No matter how much of an experienced skier or snowboarder you are, some muscle soreness is inevitable after a day on the slopes.

Skiing and snowboarding are full-body workouts, but both sports still primarily involve the lower body muscles (namely hip muscles, hamstrings, quadriceps, and calves). Your core muscles are intensively used, too. Post-workout neglect or one little wrong move on the slopes, and you can end up with a serious injury. That’s why it’s extremely important to give your muscles some TLC after a day of shredding snow.

The following three recovery tactics are surefire ways of relieving and nurturing your muscles after skiing or snowboarding. Following one, two, or all three of these tips will have you feeling like a million bucks in no time.

Post Skiing Massage Therapy in Breckenridge

1. Eat foods rich in protein and carbs within 45 minutes after skiing.

When you work out, your muscles use up your body’s supply of protein and carbs and you want to replenish your body to help it rebuild and repair your muscles. Exercising can use up your body’s glycogen supply and tear up your muscles. Protein-rich foods give your body the amino acids it needs to restore your muscles. Carb-rich foods will replenish the glycogen in your body. Some protein-rich and carb-rich foods include fruit, vegetables, sandwich wraps, Greek yogurt, protein shakes, and eggs.

2. Relax in a hot tub.

Soaking in a hot tub is pretty much a must-do during a Colorado skiing getaway, and the good news is that it’s actually beneficial for you! Relaxing in a hot tub for about 20 minutes is a great form of heat therapy as it soothes sore muscles. Submerging your tightened muscles into a hot tub will loosen them up and increase more blood flow to the area.

Massage Therapy in Breckenridge

3. Get a sports massage.

After a day at Breck, a good, deep tissue sports massage can do wonders to your sore muscles. Even if you’re not an athlete, you can benefit greatly from a sports massage after a day on the slopes. It comes with a ton of advantages, including but not limited to:

  • Relaxed muscles
  • Less pain
  • Improved circulation
  • Increased flexibility (which is great if you’re planning on hitting the slopes again the next day)

What better way to end your skiing vacation on a high note than to go home all comfortable and relaxed? Don’t let your sore muscles ruin your vacation. Take care of them, and you’ll be golden.

Book one of our professional massage therapists today for our post workout massage in Breckenridge.

Date posted: November 16, 2016

Categories: Blog Spa Videos

Rejuvenate yourself with a facial at our Breckenridge spa.Here at Breckenridge Spa, we understand that everyone’s skin is unique. Furthermore, skin type can change with age. This is the reason why everyone needs an individualized skin care routine and treatment. Just because a particular facial or a massage did wonders for your friend’s skin doesn’t mean it will work the same for your skin. In fact, it may defeat the purpose of you opting for that particular skin treatment.

Before we create a custom skin treatment for you, we will analyze your skin type as well as other factors that affect your skin. Since each skin type requires a different treatment, it’s imperative that we complete this step at the beginning.

Let’s take a look at the different skin types first:

Normal Skin

For those with “normal skin,” congratulations! This is the most hassle-free skin type. If you’ve been blessed with a normal skin type, the minimal amount of care is required. That’s because normal skin usually has a balanced level of moisture, good elasticity and an even skin tone.

Facials from our spa in BreckenridgeDry Skin

If you have dry skin, you’ve probably noticed that it’s very easily irritated by the wind, sun and other elements. It will also often feel flaky, itchy and rough to touch. People who have dry skin tend to develop wrinkles faster than their counterparts. Moisturizing regularly to keep the skin hydrated is the best way to avoid dry skin and keep wrinkles at bay.

Oily Skin

People with this skin type are more prone to acne. Without proper treatment, the skin tends to look shiny or greasy. Enlarged pores and blackheads on the nose are a major concern for people with oily skin. If you have oily skin, then you should avoid touching your face as much as possible. Your carbohydrate intake should also be kept at a bare minimum.

Combination Skin

If you have combination skin, you’re in the majority. Most people have combination skin. Often, while the skin on the cheeks and the jaw line is normal, the skin on the nose, forehead and chin is oily.

The next thing that we will look at are other skin factors that depend mainly on your age, genetics and overall health. In addition to your skin type, we may have to consider them as well before we start with your custom skin treatment.

Breckenridge facialSensitive Skin

Have you ever “broken out” when trying a new product? You may have sensitive skin that can get itchy, dry and easily irritated by certain skin care products. This is usually genetic. People with sensitive skin are prone to scaly and reddish areas as well as acne breakouts. If you’ve sensitive skin, you need to be very careful while using any skin care products. We recommend consulting with a professional. You need to buy products that specifically say ‘for sensitive skin’ and ‘hypoallergenic’.

Skin Tone

Pigmented skin is known to be more resilient. But, certain skin care products can cause irritation and hyperpigmentation. If you’ve a darker skin tone, you need to invest in skin care products specially made for your physiology. Certain abrasive skin care products can have a negative reaction to a darker skin tone. Hence, you need to be very careful while choosing your skin care products.

Aging Skin

This is true for everyone: as the skin ages, it becomes more sensitive and prone to wrinkles. The elasticity of the skin also suffers. It’s very crucial for older people to moisturize their skin regularly. At this age, sunscreen is also very important because the skin is sensitive to UV rays.

Cyclic Skin

Hormones also play a major role in the oiliness of the skin. Hence, some people notice that they get breakouts only during certain times of the month. This is the main reason why 90% of teens have acne and around 40% have a hard time dealing with it as per the Acne Resource Center (ARC).

Once we identify your skin, we will be able to create a customized blend just for you. We have three facials to choose from-Teen Deep Cleanse Facial, Age Repair Facial and The Breckenridge Spa Signature Facial. We also have additional treatments for hair, back, hands and feet as well as eyes. Our skin treatments ensure that you instantly feel relaxed and refreshed.

After the skin treatment if you follow a healthy skin care routine daily, then the effect of the skin treatment can remain for a longer time. This means, you don’t need to invest in a lot of expensive products! You just need to find a combination of skin products that works best for you. Here are a few products that you can invest in depending on your requirement.

Cleanser

All skin types need to use a gentle cleanser. It helps wash away the oil and dirt from the skin. You can use it in the shower and once before going to bed.

