Alma Natural Quick Spa - A progressive spa in Toronto offering a variety quick services using exclusively natural products. Toronto's Innovative Quick Spa. Featuring natural, non-toxic products and quick services so you can relax and rejuvenate on your terms! http://almanaturalspa.com Mon, 11 Feb 2013 17:03:56 +0000 Mon, 11 Feb 2013 17:03:56 +0000 hourly 1 3600 SnapPages.com Valentines Day Gift Ideas katie@almanaturalspa.com katie@almanaturalspa.com http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2013/02/11/valentines-day-gift-ideas Mon, 11 Feb 2013 17:03:56 +0000 http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2013/02/11/valentines-day-gift-ideas


Flowers
Some people think flowers are over-rated especially for the increased prices around Valentine’s Day, but their beauty always speaks to the heart.  But, let's put a little twist on the typical gift this year and try:
 
Eco Stems – http://ecostems.ca/
Why we love it:  What’s not to love?!  Everything is local, fair-trade or organic and they have attempted to green their business from top to bottom!
 
Dinner
Spending time with your loved ones over a nice meal is a great Valentine’s Day gift!  For something healthy and unique try one of these:
 
Camros Organic Eatery - http://www.camroseatery.com/
Why we love it:  all-organic Persion-esque vegetarian meals near Yonge & Bloor.
 
Live Organic Food Bar - http://www.livefoodbar.com
Why we love it:  Vegan restaurant with cooked and raw options.  95% of the menu is local or organic – plus they have fun, nutritious drinks as well as organic beer and wine!
 
Fresh - http://www.freshrestaurants.ca/
Why we love it:  There are several locations throughout the city which makes it easy to enjoy this approachable vegetarian restaurant with amazing juices!
 
Chocolate
Need we say more? 
Sweets from the Earth - http://www.sweetsfromtheearth.com
Why we love them:  they are an egg & dairy free bakery who uses all natural, 100% plant-based, GMO-free ingredients.
 
Chocosol - http://chocosol.posterous.com/
Why we love it:  This isn’t your traditional truffle but the chocolate is producted from organic cacao using power generated from people peddling bikes.
 
Coco Chocolates – http://cocochocolates.wordpress.com/
Why we love it:  certified organic and fair trade and super fun! They even make chocolate shoes (size 6!).
 
Health/Relaxation
Try something really unique but exquisitely rejuvenating - how about rock bathing?  Check out: 
 
Iyashi Bedrock Spa - http://www.iyashibedrockspa.com/web/
Why we love it:  This place is seriously rejuvenating.  The infra-red heat is amazing for clearing toxins, relaxing, & loosening tight muscles and would make a really unique gift! 
 
Something fun to do together
How about a cooking class?  For a unique spin check out:
Delicious Knowledge by Marni Wasserman - http://www.marniwasserman.com/
Why we love it:  Marni’s classes focus on using whole foods to create nutritious meals and are a ton of fun together!
 
For other great ideas check out our website for Valentine’s Day specials and gift cards – healthy pampering is a gift that is always in style!
 
We hope all of you have wonderful, love-filled Valentine’s Days!
 
Love from,
Alma Natural Spa


]]> http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2013/02/11/valentines-day-gift-ideas#comments 0 Fall Aromatherapy Tips katie@almanaturalspa.com katie@almanaturalspa.com http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2012/11/27/fall-aromatherapy-tips Tue, 27 Nov 2012 13:56:35 +0000 http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2012/11/27/fall-aromatherapy-tips


The changing of the seasons is a perfect time for endings & new beginnings, beautiful leaves & sweaters, apple picking & pumpkins! But with the change we also see shorter days, cooler weather, and the onset of colds & congestion. Here are some things you can do with essential oils to use as a pick-me up through the seasonal transition and into the winter.



Relieve Congestion
As the colder weather comes, so do colds and congestion. To relieve congestion try blending eucalyptus, lemongrass, and peppermint with boiling water and steam your face over the bowl. Here’s how:
  • Boil two cups of filtered water into a glass or metal bowl.
  • Add two drops each of eucalyptus, lemongrass, and peppermint pure essential oils.
  • Place face over bowl and inhale deeply through nose. The oil mixture will smell intense at first, so start at least 12 inches from bowl. Then lower your head closer to the water as needed.
  • Keep breathing in the scented steam until bowl is no longer steaming.
  • Repeat as necessary


Uplift Your Spirit
As the days get shorter and the weather colder, most of us could use some uplifting! Here are a few of our favorite oils for this. Sweet Basil, Bergamot, Cinammon, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Neroli, Orange, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, and Spearmint Great on their own or blended together. Add a few drops to an unscented lotion or carrier oil and apply to your skin to have with you all day!

