Body Archives - Sweet Lemon

Archive for the ‘Body’ Category

Sugaring? The sweetest method of hair removal

September 4th, 2018

Can a paste made with sugar, lemon and water be used to remove hair, and how does it compare to waxing or shaving? Using a sugar paste is an ancient way of hair removal. It’s all organic, less waste for the environment and is good for sensitive skin types.

An all organic paste made of sugar, lemon & water is used by hand to remove hair at the root. The paste is applied against the grain of the hair and pulled out in the same direction the hair grows. Therefore hair comes back smoother. Waxing can cause up to 30% breakage and is applied with the grain of the hair and pulled out against the grain, which can sometimes lead to hair growing back in different directions.

The other advantage to sugaring is that the paste sinks into the pores and can remove much shorter hair. Hair can be removed every three weeks and since it pulls it out from the follicle, no hair breakage and hair gets thinner and thinner, making the hair removal a faster and less painful experience each time!

Do you have a “gut” feeling that your skin and gut are related?

August 16th, 2018

Do you know the power of your own gut? Your body is full of trillions of bacteria, viruses and fungi. While some bacteria are associated with disease, others are actually extremely important for your immune system, heart, weight and many other aspects of health. The food you eat directly affects the health of your gut.

Leaky Gut

The human digestive tract is where food is broken down and nutrients are absorbed. The digestive system also plays an important role in protecting your body from harmful substances. The walls of the intestines act as barriers, controlling what enters the bloodstream to be transported to your organs. Small gaps in the intestinal wall called tight junctions of intestinal walls become loose, the gut becomes more permeable, which may allow bacteria and toxins to pass from the gut into the bloodstream. This is called “leaky gut.”

When the gut is leaky and bacteria and toxins enter the bloodstream, it can cause widespread inflammation and possibly trigger a reaction from the immune system. In addition, toxins are therefore excreted through our skin and mucus membranes. Which can lead to other health concerns.

Holistic Help Available

A cleansing of the mucus of the gut becomes vital to restoring health. Also, help with digestion is conducive to restoring gut and whole body health. And then, long term detoxification program is recommended – make a skincare consultation and let’s get started today on recovering your gut and whole body health.

Osmosis Sculpt vs. Body Wraps

April 1st, 2018

The season for pool parties, summer vacations and wearing shorts is here. Recently, I was asked if body wraps were more effective than Osmosis Sculpt. Of course, I said Sculpt, but I would like to explain why.

You may or may not know that your body, when getting an overload of toxins that it cannot process will send those toxins to your fat cells. Toxins are stored on the outside edges of the fat cells. This is a protection for you, but it also causes inflammation in your endocrine system, as fat cells are part of the endocrine system. Also, toxins are bulky and make our adipose tissue larger.

Body Wraps
Most body wraps I have worked with, work with the lymphatic system. They begin with a scrub that starts activating the lymphatic or body’s toxin disposal system. Then an herbal mixture is applied to the body. The body then absorbs up to 60% of these herbs. The body utilizes the healing power of the herbs to help stimulate the lymph nodes (the body’s toxin cleansers) to work more efficiently for the next 24 hours or so. Sometimes the herbs may not be sent to your fat, however, they may be sent to other areas of the body that need healing, in this case, you may not see much of an inch loss.

Osmosis Sculpt

Osmosis Sculpt though does a lot more than just stimulate your lymphatic system. It is a safe, effective, healthy way to energize and detoxify the body. The pads are applied directly to the areas where you want to lose inches. The nano, pico and microcurrent contracts your muscles and this causes strengthening in your muscles as well as glycolosis. Glycolosis results in burning off of glycogen (sugars) and can help start burning fat as fuel faster. One 30 minute Sculpt treatment deeply stimulates your lymphatic system to send those nasty toxins to be excreted through sweating after or your digestive system. Sculpt treatments also increase your cells ATP production, which gives you a nice burst of energy after. Since you will basically be put into fat-burning mode, this will be an awesome time to do a workout to enhance your efforts.

Summary

So, to sum it up: body wraps work by stimulating only the lymphatic system. Sculpt treatments work strengthen muscles, help put you in fat burning mode, and stimulate your lymphatic system deeply.

Book your Sculpt today, mention this blog article and get your first treatment for just $75 (less than the cost of a body wrap)!