Facials from our Breckenridge spa.Toner

Toner evens out the skin tone and also draws out oil from the pores, specially if it contains astringent. But if you have sensitive skin, toners with astringent may sting a little. So you may want to avoid toners with astringent. Toners are great for darker skin tones and people with oily skin.

Exfoliator

Exfoliators are specially meant for people with oily skin. In fact, they should use it at least three to five times in a week. It helps remove the excess oil as well as skin cell buildup.

Acne Spot Treatment

If you suffer from acne, then these spot treatments can work for you. They need to be applied overnight and contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

Facial MaskSkin Lighteners

These are moisturizers that help in gradually lightening discolorations and brown spots. Skin lighteners are useful because they prevent the production of excess melanin in your skin.

Anti-Aging Cream

As you age, it’s highly recommended to use a moisturizer that can significantly improve your skin’s elasticity and hence, prevent wrinkles. Anti-aging creams have the ability to reduce wrinkles and fill fine lines.

Sunscreen or Skin Moisturizer

This is something that people with all skin types need to use. You’ll either specifically get a sunscreen lotion or moisturizers that have built-in sunscreen. Make sure that the SPF is 15 or higher. If you usually spend more time in the sun, then a higher SPF is advisable.

In addition to good skin care products and a regular skin care regime, your lifestyle choices also play an important part in keeping your skin healthy and luminous. So, exercise regularly, eat healthy and stay hydrated at all times. If you smoke, you may probably want to rethink before you light up your next cigarette. Essentially, your skin is a reflection of your intake. So be as healthy as possible for that glowing skin!

Date posted: August 12, 2016

Categories: Blog Spa Videos

Blue Sky Pool ImagePeople go on vacations for all sorts of different reasons, but there’s one central theme universal to all getaways: they’re a time to de-stress and leave everyday worries behind. This is especially true of a spa vacation, where you have a chance to undo the physical damage that accumulated stress causes, while also giving your mind an extended break.

The massage is one of the most enduring parts of the vacation relaxation ritual. However, there’s so much more to it than just laying in a towel while getting a rubdown. There are an incredibly wide range of massage options designed for different purposes, so many in fact, that people often get confused about the terminology and aren’t sure what they’re getting themselves into when they book a session.

In today’s post, we’d like to briefly cover each of the different forms of massage therapy available. Once you’re familiar with the intended benefits of each type, you can book the massage that’s best for you!

Swedish Massage

This is the style of gentle, full-body rubdown that is most commonly portrayed as a massage in movies and television shows. It’s meant for those looking for simple relaxation and a pleasurable experience. The massage is meant to be soothing and enjoyable; it doesn’t go deep enough to work out serious issues with the muscles, but that also means there’s no potential pain or discomfort. The masseuse will generally pass over the body with broad strokes and knead the muscles, applying light pressure with their fingertips or knuckles at certain points.

Reserve a Breckenridge hot stone massage with The Spa at Breckenridge.

Hot Stone Massage

The hot stone massage is another one of the “lighter” types, meant more for relaxation and pleasure rather than addressing any serious physical therapy issues. As the name indicates, hot stones are placed all over the body, helping the muscles to relax and loosen with heat as the masseuse uses both their hands and the stones to perform the massage. The heat level is not meant to cause discomfort, but it will definitely be warm enough for you to notice it; it’s not a massage you have to worry about accidentally falling asleep during! There’s evidence of this massage technique being used as long as 2,000 years ago in ancient China, and cultures all over the world have a long history of practicing it.

Aromatherapy Massage

An aromatherapy massage pairs Swedish techniques with the aroma of heated essential oils to enhance the therapeutic qualities of the treatment. Before the massage begins, the masseuse will have you sample a range of natural oils to determine which scent is best for you. The essential oil is then incorporated into your massage oil so that you can not only enjoy the scent during the treatment, but will also see added physical benefit.

Chair Massage

This simpler massage style was developed to be done quickly, and without the client having to undress or get oil on their body. You may have seen people getting a chair massage in public venues such as shopping malls or at the beach. Since the clothes remain on during this massage, it focuses mostly on the shoulders, neck and back. A similar massage for the lower extremities is also available; it does not require the client to remove any of their clothing.

Welcome to our Breckenridge spa.Deep Tissue Massage

This type of massage is meant to address established problems with muscle tissue, particularly in terms of loosening up knots that have formed. That potentially means some pain and discomfort, as the masseuse really digs in to work out the muscle tissue as thoroughly as possible. This isn’t a type of massage meant for relaxation, as the process may not be fun. That said, while you may feel sore for a day or two afterward, this massage can lead to long-term relief of chronic pain and stiffness in the treated areas.

Mountain Recovery Massage

This unique style of massage was designed specifically to address issues people engaging in mountain sports tend to experience. Skiers, snowboarders, and athletes in general will enjoy this style of massage at the end of a long day. It’s an adapted form of deep tissue massage, but one that is not quite as “hardcore” about digging into the tissue. Instead, it’s more focused on stretching techniques combined with strong targeted pressure to help the muscles loosen up after a day of heavy athletic activity.

Breckenridge facialScalp Massage

Scalp massages are designed to feel absolutely wonderful, but that’s not all they do. The essential oils used are chosen to help nourish both the skin and the hair! It’s also possible for these massages to clear stuffy sinuses and ease the pain of headaches. There’s even evidence that scalp massage helps to thicken hair by stretching subcutaneous tissue!

While massage can be as simple as a means of relaxation, the benefits run the gamut from pain relief to improved circulation and immune system performance. Massage therapy has even been found by certain studies to provide relief to those suffering from anxiety and insomnia. You can check out the full menu of massage services offered at our spa by clicking here, and our prenatal massage treatments by clicking here. Whether you just need a rubdown to alleviate stress after a long day on the slopes, or you’re looking for something to help with chronic pain, we’ve got something to offer every need!

Date posted: August 1, 2016

Categories: Blog Spa Videos

Single track biking in BreckenridgeWhile Breckenridge, Colo., is known for its amazing skiing, hiking and biking, if you visit this quaint town, you will realize it has so much more to offer. From shopping to restaurants and outdoor activities, Breckenridge is the perfect place to visit whether it’s summer or winter.

