Serenity Medical Spa: May 2016

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Bizarre Beauty Traditions Around The World

When you think of a beautiful individual, what comes to mind? Most people in America think of slender physiques, even skin tones, bright eyes, and luxurious hair. It seems hard to think of beauty in any other way, but the truth is that the reason we consider these characteristics as "beautiful" is because they are ones our culture idolizes - different countries around the world all have different definitions. This week, Serenity Medical Spa is here to share with you some of the different beauty traditions from around the world. You may find some of them a bit surprising!

China
Though Chinese people are often much shorter than Americans, height is viewed as a symbol of status and authority in the Chinese culture. In order to be taller, some men and women undergo (rather painful) leg-lengthening procedures to add a few inches to their height. Fair skin tones are also idolized, and many women spend a great deal of money on skin-lighteners.

France
Similar to the U.S., many people in France believe that a very thin physique is most desirable. Unlike some women in the U.S., however, many French women strive to achieve a completely natural-looking beauty and are often surprised by how much makeup American women wear.

Australia
Australia (along with some European countries) still follows one health and beauty tradition from long ago - one that would make many modern Americans cringe. The tradition involves attaching leeches to the human body. They believe that the leeches help with a variety of health problems, including muscle tension, arthritis, and blood circulation issues.

Iran
The Iranian culture is almost obsessed with rhinoplasty, a plastic surgery procedure designed to enhance the nose. Women and men alike seek out this procedure to improve their physical appearance as well as their social status. In fact, some individuals leave the bandages on longer than necessary to show off the fact that they have had the procedure done. Other individuals sometimes even wear fake bandages.

Japan
Like China, many women in Japan idolize pale skin and do everything they can to minimize their exposure to the sun's rays. Smooth skin is also a top priority, but instead of the collagen injections typically used in the States, some people in Japan make a habit of eating collagen-infused food. Straight hair is also idolized, and some women permanently straighten their hair with the use of heat and certain chemicals.

Brazil
Wider hips were traditionally considered highly desirable in women, but Western ideals have begun infiltrating their culture. Today, Brazilian women as a whole have become almost obsessed with thinness. According to an article on Oprah.com, Brazil is now the largest consumer of diet pills in the world and the average weight of Brazilian women is between 110 and 125 pounds.

Beauty Is Our Business!
At our medical spa at the Lake of the Ozarks, we are dedicated to helping our clients become their must beautiful selves. We offer a wide variety of different services, including facials, manicures and pedicures, eyelash lengthening, acne scarring treatment, youth-capturing injectables and fillers, cryotherapy, and much more. Our clients get access to all of the benefits of our state-of-the-art clinical environment while at the same time enjoying all the amenities of a luxurious day spa. To learn more about our medical skincare at the Lake of the Ozarks, visit our website: www.SerenityMedicalSpa.com

Lake of the Ozarks Premier Medical Spa

Beauty is our Business

111 Crossings West, Suite 3

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

573-365-5002

Visit us at

www.SerenityMedicalSpa.com

Like us on Facebook

Friday, May 20, 2016

Treat Yourself To A Relaxing Spa Massage

Life seems to get busier and busier, without any signs of slowing down. Keeping up with the constant hustle and bustle of daily life can be exhausting, so it's important to give your body time to relax and rejuvenate every now and then. Don't wait until your body gives out - take the time now to treat yourself to a relaxing spa massage at the Lake of the Ozarks.

We offer a variety of different massage services so you can choose the one that best fits your needs. Here is a brief overview of the different types of massages we offer.

Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is perhaps one of the most common types of massage therapies. This massage is characterized by long, gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart - a unique technique designed to relax the entire body. The benefits of Swedish massage extend beyond relaxation, however; it also serves to decrease muscle toxins, encourage flexibility, release tension, and increase oxygen levels.

Prenatal Massage
Though undoubtedly one of the most rewarding things a woman can ever experience, pregnancy also puts a significant strain on women's bodies. Our prenatal massage techniques are designed to help relieve stress on the lower back and feet, as well as reducing the fluid retention that many pregnant women experience. Our custom-made cushions allow pregnant mothers to lay comfortably on their stomachs so they are able to enjoy the full benefits of a complete back massage.

