10 things you are going to like at 415 Stockton Street

On Saturday, March 3, Atelier Emmanuel will be opening its new salon and day spa at 415 Stockton Street.


We are really happy about the new space and thought that you would be interested in knowing a few of the things that has us excited for the move:


10. Parking directly across the street at the Sutter/Stockton garage.
9. Adjacent to major bus stops (the 30, 45, 2, and 3 other lines). Check out the bus map.
8. Modern electricity and brighter lighting — no more power outages.
7. Nice roomy bathrooms — no more waiting!
6. New hours! Longer days, seven days a week.
5. New Services including spa treatments and skin care.
4. Shower for after massages and spa treatments.
3. Bigger waiting area.
2. Online booking.
1. Modern, fast, and spacious elevator: no more being 10 minutes late for an appointment because of the elevators!


New Address:
415 Stockton Street @ Sutter, 4th floor.


New Hours:
Monday: 9am to 6pm
Tuesday: 9am to 8pm
Wednesday: 9am to 8pm
Thursday: 9am to 8pm
Friday: 9am to 8pm
Saturday: 9am to 6pm
Sunday: 11am to 5pm

Gaultierize Yourself at the de Young Museum!

To celebrate the opening of the exhibition The Fashion World of Jean-Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk, the de Young Museum is hosting a big FREE party on Friday, March 30 called Gaultierize Yourself. Atelier Emmanuel is very happy to co-organize this event with the de Young, along with SFFAMA and Velocity Circus.

The concept? Everyone of all ages is invited to be part of a huge fashion show.
Come dressed in Gaultier inspired garments—Haute Couture or Pret-a-Porter.

And then, beginning at 6pm, Atelier Emmanuel will provide hair and make up services to prep’ you for the runway. Facilitators will be on hand, if you need coaching and some moves for the catwalk. You'll also be able to enjoy a fashion photobooth and see Gaultier inspired fashions by local designers.

More details to come...

In the meantime, save the date: Friday, March 30 from 6pm (Free for everyone).

Women’s Health: Bringing Balance Through Massage and Aromatherapy

By Margarita Camarena, Massage Therapist

Women know, and love, to get massages.

It's a way to relax, release the knots, and have some “me” time. Besides helping us feel better in our bodies, there are other specific and powerful reasons for women to get massages. Massage helps regulate hormones. Massage contributes to the organization and flow of hormones from glands through the bloodstream and into organs and tissues. As a result, it alleviates PMS symptoms, helps to balance the menstrual cycle and ease the transition into menopause. Adding Aromatherapy can further strengthen these effects.

PMS

Premenstrual Syndrome is a reality in our lives. Each woman’s PMS symptoms and intensity is very unique. Some of these symptoms include breast tenderness, cramping, mood swings, bloating, hot flashes, weight gain, nausea, backache and many more (you probably have your own list!).

Citing research by the Touch Research Institute, Massage Magazine asserts that massage during the premenstrual week, may be “a long-term aid for pain reduction and water retention, and short-term for decreasing anxiety and improving mood for women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder.”

Menstrual Cycle

There are cases where women have PMS symptoms, but no period at all. Just like with PMS, the menstrual cycle differs from woman to woman. Some women have irregular menses or miss their period all together. The reasons are many, and the most obvious is pregnancy. Other causes include physical and/or mental stress, anxiety, tension, eating disorders, menopause, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Premature Ovarian Failure, bulimia, anorexia; some birth control pills or other medications can also impact the menstrual cycle. 

In cases where menses is missing, a special massage protocol can be followed to stimulate circulation

and activate hormone secretion. In such cases I work on the acupressure points which jumpstart the reproductive and endocrine system. I also like to blend specific aromatherapy oils which can help induce menstruation — like geranium, rose otto, melissa, basil and myrrh. On the other hand, chamomile and lavender might be used, because a woman might actually need relaxation, not stimulation to help her cycle. A really powerful way to induce menstruation is to opt for a hot stone massage (first check to make sure this is not contraindicated for you.)

Some self-help can work too: take a hot bath with some of the essential oils listed above; also try sit-ups.

If the problem is menses that are (too) strong, massage can help regulate the flow, reduce bloating, pain, and restore your body. In this case the massage is much more grounding, calming, and reconnecting. Too much heat is not recommended. If Aromatherapy is used (we always offer it at no charge with our massage sessions), I would opt for calming and cooling essential oils. Juniper, Clary Sage, Palo Santo, and sandalwood are some examples. For self-help, try massaging your own hands and feet to redistribute the blood flow. 

Fertility

Massage can really encourage fertility by reducing stress, anxiety and increasing circulation in the reproductive organs.

