Let’s come right out and say what’s been said a million times before: 2020 sucked. In almost every way possible. As the cherry on top of its pile of suckitude, it even took (Canadian) national treasure Alex Trebek from us. That’s cold, 2020. Like we weren’t hurting enough.
Much like a child nearing the first day of a new school year, we’ve come to believe that everything will be better on January 1, 2021. The virus will go away, the economy will right itself, we’ll stay organized and on top of our homework and we’ll finally be popular.
Why not get off to that fresh start by treating yourself to a little something special? You know how flight crews always instruct you to secure your own oxygen before helping others? That’s because you can’t give your best without being at your best. Taking care of yourself is the best way to set yourself on the right path for a new year, both physically and emotionally.
CRYOTHERAPY
A more sophisticated version of the athletes’ ice water bath, cryotherapy is a non-invasive cold therapy focusing on athletic recovery, pain management, overall health and beauty & wellness. Infinity Healing Center in Braselton offers full body cryotherapy, as well as cryofacials (utilizing pressurized liquid nitrogen vapors which are applied to the face and neck to stimulate the production of collagen and decrease pore size), cryo-firm therapy (a warm and cold “thermal shock” that allows for reshaping of the body), and spot injury treatment, lesion removal, and migraine relief. Cryotherapy has been around since the 70s and is considered a safe and natural aid in athletic performance, inflammation reduction, increased metabolism, anti-aging and skin renewal.
FLOATATION THERAPY
If you’re claustrophobic and/or aquaphobic, stop reading right here. If you’re still with us, consider floatation therapy as a luxurious experience that claims to soothe and heal the body from the constant stress of life’s daily pressures. Insert your ear plugs and enter a light proof, sound proof (but not oxygen proof) enclosed tank filled with sterile, salty (to ensure flotation) water. Studies have shown that this absence of sensory input decreases stress hormone levels and increases good hormone levels (“Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands, they just don’t.” – renowned scientist Elle Woods).
KOREAN SPA
Who knew Gwinnett County was home to the Atlanta area’s only traditional Korean spa? Jeju Sauna’s 35,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility is a traditional Korean public bathhouse, furnished with hot tubs, showers, Korean traditional kiln saunas decorated with different woods, minerals, crystals, stones and metals; all elements have traditional Korean medicinal purposes. Admission is good for 24 hours, so you can literally stay all day, experiencing the different saunas. Additional services include massages, body scrubs, acupressure, reflexology and Korean Demandi (body shampoo). While Jeju Sauna is gender-segregated, it should be noted that Korean public bathhouses are not for the modest (read: people are naked and it’s normal).
CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES
Similar, but not identical, chiropractic services and medical massages actually pair well together. “As a chiropractor I often find that there is a muscular component to the complaints of patients that can’t be cared for solely through chiropractic,” said Dr. Jared Wiskind of Duluth MultiCare, who often sends his patients to neuromuscular therapist Pernille Stephens of Duluth Neuromuscular Therapy. Together the pair work to understand symptoms and develop co-treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs. And that is the main difference between medical massage and Swedish/hot stone/ Shiatsu massage – clinical massage is focused on relieving a medical need, whereas regular massages are simply for relaxation. (With the possible exception of deep tissue or sports massages – sometimes those are not for the feint of heart!)
CUPPING ACUPUNCTURE
Remember that time Michael Phelps showed up at the Olympics with what looked like giant, perfectly round hickies on his shoulders and back? That was cupping. Though most of the world was introduced to cupping that summer in Rio, the ancient Chinese method has actually been around since 3,000 BC. It’s basically the opposite of massage: the suction cups loosen the muscles and tendons by pulling the skin back – rather than compressing them – bringing blood to the areas of treatment. Suction can last anywhere from five to 15 minutes. The acupuncturists at CJ Acupuncture in Buford offer cupping, as well as a host of other Korean alternative therapies, including therapeutic acupuncture.
VAMPIRE FACIALS
Stay with us on this one. A term coined by famed self-care professional Kim Kardashian, a vampire facial (or plasma, or PRP facial) is an all-natural, non-surgical intervention for stimulating collagen and elastin in the face. A trained professional draws your blood and places it in a centrifuge to separate the red and white cells, leaving the platelet rich plasma (PRP) on top. The PRP contains stem cells, which are the body’s best Charlie Culberson and can be what you need, when you need it. In the case of the face: collagen and elastin. The procedure is done as a specifically timed series – typically four treatments 21-28 days apart – in order to stimulate the stem cells to produce collagen and elastin.
“PRP is a great option for natural anti-aging. The procedure results in tighter, brighter, and suppler skin, softened lines and reduced wrinkles and scarring,” said Jennifer King, FNP-BC of Atlanta Vitality Center. “The body has an incredible way of healing itself. Bringing our bodies back to balance creates the ability to live longer, healthier and happier lives.
NTRAVENOUS/IV THERAPY
…Not just for the rich and famous anymore! Although often thought of as a standard part of medical procedures, IV therapy in many forms has been used for years by athletes and celebrities. It is a method of feeding nutrients, vitamins, minerals and other customized “cocktails” directly into the bloodstream. It is a very efficient way to boost wellness and recovery, or to be proactive in your own healthcare. Common uses for IV Therapy (just to name a few) are rehydration (whether you pushed yourself a bit too hard at CrossFit or partied the night away with more than a few cocktails – no judgment here), fatigue, body inflammation, muscle pain or weakness and other chronic conditions. As a bonus, IV therapy can aid in weight loss and anti-aging – yes, please! In addition to FDA-certified IV drips, the licensed professionals at Revive IV Lounge also offer B12 and other injections, an oxygen bar (also great for hangovers…), and other reviving treatments.