Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Interview with Estella Eckard - Trumans' Massage Therapist and Skin Care Specialist

By Melissa Colabella


A number of clients have asked about what goes on in the spa area of Truman's. Whether the bewilderment is because the concept of a male spa is new and unfamiliar or because the spa industry in general is mysterious, hopefully the below conversation with one of Trumans' own resident Massage Therapists and Skin Care Specialists, Estella Eckardt will provide some clarification.

MC: Let's talk about waxing. How do you suggest a man take care of his uni-brow?
EE: I suggest waxing in that area. Wax pulls hair from the roots and keeps it looking clean the longest.

MC: How do you feel about eye-brow shaping on men?
EE: Shaping is necessary to maintain proportion. By respecting the natural shape, for example, not making the arch too high, too thin, or too pointy, we can keep it looking masculine.

MC: What do you suggest for men who refuse to wax?
EE: Tweezing the area works as well. Tweezing every other hair can make the area look cleaner without making it look too manicured. However, it's not going to take care of the tiny vellus hairs.

MC: Can you tell us more about Reflexology?
EE: Reflexology manipulates the feet and hands in order to improve circulation, ease pain and increase relaxation in the body. It's based on the theory that all body parts, organs and glands are associated with specific areas called reflex zones in the feet, hands, ears and the surface of the skin.

MC: Why would someone get a reflexology treatment?
EE: The feet are very complex. There are 107 ligaments, over 7,000 nerve endings, 19 muscles, 26 bones and 33 joints in the feet. One fourth of all of our bones are located in our feet. Reflexology is very therapeutic and calming. It also promotes overall balance.

MC: Is Reflexology a treatment in itself or is is part of a massage?
EE: Either. However I suggest trying an hour of just treating the feet.

MC: Who should get this treatment?
EE: Runners, doctors, nurses, or anyone who is on their feet all day. Conversely, if you sit all day, fluids can get trapped in the feet and toxic crystals form in the feet and legs. We can break them up through massage. Due to the position of being at the bottom of the body, the feet accumulate the greatest amount of toxins.

MC: So.... really, everyone.
EE: Yes. Everyone gets uric and lactic acid buildup. Over time this contributes to pain, mental and physical fatigue.

MC: What other kinds of bodywork do you offer?
EE: Shiatsu, deep tissue, myofascial release and cupping, just to name a few but there are several modalities.

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