Thai Massage

Thai massage is very different than the traditional types of massage therapies that most people are familiar with, but the rewards can be just as great - and sometimes, even better. In a traditional Thai massage, the recipient wears loose, comfortable clothing and lies on a mat on the floor. The therapist does not use any oil or lotion; instead of rubbing the muscles, the therapist works the entire body by pulling, compressing, stretching, and rocking. The recipient will be positioned in a variety of yoga-like poses during the course of the massage. Though there is a standard rhythm and procedure to this style of massage, our therapist will happily adjust each massage to meet the needs of each individual client.

Deep Tissue Massage
As its name implies, deep tissue massage is designed to relieve severe tension in muscles and connective tissue or fascia by treating the deeper muscles of the body. If you are experiencing pain as a result of a specific injury or heavy physical activity, deep tissue massage may be able to alleviate it. This particular massage work is often quite intense and is typically performed in a series of treatments.

Cupping
Cupping is a unique method in which suction cups are applied to the body and used to form a vacuum that mobilizes blood flow and promotes healing. Cupping can be used to treat a variety of different things, including neuromuscular dysfunctions, fibromyalgia, stretch marks, traumatic injuries, and varicocities. It can also be used for mayofascial release and lymphatic drainage. It is most typically used in conjunction with deep tissue massage.

In addition to massage, we offer a few other unique services such as Biomat Treatment and a Herbology Detox Wrap. To learn more about these services, visit our website: www.SerenityMedicalSpa.com/Massage

Contact Our Spa To Schedule Your Massage Today
Don't wait until your hectic schedule catches up with you - set aside some time to give your body the relaxation time it needs. We are open Monday through Saturday in order to accommodate your schedule as best we can. Contact our Lake of the Ozarks spa to book your appointment today: (573) 365-5002

Lake of the Ozarks Premier Medical Spa

Beauty is our Business

111 Crossings West, Suite 3

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

573-365-5002

Visit us at

www.SerenityMedicalSpa.com

Like us on Facebook

Monday, May 9, 2016

8 Tips For Preventing Varicose Veins

Genetics obviously play a huge role in our physical characteristics, but they are not the only factor. Our lifestyle and dietary habits are have enormous influence over how we look (and feel) physically. At Serenity Medical Spa, we have made it our mission to help our clients be their most beautiful selves. This week, we're taking a closer look at one of the issues we work with the most frequently: varicose veins.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are a result of a malfunction in the circulatory system. This system is designed such that arteries carry oxygen-rich blood to the outer extremities of the body, and then veins transport the deoxygenated blood back to the heart and lungs so it can be replenished. Valves in the veins (assisted by muscles in the body) control this movement and ensure the blood is flowing in the right direction. Over time, however, these valves can weaken and give way. This may lead to blood pooling in the veins, causing them to stretch, leak, and bulge. This inward damage to the vein causes the surface marks known as varicose or spider veins (spider veins are closer to the surface).

Though undesirable, most varicose veins do not pose any significant health risks. In extreme cases, however, the veins may swell so much that they rupture, which can lead to open sores on the skin.

Tips For Preventing Varicose Veins

Genetics have a large role to play in the formation of varicose veins; if your mother or father had them, you may be more likely to develop them as you age. However, there are a few things you can do to help prevent the formation of varicose veins and/or help prevent the ones you have from getting worse. Most of the recommended tips have to do with improving circulation and muscle tone in your legs and thighs, as these are some of the most common places varicose and spider veins appear.

Avoid crossing your legs when sitting, as this can cut off circulation.
When laying down, elevate your legs so that they are above your heart.
Avoid wearing tight clothes that may inhibit circulation around your legs, upper thighs, and waist.
Exercise to improve the muscle tone in your legs (walking, running, squats, swimming, biking etc).
Avoid standing or sitting for extended period of times without breaks in between.
Try to lose weight if necessary. Being overweight can put added pressure on your veins.
Avoid wearing high heels excessively. Walking in flat shoes works the calf muscles more, which will help improve muscle tone.
Wear support stockings if recommended by your doctor.

Treatment Options For Varicose Veins

While these suggestions may decrease your chances of developing spider or varicose veins, there is no way to guarantee results. Women are often more likely to develop varicose veins than men, predominantly due to the many hormonal changes women undergo throughout their lives as a result of puberty, hormonal birth control methods, pregnancy, and menopause. However, men can suffer from varicose veins as well. If you do develop varicose veins as you age, there are some treatment options available to you. At our medical spa in Lake Ozark MO, we recommend a procedure called Sclerotherapy® to treat uncomplicated spider veins and uncomplicated small varicose veins (veins measuring less than 3 mm in diameter). Specifically, we offer Asclera® injections to help treat varicose veins. Here is a description of how this procedure works. (Summary pulled from Asclera.com.)

