Azucena

Azucena is from a lineage of women that care for others. Her family is from Oaxaca, Mexico, where her Mother works with herbs and her Grandmother was a Sobadora, a traditional Mexican healer that uses special oils and bodywork techniques. She was raised with knowledge of intuitive touch and an understanding of its importance.

As a nail technician, she knows that each person comes to her for different reasons. A client may have foot pain that could benefit from reflexology techniques, thickened calluses that need a specialized approach, a stressful week that can be improved with nurturing and quiet relaxation, or simply the desire for lovely toes before an event. Azucena knows that each of these needs is equally important and she takes joy in providing the results desired.

One of her favorite nail services to provide is Hot Stone massage during the manicure and pedicure. Relaxation of the mind and body is inevitable with the warmth of the stones and the stimulation of these important zones on the hands and feet.

We are thrilled that Azucena has recently added Chakra Balancing to her offerings at Allyu Spa. These sessions are scheduled for either 40 or 60 minutes and occur in a private treatment room. Each practitioner that provides our Chakra Balancing utilizes their own unique skills in energetic bodywork. Azucena brings her innate intuitive abilities, her learning from her Mother and Grandmother, and her training as a Reiki practitioner together in her sessions. Her work rebalances the mind and body in a profoundly restorative and relaxing way.

It’s no surprise that Azucena states that her favorite part of her career is personalizing her work to provide results for each individual’s specific needs.

In an ideal world, runners would receive massage therapy at least once a month to support muscle health and recovery time, alleviate tension on joints, and minimize risk of injury. Results are cumulative. One massage will not “fix” an injury or area of chronic pain that is the result of years of muscle contraction. However, regular massage can greatly reduce discomfort and serve as one of the best preventative measures against further injury. Proper hydration and stretching and the best companions to support and prolong massage therapy results.

Whether or not you have been able to appreciate the benefits of regular massage during training, bodywork can still greatly assist before a long run or after for speedy recovery.

Athletes that receive regular massage and know their bodies’ response may choose to receive massage 3-5 days prior to a long run. This can support the healing process, relax muscles, release natural endorphins, and prepare your body to be strong and healthy. A less specific massage is recommended rather than a session that aims to address postural issues or chronic pain.

If you do not receive regular bodywork, schedule your massage at least a week prior to a big run. Soreness can result and postural realigning could occur with release of contracted muscle groups. These are positive signs but your body will need time to assimilate and adjust.  In the days before an event, aim to relax your muscles as much as possible. The micro-tearing that occurs during strenuous training is healing and your body is eliminating the metabolic waste from this process.

Always inform your massage therapist that you are a runner and if you are preparing for an event. They will alter their technique to assure optimal results. Drink plenty of water after your massage. The lymphatic stimulation and proper hydration will assist your muscles to heal and be in top condition.

Massage after a long run can greatly reduce recovery time and is a wonderful way to reward your body for accomplishing an amazing feat. Type and intensity of massage will depend on your body’s needs and its ability to accept the work. This is not the time to endure pain but to listen to what your system requests. A gentle massage may be needed to quiet spasm, flush metabolic waste and release endorphins needed to heal. Hydration is especially important in conjunction with a post event massage. The benefits of post event massage are greatest within the first 48 hours following the run.

Congratulations on your commitment to your health and wellness. Happy running!

April 10 – May 8

Join us the second Wednesday of every month for a free meditation facilitated by Susan Lipshutz, LCSW and founder of Everyday Medicine Woman LLC. No previous meditation experience or reservation is required.

Becky running the Marathon

Becky has been a practicing massage therapist since 1996 and Allyu Spa was blessed to have her join our community recently after her relocation to Chicago. Her work provides a beautiful blend of deep relaxation and therapeutic relief of discomfort and pain.

Her specialties -headache relief, shoulder and neck pain resulting from excessive computer use, runners’ massage

Becky relocated to Chicago from Seattle Washington. Her massage career began there during the dot-com boom and provided her with a plethora of experience with clients who struggled with the pain and discomfort resulting from chronic desk and computer work. Headaches, shoulder pain and neck discomfort are all common results of the posture and lifestyle connected with excessive computer use. Becky developed an expertise in dealing with these issues and providing invaluable suggestions for homecare and maintenance.