Visiting Breckenridge in the Winter

If your travel plans include making a trip to Breckenridge in the winter, you will find plenty of outdoor and indoor activities to keep you busy. With winter temperatures averaging around 28 degrees during the day, you should be sure to partake in the area’s outdoor adventures, leaving plenty of time to explore the town.

Skiing

Breckenridge spa day on you ski vacationNo article about Breckenridge would be complete without talking about the town’s skiing, as it is home to the popular Tenmile mountain range. With an average of 15 inches of snow fall a month, the slopes are perfect for beginner to advanced skiers.

Whether you an advanced skier or a novice, Breckenridge offers a variety to slopes for everyone’s ability. Breckenridge offers advanced terrain and some of Colorado’s steepest slopes as well as trails for newbies. Whatever your skill level, you’ll be able to take in the stunning views of the mountains as you glide down the slopes.

Snowshoeing

If skiing isn’t your thing, try some snowshoeing to take in the mountain views. Check out the miles and miles of manicured cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails between Breckenridge’s two Nordic centers. Take a self-guided tour or sign up with one of the town’s local tour guides.

Sledding

Looking for some family fun? Try some sledding at Carter Park. Free to all ages, this adventure is sure to be a day of fun. If you didn’t pack a sled, don’t worry, local grocery stores have snow tubes and sleds for purchase, making it an easy way to enjoy the hills.

Winter Biking

With the many trails available throughout Breckenridge, it’s no wonder people take advantage of exploring them all year long. Winter biking provides the perfect amount of discovering and sightseeing of the area’s breathtaking views. Bring your own bike to ride or rent one from the town’s bike shops. You’ll need fat tires to traverse the snowy trails, but you’ll have loads of fun, exploring the mountain side.

Around Town

Breckenridge Beer FestivalIf you want to take your exploring indoors, visit Breckenridge’s Main Street. Home to shops, restaurants and a variety of nightlife, you won’t be disappointed.

Shopping

After your day outdoors, take in some of the local shops. With more than 200 stores located on Main Street, there is something for everyone to enjoy. From art galleries to chic boutiques, you’ll be sure to find exactly what you are looking for.

Visit the town’s jewelry and antique stores for a special gift or get some gear for the slopes at the local sporting goods stores. Rentals for skiing, snowboarding and bikes are also found, as well as some souvenir shops to remember your special trip.

Spa Treatments

Blue Sky Pool ImageAfter a day outdoors, take some time to relax with a massage. This will get your sore muscles from skiing in tiptop shape for the next day and is a great way to help you unwind after a busy day.

Choose from a deep tissue massage to heal injured muscles or a lighter massage to unwind with a Swedish massage. If you are particularly tense in one spot of your body, a more focused massage can alleviate your tension points. Massage is especially good to alleviate back pain and headaches and can be used to treat cancer, osteoarthritis and anxiety.

Or, choose a variety of spa treatments designed to help you relax. Alone or as a group, a spa trip can provide you with an array of services such as; massages, facials, hot stone treatments or manicures.

Dining

You’ll surely build up a hunger after a long day of adventures. With more than 100 restaurants mixed within the town’s historic buildings, you’ll find the perfect spot to enjoy a bite to eat. Casual spots offer everything from burgers to pizza, while the fine-dining destinations provide mountainside atmospheres. Some of the best chefs are located right in Breckenridge, providing diners an experience to remember. For a lite-bite, try a local coffeehouse or bakery or stop by the town’s ice cream and candy shops for a snack.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Breckenridge includes; happy hours and après-ski celebrations as well as local talent and touring musicians to entertain you. The town features a variety of bars, taverns and nightclubs, depending on your preference. The Backstage Theatre also presents award-winning evening shows that you can take in.

Visiting Breckenridge in the Summer

If winter is not your thing, visit Breckenridge in the summer. Its warm summer months are the perfect time to enjoy the outdoor landscape and for some, are the reason they stay all year. You definitely won’t be bored as its list of adventures to try in the summer is extensive and all are set against a mountain drop back.

Hiking

Try some hiking on Breckenridge’s extensive trail system. You can walk or run the winding paths along the Blue River or transcend summits of the highest mountains in the area at more than 14,000 feet above sea level. This is a great way to take in the scenery and get some fresh air and exercise.

Biking in Breckenridge COBiking

Breckenridge is a bike friendly town, winning a gold level as one of most bicycle friendly communities in North America from The League of American Bicyclists in 2014. The city was built with bikes in mind, allowing them on roads or trails. A full week is dedicated to bikes with Breckenridge’s Breck Bike Week held every summer.

Fishing

With the Blue River offering plenty of rainbow trout, fat browns and some cutthroat trout, it is the perfect spot to do some fishing. Spend a relaxing day on the crystal-clear water, which runs directly through the heart of Breckenridge,

You’ll also find a series of lakes surrounding the mountains that are also ideal for fishing. One in particular is the nearby Lake Dillon, which is stocked more than 50,000 rainbow trout at the beginning of each summer. Take a personal guided fishing trip with one of the fishing companies in town or go it alone. You never know what you’ll find.

Whether you visit Breckenridge in the winter or summer, you’ll be sure to find something to do. Whether it’s skiing the slopes or fishing on the Blue River, it will certainly be an experience you remember and come back over and over again for.

Date posted: July 18, 2016

Categories: Blog Spa Videos

So you’ve planned a wonderful ski trip to beautiful Breckenridge, and now you’re wondering what other fun things you can do while you’re here. After all, you can’t spend the entire trip out on the ski slopes.

If you really want to make your vacation in Breckenridge as relaxing and rewarding as possible, then a trip to the spa can be a fantastic way to make all your stress and worries disappear. Here’s a brief introduction to some of the most relaxing and therapeutic spa treatments you can find in Breckenridge.

Massage

Breckenridge massage

One of the best ways to relax in Breckenridge is with a full-body massage. It’s very easy to book an appointment with a professional massage therapist, and you can schedule your appointment to fit with the rest of your vacation.

