spa treatments
From the days of the Roman baths to present day, the use of water has long been used for its rejuvenating and therapeutic effects.
Along with water, Spa treatments employ a range of naturally derived products making them exciting and effective treatments for the total well being of the body. The demand of today’s busy working life creates continuing challenges of how to balance relaxation and work. Stress can deplete the body of energy, leaving us tired and often emotionally and drained. Spa treatments strive to have a positive effect on the body helping to recharge the body systems to give vigour and vitality.
Spa treatments have developed into a variety of body therapies that are available at many salons. A number of the treatments may only be available at larger salons, Leisure clubs or Health farms. Spa treatments will often include treatments to help detoxify the body and help with the reduction of cellulite.
Massage Massage is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body using the hands. Swedish massage is the original form of massage and from it many other massage techniques have arisen. Massage is an ancient method of assisting the body to heal itself. It creates positive effects on blood and lymph circulation, muscle tone and nerve supply. A full body massage will consist of the legs, arms, upper chest, abdomen, back and shoulders and will last approximately one hour. Most salons offer a half hour treatment which normally includes the back.
Aromatherapy This involves the use of essential oils taken from different parts of herbs, flowers, trees, shrubs and fruits. These oils or essences will be blended particularly for your individual requirements and are applied through a variety of methods such as inhalation, bathing or massage. The essential oils have a huge variety of effects and are selected depending on a client’s individual needs. Essential oils can also be used at home and a professional Aromatherapist will be willing to advise you accordingly. Essential oils are concentrated essences and must always be used wisely. There are many available on the retail market; it is advisable to buy from a reputable store as essential oils can be adulterated, synthetically produced or mixed with inferior oils.
Aromatic massage This is similar to Aromatherapy, but the oils used will normally be pre-blended and not blended for the individual client. The client is of often given the choice of stress relief blend, relaxation blend or uplifting blend for example.
Body wrap Also known as cocoon or envelopment. The body is covered with mud, hot oil, cream or other therapeutic substance and then wrapped in plastic, sheets or hot linens. Warmth enhances the cleansing and revitalising effects.
Breema body work Is a cross between partner yoga and Thai massage. The practice is intended to bring body and mind together. There are no strong exertions or muscular contortions are involved.
Phytotherapy This involves use of plant extracts for their specific therapeutic effects on the body. The plant extracts can be applied in the form of wraps, packs or baths.
Hydrotherapy The use of water, internally and externally. Treatments such as steam baths, jet streams, and underwater massage are types of Hydrotherapy, the therapeutic effects being relaxation of muscles, stimulation of lymphatic flow and invigoration to the body.
Balneotherapy Traditional hydrotherapy treatment using natural spring and fresh water
Affusion shower massage Massage given under a warm, rain-like shower to improve blood circulation
Blitz shower Also know as jet massage, jet blitz or douche au jet. A high pressure jet of water is aimed at the clients body to stimulate circulation and remove toxins.
Plunge pool These can either contain hot or cold water to quickly warm up or cool down the body.
Hot tub A wooden tub with heated water
Jacuzzi A specially designed bath combining heated water and massage jets. Jacuzzi is a company trade name; similar treatments go under the name of whirlpool baths, whirlpool tubs or spa baths.
Kneipp baths Water therapy involving immersion in both warm and cold water to stimulate circulation
Sitz bath The lower half of the body is immersed in warm herbal water whilst the feet are soaked alternately in hot and cold water to stimulate the immune system
Thalassotherapy This refers to the use of seawater and seaweed. The iodine in the seaweed is said to help eliminate toxins and stimulate the body’s metabolic rate. Seawater and seaweed are also crammed full of minerals, vitamins and amino acids, which have many beneficial effects on the skin and muscles.
Thermal therapy Treatments using heat at various temperatures. Treatments may consist of wraps, with or without products, applied to the skin under the wrap. The effects created will increase the circulation and aid relaxation.
Laconium Dry and temperate sauna with heated walls, floors and seats. Beneficial prior to other treatments as it opens the pores.
Caldarium A gentle steam chamber with heated walls, floors and seats to 42-45 degrees C. Has a detoxifying effect on the body
Anthotherapy Therapeutic treatments taking place in humid caves from 30-42 degrees C or in dry caves heated by a hot spring at 50-70 degrees C
Hammam Middle eastern variation of the steam bath. Hammams are places of ritual cleansing and socialising in the Middle Eastern culture. Also known as Turkish bath
Rasul A Traditional Arabian cleansing ritual. Mineral rich mud is self-applied in a special steam room which may be filled with aromatic steam. The mud is rinsed off leaving the skin cleansed and detoxified
Fango Therapy The application of a warm, mineral-enriched volcanic mud.
I would love to have a Spa treatment more regularly, are there any products I can use at home?
Most salons that offer Spa treatments will retail some of the products used in the treatment for you to enjoy at home. Look for bath salts or scrubs that can be applied at home or used to soak in the bath. The Therapist will be able to help you choose the correct products for you and advise on how to use them.
I am pregnant and not sure whether I can book a Spa treatment?
Any treatment that employs certain essential oils or raises the temperature of the body is not advisable when pregnant. However this does not exclude all treatments. If you have any you have any doubts, it is sensible to check with a professional Therapist who will advise you accordingly.
