A spa is a place to relax and rejuvenate with treatments that can be as exotic as they are soothing. Whether you’re boosting your immunity in a subzero cryotherapy chamber, easing sore muscles in a piping hot mud bath or getting your skin exfoliated with a red wine “vinotherapy” scrub, a day at the spa is the perfect way to take a little time for yourself or treat a special someone to an indulgent experience.
The term spa is derived from the Latin for “health through water,” and its roots extend to ancient Roman times, when entire towns sprung up around natural mineral and thermal springs, where people came to bathe, socialize and heal. Modern health and wellness spas are often designed to promote relaxation, improve appearance and boost overall well-being through holistic practices, such as massage, facials, and exercise.
In addition to traditional spa services, many spas also offer a range of other body treatments. The most common spa treatment is a massage, which involves the rubbing or kneading of the soft tissues of the body with hands, arms, elbows, knees, feet or a device. While it is sometimes misconstrued as a luxury, massage is a form of therapeutic and integrative medicine that can help relieve stress, pain, digestive disorders and other medical conditions.
Other common spa treatments include mud and salt baths, wraps, manicures and pedicures, facials, and other cosmetic treatments. A facial is a great way to boost the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, which can increase mood and improve mental health. Similarly, a face massage can reduce fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin.