The muscular system is composed of skeletal muscles; the muscles that attach to bones. These are the muscles responsible for movement, and the ones that are sore when overworked or forced to stay in one position for too long. The muscular system is also part of the larger musculoskeletal system that includes tendons which attach muscles to bones, and the bones themselves. All but the facial muscles attach to and move bones. The facial muscles attach to the skin of the face and are responsible for facial expressions.

The most common complaints related to the muscular system are soreness and stiffness. Sore muscles are caused largely by a buildup of lactic acid which is a nerve irritant left over when the body breaks down sugar for energy. If a muscle is used more than usual or the circulation to the muscle is lacking, an excess of lactic acid builds up in them muscle.

Oddly muscle stiffness can be caused by both over and under use. In our world of repetitive work we are often forced to stay in one position for long periods of time. This causes one set of muscles to be contracted for too long. The muscles get used to being in those positions and wind up staying contracted and stiff. On the other hand if a muscle isn’t frequently put through its full range of motion it can again get used to being in one position and stay contracted.

In both cases massage is the perfect solution. Massage has a very direct effect on circulation. By increasing the flow of blood to and from muscles massage helps remove the built up lactic acid responsible for muscle soreness.

When muscles are stiff and contracted massage can help to stretch and soften the muscles, allowing them to relax. Massage can also work with the involuntary reflexes of the muscles tricking them into relaxing.

But Harmony’s Gelish hybrid nail color manicure promises to withstand such trauma. Each layer is specially formulated and cured briefly under an ultraviolet lamp, rendering it impervious to environmental aggressors.  Gelish has advantages and drawbacks, compared with basic manicures.

ADVANTAGES:

1.  Gelish dries quickly and thoroughly. When you pull your hand out of the lamp you can’t dent it or ruin it. The technician applies a base coat, color and top coat, with UV curing in between. Application takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. “It’s instantly 100 percent dry, which is sort of amazing…and true!

2.  It still gleams on Day 14. The shine factor is quite unbelievable…true even after day 14!

DRAWBACKS:

1. Removal is done at a salon or spa….But most, like FACES,  offers  complimentary removal. The technician gently files the top surface of the Gelish and then  soaks the nails in an acetone nail polish remover for 10 minutes.  Then the technician scrapes away any excess Gelish. Do not peel them off!!! Peeling the gel off will only damage the nails. If you’re desperate and can’t  get to the salon, beauty supply stores sell acetone. But DIY removal is not recommended.

2. Daily conditioning IS recommended. Acetone is drying We always recommend the use of a daily conditioning treatment, like our Solar Oil.

So, skeptics, maybe it’s time for you to become believers…is there such a thing as a “no chip” manicure? Make an appointment and see for yourself!

A: This actually is true. Rosacea prone skin can become inflamed with heat. Not every person with Rosacea will have a flare up with steam but the majority of people do and your esthetician was correct by playing it safe with your skin. Rosacea is a condition that can progress with each and every flare up, so avoiding a flare up is key. Some other things your esthetician should be avoiding during your facials are extremely hot towels, scrubs, and aggressive facial massage. Your skin care routine is also very important; you need to treat your skin with gentle products that are made for Rosacea prone skin. One of my favorite skin care line for Rosacea is Dermal K. This wonderful moisturizer keeps the skin hydrated and is packed with calming Vitamin K that helps to strengthen the capillary walls. If you live in the Hilton Head Area you can pick up your Dermal K products at FACES DaySpa or you can find a retailer near you at www.dermal-k.com

When understanding how massage affects an individual body system it helps to first understand what a system is. A body system is a collection of related organs that serve a common purpose in the body. For example the heart, veins, and arteries make up the circulatory system. Together they carry blood to every cell in the human body, distributing nutrients and removing waste.

The circulatory system is one of the two systems most directly affected by massage. First and foremost massage increases circulation. It does this by physically pushing blood through the veins, decreasing muscular tension that can cause localized blood loss to muscles, and increasing dilation in blood vessels. After receiving a massage most people will have a little redness over areas of focus during the massage. This is called erythema. It’s caused by increased blood flow to the skin.

Increased circulation caused by massage leads to a large number of massage’s major benefits. Increase in blood vessel dilation can help to lower blood pressure. Increased circulation brings more nutrients to tissue and more bi-products of cellular respiration (carbon dioxide, and lactic acid for example) away from tissue promoting tissue health and repair. Increased circulation also helps to reduce swelling which in turn will reduce pain, and bring cells like macrophages into damaged tissue and help clean up debris.

These effects will directly affect every other system in the body, making increased circulation arguably the most important benefit of massage.

1.Keep nails short. Long nails are more prone to chipping and breaking than short, professional-length ones. Aim for nails no more than a quarter inch past your fingertips.

2.Groom cuticles. When polish is applied to overgrown cuticles, it peels off easily. Keep cuticles in check by applying a drop of oil to them and gently pushing them back with a wooden tool. (Don’t cut cuticles, which can cause them to grow back even thicker.)

3.Clean nails. Apply polish to nails that have been cleaned with a cotton swab dipped in nail-polish remover. Any oil or lotion left on the nail bed will prevent polish from bonding to the nail — and cause peeling in a day or two.

4.Apply a base coat. Even if you’re in a rush! A specially-formulated base
coat gives colored polish something to stick to so it lasts longer.

5.Apply polish in thin coats. Wipe one side of the nailbrush against the neck of the bottle to ensure excess polish is removed. Then sweep the brush up the length of the nail in thin coats. Thick coats of polish bubble and peel.

6.Allow polish to dry between coats. Manicure experts say that giving polish some time to dry before applying a second coat allows the first coat to form a better bond to the nail. The second coat will then bond to the first.

