The meaning of the word SPA is Sanitas per Aqua meaning health through water, so it stands to reason that various water treatment methods hydrotherapy are to be found in most Spas. The term Hydrotherapy refers to a broad spectrum of treatments using hot and cold water, showers, baths, foot baths, steaming , hot and cold compresses, body wraps and salt glows. The treatments are designed to improve circulation, draw out impurities, exfoliate, tone and nourish depending on the method.
Various natural ingredients are used such as herbs, foods like cucumber, aloe, pineapple, papaya, honey, milk also salts, sugars and oatmeal. Custom sheets are used to wrap the body after application of mixtures and scrubs and rubs are applied by hand or with a special mitten. It is extremely important to drink lots of water before, during and after a wrap.
Warm water is soothing and relaxing for the treatment of anxiety and muscle tension, cold water is refreshing for fatigue and stress. Here is a guideline for various types of Hydrotherapy treatments available today:. The feet are soaked in warm water scented with aromatic oils, minerals and in some cases flower petals and herbs. For healing or hygienic purposes, a bath taken in a seated position with warm water covering the lower half of the body. The water can contain healing salts and oils or medication.
Often used in conjunction with steaming and wraps, it is a wonderfully stimulating type of bath for opening the pores and clearing out impurities. Perfect for de-stressing, drawing out impurities, exfoliation and nourishment of the skin, the mud is usually a mixture of clay or volcanic ash, peat moss and spring water.
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This wrap uses herbs and oils for cleansing and rejuvenation, whilst the client breathes in the wonderful scents. This wrap combines fruit acids and a scrub to smooth away rough skin and is also good for skin on the back which is prone to blemishes.
