With the health consciousness of the populace increasing by the day, commoners often stumble upon hitherto unknown fitness jargon. And the word – spa is in grave danger of becoming a cliché, now that almost all health talk is considered incomplete without a liberal scattering of it. Despite its frequent use in everyday talk, the word remains a mere eardrum acquaintance for many. Here’s a truth about spa basics.

The word is an acronym for the Latin phrase ‘sanus per aquam’ which means health through water. Today, its meaning has evolved to include a host of services on its menu, from healthy physical well-being or receiving treatment for an ailment, to peace of mind or an overall body rejuvenation package. Head to a spa and say goodbye to all your worries of getting in shape, toning up, relaxing, de-stressing and getting rid of the extra flab.

The flair of a spa lies in the right combination of stress management and beauty treatment that it offers on the menu. And while we don’t downplay stress management, we all know the effect of good physical therapy on a person’s emotional well-being. For example, a foot massage or a simple facial can energize and lift the spirit as much as it works on your skin.

Here are some of the most popular spa treatments that might be of some help to beginners.

body wrap

As the name suggests, a body warp is a procedure in which the entire body is wrapped in paste. This paste could well be a mud pack or herbal oil wrap. Assorted wraps are used to tone, moisturize, cleanse, and treat the skin. Mineral-rich mud is one of the most popular wraps, and Dead Sea mud is particularly known for its healing effects.

massage therapy

A massage relaxes your body, putting pressure on particular muscles and points to increase blood circulation and, in turn, metabolism. Ayurvedic massage therapies have been taking over spa-goers’ fantasies of late, but other massage therapies like shiatsu, hydrotherapy, and watsu are also very popular. While shiatsu massage is an oriental technique based on acupressure, where fingertip pressure is used to stimulate energy flow and resolve specific physical problems, hydrotherapy comprises treatments that are tailored to individual needs, whether be it relaxation, muscle healing or weight loss. Watsu is an amalgamation of shiatsu and water massage therapies. LaStone therapy is a technique that involves the use of alternating hot and cold stones to relax muscles and repair stressed bodies.

cosmetic treatments

A spa is also home to purely cosmetic procedures, such as deep-conditioning hair treatments or intensive facials, manicures, and pedicures. These treatments aim for the proverbial skin-deep beauty and are aimed at clients who have little time available for a quick makeover. One of the most popular cosmetic procedures is waxing, a painless hair removal treatment.

aromatherapy

This therapy is based on one of the strongest human instincts: the sense of smell. In this, a visitor is treated to the smell of particular scents that can relax and revitalize. It is usually used as part of a massage or facial and produces mood swings.

Medical treatments

Muscle stiffness, psoriasis, joint pain, injuries, and other disorders can be treated at a spa with the help of alternative therapies and medications. Medical spas are the next big thing.

detox treatments

Given our daily intake of junk, processed food, and the polluted environment we live in, our bodies are storehouses for toxins. Detoxification treatments aim to rid the body of all these toxins to aid in its rapid rejuvenation and increased metabolism.

weight control

Weight control therapies are the highest grossing among spa services these days. Weight reduction programs do not simply focus on temporary weight loss, but rather aim at a lifestyle change that will help you retain the reduced weight over time. Aimed at both sexes, the muscle toning and weight gain programs are the latest addition to these weight control programs.

stress management

A timely effort to de-stress frayed nerves is of paramount importance to workers whose high-profile jobs are demanding on their well-being. A number of stress management programs can instill a sense of accomplishment and take some of the load off the mundane tasks of work.

Other services

Spas have been pretty quick to jump on the bandwagon to offer honeymoon packages, bridal packages, romance packages, and anniversary packages. Soft couples on their honeymoon can indulge while pampering each other in each other’s company. Eager to put their best face forward despite immense pre-wedding stress, brides-to-be can take a week off before D-Day to calm their nerves and look their best. Couples looking to spice up their life together can head to a destination spa, where spiritual wellness, physical health, and togetherness await. You can also treat your loved one to a spa service of your choice for an anniversary.

To wrap

In short, a spa is a place where you can rest, relax and comfort yourself without limits, to face the challenges of life with renewed vigour.