Massage therapy addresses host of health conditions

The latest addition to the Searcy Athletic Club, the Wellspring Spa, will bring a holistic approach to wellness. The spa is all about rounding out the wellness circle and completing the often-forgotten emotional gap in the equation of fitness. Research continues to reveal the benefits of massage therapy and mind/body exercise in overall physical fitness.

Studies show that massage therapy addresses a host of health conditions, the most prevalent being stress-related tension, which experts believe is the precursor for 80-90 percent of all disease.

“Having a massage does even more than relax the body and mind, especially when it is utilized as a preventive, frequent therapy, and not simply a mere luxury,” said Mandy Dismang, Searcy Athletic Club fitness director.

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, massage is helpful for patients with cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and diabetes. For the general population, massage is known to increase circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissue and vital organs. Massage also improves range of motion and flexibility, releases endorphins, relieves headache pain, and stimulates the body’s natural defense against toxic invaders.

“At Wellspring Spa, relaxation is top priority,” said Dismang.

Upon entering the spa, a guest is surrounded by an environment, of woods and artistic decor. A cup of tea or an iced beverage accompanies the complimentary consultation in which each guest may confer with a licensed massage therapist to create a personalized treatment according to his or her goals.

“Customers can customize any spa visit by adding aromatherapy, a blend of essential oils specific to one’s needs and preferences. For example, while lavender provides a calming, peaceful effect, the essential oil peppermint soothes, and citrus lemon invigorates,” said Dismang.

Services available at Wellspring Spa include simpler techniques, including:

n Luxury Shoulder Release, in which aching shoulders and tense neck muscles are relaxed with British sports massage.

n Head & Neck Relief Massage, which eases sinus pressure, TMJ pain, and discomfort from migraines or tension headaches.

n Healing Stone Massage utilizes warm, flat river stones applied to the body’s trigger points to balance energy and bring about lasting relief.

n Classic techniques such as the Swedish Massage and Deep Tissue Massage are mainstays for restoring proper range of motion, releasing stress, and soothing tired muscles.

“For the ultimate service, a guest may choose Wellspring’s Signature Offering, a 90-minute session including a customized blend of aromatherapy, the use of moist heat, a brown sugar exfoliation, and a deep tissue massage,” said Dismang.

The Yoga Studio at Wellspring Spa is a setting with hardwood floors and low lighting. Participants receive the opportunity to engage their minds along with their bodies, to release tight muscles and alleviate stress.

According to the American College of Sports Medicine, yoga creates balance in the body, improving range of motion, pulmonary function, muscular endurance, and strength. In fact, yoga is so individualized that no two participants will leave a class with the same benefits – it is structured in a way that targets one’s weakest link.

“Women often see tremendous gains in strength due to yoga, whereas men tend to see releases in their lower back and hamstrings, making it easier to sit straight at their desks and to bend down and pick up something off the floor,” said Dismang.

At Wellspring Spa, yoga participants can attend different classes offered each week. Each instructor at the Spa and throughout Searcy Athletic Club is fully certified within his or her area of expertise, as well as CPR and AED-trained, to insure the safety of members and guests.

The Searcy Athletic Club offers state-of-the-art resistance training and cardiovascular equipment, as well as the group exercise trends, certified personal trainers, an indoor walking track and the full-size basketball court. Members may bring their young children ages 6 months-6 years to the state-licensed childcare facility, and their kids ages 7-12 years to Kids’ Club, a specialized after-school care and fitness program. All members have access to Searcy Athletic Club’s programs and classes, such as Silver Sneakers, Bodypump, and Zumba, as well as the smoothie bar and swimming pool.

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Hairstylist Patty Lorton won’t be cutting, coloring or styling any hair locally next week. The co-owner of Reflections Salon and Day Spa is one of five finalists who will compete in the Biolage Stylist of the Year contest in New York City.  Shelly Emmanuel is the salon’s other co-owner.

“Our supplier encouraged us to enter the competition,” Lorton explained. “We had to enter photos to show our work, and I met a girl who I thought would be just perfect as our model. She agreed to have her hair cut, colored, styled and a makeover done. We sent in the photos showing her in different hairstyles. Of course, we never expected to hear anything from them.”

Contestants were required to submit an essay, as well as photographs of their models. In explaining how colors were chosen for their model, the Reflections hairstylists’ essay states: “Trudy (Spencer) had moved to northwest Arkansas from Hiko, Nev., to make a fresh start and begin a new chapter in her life. As she described her quaint and cozy hometown, she spoke of the rich colors of the mountainsides and warm hues of the Nevada sunsets. We drew parallels from her story and decided to let art imitate life by allowing the concept of ‘fresh start’ to not only apply to her ZIP code, but also to her appearance.”

The essay included details about Biolage products used on the model’s hair to achieve the final look.

As it turned out, the judging organization notified Lorton that she was a finalist. She will fly to New York City on Tuesday. She will be supplied with a model whose hair she will cut and style. A photo shoot will take place the same day, and the photographs will be posted online. Judged by a group of peers, the grand prize winner will be announced Jan. 15.

“I’m the one going to New York to compete, but it’s really been a team effort with help from several people here at Reflections,” Lorton said. “I’m nervous, but looking forward to the experience. We will be at their hair-styling academy, and I think it will really be interesting to see how they do things there.

“This really is an honor, and I’m humbled by it. I feel like I’ve already won because I’m getting a paid trip to New York City and three days there,” Lorton said. “I’m nervous, but I know it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

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