When Becky began running in 2001, her client base evolved to include athletes that were looking to maintain optimum performance or rehabilitate injury. Her personal knowledge of the body’s process while running and her skill as a body-worker were the perfect compliment to provide exceptional personalized and therapeutic sports massage.

Her massage style – deep tissue, neuromuscular, sports massage, Lomi Lomi

Over her years as a professional massage therapist, Becky has continued to educate herself in a vast number of modalites to be able to address each person’s unique needs. The core techniques she utilizes are deep tissue sports massage, neuromuscular work and traditional Hawaiiam Lomi Lomi. Neuromuscular techniques utilize steady pressure on specific areas of pain until the mind and muscle release the contraction. Also referred to as trigger point work. Lomi Lomi is a traditional Hawaiian massage that uses deep and flowing forearm strokes to melt and release layer after layer of tight tissue. She has found that these techniques used together most efficiently support the body into a place of relaxation and freedom from pain.

Her unique touch – address an issue three times

Becky has found that if any area in contraction or pain is addressed three different times, in there different ways, during a session, results increase dramatically. With chronic shoulder pain, she may begin work in the area with kneading and loosening deep tissue and then allow time for the muscles to process the work as she massages elsewhere. Her return to the shoulder area may be with the specific focus of neuromuscular trigger point techniques and then then a final revisit at the end of the session with the strong, lengthening strokes of Lomi Lomi. At each pass the muscle is experiencing new and different stimuli to encourage it to relax and release.

Her life outside of work -running, skiing and traveling

Becky loves to be active and involved with life. If a good run isn’t available, she welcomes a journey to bring new adventure and knowledge. She has traveled to Spain, Greece, Chile and beyond. This Fall she will fulfill a life long dream of seeing wild game during a trip to South Africa.

Our new Allyu Seasonal manicure and pedicure treatments utilizes this gift of nature to create an experience nourishing to body and mind.

The softening of natural lactic enzymes from milk and a touch of cocoa in a warm soak prepares the skin and relaxes the muscles. Pure Cocoa is also used in your cinnamon and sugar scrub exfoliation and blended with honey and Dead Sea mud to create a perfect winter mask. A cocoa butter moisturizing massage offers that extra rich hydration needed in winter and works wonders on chapped dry skin.

Of course, we also have fresh hot chocolate for you to sip during your treatment to assure that all your senses are treated equally!

Allyu Seasonal Manicure – $50
Allyu Seasonal Pedicure – $75

Relax into a warm vanilla salt soak as your skin is gently exfoliated with coffee and sugar body polish.  Hands and feet are ready to absorb a nourishing vitamin masque; healing royal jelly, golden seal and pine tree extract all fortify and enrich your skin. You are massaged into ultimate hydration with LeveL’s delicious body butter. And of course, cuticles and nails are beautifully groomed and polished with the color of your choice.

Mani OR Pedi includes FULL SIZE BODY BUTTER FOR TAKE HOME! $16 value
Mani AND Pedi includes TAKE HOME BODY BUTTER & SUGAR SCRUB! $34 value

For many of us, life is shifting into high gear as the summer fades and the last months of the year approach. School has resumed, vacations are over, play time makes room for work time and the preparations for holidays already start to loom.

Paradoxically, as the days become cooler and shorter, our natural inclination is to recede and start a journey toward the quieter, introspective months of winter. Modern urban cultures often don’t acknowledge these seasonal cycles. We adjust our thermostats, turn on our lights and watch the transition through our windows, as if it’s all occurring outside of us. However, these cycles do affect us. Seasonal illness, melancholy and overwhelm are only a few of the symptoms of a bumpy ride into Autumn.

There are some simple ways to honor our changing needs and take care of ourselves that allow us to experience the joys of Autumn to the fullest.

