Foot Health Information

Spa treatments are the only methods that soothe, rejuvenate and revitalize the body, soul and spirit. There are many ancient and modern methods of spa treatments. In this article series we will explore the most delicious and beneficial ones.

Thalassotherapy

Thalassotherapy is from the Greek word thalassos, meaning "sea" It is the therapeutic use of seawater to treat various diseases. It is said that trace elements of magnesium, potassium, calcium sulphates and sodium, found in seawater, are absorbed through the skin providing medical benefits to the user. Seawater, seaweed, algae, mud and sand are all key ingredients of Thalassotherapy. Thalassotherapy is always done on the coast as sea water loses its healing quality quickly after being stored. So it is best to go to a spa near the sea to enjoy the benefits of Thalassotherapy.

The health benefits of pure sea water have been proven over hundreds of years. Mud baths, underwater showers, hydro-massage, aromatherapy, and seaweed, mud and algae wraps are all used in Thalassotherapy to revitalize and improve circulation of the body. The different forms are used according to the disease and patient temperament. Thalassotherapy has been found to help patients suffering from hypertension, arteriosclerosis, asthma, bronchitis, muscle atrophy, rheumatic arthritis, weight loss, cellulite reduction, post-natal toning, back problems, water retention, depression and sleeping disorders.

Types of Thalassotherapy

There are many different kinds of Thalassotherapy, mainlyIonization- In this the seawater is ionized with negative ions and is then inhaled or sprayed. This is a wonderful method for those suffering from upper respiratory tract problems.

Hydro massage- In this massage is preformed with the patient and masseuse inside the water in a tub or pool.

Balneotherapy- underwater massages where jets of water are used.

Vinoth�rapie- a combination of thermal spring water, indigo-elements with wine and grape extracts are mixed into Seaweed, mud or algae wraps. This method helps to strength blood vessels and encourages circulation

Balneotherapy-water-based seaweed, mud or algae therapies that use seawater or thermal spring water. This tremendously improves circulation.

Massages

Massages are an ancient method used for centuries to treat pains, injuries and disease. In a massage structured or unstructured pressure is applied, manually with the hands or feet or with aids.

The health benefits of massage are relaxing and improved circulation. They are especially beneficial for pain management and stress management.

Types of massages

There are many different massages, originating from all over the world

Ayurvedic

Abhyanga Massage- Abhyanga is performed by two masseuses working in tandem, using a heated blend of specially selected herbal oils. This massage originated in India.

Barefoot Deep Tissue – Barefoot Deep Tissue is a blend of Eastern barefoot techniques with Western manual medicine. Massage is applied by the masseuse’s feet and no oils are used.

Deep tissue massage- Deep tissue techniques are intended for more focused massage work. Specific joint, muscle or muscle group, are accessed through the deeper layers of the soft tissue.

Foot or sole massage- Foot massage is practiced by the Chinese who believe that each spot on the sole of the foot corresponds to an internal organ. The ailments are healed when the aching spots of the sole are treated by massage.

Hot Stone Massage – is done by using particular stones. The heat of the stones is great for stress reduction. The hardness of the stones allows the masseuse to address specific problem areas with more detailed work or deeper pressure. Neuromuscular therapy- Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) is used for pain relief and precise problems. NMT reduces pain, tension, postural imbalance, and lengthens and strengthens tissues.

Neuromuscular therapy- Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) is used for pain relief and precise problems. NMT reduces pain, tension, postural imbalance, and lengthens and strengthens tissues.

In the modern era spas are no longer limited to massages or a few therapies or for the rich and famous. Spas now a days offer a variety of treatments, in fact there are spas that are dedicated to special treatments.

Spas can be divided into a number of categories

Day spa

Mobile Home spa

Destination spa

Eco spa

Mineral health spa

Medical spa

Hotel spa

Club spa

Cruise spa

Day spa

Any hair or beauty salon, health centres or wellness clinic, that provides at least one hydrotherapy treatment comes under the day spa category. Day spa treatments can be from half an hour to a full day. They usually offer massage treatments, body wraps, hand and foot treatments, facial treatments and hair treatments health and aesthetic maintenance services. Day spas are ideal for grabbing a quick rejuvenating session during a busy week.

Mobile Home spa

Mobile spas are ‘come home’ spas. In a mobile spa, therapists come to your home with their necessary equipments and treat you in the comfort of your house. Mobile Spa is fast becoming a desired and convenient way to experience the benefits of spa treatment in the comfort of your home. You can even host spa parties at home with friends. Mobile spas are great for bridal shower, baby shower, girl’s time-out, birthday party or indulge in a romantic spa for two.

Destination spa

A destination spa is a place whose sole purpose is to help individuals develop a healthy lifestyle. These spas are nearly always located in places with natural beauty and sublime weather, like mountains, islands, and tropical places. At destination spa, the whole environment is synchronised towards fitness, healthy eating, relaxation and regeneration. But destination spas come in a wide range of prices and personalities. Destinations spas are for 2-3 days and offer holistic treatments spa cuisine, acupuncture, aromatherapy, detoxification, body tanning, massages, meditation and body wraps.

Eco spa

Eco spas are environment friendly spas; they concentrate on using natural remedies and substances for treatments and therapies. Not only in treatments but also their recreation is wrapped around nature, and offer activities like horse riding, mountain climbing, trekking and nature trails.

Mineral health spa

Mineral spas concentrate on the use of minerals in their treatments. The best way is a mineral bath therapy, as mineral water helps in rebuilding worn out muscles, expediting metabolism, and accelerating the healing process by improving blood circulation and detoxifying the body.

Medical spa

Medical spas along with traditional therapies offer preventive healthcare and cosmetic treatments. Complementary medicine, alternative medicine, botox, laser treatments, hair removal and dermatology treatments are a part of a medical spa. They also offer rehab treatments for alcohol, smoking etc. Weeklong programs are often carried out to help varied requirements including quitting smoking.

Hotel spa

Hotel spas are basically a hotel with spa facilities. Spa treatments are offered to the hotel customers and their primary focus is not the well being of customers. The spa services are offered so as to complement golf, horse riding, tennis etc.

Club spa

Club spas are fitness centres with added-on spa facilities in clubs. Along with the regular facilities of a day spa a club spa usually has swimming pool, a sauna and a steam room. This type of spa is only for club members.

Cruise spa

A cruise spa as the name suggests, is located on a cruise ship. Its like a party with spa facilities, as food and drink is unrestricted, which is an important part of spa therapies. Cruise spas are ideal holidays for the young and restless.

May it be any type of spa, it is definitely going to rejuvenate and uplift your mood, body and soul.