 | When you plan a trip to a spa, you have a variety of treatments to
choose from. Some treatments are more common than others, but all of
them are enjoyable when given by a skilled professional. If you have
never been to a spa before, the assortment of services available may
seem overwhelming. You may not know what each service consists of or how
to choose between them. Learning a little more about each type of
treatment may help you decide what you will enjoy most.
The most common type of spa treatment is the massage, but there are a variety of massage techniques that may be offered. The most popular type is the Swedish massage, during which the therapist will apply massage oil to your skin in long, smooth strokes. Often, the massage oils used are scented to incorporate aromatherapy into the massage. Typically, the therapist will start by massaging your back and the back of your legs while you lay face-down on the table. The parts of your body that are not being massaged are covered by a sheet. When the therapist is finished with your back, he or she will hold the sheet up and look away while you flip over. Once you have turned over, the therapist will massage the front of your legs, your arms and your neck and shoulders. When you get your first massage, you may feel slightly uneasy about being naked. If so, you can opt to leave your underwear on. Other types of massage that may be offered include deep tissue massage, hot stone massage, and shiatsu. Another popular treatment to enjoy at the spa is a facial. Facials are performed to cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize the skin. The esthetician will begin by cleansing your face with cotton pads or sponges and a product that is appropriate for your skin type. He or she will then apply an exfoliant, and a steam vapor may also be applied at the same time. The esthetician may or may not extract blackheads and whiteheads, depending on whether or not you need it. You will then receive a facial massage, and a facial mask designed for your skin type will be applied. A toner or moisturizer, or both will be applied to complete the facial. Your esthetician may also offer you skin-care advice to follow when you return home. There are also different types of body treatments you can receive at the spa. The most common is a body scrub or body polish, which includes cleansing, exfoliation and moisturizing for your entire body. Sea salt, oil, and aromatics are applied to your skin to cleanse and exfoliate. You then gently rinse off with or without soap and return to the table. You may choose to receive a body mask or body wrap after the scrub, or you may have a massage. The body mask or wrap may consist of a detoxifying treatment of mud or seaweed. Lotions and creams are used for hydrating treatments. Other popular options for your trip to the spa include waxing or laser hair removal. Laser hair removal is done to remove facial hair. Waxing may be done to remove hair from various parts of your body, and the Brazilian Wax is the most common. Some locations have also begun offering medical treatments, such as microdermabrasion and Botox injections. No matter which service you choose, you will leave the spa feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. bath mud |
