Ancient Therapy by Lorraine Mace

The word spa comes from a town in Belgium, but the therapeutic properties of bathing in hot springs were known long before the fame of Spa spread across Europe. Since far back into antiquity, spas have been considered a source of health and well-being. However, until fairly recent times, the benefits tended to be restricted to those who could afford long visits to these havens.

 

Fortunately, the advent of the day spa has opened the doors to everyone in need of pampering and now anyone with a few hours to spare can take advantage of the many treatments on offer.

 

But what are the benefits and why are spas so popular? As far back as records have been kept, it seems that hot mineral water has been easing aches and pains, curing headaches, soothing skin irritations and reducing stress.

 

Today’s health spas have a variety of therapies based on the thermal waters. Even rheumatoid arthritis is said to be eased by the natural endorphins released by the body during hot water therapy, but most spas also incorporate nutrition advice, beauty treatments, fitness classes, relaxation techniques and so much more. In fact, many day spa packages even include yoga instruction, meditation and cycle rides.

 

Hands-on treatments such as massage and mud therapies are very beneficial. The rasul, now available in many day spas, is a traditional Arabian cleansing ritual, which exfoliates dead skin cells, is believed to eliminate toxins and increase blood circulation. A treatment such as this will leave you feeling wonderful, but what does it entail?

First you coat yourself in different types of mud and then you go into the rasul (also called a serail) which is a steam room seating up to four people. The rooms are decorated in the style of Turkish Ottoman baths, with bench-seats recessed in walls of blue, silver and gold.

 

After about fifteen minutes of steam, you shower down in cool water. It is both sensual and fun, but is also a great for muscle tone and softening the skin. It is perfect for a pre-massage treatment, as the therapist will be better able to work the warmed muscles.

If looking for something more traditional, then hydrotherapy pools and hydro spas are the perfect way to go. They provide relaxation and massage benefits, are said to improve blood circulation, and also nourish the skin and ease tension from the body.

 

More health resorts than ever before offer a variety of day spa packages, which allow visitors to make use of the facilities without the cost of an overnight stay. Imagine relaxing in a warm whirlpool, or having a facial before heading off for a massage, followed by a delicious lunch – you’ll leave completely rejuvenated.

 

A day spa package can be bought as a gift, so why not drop hints to your family and friends that you’d like a slightly different birthday present from the norm. Or treat yourself and let the stress of everyday life float away on the thermal spring waters.

 

Finally don’t forget that spas are not a ‘girls only’ venue—they are just as popular with men these days too.

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