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Asian Spa Treatments 101
The word ‘spa’ originates from the Latin phrase
salus per aquam, which is ‘health from water’. Spas,
a healing sanctuary for health, were also used as a gathering
place for the Ancient Romans who saw it as a social opportunity
to gather and exchange casualties. Nowadays, spas have become
a wellness haven with an assortment of therapies to cater to specific
individuals. In Asia, spas offer treatments that combine modern
techniques with traditional methods. Common spa treatments that
can be experienced in Asia are as below:
Body Scrub/Polish
An exfoliating session to remove impurities and dead cells reveal
a glowing, healthy skin. Blends of mineral salts, indigenous Asian
herbs and essential oils are rubbed and massaged on the entire
body to stimulate blood circulation, preparing the skin for further
wraps or treatments.
Scrubs
- Dead Sea Salt – some find it
rough on the skin, but it effectively moisturizes and
exfoliates.
- Javanese lulur – soften and
refine skin with an aromatic blend of powdered turmeric,
sandalwood, sweet woods and spice roots to soften and
refine skin.
- Balinese Boreh – the concoction
of galanga, rice powder, turmeric, sandalwood, lime leaves,
ginger, whole cloves, nutmeg warms up the body. Good for
relieving headaches, fever, muscle aches, arthritis and
improve blood circulation.
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Body Wrap
The body is slathered with mud, gel or herbal mix before it is
wrapped in a tin foil blanket to keep the body warm. The concoction
is allowed to seep in for about 20 minutes for a pampering and
detoxifying experience. Different wraps work differently.
Wraps
- Marine Mud – relieves aches,
pain and tension
- Seaweed – detoxifying process
prevents water retention and aids in elimination of toxins
- Papaya – cleansing and hydrating
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Body Massage
Therapists alternate between applying pressure accordingly to
the muscles to loosen knots for tension and stress release. Boost
overall body circulation with gentle and caring touch that helps
release endorphins in the body.
Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage – relieves
chronic tensions by combining slow strokes and pressure
on muscles and tendons.
- Shiatsu Massage – Deep pressures
are applied to the meridian pressure points to manipulate
the Qi energy for an overall internal organs benefits.
- Swedish Massage – combines long
strokes, kneading, tapping, friction and shaking motion
and apply pressure on muscles by rubbing muscles against
bones in the same direction as the blood flow.
- Aromatherapy Massage – totally
relaxing to mind, body and spirit as the massage balances
and harmonizes the body with gentle technique infused
with natural essential oils. Different oils may be used
in accordance to client’s needs for relaxation and
induce sleep.
- Thai Massage – combines yoga
stretching, acupressure, exercise movement and reflexology.
Performed on a mattress on the floor. Guest is fully dressed
in comfortable loose clothing.
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Hydrotherapy Baths
Think large bathtubs equipped with heated air jets. The individually-controlled
air jets work sequentially with water for a whole body massage.
For greater therapeutic benefits, add essential oils to the water.
Detoxifying, lymphatic draining and increases circulation –
the perfect stress buster. Sufferers from sports injury, arthritis
and vascular disorders will find comfort in the relaxing treatment.
Just make sure the warm water is to your liking.
Essential Oils
- Chamomile – soothes skin, opens
up pores, rids blackheads, aid digestive problems and
enhances sleep.
- Ginger – relaxes sore muscles,
improves circulation and tones skin.
- Rose – stimulates liver and
stomach function and anti-depressant properties.
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