Acupuncture, What Is It Good For? Absolutely Everything!

Please note: This post is from the archives of Samantha Schamel’s newsletter from 2016 and was edited slightly for AgeLess SPA.

Hey y’all! I am officially done with school and fully excited about the next big journey before me. I can finally say I am an acupuncturist and a herbalist. I have been practicing part-time with AgeLess Integrative Medical Spa in Horseheads and have been overwhelmed by the response in the community and so excited to be growing into a full-time gig.

However, I am here to tell you the wonderful things about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) where acupuncture and herbal medicine are only two parts to this 5 part health system. Yes, acupuncture can treat a lot, from digestive issues to your everyday aches and pains, the acute situations to the chronic, common colds, flu, headaches, arthritis, dermatology (i.e. eczema, psoriasis, acne), labor preparation to anxiety and stress. Herbal medicine is great for all those things too and does a better job of nourishing and strengthening the body as well as battling some evils you have going on inside. Also, as a TCM practitioner, we also deal with diets, Qi Gong (I prefer my yoga), and bodywork.

TCM was originally developed to be a preventative medicine and in the classics, they say a person with no disease should have acupuncture four times a year when the seasons change so your body can remain healthy. Typically patients come to see me for pain or when a disease has set in the body and then my job is to create balance within the disharmony – and at times that is challenging depending on how long the patient has suffered with it.

If you have never tried acupuncture or afraid of looking like a porcupine, I promise it’s not bad at all! Many of my patients fall asleep on the warm bed and don’t even realize the needles are in. So if you have been curious or wanting to give it a shot, give the medical side of AgeLess SPA a call (607.846.3962).

As always, peace, love and a giant bear hug,
Samantha

Exclusive Holiday Gift Guide

There’s so many gift ideas for the makeup, skincare, and wellness gurus in your life that it can be a bit overwhelming, especially when this is suppose to be the most wonderful time of the year. But, have no fear! Our Exclusive Gift Card Guide makes AgeLess SPA your one-stop shop for everyone on your list to bring comfort and joy into their lives this holiday season.

bareMinerals Holiday Kits

This year’s bareMinerals’ Holiday Kits are our most favorite holiday collection bareMinerals has released thus far. From the beautiful packaging to being reasonably priced, starting at $12, these amazing kits make great stocking suffers for those makeup lovers. But don’t wait too long to purchase your kits because they’re only available during the holiday season!

Image Skincare

We know there’s a lot of options when it comes to Image Skincare, but there are three Image Skincare products that are always our go-to. First, we can’t live without the Vital C Hydrating Facial Cleanser, not only for it’s citrusy smell, but it can be used all year long. Second, the AgeLess Overnight Retinol Masque works wonders! It’s perfect for the busy person in your life because they just have to put it on before bed and wash it off in the morning. Last but not least, we love the Ormedic Lip Balancing Lip Enhancement Complex. This lip enhancement keeps lips hydrated, especially during those harsh winter months.

MantraBand

MantraBand is gaining popularity and with good reason. This brand embraces positivity, mindfulness, and optimism, while bringing a daily dose of inspiration into one’s life with a mantra. There are dozens of mantras to choose from, such as, “You are my sunshine”, “Hakuna Matata”, and more on bracelets and necklaces, available in silver, gold and even rose gold!

Herbal Concepts

If the person you’re buying for always has sore muscles or back, we highly suggest Herbal Concepts wraps. These herbal wraps can be microwaved or even placed in your freezer. And with a variety of styles to choose from, depending on the person’s neck or back pain, you can’t go wrong giving this to the person who needs a little muscle soothing in their life.

Hair Removal Packages

So many of us suffer from unwanted hair, and at AgeLess SPA in Horseheads, NY, but we can help! Our Laser Hair Removal Packages are designed to help provide the results you’re looking with special package pricing. By giving a Hair Removal Package, it takes the worry out of shaving and saves the person so much time getting ready! From Laser Hair Removal Packages to Waxing Packages, we offer a wide variety to give the gift of saving time in the mornings.

Mini Spa Treatment

Our Mini Spa Treatment includes a 30 minute Integrated Massage followed by a 30 Minute Signature Facial, which is perfect for the busy person in your life that needs an hour of spa time.

Please note: This treatment is known as The Small Blind at our AgeLess SPA at Tioga Downs Casino & Resort location. Prices vary by location.

