Salt Water Sport & Spa

Vitamin D & Immunity

Zoe Musch — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 16:47:59 +0000

Vitamin D, which is actually a pro-hormone and not a vitamin at all, regulates the function of over 900 genes. Besides being important for bone, cardiovascular, mental emotional health, and optimizing blood sugar levels, vitamin D is essential for optimal immune function. It has more recently been discovered that cells of the immune system possess vitamin D receptors and make enzymes capable of converting vitamin D into its active form.

Cold and flu season is here and those with higher vitamin D levels contract substantially fewer infections.

How does vitamin D help boost immunity? The answer lies in two of its mechanisms.

1. Downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines:

When compared to anti-inflammatory cytokines which promote healing and reduce inflammation, pro-inflammatory cytokines do the opposite. These cytokines are largely responsible for the unpleasant symptoms you get during the flu. Our recovery depends on a balance between these two types of cytokines.

2. Upregulation of antimicrobial peptides:

The primary antimicrobial peptide that is stimulated when optimal vitamin D status is achieved is cathelicidin which is produced by immune cells and cells that line the skin, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract. It has a broad spectrum antimicrobial effect against gram positive and gram negative bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Why is vitamin D deficiency so common?

Two thirds of Canadians don’t get enough vitamin D, especially from October through April. Only one third of those who do have levels that are considered optimal. Common reasons include living in a higher latitude (hello Alberta!), less sun exposure (hello Alberta winters!), low dietary intake (most notably in vegans), gastrointestinal malabsorption issues, and vitamin D depleting medications (I’m lookin’ at you, cholesterol lowering drugs). Foods rich in vitamin D include fatty fish, cheese, egg yolks, and beef liver. That being said, vitamin D is primarily produced in response to sun exposure rather than being absorbed from the diet.

What can we do about it?

If you’re in Alberta, you may know that as of 2015, Alberta Health Services is no longer funding vitamin D testing for the general population as it is now deemed an unnecessary expense. I routinely test vitamin D status for my patients. Doing so allows for a more targeted approach to vitamin D supplementation and ensures that optimal levels will be reached. Book an appointment today to get your levels checked and avoid getting sick this winter! Plus, for the month of October, you can get a free Vitamin D test with a new patient consultation ($89 value!).”

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Core Balance

Zoe Musch — Fri, 14 Jul 2017 17:20:47 +0000

Core Balance Healing Technique

The Foundation
Understanding and Utilizing Energy

In this weekend course you will be introduced to and become familiar with the subtle energies that exist within and around us. You will learn how to connect with and feel these subtle energies. How to clear energy fields for yourself, loved ones and personal space.

We will engage in the basics of meditation and connecting with your bodies energy field via chakra meditations. We will experience the energy of others via energetic play and interaction. We will learn the chakras and the role they play in our lives.

Each participant will receive a course booklet along with their own positively charged basic chakra healing set and will learn how to utilize it for self and others, and a sage smudge wand for energy clearing. Also a certification of completion of Core Energy Foundation Level One.

Trinity is a Reiki Master Teacher of Usui & Karuna Reiki
An Adavnced Level Electro Magnetic Field Pratitioner
A Quantum Healer
A Theta Healer
A Shamnic Practioner
A Yoga Instructor
A Crystal Healer
A Body worker

As well as having trained in many other healing art modalities, she has been practicing for over 20 years and has integrated her training to create Core Balance Healing Technique which she utilizes to obtain optimal healing and change for her clients and students.

This weekend course is sure to be inspiring, fun and transformational!

Course fee: 222

Dates will be arranged based on interest

Course can run any weekend in Cochrane, or for groups of 5 or more Trinity will travel to your location. Please contact the Spa: for more information.

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October Promotions

Zoe Musch — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 16:37:16 +0000

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Cochrane Acupuncture – Traditional Chinese Medicine

Zoe Musch — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 22:45:25 +0000

Dr. Jiyun Park

Dr. Park’s Fees

TCM is rooted in the ancient philosophy of Taoism, and has been practiced for more than 5,000 years. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) looks at symptoms specific to an individual and describes their cause from a combination of imbalances within lifestyle, psyche, nutrition, environmental stress, and trauma. TCM is different from modern western medicine as it recognizes internal organs as a functional interconnected system, and organizes them in a metaphysical manner. TCM is a common medical care throughout Eastern Asia. TCM therapy consists of Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, dietary therapy, tui na massage, and others.

Acupuncture is the practice of inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points on the body. The points are located on the meridians, where Qi (vital energy), flows through the body. There are hundreds of acupuncture points on the body. Different acupuncture points are chosen based on each patient’s individual constitution and symptoms.

