November 28, 2011
 I Spa San Francisco Spa – The fall and winter holidays are by design a time for comfort and indulgence, and thus can set us back from our goals to maintain fitness to combat aging. Some of us have fairly good control over our diet during non-holiday periods and then lose it as the holiday arrives. So how do we deal with such a situation, maintain our composure, and prevent lapsing into bad eating habits and make us feel, well, blah.
Rather than look to the food you eat at meal time, and risk messing with holiday tradition, consider focusing on what happens between meals. In particular, consider adding healthy in-between meal drinks that promote digestion, and keep your temptation for over-indulgence in check.
I Spa San Francisco Spa would like you to consider a couple of possibilities to help you combat aging and keep you feeling energized rather than lethargic through the fall and winter holidays.
African Red Rooibos
This African tea has a rich red color and a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. Fruit added by some producers may give it a pleasant tartness. It is naturally caffeine free, contains antimutagenic and antioxidant properties which, though not conclusive, may retard the aging process, and is low in tannins. [https://www.blueshieldca.com/hw/articles/hw_article.jsp?articleId=HWHN-3938007&fromCategoryId=33&_requestid=674743] Historically, this drink has been popular in South Africa. It is becoming increasingly popular in North America and around the world. Rooibos tea has a light consistency and a full, uniquely pleasant taste. Enjoy.
Green Tea
This tea of course has a long history in East Asia and is widely acknowledged around the world for its health benefits. Preliminary research suggests that green tea may play a role in bringing down LDL cholesterol, reducing the risk of some cancers, improving fat burning potential and alleviating depression. [http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART03092/My-Life-With-Tea-Part-One.html] It does contain caffeine.
I Spa San Francisco Spa believes that, while consuming drinks like tea that have healing potential makes sense, employing a strategy to maintain a healthy diet regimen through the holidays makes sense too, helping you keep the balance necessary to keep healthy and combat the effects of aging.
Happy Holidays from I Spa San Francisco Spa!
Tags: I Spa, i spa san francisco, San Francisco, Spa San Francisco Spa, I Spa San Francisco Spa, winter holidays, South Africa
November 21, 2011
(Read: The Spa is not just for women anymore – I Spa San Francisco Spa (PART 1) here
 Men (and women) understand implicitly that being confident and relaxed and comfortable in their own body accentuates their appeal to others. The people around them respond positively to such calm and confidence. Consider what New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath said about the subject. “When you have confidence, you can have a lot of fun. And when you have fun, you can do amazing things.” At I Spa San Francisco Spa, a variety of services are available to bring out the best in you.
So, are some services more appropriate for men than others? Is there a line to draw? The fact of the matter is that any line being drawn is in a constant state of flux, so this is hard to determine. Some men may decline some treatments, just as women do. However, massage, manicures, foot baths, among many other treatments, can enhance appearance and rejuvenate the body and spirit. At I Spa San Francisco Spa, we put you at ease as we maximize the benefits of each service offered.
The new millennium brings a great deal of latitude toward men’s self-expression. There is greater tolerance available today for men to take control of their self-image and the spa represents one avenue of this trend, but a very significant one, for it influences both outer and inner wellbeing.
It’s true that spas still serve primarily women clientele, but according to the International Spa Association, forty-five percent of spas now include packages targeting men. [http://www.experienceispa.com/articles/index.cfm?action=view&articleID=390§ionID=4]. This is a trend that will continue, and we are now witnessing an age in which the spa treatment is an act of empowerment, not only for women, but for men as well. I Spa San Francisco Spa welcomes you.
(Read: The Spa is not just for women anymore – I Spa San Francisco Spa (PART 1) here)
Tags: San Francisco, New York Jets quarterback, Alex Smith, San Francisco Spa
November 13, 2011
 For modern-day ‘Princes of Denmark,’ the question of whether to exist or not (i.e., “to be or not to be”) has been decided. Men have arrived, and they are here to stay. A new question of the moment has arisen, though, and it confronts men head on: to spa or not to spa? It’s a question that ordinary men of previous generations could somehow avoid, but no more. At I Spa San Francisco Spa, you or a man you know can address this question and, yes, even enjoy the process.
