Hawaiian Experience Spa

Lomi Lomi massage training is coming to Phoenix, AZ area

Aloha – Hawaiian Experience Spa in Scottsdale is happy to announce that our good friends, Tom Cochran and Donna Jason of Sacred Lomi, will be providing lomi lomi massage training in Tempe, Arizona just prior to the 2010 Aloha Festival in March.  The four day course will teach you both the physical and spiritual aspects of this ancient massage and is highly recommended by Steve and Cathy Ibach who attended Tom’s training on Maui about a year before opening Hawaiian Experience Day Spa.

Hawaiian Experience Spa is the leader in traditional lomi lomi massage in the Phoenix, Arizona area.  We have clients come from Phoenix, Chandler, Goodyear, Avondale, Cave Creek, Fountain Hills, and all of the other surrounding towns to experience our lomi lomi massages which include single lomi lomi massage, double lomi lomi massage, and couples lomi lomi massage.

More information on Lomi Lomi massage training this March (see lomi video).

More information on Lomi Lomi massage at Hawaiian Experience Spa.

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Thai Massage now offered in Scottsdale Day Spa at Hawaiian Experience Spa

Barbara Harel, one of Hawaiian Experience Spa’s most experienced Scottsdale massage therapists, just completed two full weeks of advanced Thai massage training.  Barbara, who was already trained in the art of Thai massage, is looking forward to sharing her new techniques with our clients. Thai is not your typical Scottsdale massage…  

Thai massage originated in India based and is based on Ayurveda and yoga, thereafter becoming popular in ancient Siam, now known as Thailand. It was believed that the massage art was brought over to Thailand by Shivago Komarpaj, a contemporary of Gautama Buddha, over 2500 years ago.

This massage is done fully clothed (you should were comfortable lose fitting clothes) using a combination of deep stretches and pressure. Sometimes referred to as “passive yoga” during this massage you will be put into many yoga like positions. Your therapist will lean on your body using to apply firm rhythmic pressure.

Thai massage has many therapeutic benefits including increasing flexibility, helping with postural alignment, relaxing of muscle tissue, alleviating back pain, and much more.

Wendy, another popular therapist at the our day spa also is trained in Thai massage giving you a choice of therapists.  If you would like to schedule an appointment for this exotic treatment please use our online scheduler or call our Scottsdale day spa at 480-661-2991.

60 Minutes – $109
90 Minutes – $159 (recommended time)

Of course, members receive all their regular credits and discounts.

Visit our massage page to see a list and description of all the massages offered at Hawaiian Experience Spa, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

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If you are looking for ideas for a fun date in Scottsdale try Hawaiian Experience Spa’s date night on Friday and Saturday evenings.  This romantic date idea includes a special couples massage, followed by dinner and dessert at the spa. (Read more about couples massage on The Massage Advancer.)

When you arrive at the spa for your Scottsdale date night experience you will be greeted with Hawaiian leis and escorted over our “bridge to Hawaii” on your way back to the private locker room where you can change together in soft spa robes and sandals.  You will be asked to choose a Hawaiian soy candle from among a variety of choices including coconut vanilla, plumeria, pikake, koke’e (rain forest scent), mango nectar, and more.

The 60 minute couples massage is done side by side so you can both can hold hands during your treatment.  This romantic couples massage is a signature treatment of our Scottsdale day spa.  Although the massage is generally focused on relaxation and providing you with a romantic experience, your therapists can customize the massage anyway you wish by including deep tissue massage, lomi lomi massage, hot stone massage, and more.

Once your massage is completed you are taken to the waterfall shower room where you and your partner can shower together in complete luxury.  After your shower comes dinner and desert in a private room in the spa.  You get to choose your own dinner selection from the menu of a local restaurant.

When you have completed your massage, shower, dinner, and dessert you get dressed and head back over the bridge so you can check out.  You will be taking with you your leis, Hawaiian candle, and the memory of this special evening.  If you would like to record your memories, bring your camera.  The staff will be happy to take pictures of you and your partner throughout your date night experience.

Visit Hawaiian Experience Spa’s date night page for more information.

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Costochondritis is an inflammation of the rib cartilage

At Hawaiian Experience Spa in Scottsdale our massage therapists treat condtions like costochondritis everyday with medical massage therapy.  Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum.  It causes sharp and often severe pain in the costosternal joint (where the ribs connect to the sternum), sometimes mimicking a heart attack.  While the cause of this condition is not know, medical massage therapy focused on the breathing muscles and other muscles that attached to the thoracic cage (rib cage) has been shown to be an effective treatment for the pain associated with costochondritis. Read entire article.