Full Spa Treatment

If you want to “WOW” them with the ultimate gift, we suggest giving them our Full Spa Treatment in our Corning, NY location. This package starts with a One Hour Integrated Massage, followed by a One Hour Signature Facial. After these two services, a lunch is provided in our Serenity Room to enjoy until the last two services of the day, which is a Basic Manicure and Pedicure Polish Change.

Please note: this treatment is only offered at AgeLess SPA at Radisson Hotel Corning. However a similar treatment is also offered at AgeLess SPA at Tioga Downs Casino & Resort and is known as The Big Blind, but does not include lunch. Prices vary by location.

AgeLess SPA Gift Card

With so many options to choose from, we understand that it can be overwhelming to pick for another person. In that case, the AgeLess SPA Gift Card is the perfect gift! Allowing your loved one to choose the service they’re in most need of, and enjoying some much needed “me time”.

Whichever gift you decide to give, we hope that it brings your loved one comfort and joy!

From our family to yours, we wish you a very happy holiday season and new year!

-Rebecca Howe, Marketing Assistant

What To Do With Your AgeLess SPA Gift Cards

We got to wondering if you are using your gift cards to it’s fullest potential. There’s nothing wrong with sticking to your usual massage, facial, or nail services, but what about trying something new for a change?

We put together the perfect list for you for if you don’t know what to use your gift card on, are still using it for the same service and want to try something new, or are looking to expand your spa-going horizons. We hope this helps you decide what to use your gift cards on before you stock up on more around the holidays (because, we know how you and your loved ones like to take advantage of our Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and surprise gift card specials ;))

Laser Hair Removal and Other Laser Services
A great service to use your gift cards on is our laser services. Not only do we offer Laser Hair Removal to eliminate the “Did I remember to shave today?” question, but we also offer laser services for cherry angiomas, skin tightening, pigmentation, and veins to make you feel more confident and excited to show a little more skin.

Lash Extensions

If you’re craving a few more zzz’s in the mornings, then you might want to consider using your gift card on our Eyelash Extensions service offered at our Horseheads location. During your first application, our NovaLash Certified team will place individual lashes in with your own lashes, to give you a natural, but fuller look. And with weekly to biweekly fills, you can say goodbye to mascara and hello more sleep!

HydraFacial

One of our favorite services offered at the Horseheads location and something we highly suggest trying whether you have a gift card or not. This service cools, soothes, refreshes and renews in just one treatment to restore hydration and beauty to your skin. It’s a non-invasive skin rejuvenation, painless extraction, shows immediate results, and no discomfort. It’s the only hydradermabrasion procedure that combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration and antioxidant protection simultaneously. See how quickly this service works HERE.

Oxygenating Facial

The Oxygenating Facial is a great service offered at all locations to use your gift card on and get hooked on. We like to think of this facial as having a bubbly-like feeling, which means the more bubbly-like feeling you feel, the more congested your skin is. We love this luxurious treatment because it infuses oxygen, plant-derived stem-cells, peptides, and a high concentration of enzymatic botanicals into the the skin, leaving it luminous, refreshed, and rejuvenated after just one treatment.

Airbrush Tanning

If you haven’t visited our Horseheads location before, you may be missing out on our Airbrush Tanning services. Regardless to the season, you can keep your skin looking sun-kissed without the harmful effects of UVA/UVB rays. There’s just something about a good glow to boost your mood and confidence.

bareMinerals

Let’s face it, buying new makeup isn’t always a “need”, but a want that we always seem to somehow justify. However, using a gift card always helps prevent the inevitable guilt trip that we give ourselves (makeup lovers, you know what we’re saying…). So no need to worry, dear friend! You can use your AgeLess SPA gift cards for boutique items, too! Our Horseheads’ boutique offers a collection of bareMinerals products from skincare and foundations, to lipsticks and mascara. We have everything you need to start fresh with a new and natural look, add a pop of color to your everyday style, or purchase a little something on your “fun makeup” list!

Herbal Concepts

With the change in weather, comes the aches and pains in our bodies. Whether it’s from working out or just those “getting older” aches and pains. There’s nothing like an Herbal Concept wrap to help alleviate inflammation and soothe your body back to life. Our Corning and Horseheads locations offer Herbal Concepts warming and cooling wraps. With a variety of styles to choose from, you or your loved one will surely love how cozy these feel!

