Nowadays though the term Spa is used much more broadly and includes a number of categories and experiences, although all are in some way related to water. The well-being of our body and mind through the use of water is at the heart of a spa experience. Hydrotherapy is the modern term used to describe therapeutic treatments using water and we have the Romans and Greeks to thank for discovering the benefits that we have gone on to enjoy. Throughout the world there are many natural springs/spas where people flock to each year to enjoy the benefits and find pain relief for their ailments. However for those of us who do not have this on our doorstep, we have seen the huge growth in Hotel spas and salons all over the world, to accommodate and open up the experience for everyone to enjoy. The choice of treatments available is vastly growing, as we as a nation have become fixated on the benefits of therapeutic treatments and massage etc .One of the main reasons water has these benefits is when our bodies are immersed in water the bodies weight is reduced by 90% which relieves pressure on strained muscles and joints. This benefit continues even after leaving a spa, which is why we feel so good and want to return again and again. Another benefit to the body’s wellbeing is increasing the flow of blood through the body through the technique of massage. By warming the muscle through massage they start to relax and release pressure on the nerves and blood vessels in the surrounding area, which in turn gives pain relief. Research has shown that warm water helps to release our natural pain killing chemical, Endorphins, which make us feel better and help balance our minds.

Treatments available in Salons and Spas include various massages for restoring, balancing, revitalising and indeed energising, mostly using essential oils that deliver these benefits. Even if you suffer no apparent problems, the benefits to having a massage are tremendous. Women and men alike have reported feeling almost as if they are floating, such is the feeling of lightness you may experience. Similarly, if you have a spa bath, the warm waters and pummeling action on your muscles leave you feeling totally relaxed and rejuvenated. Reflexology is also a popular choice of treatment and for those of you that may have tried it, it has many added benefits. When our feet feel good then the rest of our body feels good too, so it’s important to give them a treat now and again too. We can also learn so much through our feet based on the principal that every part of the body is reflected in a precise area of the feet. Reflex points in the foot are stimulated to clear away toxins to enhance the energy flow along the energy zones throughout the body. This increases circulation, helping distribute much needed nutrients and oxygen and facilitating waste products from our system. The ancient Chinese practised thousands of years ago and today’s society are still enjoying the benefits.

Spa Treatments in the Western World are renowned for being expensive and are hence, considered a luxury. Today’s society tends to have more disposable income and we have seen an increase in the number of Spa’s opening. As a result of more women in full time employment, they want a way to relax and feel pampered in the little time they have to themselves. They find visiting a salon or spa on a regular basis helps them to distress and unwind, and escape from their hectic working lives as mothers/wives etc.

For those of us who find escaping the household/children etc too difficult, there are a growing number of freelance therapists who will actually visit your home, so you don’t have to go anywhere! This has the added benefit of fitting into your weekly/monthly routine much easier, but many report the convenience outweighs the benefits. For example, you simply cannot relax the same having a massage in your bedroom while the kids are running around screaming, as opposed to being in a dimly lit room with piped music playing in the background. So the general consensus being if and where possible, visit a salon if it’s for anything other than a leg wax!