Spa Treatments in Development

There's a lot more going on at the spa these days than just Swedish massages and facials. Here's a run down on some of the latest techniques.

Body Salt Scrub

A mixture of natural sea salt and special herbs and oils is applied all over your body, into your wet skin, one side at a time. Not only is its smell invigorating, it leaves you skin looking and feeling young and fresh. After each side of you is covered in the salt, warm water is poured over your body as a rinse. Sometimes included in your body salt scrub treatment is an aromatherapy session.

Hot Stone Massage Therapy

LaStone or hot stone massage therapy, has been rapidly gaining popularity over the last few years. Most spas have members of staff trained in the technique, and if you haven't been brave enough to check it out yet, it is definitely worth a try. Hot stone massage therapy combines the benefits of hydrotherapy (water therapy) and thermotherapy (heat therapy) with massage techniques, to create a deeply relaxing and healing treatment. Basalt is usually the stone of choice because it absorbs and retains heat better than other stone. The flat, river stones are warmed in water, in a special heater, to between 125 and 135 degrees. Some of the stones are then place on strategic places on your body, such as your spine, thighs, and between your toes, while others are used for deep tissue massage. The benefits of LaStone massage include: improved circulation, improved blood flow to tissues, improved elimination of toxins and waste products.

Algae Body Wrap

A marine algae body wrap is one of the latest health trends. Algae contains vitamins, iodine and amino acids, it has been shown to have many benefits including: reduced water retention, skin nourishment and re-hydration, improved circulation and increased toxin elimination. It is also said to boost your metabolism. All you have to do is get smothered in algae and wrapped in foil for about 20 minutes. It may feel a little itchy at first but that is supposed to be a sign that the algae are doing their job. Do drink a lot of water afterwards because the sweating will leave you dehydrated.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymphatic drainage massage works to stimulate your lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is an important part of your body's immune system. It promotes the elimination of toxins while it soothes and relaxes. Lymphatic drainage massage is of particular benefit for people who find that they are often suffering from common illnesses like the flu or colds. It is also highly recommended for people who are unable to get regular exercise and live a mostly sedentary lifestyle. Lymphatic drainage massage will also reduce swelling or puffiness. This type of massage should not be used if you suffer from malignant tumours, heart problems or thyroid or kidney problems.