It would seem that a number of concerns could arise when mixing men and spa treatments, chief among them being the issue of masculinity. In recent history, the popular culture buttressed itself against such potential threats to manliness by mixing equal parts spa treatment luxuriousness with action hero dominance. James Bond can have his spa treatment just so long as his moment of relaxation can be interrupted by the need to dispatch an enemy. Bruce Lee faced similar situations. Yet, in fact, these scenes come out of a previous era, and the reality on the ground today is that men are less inclined to link the spa treatment with a bad form of vulnerability, and are increasingly opening up to the idea that their sex appeal and charisma are enhanced, not diminished, with a trip to the spa. Consider a treatment for a man you care about at I Spa San Francisco Spa and see for yourself.
Continued (The Spa is not just for women anymore – I Spa San Francisco Spa (Part 2))
Tags: United States, spa treatment, At I Spa San Francisco Spa
November 6, 2011
 Just two decades ago the spa was a decadent experience reserved for societal elites, and otherwise only indulged in on rare occasions.
The New York Times [http://nymag.com/beauty/features/41280/index1.html] reports that such visits to the spa were by no means a regular occurrence. Waxing was nearly unheard of, and facials a luxury. Manicures were done at home, and the massage was an indulgence.
Fast forward to today and you see a major cultural shift under way. At Intercontinental Spa in San Francisco and locations around the world, the spa treatment has emerged as an integral part of lifestyle management. According to the Times article, spa treatments have gone from optional to necessary. From waxing as a prerequisite for the dating set, to manicures and eyebrow shaping as part of the professional’s uniform, having such procedures performed is viewed as a sign that you have arrived as a together modern individual, in control of your own body.
Spa treatments have broadened to become more inclusive of gender, socio-economic status, and age range. Spa packages typically range in price depending upon what’s being offered, providing a convenient menu selection balancing service with budget. At some locations, packages are even specified for gender for a more targeted experience, but most services appeal across genders. While the spa experience is traditionally an indulgence for adults, it is not uncommon to see parent and child fitting in a spa visit while shopping, or just while out-and-about. Even children in groups will make a day of it as a celebratory event or weekend pastime. Intercontinental Spa in San Francisco has the flexibility to accommodate your needs.
At Intercontinental Spa in San Francisco, while the spa treatment has expanded in its appeal by widening its selection of services, it still retains its essential nature of luxuriousness and indulgence. Unlike certain services or commodities which have diminished in stature and quality over time due to market forces, at Intercontinental Spa in San Francisco, the spa retains its elite, indulgent profile while opening up to a more diverse clientele.
If the current trend in spa treatment services continues to gain in popularity, it’s entirely possible that a trip to the spa will offer so many essential services to its clientele that regular visits will become a cultural standard. Intercontinental Spa in San Francisco is at the forefront of this trend.
Tags: spa in san francisco, Intercontinental Spa, spa treatment services, Intercontinental Spa in San Francisco, San Francisco Bay Area, lifestyle management, Spa treatments
October 30, 2011
 MASSAGE SF – In recent years, modern society has gained new respect for the massage. While it was once reserved for the wealthy and thought of as a mere luxury, there have been many studies conducted and the benefits of a massage SF seem to be unending. While the effects that massage has on muscle tension and injury is a matter of common sense, research is continually uncovering new benefits of massage SF ranging from posture and other skeletal issues to treatment for disease and psychological issues. There are few experiences that provide the release that a massage SF does. Not only a release of the physical tension and pain associated with our muscular system, but a massage SF can lead to a release of emotions. One of the most damaging emotional conditions that can be greatly reduced is suppressed anger:
Holding in Anger Increases Pain – Massage SF
Massage therapists are aware of how emotions can be held in the body and sometimes released by the client in session. In new research, investigators found that the intentional suppression of anger results in increased pain and blood pressure.
“Suppression of anger may be linked to heightened pain report and pain behavior during a subsequent painful event among chronic low-back patients,” the researchers noted in an abstract published in www.pubmed.gov.
For the study, chronic low-back pain patients were assigned to Suppression or No Suppression conditions for a cooperative computer maze task during which a confederate harassed them.
During baseline and maze task, patients’ lower paraspinal and trapezius muscle tension, blood pressure and heart rate were recorded, according to the abstract. After the maze task, patients underwent a structured pain-behavior task.
Results indicated that the subjects who suppressed their
anger experienced greater lower paraspinal muscle tension and systolic blood pressure increases during the maze task than did the nonsuppressors.
“Results suggest that suppression-induced lower paraspinal muscle tension and systolic blood pressure increases may link the actual suppression of anger during provocation to signs of clinically relevant pain among chronic low-back pain patients,” the researchers noted.
“Suppression of anger and subsequent pain intensity and behavior among chronic low back pain patients: the role of symptom-specific physiological reactivity” was conducted by researchers at the Department of Behavioral Science, Rush University Medical Center, in Chicago, Illinois, and published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine.