7.Wrap polish onto nails. When applying polish, sweep a bit across the edge and under the nail tip. This “wraps” the end, minimizing chipping.

8.Toss old polish. Old nail polish changes consistency and becomes thick and gloppy. That means it won’t have the staying power of newer polish. If you can’t bear to toss your favorite old bottle, add a bit of polish thinner (not remover) to make it smoother.

9.Protect hands from water. Immersing your hands in water for too long can
cause polish to lift off the nail, shortening the life of your manicure.
Use rubber gloves when you’re washing dishes, and keep showers to a quick
ten to fifteen minutes.

10.Apply topcoat daily. It’s the number-one way to ensure your manicure lasts. Sweep on a protective topcoat daily to increase your nail polish’s staying
power

Don’t forget you may also want try a “no chip” manicure which will last
up to 10-14 days.

A: This actually is true. Rosacea prone skin can become inflamed with heat. Not every person with Rosacea will have a flare up with steam but the majority of people do and your esthetician was correct by playing it safe with your skin. Rosacea is a condition that can progress with each and every flare up, so avoiding a flare up is key. Some other things your esthetician should be avoiding during your facials are extremely hot towels, scrubs, and aggressive facial massage. Your skin care routine is also very important; you need to treat your skin with gentle products that are made for Rosacea prone skin. One of my favorite skin care line for Rosacea is Dermal K. This wonderful moisturizer keeps the skin hydrated and is packed with calming Vitamin K that helps to strengthen the capillary walls. If you live in the Hilton Head Area you can pick up your Dermal K products at FACES DaySpa or you can find a retailer near you at www.dermal-k.com.

It seems unfair that, despite how important our feet are, it’s incredibly easy for them to be damaged. The pain and discomfort from that damage can radiate throughout the body.

Flat feet, or Pes Planus, happens when the longitudinal arch of the foot is either damaged or underdeveloped. The longitudinal arch is the curve that runs along the inside of your foot. When you walk this arch acts as a natural shock absorber. When the arch is either damaged or under developed the shock of each step radiates through the ankles, knees, hips, and low back, causing muscle pain and discomfort. People with flat feet also tend to stand on their toes which can cause the calf muscles to be chronically tightened.

The first course of action with any condition is a trip to the doctor. A podiatrist is likely to advise the use of orthotic shoe inserts; these can help distribute the weight of the body across the foot properly and absorb the shock of walking. The doctor may also recommend wearing loose fitting shoes, with good arch support.

Over the years of walking around on flat feet the effects on the joints of the lower body and the muscles that support those joints will become more and more obvious; this is where massage can help. Massage naturally alleviates pain without the use of drugs. This is exactly what someone with chronic pain needs. While there may not be a cure for flat feet there are natural and effective ways to alleviate the discomfort associated with it.

Both of these questions are very simple to answer. Leuconychia is evident as white lines or spots in the nail plate and may be caused by tiny bubbles of air that are trapped in the nail plate layers due to trauma. This condition may be hereditary and no treatment is required as the spots will grow out with the nail plate. -Vertical Ridges are also characteristic of aging, although are not limited to the aged or elderly. The nail plate grows forward on the nail bed in a ‘rail and groove’ effect, much like a train rides on its’ tracks. As we age, the natural oil and moisture levels decline in the nail plate, and this rail and groove effect becomes apparent. This disorder can also be caused from having your hands in water a lot, or using household cleaning solvents without wearing gloves. Ridged nails will improve through re-hydration of the nail plate with twice daily applications of a good quality nail and cuticle oil, like our Solar Oil, containing Jojoba and Vitamin E. -Horizontal ridges are something else, and can be caused by poor health, vitamin deficiency and other factors, although stress is not one of them. Vitamins and minerals that factor fingernails, are A, B, B12, Zinc, and Iron. Always consult a doctor before starting any new regimen.

A: Tanda/ LED lights are used to treat a number of problems. Blue lights are used for the treatment of Acne. The Blue light puts off a specific wavelength of light that actually penetrates into the follicle and kills P. acne bacteria. Your body’s natural response to bacterial infections is to send white blood cells to the area. This is what causes the redness and inflammation associated with acne. When you use the blue light to minimize P. acne bacteria in the skin your body will naturally have fewer breakouts.
Red Lights (anti-aging lights) are used to penetrate the skin to increase cell energy and increase your body’s natural collagen, elastin and circulation. Topical products work from the surface down where LED lights work from the inside-out. As we age everything slows down and with the LED lights you can actually cause your skin to act younger from within. Tanda lights not only use LED lights but they also incorporate sonic vibration and a unique warming massage head to help with circulation. Tanda lights are great additions to any skincare routine and can help with multiple anti-aging concerns and skin imperfections.

But is it safe? This is a valid question many pregnant women may ask themselves before getting a massage; one of the many they will ask over the next eighteen years. There are precautions to take when working with pregnant clients. The first major concern is massage during the first trimester. While there are no conclusive studies showing massage to be a danger to the mother or baby during the first trimester the chance of miscarriage is about thirty percent higher during the first trimester than any other time during the pregnancy. With this in mind it is safest to avoid massage until after the first trimester. Massage therapist are also concerned with anything that may classify a pregnancy as high risk: preeclampsia, incompetent cervix, blood clots. As always, if there is any concern about the safety of massage check with your doctor.

How can massage help during pregnancy? A study at the University Of Miami suggest that massage during pregnancy helps to lower anxiety, decrease back and leg pain, improve sleep, and decrease stress hormones. And, as with any massage, pregnancy massage will help you feel calm, relaxed, and ready to face the stresses of the day whether they are baby related or not.