• Don’t  wait until the sniffles start to grab the hot tea and honey. A warm cup of ginger tea can relax your mind, warm your body, strengthen your immune system and support your digestion. Green tea, peppermint or an immune support blend are also beneficial.
• Enjoy Autumn harvest. Eating the seasonal foods of your environment is one of the most proactive steps you can take to balanced health. This time of year, the seeds fall off the trees and the root vegetables and squash ripen. These foods provide us with the concentrated energy needed to support us into cooler, drier days. Many of them are also rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants.
• Listen to your Mother and wear a scarf. Our daily temperatures can fluctuate from seriously chilly in the early day to almost hot under mid day sun. These dramatic changes can be a shock to our system and immunity. Even though its tempting to endure the chill, it can easily lead us down a road to illness. Layering your clothes and keeping your neck warm will help you avoid the respiratory illness notorious in these months.
• Move and stretch your body but consider before initiating an intense new regimen. Exercise is invaluable for our muscles, heart, lymphatic system and mind. However, our energy starts to deplete during this seasonal transition and if we expend more than is available, we feel it. If you are starting a new exercise program, start slowly. Long walks outside have an eternal romantic connection with the days of Autumn and are an ideal form of exercise during this time. Not only does it provide for us physically but it also allows us time to contemplate (an innate part of the season), breathe, cherish the hours of sunlight and experience the beauty of the changes of Fall. It literally allows us to “walk in step” with the natural cycles.
• Detox gently. Herbal and dietary detoxification programs have become very popular over the last several years. The benefits to overall health are wonderful. Done consciously, a seasonal cleanse can support the immune system and create vitality. If you choose to commit to a cleansing program during this transition, care is important. If interested, you can refer to our previous blog article on gentle seasonal detoxification.
• Let go of what doesn’t benefit you. This is always a goal in life but right now the entire cycle of nature is supporting your decision. It’s the time to let go. Trees don’t hold onto seeds, thinking they may still need them in the future. If they did, there would be no more trees. Obligations that are starting to overwhelm, emotions that haunt, material possessions that clutter can all depart smoothly during this season. It cleans the slate in preparation for all the new and exciting growth of the future.

Acknowledging the seasonal transition is in itself a powerful was to align with all the changes. This year our Equinox is early in the morning on September 23^rd, the time when the length of the day and night are equal. The hours of daylight start to diminish in comparison until December 21^st when we reach our Winter Solstice.  Cultures throughout time have gathered on this day to say farewell to the summer and prepare together for harvest and the winter ahead.  Take a few moments this week to contemplate this shift and how it affects you. Make some personal plans to take care of yourself and experience all of the gifts of this beautiful, inward moving season.

Several companies have released a unique hybrid of a gel and traditional lacquer. At Allyu Spa, we have chosen the Gelish brand, mostly due to their fun colors! Gelish applies like a polish but has the additional resilience of gel to create a long lasting and durable manicure. Each coat of polish is cured for 2 minutes under a UV light. It dries instantly and, for many, can last 2 weeks without dulling or chipping. The ten minute professional soak removal leaves the nail plate intact and undamaged. We’ve also chosen these new lacquers because they are DBP, toluene and formaldehyde free.

The benefits of this lacquer are many:

• No dry time! Reach right into your purse to grab your car keys.
• For most clients, the application will last for two weeks without dulling or chipping.
• Enjoy strong, protected nails. Hybrid lacquers protect and help strengthen your natural nails without any damage.
• Gentle application and removal. Removes safely and easily in less than 10 minutes.

Extended wear manicures are not for everyone. Due to the additional hardness of the lacquer, certain innate nail qualities or daily routines can minimize the durability of the finish.  Factors that can affect your polish endurance include:

• If you have extended exposure to water, which expands and contracts the nail, it will weaken the polish bond.
• If your daily activities knock or grind the tips of the nail.  This can damage or chip the finish.
• If your nail bed is naturally oily, be grateful! This is a sign of very healthy nails but can minimize the amount of time the Extended Wear Polish adheres to the nail plate.

An appointment is needed for professional removal of the Extended Wear Polish. If you are in the routine of a regular manicure, this will be an easy transition. However, if you prefer to touch up a chip at home or remove polish at your leisure, this may be an undesired additional step.

This service does include exposure to UV to cure and acetone is needed for removal. As we all know, excessive exposure to UV light via the sun or tanning beds is damaging to the skin and increases risk of cancer. We are confident this exposure is minimal for our guests but also understand and respect if you chose to abstain from this exposure entirely.

If you decide that a traditional polish manicure is better suited for you needs, the following are a few tips to extend wear and enjoyment:

• Apply a clear top coat to your manicure every 2-3 days to protect color and shine
• Avoid extended exposure to water
• Massage oil or lotion into the cuticle area daily
• Pull out keys and phone, have parking validated and take care of payment prior to service to avoid smudges while polish is still curing
• Remember, traditional lacquer takes 24 hours to fully cure so extra care needs to be taken during the day of your service

No matter what route you choose to pamper and beautify your hands, we hope you enjoy it as a joyful extension of your self expression!

