Is That A Thing?

New Ways To

by Jana Williams

BREATHE In Wellness

Healing Treatments That May Surprise You

Christine Zarb is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner with 26 years of nursing experience. Her medical spa, Complexion Perfexion, is one of the leading med spas in Wilton, pioneering new ideas and providing a model for businesses in the field by offering exceptional customer service in a unique, boutique-style space. As the former Medical Science Liaison for global skincare leader Galderma Laboratories, Zarb renders all evidence-based medical aesthetic treatments with care to deliver optimal results. When asked about the latest and perhaps most unconventional services, there were some treatments that came to her immediately.

Snail Secretion Therapy: The Snail Facial (aka “Escarglow Facial”)

Really, is that a thing? Yes, in fact, it is. Provocative posts of the Snail Facial, aka “Escarglow Facial” can be seen on Instagram with gutwrenching images of snails crawling over faces. Zarb breaks it down to what it actually is and describes how you do not have to endure snails crawling on your face to get beautiful skin! Zarb explains the practice of placing snails on the face to elicit their beneficial secretions is dated back to ancient times, however it was a radiation oncologist who discovered the healing benefits of the secretions from the snail Cryptomphalus aspersa (SCA).

The SCA secretions contain Growth Factors (GFs), which are chemical messengers that regulate specific cellular activities.

Zarb utilizes Biopelle’s SCA Biorepair Technology which has been clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin texture. It’s important to know that this patented process is not harmful to the snails. In fact, they live in a snail sanctuary in the northern coast of Spain where they feed on a diet of lettuce and carrots!

The SCA Technology is optimized during her microneedling treatments when open channels are created in the skin. It is also used post-procedure to help optimize results, shorten healing/down time, and reduce negative procedural side effects.

To learn more about SCA Technology or to book an appointment, go to complexionperfexion.com.

Other unique spa offerings

The Greek philosopher Plutarch said, “What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality.” Okay, maybe he was referring to a journey of the soul, but I was surprised to find this philosophy at the forefront of many modern cosmetic health procedures as well. I recently visited three spas in the 068 area to explore interesting new modalities that utilize the body’s inherent ability to repair and

The Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) tank helps the body to stave off aging, among many other uses. It’a a unique method of therapy available at The Gift Med Spa.

The LightStim device, used during the EscarGlow Facial, emits a unique combination of distinctly colored LED lights to stimulate circulation and decrease inflammation.

Dr. Joseph Sciarrino with one of the two Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy tanks found at The Gift Med Spa in Ridgefield.

rejuvenate itself.

Celebrating its first anniversary on Main Street, The Gift Med Spa wants to create a ‘Blue Zone’ like those in Sardinia and La Jolla, right here in Ridgefield. A maxillo-facial surgeon by training, Dr. Joseph Sciarrino is betting the two Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) tanks in his office will do just that by enriching the health, vitality, and longevity of his clients.

A proven therapy used for many years in hospitals, HBOT helps the body enhance its natural process of angiogenesis (blood vessel production) and neurogenesis (nerve production) and stave off aging. HBOT can also be part of a custom designed, anti-aging package that pairs it with acupuncture and IV nutrient therapy.

“HBOT allows the body to carry more oxygen to the tissues, stimulating your immune system. Oxygen is also a natural antibiotic and antifungal treatment, so it can decrease inflammation. My experience is that HBOT over time helps patients heal better and improves their mental function,” said Dr. Sciarrino.

After a brief chat, clients change into comfortable scrubs and enter the HBOT tank. A large window allows them to see the surrounding room and alleviates any feelings of claustrophobia. Clients can listen to music, read a book, or simply fall asleep. Each session lasts 60 minutes.

“The tank pressurizes to 1.6 to 2.0 atmospheres, which is the equivalent of diving 20 to 40 feet underwater,” said Dr. Sciarrino. “Some people feel a little stuffy like when they go up or down in an airplane, but that’s about it.”

He cautions that if people have any kind of chronic medical condition they should get clearance from their doctor before undergoing the therapy. Clients are recommended to take 30 to 40

The EmSculpt Neo treatment combines electromagnetic stimulated muscle contractions with radiofrequency to heat up and kill fat cells at the same time, and can be used to target areas of the body where fat has built up. Photo courtesy of Greenwich Medical Spa.

Susi Laura of Susi Laura Massage relaxes during a Normatic Leg Recovery treatment.

sessions, with the regenerative therapy results lasting for three to five years afterwards.

In addition to HBOT, The Gift Med Spa offers high-end therapeutic facials and other aesthetic aging services. More information can be found at www.thegiftmedspa.com.

Put On Your Tight Pants

Susi Manheimer, the owner of Susi Laura Massage, is an avid runner and is at many of the area’s athletic events. She has a new tool in her arsenal – the Normatec Leg Recovery System.

Used by professional and college athletes, Normatec rooms can be found on campuses across the country. Utilizing a compartmentalized air pressure system, the Normatec pants improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage during a 30-minute treatment.

After being zipped in an anti-gravity chair, pressurized air is pumped into the pants starting at the feet. It works its way up and down through five compartments towards the top of the thigh, like wearing a giant blood pressure cuff! The client can adjust the pressure throughout the session.

“This therapy is excellent for people who are on their feet all day like doctors, nurses, or teachers,” said Manheimer. “It’s a good alternative for massage but with less personal touch.”

Go to www.susilauramassage.com to find out more.

Redefining Sculpture

The human body has often been captured in stone by the world’s greatest sculptors, so it’s no secret where the term ‘chiseled abs’ originated! The Greenwich Medical Spa in Ridgefield offers noninvasive EmSculpt Neo technology as a way for clients to both debulk fat and tone muscle in one therapy, thereby ‘sculpting’ specific areas of the body.

“The EmSculpt Neo finally combines electromagnetic stimulated muscle contractions with radiofrequency to heat up and kill fat cells at the same time,” said Amber Paprin, aesthetic nurse practitioner at the Greenwich Medical Spa. “Once a fat cell is destroyed, it’s permanent. It doesn’t migrate or grow back, so this is a great solution for those stubborn problem areas.”

The technology uses a machine with large paddles strapped to the area of the body you wish to sculpt. A warming and a buzzing, tightening sensation combined with vigorous tapping moves you through the 30-minute therapy.

“It’s the equivalent of doing 20,000 sit ups so the contractions cause some discomfort, but it isn’t painful,” said Paprin.

The fact that there is no down time and it’s only a 30-minute therapy appeals to a lot of people. For all the spa’s services visit www. greenwichmedicalspa.com.

Our bodies are truly remarkable, and science is learning more about aging every day. When you feel good on the inside, it’s reflected on the outside.•