Asclera® is a sclerosing agent that is injected into the vein. It works by damaging the endothelium, the cells lining the inside of blood vessels. This causes blood platelets and cellular debris to attach to the lining of the vessels; eventually, cellular debris and platelets cause the blood vessel to clot. Over time, the clotted vein will be replaced with tissue.

*Individual results may vary depending on varicose vein severity, disease progression, skin tone, and number of treatments. Photos: patients from EASI study (pulled from Asclera.com).

Contact Serenity Medical Spa For More Information About Sclerotherapy®!

Your spa physician at the Lake of the Ozarks and the rest of our staff are here to help you become the most beautiful version of yourself. If you would like more information about treating varicose veins, contact our medical spa at the Lake of the Ozarks to schedule your private consultation. We would be more than happy to help you in any way we can!

Lake of the Ozarks Premier Medical Spa

Beauty is our Business

111 Crossings West, Suite 3

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

573-365-5002

Visit us at

www.SerenityMedicalSpa.com

Like us on Facebook

Friday, May 6, 2016

5 Last-Minute Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Do you have plans to celebrate you mom this Mother's Day Weekend? If you aren't careful, this special holiday can sneak up on you. If you are scrambling to come up with a gift idea at the last minute, Serenity Medical Spa is here to help. Flowers aren't your only option!

1. Spa Massage

Massage is one of the best things you can do to improve the health of your mind, body, and soul. Our massage therapist at the Lake of the Ozarks is trained in a wide variety of different massage styles so your mom can choose which type of treatment will best suit her needs. We offer Deep Tissue, Swedish Massage, Thai Massage, Prenatal Massage, and more.

2. Detox Body Wrap

Our one-of-a-kind Herbology Detox Body Wrap is performed for exfoliation and detoxification of the skin. Using our unique mixture of Chinese herbs, the body wrap cocoons your entire body and conditions the skin, drawing out toxins to leave you looking and feeling your finest.

3. Cupping

Cupping is unique technique used in conjunction with deep tissue massage. In this method, suction cups are applied to different areas of the skin, forming a type of vacuum that helps mobilize blood flow and promote healing. In addition to enhancing overall wellness and relaxation, cupping can be used for a variety of different things - traumatic injuries, sports massage, fibromyalgia, cellulite, facial treatments, stretch marks, and more.

4. Facials

Nothing says "pampering" like a high-quality facial! As the best place to get a facial at the Lake of the Ozarks, we specialize in several different techniques:

Hydradermabrasion Deluxe

Restores youthful elegance by strengthening capillaries, hydrating and oxygenating tissues, and energizing cell renewal.

HydraFacial MD®

Simultaneously cleans, hydrates, and exfoliates using a patented Vortex Technology™. This treatment is recommended for all skin types, but it is specifically designed to treat sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and more.

HydraFacial MD® Platinum

Includes all the great benefits of the HydraFacial MD, but it also incorporates three additional steps for advanced healing and beautification: Lymphatic Drainage, DermaBuilder™, and LED Light Therapy.

5. Manicures / Pedicures

There are few things as relaxing as a high-quality manicure or pedicure. Our spa mani-pedis expertly combine relaxing soaks, massages, cuticle care, nail treatment, and more. Topped off with a professional polish, these top-quality spa services will leave your mom feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and appreciated. For a total mother-daughter experience this Mother's Day, schedule your mani-pedi together!

Happy Mother's Day from Serenity Medical Spa!

As the best spa at the Lake of the Ozarks, we are here to help you ensure that your mom feels like a queen on Mother's Day. With all the things she does for you on a daily basis, Mother's Day is a great opportunity to give back and show her how much you appreciate her. For more ideas on how to pamper Mom this Mother's Day weekend, visit our website at www.SerenityMedicalSpa.com. We look forward to serving you!

Lake of the Ozarks Premier Medical Spa

Beauty is our Business

111 Crossings West, Suite 3

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

573-365-5002

Visit us at

www.SerenityMedicalSpa.com

Like us on Facebook