Extended Wear Polish Manicure               $38

Extended Wear Soak off Removal             $15  ($12 with any manicure)

Extended Wear Polish Removal and Reapplication   $50

* Please let us know if you currently have Extended Wear Polish applied when you make subsequent appointments to assure we allow adequate time for an amazing nail service.

If you are planning your special day, congratulations! Your wedding day will be full of joy and happiness. As a current bride-to-be, I wanted to share a few tips that have helped me, and I hope will assist in your planning stages.

1. Take care of yourself. Keeping up with the simple stuff may sound like an easy order, but often the simplest tasks are left behind when the big day comes closer. Get plenty of sleep, drink water (my favorite form of hydration is coconut water) and eat three nutritious meals a day. Though you want to be slim and svelte for the big day, remember it’s just one day and you deserve to enjoy yourself as well.

2. Let go of expectations. Your day will be beautiful and a special experience, but if you worry about every single detail until you are blue in the face, you won’t see the big picture. Step back, take stock of all your have to be thankful for, and really enjoy this day that is all about you.

3. Enlist the help of you support system. This was a big one for me. I’ve been planning a wedding in a new city where my support system is smaller than my usual friend circle, and in the beginning I wasn’t sure if I could do it on my own. Luckily, friends and family from near and far have offered to help in numerous ways, and I wouldn’t have a great event if it wasn’t for them!

4. Find websites to offer inspiration, but not a wedding addiction. When I first began wedding planning, I couldn’t stop searching on wedding websites. There were so many DIY ideas, I was salivating into my keyboard. Whether yours is a DIY affair, or a sit down event, find a few websites and stick with them. My favorites have been Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding, and the Two Thousand Dollar Wedding.

5. Remember to find a budget and outline and works for you, and not for everyone else. I planned a wedding on a very small budget, but many wedding websites kept pointing out that I could have a “bargain” wedding for under $10,000. I felt bad about not being able to spend even ½ of that. Remember that this is YOUR day – and everyone will have an opinion. Just take everything in, and let your instinct guide you to what works in your situation.

No matter what your special day will be, remember to let your intuition guide you. I’m sure your choices and flair for creativity will be a reflection of you and your partner’s tastes. Congratulations!
Photo: Betacam

Woman Made Exhibition, May 7th
Head over to Logan Square, where I Am Logan Square (IALS) gallery is presenting a woman made art exhibition in May titled, “Point of View.” Support the artists at the opening reception on Saturday, May 7, 2011 from 6-9pm at IALS’s gallery, located at 2648 N. Milwaukee Avenue. For more information click here.

Donate and Support Mother Earth, everyday
A gift on Mother’s Day can also mean giving back to Mother Earth. Present a donation in your mother’s name to an organization with strong ecological principles and goals such as arborday.org or TreesForTheFuture.org. These organizations make a huge difference with every donation, no matter how big or small.

Buddhist Arts Event, May 7^th and 8th
For a meaningful way to celebrate, check out “Space for Mind,” an exhibition from the DWBC North American Collection. Hosted by Diamond Way Buddhist Center: Chicago, and held at Flourish Studio, the program will include guided tours, introductory lectures to Buddhism, and film screenings. Exhibition admission is free, lectures are $10 and films are $4 suggested donation per person. For more information about the event or DWBC Chicago, visit the website, call 312.421.0133, or email chicago@diamondway.org

Mother’s Day Lakefront Ceremony, May 8th
Everyday Medicine Woman will be offering a wave of love and gratitude to the Mother Presence with a ceremony at Montrose Harbor. The event will include a procession of powerful healing drums from Southern Chile, simple chants for universal harmony and songs offered as one unified voice in support of global unity, tolerance and peace. For more information click here.

Family Portraits at the Arboretum, May 8th
Spend Mother’s Day outside and capture a special memory by treating mom to a professional family portrait among the spring beauty of the Arboretum. Portraits are available from 9am – 3pm at the visitor’s center. For more information visiting the website or call 630.968.0074

Relaxation and Pampering at Allyu Spa, everyday!
As always, Allyu Spa is open on Mother’s Day weekend and would love to pamper your loved ones. From massage to facials and nails, we know mom would love to spend the day with us. Check out our menu of spa services or give us a call with any questions.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, we wish everyone a Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Allyu Spa!

Photo: Michael Anthony Wade

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