Types of Spa Treatments
Spas have changed considerably over the years. Once a place for a sauna or massage, today spas can be overwhelming with the number of treatments available. There are beauty treatments, well-being treatments, dietetic treatments and even lifestyle therapies. Before you go, it will be helpful to understand these various services and their benefits so that you can get the very most out of your visit.
History
The ancient Greeks and Romans hosted the earliest forms of spas, consisting of several baths of varying temperatures and perhaps an oil rub. Greeks were enjoying the benefits of thermal baths as far back as 25 BC and perhaps even earlier. Roman citizens enjoyed Diocletian baths which could accommodate up to 6000 people at a time, so they were also considered social gatherings. During the Middle Ages, spas had a resurgence and were built around or near natural hot or mineral springs which were considered to have healing properties. During the Renaissance era in Europe, spa treatments were added such as saunas and steam rooms. Today's spas combine some of the same theories and practices as were used in Ancient Greek and Roman days as well as new technology and techniques to enhance the mind, body and spirit.
Significance
New and different well-being treatments, such as hot stone massage, are being added to spa menus daily. In the category of massage alone, you will find any number of cultural massages utilizing different methods to reach those sore, illusive muscles. Here are a few of the various types of massages available as well as descriptions.
Ayurvedic massage comes from India and is a very personalized form of massage. In Ayurveda, it is believed that we all have a "dosha" which determines which lifestyle and foods are most balancing and healthy for them. Dosha's (vata, pitta and kapha) are similar to the elements of water, fire and earth. In an Ayurvedic massage, oils are chosen for one's particular dosha as well as the massage technique utilized. The style includes tapping, squeezing and kneading the muscles in addition to more commonly used massage strokes.
A Balinese massage is a combination of stretches, aromatherapy oils and acupressure to stimulate blood flow, oxygen and 'qi' (energy). A Balinese massage uses a number of other techniques such as kneading, reflexology as well as skin rolling.
Deep tissue massage is just as the name implies. Deeper finger pressure and firmer strokes are applied to loosen tight muscles and get into the myofascia, which is the deep connecting tissue surrounding bones, tendons, organs and nerves.
Hot stone massage therapy is used frequently in modern spas. This involves placing smooth warmed stones on the body at key points to relax the muscles before the massage begins.
Types
Beauty treatments are also a flourishing business at spas these days. Some treatments which were typically found in a beauty shop are now being practiced in larger spas. Facials are one of the most popular beauty treatments and there are a number of variations on this type of treatment. A facial should leave your face feeling fresh, soft and very clean. A facial will typically include cleansing, toning and moisturizing.
Manicures and pedicures are also two treatments that you could expect to receive at a spa. Again, each spa has varying techniques, such as hot wax to soften hands and feet, scrubs, massages and exfoliation to accomplish the task of softening and conditioning your skin and nails.
Potential
Hair removal is also on the list of most spa menus. Whether you are interested in removing unwanted hair from your upper lip, eyebrows, bikini, underarm, back or legs, most spas have one or two treatments to accomplish the task. The most typical method is the use of warm wax on a piece of cotton which is applied gently to the area, then after it cools, it is quickly ripped off taking the unwanted hair with it. This can be painful if you do not have a skilled technician.
Benefits
The benefits of spa treatments are vast. Just the opportunity for some men and women to take several hours from their busy lives to indulge themselves at a spa is reward alone. But the added benefits of a healthier body, flushed toxins, more agile and flexible joints make them particularly appealing.
Spa treatments also include nutritional counseling, exercise regimes, and a number of other mind/body techniques, such as Reiki, body wraps, salt scrubs, mud baths and many other indigenous treatments.
There are day spas where you can take in the treatments for a few hours or you could spend a week in a spa resort in the Caribbean. The options for spa treatments are numerous.
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