Massage: It’s real medicine
By Kristyn Kusek Lewis
Health.com

Having your honey rub your back is sweet, but it’s tough to compete with the hands of a pro. A good massage therapist can make you feel like a new person. And now research suggests massage can ease insomnia, boost immunity, prevent PMS, and more. Maybe that’s why hospitals are making it a standard therapy.
“All of our surgery patients are offered the treatment — I call it ‘service with a smile’ — and it’s a mandatory weekly prescription I give myself,” says Mehmet C. Oz, M.D., director of the Cardiovascular Institute at New York Presbyterian Hospital–Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center and a member of the board at LLuminari, a health-education company.

Our advice: Enjoy your hands-on time with your sweetie, but set aside some time for a real massage, too. Here are some feel-good reasons:
Goodbye, pain
It sounds like a no-brainer, but rubdowns are especially effective for aches like low-back pain. Researchers at the Group Health Center for Health Studies in Seattle, Washington, found that massage works better than common treatments including chiropractic therapy and acupuncture. It’s not clear why, but several studies show massage reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol while boosting the feel-good hormones serotonin and dopamine. Those changes slow your heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and block your nervous system’s pain receptors. Massage also increases blood flow to the muscles, which may help them heal. (Health.com: Frequently asked questions about massage )
A bonus: Massage also seems to ease distress from migraine, labor pain, and even cancer, as well as the body tenderness seen with fibromyalgia, says Tiffany Field, Ph.D., director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine. Plus, the benefits may last as long as a year after just a few treatments, says Partap Khalsa, Ph.D., a chiropractor and a program officer at the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Com¬plementary and Alternative Medicine, the agency funding many major studies on massage.
Hello, dreams
Fluctuations in several types of brain waves either relax you or wake you up. Massage increases delta waves — those linked with deep sleep — according to a study at the Touch Research Institute. That’s why it’s easy to drift off on the massage table, Field says.
Nice to have you back, brain power
The Touch Research Institute study that connected massage to sleep also found that a 15-minute chair massage boosted alertness. “Subjects reported that it felt like a runner’s high,” Field says. Tests also show that brain-wave activity stimulated by massage is linked to improved attention.

Take that, colds
Massage helps ward off bugs by boosting your “natural killer cells,” the immune system’s first line of defense against invading illness. “We know that cortisol destroys natural killer cells,” Field says. “Therefore, since massage decreases cortisol, your immune cells get a boost.” Massage even seems to boost immunity in those people with severely compromised immune systems, such as breast-cancer patients. Blues, be gone
Less cortisol and more serotonin and dopamine in your system may also mean less stress, anxiety, and depression. “We know that the right side of the frontal lobe of the brain is more active when we’re sad, and the left side’s activated when we’re happy,” Field says. “Our studies have observed that massage decreases activity in the right lobe and increases functioning in the left.” The well-being people feel after a massage is a big reason why some hospitals offer it to anxious patients pre¬paring for surgery and cancer patients going through chemo.
Shove off, PMS
A small study of 24 women with severe PMS found that massage reduced symp¬toms such as pain, water retention, and mood swings. Try it with proven remedies such as exercise (and who-cares-if-they-work solutions like a little dark chocolate).

Massage: It’s real medicine
POSTED: 9:48 a.m. EST, March 8, 2007
By Kristyn Kusek Lewis
Health.com

Reflexology is a form of bodywork that focuses primarily on the feet.   Utilizing certain techniques with hands and thumbs the therapist applies pressure to points on the feet.  The underlying theory behind reflexology is that there are “reflex” areas on the feet and hands that correspond to specific organs, glands, and other parts of the body.

Reflexology is a popular alternative therapy. It promotes relaxation, helps neutralize the ill-effects of pro-longed stress, improves circulation, reduces pain, soothes tired feet, and encourages overall healing.

Reflexology at home, office or event..

For for the individual,  it is an easy addition to your full body massage; usually added to the end of your session while you are lying on the table. We also do full reflexology sessions that last up to 60 or 90 minute sessions.  In this case we usually will add hands and ears as well.   Doorstep Day Spa travels to your home so you can relax completely in your own environment, an extra mark on the relaxation scale!

