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Complementary and Alternative Health Care – Massage Therapy

Studying complementary and alternative health care has led us to review some of the practices at leading clinics and hospitals nationwide. One of the most famous is the Mayo Clinic that has a great YouTube Channel with many resources concerning health care and treatments, including complementary and alternative health care like Massage Therapy.

Dr. Brent Bauer, a Mayo Clinic specialist in complementary and alternative medicine discusses Mayo Clinics evidence-based approach to alternative medicine. For more information about the use of alternative medicine at Mayo Clinic, click here: http://www.mayoclinic.org/complementary-alternative-medicine/

Reduce pain, reduce tension and reduce anxiety through routine Massage Therapy. Often recommended to patients for stress management massage therapy is one of our leading treatments at Bella Fontana Spa and we can work with your Medical Doctor, Chiropractor or other health professional to ensure that your treatments meet your needs.

Massage is a general term for pressing, rubbing and manipulating your skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Massage therapists typically use their hands and fingers for massage but may also use their forearms, elbows and even feet. Massage may range from light stroking to deep pressure techniques. The Mayo Clinic provides the following information about massage:

There are many different types of massage, including these common types:

• Swedish massage. This is a gentle form of massage that uses long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration and tapping to help relax and energize you.
• Deep-tissue massage. This massage technique uses slower, more forceful strokes to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, commonly to help with muscle damage from injuries.
• Sports massage. This is similar to Swedish massage but is geared toward people involved in sport activities to help prevent or treat injuries.
• Trigger point massage. This massage focuses on trigger points, or sensitive areas of tight muscle fibers that can form in your muscles after injuries or overuse.

Benefits of massage

Massage is generally considered part of complementary and alternative medicine. It’s increasingly being offered along with standard treatment for a wide range of medical conditions and situations.

While more research is needed to confirm the benefits of massage, some studies have found massage helpful for:

• Stress relief
• Managing anxiety and depression
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Blood pressure control
• Infant growth
• Sports-related injuries
• Boosting immunity
• Cancer treatment

Beyond the benefits for specific conditions or diseases, some people enjoy massage because it often involves caring, comfort, a sense of empowerment and creating deep connections with their massage therapist.

We agree with these principles and further believe that a great connection with our staff and the space and feel of our facility helps you achieve many of these benefits. In addition, we schedule staff for availability to our clients and patients six days per week. Our staff make notes about your treatments and the information you provide to us about your health are available to the staff that will be seeing you on any given day. If you have any questions, please consult with our Concierge Desk or the Operations Manager for assistance with our policies, pricing and services.

Massage is more than just rewarding ‘me time’. It is a method for maintaining your health and sense of well-being. Maintaining your range of motion, flexibility and enhancing the effectiveness of your circulatory system are just some of the body benefits, and there are more because massage is also about your mind and emotional well-being as well. Relieve stress, improve posture, encourage relaxation and benefit from improved breathing, lower blood pressure and other measureable benefits from regular, maintenance massage. You deserve it!

We also offer specialized modalities that improve facial tone, relieve headaches, utilize reflexology techniques and more to help you achieve your special goals and peak performance. After all, only when you take care of yourself can you be the lifeline to take care of those your love and help them reach their dreams.

More About our SpaDiva Club

Individual and Business Club Members enjoy special savings and added value at Bella Fontana Spa!

Who deserves to be a SpaDiva?

You do!  Introducing the SpaDiva Club.  Join for one year and for only $99 per month, SpaDiva Guests receive a Swedish Massage and a Signature Facial.  We create even more value for our SpaDiva Club because all salon and spa services are 50% off and medical spa services are 20% off.  There is no better deal in Texomaland when you love to Spa-aaaah!  More value on gift certificates too at a 5% discount.  Benefits are available immediately!

The IL Divo (Two 45 Minute Swedish Massages) and La Diva (Two 45 Minute Signature Facials) monthly benefit options are also available.  Click Here to review the details.

We create even more value for our SpaDiva Club because all salon and spa services are 50% off and medical spa services are 20% off.  There is no better deal in Texomaland when you love to Spa-aaaah!