It is common that women have a hard time getting pregnant if they have high levels of stress and anxiety. Swedish massage is an excellent way to reduce stress and animate the circulatory system. I also like to work modalities such as Myofascial Release Therapy to gently free up adhesions in the musculature in and around the reproductive organs, hips, and sacrum.

Once more, Aromatherapy can be used: essential oils contain compounds that help to bind the estrogen receptors in the body. Aromatherapy at home explains how it works very well, “The limbic system interacts to control the heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress level and hormone balance. This is why essential oils have such a powerful effect on our moods and general state of mind.” Some of these powerful essences include jasmine, chamomile, basil, melissa, and rose.

Subtle Therapy

Not every woman might be receptive to it, but if you are, I like to add gem stones to balance the energy body for 20 minutes while finishing the session with Reiki. The stones regulate the reproductive system and can also be used to regulate menses and ease PMS. Some of these stones include: moonstone, chrysoprase, brookite, dessert rose, courie, garnet, and quartz. Most women find just the weight of the stones to be very pleasing and relaxing. 

Aside from massage, a woman can benefit from a full session of Reiki for fertility purposes. Reiki is well known for aiding fertility. With Reiki, I am working on a more energetic level. Even for women who are doubtful about this kind of work ("Energy? Chakras?"), they find that 'something' about it produces results. Giving attention to specific areas of the body is surprisingly effective to unwind emotional blocks we hold — blocks which can impinge the functioning of our bodies. Often clients request that I include a little bit of Reiki during a massage session. This gives them a taste of its efficacy, and many of them then choose to schedule for a full Reiki session.

Benefitting from Massage

From the medical style to the subtle touch, massage has many ways to benefit a woman's body. Skilled touch and attention can be of great benefit for PMS, regulating menses, and aiding fertility. Please feel free to contact us for questions and to book a session.

If you would like to include Aromatherapy or gem stones into your session, I invite you to call ahead. I like ask more specific questions to create the right formula and gemstone group for you.

You will begin to see changes when doing ongoing, cyclical sessions; so I encourage you to make a habit of getting massages. It doesn't have to be every week, of course. How often you receive massage depends on where you are, and where you need to be. We do offer great packages that make your sessions a lot more affordable.

I look forward to seeing you, and working together to bringing wellness into your female

space.

Overview: Hot Stone Massage

By Margarita Camarena, Massage Therapist

Nowadays a lot of people are familiar with Hot Stone Massage. Though it was revived by Mary Nelson two decades ago, it is a practice as old as the healing arts throughout the world.  

Different American Indian tribes incorporated stones in their healing arts, for example. They heated the stones and placed them on areas that needed healing. Alongside the physical benefits of its heat and weight, each stone was seen as offering a unique frequency that resonated with our body’s biology and energy field.

Contemporary stone massage is still an intuitive process. There is finesse and skill in knowing when and how to introduce the stones into the massage, at what heat, when to let them rest, when to move them. When you have that, though, stone massage makes for a very sublime experience. 

What is massage with hot stones?

A massage with hot stones, better known as “Hot Stone Massage”,  is exactly that, a massage using hot stones. You might also have stone therapy, which uses hot and cold stones to increase circulation, or to treat specific situations like injuries or inflammation.

Basalt stones are the main type used in hot stone massage. They are volcanic rocks formed under extreme pressure and heat. The blacker the stone, the denser it is. This density makes them great for storing heat. When they are placed on you, it feels like they melt through your muscles. With a proper amount of oil, basalt stones permit easy but penetrating work to be done. On another level, basalt stones are a mix of minerals such as plagioclase, peridot, pyroxene, and feldspar; these minerals are believed to rejuvenate each our systems. Other types of stone can be used. River rocks, for example, retain cold well. Marble, jade, and precious stones might also be used.

How a session looks varies a lot, based on the therapist and the spa offering it. At Atelier Emanuel, I love personalizing each session to fit the needs of each client for each time they come. That means being intuitive and listening to the stones and paying attention to: number of stones used and their size, shape, weight, and placement. Temperature, tempo and types of strokes will also be tailored. I always include aromatherapy, picking a scent that is soothing yet stimulating.

The Benefits

My goal is to aid the body to cleanse itself of free radicals/toxins and open up muscle tensions. I also hope to encourage a deep state of relaxation that, really, is akin to a hypnagogic state, still point induction, or trance work. It's a state where a great deal of healing momentum can occur.

Clients have found that Hot Stone Massage:

• Improves circulation and strengthens the flow of the lymph system
• Relieves muscle soreness and joint problems
• Releases toxins out of the body
• Stimulates soft tissue metabolism 
• Softens and opens myofascia
• Creates profound relaxing and healing effect on the physical, mental and emotional bodies
• Alleviates and prevents headaches related to stress
• Addresses insomnia and hypertension
• Strengthens the immune system
• Improves many digestive issues

How Do I know if I want a Hot Stone Massage?