Whether you are looking for a release from your unexpressed anger, relief from muscle tension or pain, or respite from a stressful week, the I Spa at the Intercontinental Hotel in San Francisco has an extensive menu of massage SF and spa treatments to suit your needs. Visit our website at www.interconspasf.com for a full menu of services, or call us at (415) 616-6597!
Tags: massage therapist, pain intensity, massage therapists, behavioral science, emotional conditions, physical tension, pain behavior
October 24, 2011
 Stress can really impact our spirits for the worse, not to mention our bodies. We all have our particular stressors and probably a variety of ways of dealing with them, some healthy and some not. Massage is a very healthy way of modulating the ups and downs of modern living, and an I Spa massage San Francisco is an ideal, luxurious option. The pay off of a great massage treatment is more than relaxed muscles, but whole-body relaxation and receptivity to the world around us. And there really is no downside. Contact I Spa to learn more about our massage San Francisco options and view available appointments and rates.
When our bodies are relaxed and feel good, our spirits rise naturally.
However, getting to that point of relaxation and ease is not like switching on a light bulb. Wouldn’t it be great if that unpleasant conversation we had with someone that stubbornly lingers in our mind could be removed so that we could focus on present concerns? Often we distract ourselves with more work or another conversation, some food or a drink, but it may reappear and compete for our attention still. Such internal communications can be exhausting and dampen if not ruin our spirits.
A positive approach is to deliberately encourage persistent negative emotions and mental chatter to move on by releasing tension from the body. A massage will relax the muscles and mind, bring you to an awareness of your body and have a positive impact on stress. With the help of a good practitioner from from I Spa massage San Francisco, you can alleviate unwelcome tension from your body and welcome greater emotional wellbeing. This could be just what you need to focus on what’s in front of you, lift your spirits, and leave the past where it belongs. Your exhausted mind will thank you.
To learn about our new client specials visit our I Spa massage San Francisco special page.
Tags: san fran, emotional wellbeing, massage san francisco, massage treatment, I Spa
October 18, 2011
(Read the Art of Resilience in a Complicated World – I Spa San Francisco Spa (Part 1))
 In part 1 of ”The Art of Resilience in a Complicated World – I Spa San Francisco Spa” we explored the importance of identifying what truly makes you happy by examining your internal motivation. Through this process, we begin to see the parts of our lives which are “non-negotiable,” and where we can clear some activities and simplify our lives. In part two, I Spa San Francisco spa takes a look at the value of nourishing positive thinking and taking time out of our schedule to renew.
Nourish positive thinking
Whether or not you are a proponent of the law of attraction, it’s hard to deny the importance of a positive attitude. Study after study has shown that viewing the glass as “half-full” rather than “half-empty” not only improves your quality of life, but also enhances performance. At I Spa San Francisco spa, we believe that this is why the art of visualization has become a powerful tool in everything from sports to business and the performing arts. Simply envisioning success serves to boost achievement levels. By this same method, envisioning peacefulness and happiness can increase these same feelings within your life.
Along with visualization, other tools to nurture positive thinking include affirmations, gratitude journals and surrounding yourself with positive-minded people. What’s more, applying these skills will help to promote a resilient attitude sure to help in dealing with whatever life throws your way.
Take time out to renew
One of the most effective analogies of stress management involves a glass of water.Holding it out for a minute is no problem at all.Hold it out for an hour, and you’ll have an aching arm.But hold that same glass of water out all day and you’ll need an ambulance.The same holds true for even small burdens.We all have challenges in our lives.However, carrying them around 24/7 can make even the smallest ones insurmountable.Also, the fatigue arising from carrying your other burdens all of the time will make it more difficult to deal with new challenges as they arise.
With this in mind, it is important to make a conscious effort to set aside your worries.This can be done by “leaving work at work,” practicing meditation, enjoying a relaxing treatment from I Spa San Francisco spa or simply participating in an enthralling activity that will keep your mind focused on something else. This small break from your concerns can leave you feeling refreshed and often contribute to finding new solutions to your problems that you hadn’t thought of before.
(Read the Art of Resilience in a Complicated World – I Spa San Francisco Spa(Part 1))
Tags: glass of water, time out, quality of life, San Francisco Spa
October 14, 2011
 It’s no secret that today’s complex world can be a pressure cooker. At I Spa San Francisco Spa we have seen that technology has put the world at our fingertips. However, along with this information and opportunity overload, most of us have increased our expectations of ourselves and the world around us. It’s no longer OK to be satisfied with our corner of the world and focus our efforts on perfecting it. Now we need to constantly expand our awareness to make sure that we are not “missing out” on something; often stretching ourselves so thin that we cause ourselves stress and anxiety.
