Life in the fast lane can be very tiring both physically and emotionally. Bad skin, damaged hair and sore muscles come as a part and parcel of the torturous city life. But hey! We all need a dose of loving and pampering. At the end of a long week, we need to repair. Why not head to a nearby spa and indulge in some exotic therapies?
Besides the usual feel-good massages, spas offer treatments for specific skin and hair problems. They are more useful in some cases and certainly more relaxing than traditional methods of medication. The neighbourhood spa probably has real answers to your woes. Explore these spa therapies which, besides being all yum, can also help iron out your problem areas.
Shirodhara
Stemming from ancient ayurveda, this therapeutic treatment is designed for the locks. It translates into ’shiro’ meaning head, and ‘dhara’ which means flow. Through a suspended bowl, a stream of warm oil is poured over the head over a long period of time. This procedure soothes and tones the scalp, nourishes thirsty hair and promotes hair growth. In ayurvedic medicine, it helps fight fatigue, mental exhaustion, anxiety, insomnia and headaches. Whats more? It also helps in enhancing eyesight! There are specialized forms of shirodhara called tailadhara, ksheeradhara, takradhara and jaladhara.
Gommage
Gommage is a process of exfoliating the face and body. Chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are easier to use but many spas opt for the traditional gommage treatment. The word gommage comes from the French word that means ‘to erase’. A cream or paste is thinly applied to the skin. It sits for a few minutes until it dries slightly. The spa therapist then removes it by rubbing. Gommages are sometimes used in body treatments particularly if the spa doesn’t have a wet room. They are highly effective in giving that silky smooth look to your skin.
Hair treatments
Spilt ends, dandruff, hairloss…ugh! Healthy, shiny hair doesn’t come easy and that’s where the spa experts come in. Some spas have volumizing and strengthening treatments that make up for the damage caused by constant rebonding and hair colouring. Others offer ‘power dose’ treatments where a chemical serum is smoothened into the hair - strand by strand. In as less as five minutes, you can get shiny slick hair!
Facial
Britney Spears goes in for regular diamond facials. Now you know the secret behind that flawless, glowing skin! A facial is the most basic beauty treatment for the face. It is the most popular and sought-after treatment, next only to massage. Different facials are designed for different skin problems but most of them help as anti-aging and skin-nourishing solutions. A pearl-based facial renders glow to the skin, a fruit facial hydrates the skin while an anti-oxidising facial repairs and protects the skin.
Body Wraps
Also called a body cocoon or body mask, a body wrap is a detox treatment that starts off with skin scrubbing. Then the body is slathered with a mask and wrapped snugly in plastic, mylar or sheets and kept warm for about twenty minutes. Body wraps that use algae, seaweed, mud or clay help rid the body of toxins through metabolic stimulation. Body wraps using shea butter and rich lotions help in hydration of the skin. Be warned that a body wrap is not a massage, but is a great way to detoxify.
Reflexology
Reflexology is the physical act of applying pressure to the feet and hand with hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion. It is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that represent a part of the body on the feet and hands. Applying the right amount of pressure at the right spot can have many physiological benefits on the body. Many spas have trained professionals administering reflexology. It relieves stress, improves blood circulation, strengthens the immune system and helps in conditions like arthritis, asthma and insomnia.
Medical Spas
Medical spas are a fast growing fad especially amongst actors and television presenters. They provide quick-fix solutions to common problems. They offer Botox and Restylane injections, microdermabrasion, and more aggressive chemical peels, all under a doctor’s supervision.
Spas in your city:
- Myrah Spa, Mumbai
- Shen Reflexology, Mumbai
- Space - the spa, Bangalore
- Body Spa International, Delhi
- Sowkhya, Chennai
- Nirva Spa, Hyderabad
Tags: health, reflexology, shirodhara, spa
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