A good gauge is whether you love hot showers. If you don't, you at least will want the temperature of your stones to be on the warm side rather than hot. With us, we are generally happy to switch to relaxing massage, if you experience discomfort. Ask your therapist about what your options are if you find that hot stones are not for you while receiving the session.

In some ways, a hot stone massage is a little bit like a sweat lodge. It's gonna get hot, and you're gonna sweat! I treat it as a profound experience, and it requires a certain amount of surrender to the process. It is worth trying, but it might not be for everyone. This is fine as, again, it is quite easy to shift gears into another form of massage.

What to Expect during a Hot Stone

In my sessions, I do a quick intake to find out a bit about you, your previous experience with hot stones,  and make sure that there are no contraindications.

I begin with Swedish massage or other modalities. When I introduce the stones, I begin with ones which are luke warm, then gradually build up to hotter ones. It is very important to establish an escalating temperature scale.

After working on the back and shoulders, stones are placed along the spine to increase craniosacral fluid circulation. This is often where people 'drop down' more deeply into relaxation. Meanwhile I continue to massage other areas of the body using stones and long gliding strokes. When you turn over, we do a quick check-in to make sure you are doing ok. You might drink water if necessary. Depending on your case, gem stones are placed at the seven chakra centers. Then we continue working on the front of your body.

Following Your Hot Stone Sessions

Stick around the spa for a bit after your massage. You are going to be extremely relaxed, and might feel  a bit disoriented. You'll need to let your body cool down to body temperature as well. It's a little thing, but Atelier Emmanuel is unusual in making sure that there is time incorporated in our scheduling for you to take those extra minutes to get grounded and alert.

Drink a lot of water and nourish yourself. Drinking water after any type of bodywork is important but with hot stone therapies, it's required. You are sweating throughout the massage, releasing toxins and electrolytes. Drinking water and eating good food will replenish your body. I also encourage people to keep a light schedule afterwards. Massage positively affects our state of mind; the more we nurture this after a session, the more it imprints!

Contra Indications

A massage with hot stones is a very powerful healing experience, please be sure you understand the contraindications. If anything listed below applies to you, do not have a hot stone massage.

• If you are under medication, please consult with your physician before having a massage with hot stones
• If you have varicose veins or you bruise easily
• If you are undergoing treatment for cancer, chemotherapy or radiations treatments
• If your immune system is weak
• If you have diabetes please consult with your physician before a hot stone massage
• If you think you might have fever at the time of the massage
• If you have heart problems, hot stones will increase blood flow and pressure
• If you have a system that is sensitive to heat
• If you have high blood pressure
• If your skin is inflamed or has had recent burns
• If you have neuropathy
• If you have peripheral vascular disorder
• If you are pregnant

If nothing from this list applies to you, gift yourself with a hot stone massage.

I'm sure that after you have a massage with stones, you will have a different level of respect for stones and gems. So if a rock in the ground catches your attention, don’t be afraid to pick it up and give it a new home or at least take a closer look! It might just be another healing adventure!

Old Hollywood Glamour Shoot

Celebrity and fashion photographers Ricky McGill and Henry Navarro have asked Atelier Emmanuel to participate in a trip back to Old Hollywood photography sessions. Back then, the portrait and pinup photos were the selling card of all actors. Ricky and Henry are looking to do an event that is part pampering session and part old style photoshoot.


The work of George Hurrell, the leading Hollywood photographer of his time, is the main inspiration for this upcoming photoshoot. Hurrell defined the glamour shot which is so familiar to us now. Think of Bette Davis, Rita Hayworth or Humphrey Bogart and you are likely visualizing one of Hurrell's portraits of these stars. There's a timeless quality to glamour shots. Photography with mood — strong lighting and lush shadows; shots taken with care and time, to get depth from the model. 
 

The idea of this photoshoot is to take a break and get pampered. The hour long session includes hair and makeup services, fashions, followed by the photo session. Atelier Emmanuel will be on-hand to provide all the hair and makeup services.

In brief 
What: Vintage Valentine Photoshoot + photo packages available on site 
Where: Studio 435, Harriet Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 
When: Sundays, January 29 and February 5. 9am to 5pm 
Who: Everyone 


How much: 

• $60 for a one hour photoshoot session
• Photo packages available for purchase on site (1 complimentary photo CD when you purchase a package)
• “Book and refer promotion”: Book a session and refer a friend* to get 10% off the photoshoot + 10% off any photo package (*friends must show up and mention your name at the studio for you to benefit from the discount)
• Group rate available on demand   

How to book? 

