Beauty & Spas in North Carolina

Once an international gymnastics competitor, Ken Haas had to turn away from the tumbling lifestyle after his body began to ache. Sports orthopedists couldn't determine what was wrong, he told Charlotte Today, but a kinesiologist finally helped him through alternative methods—methods that Ken, now Dr. Haas, employs at Haas Wellness Center. Understandably, applied kinesiology remains one of the center's major focuses. This system tests for muscle responses throughout the body, scouting for weaknesses that could indicate treatable conditions. Its techniques can even incorporate teachings from acupuncture and nutrition for a truly holistic approach.

Dr. Haas's other services run the gamut from screenings for environmental toxins to natural weight-loss programs and low-level-laser therapy, a purported pain deterrent. Trigger-point therapy, myofascial-release work, and essential oils all contribute to the center's signature massage, and craniosacral therapy employs extremely gentle touch—no more than the weight of a nickel—to try and relieve imbalanced nervous systems, a more relaxing method than shouting into your ear for your brain to "stay calm!"

Aesthetician Lina Yang trained as a medical professional in China before making her way to the United States. After arriving in the States, she studied aesthetics with dermatologist Dr. James Fulton, who went on to codevelop the topical acne treatment Retin-A. Today, Lina—whose numerous credentials include an international certification in Xtreme lash extensions—owns and operates Skin Essence. Stationed in her warmly lit spa, Lina relies on 20 years of experience and a team of skincare professionals to rejuvenate complexions and pamper bodies with a full menu of medical-grade spa treatments. The staff specializes in diamond-peel-microdermabrasion treatments and nonsurgical face-lifts, both of which help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, blemishes, and discoloration; clients may see noticeable improvement in their skin after one visit.

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Jade Aveda is a devoted ambassador of their namesake brand. By using Aveda's naturally derived, eco-conscious skin and hair products, they're able to support their mission to "take care of our guests and our planet, keeping both looking beautiful." In keeping with the Aveda spirit, Jade refers to their services as "experiences," turning even a routine haircut into a chance to unwind by including a scalp massage and other relaxing rituals. As stylists perform cuts, coloring treatments, and complimentary chair spins in the salon, the spa team nourishes skin with brightening facials and rosemary-mint body treatments.

Jade's interest in beautifying the planet and its people runs deeper than what they do at the salon, however. They're also invested in two philanthropic initiatives: the first is an annual fashion show to raise money for the Catawba River Keeper Foundation to protect local watersheds, and the second donates funds to area cancer centers during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Given this devotion to both their clients and their community, it's not surprising that Jade was the recipient of an Angie's List award for outstanding service in 2012.

Endorsed by financial author Dave Ramsey and highlighted on Oprah Winfrey's Life Lift blog, eMeals charts out a week's worth of dollar- and health-savvy dinner recipes to relieve the burden of kitchen-related stress. Each week, organized grocery lists—categorized by family size, dietary desires, and store preferences—showcase flavorful culinary creations for discerning palates. Plans developed by working parents capitalize on sale items at stores such as Walmart, Publix, and Kroger, and an "any store" list can be used to navigate the aisles of other favored grocers. Family meal plans serve seven meals for three to six people, whereas plans for two are tailored to singles, couples, or a pair of sock puppets on a date atop a chest of drawers.

Special paleo, gluten-free, clean-eating, low-fat, and portion-controlled meal-plan options aid nongeneric eaters in assembling targets for their teeth and fitness regimens. The classic version of the Walmart family plan supplies culinary sustenance to families of three to six for an average weekly cost of $75–$85 and takes advantage of the store's regularly discounted prices. A duo can fill a Publix cart for $50–$60 a week, including side dishes.

Born of founder Jane DeLaney's desire to feed her family stress-free dinners provisioned from an organized list without coupons, eMeals allows shoppers to spend more time at the table and less time wandering about the grocery store uttering monophonic 10th-century chants in dismay.

For Doctor of Chiropractic Lucas Kruse, chiropractic care is a family tradition. He's a second-generation chiropractor and is proud to be one of five Kruse family members delivering chiropractic care throughout the United States. After serving for eight years as an enlisted Navy hospital corpsman during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Kruse attended New York Chiropractic College and completed additional training for pediatric patients. Today, family continues to play a vital role at Kruse Chiropractic, as patients often spot Dr. Kruse's wife, Julie helping at the front desk, assisting with patient care or reminding one of their four children that teddy bears don't benefit from time on the intersegmental traction device. Though his time in the military is behind him, Dr. Kruse remains passionate about getting veterans the care they need. As a member of the American Legion, Purple Heart Association, and the veterans committee of the North Carolina Chiropractic Association, he is working to add chiropractic options to the North Carolina Veterans Affairs hospital system. An avid golfer in his spare time, Dr. Kruse is also certified in the treatment of golf-related injuries and performance enhancement, and can perform a golf-swing analysis to determine areas of restriction, weakness, or imbalance.

At G'nique's Spa Services, owner, aesthetician, and massage therapist Genique Freeman guides her team with the conviction that total wellness is achieved when each patient feels beautiful, relaxed, and cared for. Freeman's staff makes a point of opening communication lines with each client, welcoming both English and Spanish speakers and discovering their patients' treatment preferences and favorite Kevin Bacon films via a simple online health-history form. Organic and wild-harvested ingredients from product lines such as De La Terre ease health concerns, and skin-purifying treatments are frequently paired with massages to heighten the therapeutic effects of both. Calm lighting and soft music welcome clients to leave their workplace stresses at the door, and a no-walk-in policy ensures patient comfort by safeguarding against overcrowding or a sudden influx of encyclopedia salesmen. Also supporting the spa's philosophy that physical and psychological health go hand in hand, G'nique's encourages veterans and their families to take respite in pampering by offering military discounts on specialty services, such as massages and facials.