Create a Warm & Comforting Atmosphere
Everyone is looking to stay cozy this time of year. Try blending Patchouli, Orange & Ylang Ylang and diffuse into the air. A great alternative to perfumes, air fresheners, and traditional petroleum-based candles which can be toxic!

Relieve Stress
There are many oils that help relieve stress. Here are a few key oils that we like to use after a stressful day. Choose one or blend a few together to create a scent you really like. Then add to the bath or diffuse into the air and relax and enjoy. Bergamot, Chamomile, Geranium, Lavender, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang.

Tell us what your favorite ways are to use essential oils.



Essential oils are very strong and concentrated and can be dangerous if applied directly to the skin. Make sure to dilute before applying to your skin with carrier oil (almond or any oil you like) or in a lotion or in the bath.Check out the contraindications for oils because some cause reactions especially when used with certain conditions or when applied before the sun. Also, choose pure essential oils to be sure you get therapeutic benefits.


]]> http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2012/11/27/fall-aromatherapy-tips#comments 0 Our Ingredients, Our Mission Part 2 katie@almanaturalspa.com katie@almanaturalspa.com http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2012/08/25/our-ingredients-our-mission-part-2 Sat, 25 Aug 2012 20:42:26 +0000 http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2012/08/25/our-ingredients-our-mission-part-2
Alma Natural Quick Spa strives to make a difference in a massive industry that is filled to the brim with unsanitary salons and questionable unnatural products. Our ingredients are taken straight from the earth without man made substances or filler so that our customers can feel confident that their spa experience is a truly healthy one. The large majority of our ingredients are also organic, fair trade, sustainably grown and harvested and all around eco and people friendly. This ensures that we feel just as good about buying them as you will when you try them!

On average, a woman uses 12 products on her skin, lips and hair per day which contain a grand total of about 150 different chemicals.



These chemicals leach into our bodies through our skin and cause harm to our system. So many of the products we use without a second thought contain chemicals that are either carcinogens, reproductive toxins, irritants or all three. We want to change the idea that beauty must be manufactured in a plant and our bodies altered by man-made chemicals in order to achieve perfection. We believe that a daily routine full of the products that mother nature intended can make even the dullest skin glow and anyone a natural beauty!

Oils are a wonderful ingredient that can be harvested from just about any plant and used in all types of treatments and remedies. The list of benefits that can be gained from different oils is about a mile long; this week we’ll be talking about non-essential oils.





Avocado oil is an edible oil pressed from the fruit of the Persea Americana (avocado) that is rich in vitamins A, D and E, lecithin, as well as potassium. It can be used as a food ingredient, cooking oil, as lubrication, and in cosmetics, where it is valued for its regenerative and moisturizing properties.  It is excellent for skin care since it is an extremely good moisturizing and nourishing compound.  It is high in sterolins, which are reputed to reduce age spots, help heal sun damage and scars. It is the sterolins (also called plant steroids) in the oil that helps to soften the skin and imparts a superior moisturizing effect.



Coconut oil an edible oil extracted from the kernel or meat of matured coconuts.  It is rich in Vitamins E and K and polyphenols. It is excellent massage oil for the skin. It acts as an effective moisturizer on all types of skins including dry skin. It is great for preventing dryness and flaking of skin, as well as delaying wrinkles and sagging of skin, which normally comes with aging.



Actually a form of liquid wax, jojoba oil is a fantastic, long-lasting moisturizer because unlike other water-based moisturizers, it will not evaporate. Jojoba oil is very similar to our skin’s natural oils and because of this, it is possible that jojoba oil may be able to trick our skin into balancing its oil production. It does not become rancid or lose antioxidants if kept for long periods of time. Jojoba oil also has many uses; while it is often used as a moisturizer, it can also be used as a lip balm, makeup remover or conditioner.



We will be taking a short break from blogging while we concentrate on some other special projects for you. But please stay tuned on Facebook and Twitter; we’ll be back before you know it with part three of our ingredient blog series: Essential Oils!