• Call Studio 435 at 650.701.5540 
• Limited seating available (100 seats). 
• Reserve before January 25.

Ricky McGill, has been a professional photographer for over three decades. As a contributing photographer for the Everett Collection, he has had the opportunity to photograph most well-known Hollywood celebrities and some of the most recognized music moguls in the industry.   

Henry Navarro began as a professional photographer in 2008 and soon began to focus on fashion photography. Navarro was nominated for Best Fashion Photographer for the Bay Area Fashion Awards in 2010, and for Best Videographer for the San Francisco Fashion Awards in 2011. He works with numerous agency representing models, including Ford, Scout, Cast and JE.   

AE at Yelperstitious 2012

After the fun we had at last year's annual Yelp party, they invited us again to participate. For its 7th year, Yelp held five days of parties for all its Yelpers. We set up shop on their fifth day, which was held inside Big Daddy's Antiques.


George, James, Britney and Paul offered stylings and Margarita gave 15 minute table massages. We were lucky: we were the only vendor that got to offer seated waiting for people in our line!

Check out the slideshow below for photos!

Product Overview | Styling Wax

One of the strengths of Bumble and bumble is the versatility of its styling products. Originally created for editorial work, Bumble and bumble products help create an incredible range of effects.

This background in commercial styling is what led Bumble and bumble to develop Styling Wax in 1993: One of the key assets of this wax is that it is easily removable with a simple wash. This is unlike any other wax on the market, and one of the many ways that Styling Wax is different. It needs only a little warmup and is easily applied, with no comb through needed. 


Who should use it?
Wax in general is perfect for short cuts or to add finishing touches to the longer ones. 
It's great for long layers or short rough men's cuts to piece sections out, as as that "Mad Men" look.


Styling Wax doesn't last as long as a regular wax. This can be a blessing or an inconvenience depending on how you imagine using it. Someone who likes to update their look more than once a day will love it. It's a great one to keep in your backpack for swift touchups.


Styling Wax was designed for professional photoshoots, where you want to be able to obtain a variety of styles within a few hours. It provides light to medium hold and shine. It's clearly great for those who like to play with their hair, as well as many guy styles, which ask for more looseness.


Styling Wax is definitely gender neutral. Celebrity fans include Ben Affleck, Dennis Leary, Matt Dillon, Michael Douglas, Sean Penn, Val Kilmer, Steven Tyler, Christina Aguilera, Halle Berry, Keri Russell, Selma Hayek, and Sarah Michelle Gellar love it!


Why use Styling Wax?
Styling Wax gives separation to any cut and sleek grooming with soft hold. 


It helps keep the hair malleable allowing you to change direction.


The big difference with other waxes is that Styling Wax is a water-soluble combination of wax and silicone that gives the kind of shiny finish usually achieved with oils, making it far less greasy than its predecessors.


Styling Wax puts an end to many model’s nightmare: struggling to get rid of the product. Before the creation of Styling Wax, the main drawback of waxes was that they didn't wash out: it could take days to dissolve it, driving models crazy. 


It comes in a nice round metallic box that makes it easy to carry in your purse, bag or pocket.
The fragrance is neutral and light: it won’t interfere with the fragrance of your perfume or shampoo.


How to use it?
Applying Styling Wax is pretty easy: it really doesn't need any heat to soften as it's very malleable already.
Just emulsify a dime-sized dab or two in your palm to soften it a little more.
Spread it through fingers and work through barely damp or dry hair. Use throughout for texture, or just on ends for shape and separation.


You can use it on its own, or cocktail it with other Bb products to obtain different finishes.
For example, mixing Styling Wax + a drop of DeFrizz will provide less hold and more shine.


The videos below provide some idea of the styles you can obtain with Styling Wax. If you're wondering how it differs from Sumowax (which we reviewed last week), continue reading after the videos.

What are the differences between Styling Wax and Sumowax?

THE main difference is the hold: while Sumowax provides strong hold that lasts all day long. Styling Wax offers soft hold. Therefore, if you’re the type of person who likes to stick to one hair style and have a sleek, shiny finish, we recommend that you use Sumowax. If you like changing styles often, then go for the Styling Wax. 


Another important difference is with application: Sumowax requires some time to warm up, soften and apply. However, it is almost nearly guaranteed that you won’t have to use it again throughout the day. Styling Wax is easier to apply but may require some additional applications throughout the day.

And then, Styling Wax is also easier to remove than Sumowax: thanks to its water-soluble ingredients, rinsing your hair with clear water will help you wash out Styling Wax very quickly. Sumowax, on the other hand requires the use of shampoo (and conditioner) to remove it. 

Have you played with Styling Wax yet? Let us know your experience in the comments!