BY VOXXY

I, like most people, have a pretty busy schedule. There is always work to be done, meetings to attend, emails to respond to, phone calls to make...and the list goes on. And that’s just the stuff you get paid for. There is also the household chores and errands, then you’ve got family obligations, personal health and fitness, and finally, you might take some “me” time for some entertainment, a favorite pastime, or a hobby. But how often do you take time to just selfishly pamper yourself? When do you reward and recharge your mind, body and spirit for keeping so many plates spinning all at at once? If you’re like me, probably only once in a blue moon.

Did you know that chronic stress can lead to physical and mental health complications and even early death? According to the American Psychological Association, chronic stress is linked to six leading causes of death including heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver, and suicide. Stress also leads to muscle tension which causes all kinds of aches and pains in the body, including headaches.

You can make yourself unwell by being stuck on GO, all of the time. It’s NOT sustainable. I am sure that is one of the main factors as to why so many of us collectively are just feeling done. Burn out is a common theme today. You NEED some regular practices to re-boot! I’ve been trying to get better at this myself. And while there are plenty of low cost ways to pamper yourself more consistently at home, there is something especially rejuvenating about a spa day! So, I decided for my birthday, I wanted a massage and a facial!

I myself am only recently retired from my own massage practice and I am already well aware of all of the health benefits. The truth is, it’s more than just some pampered luxury, it is a form of preventative medicine. It can lower blood pressure, increase circulation, strengthen immune system, decrease joint inflammation and muscle tension, reduces stress, helps with better sleep, reduces anxiety and depression and the list goes on... seriously, google all of the benefits of massage!

My massage therapist’s name is Max, and I’ve been booking with him for a couple of years now. He works at Blue Moon Massage & Wellness Spa in Gig Harbor. Max is from Ukraine and while he was there he studied at a 3 year college for massage therapy, which included physical therapy and chiropractic training. He then did 6 more years of college to become a doctor. After coming to the U.S. he became licensed to practice massage and currently Max works part time as a licensed massage therapist, and also as a registered nurse. Additionally he is working on his bachelor’s in nursing in order to become a Nurse Practitioner. In my opinion, his knowledge of the human body and its mechanisms makes him a superior massage therapist. So, if you’ve ever wondered what kind of massage therapist does a massage therapist go to? Max is my guy! (He is only licensed to practice massage at Blue Moon, so don’t ask about any other medical advice or treatment! But DO tell him your massage needs.) His massage is slightly fast paced and very similar to a sports massage, which works great for me! But if that’s not your thing, Blue Moon has a total of 6 different massage therapists you can book with, each one capable of performing a variety of different massage techniques and body therapies.

Next up, facial! It has been about 10 years since I last had a facial, so I was really excited to be able to add this to the massage for my birthday! I was told that Gigi is a Master Esthetician who stays consistently booked due to her fun personality and her extensive experience and knowledge of personal skin care.

When I asked Gigi what the difference was between an Esthetician and a Master Esthetician, she said “I know everything about skin care AND karate” followed by a soft giggle and “I’m just kidding”. LOL

For a full hour she added different creams and cleansers to my skin, while gently massaging my face, neck, and shoulders. Everything smelled amazing and the treatment table I was laying on was soft, cozy and warm. The room was very dimly lit, and the pampering was so relaxing! Gigi has a great sense of humor, so we chatted a little bit and then I just relaxed into the calming atmosphere and let her work her magic.

Afterward my body and face felt so amazing! It is now 3 days later, and my body stills feels the best it has felt in months!! Even my low back and S.I. joint that gives me constant issues feels great!! It’s amazing how much more energetic you feel when your body feels REALLY GOOD! And my skin looks and feels at least 5 years younger!

I told the owner that I intended to write about my experience and give a little plug for the spa, and asked if there was any specific information they would like me to share?

I was told that if you come over the bridge to Gig Harbor from Tacoma for a service, and you bring your driver’s license with Tacoma address and mention this article, they will take the cost of the toll bridge off of your service! That is $5.50 off for November and December if you live in Tacoma!

Blue Moon Massage & Wellness Spa is located in the Pioneer Village at 7700 Pioneer Way Unit 101 in the historic downtown area of Gig Harbor. Surrounded by shopping, boutiques, and dining, you can easily make a whole day of it! You deserve it after all, and more than just once in a blue moon! Book your appointment online HERE!