]]> http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2012/08/25/our-ingredients-our-mission-part-2#comments 0 Our Ingredients, Our Mission Part 1 katie@almanaturalspa.com katie@almanaturalspa.com http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2012/08/11/our-ingredients-our-mission-part-1 Sat, 11 Aug 2012 18:32:55 +0000 http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2012/08/11/our-ingredients-our-mission-part-1


Sanitation – At Alma we use every precaution to ensure that all our equipment is completely sanitary. Your safety is our top priority; that means no cutting corners!

Quick Service – The name Alma Natural Quick Spa isn’t for nothing. We want to provide excellent spa services for women (and men!) on the go.

Atmosphere – This one’s easy; we want you to feel comfortable and relaxed if not when you come in, then when you leave. We’re confident that our charming estheticians and laid back atmosphere, music and tea included, will have you feeling fabulous in no time.

Social Ethics and The team – We want a happy team, because a happy team means happy customers. And that extends to the team that makes our natural products possible. We ensure that all our products come from companies that practice ethical treatment of their workers.

And last but certainly not least our business aims to inspire natural beauty inside and out. The key word there being ‘natural’. All the products we use at Alma are made from natural, non-toxic and environmentally friendly substances.

All this to simply say that our ingredients, among other things, are important to us and for you. We believe that something that sits on your skin or nails should come from the Earth wherever possible, that you shouldn’t have to worry about getting rid of chemicals after a “purifying” spa treatment. We believe the ingredients should not only be natural but effective as well so we hand-pick natural ingredients to provide as much benefit as possible.  That’s why the next several blog  posts will be about our ingredients; we want you to know about what we’re slathering on your hands and feet and why!



The Dead Sea contains a much higher concentration of minerals that any other body of water which gives it amazing healing properties. The combination of bromides, iodine, magnesium, sodium, calcium and potassium may help to cleanse and detoxify the body while having a good balance of salts (sodium and potassium) promotes healthy production of naturally occurring chemicals in the body and regular cellular functions.
The course texture of Dead Sea Salt also provides excellent exfoliating benefits that make it great in natural skin scrubs.

Try out this recipe using dead sea salt to leave your skin silky and smooth!


We love this scrub because it has many benefits – the dead sea salt is used for exfoliation and detoxification, the oils and aloe are very hydrating!  Give it a try at home:


Mix together: 
• 1 Cup Dead sea salt
• 1/8 cup Aloe vera gel
• 1/4 cup Plant oil of your choice – we love jojoba but olive oil or almond oil are great too
• Essential oils of your choice


Adjust oil amount as needed to create the consistency you prefer for the scrub.

Directions for Use:
In the bath or shower, plug the drain.  Apply the scrub to your body with your hands or wash cloth using circular motions.  Allow the scrub to wash into the bath  creating a dead sea salt soak in the water.  Relax and enjoy the soak for 20 minutes to

]]> http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2012/08/11/our-ingredients-our-mission-part-1#comments 2 Natural "Paraffin" Wax Treatment katie@almanaturalspa.com katie@almanaturalspa.com
Paraffin wax treatments in particular have great benefits for the skin, muscles and [...]]]> http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2012/07/26/natural-paraffin-wax-treatment Thu, 26 Jul 2012 22:56:05 +0000 http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2012/07/26/natural-paraffin-wax-treatment
Paraffin wax treatments in particular have great benefits for the skin, muscles and joints. These paraffin treatments are said to have been used since the times of the Roman Empire because of their benefits when used in massages and as an esthetic treatment on the skin. This ancient technique is still practiced in many spas today as well as in some sports medicine clinics. In the past, paraffin treatments have been used to treat a variety of ailments such as:

• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Eczema
• Fibromyalgia
• Fibrositis
• Inflammation
• Muscle Spasms
• Overworked/Fatigued Muscles
• Psoriasis
• Scar Tissue
• Stiff Joints
• Tendonitis
• Tennis Elbow




Paraffin wax is unlike other kinds of waxes used in spas for hair removal procedures in that it is a softer wax that will not stick or cause any pain upon removal.  It has a low melting point and is heated in a special paraffin wax heater to ensure it is warm enough to reap all the benefits but not hot enough to cause burns.


Paraffin has excellent esthetic benefits.  It is moisturizing and will leave rough skin (especially on the hands and feet!) extremely smooth and soft. Applying the warm wax brings blood flow to the area which can help alleviate muscle and joint pain.  If you want a little extra pampering for your feet, try our Moisture and Massage treatment which includes an aromatherapy soak, massage and natural paraffin treatment!



