Eyelash extensions are a way to extend the length and thickness of your eyelashes. Individual lashes are adhered to your existing lashes one at a time resulting in more volume of the lashes.  Done right, the extensions should fuse smoothly with your existing lashes and as your lashes go through the natural growth cycle, you will see a few lashes fall out, like they do naturally. 

You should not see any clumping and you should not feel any discomfort or heaviness on the lids as the natural lash grows out.  If you do, you might have a set of lashes that might have been applied incorrectly and might be too thick for your natural lashes, therefore it weighs down on your natural lashes.

Below are a set of various types of before and after pictures of lash extension outcomes.  No one lash outcome will look like the other, as it all depends on what type of lashes you have to work with.  In all the pictures below, you will notice that although volumes increase, it is not remarkable.  With regard to length, it is also important to stick with the length that can be supported by your natural lashes.  Lashes that are too long for the natural lashes will eventually weigh them down and as they grow out, will cause discomfort and not last as long.

Figure 1: Woman has a nice thick set of natural lashes to begin with. She acquired slightly more volume but not remarkably different than before.  What makes her strikingly different is the added length.  She is able to hold a good length since her natural lashes are long to begin with.

Figure 2: Woman has thinner and shorter lashes.  As a result, she was able to also add more volume but the lashes used are much thicker than her original lashes.  A layering approach was also used, where Y-type lashes were inserted between the individual lashes, to get more depth.  The length however is shorter than figure 1, as she can only hold this much length.

Figure 3: Woman has same quality lashes as figure 2 and the resulting outcome is similar. This is a frontal view.  One thing to note on the after picture, the outer part of the eye has longer lashes, to create a lift of the eye and a more striking look.  This is an example of how you can accentuate certain parts of the eye, to create a different illusion (i.e., striking look, rounder eye appearance, etc).

Figure 4: Asian eyelashes often are short and straight.  Lash extensions of the C-type can create a more open and rounder shape and more volume.  In the after picture, different lengths are also used and get longer towards the outer part of the eye to lift the eye and open it up more.  These eyelashes can achieve good volume and create depth, however, using very long lashes are not recommended, as the original lashes are straight and have no curl.  Very long extensions will weigh these natural lashes down and not adhere properly.  It will also not grow out nicely.

Figure 5: Woman with very thin and sparse lashes but good working length.  The outcome has volume but not remarkable and some nice length.

Figure 6: Woman with very thin and short lashes.  The method used layers lashes of the Y-type variety in between individual lashes to create a double layer thick look.  This looks good once you leave the salon but is hard to keep up, and the lash growth can be cumbersome as you might feel some clumping from the adhesive. This is difficult to apply with very little to no adhesive as the lashes are voluminous.  The only reason this will hold better is that the choice of lashes are not so long and that the natural lashes will be able to carry it.

Figure 7: Woman with thin straight lashes.  The outcome is more natural, using thinner extensions.  Length and volume are appropriate and make the lashes look very natural.

Figure 8: Woman has naturally longer lashes in the center and the outcome builds on what she already has by using very long and thick lashes.  Important to note here is that the lash extension lengths are proportionate to the natural lengths. This will make it look more fluid and very dramatic.

The quality of the adhesive and the technical prowess of the esthetician are very important components in achieving the perfectly applied lash extensions. She should be able to determine what types of lashes to work with to complement yours.  An excellent job should enhance your natural lash pattern and how they grow, thus bringing more depth to the eye.  You should also not be feeling any itching or discomfort during the natural lash growth cycle.

At Lotus Mind+Body Spa, we work with silk, mink and synthetic lashes in various sizes, thickness and curls.  On your first consultation, we will determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure.  Please let us know if you are prone to eye irritations from using any make up or eye products as you might not be a good candidate for the FDA-approved adhesive.  We will also determine if we can fulfill your expectations based on the quality of your lashes and discuss the various options that may work for you.

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The ancient therapy of acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat many conditions.  Acupuncture originated in China but is used today worldwide.  Both Japanese and Korean styles of acupuncture were developed from the Chinese acupuncture model and are also used in many countries.   An acupuncture treatment works by keeping the body’s energy balanced.   A blockage of energy can cause disease in the body.  The practitioner works to restore balance by stimulating specific acupuncture points on the body.

Although acupuncture is most well known to treat pain, it is possible to use acupuncture to treat many conditions.  Acupuncture has been found to treat allergies, migraines, tinnitus, insomnia, constipation, diarrhea, mild anxiety and depression, stress, anti-aging, and issues surrounding women’s health, including PMS, fertility, pregnancy related symptoms, and menopause related symptoms.

