Urb Organic Spa

701 Mt. Pleasant Rd. Toronto, ON M4S 2N4 | 647.344.7451

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What Is Holistic Nutrition?

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what is holistic nutrition If you’ve ever felt that your whole person should be considered to lead a happy, healthy life, then holistic nutrition is something to consider. Instead of compartmentalizing health, holistic nutrition seeks to look at the relationships between diet, exercise, mental health, and the body. Read on to learn more about this exciting science.

Harmony

Holistic nutrition believes that if one part of your self is out of line, then chances are that other parts of your self need help too. Instead of looking at an ailment and trying to fix it, a larger picture needs to be painted first. For example, if you are having difficulties sleeping, holistic nutrition won’t just prescribe sleep medication and have you on your way. Instead, it will look at physical, mental, emotional, and environmental causes. Perhaps you are stressed at work and can’t calm your mind. Maybe your diet is too high in sugar and needs to be adjusted. Maybe you are too sedentary in the evenings and need a bit more exercise.

Specific Needs

Holistic nutrition really focuses on you as an individual. It does not prescribe to fad diets, but rather looks at your specific needs. It can make you feel more like a person and not just a number. Maybe you metabolize certain foods faster than others and so weight gain isn’t an issue. But maybe, despite the healthy foods you choose, you still feel lethargic. Holistic nutrition looks at everything to understand what is happening with your body.

Past Health

Often, health can be a bit cyclical. You may experience headaches at one time in the year, but not in others. Or maybe you had a rash when you were little, and it lay dormant but is not out again as an adult. Holistic nutrition wants to know about your past as well as your present to help you connect dots and see patterns. We usually don’t just change our health drastically overnight. Rather, we slowly evolve over time.

Preventative Health

Most often when we visit a doctor it’s because something ails us, and we want to fix it. But what if we invest more time in ourselves to prevent ailments from happening in the first place? This is where holistic nutrition really works. By constantly evaluating your lifestyle and assessing your needs, you can adjust your health to keep it in an optimal setting. Be aware of warning signs before they manifest into problems. The more you understand your past and what contributes to either a healthy or unhealthy life, the more you can control your own body. Take the time to observe your behaviors and seek a holistic nutritionist to create a plan for the best health possible.

 

5 Ways to Start the Day Smiling

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5 ways to start the day smiling Mornings don’t have to be hard. They don’t have to be full of grumpiness and dread. Here are five easy ways to start the day smiling so that you can be a better, happier self.

Get enough sleep

The oft-repeated advice to get enough sleep should not be ignored. While it seems like there is never enough time to accomplish everything in a day, sleep should not be sacrificed. While it’s recommended that adults get at least 8 hours of sleep a night, everyone is different. But, if you are constantly foggy throughout the day, think about changing your sleep habits. Even an extra 20 or 30 minutes a night can make a big difference.

Plan the night before

It’s tempting to think that your day should start with a plan, but it’s actually better to plan the night before. Before going to bed, make a list of things you want to accomplish the next day. Are there any projects that need to be finished? What errands need to be done? Even something as mundane as picking out your outfit the night before can help you to start the day smiling.

Too often we wake up and worry about all of these decisions. If you can make the decisions the night before, then you won’t have to worry about them. Instead, you can simply wake up and start your day off right.

Think about your purpose

Instead of getting trapped in a cycle of focusing on small tasks that need to be accomplished, think about a big picture for your day. Start with feelings. Do you want to focus on being happy today? Do you want to make a difference with others? Or want to feel creative? If you can begin your day with a purposeful focus, it gives your brain an overall feeling to achieve. This purpose will help you start the day smiling by giving you some clarity.

Meditate/ Reflect

Once the alarm goes off in the morning, it can be a mad rush to get dressed, eat breakfast, and be on your way to work. But time to meditate and reflect needs to be added to your morning routine. It doesn’t have to be much. Even 10 minutes in the morning will help you clear your mind and give you a sense of inner peace.

It can be hard to find an extra 10 minutes in your morning, but time isn’t there to be found. It’s there to be made. Make the time. Got to bed 10 minutes earlier so that you can wake up 10 minutes earlier. Have a shower in the evening.

Leave the Emails for Worktime

Now that email is almost automatically paired with a smartphone, work email has steadily intruded into personal time. It’s tempting to immediately start checking your email after waking up, but this usually just creates stress. Do your best to wait for work to do work. It will allow you personal time and result in you able to start the day smiling.

The Differences Between Waxing and Sugaring

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the differences between waxing and sugaringThere are many options for creating smooth skin, which can become a bit overwhelming when trying to make a decision. Here are the differences between waxing and sugaring, to help simplify things a bit.

