Spa Treatment for Women

Anyone who has ever had the privilege of going to a spa knows the delight and relaxation reaped from it are unparalleled. The spa novice may not know where to start, though. Sometimes even someone who is an old pro at going to the spa may be overwhelmed and confused by the sheer number of services available and the constant stream of new treatments that are developed. Overall, spa treatments provide a luxurious way to relax as well as health and beauty benefits for women.

Massages

There are numerous types of massages. Some are designed to help you relax, such as Swedish massage and hot stone massage. Other massages help to invigorate or energize, such as the Shiatsu or Thai massage. Some massages are meant to work with the energy of the body, such as reflexology, also known as foot massage; Reiki; and aromatherapy massage. Prenatal massage is specifically designed to aid in relaxation for pregnant women and is attentive to postural needs and limitations of pregnancy. Deep tissue and sports massages are used to help relax and loosen tight, sore muscles, and this type often uses very firm pressure, which some people may not find enjoyable or relaxing.

Hair Salon Services

To list all the possible hair treatments available at a spa could take an entire book on its own. There are chemical processes such as coloring, perming or relaxing as well as traditional services such as cutting, blow drying and styling available.

Skin Treatments

Traditional spas offer many types of skin treatments. Facials are perhaps the most popular, which may include deep cleansing, pore analysis, removal of blackheads or whiteheads, toning, and moisturizing. There are also various types of skin peels and masks. Often makeup services are offered for education, following a facial or for special events.

Hair Removal

Hair removal is a staple at many spas. Most spas offer waxing services for hair removal. Some offer sugaring, which is similar to waxing, removing the hair by pulling it out of the follicle using a sticky, sugary substance instead of wax. Threading is done for some facial hair removal, using a thin thread, which is twisted around the hair and pulled, removing the shaft from the follicle. In a more medical spa, laser hair removal may be offered.

Hands and Feet

Many spas also offer hand and foot intensive therapies such as massage and paraffin dips. Manicures and pedicures are common, and somewhat less common at spas are artificial nail applications. Reflexology is sometimes its own service or may be included with a massage session.

Medical Treatments

Med spas, shorthand for medical spas, are basically a melding of the traditional spa and an outpatient medical clinic. According to the International Medical Spa Association, “A medical spa is a facility that operates under the full-time, on-site supervision of a licensed health care professional.” They are overseen by a doctor and may be staffed with nurses. These spas offer medical services, specifically things that require a physician’s supervision for use. Services of this type may include various injections of pharmaceuticals such as Botox, Restylane and Juvederm; dermabrasion for skin resurfacing and rejuvenation; laser or pulse-light hair removal; and certain types of cellulite treatments

References

• The Sanctuary Spa
• The International Medical Spa Association