The benefit of using acupuncture to treat your condition is the patient practitioner relationship that is formed.  Acupuncture is a team approach to wellness.  Several questions are asked to diagnose the condition being treated.  The practitioner is trying to uncover the root cause of the main complaint to determine an accurate diagnosis.

For those of you interested in a non-invasive approach to anti-aging, I have pursued advanced training in the Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture System™.  The Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture System™ treats from the inside out.  Cosmetic results that one would expect are:

-   reduction in fine lines

-   leveling of deeper lines

-   the beginnings of jowls can be minimized

-   improvement in acne and rosacea

-   skin becomes softer, more vibrant, cheeks smoother

-   overall skin tone becomes more consistent

From a Chinese medicine perspective, the cosmetic treatment also balances your energy.  The treatments can improve your health as well as bring visible cosmetic results to your face.  From a Western medicine standpoint, the needles cause micro-traumas in the skin.  The body can respond by increasing blood flow and the production of collagen and elastin to the area for wound healing.

Acupuncture achieves positive results along with Western medicine. Combining therapies of Eastern and Western medicine to treat the underlying cause of disease often achieves the best results.  Looking forward to meeting you!

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Brazilian bikini is the complete removal of all your hair from the entire bikini area ~ ALL of it! That means front to back, including labia and anus. However, you have the option of leaving some hair at the front.   Below is a diagram to give you an idea of what we can leave behind.

The most popular is the Landing Strip, the Bermuda Triangle or the Clean as a Whistle. However what we leave behind is a personal decision.

We are constantly asked if waxing hurts. Unfortunately, waxing is not pain free; however, with the combination of high quality hard wax and technical experience, you can get the least painful experience.  Many of our clients are surprised at how we can make your waxing experience actually pleasant, that you might even doze off to sleep!!

For us to do our job well, we ask for some cooperation from our clients.  Especially if this is your first time getting a Brazilian wax, it makes sense to do a little preparation.

1)  It is a good idea to exfoliate your bikini line, very gently, the night before your Brazilian Bikini Wax or any wax. In fact, you can gently exfoliate your bikini line every day/evening. This helps deter those pesky ingrown hairs and aids in a speedy removal.

2)  Don’t be embarrassed – it is just like going to your doctor.  We specialize in bikini waxing and we have seen it all before (literally).  We are used to looking at vagina and focusing on the areas for hair removal.  Our goal is to achieve a super clean area – front, back and all, in the least amount of time possible!  We are not analyzing your vagina nor comparing yours to other clients.  We are always doing our best to put you at ease and engage you in conversation while we are waxing you!

3)  If you are very sensitive in the area take an ibuprofen (assuming you have no allergies to ibuprofen), 30 minutes before coming in for your waxing services.

4) Exfoliate after a Brazilian Bikini Wax, French, or regular Bikini Wax and if you are prone to ingrown hair, you can purchase products that help remove it such as Glo Renew Serum (an excellent ingrown hair inhibitor that smoothes the skin without drying it) and apply it to the area for up to 14 days following your wax service.

5) Come prepared – if it’s your first wax, or you haven’t been waxed in at least 8 weeks, you should trim your hairs to about 3/4 on an inch or less (but leave enough for the wax to adhere).  We also recommend that you book every 4 weeks (no more) for maintenance.  Your experience will be less painful every time and the job gets easier and easier as you keep it up because the hair thins and becomes less coarse.

6) Clients often wonder if they can get waxed during their period.  We understand that if you are on a regular monthly schedule and you book in advance, it is often difficult to time your appointments when you finish your period.  However, we can still wax you while you have your period and do an equally good job.  Just wear a tampon and wipe the area clean.  We wear gloves so it doesn’t make a difference to us.  It is more for your level of comfort if you feel you would rather book an appointment after your period.

7) Another thing to note, you will be more sensitive the closer you are to getting your period, versus after.  Despite the many waxing services you get, you might still get that random visit when every pull and tug of the wax hurts.  This is usually because you are approaching your period.  So try to time your appointment as best as you can.

8) Clients also ask if they can get waxed after sex.  Again this is about client preference, but we would prefer that you hold off on sex before your appointment. Remember that we see everything and are working on that area.  Also, a shower before coming to your appointment is very much appreciated.

9) Relax –getting a brazilian bikini wax is easier than you think.  Take a deep breath and think of how sexy you will look without any hair for at least four weeks.  As you get used to your waxing visits, you just might find yourself like most of our clients, dozing off while we are waxing you!