You should especially consider getting a massage after you’ve come in from a day of outdoor activities because there is strong evidence that a full-body massage can actually help your muscles heal after a heavy workout or other physical activity (such as skiing or hiking through Breckenridge’s mountain terrain). A massage greatly reduces the level of inflammation of your muscles after exercise. It also increases the levels of the proteins your body needs to stimulate muscle growth and regeneration.

When your muscles don’t feel as tired or as painful after a long day of activity, you’ll find yourself feeling incredibly relaxed and at ease.

There are plenty of other great reasons to get a massage while you’re visiting Breckenridge. Whether you choose a Swedish massage, a deep-tissue massage, or something else, you can expect to come away with:

  • A stronger immune system
  • Reduced pain from headaches
  • Improved ability to sleep through the night
  • Reduced anxiety, depression, and stress
  • A reinforced posture, particularly if you spend a lot of time sitting

If you’re serious about improving your health while you’re enjoying your vacation in Colorado, a full-body massage should be one of the top items on your agenda.

Body Detox

A detoxifying body wrap from our Breckenridge spa.

One of the biggest consequences of being stressed out is that your body will have trouble ridding itself of toxins. There are some estimates that about 90% of doctor visits are related to stress. If you want to remain healthy, then you need to relax your body and rid it of toxins.

After you’ve had your massage, you may want to look into getting a detoxifying full-body wrap. This treatment will help pull the toxins from your bloodstream toward your skin, where they can be safely removed.

There is a very simple process involved in getting a body wrap.

  1. First, a body scrub is applied to your body. This is usually made from mud, clay, seaweed, or sea salt. The purpose of the scrub is to lightly scrape away dead skin cells in preparation for your wrap.
  2. Next is a quick shower to rinse off the scrub from your body.
  3. At this point, the wrap technician will apply your selected wrap product all over your body, one segment at a time.
  4. When your body has been fully wrapped, you’ll then be covered with an electric blanket. The heat from this blanket will stimulate your body’s sweat glands, and you’ll begin sweating the toxins from your body. The wrap products will aid in this by having an opposing electrical charge to the toxins, which will pull them away from your body.
  5. After about 30 minutes, the blanket gets removed. You’ll have a few minutes cool down on your own, surrounded by relaxing music, smells, and other environmental elements.
  6. Finally, you’ll apply a layer of lotion to your smooth and toxin-free skin.

At the end of this process, you are going to feel a level of relaxation and purity that will set the tone for the rest of your vacation, as well as the weeks and months that will follow.

Nails and Legs: Relaxing Best Beauty Treatments

Nail services from our Breckenridge spa

You might be surprised to learn that your self esteem actually has an impact on your body’s ability to combat stress and illness. There are a lot of things you can do to boost your self esteem, but making yourself look your best will certainly contribute to your feelings of self-worth.

This is why it can be so gratifying to get a nail treatment as part of your spa experience. No matter whether you choose a manicure, pedicure, or both, you’ll come away from your nail treatments feeling great about your appearance.

Another beauty treatment you might consider will be a waxing and tinting experience. There are many women and men who enjoy the ease and simplicity involved in getting their bodies waxed. With waxing and tinting procedures, you can quickly remove hair from your legs or abdomen, and you can even shape your eyebrows to look their best.

When you’re not stressing out about your appearance, it will become a lot easier to let your anxiety melt away. Your boost in self-confidence will make you feel more relaxed and at-ease when you head out to explore the social side of Breckenridge.

Group Spa Day!

Group Massage in Breckenridge

If you’ve traveled to Breckenridge with other people, then you might even considering heading to the spa as part of a group package. All of the treatments listed above can be combined with some very healthy social contact. There is a wealth of evidence indicating that your levels of social contact can have a positive influence on your health, your stress levels, and your ability to relax.

To get the most from your time at the spa, consider sharing in the experience with people you care about.

Completing Your Vacation with a Spa Day

Breckenridge facialThere are a lot of reasons that people come to Breckenridge. Some people come for the ski slopes, while others want to explore the local food and culture.

Regardless of your reasons for coming to Breckenridge, you’ll find that no trip is complete without booking a spa day to help you refresh and rejuvenate from the stress of your daily life. With the right kinds of spa treatments, you’ll be able to find a level of relaxation that you might not have known was possible.

What are some of your favorite spa treatments? What other types of strategies do you use to help you relax?

Date posted: June 25, 2016

Categories: Articles Blog Body Wraps Facials Massage Therapy Stress Relief

If you’re coming to Breckenridge on vacation, your goal is probably to relax. However, after all the stress of planning a trip and getting the family out on the ski slopes or the hiking and biking trails, you might have your entire vacation pass you by without feeling like you’ve been able to stop and take a breath.

With the right kinds of strategies, you can have an incredibly fun vacation while still finding yourself more relaxed than you’ve felt in quite a long time. Here are four of my favorite ways to unwind in Breckenridge:

breckenridge spa

Get a Massage

If there’s one thing that can help you unwind from the stress of your daily life and from planning a great vacation, it’s getting a massage. When you get a massage from a real expert, you’ll end up getting all kinds of benefits beyond just relaxation.

According to many massage experts, there are quite a number of reasons to consider getting a full-body treatment, including:

  • Strengthening your immune system – A full-body massage will stimulate your lymph nodes, which has a tremendous impact on your ability to fight off illness.
  • Increasing your blood circulation – Increased circulation makes it easier for your body to bring essential nutrients and oxygen to your entire body. The lower blood pressure that comes with better circulation will also help you feel more relaxed.
  • Decreasing your feelings of depression or anxiety – When you receive a massage, you will find that you’re able focus more easily and have a clearer mind. This can contribute to reduced feelings of stress and anxiety.

There are a number of different types of massages you can receive, depending on the kind of effect you’d like your massage to have. You can ask your massage therapist for any of the following common massage types:

  • A deep tissue massage is perfect for relaxing and healing injured muscles, tendons, or ligaments. If you’ve been suffering from a lingering injury, this is the method for you.
  • A Swedish massage is a lighter massage technique that’s designed explicitly to help you relax and unwind. This is ideal for anyone who simply needs to let go of a lot of pent-up stress.
  • A focused massage is directed right at the most tense points on your body in order to encourage them to loosen up. If you can release the tension in these points, then you’re going to feel more relaxed overall.