Our version of “paraffin” wax is actually a mix of organic soy wax, beeswax and a variety of hydrating oils.  We developed this blend for a few reasons.  First, paraffin is actually a petroleum derived wax.  When we apply the wax to your skin, the heat from the wax opens your pores. Because of this, anything we apply can penetrate the skin so we want to be 100% sure that it is safe & non-toxic.  Also, both soy and beeswax have fabulous emollient properties that help moisturize the skin and create a barrier to help the lotion and oils penetrate your skin. 

While many spas use a technique to apply the wax in which the hands or feet are submerged in a paraffin wax bath, at Alma we apply the wax to your hands or feet with a single-use applicator to ensure a completely sanitary procedure.  We also provide our guests with paraffin booties that retain the moisture and heat as long as possible to provide maximum benefit.

Repeated treatments can yield fantastic long-term effects, so if you’re looking for a skin smoothing or pain soothing treatment, give paraffin a try. You won’t be disappointed!

]]> http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2012/07/26/natural-paraffin-wax-treatment#comments 2 Organic Nail Care Part Two: Shellac katie@almanaturalspa.com katie@almanaturalspa.com http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2012/07/13/organic-nail-care-part-two-shellac Fri, 13 Jul 2012 19:29:44 +0000 http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2012/07/13/organic-nail-care-part-two-shellac


If you’re familiar at all with a mani/pedi, then you’ve probably heard about the new technique known as a shellac manicure. For those of you who have never heard the term or who aren’t sure of what it is exactly, don’t fret; we’ve got you covered!

Shellac is the trademarked product of Creative Nail Design (CND), a beauty supply store based in California. After five years in the developmental stages, CND released the first ‘hybrid’ nail polish and called it shellac. The product is half regular nail polish, half gel and is typically applied with two colour coats and a top coat. A couple minutes under a special UV light between each coat then helps to cure the colour and set the polish. The product is sold only to licensed professionals to ensure safer use and application. There are also similar product sold by other companies which essentially do the same thing - Axxium is one.



Shellac is a hybrid of gel and common nail polish so it has benefits from each. Like a gel polish, it is durable, smudge proof and has long lasting colour while on the other hand, it goes on smooth and does not require filing like gel manicures do. This is important because the filing process done during a gel manicure can damage the nail bed. Shellac Nails are also very convenient because they are quick to dry. With shellac nails you won’t be caught trying to fish things out of your purse without wrecking your nails; just a couple minutes under a UV light and you’re ready to go!  The nail color also typically lasts longer than polish alone - often 2 weeks.



Now onto the interesting part. Why shouldn’t you have a shellac manicure done?

While shellac is quick to apply, it is not as convenient as it may seem. First of all, to have your shellac nails applied or removed you must go to a salon because shellac is only sold to licensed professionals, which means it is impossible to do yourself. There is also usually a fee charged for the removal of the shellac and although there are ways to get around this, the safest way is to return to a salon.



Another problem that arises when it comes to removing shellac nails is the use of acetone. The cotton wraps used to remove shellac are soaked in 100% acetone which is extremely drying to the nails and an irritant to the eyes and throat.

UV exposure has become a concern because of the special lamps that clients must leave their hands under during the application process. While research is still being conducted, it is thought that the cumulative exposure to UV rays after multiple shellac applications may pose a risk to the client of developing skin cancer.

Shellac contains methylpyrrolidone, a chemical that is used to dissolve other chemicals. In June 2001, methylpyrrolidone was added to California's Prop 65 list of toxic chemicals as a chemical discovered to cause reproductive toxicity.

Shellac is really damaging to your nails.  Your nails will appear stronger while you have it on but as soon as you remove it, you will be sorely disappointed.  Most people will expereince extreme nail splitting and weakness for 6 months while their nails grow out.



As a natural spa, Alma doesn't do shellac manicures and don't recommend them to our clients due to the risks discussed above.  We do offer a shellac removal service at our spa that doesn't use acetone for the removal so if you do already have it on, we can help get your nails on the road to recovery. There are some really fantastic natural polishes out there that are durable and beautiful!

However if you would like to try shellac and keep the damage to your nails as minimal as possible we do have some suggestions:

• Take breaks between the removal and application of new shellac to allow your nails to breathe and moisture to return to them.
• Make sure your salon of choice uses the correct methods and products for application and removal to ensure the safest possible experience.