When not to wax!

If you are on accutane or any prescription vitamin A treatments, please tell your esthetician.

If you have an STD, please heal first before you get a wax.

At Lotus, we never double dip our sticks!  This is a NO-NO and we are always very mindful of hygienic practices.  Our hard and soft waxes shrink wrap to the hair and not the skin, which is why it is recognized in the industry as painless waxes.

If you aren’t already a die-hard brazilian bikini client at Lotus, we hope you give us a try!  Our estheticians are highly experienced and do all the bikini waxes quickly, with care for the client and with precision, easing your discomfort and leaving you feeling very clean.  You will be hooked!

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Benefits of Facial Massage Combined With Effective Skin Care Products On Delaying Aging

Many massage therapists, cosmetologists, beauty consultants and their clients have found the hands-on approach of facial massage as an antidote to aging.  It also has the added benefits of reducing stress.

Although the benefits of massage seem clear, there’s more to them than meets the eye. The skin – our body’s largest organ – has two distinct layers. The first layer is the epidermis which itself consists of six layers. The aging process occurs within these layers. Dead skin cells remain on the skin’s surface, making it appear aged. In order to look youthful, new cells need to replace dead cells. This rejuvenation process can be accelerated by vigorous massage.

Under the epidermis lies a second, deeper layer of skin, the dermis. This is where an abundance of sweat and oil glands, hair follicles, blood vessels, nerves and muscle tissue are located. The dermis also contains collagen, the body’s chief support structure. When the skin’s support structure breaks down,  wrinkles, crinkles and sagging skin are visible, which are the primary skin problems of aging. With age, oxygen molecules in the skin slow down hormonal production which in turn slows down skin cell reproduction. This oxidation in the body causes collagen “crosslinking”. When the flesh ages, crosslinking damages atoms – causing a change in structure which destroys collagen.

When collagen becomes hard and dehydrated it crosslinks with other collagen fibers forming a web-like pattern which prevents it from holding water.  As it dehydrates, the web draws the upper layers of skin into it as it tries to rehydrate itself and because of the ineffective process, it instead creates wrinkles.

Just as the body needs exercise, the face needs stimulation to help nourish, stimulate and firm the skin otherwise it becomes lax.  The stimulating effect of nimble fingers forces blood to rush to the skin’s surface, promoting circulation, detoxification and relaxation. After receiving a vigorous facial massage, the skin has a pinkish cast to it because the blood has been brought to the skin’s surface and the skin looks healthy, clear and glowing due to this rush of blood.  Additionally, vigorous stroking movements remove impurities and give the skin room to breathe.

The best time for women to cleanse the skin is during menstruation. Optimum benefits are gained during this time because the body’s impurities are already being brought up through the skin’s surface.

A prime factor in the creation of lines, particularly expression lines, is stress. Most of us don’t realize that when we frown or raise our eyebrows our face is tensed. Over the course of time, stress lines appear to be deeply carved in our skin and communicate age. Energizing effects can be achieved by massaging facial pressure points. Pressure points, related to energy flowing through the face and hands, are often blocked by stress, illness or poor diet. Massaging these points liberates blocked energy, increases the flow of oxygen and reduces stress and tension – helping alleviate creases and crevices.

Facial massage, consuming lots of water,  a clean and effective skin care line, eating a well-balanced diet and staying out of the sun, are the best ways to looking significantly younger than your years.

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At Lotus, we have devised a treatment of combining facial acupuncture followed by a daily regimen of Environ products as an alternative treatment specifically for clients looking to avoid invasive surgery, harsh chemical peels and volatile botox solutions.

Research has shown that micro-needles that puncture the horny layer of the epidermis help to increase the penetration of nutrients and vitamins by approximately 10,000 fold.   Puncturing the horny layer of the skin does not compromise the lower levels of the skin while allowing deeper penetration of vitamins.  In addition, because there are no nerves in the upper part of the epidermis, this layer can be punctured without pain.  Although many micro-needling devices can be purchased to perform at-home needling, the two most effective needling techniques are performed by plastic surgeons (as they puncture deeper layers of the skin using an anesthetic) and acupuncturists (who specialize in identifying the most effective points on the face and body to apply the needles).

Facial acupuncture acts as micro-needles; when the skin is punctured, it brings blood to the surface boosting collagen production and encouraging cell renewal.

Using hair thin needles, the acupuncturist can provide a painless micro-needling facial protocol with the added full body benefits provided by acupuncture (i.e., more restful sleep, stress and pain reduction).  After the horny layer has been punctured, we apply Environ’s Vitamin A-based products as we believe it to be the most effective products for optimum results.

