Pedicures
Foot Reflexology – Is It A Foot Massage?
What is foot reflexology? Most people assume that foot reflexology is just another name for a foot massage. Other people think it’s a type of pedicure. After talking with our massage therapists, I realized it might be helpful to shed some light on what exactly this service is. In this blog, I will explain what foot reflexology is and how it differs from a foot massage. I will also explain what to expect during your foot reflexology service at Oliver's Salon & Spa.
What is "reflexology"?
Reflexology is the therapeutic act of using pressure points on the body to trigger pain relief. However, most reflexology services are done on the feet due to the abundance of pressure points that connect to the rest of your body. Reflexology stimulates circulation, reduces stress and pain and restores balance. Some people say it's helpful for women who are experiencing menstrual cramps, however, reflexology is suited for anyone.
Foot Reflexology at Oliver's Salon & Spa
I asked one of our massage therapists what her definition of foot reflexology would be and she said:
Reflexology is the relief of pain by stimulating pressure points by using specific thumb, finger and hand techniques. She also included that reflexology works with your central nervous system to help communicate to the body where to releave tension.
Therefore, foot reflexology is pressing on certain pressure points on your feet that correlate with different parts of your body to relieve pain and tension.
What can I expect?
Reflexology is done in one of our calming massage rooms. In these massage rooms, spa music plays and the lighting is moody, which creates a relaxing environment. It is not required for you to change into a robe, however, you are welcome to if it would make your experience more relaxing. At Oliver's, we have lockers available to store all of your belongings during your visit with us!
Is there any massage involved?
Typically, no massage is involved in foot reflexology. This therapeutic service is directed towards pain and the correlating pressure points. Although we offer foot spa related services, we are not entirely a foot spa. If you’re looking for a foot massage, check out one of our luxurious pedicures! Lately, our clients have been telling us how great our pedicures are!
However...
Our massage therapists understand that each person is not cut and dry. Our services are customizable as long as they are within reasonable request. For example, if you're having issues with your digestive system, they may focus on the pressure point on your foot that correlates with your digestive system a little more intensely. It's best to communicate with our massage therapists before your appointment if there are any areas currently troubling you.
If you're looking for overall healthy feet, make a day of it and book a pedicure in addition to a foot reflexology service!
We recommend this service for clients who are looking for a more holistic healing experience. If you’re interested in one of our other holistic healing services, check out our Reiki Therapy, Rain-Drop Therapy and Chakra Balancing Massage. If you're interested in booking one of our foot reflexology services, give us a call at (610)-366-8808 or book online!
What are you waiting for? Put your best foot forward with us!
Autoclave 101
When it comes to your nail services, are you getting what you pay for? You should expect (and get) a clean manicure with no problems to follow. Little does the common client know, some salons are not so sanitary. That’s why Oliver’s goes above and beyond to make your service as sanitary as possible. In this blog, I will explain why Oliver's takes sanitation seriously and uses an autoclave.
We use Tweezerman nail clippers at Oliver's and YES, we sanitize them correctly!
What Even is an Autoclave?
What exactly is an autoclave? For those of you who have never heard of an autoclave, you’re not alone. The autoclave originates in a medical setting, being used to clean and sanitize medical equipment that has been used in surgery. It’s a sterilization unit that uses water and steam at a high temperature to kill microorganisms, or as we refer to it, bacteria.
So… why are we using this in a salon?
Well, a nail tech uses tools while performing services such as pedicures and manicures. Fun fact: the average human hand has about 150 different species of bacteria living on it. So, using these tools then transfers those bacterias from the hands and to the tools. Also, if you have sensitive cuticles like I do, you bleed during manicures. Blood-born pathogens can also be transferred to and from tools. Do you really want to deal with all of that on a spa day?
The Dangers of Poor Sanitation
Salons should be held to a much higher standard when it comes to sanitation. If the tools used on you during your service are not properly sanitized, you could be at risk for a lot of things, as could the salon. Some states are required by law to use an autoclave. These laws are updated annually and each state has a different requirement. You can read each state’s specific requirements here. Pennsylvania requires that any tools that come in contact shall be sanitized immediately after each use and maintained in a sanitary condition at all times.
I have been to a few salons where I have witnessed a nail tech pull tools from the drawer and put them back in there after using them on me and that is a huge problem, especially when there is a possibility of me bleeding due to my sensitive cuticles. I should have said something, but I assumed that all salons just followed the rules.
Why Oliver's Uses an Autoclave
Here at Oliver’s, we take sanitation very seriously and follow the rules. Although Pennsylvania does not require salons to use autoclaves, we find that it’s best to keep our clients safe and reassured that they are getting exactly what they pay for. Going the extra mile is something Oliver’s is used to, so we are always on top of any new and safe way to improve our services. Some benefits of using the autoclave are a certified clean manicure, no risk of bacterial infection and peace of mind.
Oliver’s makes sure that we give our clients the best experience possible. We are focused on quality, not quantity of our services. Any sort of beauty service should be relaxing. You shouldn’t have to worry about the cleanliness of the tools being used during your service. Going the extra mile in sanitation makes sure that you’re happy with the service you receive, and our technicians can focus on their art without having to worry about their tools. We believe that every single one of our clients deserves to be treated like a queen.
Conclusion
Besides manicures and pedicures, Oliver’s has a wide range of other services that are conducted in a safe and sanitized way. Head to our website and check them out! Also, if you have any questions about our autoclave, tools or systems, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
The information about autoclaves came from here.
Our nail technicians are trained and updated with all of the sanitary requirements to perform various nail services. If you're interested in booking an appointment or have additional questions, call us at (610) 366-8808 or book online.