Sculpt – holistic detox and inch loss for the body

December 18th, 2017

Osmosis+Sculpt is a revolutionary solution for managing weight – the creators of Sculpt went all out, spending years in development with no expense spared and no technology duplicated. It’s completely original. Here’s what the two creators say about Sculpt:

Weight gain seems to be an inevitable part of the aging process. It is so hard to maintain healthy eating habits in the world we live in today. Your body struggles with the estimated 1 Million toxins that it is exposed to on a daily basis, but actually does a remarkable job of keeping your system operational. One of your best tools for maintaining your body’s health is your fat. I know we love to hate our fat, but it turns out that it plays a critical role in your metabolism and hormone levels as well as acting as a primary storage center for toxins. We created Osmosis+Sculpt because we recognize that freezing, burning or sucking out your fat is not healthy for your system. The body often relaces those lost fat cells anyway because they are so important.” – Dr. Ben Johnson, Founder of Osmosis Pur Medical Skincare and Osmosis Sculpt

As a woman of a certain age, I understand first hand the challenges we have to maintain a healthy toned body. We are busier that ever, working harder and longer and the demands of daily life can be overwhelming. – Char Fontanillis, LE – Founder of Osmosis+Sculpt

Nano-current technology has arrived for body sculpting! Body contouring with Osmosis Sculpt is the most advanced and effective holistic fat loss device in the world. Freezing and/or melting fat harms the body and often leaves patchy results. Osmosis Sculpt works by using patented nano-current contant waveform technology. The advantage is that we create targeted fat loss by safely accelerating the detox and lipolysis needed to create long-term slimming.

It’s very exciting technology!Osmosis +Sculpt reduces the size of fat cells by eliminating toxins, while strengthening and engaging the muscle. The unique combination of nano, pico and micro currents triggers the cell to release trapped toxins resulting in shrinkage and inch loss. Using a holistic approach, increased definition and tone are achieved in resistant areas that hold onto fat. It works very well with intermittent fasting and ketogenic diets as well. After one treatment, the body is put into a healthy state of ketosis.

Perhaps you are looking for a solution to help manage not only your fat, but your health. I understand the struggle and it’s my greatest passion to help you with your journey. The success stories are abundant, and the best success stories are before and after pictures.

How often should you get a massage?

August 28th, 2017

Most people get a massage when they have aches and pains, and it’s a great idea to do that. Many of my members get a monthly massage and it often keeps their bodies in shape with just the occasional ache or pain. Lots of my massage clients are also pregnant, so it can help with 95% of aches and pains, including but not limited to round ligament pain and sciatica.

Massages can also help with:

Relieve chronic pain
Reduce the effects of stress
Lower blood pressure
Speed recovery from injuries
Optimize an athlete’s game
Endorphins – it feels great!
Wellness and Relaxation

If you’re just looking to enhance your health or stress relief, scheduling a massage once or twice a month will probably be enough and easily afforable. I have an easy membership program as well as different packages to best suit your needs.

For those who work in a high-stress environment or have daily activities that risk causing repetitive-motion injuries or postural issues, weekly sessions might be best. Keep in mind that the effects of regular massage are cumulative, and spacing them too far apart might leave you back at square one every time. I have seen amazing results from weekly massage as far as changing posture which helped with pain. It does not mean that you should do a weekly massage forever, just until you get the results you are looking for. That being said, I will also recommend stretches and/or other home care to enhance your results.

For the average athletic person, it depends on your training schedule and whether or not you have chronic muscle issues. One or two massages a month may be enough during lighter training periods, increasing frequency as workouts intensify. I have had the privilege of helping many athletes, especially runners, cyclists, professional dancers, bodybuilders, professional football players, professional cheerleaders and professional baseball players.

Most people find that they need more frequent sessions to start, slowly decreasing frequency as their muscles elongate and relax. I will also suggest stretches you can do at home to maintain the work we have done longer between sessions.

The biggest deterrent to routine massage is usually the cost, which can vary on average from $80 to 165 per hour, depending on where you live and your therapist’s qualifications. Always look for a licensed massage therapist with at least 5 years of experience. Here in the state of Texas, the are required to get 12 hours of continuing education. “Discount” massages with a poorly trained therapist or fresh out of school therapists may not give you the full benefits you seek. Often times you must get “locked in” to get the bargain prices which add up over time.

It’s rare for health insurance to cover massage, but not unheard of, so check your current plan. If you are seeking massage for a car accident, I am happy to provide an invoice so that you can get reimbursed. Physician-prescribed massage is also often an acceptable expense for health savings plans, and it’s usually very easy, we just use your HSA card to pay for the massage (I have the medical coding on my Square) so it’s super easy.