Three Month SpaDiva Trial Membership.   Click Here to review the details.

Teachers and Public Servants are Number 1 with Bella Fontana Spa!

We also offer T1 SpaDiva Club Memberships for Teachers, Students and Educators, Military and Law Enforcement employees.  T1 SpaDiva Club Members receive a 10% discount on paid services.  Please call 903.893.6222 to update your account information so you can receive this valuable SpaDiva Club benefit just for you!

Corporate and Business Memberships

If your business is interested in caring for and rewarding your employees, please contact Ruth Nuckols Cox at 903.893.6222 or send an email to spadiva@bellafontanaspa.com for an appointment to review your options.  Review our Standard Corporate Membership online.   Click Here to review the details.

It pays to be a SpaDiva!

We value our Guests!  With deals like these you and your friends will find no better way to have fun than spending some quality time at Bella Fontana Spa.

C’mon, become a SpaDiva today!  Click to start your membership.

Call 903.893.6222 now to become a SpaDiva, if you prefer by phone, or to set up your appointments.

Therapeutic Massage Modalities

At Bella Fontana Spa we offer a variety of massage modalities.

One of the most popular is our therapeutic massage especially suited for those that like a Swedish Massage with a therapeutic emphasis. By adding triggerpoint, myofascial or another massage modality to the relaxation of a Swedish Massage an effective treatment can be customized for the guest. This massage will be 70 or 80% Swedish Massage and 20 to 30% mixed modality effectively combining relaxation with the therapeutic work needed most.

We offer a therapeutic massage in 30, 45, 60 and 90 minute sessions. Begin with a consultation with the Licensed Massage Therapist that will allow them to focus on the areas that need attention. Full body massages must be at least 60 minutes in length and please do tell the therapist that you want all the areas of the body addressed. In a 60 minute full body massage, this will only allow 5-7 minutes additional attention to an area of concern, but different modalities may be used during the entire massage to treat any constrictions, knots or tension found.

Some definitions for Trigger point myotherapy and Deep Tissue Massage from MassageTherapy.com:

Trigger point myotherapy is a noninvasive therapeutic modality for the relief and control of myofascial pain and dysfunction. The goal of treatment is the client’s recovery from or a significant reduction in myofascial pain. The treatment goal is achieved through a systematized approach. Treatment consists of trigger point compression, myomassage, passive stretching, and a regime of corrective exercises. Success may be measured subjectively by the level of pain reduction experienced by the client and objectively through increased range of motion, strength, endurance, and other measures of improved function. Trigger point myotherapy relies heavily on client-therapist interaction, including verbal and nonverbal elements.

Techniques that utilize deep-tissue/deep-muscle massage are administered to affect the sub-layer of musculature and fascia. These techniques require advanced training and a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology. The muscles must be relaxed in order to effectively perform deep-tissue massage, otherwise tight surface muscles prevent the practitioner from reaching deeper musculature. It helps with chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation and reduces inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendinitis. It is generally integrated with other massage techniques.

These are just some of the techniques that may be used by the massage therapist in performing a Therapeutic Massage. For massages using a specialized technique for the majority of the massage session please book one of those massage session options. You can book online by clicking here.

Chiropractic at Bella Fontana Spa

Welcome to Dr. Kristina Stanley, a graduate of Parker College of Chiropractic.

Dr. Stanley is on board as of May 9, 2011. She most recently practiced in the Mid-Cities of the Dallas-Fort Worth area and is from the Midlothian, Texas area. Dr. Stanley joins Bella Fontana Spa as an employee to expand and support our therapeutic practices. Her focus will be on improving our patients’ overall health and well-being, weight management, spinal health and therapeutic pain relief, and with over 20 years of Cosmetology practice she will also be providing advanced skin care services as well on certain Saturdays.

Bella Fontana Spa will offer weekly workshops on Tuesday evenings at 6:15 p.m. through 7:00 p.m. on wellness, chiropractic, weight management and nutrition.