If you are suffering from costochondritis be sure to follow your doctor’s advice and consider trying a medical massage.  We have helped others reduce the pain associated with this condition and we may be able to help you.  Read more about medical massage.

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Cathy Ibach (owner) greating new client at spa

Massage Envy started in Scottsdale and made massage therapy more available to everyone by providing a massage membership program which offers discounts in exchange for committing to get monthly massages.  While Massage Envy’s program works for some, there are alternatives available that may be better suited for many Scottsdale and Fountain Hills residents.

Hawaiian Experience Spa in Scottsdale offers a membership program for the same monthly price as Massage Envy, however, Hawaiian Experience Spa provides a different experience that many people find more appealing.  Below are the top ten differences and similarities between Massage Envy’s Scottsdale plan and ours: 

1. Massage Envy regularly hires therapists right out of massage school while we only hire experienced therapists with medical level massage training.
2. Both Massage Envy and Hawaiian Experience Spa charge $49 a month for a membership that includes a massage.
3. Massage Envy offers a handful of massages while we offer over 80 treatments including facials, body treatments, couple’s massages, medical massages, and many other types of specialty massages including Lomi Lomi, Maui Relaxation, and much more.
4. We offer a relaxing environment with robes, sandals, and complementary snacks and drinks.
5. Massage Envy offers a quick in and out service.  While many of our clients relax in our Palm Lounge, we offer a quick in and out service for those on the go – no need to put on a robe and sandals, just come in, get your massage and go.
6. We provide our waterfall shower room for clients’ use after treatments.  Massage Envy locations in Scottsdale do not provide any type of shower.
7. We use only organic lotions and oils for massages.  Massage Envy does disclose the quality of their lotions on their web site.
8. We have many exotic Hawaiian body products for your use at the spa and for sale.  Massage Envy in Scottsdale does not provide special products to use or for sale.
9. Hawaiian Experience Spa members can bring guests and receive a discount on their services.
10. Massage Therapy at Hawaiian Experience Spa is always performed by medical level therapists with significant experience and training. This is the major difference between the Massage Envy experience and the Hawaiian Experience.  We feel this is so important we made this our first and last point!

More Information:  Hawaiian Experience Spa membership page

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Receive a $25 day spa gift certificate for a massage or other treatment at Hawaiian Experience Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona by completing a brief survey on massage therapy.

The gift certificate is only valid for new clients, however, even if you have been in the spa you are encouraged to complete the survey.  You can always give the gift certificate to a friend.

To view the survey please visit Steve’s Examiner Page.

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Foot massages feel great put don't cure diseases

Reflexology is the practice of massaging or applying pressure to parts of the body (usually the feet and sometimes the hands and ears) in the belief that specific areas on the feet or hands correspond with other body parts, particularly internal organs.  Reflexologists believe that by treating the feet and hands, they can affect changes in the corresponding organ.  There is no consensus among reflexologists as to how this works.  Some believe that reflexology affects the body’s “energy field” while others say that nerves from the internal organs actually end in the hands and feet.  Neither of these beliefs is based on modern science.

Reflexology can be practiced by a “reflexologist” or a massage therapist.  In the State of Arizona there is no licensing for reflexologists therefore anyone is legally allowed to perform reflexology, regardless of their training.  Some massage therapists also incorporate reflexology into their practice, and include reflexology treatments as part of a full body massage.  There are major differences between seeing a reflexologist and a massage therapist in the State of Arizona;

Reflexologist

• Unlicensed – Anyone can claim to be a reflexologist. No license is required.
• Training – Because there is no licensing your reflexologist can have little or no training and still legally operate.
• Body areas – It is illegal for a reflexologist to work on any area other than the hands, feet, and head.  If you go to a reflexologist and he works on any other area of your body he is committing a Class I misdemeanor.

Massage Therapist

• Licensed – Massage therapists are licensed by the State of Arizona.  Prior to receiving a license, massage therapists must submit records from an accredited massage school and submit to a background check.
• Training – Massage therapists must have 700 hours training in anatomy, physiology, and related subjects.  Students normally complete 100 or more massages on the public under the supervision of an instructor before graduating.
• Body Areas – Your massage therapist can work on any appropriate area of your body to treat your condition.

Warnings

• While a foot massage may feel great, do not go to a reflexologist to treat any medical condition. It is illegal and dangerous for reflexologists to claim that they can treat diagnosed disorders in your kidneys, liver, lungs, etc.  All they can do is give you a nice foot, hand, or head massage.
• Inquire as to the training of the reflexologist.  If you visit a reflexologist be sure to go to one that has formal training.  200 hours of training is desirable.
• If your reflexologist works on any area besides your hands, feet, and head they have violated A.R.S. 42 and have endangered you.  Massage therapy has many contraindications and the Arizona massage therapy laws were created to protect you from injury by unlicensed “therapists”. Violations should be reported to the local police.

