| A spa vacation package doesn't have to last a | | | | |
| full week, three days, or even a complete | | | | Perhaps you've heard tales, or seen photos, |
| weekend. Some spa packages can revitalize a | | | | of light-weight therapists walking along |
| person in just under a day, though longer spa | | | | patient's backs. This form of massage is |
| vacation packages can have much longer | | | | known as Shiatsu and originated in Japan. |
| lasting results. When looking into a day-trip | | | | While the massage traditionally is performed |
| to the spa you can often choose two or three | | | | with the patient lying on the floor fully |
| different treatments to be put together in | | | | clothed, modern spas usually keep their |
| your mini spa vacation package, so here's a | | | | guests on the massage table. |
| short, comprehensive list of some of the | | | | |
| treatments you can try. | | | | Stone Massage |
| | | | |
| Acupressure | | | | A relatively new trend in spa treatments, |
| | | | stone massage is one of the New Age |
| This is a traditional massage that hails from | | | | varieties. Various stones are believed to |
| Asia. Originally based upon the belief that | | | | have unique effects based on their |
| applying pressure to key points releases the | | | | properties, and depending on the discomfort |
| tension built up from blocked energy flows in | | | | in a particular area being treated with the |
| the body, it is now given a more scientific | | | | massage, certain stones are laid out along |
| backing as some studies show that pressure | | | | the Chakra in an effort to help balance the |
| triggers the body to release endorphins in a | | | | energy flow throughout the body once more. |
| natural reaction, promoting relaxation and | | | | The stones are often warmed before being |
| healing. | | | | placed on the skin, and the muscles they rest |
| | | | upon are usually kneaded with the stones |
| Craniosacral Massage | | | | before they are removed again. |
| | | | |
| A light-touch massage that focuses only on | | | | Hydrotherapy |
| the head using acupressure therapy to help | | | | |
| alleviate tension, and since only the head is | | | | Hydrotherapy is another fun little activity |
| involved it can make a good starter treatment | | | | you can add to your mini spa vacation |
| on your spa vacation package, particularly if | | | | package. It's essentially a relaxing soak in |
| you are shy about disrobing in front of a | | | | a hot Jacuzzi that allows your pores a chance |
| stranger. | | | | to open up and sweat out toxins while |
| | | | simultaneously promoting mental and physical |
| Reflexology | | | | relaxation. Most of these Jacuzzis have water |
| | | | or air jets that can pulse at different |
| Often included with manicures and pedicures, | | | | settings, and oftentimes the therapist will |
| this pressure-point massage originating in | | | | add oils or salts to the water for an |
| Asia focuses mainly on specific nerve | | | | enhanced effect and possibly some |
| locations in the feet, hands and ears, and | | | | aromatherapy. |
| can be a wonderful addition to any mini spa | | | | |
| vacation package. When the points are pressed | | | | Mineral Springs |
| tension is released in corresponding organs | | | | |
| and nerve locations throughout the body. The | | | | A Mineral Springs Spa offers an on-site |
| reflex zones are organized in a way that | | | | source of natural mineral, thermal or |
| represents the whole body. | | | | seawater used in hydrotherapy treatments. |
| | | | Valued for their medicinal properties since |
| According to some studies, approximately 75% | | | | at least the Roman Era, mineral springs have |
| of all illnesses are said to be related to | | | | been attributed with all sorts of magical |
| stress. Reflexology could keep us free from | | | | properties with some of the claims being true |
| the feeling of lacking motivation, tiredness, | | | | while the rest are absolute nonsense. |
| and inability to concentrate. Caution is | | | | |
| advised in pregnant women, based on reports | | | | Today's science has been known to say that |
| that rigorous stimulation of the feet may | | | | various minerals, and particularly salts, can |
| cause contractions of the uterus. | | | | affect the person soaking in them in ways |
| | | | from drawing out toxins in the body to |
| It is claimed that reflexology opens pathways | | | | oxygenating the skin cells. Such a treatment |
| to renew ourselves and boost our energy | | | | is almost a must on the to-do list of any |
| level, immediately after treatment and for | | | | mini spa vacation package. |
| several days afterwards. Stimulation of the | | | | |
| foot can unblock and increase the flow of | | | | There are several other kinds of treatments |
| vital energy to various unhealthy parts of | | | | you can add to your spa vacation package, |
| the body and promote healing. Clients often | | | | some of which are available only from |
| fall asleep and describe the experience as | | | | specific spas and are known as signature |
| the most relaxing hours of their day. | | | | treatments from those locations. Any way you |
| | | | decide to go you're sure to have a relaxing |
| Shiatsu | | | | day at the spa. |