You can schedule your Brief Chiropractic Exams, or the Extended Chiropractic Exams, as well as your adjustments by calling 903.893.6222. Remember to schedule your 30 minute Therapeutic Massage before your adjustment to enhance your experience.

SpaDiva members will receive a 20% discount on all Chiropractic Services as well as all Medical Spa Services. For more information on the SpaDiva Club click here.

This is what makes a Day Spa – Spa-aaah-tacular!

Call now 903.893.6222

Do you want beautiful skin, hair and nails?   Bella Salon

Texas Cosmetology Salon – Beauty Salon 691064

Do you want to be healthier with better nutrition, chiropractic care,  adjustments and wellness?  Chiropractic Care

Texas Chiropractic Facility – F009453

Do you want to relax, have better range of motion, relieve stress and pain and increase circulation?   Massage

Texas Massage Therapy Establishment – ME0993

Thank you for voting us Number One in the Herald Democrat ‘Best of Texoma’ for Best Day Spa every year since 2007 and Best Massage every year since 2008!

Bella Fontana Spa opened its doors in September of 2005 and has been recognized each year after the first full year of operation in 2006 by the Voters in the Herald Democrat’s Best of Texoma Award as the Best Day Spa every year since 2007, and for Best Massage every year since 2008.  The Best of Texoma Award requires a signed ballot with an address and phone number, and the voters must vote in at least five categories for their vote to be tallied. Over 3,000 individual ballots are cast each year.  We appreciate and feel honored by this recognition from our community.

 

Instant Gift Certificates!

 

 

To find out pricing click here or click on the Book Online function and browse our services list by category and service description. Call 903.893.6222 to inquire about services that are not available for online booking, to redeem promotional offers or if you have questions about our services.

Read our Blog if you want to know more about our services use the menu or the list to the right to find out more about Massage Therapy, Facials for Acne, Anti-Aging or other Facial Skin Care, Medical Spa Treatments such as Laser Hair Reduction or Laser Tattoo Removal, Permanent Make Up, Peels and Microdermabrasion, or our Bella Diva Salon for hair cut, color and style and other hair care services, Technically Nails for manicures and pedicures of all types, Body Wraps and Body Treatments and so on.

Click here to purchase an instant gift certificate that you can email or print now!

One of our most popular purchases are our instant gift certificates.  Approximately 15-20% of our Gift Certificates have been purchased from out of state and as far away as Iraq and Afganistan by soldiers that want to treat someone special to a Spa-aaah! experience.

The first time this happened, it was over the phone and it took several hours of conversation and disconnections to make it happen.  I determined to find a way to make it easy to purchase a gift certificate online, in the Spa or over the phone for anyone!

Now, gift certificates can be purchased online, or you can call the Spa at 903.893.6222, or come in and we can even mail it directly to the recipient.  Always well received, a gift certificate from Bella Fontana Spa is appreciated by everyone.

Enjoy world class medical and day spa treatments within an environment comparable to those found only at destination spa resorts and major hotels. Our difference? We strive to provide the level of personal care and concern you can only find in your ‘home town’. Exquisitely comfortable, private and personal, Bella Fontana Spa creates a sense of welcome, respite and peace and it is all just for you! Right on the border of Texas and Oklahoma, and within fifteen minutes of Lake Texoma, this might just be the right weekend destination or hometown for you.

Bella Fontana Spa offers both employee and client a wellness focused environment. At Bella Fontana Spa you have the opportunity to try different team members and create a new experience each time you visit. Each employee adapts our protocols and adds their talents to meet your specific needs. Our team works together to ensure you receive our undivided attention and courteous service. We make every effort to be consistent in delivering our services by training our employees with world class products including Babor, Dermal K, Skinceuticals, Soothing Touch, Dermaculture, Surface, Enjoy and Head and more. We select products that are botanical and easy on the environment. Many are vegan and paraben-free.

Find out more about our SpaDiva Club in this video!

