If you think spa-going is a modern phenomenon, think again! A thousand baths dotted Ancient Rome and the grandest, the Thermae of Diocletian, stretched over 1.4 million feet. Large enough to indulge three thousand customers at once! Today’s spas are more modest however the benefit and pleasure derived from a wonderful spa treatment is still as highly recommended as in Roman times. Today’s modern spa originated from the ancient custom known as “taking the waters” in spectacular European health spas that are still accessible today. Spa has been an important part of therapeutic healing and health maintenance throughout the ages.
The Egyptians, Greeks and Roman all used forms of hydrotherapy in the treatment of illness and chronic disorders and also to restore and revive general health and wellness. The use of water to soothe and relive pain and treat disease has been well recorded throughout history.
It is known that some of the common symptoms of mild stress and anxiety are often alleviated by the soothing warmth of a whirlpool bath. General fatigue can be treated by taking a warm bath followed by a cold plunge. And at the end of a long hard day the calming effects of a relaxing soak in an aromatic bath cannot be overstated.
As innovative treatments and newer versions of ancient therapeutic treatments comprise the modern spa, the marketplace continues to grow. Today a spa-goer often requires a detailed guide to the many professional services now available and advertised under the heading ‘spa’.
The ever-growing world of spa is wide-ranging from exotic getaway destinations spas to superior day spas in urban city locations. All provide rejuvenating, relaxing and luxurious spa treatments to soothe your soul. From therapeutic massage, healing aromatherapy to relaxing yoga the spa can be a refuge from the daily grind. Choose the spa style that best suits you needs and maximize your authentic spa experience.
Ayurvedic Spa – This type of spa is based in the ancient Indian practise of traditional folk medicine, includes, nutrition, herbal therapy, aromatherapy, massage and meditation.
Day Spa – A clean, safe and nurturing environment offering a menu of spa treatments administered by highly trained professionals. It can be a self-contained facility, but more and more the day spa may be combined with a full service salon, hotel lobby, shopping centre or medical centre. Treatments can last for 1 hour or all day. Alternatively, the day spa services are sometimes offered at night!
Destination Spa – A place where guests can participate in a variety of exclusively structured programmes, including, weight loss, nutrition, a fitness regime, healing, mediation, yoga and of course all the pampering the spa experience offers. A total renewal of the mind, body and spirit.
Eco-Spa – Eco-spas offer all the luxuries of a traditional spa but use of chemical and processed elements are strictly limited. The emphasis being on all natural elements.
Medical Spa – Spas that concentrate on wellness, preventive healthcare and cosmetic procedures. There is usually a Medical Director overseeing all treatments in combination with Medical Doctors of various disciplines, e.g. complimentary and alternative medicine, dermatology, plastic surgery, along with traditional head to toe pampering spa treatments.
Resort Hotel Spa – A spa facility at a resort/resort hotel, where guests who enjoy the spa concept can take advantage of traditional resort activities. Here guests can combine vacations along with the pleasures of the amenities the modern spa has to offer. The resort/hotel spas are often located close to a natural hot springs source.
http://www.spasincanada.ca/