Auricular acupuncture is based on the idea that the ear is a micro system where the entire body is represented on the ear. Auricular acupuncture can rebalance the body by stimulating specific points on the ear that correspond to different parts of the body. Studies have shown that auricular acupuncture is effective in the treatment of addiction, mental health, and pain; it can also be used in conjunction with regular acupuncture to treat chronic conditions.

Chinese Herbal Medicine is an important adjunct treatment method to acupuncture. In China, herbal medicine is considered to be the primary therapeutic modality of internal medicine. Chinese physicians have observed and classified more than 5000 plant, animal and mineral substances according to remedy effect.

Different herbs are combined into a formula that is designed to adapt to the individual patient. As a dietary supplement, Chinese herbs can boost internal deficiencies as well as eliminate harmful substances that accumulate pathologically. Traditionally, formulas were decocted in a pot and consumed as a tea, but it can also be formed as pills, topical creams, and pastes.

Cupping is the application of glass cups to specific areas of the body. Before placing the cup against the skin, a small flame is held inside it in order to create a relative vacuum. This causes the skin to be sucked up into the cup, stimulates the flow of blood and Qi, and clears local stagnation. It is beneficial in the treatment of aches and pains, and it helps in warding off colds.

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Three Solutions to a Cold Winter Day

Zoe Musch — Sat, 22 Oct 2016 17:47:15 +0000

Hot Stone Treatments

Hot Stone Massage incorporates massage with heated, smooth, flat stones which are placed on key points of the body and face. The heat is relaxing while it warms up tight muscles, so the therapist can work more deeply, more quickly. View our Hot Stone Massage Menu Here

Hot Stone Facials During any facial massage, hot stones may be incorporated into the treatment to created a one of a kind experience. The stones are used to massage the face, stimulating blood flow and carrying the nutrients deeper into the skin. The warmth of the stones will relieve muscle tension, and feel simply… blissful!

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Benefits of Massage Therapy

Zoe Musch — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 23:11:30 +0000

On any given day, a Relaxation Massage is one of the most calming gifts we can give our over-stressed selves.

Therapeutic Massage, or Sport Therapy, is intended to identify and treat specific concerns that are affecting our health and quality of life.

Benefits of Massage Therapy Include:

Relaxation & Stress Relief: A single massage can significantly lower heart rate, cortisol and insulin levels, all of which help reduce daily stress.

Improved Flexibility & Posture: Massage helps reinforce healthy and natural movements, which can get your posture back on track. Odds are, sitting all day at the office is the culprit. Massage gets to the root of persistent pain by relaxing tense muscles. As we age, joints tend to tighten, making your range of motion more restricted. Massage helps keep joints more fluid, making you more flexible and less prone to injury.

Lower Blood Pressure and Improve Circulation: One effective way to prevent/reduce high blood pressure naturally is massage therapy. The pressure created by massage therapy moves blood through congested areas. This causes new blood to flow in, resulting in improved body function.

In addition, the following is a list of conditions for which massage therapy, when provided by a Registered Massage Therapist, can prove beneficial:

Anxiety and depression	Asthma and Emphysema
Back, leg, and neck pain	Cancer symptoms
Carpal tunnel syndrome (repetitive strain)	Chronic Fatigue syndrome
Dislocations	Fibromyalgia
Fractures and edema	Gastrointestinal disorders
Headaches	Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and bursitis
Insomnia	Kyphosis and Scoliosis
Multiple sclerosis	Parkinson’s disease
Muscle tension and spasm	Palliative care
Post-surgical rehabilitation	Pregnancy and labour support
Sports injuries	Strains and sprains
Stress and stress related conditions	Stroke
Tendinitis	Whiplash

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New to the Spa: glo minerals

Zoe Musch — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 22:57:12 +0000

HOW IS GLO MINERALS DIFFERENT FROM CONVENTIONAL COSMETIC LINES?

glo minerals is uniquely designed for skincare professionals and their clients. Our award-winning formulations deliver unsurpassed coverage, UV and environmental protection and an exceptional spectrum of mineral pigments. Talc-free and non-comedogenic, glo minerals provides the ideal choice for even the most sensitive skin. Clinically advanced mineral makeup that covers, corrects and protects.

DO GLO MINERALS FORMULAS CONTAIN NANO PARTICLES?

No. Nanoparticles are so small, they are measured in billionths of a meter. Our minerals are delivered from a triple-milled process ensuring smooth, even application and long wearing coverage without requiring ultra fine nano particle size.

DOES GLO MINERALS OFFER GLUTEN FREE PRODUCTS?

While most of our products do not contain gluten-derived ingredients, our manufacturing facilities are not gluten-free. Below is a list of products that do contain gluten-derived ingredients:

Face Primer- contains Barley Extract to help retain moisture and provide anti-oxidants to help soothe and calm skin.

Lip Filler Pencil – Contains Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein which contains properties for improved lip hydration and moisture content.

