HOME & STYLE
Calming Down My return to the high-touch world of spa and salon treatments By Elyse Major
Slo Spa & Salon
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on the other side of the building : the spa! My first treatment was a facial with Laura Almeida, a licensed esthetician and nail technician who pursued her career after being inspired by reg ular facials for acne growing up. For 50 minutes, she gently applied products with fresh mild scents followed by steam, toner, and neck massages; there was a face mask, moisturizer, and a series of LED lights to minimize fine lines. Dewy-skinned and at ease, I was led to the Relaxation Room to await my next appointment. For the next 50 minutes, the massage therapist worked her game theory on my rigid muscles; it was fascinating to listen as she discussed what and why she was doing what she did. There were times when I could barely catch my breath as she kneaded, and other times I nearly drifted off to sleep. With body and soul feeling refreshed, I was
VACC I N E REQUIREMENT
The Rhode Island Department of Health announced in a press release that all RIDOH-licensed health-care providers as well as all employees, interns, and volunteers working in RIDOHlicensed health-care facilities must receive their final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by October 1, 2021. While Rhode Island massage therapists are reg ulated by the Board of Massage Therapy, they are under the banner of the Department of Health and must therefore comply with this rule. Source: Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals, ABMP.com
Hey Rhody WELLNESS JANUARY 2022 |
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Photos courtesy of Slo Spa & Salon
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h, you’re gonna be fun,” said my massage therapist at Slō Spa & Salon, a business just over the state line in Seekonk, Massachusetts. Initially sur veying my neck and shoulders with her fingers – an area I circled on the intake sheet filled out upon entering the salon – I confirmed her hunch of having a sedentary job and lots of stress. “The body is like a puzzle and I need to figure it out,” she said. “A puzzle of muscle knots.” Even though I was about to enter a hightouch situation for the first time in a very long time, I felt at ease. All spa staff wore masks, hand sanitizer was at the ready, and a gallery wall of framed safety standards and protocols was on display front and center. While everything appeared orderly and tidy, it didn’t feel sterile, and the salon area to the left buzzed with activity. However, my visit began
