Mega Bored
Apart from the usual facials, manicure, and waxing, a spa offers a range of soothing therapies that address various health issues. These health issues range from chronic pain, muscle pain, to skin problems. The next time you visit your local spa, try any of these rejuvenating therapies:
Aquatherapy
Aquatherapy involves the immersion of the whole body in an aqua-jet tub filled with warm water. The water is treated with a soothing cocktail of moisturizers, essential oils, aromatherapy oils, and exfoliators. The concept of Aquatherapy is to use water pressure to alleviate muscle and joint pain, boost circulation, and massage the skin. The treatment is also designed to improve a person’s tolerance to pain and enhance digestion. The combination of massaging water and aromatherapy reduce stress and anxiety too.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy involves manual manipulation of the soft tissues to improve health and well-being. This treatment is designed to alleviate pain, soothe muscles and joint stiffness. It also improves the flexibility of the ligaments and tendons.
Massage therapy comes in various techniques including deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, hot stone massage, Thai massage, and Shiatsu. Special massage techniques are also performed specifically for pregnant women, injured and/or handicapped individuals. Although massage therapy is comprised of different techniques, all of it involves using massage oils or powder to treat the muscles.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. This treatment is meant to regulate the flow of the body’s life force or qi to alleviate pain. According to Traditional Chinese medicine, the body has different channels wherein qi flows. These channels are called meridians. If a certain channel is blocked, the qi cannot flow. To unblock this channel, the meridian has to be activated using pressure. Stimulating the pressure points removes blockages that interrupt with the flow of qi.
Reflexology promotes healing through massaging of the feet at specific points. Each part of the food corresponds to specific organs. By massaging a certain channel, the corresponding organ is healed. Reflexology does more than promote healing, it also relieves stress.
Acupressure/Acupuncture
Acupressure and acupuncture are similar to reflexology. Both treatments are also part of Traditional Chinese medicine. Essentially, these treatments remove blockages within the body’s meridians. Acupressure and acupuncture alleviate pain, heal sickness, and promote natural healing. The only difference between acupressure and acupuncture is that the latter uses fine needles to stimulate acupoints. The therapist will insert the needles in various parts of the body to clear the meridians and let qi flow into the body freely. These treatments are suitable for relieving aches and pains, speeding up healing of injuries, and improving circulation.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is an alternative form of healing that utilizes aromatic essential oils and plant essences. These oils are designed to heal the body and relax the mind. The oils are massaged into the skin to facilitate proper absorption. The massaging action also activates the essential oils to release the scents. Different oils are used to provide deep relaxation and reduce stress.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
This spa treatment is meant to reduce bloating, relieve common aches and pains, as well as drain the lymphatic system of toxins and waste. Lymphatic drainage treatment also works as a weight loss remedy and skin revitalizer.
