Even for those of us who are cutting back on our expenses (and who isn’t?), a day at the spa is just an absolutely worthwhile investment. We all run ourselves around like crazy, stacking up abnormal levels of stress and pressure. A massage isn’t just some frivolous luxury anymore. People are starting to take note of the importance of relaxing and being pampered for once. It’s necessary for your health: physical, mental, emotional, maybe even financial, if you consider the reinvigorating effects a spa day can have on your mind. You’ll be refreshed and ready to go, with your mind sharpened and your body relaxed. You’ll attack your job or your job hunt with a new energy.
Think I’m glorifying a day at the spa? You haven’t tried it yet, have you? Even if you’re not going to the spa for a complete sense of renewal, you will at least have the options of so many different benefits, from younger looking skin to fresh manicures and pedicures. Many people don’t realize just how much spas offer these days. While some pamper junkies may just go for it all, not every treatment may be up your alley, and if you’re on a budget, you’ll want to pick and choose what sounds the most amazing to you personally. A massage isn’t for everyone, nor is a facial. But the same people who shy away from that full body massage might realize they can never again live without the facial. You never know what your spa personality is until you try! But the surprisingly long list of spa treatments can be overwhelming. How do you know what to choose? How do you know what will be just perfect for you, what will relax you and get the best results, and what will be the best use of your money? Research, research, research people. It sounds boring but it’s worth it. If you just take the time to read some of the different treatments online ahead of time, then you’ll walk into your spa just as calm as one should be at a spa – that’s the whole point, right? You’ll know exactly what you want, and chances are, you’ll be happy with it. And, there’s no chance you’ll get talked into spending your money on some treatment you don’t want. So, what are some treatment options you’ll be able to enjoy?
Massages
There was a time when a massage was a massage, and the biggest difference in type came down to what type of lotion or oil was used. But now there are tons of different massages to choose from, and they range from therapeutic and healing to just plain relaxing.
- A Swedish massage is the basic massage, just good old fashioned relaxation and some working out of that muscle tension.
- A deep tissue massage is a more intense Swedish massage. This is good for you if you’re experiencing muscle pain or tension, because this massage really works on those knots and problem areas. If you don’t have any real problem areas, though, the massage itself might be a little uncomfortable, with all the pressure used.
- A sports massage is more commonly performed by a physical therapist or massage therapist, since it’s meant to target chronic pain or problem areas – appropriately named, it’s ideal for the kind of pain and stress put on the muscles by athletics. It uses techniques like trigger point therapy to relieve that tension and pain. Unless you’re an athlete or have severe pain, this probably isn’t for you.
- A hot stone massage is a somewhat newer and very popular massage option. It consists, go figure, of massaging with hot, smooth stones. The masseuse will then leave stones in places like the length of your spine and the palms of your hands, to get energy flowing. The stones actually feel like smooth lotion being massaged on.
- Reflexology focuses on the feet primarily, but also can involve the hands and ears, because these are believed to be centers of “reflex,” that when massaged can generate a healthy energy flow. This is the way to go if you need an amazing foot massage, especially if your job requires you to be on your feet all day.
- Thai massage is a newer massage making its way to more and more spas. It actually incorporates yoga into the massage, with the therapist actually moving you into yoga positions in a calm, easy, relaxing way. This is a great massage for a yoga lover or a more active person.
Facials
- A basic facial involves a cleansing of the skin, a steam, and then a massage. It’s simple and relaxing, and it’s the least expensive option – however it’s not an effective option for any skin problems like acne.
- A special facial is like a basic facial for more sensitive skin, and is also great for dry skin, since it involves the application of hypoallergenic creams for moisturizing.
- Acne facials pack results with relaxation, by applying enzyme exfoliation and warm vapor mist, performing pore extractions, electric disencrustation, and finishes – before the massage – with a calming mask.
- A collagen facial prevents dark circles and wrinkles by adding a self healing mineral mask over a freeze-dry collagen sheet to the basic facial, and then applying certain nutrients to the skin to ensure the absorption of the collagen.
- The bio-lift facial adds a bio-mask of nutrients to the facial, to tighten skin and leave it younger looking and freshened.
- The alpha hydroxy facial uses these acids from fruit and flowers for their amazing anti-aging results. These acids are applied in the form of creams to take years and sun damage away from the skin.
- Aromatherapy facials might be the most relaxing of all, since it utilizes the well known de-stressing effects of calming aromas – here applied in a nutrient-laden mask. This is a really great option for both skin rejuvenation and vegging out.
Salon Services
A spa also offers what you can get at your hair salon or nail salon – but better. Take a normal manicure or pedicure that leaves your nails looking great, and now add soothing, calming elements, plus treatments that totally rejuvenate your hands and feet. You can get a manicure and/or pedicure with paraffin wrap, a hot wax-like substance that hardens around the hands or feet and makes skin so smooth and soft. You can get deep exfoliation to get rid of all dead skin, you can get a treatment with deep conditioning soft cream, and you can even get a mani or pedi with aromatherapy.
As long as you’re there, you might as well take the opportunity to get your hair cut, colored, and/or blown out. They’ll do a mean scalp massage when they wash your hair. Plan ahead and go to the spa at a time you need your hair done, too, since a lot of spas offer package deals when you take them up on a few services at once. Massage plus mani/pedi plus blow out, anyone?
Finally, don’t forget the more technical treatments you can get that are more routine than relaxing. Different spas offer cosmetic work like Botox, teeth whitening, laser hair removal, and chemical peels, to name a few. If you go for a medical spa, you will find a pool of options for the most effective treatments possible.
Remember to look into your spa to find out what packages they offer and the varying treatments. A lot of spas also do corrective treatments like hair removal, and they also do special events and deals for wedding parties, moms-to-be, teens, and more. Again, with a little research, you can find a spa with everything you want and need for prices within your range.
If you are considering medical spas, check out the following links to find specialists in your area:
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