We'd love to hear about your experiences with this so share your comments below!





]]> http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2012/07/13/organic-nail-care-part-two-shellac#comments 4 All Natural Sunscreen katie@almanaturalspa.com katie@almanaturalspa.com http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2012/06/29/all-natural-sunscreen Fri, 29 Jun 2012 16:35:54 +0000 http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2012/06/29/all-natural-sunscreen


Proper sun safety habits will do more than just save you from a nasty burn and give you a nice golden tan; it could potentially save your life. Skin cancer is the most common variety of cancer in the world and each year it claims 900 Canadian lives. Just one sunburn during an individual’s childhood has been shown to double your chances of developing cancer. That's why it is so important to protect yourself from the sun, both UVA and UVB rays, which have both been associated with different types of cancer. This is where your sunblock comes in handy, however with all the chemicals found in your average sunscreen, it poses its own risks.



Chemical sunscreens typically work by absorbing the UV rays. They contain chemicals which filter UVA and/or UVB rays such as Avobenzone and Mexoryl.  Physical sunscreens, also called mineral sunscreens, use titanium dioxide or zinc oxide as physical barriers to the sun.



One of the most widely available chemicals used in sunscreens for its ability to be absorbed flawlessly into the skin is oxybenzone, which is a potential hormone disrupter that scientists found 96% of people were exposed to in 2004. Some ingredients in chemical sunscreens also increase the toxicity of the skin and are believed to be carcinogenic; mineral sunscreens are a more natural alternative. These mineral sunblocks can be found in waterproof, biodegradable, organic, moisturizing and non-whitening formulas. However, in order to create these user-friendly mineral sunblocks, many manufacturers have turned to using nano-particles. There is some data that shows that these nano-particles may be able to penetrate the skin and cause health risks.



Unfortunately, it seems that there is no sunscreen out there that is proven 100% safe, but the mineral sunscreens appear to be the lesser of two evils. Your best bet is to find and use a mineral sunblock that does not contain nano-particles! The Environmental Working Group has a great guide to help you choose a healthy option that works for you!  http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2012sunscreen/best-sunscreens/best-beach-sport-sunscreens/



Here are a few things to remember when spending time in the sun:
• The best protection from the sun is to cover up with loose, tightly knit clothing and wide hats
• Stay inside or in shaded areas when the sun is at its highest
• Always buy unscented sunscreens to avoid artificial perfume chemicals
• Don’t be fooled by high SPF ratings, double the SPF does not necessarily mean double the protection –  remember that SPF greater than 50 doesn’t really offer any more protection

]]> http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2012/06/29/all-natural-sunscreen#comments 0 Organic Nail Care katie@almanaturalspa.com katie@almanaturalspa.com http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2012/06/15/organic-nail-care Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:35:08 +0000 http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2012/06/15/organic-nail-care
Some people call nail polish natural or organic, but nail polish isn’t organic in the same way that an apple or orange is. While many companies have developed non-toxic and low chemical formulas, they still do not meet our definition of organic and the quality of these non-toxic polishes can vary from brand to brand. You can however, still make a healthier, non-toxic choice.  We know it can be overwhelming  trying to choose the right product when it comes to natural beauty so this post will provide you with a few things to look out for when it comes to choosing a natural polish.



The majority of polishes on the shelf are chemical solvent-based products that have been linked to cancer as well as other health problems. However, a small (but growing!) number of companies offer polishes that are based in water instead of chemical solvents. A water-based polish like Acquarella* is 80% water and therefore avoids most of the chemicals found in regular nail polish. Water based nail polishes are the best choice for your health and the health of your nails. Switching from a regular mani-pedi to one that utilises a water based polish will actually moisturize your nails as some of the water in the polish soaks into the nail as it dries. Keep in mind that these polishes come with trade-offs in terms of application and longevity so be sure to ask!




Years ago, these three chemicals appeared in nearly all nail polishes; however many brands have eliminated these toxic ingredients from their polish formula because of their harmful effects on our health. Avoid these whenever you can!
DBP
Also known as dibutyl phthalate, DBP adds flexibility and shine to a polish. It has been linked to reproductive and developmental problems.

Toluene
Toluene helps the polish to dry smoothly and maintain its colour. Also suspected to be a reproductive and developmental toxin, this solvent can affect the nervous system as well. This is the chemical that causes dizziness and headaches after you’ve spent too much time with the brush and bottle of polish in hand perfecting your manicure!

