Variety is the Spice of Spa

Spa Magazine

For many people, when they think of indulging in a spa treatment, the first that comes to mind is a traditional massage. And while massages have become staple spa treatments for a great reason--they feel wonderful and impart some undeniable health benefits--there are a number of therapies on today's spa menus that you should definitely try in order to take full advantage of the spa experience. Here are a few to consider:

Meditation

Engaging in a meaningful relationship with your own mind--and training it to perform optimally, yields a multitude of health benefits for the body and soul. A number of spas offer meditation instruction to help you cultivate mindfulness in a variety of settings--from nature walks and floating guided meditation sessions in pools, to moonlight breathing regimens and stillness in a simple, quiet room.

Sound therapy is also popular. Primordial sound meditation is offered at the Chopra Center at La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, California. This is just one example of the many programs available that are designed to help you manifest your inner peace.

Ayurveda

Many spas offer centuries-old ayurvedic therapies (ayurveda is the ancient science of life that originated in India) to help support balance and cultivate bliss. Going beyond skincare, the revitalizing and therapeutic holistic treatments of ayurveda are offered by many spas and are customized to your particular needs--whether your type (dosha), is pitta, vata or kapha. Acknowledging that there are three pillars of beauty: inner, outer and lasting, your therapist will use carefully selected natural oils, healing herbs and essential aromas to provide you with optimal balance and nourishment for your particular mind-body constitution.

An example of an ayurvedic body treatment is Abhyanga-Garshana, which features a dry lymphatic skin brushing with a silk glove, followed by an individualized herbal oil treatment. The brushing (garshana) increases circulation and cleans the skin so herbal oil treatment can penetrate deeply. The individually prepared herbal-oil massage (abhyanga) nourishes the skin, aids in removing impurities, stimulates both arterial and lymphatic circulation, and relaxes the mind and body to promote overall healing.

Watsu

Watsu sessions take place in chest-high warm water, and involve both massage and a series of flowing, dance-like movements. While beginners are often led through a prescribed sequence of moves, more advanced practitioners often use the "free flow" method. This spontaneous approach allows the therapist to become increasingly open and free to intuit whatever movements emerge in response to the client's needs at the moment.

Chakra Balancing

Chakra (Sanskrit for "wheel") therapy restores wellness and balance by removing any blockages in the chakra system to achieve radiance of body, mind and soul. The theory is that within the physical body lies a spiritual body, and that is where the chakras reside--the spinning vortexes of energy contained in each of us--absorbing and transmitting energies to and from the universe, nature and people.

According to traditional writings, there are seven main chakras located along the central line of the body, from the base of the spine to the top of the head. Blockages are purportedly removed by a chakra therapist using a variety of techniques, ranging from manual manipulation, meditations or mantras, color therapy, crystal or gemstone treatments, and yoga practice along with other physical work.

Thai Massage

It's not your basic massage. Dating back to the time of the Buddha, Thai Massage is an interactive manipulation of the body using passive stretching and gentle pressure along energy lines. These movements help to adjust the skeletal structure, increase flexibility, relieve muscular and joint tension, stimulate internal organs, and balance the body's energy system.

The effect is uniquely relaxing as well as energizing. Receiving a Thai massage is a bit like doing yoga (without putting forth any effort) while also getting acupressure treatment. Sessions typically last two hours and are performed on a floor mat with the client dressed in comfortable, loose clothing. Thai Massage uses two primary procedures--applying gentle pressure with the hands and feet, and a wide variety of passive stretching movements instigated by the therapist.

These treatments are just a taste of what the best spas have to offer you--be sure to read the whole spa menu and ask the spa director questions before you choose your treatments. You're sure to create a spa experience that lasts much longer than the pleasure of a massage.