Have you stretched lately? Chances are you haven’t. Many of us don’t have a regular stretching routine and we forget (possibly ignore) how vital it is to our overall health. Granted who has time to stretch when there is dinner to make, dogs to walk, laundry, yoga class and the list goes on and on. Did I say “yoga class”? Yes, even those who do yoga on a regular basis could benefit from additional stretching, and here’s why. If you practice yoga daily, you’re probably set, but if you are a once or twice a weeker you still have 5 days a week you need to stretch. Focus on areas like chest, abdomen, hips and neck. Optimal times are before bed and upon waking, post workout or pretty much any free time you can squeeze. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just taking a few minutes to get on the floor and stretch what feels good is a start. Here are a few videos to help get you started.
Ultrasonic Facial /
Ultrasonic Facial is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that is safe for all skin types and conditions, from acne or rosacea to mature skin. Even the most sensitive skin will benefit from this treatment. The application of ultrasonic frequency is used to increase cellular turnover, plump up and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, improve acne, tighten enlarged pores, relieve puffy eyes, or fade dark eye circles. The sound waves penetrate into the skin but they do not cause any discomfort or adverse side effects, making the process highly effective, with no downtime, redness or pain.
The sound wave technology is used to penetrate below the surface of the skin, ultrasound energy is absorbed which results in a slight rise in temperature in the surrounding tissue. This promotes cellular renewal and repair, increases blood circulation, encourages lymphatic drainage, combats puffiness and swelling. Sound vibrations also have the power to push nutrient-rich serums deeper into the skin, increasing active ingredient in products.
Lindsey Rift
Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Athens GA /
I’m excited to announce Drift Wellness is now offering Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Athens GA. MLD is used to help with various conditions as well as detoxing the body and helping it heal form surgery and injury. This can be done in a 45 minute session or in a 90 minute session when combined with regular massage. This is used to treat a variety of ailments, including lymphedema, joint pain, autoimmune disorders such as MS and Crohn’s, menstrual problems, skin disorders such as acne and rosacea, migraines and vertigo…to name a few. The lymphatic system is made up of organs, ducts, nodes and vessels and is considered a vital part of the circulatory system. The clear fluid called lymph is made up of white blood cells including lymphocytes which help the body’s immune system defend against harmful bacteria and cancer cells. Lymph nodes which are found in the neck, abdomen, groin and armpit. The session will use light rhythmic massage to move the lymph system 10x faster and clear toxins from the body at an accelerated rate. You should drink a minimum of 16 oz of water before the treatment and avoid sugar and alcohol 24 hours after session if possible. Stay close to a toilet because it makes things MOVE!
for more info check out this website below and schedule a Massage with Manual Lymphatic Drainage
http://www.mldinstitute.com/mld-history.html
Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Athens GA
Finally Fall /
Today was the first day I truly felt like Fall has arrived in Athens. I woke up to a cool crisp morning and in immediately wanted something pumpkin spiced. With the season changing, it might be time to add an oil to your skin care routine. When you turn on the heat or start up that fireplace, the humidity in your home/work/car decreases. Low humidity equals dry skin. We have the just the solution for you. Drift Wellness Studio's very own skin care line Ester, created by Casey Gunter, has an amazing Age Defying Night Treatment Oil. This oil is packed with the perfect combination of therapeutic organic essential oils and carrier oils, designed to prevent fine lines and age spots. This versatile product can also be used as a makeup remover and oil cleanser. This is hands down our #1 selling product and we have a new batch coming in just in time for Fall!
*tip~ Use on the back of the hands to prevent premature aging as well.
Lindsey Rift
Benefits of a Facial Routine /
Facials can help with obvious issues such as acne, dehydration and dullness but the long term benefits go much deeper. The initial effect of a facial helps the skin look and feel brighter, smoother and refreshed. The long term benefits to regular facials prevent aging, reversal of hyperpigmention and scarring and stress reduction. Take time to take care of your skin as well as your mind. Wether you want to relax and de-stress or have an active conversation about your skin and life, we are here for you!