Formaldehyde
Yes, you read correctly. The same preservative no longer used in the medical field because it is a known carcinogen can also be found in some nail polishes. It is added to harden the nail but it can also cause cancer or irritation to the eyes, throat, nose and skin.




Another chemical you should be aware of when looking into natural nail care is acetone. This solvent (which means it is able to dissolve other ingredients) is the main ingredient in your everyday nail polish remover.  This substance is very drying to your nails, can be irritating to the eyes and throat and should only be used in a well-ventilated area to reduce fumes.  As an alternative to acetone based removers, Karma Organic* offers a soy based nail polish remover that is hydrating, non-irritating and smells great!

Make sure to keep these tips in mind when purchasing a natural nail polish to satisfy that polish addiction and keep you and your nails happy and healthy!

FYI: We get a lot of inquiries about vegan nail polish. The answer to your question is that virtually all nail polishes are vegan. A substance made from fish scales can be used to create shimmery shades but because it derived from animals and expensive to produce, most companies use the vegan alternative known as mica. Nail polish is generally free of any animal products, but if you are interested in animal friendly products, make sure to check that the company does not test on animals.

*Both Acquarella and Karma Organic nail products are available for purchase at Alma.

]]> http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2012/06/15/organic-nail-care#comments 2 Happy Feet! Katie Katie
The first question I get is: What exactly IS reflexology?
Reflexology is a natural, holistic, healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the hands, feet [...]]]> http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2012/03/14/happy-feet Wed, 14 Mar 2012 18:01:00 +0000 http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2012/03/14/happy-feet


We’ve just officially started offering reflexology at Alma and I’ve gotten a handful of questions about it that I thought warranted a blog post. 

The first question I get is: What exactly IS reflexology?
Reflexology is a natural, holistic, healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the hands, feet and ears that correspond to every gland, organ and part of the body. Through application of pressure on these reflexes, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation, and helps your body to restore itself to a healthy balance. Reflexology provides some measure of benefit to all and can be part of a preventative health care regimen. Our treatments will usually focus on the feet due to the magnitude of benefit that working this area will provide.  In plain English – reflexology is a glorified foot massage with tons of health benefits.

What are the benefits of reflexology?
Everyone reacts differently to it and if you aren’t overly familiar with a holistic approach to your health, you will still enjoy full-body relaxation and relief of pain on your tired feet.  If you are open to exploring additional benefits, you’ll be surprised by numerous benefits which include:
• Improved circulation
• Improved digestion
• Promotion of relaxation and tension release
• Improved lymphatic and cardiovascular circulation, drainage and elimination
• Maintenance or re-establishment of balance in the body

The practitioner can feel  granular deposits in your feet.  These deposits are typically an indication of some sort of stress, injury, or illness in a part of the body.  The practitioner will work to break-up those deposits which will help your body to restore a healthy balance.  You should talk with your practitioner about how often you may want to receive a treatment based on your specific concerns, but it is most effective (just like any therapy) if done on a relatively regular basis.

Why offer it at Alma?
We are committed to being a place where our customers can be exposed to a variety of ideas around natural & holistic beauty and wellness - reflexology is a perfect fit with this ideal.  Reflexology has been around for over 5000 years in many cultures and as a species we used to  activate our reflexes a lot more often before the use of shoes and even through kneading bread and other hands-on labor.  Now, unfortunately we get even less opportunity to naturally activate our reflexes.  I feel very strongly about the benefits that are experienced through this therapy and want to make these available in our spa.  I’m so convinced, I’m actually finishing my certification as well so I can work with people to optimize their health. Now you have access to Sandra on Sundays. If you're interested in a free 10 minute session to learn more, call us and we can arrange that with Sandra.

Any questions?  Check out our website or email us atinfo@almanaturalspa.com.


]]> http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2012/03/14/happy-feet#comments 0 Join Us at the Eco-Beauty Market - Feb 9! Katie Katie http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2012/02/05/join-us-at-the-eco-beauty-market-feb-9 Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:37:00 +0000 http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2012/02/05/join-us-at-the-eco-beauty-market-feb-9
xo
Katie



]]> http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2012/02/05/join-us-at-the-eco-beauty-market-feb-9#comments 0 Announcing our "Meaning of Soul" raffle winner! Katie Katie
Our customer Julie N won the drawing for a $50 gift card! [...]]]> http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2012/01/30/announcing-our-meaning-of-soul-raffle-winner Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:38:00 +0000 http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2012/01/30/announcing-our-meaning-of-soul-raffle-winner
Our customer Julie N won the drawing for a $50 gift card! Congrats to Julie and again thanks to everyone for participating.