Ingredients

One of the main differences between waxing and sugaring pertains to the ingredients. Waxing is a hybrid formula between natural and chemical ingredients. Waxes are usually made from resins. In contrast, sugaring is all natural and includes sugar, water, and sometimes lemon.

Application

Both waxing and sugaring applies the mixture on the skin, but the difference is in how it is removed. Waxing needs to be removed with a strip of linen or muslin, or even wooden spatulas. Sugaring can be removed with a hand.

The temperature of waxing is hot. It needs to be melted before the application so that the wax can melt enough to be used. It is cooled enough so as not to burn the skin. Sugaring does not need to melt to be effective, so it can be used at room temperature.

One of the more interesting differences between waxing and sugaring is in regards to the direction of hair. Waxing is usually applied in the direction of hair growth. It is then removed against that direction. Sugaring, however, is applied against the direction of hair growth and then removed towards the direction. In essence, they use completely opposite techniques.

Hair Length

If you want your body hair to be waxed, then it needs to be at least ¼ inch thick. Sugaring, on the other hand, requires that hair only be 1/16 of an inch thick. This means that you will have to wait longer between waxing sessions to let hair grow out. If you don’t want to wait, or don’t want your body hair to get too long, then sugaring is a better alternative.

Types of Skin

Because waxing is partly chemical and needs to be at a hotter temperature, it is not always recommended for sensitive skin. However, there are special hard waxes or lower-temperature waxes that will be just fine for sensitive skin. If you are worried, then sugaring may be a bit better. Its all-natural formula is great on all skin types. Furthermore, it won’t remove any live skin cells; just dead skin cells.

Side Effects

Both sugaring and waxing can have side effects. Waxing is often accompanied by redness and inflammation. Sugaring can also result in irritation. It’s recommended to take ibuprofen before any hair removal treatment to lessen any pain. However, if you have a skilled technician, then the side effects should be minimal.

After Treatment

After a waxing session, the excess wax will need to be cleaned up from the skin. This can be done with a special oil or lotion. With sugaring, any remaining treatment can be wiped clean with water.

What Is Osteopathy?

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what is osteopathy

There are many types of body therapies out there and it can be hard to keep track of them all. When your body is hurting, you want to find the right treatment possible. This can lead you to researching different methods and have you asking the questions, what is osteopathy? This article is meant to explain what is osteopathy and how it can help you.

Quick Definition

According to the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy, osteopathy is a manual form of therapy. It seeks to emphasise the interrelationship between structure and function of the human body. The premise is that the body is able to self-heal and self-regulate and osteopathy wants to facilitate this. It’s important to note that Osteopathic practitioners don’t see themselves as people that heal the body. Rather, they facilitate the body to create health.

Who Benefits from Osteopathy?

If you’re wondering if you can benefit from osteopathy, then it’s important to know just what it can be used to treat. Those that suffer from common ailments like headaches and migraines can definitely benefit from osteopathy. This form of healing also targets body pain, specifically neck and back pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, and hip pain. As for joints, if you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, or tennis elbow, then osteopathy is worth pursuing. It can also help with more sever ailments like sciatica and soft tissue pain.

What Happens with Osteopathy?

Now that we’ve covered the general definition and what can be treated by osteopathy, it’s important to explain what is involved. Similar to massage treatment, osteopathy pressure and palpations that are skillfully applied to the body. These movements seek to reduce and resolve muscle distress in the body. Osteopathy targets specific parts of the body. It can also be throughoutthe body, depending on what is the target.

Don’t expect for your body to heal itself after just one session. While you should feel some immediate change in your comfort level, your body needs time to heel. Be aware that multiple sessions of osteopathy may be useful to help guide your body into a stronger form of its present self.

First Steps

Hopefully this guide has given you an overview of what is osteopathy. If you’re feel like it might be for you, the best thing is to talk to someone. If you are currently in pain, be sure to see a doctor for professional medical advice. They can provide some tests to help diagnose the problem. Then, ask for suggestions on how to heal your body.

To find out more about osteopathy in particular, talk to a specialist. Urb Organic Spa has trained professionals and can answer all of your questions.

Why It’s Important To Pamper Your Face

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Your eyes are the window to your soul. And your face helps to tell that story. That is why it is so important to pamper your face. With your face, you are showing the world a glimpse of who you are. why it's important to pamper your face

Looking Awake

There’s nothing worse than being told that you look tired. Especially if you actually feel awake. It’s important to pamper your face to keep it looking awake. Bags under the eyes are the number one sign that you did not get enough sleep the night before. Fortunately, there are a lot of different ways to remedy this.