More Information: Therapeutic Massage Therapy

IMPORTANT  – All articles on our blog are general in nature only. You should always consult with a doctor for any specific medical advice.

Coffee Scrub by Malie

Many day spas and resort spas offer treatments designed to fight and reduce cellulite.  These anti cellulite treatments consist of body wraps, body scrubs, massages and more.  Some spas also sell cellulite reducing creams and other products that are designed to help you fight cellulite at home.  Before we discuss the effectiveness of these treatments it is important to first understand what cellulite really is and what causes it.  Read the full article about cellulite treatments

If you are in the Phoenix, Arizona area you may want to visit Hawaiian Experience Spa in Scottsdale for a cellulite busting treatment.  We offer several treatments that are both fun and enjoyable in themselves, and have cellulite busting properites.  To view our list of celluite fight treatments visit our Cellulite Page.

Therapeutic Massage in Scottsdale, AZ

Therapeutic massages (sometimes called deep tissue) and relaxation massages are the most common types of massages offered in Scottsdale, and perhaps everywhere.  Our day spa, as well as dozens of massage clinics and individual massage therapists offer therapeutic massages in Scottsdale.  Both therapeutic massages and relaxation massages provide muscle pain and tension relief but they each serve a different purpose.  Understanding the difference between the therapeutic massage and the relaxation massage will help you spend your money wisely the next time you are asked, “Would you like relaxation or deep tissue.”

Hawaiian Experience Spa in Scottsdale, AZ offers several types of therapeutic massages ranging from traditional to Hawaiian. Visit our Scottsdale massage page for a complete list of therapeutic massages offered at our day spa.

A relaxation massage is generally a lighter massage that is focused on reducing stress and relaxing your mind, more than your muscles (see ‘Relaxation massages: Will they really relax your muscles?’ for more information).  A therapeutic massage or deep tissue massage, is more designed to treat muscle tension or pain. In a therapeutic massage your therapist will normally use deeper pressure to affect the release of the muscles causing your discomfort. 

A therapeutic massage is the broadest category of massage and overlaps both relaxation and medical massage.  The deeper more focused work in this massage can often be very relaxing and therapeutic because stress reduction can occur once your tense muscles are released.  Although this massage does not have the specific focus of a medical massage, it is used to treat a variety of medical conditions including chronic pain, neck tension, backaches, and more.

Consider a therapeutic massage at Hawaiian Experience Day Spa in Scottsdale when…

• You have a stiff neck that you want addressed as part of your massage, even if the cause is stress
• You have muscle tension or pain that you want treated as part of your massage
• You have a general backache from overwork, life, etc.
• You generally like deep pressure massages

Consider a relaxation massage at Hawaiian Experience Day Spa in Scottsdale if…

• You feel stressed and want to relax mentally
• You feel tired and feel like you need more energy
• You feel generally sore or week from muscle stress or overwork

Consider a medical massage at Hawaiian Experience Day Spa in Scottsdale if…

• You have a diagnosed condition you need treated
• Your primary focus is to get one or two specific areas treated

If you have any doubts about which massage is best you should not hesitate to speak with the us at Hawaiian Experience Spa about your goals and let us recommend a massage for you.  We may be better able than you in determining which treatment will fit your goals, as long as you honestly share those goals with the us.

Note: Some Scottsdale spas differentiate between therapeutic and deep tissue massages. In this case the therapeutic massage is basically a partial deep tissue massage where the therapist uses deep tissue techniques for part of the time. Unless you know you want a full deep massage for the whole time, the therapeutic massage will suit your needs fine.  There is no need to spend the extra money for the ‘deep tissue’.

Dog with EDS - Source: Wikimedia Commons

Medical massage therapy can be used effectively to reduce pain and increase quality of life in patients suffering from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).  EDS is a genetic connective tissue disorder characterized by joint pain and hypermobility, stretchy delicate skin, and other symptoms.  People with EDS have unstable joints, fragile skin, or vascular problems, because of a genetic defect in their connective tissue. EDS affects at least 1 in 5000 people.

Read complete article and on my Examiner.com page. 

 At Hawaiian Experience Spa in Scottsdale we regularly treat several clients suffering with EDS.

Article written by:

Steve Ibach, Licensed Massage Therapist, Fitness Consultant

Hawaiian Experience Spa
10855 N. 116^th St., Ste 130
Scottsdale, AZ 85259
480-661-2991

www.HawaiianExperienceSpa.com