Whether or not you have ever visited a health spa or a medi-spa, you would probably agree that these facilities provide some excellent health services that can help to improve physical and mental health.  Facials and massage, of course, are common to these establishments, as well as a host of other Euro-spa aesthetic offerings.

SPA MASSAGE

At every health spa massage is a common offering.  Depending on the type of spa or who may be working there, though, the office might offer different modalities:

• The most common form of body work at spas like this is probably Swedish Massage. This is a medium-intensity massage that uses a combination of strokes to work tension out of the body as a whole. It can relieve stress and reduce tension through improved circulation.
• Deep tissue massage is likely another common massage modality offered at health spas.  This is a modality that works the body in a way similar to Swedish massage but focuses on deep tension relief, more suited for chronic pain than acute pain
• You might also find Reflexology massage modality at your local spa. This modality applies moderate pressure to “reflex zones” in the hands and feet that are believed to stimulate other body parts to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and relieve pain

MEDITATION

Obviously, massage is very popular because it is a passive treatment that you receive. Your job is simply just to relax.  But while this is effective at calming the body, if your mind is still racing with worries about work or family that tension in your shoulders (et al) is just going to come back.  Fortunately, many spas also offer guided meditation to help you calm the storm in your mind as well.

SKIN TREATMENTS

Did you know that the skin is the largest organ in the human body? Or, “on” the human body. Anyway, you get the point.  Unfortunately, the human body’s biggest organ is also the outermost protective layer against toxins and the elements. As such, the skin can become soiled from daily life and can require deeper cleaning than a daily shower. Exfoliation helps to unclog pores, releasing not only dirt and oil but also toxins that may have been absorbed from the environment or processed in the body and working its way out via sweat.

Martin Pope