The first is quite simple: cucumbers. These amazing vegetables are available everywhere at a very affordable price. Simply slice them up, put a few on your eyes, and lay down to relax. Cucumber slices help to bring down the level of water retention in the skin around your eyes, which alleviates the puffiness. In turn, your eyes will look fresh and awake.

Looking Young

Age is nothing to be embarrassed about. It represents your experiences and adventures and accomplishments. But it sure is nice to either look your age, or better yet, a bit younger. There’s a certain thrill of being asked for ID at a bar that’s a lot better than mistakenly being given the senior’s discount.

One simple routine to remember about looking young is to always remove your makeup at night. Using a washcloth and soap is all you need to remove any dirt and grime that has built up through the day. This clears your pores and allows your skin to breathe. Using a washcloth has an added benefit because it is just slightly rough enough to provide a bit of exfoliation.

Looking young can also happen as a result of pampering your face. Combatting sagging skin to make it tighter is great way for a younger looking face. This doesn’t have to be invasive. Rather, there are some simple procedures to help give your skin a bit of much needed support.

Looking Confidant

Pampering your face leads to the ultimate goal, which is being confident about who you are. You want people to notice you in a positive way. You want to seem open and friendly so as to built friendships. A fresh, youthful face can help with this. If you know that you look the best that you can, then that will come through in your actions.

You can step out and approach life in a confident manner. There is no need to second guess yourself or worry about the impression that others will have over you. Instead, you can rest easy knowing that you’ve figured out at least a small part of what makes you happy.

Why It’s Important To Make Time For Yourself

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why it's important to make time for yourselfWe’ve all heard the cliché that just as it’s important to put your own oxygen mask on first in an airplane so is it important to take care of yourself first in life. This cliché exists because it is true, yet it is easier said than done.

Think of yourself as the foundation of a building

It may not be glamorous, but the foundation of a building needs to be strong; otherwise, everything will crumble. Often a personal foundation may start by being strong, but over time can weaken. As a result, cracks can appear in the building itself. The reaction may be to try to spend time repairing the building, but what really needs to be done is strengthen the foundation.

Invest your time wisely

It can be hard to think of time as something to invest in. Money is logical, but time is finite and hard to find more of. You can think that you aren’t able to make time for yourself because you are too busy with everything else. But if you invest in yourself first, then the busyness of life can become more manageable, and maybe even more efficient.

Make time for yourself with both small and large blocks of time. Daily, find 5 to 10 minutes that are just for you. Sip a cup of coffee without looking at your smart phone. Instead, savor the smell and taste of each sip. Relax in a bubble bath at the end of the day instead of an efficient shower. Go for a neighborhood walk after dinner instead of immediately turning on the TV.

For longer blocks of time, plan them in advance so that your commitment is set in stone. Book a day at the spa for a massage. Join a book club that meets every month. Go to the art gallery and get lost in the beauty. Take the time to breathe and enjoy life in all its glory.

Be vocal

It can be hard to make time for yourself if you have a family. Children and spouse’s needs can seem immediate and they are often the first tended to. But if you need more time for yourself, don’t be afraid to speak up. Let everyone know what you need. It can seem selfish at first, especially with children, but ultimately it will set a good example for them. This shows that everyone needs some alone time and that different interests should be encouraged. It also will make you a better, more relaxed parent. It will refocus yourself to know that you are more than just a label. Rather, you are a person, and you are capable.

Common Misconceptions about Facial Treatments

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facial treatment in Midtown TorontoA good skincare routine should consist of regular cleansing, exfoliating, toning and moisturizing. That will keep your skin looking clear and healthy, reducing blemishes as much as possible. However, sometimes you need professional treatments in order to get it looking its best. When you’re looking for such a treatment, you may be confused by the abundance of misinformation that’s out there. Here are the most common misconceptions you’ll come across.

Facial Treatment Myths Debunked

Read on to find out the truth about the different facial treatments you can get in Midtown Toronto.