]]> http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2012/01/30/announcing-our-meaning-of-soul-raffle-winner#comments 0 What Does Alma Mean to You? katie@almanaturalspa.com katie@almanaturalspa.com
What does Alma mean to you?
Alma got its name from the Spanish word for "soul". We love soul because it evokes different thoughts [...]]]> http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2011/12/22/what-does-alma-mean-to-you Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:45:00 +0000 http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2011/12/22/what-does-alma-mean-to-you
What does Alma mean to you?
Alma got its name from the Spanish word for "soul". We love soul because it evokes different thoughts and understandings for everyone (have you noticed our "soul" quotes throughout the spa?). Several of our customers have offered us their take on the word soul and it inspired us to ask the question - What does Alma mean to you? In preparation for our grand opening celebration in January, tell us what soul or alma means to you. Email us or stop in to the store to tell us what it means to you & you'll be entered into a drawing to win a $50 Alma gift card!

What: Tell us what Alma means to you.
When: Respond by January 21st!
Why: We'd love to know, AND you'll be entered to win a $50 Alma gift card!
How: By email to alma@almanaturalspa.com, here as a comment on our blog, or stop in the store!

]]> http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2011/12/22/what-does-alma-mean-to-you#comments 0 Traditional Nail Polish - A Big Risk for Beauty Katie Katie http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2011/11/28/traditional-nail-polish-a-big-risk-for-beauty Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:37:00 +0000 http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2011/11/28/traditional-nail-polish-a-big-risk-for-beauty
Main Offenders:
  • Formaldehyde: Is a known carcinogen. It is also released by many preservatives used in cosmetics.
  • Dibutyl Phthalate: We’ve all heard by now to avoid phthalates, and DBP is no different. It is a reproductive and developmental toxicant.
  • Toluene: Is a potent neurotoxicant that acts as an irritant, impairs breathing, and causes nausea. Mothers’ exposure to toluene vapors during pregnancy may cause developmental damage in the fetus.

How do chemicals in nail polish reach you?
There are two main ways that these chemicals enter your body. First, your fingernails are much more porous than even your skin and directly below your nail plate are blood vessels. The chemicals that you put on your nails can penetrate your nail and make it into your blood stream. Additionally, nail polish dries by evaporating chemicals into the air which you then breathe. These chemicals are particularly concerning for fetuses as well so pregnant women should avoid them!

Many nail polish brands are starting to eliminate some of these most toxic chemicals. Even OPI has some 3-free polishes which is a good start. However, if you use the cosmetic toxicity database and search for OPI, you’ll see that the results are still unsettling.

Why go non-traditional?
There are many benefits to using more natural polishes in addition to not exposing yourself to toxins. I’ll give you some benefits of the ones we use here at Alma. First, they are vegan-friendly and not tested on animals. They are free of all toxic chemicals making it safe for you to breathe and put on your nails – and imagine the positive impact on those who work with polish on a daily basis. The polishes and removers smell much better, and some actually smell good. Additionally, our water-based polish option actually hydrates the nail as it dries. And, the polishes look great on your nails with a fabulous selection of colors. Plus, we’ve had many people say that our Karma Organic polish is the longest lasting manicure they’ve ever had. If you can go healthy and not sacrifice quality, why wouldn’t you?

How to know if your it is safe?
1. Make sure the polish is at least 3-free (this will likely be advertised!)
2. Ask the company to send you a list of ingredients. If they won’t – start to worry.
3. Next, use the Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetic Toxicity Database to get information on a specific brand – you can search by brand or by specific ingredient.
4. Regarding the remover, at a minimum avoid acetone. It can be contaminated with formaldehyde and has been shown to cause mental confusion in animals.