As much as we can’t slow down the world around us, or turn back the clock to a more simple time, there are some great strategies to help us relieve some of the pressures of modern life and find harmony in our lives.
At I Spa San Francisco Spa, we know that relaxation, both mental and physical, is a huge key in reducing stress in our lives as well as improving our overall feeling of wellness. However, this is only one key to keeping sane in an ever-demanding world. I Spa San Francisco Spa would like to suggest a few steps that you can take today to experience a more serene life:
Identify what truly makes you happy – I Spa San Francisco Spa
It often takes a great reflective effort to figure out our motivation for doing what we do. After all, many of our behaviors have been engrained in us since childhood and we’ve been acting them out for so long that we’ve forgotten the reason we began the activities in the first place.
At I Spa San Francisco Spa, we believe that this is where it’s important to look inside ourselves and observe our own feelings. The best way to do this is to take a few days or more, and commit yourself to being conscious of your feelings as you move through your day. Notice whether you are experiencing joy or pleasure from the actions that you take throughout the day. Ask yourself what your purpose in doing each of the activities of your day is and consider what the consequences would be if you did not do it.
Once you’ve identified the purpose, ponder how important it is. Is this a purpose that you have created? Is it something that you feel society requires of you? Is it a goal that you have taken on for someone else; whether consciously or unconsciously? At I Spa San Francisco Spa, we believe that taking the time out to consider these questions will, in time, reveal to you your priorities and help you to pare down your life where needed, or even choose a new direction if you find that your goals and activities are not truly internally generated.
Acting in congruence with your internal priorities can go a long way in reducing stress in your life, increasing motivation and increasing your sense of purpose.
Next week: Nourishing positive thinking – I Spa San Francisco Spa
Tags: San Francisco Spa, i spa san francisco, stress and anxiety
June 28, 2011
Taking Time Out for Massage I Spa, One of the Top Spas in San Francisco – Good for Body and Soul
AT the I Spa, Spas in San Francisco, we are well aware of the busy lives most people today lead. Whether it’s a demanding career, a busy life managing the home and raising children, or a grueling school schedule, it’s often difficult to find even a moment during the day to slow down this often frantic pace and catch our breaths.
Stress Can Be Dangerous to Your Health
It is a well-known fact that overwork, tension, and stress represent some of the leading causes of debilitating conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even cancer. Therefore, it is extremely important to periodically turn off the computer and cell phone, send the children to their grandparents, and close the school books in order to get much needed rest to restore and rejuvenate body and soul.
Relaxation and Beauty – An Unbeatable Combination
The I Spa, Spas in San Francisco, offers a number of unique ways to accomplish relaxation and beauty.
Relaxing facials. A the I Spa, Spas in San Francisco, facial is an ideal way to take time out of your busy day to relax and be pampered. Our staff is dedicated to ensuring that you have the most relaxing and comfortable experience possible. In addition to exfoliating, cleansing and moisturizing the skin, our skilled estheticians massage the face and neck, using light, gliding strokes that both relax face and neck muscles and stimulate blood flow. Our facials leave your entire body feeling relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvenated.
Soothing pedicures. The feet represent one of the most sensitive areas of our bodies, containing thousands, as well as nerve endings and “reflex” points that correlate with other areas of the body. Because you probably spend a large part of the day on your feet, we want to ensure that you receive a soothing foot and leg massage as an integral part of our pedicure process. A the I Spa, One of the Top Spas in San Francisco, pedicure is an excellent way to relax and beautify tired, aching feet.
Deep-tissue massages. Getting a full-body or even a partial massage at the I Spa, One of the Top Spas in San Francisco, is one of the most effective ways to relieve the stress and tension that accumulate in the body’s muscles and connective tissue. Our skilled massage therapists use a variety of massage techniques (e.g., Swedish, pressure-point, reflexology) to stimulate circulation and promote relaxation. Experience the soothing and healing benefits that only a Sthe I Spa, Spas in San Francisco, massage can offer.
Let the I Spa, Spas in San Francisco, help you choose the perfect combination of beauty and stress-reducing services that will provide the most restorative and rejuvenating experience for you. Call today at (415) 616-6597 to schedule your next appointment.