Reflexology foot massage is an easy amenity to add to any group function. Nowadays it is found at events like in home spa parties, office staff appreciation, health fairs, church retreats, sporting events or trade shows. We’ve even been to kids birthday parties as an amenity for the parents while their children are off scampering about. 

What a great way to show how much you care and it is apprecated by most everyone.  Reclining chairs are brought to your location in this case, along with all necesary supplies to perform professional hygenic sessions.  The recliner chairs are highly portable and extremely comfortable for your guests that do not take up too much space and can be set up most anywhere.  Some choose to set it up in an area where the guests receiving their “spa” treatment can still be  a part of the party or sometimes a host/ess will have the reflexologist set up in a seperate more secluded area so that one can take a 20 minute “vacation”. 

Why do people get reflexology?

• Stress and stress-related conditions
• Tension headaches
• Digestive disorders
• Arthritis
• Insomnia
• Hormonal imbalances
• Sports injuries
• Menstrual disorders, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Digestive problems, such as constipation
• Back pain

Reflexology is a popular alternative therapy. It promotes relaxation, improves circulation, reduces pain, soothes tired feet, and encourages overall healing.

Reflexology is also used for post-operative or palliative care. A study in the American Cancer Society journal found that one-third of cancer patients used reflexology as a complementary therapy.

Reflexology is recommended as a complementary therapy and should not replace medical treatment.

Here are some useful links if you’d like to learn more about Reflexology:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reflexology

http://www.reflexology-research.com/whatis.htm - this shows a great interactive foot chart that you can also download as an app for your iphone.

Each spa “tapa” is 20 minutes long and will include aromatherapy. You can mix and match any mini-services you would like to create your own deluxe spa party package. Each guest that orders from our Spa Tapa menu will receive a complimentary spa goodie bag to take home. Hostess or guest of honor will receive one spa tapa at no charge when 12 or more spa tapas are ordered in any combination.

* Order 1 Spa “Tapa” for $39 pp
* Order 2 Spa “Tapas” for $69 pp
* Order 3 Spa “Tapas” for $99pp

“Silk” Massage: Enjoy a 20 minute massage to revitalize your body and relax your mind while relieving tension and stress from your neck, back and shoulders. This massage will be done while you are fully clothed and includes stretching, acupressure and circulatory techniques either on a massage chair or table.

Leg and Feet Treat: One of our natural scrubs is applied to your feet and lower legs which will rejuvenate skin and improve circulation. The follow up is a decadent foot massage with natural shea butters to ease fatigue in your feet and calves. This treatment is wonderful alone, or, take it over the top with an additional foot reflexology massage!

Foot Reflexology Treatment: Reflexology is designed to balance the body through pressure points in the feet. This relaxing treatment will leave your whole body refreshed! If you love a good foot massage this treatments is for you!. Reflexology is a great add-on treatment to any of our spa mini services.

Rose Petal Facial Rejuvenation: Special acupressure points are stimulated which causes natural toning and cleansing. This treatment will hydrate your skin and relax and tone your facial muscles, leaving you with a fresh, healthy glow! This is also an excellent headache and sinus remedy.

Tingling Scalp Massage : A wonderful massage mainly for the scalp and head, and a little bit of the neck and top of shoulders too! Great for headache tension relief. We use peppermint and lavender essential oils during your session to heighten your experience.

Cocktail Manicure or Pedicure: includes color change, light filing, buffing and brief hydrating massage.

SPECIAL: Add a mango Vanilla Paraffin hand mask for just $5 per person when the order from our “Spa Tapas’ Menu (minimum 6 guests)
SPECIAL: Add an all natural Tropical Facial mask for just $5 per person when the order from our “Spa Tapas’ Menu (minimum 6 guests)
SPECIAL: Give each guest a soothing eye pillow they can take home for just $15 each.
SPECIAL: Give each guest a beautiful Hawaiian sarong for just $12 per person.

NEW!: Hula Dancing! Call for details!

Robe Rental – $5 per person

** Gratuities are not included in the prices listed above and is left up to your own discretion. However, most guests leave a standard 15-20% for our therapists.

*** Please refrain from cancellations within a 24 hour time period before your spa date. Technicians have blocked out their time just for you and your guests and are guaranteed work for that time period. Please RSVP with your spa service order in order for us to guarantee availability if we have availability, last minute additions may be accommodated but it is not guaranteed.