 

 

Relief from Chronic Pain

Pain is an indicator of injury, disease or dysfunction within the body.  Once healing occurs, the pain response should end.  Chronic pain is the result of the central nervous system continuing to trigger the pain response.  Ongoing and constant pain response makes it difficult or even “a mystery” for the diagnostician and researchers in the chronic-pain field.  Treatment plans often rely on alleviating pain while the underlying cause is managed or treated.  Chronic pain can become debilitating and patients lose the ability to live a normal life with normal eating, sleeping and work routines.  Joy is lost and depression, irritability and even drug addiction can manifest.  Finding ways to manage chronic pain, with the least impact to our lives, organs and spirits is a priority in the traditional medical and integrative medical fields.  Research has shown that deep-pressure massage feels good to chronic-pain clients because it releases endorphins.  These are our naturally generated pain-killers for the body.  Runners experience endorphin response and release when they are ‘in the zone’.

According to Kim Miller-Mirolli, D.C. in a 2008 article in Massage Magazine, deep-pressure massage work gives relief by stimulating circlulation in the same way that crimping and releasing a water hose affects the flow.  Circulation is already restricted in high tense muscles.  By briefly increasing the constriction, the lymph and blood available to the area increases and so to speak, re-establishes a better flow to the tissue providing it with the oxygen it needs, and the ability to remove wastes or toxins from the area.  These toxins are simply the usual waste materials resulting from cellular processes and turnover and may or may not be environmentally produced.  Try one of the following massages on a frequent and routine basis for better pain relief:

45 Minute Trigger Point Massage

45 Minute Myofascial Release Massage

60 Minute Deep Tissue Massage

According to the Massage Magazine article by Kim Miller-Mirolli, D.C., there are  6 Principles of Chronic Pain according to psychological and physiological research.  If one of more of these principles is present, a person will likely develop chronic pain resulting in a cascade of symptoms in the musculoskeletal system.

1. Childhood traumatic events – significantly related to chronic pain.  Regression analysis (a sociological statistical study methodology) shows female patients with an alcoholic parent, but non-narcotic, were more likely to show signs of chronic myofascial pain or fibromyalgia.
2. Spinal cord injuries – including vertebral fractures, disc bulges or ruptures results in chronic pain.
3. Muscle strain – we injure ourselves by being over-active or under-active.  Over activity includes repetitive motion such as carpal tunnel, tennis elbow and other types of repetitive motion injuries.  Under activity results in atrophy, lack of lymph and blood flow and weakness.
4. Nutritional deficiencies – our bodies simply require the nutritional fuel to sustain us at the cellular level including fats, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins.  Yes, we require carbohydrates and fats, but that doesn’t mean every potato has to be loaded!
5. Hormonal and physical changes – play a key role as we gain or lose weight, experience menopause, hypoglycemia, thyroid or endocrine and metabolism disorders and even aging.
6. Repetitive stress – corticosteriods, adrenaline and other stressors to the system caused by the fight or flight response that impacts the sympathetic nervous system due to feeling of anger, anxiety, depression, fatigue, nervousness or other responses.  Miller-Mirolli reports that “when our brain perceives stress, it registers with our sympathetic nervous system, and our bodies automatically gear up by constricting our pupils (to see more detail) and tightening our muscles (as if to flee).

What does the therapist feel and do?  According to Miller-Mirolli, the therapist can detect these conditions in the muscle tissue “because it feels brittle, crunchy, deeply tight, restricted, cold and immovable”.  The proper techniques will include the use of elbows, the heel of the hand and body weight to administer deep pressure that is most effective in bringing relief from chronic pain.  These techniques are different than deep tissue massage because the manipulation of the muscle tissue is different.  But more on that in a later edition of our blog articles.

Check out our SpaDiva Club for our best offers for frequent spa guests.

Warmest regards,

Ruth

Five Year Anniversary Events, Workshops and Classes

Celebrate!

On September 17, 2010 Bella Fontana Spa will have been open for five years.

Thank you to our guests, our team and our supporters for five fabulous and fun-filled years of service.  Beginning this month we are bringing several Events, Workshops, Classes and Services to energize and refresh Spa Guests and Team Members.

Mark Your Calendars!

