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Day Spa
Everyone needs a break once in a while. The world that we live in is such a
crazy, restless place that it can be easy to fall into the trap of working too
hard and burning out. Feelings of being run down, depressed and short tempered
can be very common in today’s society and sometimes it is necessary to recharge
both mind and body with a trip to a Spa.
The word spa is thought to come form Greek mythology, with the word being an
acronym for ‘Soles Per Aqua’ or ‘health through water’. However this is only
half of the story behind the word Spa.
The origin of the word Spa in relation to today’s idea of the ‘a spa’ can be
traced to the Belgium town of Spa. During the 16th centaury Spa was known throughout
Europe as the place to come and relax. Natural hot springs were Spa’s secret,
using them to provide a range of features and creating a place for new energy,
relaxation of the body, mental exercise, a new motivation for living and also
treatment of illness and promotion of health, which helped to earn the town
its name. It wasn’t until the early 1990’s that the term spa was introduced
into North America and the ideas of Spa philosophy; unity of body & soul, harmony
& balance, new energy and inspiration with positive energy.
When your mind, body and spirit demand to be nurtured, pampered, rejuvenated,
refreshed and recharged you may decide to go to a Spa. Spa services and programs
are now found whenever you want and need them. Wherever you may reside or your
travels take you, Day Spas are emerging in large metropolitan areas, suburbs
and shopping malls. Day Spas may be stand-alone facilities, part of a bustling
city hotel, connected to a health club, allied with a one-stop wellness center
or an adjunct to medical facilities such as rehabilitation centers, dermatology
clinics, plastic surgeons, chiropractors or even complementary medicine practitioners.
This directory will guide you to day spa facilities that take their business
seriously, and are committed to bring you the best services and products that
the spa industry has to offer.
The ‘The Day Spa Association’ oversees Day Spas and they have
established a set of guidelines on what is expected from a day spa. Below are
some of the more noticeable points of what they should be offering and what
you should expect:
A clean, safe, calming and nurturing environment
Private treatment rooms for each client receiving a personal service
Showering and changing facilities for women and men
Business licenses; professional, licensed estheticians and therapists on staff
Professional spa products
Along with what you should expect from a Spa, most Spa offer the same types
of treatment/relaxation therapies, including:
- Massages: Swedish, Lymph Drainage and Reflexology, Shiatsu, Polarity, Sports,
Deep tissue, and Deep muscle
- Body treatments: Body packs and wraps, Exfoliation, Cellulite, Body toning/contouring,
Waxing, Homecare program, Electrical impulse body toning, heat treatments,
Ayurveda treatments, Laser hair removal, Electrolysis and Hand & Foot care
- Face: Cleansing facial, Homecare program, Medical facial, Electrical toning,
Laser hair removal, Electrolysis, Cosmetics, Make-up consultation
- Aromatherapy: Personalized for body and/or face
- Hydrotherapy
- Steam and Sauna
- One of the following:
- Nutritional Counseling/Weight Management
- Private Trainer/ Yoga/Meditation
- Spa Cuisine
- Optional:
- Hair - full service salon, Scalp treatments and hair packs
- Spa manicure and pedicure
With all the programs to help reinvigorate and motivate any prospective stay
spa visitor it is not surprising to find the stay spa being the place of choice
for most people to start their healthy lifestyle changes.
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