th, 2010

I recently took my own advice regarding wellness and booked a massage with Cathy Callahan. You

can’t help but relax when you step into not only the Spa, but her room. The ambiance was great,

 soft light by way of candles, the sound of water, soothing music and a hint of eucalyptus in the air.

Divine. She started the massage by placing moisture therapy under my back, which helped start the

 relaxation process.  I was toast at that point. For 60 minutes Callahan used reflexology, myofascial and

 trigger point/ deep tissue massage.


Within the first several minutes, I was thinking “liquid silver.”  Her movements were so fluid, her hands

 never left my body, even as she replenished the lotion she was using. She did much needed reflexology

on my feet, hands, neck and shoulders. I sit at a computer a good part of every day with my body leaning

forward.  The chest muscles, left unattended, have a tendency to get shorter and shorter. Thank you

Cathy for that, I didn’t know. She worked on stretching those muscles and suggested  using  

backward  motion when doing shoulder rolls.


By the time she had me flip onto my stomach, all was well with the world. The face cradle smelled of

eucalyptus, which took me further into paradise. The thing about deep tissue massage is that

 sometimes the therapist uses their own weight with their elbows to really get deep. I personally am

not fond of that because it hurts. And its hard to relax when you are feeling pain. Cathy used pressure

 points along my spine to get the same effect. Just an easy up and down movement that while firm,

caused no discomfort at all.


She used the moisture therapy under me for both my back and again when I turned on my stomach,

which was a great touch. The deep tissue method is used to release toxins, hence the need for hydration.

Water flushes those toxins out of your system. Something else she shared with me, massage increases

the blood flow by three times of what is usually is.


This isn’t a luxury, removing the stress and eliminating toxins is conducive to your health and allows

you to function better,  no matter what hat you happen to be wearing.






















It’s all in the eyes……

April 26th, 2010

Just in Time for Summer, Two New Eyelash Treatments Are  Available at the Spa at Willow Bend.

How many eyelash curlers are in your possession at this time? How many of those are clean, fresh

and ready to use? And…when is the last time you used one?

Eyelash curlers are passe’- outdated. Women are becoming familiar with the Eyelash Perm as a matter

of looks, convenience and time. When lashes are straight and downward slanted it makes the eyes look

tired and somewhat droopy. The lashes, upon being curled, bring the eyes upward while appearing

fuller and longer. Its a great look! The 50 minute application is a safe and effective way to keep your

lashes curled and beautiful ALL the time. The results last between 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the natural growth cycle of the individual.

Eyelash Extensions  can add dramatic volume and length to thin, short eyelashes. The extensions are

adhered to individual lashes to create a slightly curled look that is full, while looking natural. This

treatment is being used by women who are tired of using mascara and lash curlers. The treatment for

new applications can last from 1.5 to 3 hours, with results that last between 1 and 2 months. Regular

touch-ups help maintain the look.

New Services at the Spa at Willow Bend

April 20th, 2010

Spa Week was a busy, busy week. We saw many people who decided to take some time just for

themselves. A little “me time” goes a long way with regard to your health and general outlook on life.

 As spring brings us a time of renewal, the Spa at Willow Bend is dedicated to bringing in new techniques

and services to renew one’s physical and emotional self.


We are introducing two new facial treatments, The Chinese Herbal Acne Treatment and the Chinese

Facial Lift.


Traditional Chinese Medicine says that acne occurs when there is an accumulation of heat and slow

moving blood cells. This facial is a 2 1/2 hour treatment that starts with a thorough cleansing with deep

penetrating herbs. The second step is a stimulating ultrasound treatment followed by an application of

antibacterial herbs. You can see positive results with as little as two treatments.


The Chinese Facial Lift is another 2 1/2 hour treatment ( Think total relaxation) This facial starts with the cleansing and exfoliation of the skin. This preps the skin for the next stage, which is 40 minutes of

acupressure on your face, head and neck areas. A lifting cream is then applied to the face  by way of an

ultrasound  machine. The facial ends with an herbal mask that has been specifically customized to the

individuals needs and skin type. This facial treatment is used to promote facial muscle tone. (Again,

think total relaxation)


Spring is about renewal and this is the perfect time to rejuvenate yourself or a loved one.

 972.312.8189