Vitamin A is the corner stone to Environ’s philosophy and is essential for healthy, youthful looking beautiful skin.  It is scientifically proven to assist in the repair of collagen and boost elasticity, thereby reducing fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin, all of which are associated with the aging process.

After about 5 or 6 facial acupuncture sessions combined with a daily regimen of Environ products you will see a significant difference in increased hydration and elasticity to the skin, enhanced muscle tone and jaw line definition, refining of the pores, smoother fine lines, less saggy jowls, a more lifted brow line, overall tighter facial appearance and improved hormonal balance.

Although the optimal results are achieved gradually, it is a less invasive and less costly procedure than those provided by cosmetic surgery without the down time and side effects.

Even in Hollywood, where a gradual and natural look is more desirable, as the injectible route has made actors and actresses less hirable for jobs, a series of treatments which combines acupuncture and Vitamin A serums are sought after to achieve smoother and youthful skin.

We recommend a consultation with our estheticians on your first visit so we can assess your goals and design a program that will be most effective and achievable.

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Years of sun exposure, problematic acne since childhood and aging in most cases leave your skin tone uneven, wrinkled, discolored, spotted or scarred. If you want your skin to look smoother and younger, a chemical peel is very effective at improving it’s texture. The gradual process is a series of visits which combines appropriate chemical solutions to remove the damaged outer layers.

A chemical peel, also called chemexfoliation or derma peeling, is one of the least invasive ways to improve the appearance of your skin. Although chemical peels are used mostly on the face, they can also be used to improve the skin on other parts of the body.

A series of properly performed peels by a knowledgeable esthetician or physician can improve:

•    Scars
•    Sun-damaged skin
•    Acne or acne scars
•    Age and liver spots
•    Fine lines and wrinkles
•    Freckles
•    Irregular skin pigmentation
•    Rough skin and scaly patches

How does a chemical peel work?

Chemical solutions are carefully applied to your skin to improve the texture by removing damaged outer layers. The chemicals used are phenol, trichloroacetic acid and alphahydroxy acids. Each one has a different purpose. The formula used by your esthetician will be adjusted to meet your particular needs.

(Note: There are certain levels of chemical peeling from light to deep.  Typically, most spas can perform light and medium peels with minimal to no downtime.  However, if you are a better candidate for aggressive peels, you will need to consult with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, as they are the only ones who can perform deep peels.)

Understanding the skin layers

Figure: Illustration of skin layers

Light Chemical Peel

Light chemical peeling will achieve subtle improvements at first, but that healthy glow achieved after each visit will increase with more treatments.

If you have uneven pigment, dryness, acne or fine wrinkling, a light chemical peel is usually an appropriate choice. This kind of peel removes the outer layer of skin (epidermis) in a light exfoliation and results in a healthier glow. Your esthetician will use a combination of alphahydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid and maleic acid. All of these chemicals are the mildest choices. You can repeat these treatments weekly for up to six weeks to achieve your desired results.

How it works:
•    Your face will be cleansed.
•    The chemical solution is brushed onto your skin and left for up to 10 minutes. You may feel some mild stinging, however, if the client cannot tolerate it, the esthetician can quickly neutralize the acids to immediately stop the action.
•    Depending on how the client reacts to the first layer, the esthetician may decide that additional layers are necessary to achieve better results.
•    After the acids are left on the skin for the required time, the esthetician will apply a neutralizer to stop the acid action.
•    A sun protection barrier with UV-A and UV-B protection will be applied.
•    To achieve superior results, the clients can return once a month (or as soon as 2-3 weeks depending on the type of peel) to maintain a vibrant look.

Chemical peels combined with a regular regimen of facials can achieve superior results for smooth skin texture and maintain a youthful and vibrant look.

Medium chemical peel

Using medium chemical peels, your skin will be noticeably smoother and fresher-looking.

Acne scars, deeper wrinkles and uneven skin color can all be treated with a medium chemical peel. The chemicals used for this type of peel will remove skin cells from both the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and upper part of your middle layer of skin (dermis). Your esthetician will use trichloroacetic acid, sometimes used in combination with glycolic acid.

How it works:

•    Your face will be cleansed.
•    The chemical solution is brushed onto your skin and left for just a few minutes. You may feel some burning or stinging.
•    The treated area may turn a whitish grey color, this process is called “frosting”.  When the esthetician sees frosting on the skin, she will typically neutralize the skin to stop the acid action as the acids have penetrated the upper part of your dermis.
•    A sun protection with UV-A and UV-B protection will be used on the skin.
•    Your skin may turn red or brown in the days just after the peel. Because this is a more aggressive peel, it may take up to six weeks for your skin to look normal.