Reserve your space at these special events by calling the Spa at 903.893.6222 or book online on this website.  Our class and event schedule is displayed week by week, so just change the weeks to show the dates for the class or event you need.  Some of these events will show with a generic special event description.

9/11/10 Complementary Egyptian Style Breakfast at the Bella Fontana Spa in Sherman, TX on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 9:15 am. You will enjoy a delicious home cooked meal from Adiba Twigg, Wellness Consultant, and have the opportunity to discover exactly how easy it is for you to help children and families in need by doing something you already do.  This is a non-profit event to bring awareness to our community for three important causes:   North Texas Youth Connection (NTYC), Children Advocacy Center Grayson County (CACGC) and Little Angels in Need (LAN).  No charge for this event.  Any donations to NTYC and CACGC will be accepted and given directly to the organization.  Those that call and attend will receive a special gift valued at $200 towards a travel destination.

9/13/2010 Scrapbooking at the Spa from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM each Tuesday with Edie our friendly team member, scrapbooker and Nail Technician.  This class is free and just for fun, so bring your scrapbooks and materials and enjoy the conversation and a time out with your fellow scrapbooking spa guests.  No charge for this weekly class.

9/17 – 9/18/2010 Open House and Bella Boutique Trunk Show at the Bella Fontana Spa.  We will be offering over 100 pieces of jewelry (necklaces, earrings, bracelets and slave bracelets), wraps, cardigan wraps and large scarves and skirts.  Some skirts are on preview at the Spa now!  These are often one of a kind imports, cottons, silks, and highly ornamented, embroidered or decorated from Turkey, India, Egypt and other places.  Bring a friends, shop and enjoy meeting our team members, friends, family and guests.  Show up on Friday for wine and cheese or Saturday. Call and let us know so we can plan refreshments!  Those that call and attend will receive a special gift valued at $200 towards a travel destination.  No charge for this event.

9/25/2010 Teeth Whitening by Express Teeth Whitening ALL DAY at the Bella Fontana Spa.  Jim Wellman with Kolour of Life  is back by popular demand.  Special pricing and offers for the quick and easy teeth whitening service.  Payment of $99.00 for the teeth whitening and $40 for the take home pen by cash and check to Express Whitening only (Tax will be added).  The pen will last about 30 days.  If you use pen within a 15 hour window after session while pores of teeth are still open you can continue to whiten.  After the 15 hour window, maintain and remove daily stains over approximately 30 days.  Flyers and more information will be available soon.  15-20 minutes to a whiter smile.  Reserve your space today by calling the Spa at 903.893.6222.  Those that call and attend will receive a special gift valued at $200 towards a travel destination.

QiGong is a Chinese healing system (estimated to be 5,000 years old), and it is the foundation for both acupuncture, acupressure and Tai Chi.  The literal meaning of the word QiGong is “energy exercise”.  It is an exercise that is practiced daily by over 80 million people around the world.  QiGong is comprised of slow movements and deep breathing and it is a simple exercise for maintaining good health which anyone can master.    Our classes are taught by Advanced Qigong Instructor Maria Silen.

9/18/2010 Intro to QiGong – 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM recommend a $5 contribution.

9/25 – 9/26/2010 and 10/3 and 10/10/2010 QiGong Weekend Workshop over three weekends on Saturday and Sunday afternoons for a total of ten hours.  Minimum of three participants and a maximum of eight, so sign up now to reserve your place.  $165.00 inclusive price for all sessions must be prepaid. 

10/7/2010 Intro to Qigong – 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM recommend a $5 contribution

10/12 – 10/19, 2010 Week of QiGong Workshop for two hours per day for a total of ten hours.  Minimum of three participants and a maximum of eight, so sign up now to reserve your place.  $165.00 inclusive price for all sessions.

10/21/2010 90 Minute QiGong Thursday Weekly Classes from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM.  Minimum of two participants and a maximum of eight, so sign up now to reserve your place.  $30 per class per week.

