Timeless spa treatments
Almost everyone deserves to experience a spa treatment in their life time. Although some treatments come at a price, the practice of having a massage, after a haircut at a salon gives an added value for the guest. Some people use spa treatments as a vacation or a way to unwind from the stress of a hard day’s work. Understandably treatments at establishments vary, and the guest can pick out the ideal package suited for one depending on the prices and accordingly to their budget.
When visiting a spa, the idea of getting a full body rejuvenating treatment, makes the guest feel clean and refreshed. It takes a few hours to achieve this experience, and the time spent at the spa is worth the money. Spas are operated by skilled professionals that are trained in their particular techniques. Spa treatments help us with relief and stress reduction, soothing muscles and sore joints and making us feel better in physical and mental health. Visits to a day spa, helps guests indulge in that much needed time to relax, recharge, and detox.
The two basic principles considered in a spa are removal of the toxins from the body and the removal of dead cells from the surface of the skin. The spas also address on muscle relaxation and hydration.
A massage is a treatment known to everyone, be it a head massage, or a body massage, it is a treatment that has been practiced for decades. When one books a 30 minute massage, the therapist concentrates for only a specific area, but for a treatment of a full head to toe, one will need to go for an hour or so to feel the effect of the massage. Many types of massages are offered in a spa whilst most of the treatments are geared towards relaxation of muscles, though some types are thought to stimulate collagen growth and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Massage therapy improves blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells. It stimulates the lymphatic system which carries away the waste products.
In a deep tissue massage, this firm and deep massage uses specific techniques to release emotional and physical tensions and blockages. A well known Swedish Massage, is a technique that involves various strokes such as kneading, rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes, circular pressure applied by the hands and palms, friction, and so on, using lotion or oil. It is an effective treatment in relieving stress, tension and muscle pain, thus increasing circulation, flexibility and relaxation.
Hot Stone Massage is the involvement of smooth heated stones that are placed on certain parts of the body by the therapist. The therapist may use the stones in her palms to massage with gliding movements to do so. As the penetrating heat and weight of the stones warm the body, it enables the therapist to work deeper and more quickly loosening the tense/tight muscles and, to balance energy centers in the body. Movements like rhythmic tapping are also used in a Swedish massage. Hot stones are typically made of basalt; the iron-rich stones retain heat. River rocks are used, because they have become smooth over time from the rivers current.
Aromatherapy Massage is a therapy where one or more plant oils known as essential oils is added to address specific needs of an individual. It is the natural extraction of aromatic essences derived from plants for physical and emotional health and well being. In Aromatherapy, the therapist selects different oils that are relaxing for stress related conditions, energizing and balancing of the body. Some widely essential oils used are Lavender, Chamomile, Rose, Geranium, Sage, eucalyptus, Tea tree, Rosemary, Pine , peppermint oil, lemon grass, oregano, ginger, etc. The fragrant/aromatic oils when inhaled or applied to the skin, have shown to help people overcome various health problems without the need for medications. Because the essential oils are made using various medicinal plants, like flowers, herbs, roots and trees grown all over the world, these aromatic essences are combined with a carrier oil such as jojoba, or even coconut oil before being applied to the skin.
Deep tissue massage, is used for chronic aches and pains and contracted areas such as a stiff neck, upper or lower back pain, tightness of leg muscles and sore shoulders. The deep tissue massage targets the deep layers of muscles and connective tissue, where the therapist uses slow movements or friction techniques on the muscle, with massage oil.
Shiatsu is a massage that was primarily developed in Japan. It involves applying pressure to specific points on the body. Each point is held for a few seconds to improve the flow of energy and help the body regain balance. The therapists use their fingers, thumbs and palms in a continuous rhythmic sequence, and the finger pads to apply pressure throughout the treatment. Shiatsu is used to relieve stress and protect against stress related health problems.
Thai massage is somewhat like Shiatsu, aligns the energies of the body by using pressure points on specific areas and it involves compressions and stretches. The therapist moves and stretches you into a sequence of postures. It reduces stress and improves flexibility.
Reflexology is sometimes called a foot massage. It is a sort of bodywork that focuses primarily on the feet .Reflexology involves to applying pressure to certain points of the foot that corresponds to the organs and systems of the body. It is very relaxing to people who stand on their feet all day. Reflexology promotes relaxation, improves circulation, soothes tired feet, and encourages overall healing.
Massages are used to heal and rejuvenate and the overall well being of the body and the three key words to wellness is body, mind and soul.
Mehroon Wahab The writer is a former media representative for ‘Spa Asia’ and it was during her tenure that the Singapore based magazine published a 14-page feature on ‘Sri Lankan Spas’.
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