You may repeat a medium chemical peel every 6 to 12 months to maintain your glowing new skin.

Deep chemical peel

Deep chemical peels are only done by dermatologists and plastic surgeons.  Results are dramatic, but recovery takes the longest.

If you have deeper facial wrinkles, skin that’s sun damaged, scars, areas that appear blotchy or even pre-cancerous growths, deep facial chemical peels might be the most appropriate. Your physician will use the strongest chemical called phenol to penetrate down to the lower dermal layer of your skin. For this type of peel, you may need a local anesthetic and a sedative to manage any discomfort.

How it works:

A deep chemical peel usually involves some sort of pretreatment for up to 8 weeks. This will prepare your skin for the peel and speed the healing process. Pretreatment may include use of Retin A – a prescription medication that’s derived from vitamin A. This works to thin out the skin’s surface layer, allowing the chemical solution to penetrate more evenly and deeply. If you cannot tolerate Retin A as a pre-treatment, your doctor may prescribe another medication.
•    You will be given a sedative to relax along with a local anesthetic to freeze your face.
•    Your face will be cleansed.
•    Phenol is brushed onto the area and can remain from 30 minutes, up to two hours. The chemical is neutralized with water.
•    After allowing your skin to rest for an hour, a thick coat of petroleum jelly is smoothed over your skin, covering the crust which develops. The petroleum jelly must stay in place for up to two days. Sometimes the physician will opt to cover your skin with strips of adhesive tape with openings for your eyes and mouth, rather than the layer of petroleum jelly. Your doctor will choose this approach if you have severe wrinkling.

Managing your discomfort: Deep chemical facial peels will result in peeling, redness and discomfort for several days. Your doctor will provide painkillers to keep you comfortable. Although the swelling is likely to disappear in about two weeks, your skin may be red for up to three months.

One treatment with a deep chemical peel will produce long-lasting and dramatic results which can last up to 10 years.

Special considerations, risks and recovery

You should understand that all chemical peels will carry some risks and uncertainties. It is usually a very safe procedure when performed by qualified technicians and experienced plastic surgeons.

For people with certain skin types, there is a risk of developing a temporary or permanent color change in the skin. Birth control pills, getting pregnant, or a family history of brownish discoloration on the face may increase the possibility of developing abnormal pigmentation.

Inform your physician if you have a history of keloids (scar tissue overgrowth) or any unusual scarring tendencies.

Other considerations for each type of peel include:

Light chemical peel

You are likely to experience some redness, stinging, skin crusting and irritation from a light chemical peel. After repeated treatments these side effects will likely subside. Other risks include:
•    Hyper pigmentation. Your new skin may have too much pigment which will turn to brown blotches in sunlight. Avoid this by always using a high-factor sunscreen.
•    Infection

Medium chemical peel

When trichloroacetic acid is used in a medium chemical peel, you’ll experience some redness, stinging and skin crusting just like a light chemical peel. While these chemicals will not bleach your skin, you may see some color changes. You will be advised to avoid the sun for several months to protect that fresh new layer of skin. Other risks include:
•    Hyperpigmentation (when too much pigment occurs, causing brown blotches) may result even if you use sunscreen.
•    Redness, which occurs in everyone after the peel, may last longer than a few months for some people.
•    Permanent scarring is another, infrequent, risk.

Deep chemical peel

The chemical used for this kind of peel, phenol, can lighten the skin that is treated. Your skin tone may be a determining factor as to whether or not this is an appropriate treatment for you. With this kind of peel, your new skin often loses its ability to make pigment, therefore you will not be able to get a tan. You will always need to protect your skin from the sun. Phenol also can pose a special risk for people with heart disease. Be sure to tell your surgeon about any heart problems and include it in your medical history. Other risks include:
•    A red face which can last three to four months.
•    Cysts or white spots may appear with a deep peel and they can last up to several weeks.
•    Scarring is an infrequent risk.
•    Some areas of your skin may lose pigment permanently.
•    Hyperpigmentation (when too much pigment occurs, causing brown blotches) may result even if you use sunscreen.

A deep chemical peel requires that you have an adequate recovery time.

Now that you know what a facial chemical peel can do for your skin, it is important to understand that it cannot:
•    Treat deep facial lines
•    Tighten loose or sagging skin
•    Stimulate collagen production
•    Remove broken capillaries
•    Change pore size
•    Remove deep scars

What to expect from Chemical Peels at Lotus?