  • Vitamin E Reduces Scarring – Vitamin E is a nourishing anti-oxidant which is used in various skin treatments. It’s widely used for its ability to build and replenish the skin. However, some treatments claim that it is also able to reduce scarring. Unfortunately, this isn’t true. To reduce or eliminate scarring, laser treatments are usually the most effective method.
  • Creams Can Be Used to Replace Collagen – Collagen is the structural protein that gives skin its firmness and elasticity. It depletes over time, causing skin to sag and wrinkle. As women age, they often seek to replenish this collagen using anti-aging creams. While some of these creams do contain collagen, simply applying it topically won’t have the required benefits. Instead, collagen needs to be administered through clinical treatments, such as injections.
  • When Using Micro Needling, Bleeding is a Good Sign –During this process, tiny needles puncture the top layer of the skin in order to trigger collagen and elastin production. It’s normal for some bleeding to occur during micro needling. However, it shouldn’t be excessive. More bleeding won’t increase collagen induction or give better results. In fact, all it will do is increase your recovery time.
  • The Best Treatments are Pain-Free – Ideally, all treatments would be pain-free. However, when you’re looking to achieve the best results, enduring a little discomfort is part of the process. To keep it at a minimum, only visit clinics staffed by qualified and experienced beauticians and technical specialists.
  • Regular Treatments are Always Required – The amount and frequency of treatments you should book will depend on what type of treatment you’re having, as well as your specific skin issues. Of course, severe acne and significant scarring will require a longer, more intensive treatment program. However, some treatments can be given once every few months, or even once a year.
  • Antioxidants Reverse Wrinkles – Antioxidants have lots of benefits for the skin. They limit the production of free radicals, therefore preventing damage to skin cells and keeping skin looking healthier and younger for longer. However, claims that they can eliminate wrinkles that have already developed are false.

Where to get a Great Facial Treatment in Midtown Toronto

Urb Organic spa offers facials, micro needling, non-surgical face lifts, peels, and oxygen infusion therapy. These treatments will give your skin a healthy glow, reversing damage and restoring it to its natural beauty. To book yourself a facial treatment in Midtown Toronto, call us on 647-344-7451.

A Guide to the Different Types of Anti-Aging Facial Treatments

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Anti-Aging Facial in TorontoLots of women are trying to fight the signs of aging and turn back the clock on their skin. If you’re looking to reduce fine lines are wrinkles, there are lots of different ways to do so. In this article, we’ll go through the different options available, from clinical procedures like botox and fillers to spa treatments such as anti-aging facials in Toronto. Read on to find out which one is right for you.

The Different Anti-Aging Treatments on the Market

Here are all the ways you can achieve smoother, younger looking skin.

  • Botox – Botox involves injecting the skin with toxins in order to block signals from the nerves to the muscles. As a result, muscle contractions are limited, and the appearance of wrinkles decreases. This is most commonly used to eliminate forehead lines and crow’s feet.
  • Chemical Peels – There are three types of chemical peels, but the one that is most suited for anti-aging is called a phenol peel. During this process, an acidic solution is used to peel away dead skin cells, leaving healthy, rejuvenated skin behind. However, in some cases, skin may become lightened as a result of the peel.
  • Anti-Aging Creams – Drug stores are filled with expensive over-the-counter creams, which claim to reduce the signs of aging. However, they are no substitute for spa or clinical treatments, and generally have very little effect.
  • Microdermabrasion – This method is similar to an intensive facial exfoliation. A metal wand is used to scrub away dead skin cells and vacuum them away from the face. Results are temporary and can last up to three weeks. Microdermabrasion is often used as a way to prepare the skin for a chemical peel.
  • Fillers – Dermal fillers are injected into the skin to replicate the effects of collagen, filling in and lifting certain areas of the face. Results last from six months to a year, after which top-up injections are required.
  • Laser Resurfacing – This treatment reduces wrinkles and tightens the skin by using pulsating beams of light from a CO2 laser. This is a very precise way of targeting specific areas of skin and removing them layer by layer. As the outer layer of skin is removed, the underlying layer is heated. This stimulates the production of collagen, allowing new skin to grow. Treatments are costly, and multiple sessions are often required to achieve the desired results.
  • Facials – Toronto Anti-aging facials use products that slow the aging process by brightening the skin, evening out the tone, and restoring a youthful complexion. As well as making the skin look younger, they are also calming and relaxing treatments, often including massages.

Get the Best Anti-Aging Facial in Toronto

At Urb Organic Spa, we offer a range of calming and beautifying treatments using luxurious, all-organic products. This includes our anti-aging facial, which nourishes and hydrates skin to reduce wrinkles. It also includes a massage for the scalp, hands and feet. Book an appointment and you can enjoy one of these tranquil treatments for yourself.

How Attending a Spa Can Help You Just as Much Mentally as Physically

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Toronto Spa People visit Toronto Spas to get all sorts of treatments. There are facials to rejuvenate the skin, massages to work out knots in the muscles, and body wraps to reduce bloating and cellulite. However, no matter which treatment a customer books, they always hope to walk out feeling relaxed. That’s because spa treatments have huge benefits for the mind as well as the body. Read on to find out what they are.