I offer monthly membership programs and packages to help you stay pain-free. It’s been my experience that the mind and body benefits I have received from getting regular bodywork have saved me from more costly medical expenses in the long run. I have been a licensed massage therapist since 2002. My certifications include but are not limited to Deep Tissue, Pregnancy, Post-Partum,

Dark Spots – Hyperpigmentation

August 16th, 2017

AHHH, the end of summer – mixed feelings! Unfortunately, many clients are noticing dark spots from heat and sun exposure. Or perhaps we have suffered from acne in the past and it left small dark spots. We might even have melasma (pregnancy mask or residual) after pregnancy or certain health conditions. Or even all of the above! In my clinic, I have treated all of the above successfully with my customized approach which contains:

1. Ingesting and applying Vitamin C topically twice daily
2. Sun protection – reapplication every 4 hours, wearing hats & long sleeves
3. Retinol to increase cell turnover rate
4. Professional treatments every two weeks until skin is healed

Professional treatments to heal dark spots and hyperpigmentation or all over brightening of the skin can include Collagen Induction Facial, light chemical peels, glycolic peels, Jessner’s peels or lactic masks. The deciding factors include your skin type, do you have a few days to look sunburned and if we are addressing any other issues.

Collagen Induction Facials are great for all over brightening, while providing wonderful anti-aging benefits of reducing wrinkles and helping texture.

Light Chemical Peels work wonderfully by themselves or with other treatments combined to also treat acne and wrinkles. It works for texture, but not as well as Collagen Induction. But it’s the first thing I usually recommend when there is still active breakouts.

Glycolic Peels are a bit old-school, but are amazing for dry skin because it also increases the lipid barrier function.

Jessner’s Peels are designed for acneic skin and will usually work by lifing the dark spots off. You will usually start peeling on day 3 and continue until day 6.

Lactic masks are a wonderful, gentle way of overall brightening the skin. Marie Antoinette and Cleopatra were famous for their lactic masks. Don’t worry if you are lactose intolerant though, it will not go through the blood/skin barrier – lactose molecules are too large.

Not sure of what you need? Just schedule a skin consulation and I will waive the $25 fee if you get a treatment that day.

Summer Skin Care Tips

May 2nd, 2017

Summer in Texas is approaching – high humidity, lots of bright sunshine, rain and relentless heat is soon to be upon us, and if you’re like me, you want to be out doors, but not at the expense of your complexion.
I made the following list to help keep your skin balanced, but I’m always happy to give you custom skin care advice to suit your particular complexion.

1. Sun protection – Not only do you want to apply sunscreen and reapply every 3 hours, but I highly recommend long sleeves and more round necks, as well as hats or caps when you’re going to be out in full sun. Or even looking into clothing with sun protection.

I’m not a big fan of spray on sunscreen, because you breathe it in and the coverage might not be quite enough.

If you need recommendations, I carry 3 different types.

2. Keeping cool and hydrated is a challenge with all the Texas sun and wind, so I recommend you keep a bottle of Moisture Mist or Rose Hydrosol with you, or even better in the fridge for a cool, refreshing blast for your skin. Staying hydrated by drinking lots of water is also great. I like to prepare by adding lemon slices or frozen fruit to my water and keep some in the fridge, nice and cold!

3. Bug bites – with our past winter, bugs are rampant. I’ve already been attacked through my clothing. I used Sanitas Purifying Clay Cleanser as a mini-mask to the area and it reduced pain and swelling by the next morning. You could also use Sanitas Tea Tree Mask, which btw is a great overnight blemish control mask.

4. Damage control – if you do get a little too much sun – try the Sanitas Purifying Clay Cleanser as a mask, it’s healing properties include cooling eucalyptus and aloe vera, to cool, soothe and begin the healing process. AFterwards, apply Sanitas Moisture Mist or Hyaluronic Acid Serum and Topical C to soothe and heal. Afterwards, you probably want to come in for a Custom Facial of 50 or 80 minutes to further hydrate and heal your skin.

Hope you found these Summer Skin Care Tips helpful…Enjoy your summer!

Sweet Lemon Membership Program

November 20th, 2015

Introducing our New Membership Program!

Basic – One Service per month for only $59 a month

Deluxe Membership – Two Services per month is just $99 per month

Prime Membership – Three Services is just $149 per month

VIP Membership – Four Services is just $199 per month

All memberships receive 10% off all retail

Awesome Swag Bag with goodies, samples and more!