Although all chemical peels are designed to peel away superficial layers of skin, not all chemical products are created equal!  At Lotus we perform light to medium chemical peels using Environ and Glotherapeutics (which are also widely used by plastic surgeons and dermatologists).  We took a careful look at the products available to us in the market and we paid careful attention to the quality and purity of the chemicals involved to provide the desired effect while creating the least trauma to the skin.  Our peel formulations work at the cellular level without seeing any visible signs of peeling!  We are able to help you determine the depth of peeling you desire and fit it into your lifestyle and skin type.

We also work with our clients to make sure that they have realistic expectations of what a chemical peel can do for them before starting a series of treatments. The first goal is to accelerate the rate of cell turnover in the skin, which naturally slows down as we age resulting in dull, lifeless-looking skin.

The second goal is to limit the injury of the skin to only the desired layers. Achieving the balance between the first and second goal is difficult to accomplish and requires a fully trained and experienced esthetician for safety and efficacy. We maintain that a realistic expectation would be a lighter, brighter skin with an improved texture.

We usually perform our peels in a series of six visits, but this can vary from person to person and will depend on the strength of the peel chosen and the client’s desired outcome. Peels can be booked anywhere from two weeks to one year apart. Generally acneic skin types can be treated every two weeks, sun-damaged skin every three weeks and aging skin once a month to once a year.

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The human body contains over 600 skeletal muscles, with important functions such as generating movement and keeping our posture correct.

All muscles attach to bones through tendons. As muscles contract, the bones are moved, generating our motion capacity. They are also crucial for posture, as we would not be able to stand erect, bend or even stay motionless without the help of specific postural muscles. Structural alignment and stabilization of the pelvis, shoulder girdle and the spine is dependent on soft tissues like muscle, tendons and ligaments. Muscles allow the spine to flex, extend, rotate or bend.

While some muscle groups flex or shorten, the opposing muscles extend or stretch in order to allow full range of motion. This process is called reciprocal inhibition. Muscle imbalance can develop when some muscles are dominant or overused  and others are weaker or underused.

Chronic overuse will cause shortening of the muscle and increased fascial build up around the area of high demand, mainly around the joints. Muscles will have less elasticity, which  increases the chance for injury. When muscle pain does not go away, and may even continue to increase, a chronic pain cycle can occur. We become more prone to injury as our flexibility diminishes. Our muscles experience weakness and fatigue, while pulling excessively on bones and joints, and compressing nerves.

The shortened muscles will continue to draw energy from the body such as ATP, oxygen and protein. An increased level of fatigue is felt throughout the body as energy is depleted. Metabolic wastes are produced and can become trapped in the tissue. As proper tissue metabolism decreases, vital nutrients and oxygen encounter problems being delivered to the tissue cells. This can cause more frequent and longer lasting illness.

Tissues may become ischemic due to the increase in toxin levels and the decrease of oxygen and nutrients. Trigger points can develop and cause pain that can be felt in other parts of the body. The shortened muscle fibers will also pull on their attachments too strongly; this can cause decreased range of motion and eventually joint pain. As muscle contractions add more pressure to certain areas, nerves could become irritated, compressed or entrapped. Irritated nerves can produce increased muscle contractions, transforming the process into a vicious cycle.

At the same time, underused muscles- many times they are the opposed muscle (antagonist) to overused or dominant ones- become weaker and lengthened. This does not allow them to function at optimal capacity, exacerbating the imbalance. These imbalances will create faulty movement patterns and  pull joints out of alignment.  In time this can result in inflammation, cartilage wear, nerve compression and chronic joint or nerve pain. If not corrected, the damage will only grow worse.

These faulty alignments are called postural distortions and are extremely common in today’s world where most people have jobs that require overuse of certain muscles, while other muscles are inactive.

Take for instance a very common case: a person who has a desk job, sits on the computer and types for extended amounts of time. Some forearm muscles get overused while the opposing ones don’t get much activity. This can lead to tight muscles that press on nerves, which could generate carpal tunnel syndrome.

Because the arms are kept in front of the body for long periods of time, the pectorals are kept in a shortened or tight position, the upper traps and lats get tight, the serratus get weak, while the rotator cuff muscles, median traps and rhomboids are kept in a stretched- lengthened position. In time this will generate imbalance across the shoulder girdle, the shoulder joint will get pulled out of alignment and the risk of shoulder and rotator cuff injury is increased. Some nerves may become compressed, generating pain. The head is held forward, leading to overused neck muscles and possible compression and obstruction of the vessels that bring blood to the brain, thus generating neck pain and headaches.