Image Skincare

About four years ago, we became skincare junkies for Image Skincare and we haven’t looked back! Their “Age Later” philosophy doesn’t limit them to combining new age technology with price-friendly budgets. That being said, they offer products that have multiple remedies for a “2-in-1” idea, which is perfect to use your gift card on. For example, their Vital C Hydrating Cleanser doesn’t only remove impurities and makeup from your skin, but uses its concentration of Vitamin C to hydrate and keep your skin feeling nourished! Our estheticians can also help you find the right product(s) to design the perfect daily skin care regimen for your skin type or concerns.

Whatever you decide you use your gift card on, we hope you enjoy!

-Rebecca Howe, Marketing Assistant

2017 Pink Tie Affair Recap – From the Eyes of Our CEO, Michelle Z. Cilip

2017 Pink Tie Affair Recap – From the Eyes of Our CEO, Michelle Z. Cilip

2017 Pink Tie Affair Recap

From the eyes of our CEO, Michelle Z. Cilip

The Pink Tie Affair committee could not have asked for a more beautiful day on the day of the event hosted by the Twin Tiers Region affiliate of Susan G. Komen, on September 22, 2017, at the National Soaring Museum in Elmira, NY. They set out to raise $50,000, after raising an astounding $48,000 last year.

As the “Pink Tie Guys” arrived at the 2017 Pink Tie Affair, Michelle Z. Cilip, CEO of AgeLess SPA, couldn’t help but be proud to be apart of such a spectacular event. She helped a wonderful group of ladies with planning and set up, and when the time came, she got ready for the evening by getting her makeup done by Jen at AgeLess SPA, where she typically gets her makeup done before any special occasion she attends. This year for the event, she wore a subtle, but elegant, flapper-inspired dress with pink heels, giving her just the right amount of a pop of color for the Komen cocktail party.

Credit: Chris Waters Photography

She returned to the event with her husband, Dr. Michael Cilip, who is a “Pink Tie Guy” from the class of 2014. As a member of the committee, she took part in greeting and checking in the gentlemen and their guests. This also included gentlemen from previous Pink Tie Affair events who still attend this event because once a “Pink Tie Guy,” always a “Pink Tie Guy.”

Upon being checked in, the “Pink Tie Guys” of the class of 2017, received their signature pink ties, donated by H. Strauss Clothier in Elmira, NY. There was even the opportunity for glider rides, socializing with other attendees, touring the museum, and enjoying the food catered by Serendipity, located in Ithaca, NY.

Credit: Chris Walters Photography

Once all the gentlemen apart of the 2017 “Pink Tie Guys” class arrived, they gathered for a group photo, taken by the talented Chris Walters photography. Shortly after the photo opportunity, the event began where they recognized all of the “Pink Tie Guys,” whom of which are a group of well-respected corporate, healthcare and civic leaders from our region.  

“I told Michael, it’s overwhelming how grateful the Pink Tie gentlemen are to be apart of the event,” Michelle said, “It’s truly moving to see their dedication and support,” with so much passion in her eyes.

In addition to recognizing the “Pink Tie Guys,” an auction was held, where many businesses and artists generously donated spectacular items to support this great event. One person took home AgeLess SPA’s donation, which included three SPA services valued at $500.

Credit: Chris Walters Photography

“It’s an event that’s short and sweet, and that’s what I believe people like about it,” Michelle said, “It starts around 5 p.m. and goes until about 8:30 p.m.,” “Everyone can come in work attire after work or get all dressed up and raise money for a great cause together.”

Credit: Chris Walters Photography

Michelle first attended the Pink Tie Affair when Dr. Cilip was invited to be a “Pink Tie Guy,” three years ago. After, she knew she very much wanted to get involved with this spectacular organization. This is her second year on the committee and she without a doubt will be returning for many more.

When asked what draws her to this event and the Susan G. Komen foundation, she said,

“The main source is credibility and faith – I believe this foundation goes above and beyond to show the data of how funds are being donated. The ultimate goal is finding a cure, and I have faith they’re going to find it, but it takes people like all of us to keep that mission moving along, and it takes good, hard-working, and passionate people to keep it alive. There are so many people affected by breast cancer, even within the AgeLess SPA organization, so I want to be apart of something where I can make a difference.”