Lindsey Rift
Facials in Athens /
We love skincare! Drift provides a variety of facials and skincare services in Athens GA. Lindsey and Casey our licensed Estheticians are passionate about helping our clients reach their skincare goals. Aging, acne and other common issues can bring down our confidence. Regular facials about 4-6 weeks apart can make a huge difference when combating skin problems. Within 3-4 facials you should see a drastic difference. If your skin is normal and you still want to combat aging coming in 3 times a year for a deep exfoliation and extractions will make a big difference through the years. If you are on a budget and need all the help you can get, a mini saving face facial or microdermabrasion session will give you some bang for the $$. We have lots of options and always willing to discuss and customize for your needs and budget. Professional chemical peels and microdermabrasion remove dead skin that cause the skin to hold bacteria, appear aged and dull. Regular exfoliation renews the skin and brings back a healthy glow. Contact us or book an appointment! We look forward to helping you
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/when-to-get-a-skin-peel
casey
Deep tissue massages in Athens GA /
I am lucky to work with 2 fantastic, caring and highly skilled massage therapists. Jennifer and Claire bring a variety of backgrounds and techniques to our practice. Between the three of us, we have something for everyone. Tell my clients all the time “ you should really see Jenifer sometime for some deep neck work sometime” or Claire to do a stretching session. We Try to work together to provide our clients With exactly what they need, when they need it. Relaxation massages and Swedish massages are highly beneficial but everyone should try a therapeutic deep tissue massage if they are dealing with pain issues. We can always tailor the pressure so it doesn’t have to be painful. If you are looking for a deep tissue massage in Athens GA, look no further. We are here for you and will do our best to give you the experience you deserve. We pride ourselves on being a client focused practice and have been providing massage and skincare services here in Athens for over 10 years. For more info on deep tissue massage click the links below.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.massagemag.com/guide-to-deep-tissue-massage-89900/amp/
we look forward to meeting you
casey
Deep Tissue Massage Athens GA
Tips on Relieving Neck and Shoulder Pain /
A significant majority of our clients come to us complaining about neck and shoulder pain. With the lives we lead in our society which are heavy with time on the computer or phone and driving in the car, as well as ridiculously high stress levels, it’s not shocking those are the most common problem areas.
Soon, I hope to add a video showing stretches that are very helpful in correcting the imbalance in our neck and shoulder muscles that leads to the pain most people are feeling. In the meantime, here are some tips:
When sitting at the computer, take a 5min break every hour to get up, walk around, hydrate with water and stretch.
Try alternating sitting and standing with a standing desk.
When looking at your phone, hold your phone up in front of your face instead of looking down at it.
When driving, make sure the back of your head is touching the headrest to keep you from sitting with your head forward.
Ideally, your sleep position is laying on your back with a very thin pillow and a pillow under your knees if needed. This is the most neutral position for you muscles, it allows them to heal and balance while you are sleeping.
If you haven’t been able to sleep on your back, try laying on your back with something with weight on your torso, ie a folded quilt, pillow or weighted blanket. This gives the sense of security stomach and side sleepers need in order to fall asleep.
If you’re a side sleeper and you tried the above recommendation but still can’t manage to fall asleep on your back, there is a way to minimize the effects on your body from sleeping on your side. First, use a medium thickness pillow under your head and make sure your head and neck are inline with your spine, as opposed to curling in forward like as in fetal position. Next, hug a pillow between your arms and legs, use two separate ones if you don't have a body pillow. Having the pillow(s) between your limbs reduces the amount of stress put on the muscles, tendons and joints.
Lastly, sleep is the most important thing! If some nights you just have to lay on your stomach to fall asleep then do so. Your body and mind need the healing and rejuvenation, every night, that sleep provides.
