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Sedona Spa at Los Abrigados Resort & Spa
Even though she’s a licensed acupuncturist, Katharine Stewart says she’s also needlephobic – if you’re nervous about trying acupuncture for the first time, she’s sympathetic, and can say with confidence that it really does not hurt. Katharine practices acupuncture in a variety of treatments at Los Abrigados, home of Sedona’s oldest spa (now in its 20th year). The spa recently added acupuncture, acumassage and acufacials to its menu – each treatment involves inserting sterile, ultrathin needles (about as thick as a strand of hair) into key points of the body to allow the person’s energy, or “chi,” to flow properly and promote well-being.
“The World Health Organization has identified over 40 diseases in which acupuncture is effective,” says Katharine, who has been practicing this ancient art of Asian healing for 17 years.
Sedona Spa’s 90-minute acumassage begins with a conversation: You and your therapist will discuss any physical or mental ailments troubling you, giving the therapist an idea where to insert the needles for maximum benefit. Needles are inserted on one side of the body (the number of needles differs for each person and each condition) and stay in for a few minutes before being removed and inserted on the other side of the body. A heat lamp is concentrated on certain parts of the body to accentuate the acupuncture work. While the experience is different for everyone, Katharine says, some people don’t even feel the needles being inserted into the skin while others feel tingling, warmth or pressure. The acupuncture session is followed by a light massage – no need for any deep tissue work after the needles do their duty. Aside from managing pain, acupuncture is deeply – and perhaps surprisingly – relaxing.
Sedona Spa is open to locals and guests and includes a fitness center with a schedule of classes. Last year, the spa added pilates and one-on-one pilates reformer training to its schedule. Check with the spa for times and rates.
Sedona Spa at Los Abrigados Resort & Spa
160 Portal Lane
928-282-5108; www.sedonaspa.com
Sedona’s New Day Spa
Sedona’s New Day Spa continually adds new treatments, such as the Wedding Relaxation Ritual (see Sedona Monthly, Jan./Feb. 2007) and eyelash extensions. The new 90-minute Pamper Me Pedi Treatment and the 60- or 90-minute Sedona Signature Hand Rejuvenation incorporate the spa’s exclusive turquoise sage cream scrub and body butter and a Sedona red clay mask.
This year, the spa introduced the Sedona Anniversary Package. “We have so many couples who get married in Sedona and then come back for their anniversary,” says spa manager Chaya Mueller. “We wanted to create a package just for them, with elements of the desert.”
The treatment begins with a Sedona Secret Garden Scrub and Rosemary bath for her – the body is exfoliated with a fragrant rosemary, peppermint and Dead Sea salt scrub in the vichy room (a wet room with a shower right on the table), followed by a soak in a warm mineral bath. Meanwhile, hubby has his choice of a deep cleansing facial or a manicure and pedicure.