Smoothing Salt Scrub- Contains Wheatgerm Oil to increase moisture.

Precise Micro Lipliner- Contains Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein which contains properties for improved lip hydration and moisture content.

WHAT PRODUCTS CONTAIN PARABENS?

glo minerals and glo therapeutics are paraben free.

ARE GLO MINERALS PRODUCTS NONCOMEDOGENIC?

Our formulas are talc-free, noncomedogenic and free of perfumes, making them perfect for even the most sensitive skin types, including those with acne and rosacea.

SHOULD YOU USE GLO MINERALS IF YOU HAVE OILY SKIN?

Yes, glo minerals products are beneficial for all skin types and conditions, delivering that flawless finish everyone is searching for. You can customize a regimen for any skin type by choosing from our five unique bases. For oily skin, it is recommended to choose between Pressed Base, great for all skin types, and Matte II Liquid Foundation which is targeted solely for oily skin.

DO YOUR FOUNDATIONS CONTAIN AN SPF? WHAT LEVEL?

Our foundations offer mineral sun protection, the equivalent to an SPF 15.

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Summer Is Pedicure Season!

Zoe Musch — Mon, 08 Aug 2016 19:13:32 +0000

Put Your Best Foot Forward!

The average person takes 7,000 to 10,000 steps a day, which is more than 150,000km over a lifetime! All this wear and tear on your feet can be harmful if they are not maintained properly.

What is a Pedicure?

At Salt Water, all our pedicures begin with a relaxing foot soak. Hard skin removal from the bottom and sides of your feet is followed by trimming of nails and cuticles, if necessary. Massage of feet and lower legs is followed by paraffin application – A paraffin treatment uses warm oil-based wax to provide pain relief to hands, feet, and sore joints and muscles, while leaving your skin soft and moisturized. Our Sport Pedicures leave a buffed natural nail. Our Spa Pedicures include your choice of gel or traditional polish.

Pedicure Safety

Our Spa has the highest standard of cleanliness. When choosing a spa, the following practices should be observed for your safety:

All stainless steel instruments must be sterilized between uses.
Stainless steel basis with disposable liners should be used (piped whirlpool foot baths have been found to contain bacteria in their pipes, jets and water filtration systems, and may cause fungal infections).
All nail files, foot files, buffers and toe separators are single use and should be disposed of after use, or sent home with the client.
Technicians should wear gloves at all times.

Before a Pedicure

Please do not shave your legs 24 hours before your pedicure.
Your technician will ask about the following conditions and medications which can increase the risk of infection: Medical Conditions: diabetes, lymphedema, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), neuropathy, HIV and autoimmune diseases like lupus. Medications: chemotherapy agents and blood thinners.

Contrary to popular belief, pedicures are NOT just for women! They are for anyone who wants to take care of their feet.

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Explore Raindrop Therapy

Zoe Musch — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 23:15:48 +0000

A favorite of our clients, Raindrop Therapy combines 9 pure therapeutic grade essential oils with massage to create a relaxing, indulgent experience meant to restore your health and detoxify your body.

What Happens During a Raindrop Massage?

Sessions begin with 10 minutes in our full spectrum infrared sauna, to help ease your mind and body. Your treatment begins with the application (dropping) of essential oils onto your feet and then your spine, using light brush strokes to aid in the absorption of oil into your skin. Oil application is followed by a 45-minute massage of the back and neck. Hot compresses increase the benefits of, and conclude, your treatment.

The Benefits of Raindrop

Stress reduction
Pain reduction
Muscle relaxation
Improved circulation
Detoxification
Improved immune function

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Adult Acne VS Teen Acne

Zoe Musch — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 18:09:42 +0000

You survived high school. You sailed through college. Your breakouts were still showing up in your twenties. But you hit your thirties and your acne is still flaring up, and you thought you would be done by now…

You’re not alone. Adult acne is more common than you think. But it is different than the acne you had during your teens in several ways.

The key difference is that teenage age is caused by active oil glands and excess oil production, whereas adult acne is caused by hormonal activity. As we age, cell turnover slows down, so in adults, the oil builds up and causes inflammation, cystic acne and pimples.

Teenage acne tends to show up all over the face, and back, chest and shoulders. Adult acne is more commonly found on the lower face, chin and jawline.

The way to treat teen acne is also different than the best treatments for adults. For starters, young skin that produces too much oil needs more aggressive treatments to reduce the presence of p.acnes bacteria and dry up all that oil that causes the areas around nose and cheeks to shine. Adult skin is more fragile, delicate and sensitive, so it tends to dry out more quickly. The best treatments are more gentle and easier to tolerate. In addition, adult women want to be able to wear foundation, so acne therapy needs to allow them to have a smooth surface to apply daily makeup without flaking and peeling.

For more advice on managing your acne, book a complimentary consultation.

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