Of course, a deep tissue massage is perfect for getting those angry muscles to loosen up, giving you a head start to their unraveling. It’s entirely possible to come in one time, get those muscles worked on, follow the tips above and do the stretches the therapist shows you daily and that’s that. However, many times it takes more than one time for the muscles to sufficiently relax. Many clients come in regularly to keep the neck and shoulders in check or are able to keep them in check via the stretching/positioning and come in for maintenance relaxation to keep the stress from effecting their otherwise balanced muscles. Whichever protocol fits where you are at, we are more than happy to help you figure that out and get you to a state free of pain. <3
Love & Light,
Jennifer
Rieki in athens GA /
We offer Reiki in Athens GA. I remember my first experience with Reiki. I read about it in a book when I was a teen and couldn't wait to try it out. I went to visit my grandfather in the nursing home and somehow convinced my mom and sisters to join me in trying this strange energy work out on my grandpa who was suffering with dementia. We kind of giggled and gave it our best. Focussed our energy, our hands hovering above him. A warm, tingling energy came over us and before you know it, My Pop sprung to life and asked for a cigarette. It scared us all to death! I was sold. I went to massage school when I was 25 and studied Reiki under a fantastic British woman. I went and had my first professional treatment form her. She surrounded me with crystals, put crystals in my hands, asked me some questions and next thing you know, I was sound asleep. She was very nice and sent me on my way without much info on what had happened or what it meant. I wondered if it worked at all. I noticed a difference though. My anxiety was better and I felt more confidence for about a week.
I went on to get my Reiki I and II certification form a eccentric woman in Charlotte NC. She ran a Bed and Breakfast and was a dog breeder. A litter of puppies was born, while I was there. She was fantastic and I felt an energy I had never experienced. She attuned us to a vibration that allows us to receive and transfer the healing energy easier. 3 days of Reiki Reiki Reiki. I was really starting to connect with the idea but still feeling insecure in that "I" could do this. Suddenly her husband rushed into the room, frantic, with a brand new, hour old, puppy who was lifeless and not breathing. Teacher was calm, and continued the class while her hands were gently folded around the sagging pup. I found this kinda weird and morbid but I'm not one to judge. After about an hour, she paused her lesson and opened her palms to reveal a weak but wiggling puppy. We were all in shock. She called her husband up, he walked in and began to cry. We all jumped to attention then. We wanted to learn!
After my certification, I tried Reiki on anyone who would let me. I did distant Reiki on friends that lived in other states, any chance I could get, but still I struggled knowing if I really felt anything substantial...if I was really doing anything. During this time, I was single, raising a child, working 2 jobs, going back to school, opening a business. I was stretched so thin, I didn't know who I was anymore. I was lost. So I did something that I never really tried much before. I did Reiki on myself. It seemed to help but I still felt off, I needed proof, something visible. I did a little research and found that many people use crystals and even pendulums to assist with Reiki. I went on Amazon and ordered a well reviewed, Rose Quarts pendulum. I began to work with the crystal and built a trusting communication with it. Then I began balancing my chakras, one by one, every day. I found patterns with my emotions and body pains and what the pendulum would tell me about my chakras. I learned so much. I eventually found my way back to myself. I restored peace, faced darkness and moved forward in ways I never imagined. My body healed. I began to share my practice with trusted clients and they seemed to really enjoy the feedback. I always inform my clients on what I find and where they can research the info. It is a very personal thing for each person. Only they can really know what the result may mean to them. I fell in love with Reiki.
Then my father got sick, with terminal cancer. I did't know how to comfort this man, whom I loved so much. This quiet, conservative man that was my closest male figure but also a stranger in some ways. I'm the baby of the family and didn't know my place in all of this. I gave what I could.... Massages, lots of home cooked meals and swinging crystals over my heads head as often as possible. At first he found it weird..but he was use to that with me. Eventually he would ask me to do it. "Make sure you bring your weird hippie crystals" he'd say. We became the best of friends during that time and made some of the BEST memories of my life. We still talk every day though it's been almost a year since he passed over. I do most of the talking these days. It helped him.. I'm not sure how or why but it did.