Spend an Evening With Friends

A lot of people who come to Breckenridge on a ski adventure show up with a larger group of family and friends. The truth is that time spent in comfortable social settings will help to boost the oxytocin levels in your brain, which can contribute to your ability to relax and feel more at ease. In fact, if your social activities involve plenty of warm hugs, you’ll be able to improve your oxytocin levels even more.

Of course, if you’re going out with friends, you might want to make sure you look your best. This can mean anything from finding a great outfit to wear all the way to getting some waxing or tinting done. The better you look, the more relaxed and confident you’ll feel when you step out into one of Breckenridge’s great restaurants or bars.

Group Spa Treatment

If you want to combine all of these different ideas into one unbeatable way to relax, a group spa treatment is just the thing to do. When you organize a group spa day, you will be able to enjoy time with friends, increase your confidence in how you look, and receive the kind of massage that will wash away any stress or anxiety that’s been keeping you on edge.

With a combination of massages, facials, hot stone treatments, and even a manicure, a spa treatment will get you to a level of relaxation that you might not have thought possible. For anyone who wants to get the maximum impact in a short amount of time, it’s easy to see how a group spa day can be the right option.

Spend Time Outside

This point might seem obvious to anyone who’s coming to ski in Breckenridge. After all, the outdoors is one of the biggest draws to the area.

What you might not realize is that there are many health benefits to simply being out in nature. There is a lot of evidence pointing to some incredible benefits of getting outside, enjoying some sunshine, and experiencing the beauty of the mountains.

  • There is a direct link between exposure to sunlight and your body’s ability to produce vitamin D. This crucial nutrient plays a role in your ability to fight off disease, get rid of stress, and remain happy in general.
  • If you’re spending time outside, it’s likely that you’re going to be engaging in physical activity. When you exercise, it can help reduce your feelings of anxiety and stress. At the same time, the use of your muscles will ultimately leave you feeling much more relaxed.

Whether you’re going hiking, biking, canoeing or skiing, a few hours of fresh air and sunshine will do wonders for your stress levels. Once you’ve come in from a long day of exploring the area on foot, by boat or on skis, you may feel some tension or pain in your muscles and joints. In order to lock in the benefits of a day spent outside, you may want to consider a full-body massage when you come back inside.

Once you’re feeling relaxed from your exercise and your full-body massage, you can cap off the day with a few drinks on an outdoor patio. With friends, the great outdoors, and the relaxing effects of your spa treatment running through your body, you’ll realize that this is exactly what you were looking for in a trip to Breckenridge.

Vacation or Relaxation: Why Not Both?

While a trip to Breckenridge is always going to be an exciting and invigorating experience, it’s important to make sure you make time to relax. It’s easy to get caught up in your travel plans and forget that one of the goals of a mountain vacation is to let go of your stress and troubles.

Breckenridge is full of opportunities to turn your vacation into a relaxing getaway. When you combine the beautiful outdoor environment, the social atmosphere, and a few choice spa treatments, you can come away feeling better than you’ve felt in years.

Have you had any experience with massage therapy in the past? What other ways of relaxing do you use to fight stress and anxiety?

Date posted: June 3, 2016

Categories: Blog Spa Videos Stress Relief

Double the benefits of your next massage in Breckenridge with breathing.The process of conscious breathing has a myriad of benefits to your overall health. Breathing exercises can minimize stress, help to improve your overall mood, and help you to feel more energized. So, it is only natural that combining the basic movement of inspiration and expiration with a massage at our Breckenridge spa can serve to double the benefits of the work being done.

Inhaling fully helps to fill ourselves with the prana of life, or our “life force,” to be inspired.; when exhaling fully, you are emptying yourself into the unknown, to be expired. With the very basic awareness of these processes, you can begin to awaken the potentials of being truly alive in a very conscious way. Some of this may seem too “deep” to you, so just know that the process of paying attention to the primal process of breathing and these ever-changing rhythms can open up a new understanding of yourself and the world around you. Combine with a massage and you have doubled your potential for overall health.

Breathing through your core is the key to achieving this desired effect. No matter which part of you body is being touched, moved or stretched, you can unequivocally participate in this process by focusing your inhalation all the way down your back to your tail bone and thus permitting your exhalation to truly empty you. The resulting experience of deep relaxation allows your massage therapist to deeply join the healing forces with your organic breathing. There is an instinctive intelligence that keeps your heart beating and your nervous system altering itself to deeper levels of coherency that is precisely how life is being expressed in you in that particular moment. The result is that you can join your consciousness in the process, and by doing so, magnify the effects of the movement of bodywork that is initiated by your therapist.

Again, if all of this does not seem to resonate with you on a deeper level, just remember to breath through your core during your next massage and ultimately reap the rewards. Its as simple as that! We hope to see you at our Summit County spa soon.

Date posted: April 27, 2016

Categories: Blog Massage Therapy

Hugs & massages support health.You’ve all heard the popular saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” haven’t you? Well, akin to this popular saying, there is now evidence that a hug a day can keep the doctor away too! In his 2015 article, Could a Hug a Day Keep Infection Away?, New York Times Best Selling Author Dr. Mercola provides support of the value of hugging and avoiding infections. And of course, as a day spa in Breckenridge, we can immediately relate getting more hugs to the value of receiving a massage. We’ll get to that later, so for now let’s find out more about this hugging thing!

The power of human touch, including hugs, is never more evident than in our early years as infants deprived of touch usually experience some form of developmental delays. While you may attribute this to more of maternal contact than touch, consider the fact that studies on nurses giving infant massages have shown that babies have increased weight gain and earlier discharge from the hospital even when given touch from a stranger (nurse). Dr. Mercola even points to the fact that “nonhuman primates may spend up to 20 percent of their day grooming each other.” Mercola also points to a study that found one-third of people receive no hugs on a daily basis and 75 percent want and need more hugs. Not only does this cause loneliness, but it could increase your risk of catching a cold as well!