By sitting in a chair for extended periods of time, we position the hip flexors and quadriceps in a shortened position, while the glutes and hamstrings are lengthened. This can pull the pelvis and knees out of alignment, put more pressure on knee tendons and ligaments and create lower back and knee pain. The abdominal muscles are not contracted and get weaker over time, resulting in a lack of capacity to create balance along with the lower back muscles and keep the spine in alignment. Again, this can result in spine damage and chronic pain.

The body works like a unit where everything is connected. A problem starting at the feet can transfer to the knees and lower back, creating problems that sometimes seem like they make no sense.

A person could present one or even more postural distortions. Common postural distortions are:

-Lower-Extremity Postural Distortion – someone presenting this distortion will often have flat (pronated) or pointed outward feet and internal rotation of the knees (knock-kneed). Some of the common injuries resulting from these imbalances are plantar fascitis, shin splints and patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee).
Typically, the tight muscles associated with this distortion are: soleus (one of the calf muscles), peroneals, adductors, tensor fascia lata (IT band), iliopsoas and rectus femoris (one of the quadriceps muscles). The weak muscles typically are tibialus posterior and glutes/hip muscles.

-Lumbo-Pelvic-Hip Postural Distortions
Anterior pelvic tilt- this distortion is  characterized by increased lumbar extension (increased lower back curvature) and decreased hip extension. Coincides often with forward head posture. Common injuries caused by this distortion are low back, hip pain and hamstring or groin strains.
Tight muscles generally associated are: erector spinae, iliopsoas, latissimus dorsi, quadratus lumborum (QL) adductors , rectus femoris (quad). Weak and/or elongated muscles: glutes, rectus abdominis, hamstrings.

Posterior pelvic tilt- characterized by increased lumbar flexion (flat back) and ‘tucked in’ glutes (butt). Often caused by poor mechanics when standing or slouching when seated. Common injuries: pain in lower back due to increased spinal compression, abdominal area and hamstrings due to tightness.

Tight muscles: glutes, rectus abdominis (abdominal muscles) and hamstrings. Often the weak muscles are the hip flexors and erector spinae.

Lateral pelvic tilt- this distortion makes one hip look higher than the other. Can be caused by standing unevenly or often carrying objects on one side only.  Pain is commonly felt on the side of the pelvis that is higher than the other. The QL ( quadratus lumborum) is the primary lateral flexor of the lower back. The QL on the higher side will be tight, while the QL on the opposing side will be weak.

-Upper-Extremity Postural Distortion – Computer use is a leading cause in this case. This distortion is characterized by rounded shoulders or a forward head posture and protracted shoulder blades (wing blades). Common problems include headaches, pain in the neck and upper back regions, tingling in the arms in hands due to nerve compression in the upper back or neck regions,  biceps tendonitis, shoulder and rotator cuff injuries.

Tight muscles associated with this distortion generally are: upper trapezius, lattisimus dorsi (lats), pectorals, teres major, anterior deltoid,  erector spinae closer to the neck area, scalenes, levator scapulae and SCL (neck muscles) while the weak ones are: rhomboids, lower trapezius, infraspinatus, serratus, posterior deltoid, teres minor, deep cervical flexors.

So how can these imbalances be corrected?

The answer is twofold:

1.  Relax, lengthen, stretch the tight muscles: Massage therapy in conjunction with a stretching program can be wonderful tools in addressing the first part of the equation- excellent results can be achieved in relaxing muscles and releasing fascias, moving away toxins and decompressing entrapped nerves. Foam rollers are another useful tool, especially for harder to stretch areas like the IT band or piriformis.

2.  Strengthen, tighten the weak muscles: this can be achieved through a balanced exercise program. Identify the weak muscles then target them with the appropriate exercises.

Whether you choose to lift weights, do yoga (which can help strengthen some muscles and stretch others at the same time) or perform other physical activities, a well designed exercise regimen can be crucial in strengthening the weak muscles to optimal levels.

Often times, restoring the balance makes the pain disappear. If the joints or nerves suffer too much damage , restoring balance might not make the pain disappear but it will protect from further damage.

It is important that new kinetic patterns are developed so that the old patterns don’t take over again and the imbalance resumes. This is a long term process but the benefits are great, as most people would enjoy living with less physical pain.

