Coronavirus Rubbing you the Wrong way?

Each of us has had a different experience over the last few months. Since we reopened Bodywork Professionals, I’ve heard many different stories about how life changed for the better or worse, joys and drudgery.

Lots of people found themselves turning into full time caregivers. Some caring for children who lost their schooling or activities, others caring for elderly parents.

Both cases present a different pallet of physical and emotional stress that can be physically depleting. In this distant world, the lack of touch and contact has also taken a toll.

I always think I’m going to ignore the advice of airline stewards that say “In the event of an emergency, put your oxygen mask on before your children.” Many of us are hardwired to take care of others first and it’s almost uncomfortable to think of putting yourself before others.

However, taking care of yourself is in fact taking care of them. Enduring or ignoring chronic pain, is dismissing the machine telling us something is wrong and needs attention. Just the act of caring itself can go a long way to making things feel better. Massage is clinically proven to reduce low back and neck pain, and is an excellent stress management tool.

Massage is being safely conducted statewide and nationally. Apart from enhanced cleaning protocols, staff testing and screening we have air purifiers in every room. We stagger appointments and set 30 minutes between sessions for a deep room clean. It’s likely the only person you will see during your visit is your massage therapist. While we can’t eliminate risk altogether, we are doing our best to maintain a safe environment.

I’ve got young kids, elderly parents and grandparents, and if I didn’t feel it was safe to conduct a massage

I simply wouldn’t do so, nor would I ask my staff to.

We’ve safely done well over 1000 hours of massage since reopening in late June.

Now is a good time to give yourself the care you may have been putting off. Bodywork Professionals has 15 years experience delivering the best in massage and bodywork. We have a educated, dedicated staff of licensed massage therapist whose sole focus is the art and practice of bodywork.

We have a downtown Saratoga Springs office, Latham and our brand new location in Niskayuna. We’d love to work with you.

SARATOGA FAMILY | FALL 2020 31 Enjoying a Spa Experience at Home

WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS PROVIDED

This fall, give yourself the gift of gorgeous skin with an at-home spa experience. Saratoga Botanicals, which opened in 2013, will be closing their doors on October 31st “We were so successful and finally in a great place and I was so happy. Then COVID came and just threw a wrench in it,” said founder Franesa Pyle. The good news is their virtual consultations and Spa City Organics line of skin, hair and beauty products will still be available. During the online video consultation, an aesthetician sees and talks with clients remotely about their skin and haircare goals. They recommend a regimen of products and guidance for creating your own special blend of high-quality essential oils, botanical extracts, and floral waters.

Wellness Smells So Good

Their online shop has approximately 30 preblended Spa City Organics products, kits targeting specific conditions and options to build-your-own bottle. For fall, Pyle recommends calming scents like lavender, peppermint and ylang-ylang; uplifting citrus scents like tangerine or key lime; and blends that enhance focus containing rosemary, peppermint and clary sage. “I feel like self-care is so important. When we are in proper balance, everything around us is in balance. When our life is chaotic and we don’t care for ourselves we can’t care for others either,” said Pyle. Shop spa products online at Saratogabotanicals.com. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming sales and specials.

Healthy Radiant Complexions

“You can’t duplicate a professional treatment at home but you can do things to support it,” said Denise Dubois, owner of Complexions Spa for Beauty and Wellness. Dubois has 35 years of experience, is a certified wellness coach and graduate of the Academy of Nutritional Skincare. She believes that beautiful, healthy skin is developed through a partnership between the pros and what you do at home.

“I feel like self-care is so important. When we are in proper balance, everything around us is in balance. When our life is chaotic, and we don’t care for ourselves we can’t care for others either.” -Saratoga Botanicals founder Franesa Pyle

“My approach to skincare has always been that when you understand the science behind it, then you will understand why we recommend you do certain things at home,” she said.

At-Home Options

Since the pandemic has people staying at home, she’s hosted an hour-long live Facebook event and two Virtual Facial Experiences. Sitting in their own bathrooms, small groups of participants performed at-home facials with a skincare kit they’d been sent containing cleanser, an antioxidant, vitamin A, a dermal roller, moisturizer and mask. Complexions also offers Virtual Beauty & Wellness Discovery Journeys. When you sign up for this one-on-one private evaluation, you’ll be asked to answer an in-depth questionnaire. “It’s amazing what you can uncover in these conversations,” said Dubois. For instance, because areas of the face correspond to other parts of the body, she can identify if breakouts are because of hormonal shifts, eye problems are connected to liver issues, or a disruption in the body’s biome is adversely affecting your skin. During the 45-minute virtual consultation, you’ll get a strategic plan that covers nutrition, home care and professional procedures. Any changes that are made at home can be evaluated by reconnecting a week later. Find out more by visiting them on social media and at www.complexions.com. In September, also look for Dubois’ new book, Living Beautifully – A Holistic Spa Lifestyle.