Tag Archives: spas

Sitting In A Salt Den Is The Latest Beauty Craze

Leonora EpsteinMay 12, 2010 //

Most Americans need to cut down on their sodium intake. But some are upping it voluntarily for a different type of nourishment. The Wall Street Journal reports that there’s a growing trend across the U.S.: “salt rooms.” Most of these spa-type places pump finely ground particles into the air to breath in, and “sometimes called halotherapy chambers, the rooms are designed to provide a relaxing and unusual experience. The walls and ceilings are salt-coated, and grains are often scattered a few inches deep on the floor. Children are often allowed to play in it, as in a sandbox.” Uh, weird. Keep reading »

Can A Facial Fend Off The Swine Flu?

Leonora EpsteinJanuary 4, 2010 //

When the going gets tough, there are those who get knocked over, and then there are folks who figure out how to profit from a bad situation. Looks like the beauty industry is looking to the latter by facing the swine flu epidemic with expensive, fancy treatments. High-end spas have started offering healthy-sounding preventative care treatments like “immune boosting” facials and detoxes. Many of these offerings feature antibacterial ingredients meant to ward off sickness—a few examples include bee propolis (bee goo, basically) and high-pH, Japanese water.

So does this stuff work? One doctor tells New York magazine’s The Cut: “There is no question that these treatments will protect against winter illnesses, even the flu and swine flu.” [Interesting. Doesn't sound like any doctors we've ever interviewed. -- Editor]

The cynics in us are intrigued yet doubtful that a facial could replace a flu shot. Either way, pretty clever business-wise, no? [The Cut] Keep reading »

Have Hot Tub, Will Travel

Catherine StrawnSeptember 24, 2009 //

Every once in a while, I’m sitting somewhere and I get the urge to soak in a hot tub. OK, this doesn’t really happen to me, but I’m sure that’s what the people behind SpaBerry are banking on. For $4,999, you can buy this portable two-person spa that works with any 110V outlet once filled with water. Also available are various BerryWraps, as the company calls the $399 stickers that change the look of your SpaBerry. We’re big fans of the Blueberry Wrap, because when you think about it, who wouldn’t want to soak in a tub of giant blueberries? [SpaBerry via Trendhunter] Keep reading »

A Spa For Women Concerned About Pelvic Fitness

Annika HarrisJuly 3, 2008 //

Dr. Lauri Romanzi, a gynecologist who performs pelvic reconstruction surgery, will open the first spa dedicated to strengthening and grooming a woman’s genitals in Manhattan this month. Taking a cue from the creation of storefront dental spas, like BriteSmile, Dr. Romanzi developed her own concept of pelvic fitness. PHIT — short for pelvic health integrated techniques — will help women get healthy from the inside out with the use of Kegel exercises and laser treatments. We’re all for women taking care of their junk, but you can strengthen their vaginal muscles with products sold at adult stores, like Tighten Up or Ben Wa balls, for a lot cheaper than PHIT’s $150 signature gynecological exam. [NY Times] Keep reading »