Then the aftermath. the ones left behind, the care taker. My mom. 3 years of care taking, doctor visit, chemo recovery, praying, crying, hiding behind smiles. After it was all said and done she was down to 90 lbs and developed crippling pain in her hip and back. She wouldn't stretch, she wouldn't got to the doctor, she wouldn't eat. All she could do was complain about the pain. She was the pain. I massaged her, stretched her, nagged at her, fed her, anything I could do. Finally I busted out my crystals and said "Just try it". She thought it was ridiculous but agreed. I began reading her chakras and it made sense to me. Her heart chakra was waaayyyy off and the Root was destroyed. The Root chakra is at the base of the spine, known for causing low back pain. The Root also holds the emotions around our foundation of life, our home and family. Dad was our foundation... her everything for almost 50 years. She was broken. I began to work, with her permission, every day. I would check and balance her chakras every morning when I got out of bed doing distance Reiki. Mom was beyond belief. She tried to explain it away but would call and ask me to do distance Reiki when she felt a twinge coming back. She is pain free, eating well, traveling and making the best of every day. I cannot take credit for her massive, endless strength but I know I helped and I am so very grateful I could in some way, give back to her.
Why does it work? I really have no idea How does it work? ummm....there are lots of books about it but honestly...no clue.
I know that I now have a gift for it and I love doing it. I do it daily on myself and it SAVES me.
Emotional pain causes Physical pain and Reiki can help.
www.chakraenergy.com is a great website to learn more
Thanks for reading
Casey
Reiki Athens GA
Waxing can be a life saver in the summer /
Drift offers affordable waxing services. Leg waxing, bikini waxing and underarm waxing can be a lifesaver in the summer months. Long weekend trips and spontaneous trips to the pool call for constant shaving which can lead ravor burn or annoying, prickly hairs. Consistent waxing on a 4-6 week schedule can gradually reduce hair growth permanently. Schedule an appointment today and stop thinking about when you will have time to shave.
Protect and treat your skin in the summer /
Facials are especially important in the summer months. Long days at the lake, fun beach weekends take a toll on our skin. Be sure to wear sunscreen and reapply as needed throughout the day. Regular exfoliation such as peels or microdermabrasion sessions will keep your skin bright and youthful after all the damage of the summer days. It is important to plan at least two days of downtime after a professional exfoliation. Avoid long term sun exposer during these days.
Here is a great article about the benefits of chemical peels. Try our Saving face Facial!
New Local Art /
In an effort to support our wonderful community, Drift Wellness has featured works of local artists for over a year. The latest installment is now up for viewing and we couldn't be more excited!
We are so very honored to have local artist Nate Carlson grace our studio walls with his amazing artwork! The pieces we chose bring even more inspiration into our tranquil space. Nate's impressive bio and website are below. We hope you enjoy his artwork as much as we do when you come in for your next massage and/or facial appointment!
Nate Carlson was born and raised in Athens, Georgia, and received his BFA in painting and drawing from the University of Georgia (2013). His work captures the transitional nature of the Southern landscape. Frenetic mark-making and veiled narrative encapsulate the tension of a region whose identity is steeped in conflicting themes of oppression and resistance, tradition and innovation, small town ideals and booming metropolitan growth.
Nate will have work on display in the upcoming 43rd Annual Juried Exhibition at the Lyndon House. He has recently shown in the Valdosta National and the Decatur Arts Festival, where he sold a painting to the City of Decatur. Nate currently lives and works in Athens, Georgia.
Spring Cleaning /
The hint of Spring has arrived to our beloved Athens,GA community. Time to start Spring cleaning and getting ready for warmer days. Come reward yourself for making it through the winter. Our Customized Organic Facial will leave your skin clean, refreshed and ready for Spring.
Book today at DriftWellnessStudio.com
Benefits of Microdermabrasion /
We offer Microdermabrasion in Athens GA.
Microdermabrasion sloughs off the dead and dull surface layers of the skin, stimulating an increase in collagen production and rejuvenation. Many patients see dramatic improvements in the tone, texture, and color of treated areas after just one treatment. This treatment also helps with multiple issuses incuding ;
- Fine Lines
-Clogged pores
-Oily or dull skin
-Enlarged pores
-Age spots and hyperpigmentation
Microdermabrasion is appropriate for cosmetic problems associated with aging skin, such as sun damage, age spots and other types of discoloration and fine lines that occur early in the aging process. Microdermabrasion also benefits those with oily skin, reducing minor acne scarring. A single treatment is appropriate when you have a special occasion on the calendar and want your skin to look healthy and refreshed.