Tags: body and soul, school books, disease diabetes
June 25, 2011
Visiting I Spa San Francisco Spas is a huge step in the healthy lifestyle we are all seeking. After all, our focus at I Spa San Francisco Spas is on revitalizing the body and soul offering an extensive menu of spa services to accopmplish both. Most have heard by now that we should all eat every 3 hours. It makes our digestive system happy, our energy level even, and our body mind and soul engaged throughout the day. However, at I Spa San Francisco Spas we also see the fast paced lifestyle that today’s world seems to demand. Here are some excellent snack suggestions from ZenHabits.com to keep your diet intact and nourish the whole you:
Healthy Snacks: 10 Ideas for More Wholesome Eating
Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Jules Clancy of Stonesoup.
Eat move veggies, drink more water, move more and get rid of the junk. All great ideas.
It also got me thinking. For me at least, the most difficult part of healthy eating is when it comes to snacks.
It would be nice to think we’re all going to start reaching for a raw carrot or celery stick when hunger strikes between meals. But it can be difficult to go from junk to super healthy in one step.
So here are a few ideas to help you snack more healthfully.
As with all things, remember that even healthy snacks aren’t going to be good for you in large quantities, so moderation is key.
10 Healthy Snack Ideas
1. nori sheets
Head to your local Japanese or Asian grocery store and grab some nori. Yes, the seaweed stuff used in sushi rolls is delicious fresh from the pack. Although it is quite drying so you will need some water with it.
2. nuts
My go-to snack, especially when I’m traveling. Almonds, brazil nuts, macadamias, pistachios: there’s so much variety to explore. Nuts are portable, delicious and packed with minerals. Look for dry roasted, preferably unsalted. And remember nuts like almonds with their skins on have more fiber than those without.
3. kale chips
There are a heap of different commercial kale chips on the market these days. While delicious, they tend to be expensive, so you could have a go at making your own. Just toss some kale (or other leafy greens) in a little oil, layer on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes until crisp.
4. salsa
Based mostly on tomato and chilli, a good salsa can be a great way to boost your veggie intake.
5. nut butters
Look for unsweetened nut butters such as almond or cashew butter at your local health food store, or try making your own. Pop a handful of nuts in your food processor and whizz until it forms a nut butter, adding a little oil to help if it looks too dry.
6. antipasto
The Italians know a thing or two about healthy snacking. Olives, marinated veg like eggplant, artichokes or peppers all make wonderful quick snacks. You can even throw in a little proscuitto (but don’t tell Leo).
7. mezze
Similar to antipasto, these Lebanese small plates are a great thing to have in the fridge. Hummus is probably the most famous but there’s also babaganoush, tatziki and beetroot drips to make your carrot and celery sticks more appealing.
8. boiled eggs
While not for the vegans, eggs are a wonderful source of protein. Boil up a whole batch at once then keep them in the fridge to peel and eat with a little salt and pepper as needed. 9. roast chickpeas
I just adore chickpeas (garbanzo beans) in all their forms. And have recently started roasting them and tossing with a little spice to serve as a snack. So. Good. [recipe below]
10. dark chocolate
When only something sweet will do, dark chocolate is your best bet. At least you’ll also be getting some antioxidants. Look for good quality brands that tell you the % cocoa solids. The higher the cocoa, the less sugar.
roasted chickpeas
makes about 1 1/4 cups
By all means cook the chickpeas from scratch if you prefer, but I find canned chickpeas work really well, without the effort.
Feel free to play around with the spicing. If you can’t find smoked paprika, a little cayenne pepper or chilli powder would be lovely. Or keep it simple with just some sea salt and black pepper.
If you have any leftovers, allow them to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Will keep for a week or so but I like them best while they’re still warm.
1 can chickpeas (14oz / 400g), well drained
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional
1. Preheat your oven to 400F (200C).
2. Place chickpeas in a roasting pan or oven proof dish, drizzle with olive oil and bake for 10 minutes.
3. Stir the chickpeas and sprinkle over the paprika. Bake for another few minutes until the chickpeas are golden and crisp on the outside.
4. Season generously with pepper and sea salt and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tags: healthy eating, healthy snack ideas, hunger strikes, snack suggestions, energy level
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I Spa San Francisco Spa – The fall and winter holidays are by design a time for comfort and indulgence, and thus can set us back from our goals to maintain fitness to combat aging. Some of us have fairly good control over our diet during non-holiday periods and then lose it as the holiday arrives. So how do we deal with such a situation, maintain our composure, and prevent lapsing into bad eating habits and make us feel, well, blah.