Primates spend 20% of their day touching/grooming each other.It is relatively widespread knowledge nowadays that people whom are under stress and in conflict with others are more prone to catch a cold. Well, Carnegie Mellon University researchers embarked on a journey to find out whether social support such as hugging could be a protective measure against infections such as the common cold. In their study, these investigators found that, among 404 adults, those who received more frequent hugs during times of conflict or stress were less likely to “catch” a cold after being exposed to the virus. However, the hugs, according to the researchers, were responsible for approximately one-third of the protective effect.

They went on to say, “This suggests that being hugged by a trusted person may act as an effective means of conveying support and that increasing the frequency of hugs might be an effective means of reducing the deleterious effects of stress … those who receive more hugs are somewhat more protected from infection.”

You notice a lot of “mights” in this quote, so here is some science to back it up. Hugging increases the levels of oxytocin hormone in your body which can, in turn, have favorable effects on hearth health, stress reduction, fighting fatigue, fighting infections, boosting your immune system, easing depressing, and lowering your blood pressure levels. Hugging is also known to lower your levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, and activate the orbitofrontal cortex in your brain which is linked to feelings of reward and empathy.

The only caveat is that apparently these hugs need to be at least 10 seconds in length to achieve the desired effect. Well, you can do that, can’t you? In one of our recent blog posts we talked about the power of human touch and its effect on your overall health and your relationships. Well, besides hugging, there are other touch activities that can also help with keeping you healthy. Included in this are back rubs, foot rubs, and of course, massages. Just make sure the “touch session” is at least 10 seconds in length, which is not a problem with a massage of course.

It is said that four hugs a day are considered upkeep, eight hugs are twice as good, but 12 hugs a day are what you need to achieve true psychological growth. Add a Breckenridge massage to the mix and I think you will be well covered and well on your way to a healthier life.

Date posted: April 13, 2016

Categories: Blog Massage Therapy

After a day on the hill, a Breckenridge massage will do wonders for your body.Most people come to Summit County during the winter months for one thing – skiing and snowboarding. This is only natural considering we have four world-class ski resorts to choose from. But, unless you ski or snowboard regularly, you are going to have some noticeable stiffness and/or soreness after your first couple days on the hill. That’s where we come in. A massage at our Breckenridge spa is an effective treatment that can help provide relief for those tired and sore muscles, and can help you recover much quicker. So, here’s a quick rundown of the muscle groups most used during your skiing or snowboarding excursion.

Legs

Your leg muscles naturally receive the brunt of activity when skiing or riding. The strength and coordination that is needed to navigate your downhill movement can result in microscopic tears in your muscle fibers that produce inflamed muscles. This is what causes the soreness and stiffness in your legs that any skier or snowboarder is all too familiar with.

Core

Your core is responsible for stabilizing your body and therefore is going to suffer after a day on the slopes. Your core strength permits your body to absorb the pressure resulting from powder, moguls, and other obstacles on your way down the hill. And, your core does this all while helping you to balance. Your abdominal muscles help align your pelvis and spine to ensure proper posture and to help you from falling.

Feet & Ankles

While not as common as the aforementioned categories (unless you have uncomfortable boots), another muscle group that may need some attention after a day of skiing or riding is your feet and ankles. Depending on your experience, you will use your feet and ankles a lot to perform edging and rotational movements to keep your feet heading in the direction that you want your body to follow.

Glutes

The gluteal complex is one of the most powerful muscle groups on your body and is critical to controlling your legs. And, since your legs take the brunt of the pounding, naturally the glutes will be sore too. From your outer thighs to your upper legs, this muscle group helps you with the rotary movements that pilot you downhill.

Conclusion

The application of pressure and movement to your muscles from a massage can help to boost your blood flow to oxygenate your muscles, encourage lymph circulation for faster toxin removal, work out knots and other places of tension, and help you relax in a manner that will provide relief and speed up your recovery time so you can get back on the hill again the next day. If your ski trip happens to take you to Breckenridge, we are here to help you get the most out of your vacation. Contact us today for your recovery massage.

Date posted: March 29, 2016

Categories: Blog Massage Therapy

The healing power of touch. Get a massage in Breckenridge today.When we were babies, we had no way to regulate our nervous system. A loving touch, closeness and nurturing were the keys for us to feel calm, safe and not overwhelmed. Most of us do not remember those days, but perhaps we do remember the visceral feeling that accompanied this loving environment. This is all due to the naturally occurring chemical produced in the brain, oxytocin, that regulates the arousal level of our nervous system. As we moved into adulthood, most of us learned how to regulate our nervous systems to a certain degree, but we still need that loving touch to maintain healthy relationships throughout life. Enter massage.

Every relationship, at one time or another, has its stressful or volatile moments that spring your Central Nervous System (CNS) into action. When we shut down, withdraw, disconnect, or even get angry from these moments, your stress hormones rev up your CNS, and it becomes too constricted and prohibits you from engaging in the repair of these relationship moments. These are the precise times that we need oxytocin running through our bloodstream to help regulate the nervous system and help us feel that “all is well.” In turn, just like as a child, the oxytocin response induces a sense of well-being and returns our nervous system to the state we naturally like – relaxed, calm and engaged. So how do you go about this?

A Breckenridge massage releases oxytocin to help you feel safe & secure.Get a massage. The simple human touch from a massage is extremely effective at releasing the oxytocin hormone that will dampen down your nervous system and instantly address your fight or flight response to any perceived danger or threat that is currently going on in your life. Your stress hormone levels quiet down, your blood pressure lowers, and you become less emotionally reactive. Can you see now how this can help you repair your relationship during times of stress? This “emotional calming” has the ability to create a greater openness and flexibility as well as restore that sense of connection we felt to begin with. When we feel safe and relaxed, we have the ability to be more loving and generous to everyone around us, including our significant others.

The release of oxytocin is one of the main reasons why we feel so good after a massage. This is why receiving regular massages is so beneficial to our health, sense of well-being, and can help restore our relationships too! Our Breckenridge spa is here to help you solidify your relationships with a plethora of services that will promote that oxytocin release you’ve been looking for. Contact us today for your next massage.