Treatments should be every 6-8 weeks but can done as soon as every 2 weeks. This non invasive process tackles flaws at the surface level, treating only the outermost layer of skin. The skin is not wounded or abraded past the epidermis.Your skin may be pink after microdermabrasion, but these side effects typically last only a day. Limiting both sun and wind exposure for 24-48 hours after treaments is also suggested.
Lindsey Rift
Annual Gift Certificate Special /
Our Annual Gift Certificate Special is going on through December 23rd. This Special only happens once a year, so take advantage of it if you can. Purchase 3 or more 60min or 90min services with your Massage Therapist or Esthetician and receive $10 off each service. The office will be open on Saturday the 16th and Saturday the 23rd from 10am - 4pm for anyone to stop in or call ahead and we'll have it waiting for you to pick up. This offer cannot be combined between providers.
Giving Thanks /
As the Holiday Season nears I want to say how thankful I am that Casey, Jennifer and Lindsey have come into my life this year. It's a wonderful feeling to truly enjoy your work and those that you work with. I would also like to say how thankful I am for all of the wonderful people I get to meet at Drift. From the homebound elderly client, whom I have to make special trips to see, to the local-yocal that makes the Athens area a thriving community, to the unexpected professional athlete in town for a short visit, they are all special blessings.
Casey's maternity leave /
Hello everyone! I wanted to let you know, I will be taking maternity leave November 5th- January 7th. I'm so thankful to be able to bring another life into this world and to have such an amazing career with the BEST clients. I will miss you all but Jennifer, Claire and Lindsey will be here to take care of all of you. I will be spending my time deepening my connection to all the beauty in my life and will be back next year with a new, revived energy that I can't wait to share. I am pursuing my Usui Reiki Master training and look forward to offering more energy work services soon. I am also looking into more advanced facial peels for my clients looking for deeper exfoliations. I won't be able to work evenings like I had in the past but I will be working every other Sunday in order to accommodate clients that can't come during the week days. Thank you all for your support.
Casey
Massage Therapy Athens GA, Massage Therapy Watkinsville GA, Facials Athens GA, Waxing Athens GA, Reiki Athens GA, Cupping Athens GA
Making Self Care a Priority /
Self Care is figuring out what you need in the moment and giving that to yourself for the overall betterment of your physical, emotional, mental or spiritual health and well-being. At first making it a priority might be difficult, but taking small steps to incorporate self care into your routine can reduce stress levels but also validate and honor your own worth as well as enhance your confidence and self esteem. Carving out time to rest, engaging in a favorite hobby, meditating, or getting a massage or facial are just a few ways to get started with making self care a priority.
In case you need reminding............YES! You deserve to take care of yourself!
https://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/wellness_articles.asp?=1657
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/massage/art-20045743
Waxing Athens GA /
We take pride in our waxing services and provide a relaxing alternative to the typical wax. Taking the time to consult with our clients on desired results, we help you achieve your ideal brow wax. Facial and body waxing can help so much with self esteem. No one likes to worry about unwanted hair and especially the ones you can's see yourself unless you are in your car with no tweezers!!! We can help. Schedule a brow wax, lip wax, leg wax and much more with Casey or Lindsey. We also offer brow and lash tinting.
New Massage Therapist /
We are happy to welcome Claire Stripling to our team. We have really needed another therapist and took our time finding the right fit. Claire has enjoyed working in the massage and bodywork field since 1998. She has a variety of experience ranging from soft tissue injury to chronic illness and specializes in Neuromuscular Therapy and Fascial Stretch Therapy. We are very excited to have her and yes, she will be working weekends!!!
Massage Therapy Athens GA, Deep Tissue Massage Athens GA, Massage Watkinsville GA, Facials Athens GA, Cupping Athens GA