Here’s to a healthier day!
Katie

]]> http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2011/11/28/traditional-nail-polish-a-big-risk-for-beauty#comments 0 The Argument for Natural Beauty /Personal Care Products... katie@almanaturalspa.com katie@almanaturalspa.com
The [...]]]> http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2011/11/06/the-argument-for-natural-beauty-personal-care-products Sun, 06 Nov 2011 13:56:00 +0000 http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2011/11/06/the-argument-for-natural-beauty-personal-care-products
The first thing I think about is that your skin is the biggest organ of your body and it absorbs most things you apply to your body. Unfortunately, most of the beauty and personal care products available on the market are full of toxic chemicals – the average woman applies 150 chemicals each day. Picture yourself in a hot shower, your pores are open and even more receptive to absorbing chemicals, and as you lather up and rinse the shampoo from your hair the lather runs over your skin allowing the chemicals to be absorbed into your body.

Additionally, we know that our ancestors didn’t get the diseases that we do now. Why is that? Is it because we are living longer or our ability to diagnose diseases is improved? Possibly these things play a part. But I believe that more than that it is because of a combination of things related to our lifestyle that has caused this spike in modern diseases: 1.) We live life in constant stress mode, and we’re typically less active than people have been throughout history. 2.) Our food is processed, full of chemicals, and lacking in vitamins and nutrients and 3.) We are constantly exposed to environmental toxins in the air we breathe and also in our personal care products.

Also, personal care products are not regulated. Some chemicals that get put into personal care products are regulated, but in general the industry is highly unregulated. This means that companies can put things into their products without having to prove that they are safe. But, even if the industry was regulated I’m not sure it is enough. Our regulatory agencies do the best they can to protect us from the worst of the worst but there is no way to know the long term implications of chemicals, drugs, etc until, well, a long time has passed. By then we may have exposed ourselves for years to dangerous substances.

Finally – natural, unrefined, organic ingredients can be really beneficial for you and can help improve the wellness of your skin, hair, & nails. Try some of our unrefined, organic, shea butter-based lotion and you’ll see what I mean!

So, if we start to get back to the basics and make healthier decisions around our food, lifestyle and products would we be healthier? I think so! That’s what we are trying to offer at Alma – a place where you can go and know that you are not being exposed to toxic chemicals and a place you can learn more about starting to make healthier decisions for yourself and your family! And you don’t have to go overboard – I just suggest starting with one small change and you’ll start to see a big difference!

Here's to a healthier day!

Katie

]]> http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2011/11/06/the-argument-for-natural-beauty-personal-care-products#comments 0 Alma is opening TOMORROW (9/21)! katie@almanaturalspa.com katie@almanaturalspa.com online or stop in to check out one of our services or just grab a tea from our tea boutique. We're looking forward [...]]]> http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2011/09/20/alma-is-opening-tomorrow-921 Tue, 20 Sep 2011 15:23:00 +0000 http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2011/09/20/alma-is-opening-tomorrow-921 online or stop in to check out one of our services or just grab a tea from our tea boutique. We're looking forward to seeing you soon!

]]> http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2011/09/20/alma-is-opening-tomorrow-921#comments 3 Alma is blessed with amazing friends and family! katie@almanaturalspa.com katie@almanaturalspa.com
A [...]]]> http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2011/09/20/alma-is-blessed-with-amazing-friends-and-family Tue, 20 Sep 2011 15:02:00 +0000 http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2011/09/20/alma-is-blessed-with-amazing-friends-and-family
A HUGE thank you to everyone from near and far who has helped to make this come to life - from your support to your countless hours of work sewing, reviewing, providing input, ideas, leads & contacts, painting, building, assembling, plumbing, planting, testing.



]]> http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2011/09/20/alma-is-blessed-with-amazing-friends-and-family#comments 3 The sign went up! katie@almanaturalspa.com katie@almanaturalspa.com http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2011/08/21/the-sign-went-up Sun, 21 Aug 2011 10:51:00 +0000 http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2011/08/21/the-sign-went-up
]]> http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2011/08/21/the-sign-went-up#comments 3 Look what we found! katie@almanaturalspa.com katie@almanaturalspa.com http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2011/08/10/look-what-we-found Wed, 10 Aug 2011 10:25:00 +0000 http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2011/08/10/look-what-we-found
The brick wall being uncovered!





]]> http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2011/08/10/look-what-we-found#comments 0 Toronto here we come! katie@almanaturalspa.com katie@almanaturalspa.com http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2011/08/08/toronto-here-we-come Mon, 08 Aug 2011 13:06:00 +0000 http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2011/08/08/toronto-here-we-come
Below is a map of our location:



]]> http://almanaturalspa.com/blog/2011/08/08/toronto-here-we-come#comments 0