To contact Regina Fernandez at The Doorstep Day Spa
Call: 310-548-3278. pedicure

Chair Massage is easy to set up
Convenient
Cost-effective
…works to help reduce stress and induce feelings of well-being
…shows you care
…tax-deductible employee benefit
…increases productivity in the workplace….and more

WE WORK WITH EVENT AND PARTY PLANNERS TOO!

A few minutes of seated, fully clothed on-site massage will enhance any business meeting or special gathering. Call for custom quotes. (310)548-3278

Instant Online Gift Certificates Available!
Mobile Body Therapy Gift Certificates are perfect for any occasion.
Now you can customize and print (or email) a gift certificate online –
Click here to get your spa massage gift certificates!!
One hour minimum of services is required to go on location. Destination Fee May Apply.
24 HOURS NOTICE OF CANCELLATION IS REQUIRED TO AVOID A $40 FEE.

Add $25

Aromatherapy is… the skilled and controlled use of essential oils for physical and emotional health and well being.”  Valerie Cooksley

“Aromatherapy conveys the concept of healing with aromatic substances.”   Robert Tisserand

“Aromatherapy is a caring, hands-on therapy which seeks to induce relaxation, to increase energy, to reduce the effects of stress and to restore lost balance to mind, body and soul.”  Robert Tisserand

“Aromatherapy can be defined as the controlled use of essential oils to maintain and promote physical, psychological, and spiritual wellbeing.”  Gabriel Mojay

Add essential oil blends to you treatment, hot steam towel & toning mist for only $10 more.

See our list of services here

*SPA-O-Gram!*
Send a spa technician to your sweetie’s office on Valentines Day! Choose the pampering service that best fits your Valentine. Choices include chair massage, foot massage, spa manicure   - chocolates included. 45 minutes $100

*SPA-O-Gram-Deluxe*

 This spa-o-gram package will include 70 minutes of pampering chair massage, foot reflexology massage, and scalp massage, provided right in the comfort and convenience of your own home or office. You’ll get all the relaxation of a spa day, with none of the planning, travel time, or hassle. Includes Champaigne, Delicious Dark Chocolates, music , candles and spa ambience…. $160

Sweet Valentine Rose Petal Massage for her
Send a Massage Therapist to a Friend, or Loved One. The Sweet Valentine Rose Petal Massage is the perfect massage for Valentine’s! Rose Petals adorn the table while we massage you with aromatherapy oils that include a and Rose then for the finale we include a hot steam towel effleurage to warm and soothe. $155 90 minutes

Eucalyptus Hot Stone Massage for him
We deliver a Hot Stone massage that is out of this world! We set up at your home and treat you to a 90 minute combo – Hot Stones and deep tissue/sports massage.. The perfect gift for that perfect someone!
Aromatherapy, Candles and Rose Petals included for Valentines Day!  155.00 90 min

COUPLES – Valentine’s Massage for two!
Don’t fight the traffic or crowds – We send you two massage therapists who will arrive at your door! The room is illuminated with candles while you and your sweetie experience a luxurious aromatherapy massage side by side. Oh so lovely and romantic…
60 minutes - $220
90 minutes- $285.00

SPA CAFE FOR COUPLES
Create a Valentine’s Day that will not soon be forgotten! Two massage therapists arrive at your location to give you a 1 hour full body couples massage. Then you can enjoy a fresh continental breakfast prepared just for the two of you!
$320.00

MASSAGE AND DINNER for two at your home!
Imagine having a personal chef and two massage therapists come to your home for a romantic dinner and spa package for two! You will enjoy a couples massage side by side that includes aromatherapy and hot steam towels while dinner is being prepared for you. After you are both relaxed you can then enjoy a delicious dinner served and prepared just  for you  in the comfort and convenience of your own home. $460.00

SPA CAFE FOR FOUR!
Enjoy having a group of friends over for an in-home spa party! A personal chef will cook you and your friends a gourmet spa lunch while you are being pampered by a Doorstep Day Spa technician. Each guests get 2 treatments from our “Spa Tapas” menu  Lavendar Parrafin Hand Mask $395.00

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK IN FEBRUARY and get a special Valentine’s gift code worth $20 off your next service.  

INSTANT SPA GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE ONLINE NOW!  Use code 970025 to get $20 off any gift certificate.