Date posted: March 15, 2016

Categories: Articles Blog Massage Therapy

Our Breckenridge spa helps the elderly with the aging process.According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 10% of Summit County’s population is 65 years or older. Additionally, if you look at the population of the United States in its entirety, almost 15% is 65 or older. So, why am I telling you this? Well, as you age your body starts to age and slow down, a person weak and fragile. Some do nothing about it, but some people try to rejuvenate through a variety of methods. One such method that has proven benefits is regular massage therapy to revive your muscles and feel much healthier. However, this process is quite different for the elderly than it is for other adults. Read on for the benefits that senior citizens can experience from regular massage therapy to combat the aging process.

Circulation Improvement

As you move onwards into your senior years, you become more vulnerable to reduced/dropped off circulation. So, accordingly, healthy blood circulation becomes very crucial for the elderly. Combined with a precise workout plan, regular massages can help you prevent the complications that may arise from a lack of circulation. Moreover, regular massage therapy improves lymph flow from the body and can help to boost your energy level and help to recover from your injuries much quicker.

Fights Pain and Stiffness

Many elderly people suffer from pain and stiffness in their joints and muscles. Hands down, massage therapy is the best treatments for this. Tapping, skin rolling and kneading techniques help to activate your soft joints, tendons, and muscles, but leave it up to the therapist to determine which technique is right for you. Along with this, a good massage can help reduce inflammation-related pains in the joints, and can help play a key role in helping you to execute daily activities in a relatively pain-free manner.

Overall Health

I’m going to state the obvious here, but massage therapy provides numerous benefits to your health. For seniors, massages can aid in improving posture, motion, and deliver relief from those nagging aches and pains. Regular massages can also help improve flexibility, decrease stress, anxiety and provide temporary relief from depression.

Battles Arthritis

The most common condition associated with joints, arthritis is considered a “wear and tear” disease that causes joint soreness, deformity, and loss of joint function that makes it difficult for the elderly to move. Many studies have proved that regular massages are effective in lessening the stiffness and pain that comes with this ailment. However, the results are not permanent, but still allows one some relief until their next therapy session.

Improves Digestion

The digestive system weakens as we age, making it difficult to digest food. Massages relax the entire body and, in turn, speed up the digestive system and in some cases can make it stronger.

Mends Posture and Balance

Balance and postural stability are major concerns for the aging population as injuries due to falling are commonplace. It has been shown that proper massages can help improve balance and posture.

Conclusion

Because of advances in medical sciences and alternative health practices such as massage, the second half of the 20th Century has seen an increase in the average life span. There are now more people over the age of 65 alive and well these days than ever before. So, this growing age group has put the elderly at a greater risk for a myriad of health issues, and alternative practices are needed to manage many of these issues, especially for seniors. If you would like to learn more, or want to schedule a consultation, contact our Breckenridge spa.

Date posted: March 1, 2016

Categories: Blog Massage Therapy

Massage for Chronic PainWe have written a countless number of posts that have alluded to the benefits of massage therapy for a variety of conditions and needs. Pain reduction, stress relief, improving muscle recovery and flexibility are just a few of those benefits. However, just like any other therapy, to maximize the benefits of massage, it must be governed by the right dose and regularity as part of your health regimen. Knowing how much, how often and the right time to visit a massage therapist in Breckenridge can ultimately have a dramatic effect on what benefits you will receive. Too little or too much, too soon or too late, with too much or too little frequency, all can impact one’s results.

There have been many studies done on massage as a therapy with mixed results. But, one key study from the Group Health Research Institute (GHRI) in Seattle embarked on a journey to decide the ideal dose of massage for those with chronic neck pain. While this study focused purely on neck pain, it can translate easily to other chronic conditions such as back pain and osteoarthritis of the knee, so be sure that this can apply to your specific condition. Neck pain is the third most common type of pain in the United States, so this seemed like a natural place to start. Whether you are a believer in treating pain with drugs or utilizing alternative practices such as massage, either way the message stays the same … both the length and frequency of the massage were crucial for the reduction in pain.

So, without going into every extreme detail of GHRI’s study, all 228 participants received either a 30-minute massage two to three times a week or a 60-minute massage one, two or three times weekly (with a placebo group that received no massages). The results pointed out that, compared with the no-massage group, those who received massages three times a week were almost five times more likely to report a substantial improvement and more than twice as likely to report a significant decrease in overall pain. Additionally, it was found that the best pain-relief was achieved by those who were administered 60-minute massages two or three times a week. So, as you can derive from these results, a 60-minute massage is more effective than a 30-minute massage, and multiple treatments a week for the first month is more efficient than one. A side note here, this is assuming that you are receiving a massage from a professional therapist using an advanced technique, because this can impact the results as well.

At what point you get your massage after you sustained or noticed your injury is important as well, as it will effect your healing and recovery time. Knowing that the extent and type of the injury is a variable to consider, typically the quicker you are to act after an injury, the more quickly your muscles will recover. Of course, this is after you have consulted with your doctor to see if a massage is in fact an option for you. For muscle strains, the same is typically true. Evidence has shown that massage immediately after an exercise session will promote faster healing and reduction of inflammation. Again, however, this is assuming that you have talked to your physician first.

While massage therapy is still considered an “alternative” therapy in many circles, it is becoming much more widely accepted and utilized for many real health benefits. The taboo of massage being a “luxury” may still hold true for those that are just looking for some relaxation and stress-relief, but as the above study shows, it has its place in treating chronic pain. Just remember, though, just like any other treatment it is important to uncover the root of the problem before completing your treatment plan or the issue is likely to return in no time.

At our Breckenridge spa, our goal is to help our clients get the most they can out of their massage experience. Our highly-trained massage therapists will consult with you on your injury and recommend the optimal type, length and frequency of massage therapy so you can reap the rewards. Contact us today to find out more or to reserve your session.