Credit: Chris Walters Photography

It’s easy to get on the committee, and they welcome everyone. There are about ten people on the committee, and many have been affected by breast cancer one way or another. It’s a way to be involved within the community in making tremendous strides in raising awareness about breast health and breast cancer, as well as raise funds for breast cancer screenings, treatments, and education.

 

-Rebecca Howe, Marketing Assistant

Our Favorite Fall Products

Our Favorite Fall Products

With the weather shifting from warmer to cooler, we know it can surely have an impact on your skin. We’re always getting questions about what products to use with each season, so we knew we had to do something to help you keep your skin at its best all season long. The only problem we faced when making this list was we literally love everything Image Skincare and bareMinerals offers, so choosing four products/collections was a little hard, but we put our heads together and created a short and sweet list of our favorite go-to fall products just for you!

IMAGE Skincare’s Vital C Collection

When transitioning into a fall skincare regimen, we always come back to the Vital C collection by Image Skincare, no matter the season, simply because of the hydration it offers. It keeps our skin hydrated, it’s perfect for morning and evening regimens, a little bit goes a long way, and it’s great for all skin types. The shift in the weather is going to dry out your skin, but with Vital C, you’ll worry less about it and get to enjoy more of everything fall offers. 

bareMinerals Foundation

We can’t live without our bareMinerals foundations! We love to opt for a natural look most days while keeping our skin healthy. From mineral to liquid, there’s something for everyone. bareMinerals offers a serum foundation, not liquid, while the Complexion Rescue has a mousse like feel and is perfect for a natural weekend look or the girl on-the-go!

IMAGE Skincare’s Ormedic Sheer Pink Lip Enhancement

We were obsessed when Image Skincare introduced this earlier in the year, and we’re still obsessed now! With a light pink tint, it goes perfectly with an everyday natural look while helping our dehydrated lips.

IMAGE Skincare’s I Beauty Brow and Lash Enhancement Serum

This serum got an upgrade from being used on just lashes to lashes AND brows! We couldn’t believe the results we saw in such a short amount of time. It’s designed to create fuller, longer, and healthier lashes.

 

For more information on these products, please visit an AgeLess SPA location near you to consult with a highly trained professional esthetician to achieve best results for your skin type.

Do you have any fall favorites that we may have left out? Let us know in the comments below!

AgeLess SPA On-The-Go, It’s the SPA You Go to While On-The-Go

AgeLess SPA On-The-Go, It’s the SPA You to While On-The-Go

We’re here to save the day with our AgeLess SPA On-The-Go services for those busy bees always on-the-go, wishing they could go to the spa and have that much needed “me time”!

Spa services aren’t luxuries in our eyes, they’re necessities. It’s something we make time for no matter how busy our schedules are and for good reason; it’s a form of self-care. For example, we go to the grocery store regularly for nutrient rich food to take care of the inside of your body, so why not go to the spa to take care of the outside of your body? If we aren’t taking care of our body entirely, does this mean we’re just getting by in life and aren’t focusing on our overall health? We often forget how good our bodies are meant to feel because we’re so busy working, taking care of others, and putting ourselves on the backburner. But whether it’s on your lunch break or while the kids are at extracurricular activities, there are options here to fit in your busy schedule.

So what is considered an AgeLess SPA On-The-Go service? Just about anything that takes less than an hour and the best part is most of our services do just that!

If you only have just over half an hour…

 

Our 30 Minute Integrated Massage may interest you for those sore muscles…

Even though our 60 Minute massage is our most popular (because a 30 Minute Integrated Massage just doesn’t feel long enough when it feels so good to lay on a bed warmer and have one of our lovely massage therapists loosen up those sore muscles), sometimes, time does not allow for that to happen. If you are looking for a quick service where you want to have your shoulders loosened up from typing all day or help with lower back pain from sitting and/or standing for hours at a time, a 30 Minute Integrated Massage can help you with that. It can also be a quick full body massage to give you just a half hour to loosen up. The best part is this can easily be done on a lunch break or even after work.

If you have somewhere to be after and don’t want your hair to be too messy or walk out with the glowing “massage face”, plan ahead of time and pack some dry shampoo and makeup to touch up. But if you still don’t have time to pack those essentials the night before or the morning of, just kindly communicate to your therapist that you don’t want your head and face touched due to a commitment post-massage. But, we promise, there’s nothing wrong with the post-massage glow.