The Mental Benefits of a Toronto Spa Treatment

Here’s how a spa day could improve your mental health and well-being.

  • Reduce Anxiety – Have you ever noticed how when you leave a spa after a treatment, you feel not only more relaxed, but happier? This is key for those who suffer from anxiety. Massage activates the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in improved mood as well as reduced anxiety and emotional distress. Aromatherapy is particularly effective, as the inhalation of certain essential oils can have a positive impact on the nervous system. This stops the neurological process that cause anxiety attacks to occur. This can result in better appetite, mood, sleep patterns, and sex drive. For sufferers of chronic anxiety, this can make a huge difference to their quality of life.
  • Manage Stress – Getting a massage can not only help to alleviate physical stress that’s built up as tension in the muscles, but psychological stress, too. A visit to the spa is an opportunity to forget about all of the troubles and worries of daily life and completely disconnect. You can enjoy an hour or two in a completely calm environment, where everything is designed with tranquillity in mind. As well as the treatments, there’s aromatherapy and relaxing music to help you unwind.
  • Balance Hormones – Massage therapy can reduce the production of the stress hormone, cortisol, while increasing production of ‘feel good’ hormones, such as serotonin and dopamine. This hormone balance can be beneficial for those who suffer with mental health issues including depression, stress, and eating disorders. If you’re feeling short-tempered or highly strung, a hormone imbalance could be the culprit, and a spa treatment could be the answer.
  • Take a Break – Sometimes, you just need a break from it all, and a spa is the perfect place to get one. It provides and an escape your usual routine, so you can recharge their batteries and regenerate. There, you can take the time to focus solely on yourself. This is especially valuable if you don’t usually have that luxury. Scheduling regular spa visits is a great way to achieve a more balanced lifestyle.

Treat Yourself at Our Toronto Spa

If you’re looking for head-to-toe relaxation, visit Urb Organic Spa. We offer a range of calming treatments that will have you looking good and feeling great. Browse our range of treatment packages to plan your perfect pamper day. You could even schedule them regularly using our monthly promotions to stay on top of your self-care. Both your body and mind will thank you for it.

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Do Oxygen Facial Treatments Really Work?

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oxygen facial in TorontoBelieve it or not one of the driving forces behind the recent popularity of oxygen facials is celebrity culture. With an increasing number of people buying HD and ultra-HD TVs those already image conscious celebrities are beginning to worry that their skin isn’t going to hold up to all that intense digital scrutiny. In their search for the ultimate in smooth skin a number of them (most notably Madonna) have latched on to the oxygen facial. As is the case with many things what’s hot in Hollywood soon becomes hot with the general public. But while that’s all well and good the bigger issue raised by the popularity of oxygen facials is this: “Do they work?” We’re here to take a look.

Getting an Oxygen Facial in Toronto: Is It Worth It?

Here is what you can typically expect during an oxygen facial in Toronto.

  • Exfoliation – The oxygen treatment can’t begin until the skin has been properly exfoliated and all excess oils and dirt are removed. Once that is done the clinician uses a specially built machine to introduce oxygen directly into your pores.
  • Infusion – The oxygen infused into your skin by the machine is typically treated with one of several different supplements intended to help rejuvenate the skin. The exact menu of supplements will often change from spa to spa. The key ingredient is hyaluronic acid which binds with moisture and gives your skin a firmer, healthier appearance.
  • Application of serums – Once the clinician has infused your entire face they will usually apply a topical serum that’s intended to complement and boost the effectiveness of the process. These serums will also differ depending on where you go for your oxygen facial in Toronto.
  • Time involved – The entire process is painless and takes about an hour start to finish; perhaps a bit less depending on the individual. Side effects are rare and you are able to resume normal activity immediately following the procedure.

But Does it Work?

The $64,000 question. The short answer is “Yes”. Most everyone who undergoes an oxygen facial will see real world results and enjoy real benefits including smoother looking, firmer skin and in some cases a reduction in the prominence of acne scars and other blemishes. You will likely be surprised at how effective the procedure is and how much better you look after just one treatment. If there is a downside it’s that results are not permanent and will begin to fade a week or two after the procedure. So while there are a number of quantifiable benefits to having an oxygen facial it’s not a miracle treatment that will permanently restore a youthful lustre to your skin and it’s no substitute for a solid skin care routine.

Call Urb Organic Spa today on 647-344-7451 to set up an appointment to talk to one of our clinicians about the many benefits of having an oxygen facial in Toronto. We’re here to answer all your questions and address any concerns you many have about this breakthrough facial treatment.