The word SPA comes from the Latin “sanum per aqua”, which means heal through water, a therapeutic technique that has been used since the time of ancient Rome. In Thailand, they have this philosophy down to a tee, where SPA and fitness professionals will help you restore your body’s own natural harmony through hydrotherapy combined with yoga and fitness sessions, and of course massage.
The physical body however is not the only aspect when considering your SPA experience. In order to achieve an overall sense of good health and attain complete relaxation, the senses also play a part with the use of products of different fragrance, color, and texture, specifically designed to enhance the overall effect of the procedure. Facials and hair masks, arm and leg wraps, sea baths and fangotherapy or mud baths are all complemented by the use of aromatic oils, mellifluous music, soft lighting, and, to finish, vitamin drinks. In the midst of any treatment, you will find that you are submerged in a state of complete relaxation, comfort, and pleasure.
Before any SPA treatment, a meditation or yoga session is recommended. Meditation is an act by which an individual trains the mind to promote relaxation, build internal energy, and develop compassion. By mastering these initial aspects of this ancient technique, you will find that your emotions are better under control, having an immediate positive effect on your overall health. Yoga, on the other hand, is an ancient Indian practice that helps to relieve emotional tension and open up communication pathways between the mind and body.
The study of asanas or yoga postures, often assisted by modern equipment, have been shown to have a therapeutic effect on the human body, with studies constantly undertaken to show their effectiveness in the prevention of disease. Yoga has the ability to help lower the blood pressure, slow the heart rate, and regulate breathing, all necessary for those living in the fast-paced modern world.
Water is known to have an as yet unrivalled positive effect on our mental and emotional state, the use of which can help recover peace of mind, relieve fatigue and strain, and generally improve mood. With the water balance of our bodies changing as we age, its use in therapy has been shown to improve blood circulation, endocrine gland function, metabolism, and digestion. In order to achieve a stable positive result, all of these aspects are taken into consideration when choosing the correct SPA treatment.
After your meditation and/or yoga session, the next step is to continue with massage geared toward your own specific issues:
• Aromatherapy – a relaxing massage with natural aromatic oils made from the roots, leaves, and flowers of plants, helps normalize blood circulation and relieve muscle tension.
• Ayurvedic – an ancient Indian massage technique incorporating smooth stroking movements using warm essential oils to relieve nervous tension, emotional stress, and headaches.
• Reflexo-massage – a massage using the reflexive points located on the feet to regulate the flows of energy and restore balance back to the body.
• Shiatsu – an ancient Japanese psychophysiological massage technique using the whole body’s pressure points to release hidden body reserves. During the session, the massage therapist is supposed to give positive energy and remove the negative.
The biggest difference between SPA centers and traditional beauty salons is not so much in the services themselves, but in the general philosophy and personal approach to the customer. Implementing procedures in a unique atmosphere of peace, privacy, and tranquility, everything is done to ensure both external and internal changes in the body.
Incorporating the three SPA pillars – the healing effect of water and other natural products, a unique relaxing atmosphere including excellent service, and an individually selected set of treatments – Thai SPA centers are considered to be among the best in the world, and have few equals in terms of quality, treatment variety, and health-improving practices. Emulated throughout Asia, the Maldives and the Seychelles, in Europe, America and beyond, wellness and rejuvenating SPA salons using medical and fitness equipment as well as both herbal and cosmetic products of leading brands are open all over Thailand. There are programs for weight loss, cellulite attenuation, skin and body rejuvenation, toxic cleansing, and stress reduction, each incorporating bathes and body wraps, massages, traditional Eastern practices and more. One trip to your local SPA definitely is not enough!