February 2014

They can repair your vision with just one treatment and measure the distance from the Earth to the moon within a millimeter. They are in supermarket scanners and compact disc players. What are they?  Lasers. Theorized by Albert Einstein in 1917 and invented in 1960, lasers have proven to be a versatile high-tech solution to many of life’s problems. Today, more and more people are learning that therapeutic doses of laser light can also relieve pain and expedite healing for a wide range of health complaints.

What is laser therapy for pain relief?

Laser therapy is the application of low levels of laser light to areas of the body that have been injured or damaged. Contrasted with high-powered lasers used in health care that cut tissue, such as surgical or hair-removal lasers, therapy lasers produce beneficial chemical and biological interactions that can help relieve pain and repair injured/damaged tissue.

How long have lasers been used by health care providers?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave market clearance to the first therapy laser in 2002. Since then, progressive chiropractors, osteopaths, medical doctors and other have been offering laser therapy to their patients in increasing numbers.

How do lasers work?

The laser light penetrates through your skin and is absorbed by special receptors on your body’s cells called chromophores. Just as photosynthesis creates energy for plants, the absorption of the laser light by your cells causes increased production of cellular energy. In areas of injury or damage, this means there is more energy available to improve the rate and quality of healing. Studies on tissue cultures reveal a wide range of beneficial physiological effects, including increased levels of endorphins, reduced levels of harmful compounds including C-reactive protein and increased rate and quality of tissue healing.

That means relief from acute and chronic pain, reduced inflammation and muscle spasms, improved range of motion and restored function. Patients suffering from headaches, neck pain, carpal tunnel, low back pain, sports injuries, post-surgical pain and more have been helped with laser therapy.

How long does it take to work?

Some patients notice improvement after the very first treatment session; with others it may take a few treatments. The effect of laser therapy is cumulative, meaning that each successive treatment builds on previous ones.

What does a treatment feel like?

With very low-powered therapy lasers, you feel nothing at all. Higher-powered (Class IV) therapy lasers produce a mild, soothing, warm feeling. Laser therapy is a painless treatment.

Are there any side effects?

Some patients may experience soreness in the area of treatment, as toxins are released and blood flow is restored. World experts on laser therapy have commented that therapeutic lasers have no undesirable side effects in the hands of a qualified therapist.

For more information about how laser therapy may be helpful to you contact Align Healing Center to set-up a free consultation with Dr. Niele Maimone (925)362-8283. Visit us on the web at AlignHealingCenter.com.

 

Spring is in the air and in the beauty world this means renew. People ask me, “Should I change my make-up with the seasons?” I always tell them, “Wear what makes you feel comfortable,” but for many, springtime feels more light and playful (sheer lipsticks, soft eye colors and bright nails), fall is more serious and structured. Just as fashion dictates how hemlines rise and fall, beauty products go through cycles of matte-ness and luminosity. Right now, “naturally luminous” is in.

On The Run Way

This Spring a fresh look of colors blossom on the runways, with looks inspired by, and infused with, exquisite shades and elements only found in nature. Model faces are translucent and flawless with luminous skin and subtle, sophisticated washes of color on the eyes and lips. Muted, monochromatic hues are balanced harmoniously with rich, high-sheen swirls of deep pigments and textures to create a stunning, new, natural modern beauty.

Natural Custom Foundations

Get glowing skin on-the-go with simple essentials from a perfectly matched foundation. Custom Foundations offer a color-true-wear, which meets second skin comfort. Create a natural look that’s perfect for your skin type and that helps to even-out skin tones.

Simple Concealing Solutions

Skin Flash Concealer Sticks smooth and conceal redness and imperfections around the eyes. They brighten the eye area up to airbrush perfection and hold eye shadow on all day long.

Silkiest Skin

Highlighters (or illuminators) make the skin look wet and dewy with a youthful glow. They come in a variety of formats and formulas. Powders, liquids, creams, primers and CC cream: subtle swirl shimmers give an allover glow, and more luminous liquids and sheen powders bring candlelit radiance to your complexion. A must-have for spring!

Spring Eye Trends

Eye shadow trios are on the radar this season for their simplicity and ease. All-in-one spring palates are sprouting up everywhere this season and they come in natural subtle tones for a no-mistake gorgeous spring fashion statement. Look for tones of light peaches, silky nudes and earthy taupe’s.

Cheeky Spring Looks

Brighten your winter complexion with a vibrant, shimmery-pink blusher on the cheeks. With just a single sweep using a blender brush, it will make the skin look smooth and radiant, adding just the right flush of color for a natural healthy glow.

Keeping It Real with New Lip Technologies

LipShine sheer lip color treatments have total lip protection and special hydrators to keep the lips from chapping and shriveling. LipShine glides on smoothly, as filling spheres instantly fill in lines and plump. They look and feel sensational and they come in an array of colors to make your lips look updated, full, and youthful. It echo’s the bountiful, natural vibe of Spring Fashion.

Last but not least, our skincare needs change with time. You may have resolved an old concern, or you may have a new one. If your regimen isn’t doing everything you want, come in and talk to one of our expert skin care specialists to help you get what you want and deserve: Beautiful skin. Don’t waste another day looking anything less than your best!

February is the start of something new! The Rouge will be offering their seasonal Spring Make-up Updates, starting in February. Make your appointment or just stop in to find out what’s in store for spring.