Our licensed professional estheticians can cleanse your skin while you relax…

Another favorite is our Mini Signature Facial. This facial is just like our Signature Facial but in half the time. It only takes half an hour, which cleanses, exfoliates, and brings your skin back to life in a blink! This facial also gives your esthetician time to recommend the perfect products to incorporate into your daily regimen to fit your on-the-go needs.

Take care of those unwanted hairs…

For people on-the-go, the last thing you want to think about is dealing with the unwanted hair you don’t want showing on your body. We love that our Laser Hair Removal services can be so quick and easy. Even our dear friend, Alisa, from Sense of Shine, is able to fit it in her busy schedule. From legs, underarms, bikini areas, to even the face, you can get these services done on your lunch break or while the kids are at their extracurricular activities.

If you have just over an hour…

 

Have your cake and eat it, too with our Mini Spa Treatment!

We made it easy for you to have a spa day in just one hour by combining our 30 Minute Integrated Massage and 30 Minute Mini Signature Facial; it’ll be like having your cake and eating it, too! First, you’ll get to have your sore muscles worked on. After, you’ll be able to relax during a quick facial to free your skin of any dirt and grime that gets picked up from your daily routine.

Go with our most popular massage…

As mentioned above, our 60 Minute Integrated Massage is the go-to massage when time allows, simply because it’s nice having that full hour for our massage therapists to really give attention to every area needed. It also allows more time to warm up your muscles with warm towels and work on your body where you deal with chronic pain, muscle fatigue, or any problematic area.

Our most loved facial will leave you glowing! 

Our most loved facial is our Signature Facial and with good reason. This facial offers a professional skin analysis, steaming, exfoliating, deep pore cleansing, extractions of toxins, toning, mask, and massage. Plus, can we mention how amazing it is to have the warm booties put on as you relax on a bed warmer? Yes, please!

Treat yourself to a manicure without worry about drying time!

We believe treating yourself to a good manicure is a form of wellness, simply because it makes us happy and there’s nothing wrong with doing things that make us happy. But in all honesty, who has time to deal with nails drying these days? Especially when gel nail polish exists. With an AgeLess Hand Detail with Gel Polish, your hands will always look taken care of within an hour and you rarely have to worry about chipping since it typically [but not guaranteed] lasts up to two weeks once they need to be freshened up again.

Opt for an even more durable nail treatment so there’s no worry at all…

This service is SO perfect for the person who does not want to worry about their nails at all except for when they need to come in for an hour to get them done with one of our licensed professional nail technicians. Similar to acrylics, gel enhancements are healthier and more durable, if done the right way by a professional. It looks more natural because it helps to protect your nail from breaking and you can keep it at any desired length. You rarely have to worry about the enhancements breaking or chipping, which is so nice with busy schedules. Some ladies come in every two weeks for a fill but others can make theirs last for up to a month! 

If you only have time to grab-n-go…

We offer a variety of skin care products for you to use at home when you really don’t have time to come to the SPA. If you want something you can put on and not have to wait for it to dry or soak into your skin, we suggest going with the AgeLess Total Overnight Retinol Masque by Image Skincare. All you have to do is put it on at night, go to sleep, and wash it off in the morning. It’s so easy and leaves your skin feeling so soft.

But if you have a little time before bed, we suggest using the Image Skincare Biomolecular Anti-Aging Radiance Mask or the Image Skincare Biomolecular Hydrating Mask. Both of these masks are formulated, unlike any other masks, you would find at Target or Ulta. You just have to leave it on for about 20-25 minutes or until it is absorbed into your skin, and then remove and discard the mask. It will give your skin that hydration and AgeLess look you’re going for.

From massages helping relieve your muscles from sitting at a computer or standing all day, to treating yourself to a simple, durable manicure that makes you happy, it’s important to take care of yourself in every way possible. That’s why we designed our services to be perfect for the person on-the-go because your wellness matters, too.

So go ahead, look ahead in your planner and schedule at least a half hour to an hour to take care of yourself with our on-the-go services. And with our memberships, you’ll be saving money on your services and even enjoy a complimentary service each month, depending on what membership you choose – bonus!

AgeLess SPA On-The-Go, it’s the SPA you go to while on-the-go.

 

– Rebecca Howe, Marketing Assistant