Date posted: February 15, 2016

Categories: Blog Massage Therapy

Massage for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or seasonal mood disorder, also known as the winter blues, impacts as many as one in five Americans at some point in their lives. While the cold temperatures, shorter days and abundant snowfall in Breckenridge, Summit County are great for the slopes, it can wreak havoc on certain individuals that end up feeling depressed and lethargic as a result. Luckily for those one in five, studies have shown that regular massages can improve your mood and reset circadian rhythms that lead to better sleep patterns and more energy overall. So, if you are a full-time resident or in town for a lengthy stay, luckily for you there is a place to combat those winter blues with a massage in Breckenridge.

“As we approach the colder, darker months, massage therapy may be an effective method of deflecting common seasonal challenges,” says Jeff Smoot, President of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). “Massage benefits the way our bodies react to negative influences, whether that’s weather, anxieties or disorders.”

These “common seasonal challenges” can trigger the onset of SAD or its ugly cousin, the winter blues, because of the decrease in sunlight during the winter months, which decreases vitamin D levels that may be linked to depression. There are a variety of symptoms to look for, but the most common are fatigue, changes in sleep patterns, loss of interest in things you were once interested in, irritability, decreased energy and a generally low mood. And while not necessarily the case here in Summit County, people tend to stay inside more during the winter months, resulting in lower activity levels and a decrease in the body’s production of endorphins or natural mood lifters.

While there are mainstream treatments for SAD and the winter blues, including light therapy, psychotherapy and medications like antidepressants, why not consider massage therapy as well? A massage is a medicine unto its own and does not come with the horrible side effects of medications. So, how can a massage help? Massage can significantly reduce the symptoms of depression, decrease cortisol levels, increase the body’s level of endorphins (natural anti-depressant), strengthen the mind/body connection, increase our general sense of wellbeing and increase our vitality and immunity. Massage also allows the body to restore its parasympathetic nervous system functioning to allow the body to rest and digest.

None of this is to say that massage does not come with its own side effects, however, but nothing compared to the nausea, lack of appetite, anxiety, drowsiness and headaches that antidepressant medicines can give you. After your massage you may experience muscle soreness, flu-like symptoms or low blood sugar, but these can all be combatted simply by increasing water consumption for 48-72 hours after your massage. The choice is yours.

So, if you are looking for a natural treatment to help you beat the winter blues, consider a massage as its own medicine, or use it in tandem with medical and psychological treatment.

If you have any further questions about how a massage can help with your mood disorder, or you would like to book your Breckenridge massage today, contact us and we will be happy to help.

Date posted: February 1, 2016

Categories: Blog Massage Therapy

Aromatherapy AssociatesAre you stressed, sore or overtired, but not in the mood for a strenuous muscle-kneading treatment? If so, we’ve got just the thing for you – the Ultimate Aromatherapy Experience from our Breckenridge spa. This type of massage is not necessarily geared towards physically working out your muscles and sore spots, but instead uses the restorative properties of essential oils to relax and heal your body and mind. The following will give you all you ever wanted to know about an aromatherapy massage so you can decide if it’s the right choice for you.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is typically defined as the art and science of exploiting aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and encourage the healthy of body, mind and spirit. There are over 3,000 essential oils out there, each 100 percent natural, and each with its own therapeutic merits. The oils are extracted from plants and therefore contain all the properties of the plants themselves, and can be applied by adding to your bath, inhaling them or the most popular method … through an aromatherapy massage. These oils can help relieve many different ailments, but the most popular are pain, muscle spasms, depression, stiffness, asthma, insomnia, congestion and hypertension. It is important to recognize the difference between essential oils and fragrance oils – the latter smell great, but don’t have the same therapeutic benefits.

How Does Aromatherapy Work?

When you first visit our spa in Breckenridge, we will consult with you to find out what your physical and emotional needs are. We will then carry out an aroma test to find out which essential oil is right for you. We offer 12 signature oils to choose from, all formulated with natural plant and flower oils with exotic scents and therapeutic benefits. Each oil works on a specific condition … you name the ailment and there’s an oil that could relieve it.

How is the Massage Performed?

Once the correct oil has been chosen, your massage therapist will utilize carefully applied pressure to stimulate your nervous system, neuromuscular techniques to relieve muscular tension and lymphatic drainage to inspire healthy circulation. Be ready for a full head to toe treatment that will dissolve away all of your stress and tension. At our Summit County spa, this ritual draws from a fusion of eastern and western massage techniques that will achieve your desired results by using a gentle, but firm procedure.

What Techniques Are Used?

Breckenridge massageThe oil is administered in long sweeping strokes which will warm your skin and muscles to prepare the body for a deep tissue massage. Once your muscles have been adequately warmed, your therapist will continue with a slightly deeper massage by rolling and squeezing the skin and underlying muscles. This technique should not be painful like some deeper massages, and should be deeply relaxing.

It is often assumed that the oils work their magic by your skin absorbing them – and that’s definitely part of it – but a lot of the benefits come from inhaling the aromas and absorbing them through the soft tissues of your nose and mouth.

What are the Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage?

Just like many other massage techniques, an aromatherapy massage helps to increase circulation and boosts the elimination of toxins from your body. This should ultimately speed up the recovery time from any illness or injury. Additionally, with the manipulation of your muscles, knotted muscles should be released by diffusing the build up of lactic acid which typically occurs after exercise.

Now that your circulation has been increased, the essential aromatherapy oils are absorbed through your skin and carried throughout your body to allow for the healing effects to permeate all your major organs.

What about the After-Effects?

The effects of an aromatherapy massage can last up to 48 hours, depending on which oils are administered. You skin may feel slightly greasy, but you will feel deeply calm and relaxed. Since you are in such a deep state of relaxation, it is not recommended to drink alcohol or drive a vehicle right after the massage. Some oils may increase the effect of alcohol, making you feel drowsy after just one drink.

Often, the benefits of an aromatherapy massage are felt immediately, but over time, you may notice that long-term problems have also been improved. It is not recommended to have a full body massage more than once a week, but a weekly massage is an excellent way to keep your body relaxed and free of toxins.

Conclusion

Now that you know all there is to know about aromatherapy massages, it’s time to decide if this is the correct treatment for you and your condition. If it is, please contact us to book one now, or to find out more answers to any questions you may have that we did not cover here.

Date posted: January 19, 2016

Categories: Blog Massage Therapy

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