10% off all other services and add-ons

Services include: one custom massage OR one custom facial OR Brazilian wax OR leg wax OR chest OR back wax

Easy to sign up: Set an appointment online at www.sweetlemon.com for: one custom massage, one custom facial, Brazilian wax, leg wax, chest or back wax

HURRY!!! The first 10 people to make their first appointments will have their $29 registration fee waived!

Exclusive offer – Only 99 memberships will be accepted!!!

Fine Print:

Note: Membership cancellation must be a 30-day advance written notification. No termination fee applies!

VERY IMPORTANT: Booking terms: Unused services will NOT be rolled over. You may allow someone else to use your service during that month, a $10 service fee per service will apply.

The following no-show, cancellation and late policies: Failure to provide 24 hour notice of reservation cancellation, will result in a forfeited service(s) for the respective month. Late appointments will end as scheduled so that our other clients receive their services on time

How to Make the most of your massage session

August 31st, 2015

How to Make the Most from Every Massage!
Massage can be a powerful tool to help your body best perform its countless
functions in its goal to maintain a healthy balance. Why not do everything you can
to get the best possible results from every massage session? This article is devoted
to providing you with some hints to make the most from your bodywork sessions.

Before your session…
The mood of your session can be affected by the things currently influencing your
life. You can improve your results by preparing yourself before your massage
time. If you can put the events of your life on pause for a little while and truly
devote your session time to taking care of you, the benefits you experience can be
greatly enhanced. Life really will wait a couple of hours for you — and you’ll be
in much better shape to deal with your responsibilities when you are feeling your
best! Other things you can do, as time allows:

Take a relaxing bath or shower before your appointment time
Limit consumption of caffeine and sugar, as well as other stimulants
Avoid eating immediately before your appointment
Allow extra time in your schedule so you don’t have to rush to be ready for your
session. Otherwise, it may take longer to reach a relaxed state.
Be aware of your current condition so you can report anything that needs
attention. It’s important to explain what’s going on healthwise, because changing
health conditions can affect your massage needs.

During your session…
Share what’s going on. If you have a tender spot or an injured area, bring it up so it
can be addressed. If you feel you need more pressure or a lighter touch during the
session, please say so. If everything is great, you can lie back and relax. If you find
your attention is on something, bring it up so you will be able to lie back and relax!
Specify your preferences. Everyone has different needs and wants, so share yours!
Is everything in the massage environment okay? The temperature? The lighting?
Any other distractions? Are you completely at ease? Do you like certain music? Is
the volume okay? Do you like specific techniques? More time spent on a certain
area? Each session is especially for you, so please communicate about what you
want! If there is anything you don’t understand, please ask so we can discuss it.
Let it all go and relax! One of the major massage goals for many people is to lessen
tension and stress. Many of those aches and pains that demand our attention are
linked to stress. In fact — according to Dr. Sandra McLanahan — eighty percent
of disease is stress-related, so maximizing the relaxation in each session should
help you to maintain a much higher level of well-being!
One way to quiet your mind is to focus your attention on the session — really get
in tune with your sense of touch.
Proper breathing helps you to relax and to reach your session goals. Slow, deep
breathing (from the gut) will provide your body with much-needed oxygen, while
signaling your body to let go of its tensions.

After your session…
If at all possible, allow for some quiet time before you continue your busy life.
Drink extra water!! Massage releases waste products and toxins from your
muscles. Increasing your fluid intake lowers this toxicity and lessens the strain on
filtering organs.
Before your next session…
Make your massage results last by avoiding as many stressful elements as possible.
Schedule your next appointment! When you make bodywork a regular part
of your life, you are helping your body to maintain a better state of
balance. In the long run, you stand to enjoy much better health gains
through consistent sessions.
Make note of anything that occurs between sessions to bring up next time.
Enjoy your life!
Nothing is more important than your well-being, so make taking care of yourself
a high priority. When you feel your best, you are in a much better condition to
deal with all of life’s challenges and demands.

Hopefully, this list has given you at least a couple of helpful hints. If there are any
other points you’d like to bring up, please do so. And if you have any questions
regarding your massage and bodywork sessions or your health, feel free to ask

Sunscreen Myths

June 24th, 2015

What to avoid:

Spray sunscreens – They can be inhaled and don’t cover skin completely. SPF values above 50+ – They try to trick you into believing they’ll prevent sun damage. Don’t trust them. Useful SPF protection tops out at 30 to 50.

Reapply every 3 hours in full sun, every two hours when you are in water and sun.

Oxybenzone – This toxic ingredient can disrupt the hormone system.

Retinyl palmitate – Here’s another ingredient to avoid. It may actually trigger skin damage on sun-exposed skin.