In the age of endless stress and routine workloads, humans have slowly embraced the idea that self-relaxation and pampering have become necessities rather than luxuries. Combining the health benefits of hydrotherapy and thermal therapy used in ancient Rome; and the healthy body massage therapy from eastern culture, modern man has re-invented the “SPA” as an important place of physical and mental healing within the bounds of the metropolis. In the United States alone, more than 57 million Americans or one-fourth of their adult population has visited a spa at least once a year. Such patronage has propelled the spa industry to its present height and popularity.
People visit a spa for a number of important reasons. The most common reason is to de-stress after a day of hard work, which is almost always combined with physical stress and mental stress. In the modern times, the church and the spa seem to be the only two places in our society where we can truly remove ourselves from the influence of technology and self-meditate in silence. A full body massage can make muscles feel relaxed and flexible after a strenuous day at the office. Pampering oneself with the complete body spa experience, consisting of therapeutic massages, a facial, foot scrubs, a manicure and a pedicure; can garner psychological benefits and improve self-confidence.
A health spa can enroll patrons to weight loss programs to improve their body physique and prevent diseases that stem from being obese and overweight. Getting rid of those excess fluids and toxins from the body is one of the most important functions of detoxification therapies available in a spa. Toxins may be suctioned from the body using “moxa ventosa” or candle suction. Internal cleansing regimens and natural fiber therapy are also available for a healthier gut and prevent gastro-intestinal cancer.
It is also important to note that a facial is one of the few body spa approaches that causes one to feel and look good at the same time. Spas have actually carved a niche in anti-aging treatments by making skin firmer and preventing premature wrinkling. The applications of massage therapy, hydrotherapy and thermal therapy have been proven to improve blood circulation in the body and control hypertension among patients. Better circulation can also augment the body’s immune response against invading pathogens. These therapies can also ease the pain of chronic arthritis in its naturopathic sense. Some health spas provide yoga and Pilates classes which improve breathing. The relaxation that one achieves during a session in a spa has been proven to improve sleeping disorders by restoring the natural biorhythms of the body.
The possibilities are endless as newer trends and researches are constantly pursued in the spa industry. Sometimes it is not only about the health importance of a spa that satisfies the mind and body. The spa culture has become an opportunity to provide people with real personal time or “me time.” Such freedom to get pampered is truly rare and precious in this busy world of ours.