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How the brows are shaped – whether it is too short, too long, too arched, or too flat – may accentuate your face in a good or bad way!  Maintained eyebrows enhance your bone structure, size and shape of eyes, and overall shape of face!
For example:
A rounded, arched eyebrow softens up angular faces. It brings out the appearance of big eyes. Flat brows with no arches makes the face appear shorter and is great for candidates with long oval faces. An arched eyebrow accentuates and evens out the face.

The secret to having beautiful brows is to stick with the brow’s natural shape. Forcing a more arched brow or a straight brow on an arched brow would cause the brows to look unnatural.

Here are a few different eyebrow shapes:

A nice arch lifts your eyes and opens them up so that you don’t look tired. But too much of an arch may make you look too stern, unapproachable and simply overly excited. These arches are alluring but are very hard to pull off. Clients who do not want attention drawn to their nose should not have high arches as these point down right at them and draws the attention to their nose.

High Low Brows
Eva Longoria has these brows. One brow is higher than the other. It’s very common for us to have one brow higher than the other.  As soon as we trim down a client’s brows, we show them the asymmetry. These brows should be kept so that both brows have the same arch. However, in many instances it is inevitable to use brow product to make them more similar in shape.

Thick Brows
A lot of younger clients have these brows. These brows are suitable for all clients with average to fuller faces. Fuller thicker brows create a fuller look to one’s face so therefore clients who are older may benefit from this look. It creates the illusion that your face is fuller and younger.

Thin Brows
Thin brows are similar to brows that are sparse. Sometimes it is genetics, sometimes it is because the client over tweezed/waxed. It is still recommended for these clients to wax the hair that grows underneath the brows however we do not recommend waxing from the top of their brows as this will cause the brows to become even more sparse over time.

Close Brows
Clients who often have brows that have grown very close to each other almost like a uni-brow tend to be younger or are of those clients who fear waxing may remove their brows completely. It lightens up the face and opens your eyes when you wax this area.

Short Brows
Even though these eyebrow types are shorter, they will need to be waxed to keep from having a heavy look.  We can teach you how to fill your brows in to create fuller, longer realistic looking ones.

Here is a diagram to show how the eyebrows should be aligned in proportion to one’s face.  A lot of women make the mistake of tweezing too far into the front of their brows, and thus making them too far apart. That makes your nose looks wider.
1- Line the start of your brows with the center of your nostril.
2- The arch of your brows should be highest from where the line crosses the center of your nostril to the center of your iris. However high may depend on how you would like your look. Stick with a smaller arch as those may be adjusted according to your taste in the future. Whereas, if you spiked your brows up really high, they may take quite awhile to grow back and fix.
3- The length of your brows should end where the line passes the ends of your brows. We notice many short brows or very long ones growing down their face; either of which is not appealing.

Maintenance Between Waxings

We tell many of our clients to refrain from tweezing in between visits. When brows are tweezed or waxed, the hair follicle will be damaged ressulting in hair that may not grow back. A few years later, if you want fuller brows to look younger, there may no longer be any hair. Please just brush your eyebrows in the direction they are growing and trim them. This actually cleans up your brows a little so that you can bear with it until your next visit.

Waxings should be done about 4-6 weeks apart as that is the cycle of your hair growth.

Eyebrows come in all different shapes, sizes and textures! At Lotus Mind + Body Spa we use two different types of waxes for body hair removal; strip wax and hard wax.

The hard wax we use is a lavender hard wax. It is infused with chamomile to soothe and condition the skin. This type of wax is suitable for clients with sensitive skin. We love using this wax because as the wax cools, it wraps around the hair shaft and not onto the skin, so when you pull the wax off with the hair, it does not hurt the client as much as with strip wax that may pull on the skin. This wax works wonders on bikini, French and Brazilian waxes as they are almost pain-free when used.

We use a microcrystalline wax for our strip wax.  It is hydrating for your skin and great for all types of hair. This wax is applied very thinly onto the hair and removed with a non-woven strip. This wax leaves the skin baby soft and very clean! Ideally for clients without sensitivity issues, looking for a super smooth clean feeling after waxing.

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Welcome to Lotus Mind+Body Spa’s blog!  We will be using these pages to discuss various topics related to overall health and wellness, with emphasis on our areas of expertise in skin care, body treatments and body mechanics. 

We will be posting new articles often which will be authored by the management, estheticians, and massage therapists at Lotus. You will have the opportunity to reach out to us with comments or questions on areas that you might need more information and/or clarification as well as suggest topics that you would like us to evaluate and articulate.

We are excited to have another channel to reach out to our existing and potential customers.  As always, we are available for any questions or concerns.  In the meantime, sign up for our feed and come back often for new articles !!

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