Kaya Sampat Kriya (KSK) Yoga consists of sixteen sequences that constitute a well-rounded psycho-physical fitness practice. Also known as Tibetan Yoga.  This practice is healing and restorative.

9/13/2010 90 Minute Monday Weekly Yoga Classes from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.  Minimum of two participants and a maximum of eight, so sign up now to reserve your place.  $30 per class per week.  

10/20/2010 90 Minute Wednesday Weekly Yoga Classes from 8:30 AM to 7:00 AM.  Minimum of two participants and a maximum of eight, so sign up now to reserve your place.  $30 per class per week.

You will find all of these Events, Workshops and Classes on our Classes and Events calendar.  Just Click Here! Thank you for visiting our blog and being a guest at Bella Fontana Spa!

Warmest regards,

Ruth

What is a Swedish Massage?

Swedish Massage is the most popular form of massage therapy at Spas, Massage Clinics and Resorts.  It is one of the more relaxing massage therapies and involves long stroking movements,  vibration and shaking and techniques such as petrissage, tapotement, and effleurage using the forearm, palm, thumbs and elbows.  Other techniques and deep pressure may be used in our sessions, but are intended to educate our guests and are limited in scope and guests are asked to make their next appointment using a different therapeutic modality.  The main purpose is to increase oxygen flow and release toxins such as lactic acid that accumulates in the muscle tissue. In Sweden this type of massage is known as “classic massage”.

Massage therapy at minimum provides relief from muscular tension or spasm, expresses lymph fluid from tissue, increases circulation to soft tissue and improves the texture and tone of the skin and produces a feeling of relaxation.  Massage Therapy is frequently prescribed for patients concerned about pain management.    Areas to be treated may include scalp, face, neck and/or decollete, arms, legs, upper and lower back in all massage therapy sessions.  Other areas such as hip joints and abdominals are typically addressed in Sports Massage.

Gift Certificate Purchase or Book Appointment Online

We are celebrating your birthday, anniversary, graduation, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day or other special occasion.

Whether you choose to visit Bella Fontana Spa, or purchase a gift certificate for someone else, your gift will be well received.

Stop by for a cup of tea or coffee and take a tour, meet our employees and make a date for yourself or someone special.

You can click here to schedule an appointment online now!

If you are interested in our Instant Gift Certificates click here now! You will be able to select a service, dollar amount or spa package for your gift certificate, enter a message and then print to your computer or email it right now!

To review Spa Packages, see our Spa Packages page, or click here now!

Remember Bella Fontana Spa for your Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Christmas, Anniversary, Birthday, Prom, Graduation and other special occasions. Easy, Fast and always appreciated!

Detoxifying treatments cater to guests that want to shape up body and mind

I find that our guests are becoming increasingly aware of what goes into and onto their bodies.  In response, I have begun requiring our product lines to be more earth and body friendly and many are organic, vegan, gluten and paraben free and do not test on animals.  Medical grade skin care lines such as SkinCeuticals are primarily  botanical while utilizing the best and most effective medical grade components available on the market at a price point suitable for our market.

Detoxifying wraps and body treatments cater to this trend by allowing guests to shed toxins while firming and toning the skin in the areas that need it the most.  Special products are applied that increase circulation and are steam infused to accelerate the detoxifying effect through the largest organ in the body.  What a facial does for facial skin, and a pedicure does for the skin on the feet and lower legs, a body treatment is the most effective skin care treatment for the entire body.  With the additional benefit of the Hydro3 vichy shower and steam infusion, the treatments are intensified and more effective while reducing claustrophobia and increasing the detoxification effect in a more comfortable setting.  There is less mess too!

European spa-goers begin body treatments at a young age, and guests in our areas are taking increased advantage of the services and equipment offered here at Bella Fontana Spa.  Benefits include stress relief, increased tone and firmness to the skin, temporary inch loss and stimulation of the metabolism.  To reach your goals while dieting and exercise try two or three sauna sessions and body treatments each week for inch loss and a better appearance in those critical body areas.  Add on a Lift and Tone Facial Massage or 45 Minute Therapeutic Massage and you will truly feel renewed and energized by the results you can see.

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