Sometimes, taking the absolute best care of ourselves inside and out starts with subtle shifts in our routine. It also starts trying something new. And I don’t think I’m alone when I say: what better place to start than some indulgent spa treatments?
Modern (and sometimes ancient) spa treatments are becoming more focused on so much more than beautifying and relaxation for relaxation’s sake. These days, many top spas offer the chance to indulge through a deeply rejunivating mind and body reset. It’s all about finding what inner-outer spa treatment you most need. Or maybe you’re just curious, and these unique spa options are great for that too.
Here are some of the most innovative, intriguing, and effective spa treatments for the mind(and body).
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy has been an incredibly popular spa practice for a while now. But it’s blown up in the past few years. For starters, top athletes tend to swear by this restorative treatment.
Sometimes called cold therapy, cryotherapy is often used to treat tissue legions. It’s also sometimes used to completely remove abnormal tissues. When nitrogen-cooled air at sub-zero temperatures comes into contact with the body for about two to three minutes, a variety of benefits are possible.
Some of the biggest benefits include increased metabolism, energy spikes, joint pain relief, muscle recovery, and potentially full muscle repair. And as it turns out, cryotherapy might be good for more than just the body. It may have brain-boosting benefits as well. Some medical experts say you may notice an overall improvement in mood following this chilly treatment. So why not step into the “freeze chamber” and see what happens?
Color And Light Therapy
Have you heard about light and color therapy yet? If not, it’s only a matter of time. In recent years, this unique spa treatment has only become more sought-after, even if some remain skeptical.
On a surface level, it’s a process of using special light-sensitive photography to interact with your aura. From there, you’ll be wrapped in an exfoliating and detoxifying body treatment. Playing with all of your senses, various sounds, lights, temperatures, and aromatherapy are combined to balance your system. While it might sound a farfetched many have claimed to notice an immediate improvement in their mood. And it’s now being used to help with some incredibly common brain chemistry-related issues.
As noted by The Mayo Clinic, “Light therapy is thought to affect brain chemicals linked to mood and sleep, easing SAD symptoms. Using a light therapy box may also help with other types of depression, sleep disorders, and other conditions. Light therapy is also known as bright light therapy or phototherapy.”
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Tok Sen
Tok Sen has been making a modern-day comeback, but it’s a centuries-old Northern Thai practice that was first developed and trusted by Buddhist monks. In fact, this ancient healing art dates back over 5000 years.
“Tok” translates to the sacred sound created by tapping a wooden wedge with a mallet. “Sen” signifies the energy lines that run throughout the body. When you sign up for this spa treatment, you will lay on your stomach and relax during rhythmic tapping done throughout various Thai acu-points. The healing vibration is believed to deeply impact the body’s fascia and muscles.
Floatation Therapy
By now, you’re likely well aware of the benefits of meditation and mindfulness on our overall wellness. But have you dabbled in flotation therapy yet? This aqua spa treatment is leading the next wave of mindfulness practices. If you travel to California, you’ll notice flotation centers springing up all over the place. And now, the practice is spreading across the country for good reason.
You might feel strange about climbing into a warm, egg-shaped tub filled with Epsom salt-infused water. But you’ll likely find the colorful lights surrounding you unusually inviting. Close your eyes and allow your mind to drift. the tank does the rest. Sometimes called sensory deprivation tanks, the spa treatment is designed to aid in everything from speeding up muscle recovery to improved posture, improved circulation, and more restful sleep. But the stabilizing benefits are believed to go beyond the body.
Never underestimate the power of an undistracted mind. Many turn to flotation therapy as a way to reach a state of total zen via clear-headedness.
Chi Balancing
In holistic healing practices, it’s a long-held belief that wellness starts from within. Are you looking for a spa treatment that is not just relaxing, but rejuvenating? Many swear by Chi balancing as their go-to for tackling something deeper than their muscle tissue. And if you’re into the idea of honing in on your inner energy (or chi), I strongly suggest you give this a try stat.
Like many ancient healing practices, this one involves treating modalities and energetic assessments. In some ways, it’s similar to acupuncture. The main focus is on re-balancing one’s bio-energy through assessing one’s general wellbeing, diet, emotional state, past injuries, and current life stressors.
Crystal Facials
Crystals are believed to have unique healing properties worth noting. Per Oprah Daily, “Crystals emit positive, uplifting, energizing, and calming vibrations that help you achieve a more peaceful mind and a revitalized physical state of being.”
Crystals are said to hold different energy-shifting abilities within them, often producing a sense of mental relaxation that may contribute to body rejuvenation. No matter the crystal used, your spa treatment will include hydrating creams and other skin-soothing facial treatments. After your face has been gently massaged with the smooth crystals, you’ll walk away with glowing skin and potentially, a glowing feel that radiates from the inside out. You may also notice diminished fine lines and wrinkles.
Here are some other healing benefits of crystal facials worth knowing about, compliments of the Mind Beauty Soul Salon.
Watsu Massage
Water therapy continues to make its way into spa-like atmospheres. Watsu pools are no exception, but they are said to be exceptional. Picture this: you’re floating in a pool filled with body nourishing and skin-soothing minerals. Being cradled by another person in a pool might not sound calming at first, but this spa treatment might pleasantly surprise you.
Many say that this spa treatment is so relaxing, that they unavoidably fall into a sleeping state, which makes sense. One of the primary goals of Watsu massage is to relax one’s entire being. It may also improve various physical conditions via relaxation, such as tight muscles and painful joints. For total mind and body relaxation, give into the rhythmic and flowing movements led by the massage therapist.
After the massage is over, one of the most noted post-benefits reported is a lower level of physical and emotional stress.
Aromatherapy Massage
If you’re looking for a natural spa treatment with inner and outer holistic healing properties, look no further than aromatic body therapy. It’s like a regular massage but focused on the power of essential oils. It’s a practice that’s been used to calm the body and mind for hundreds upon hundreds of years.
During this spa treatment, the massage therapist primarily focuses on the restorative properties of the essential oils rather than the physical pressure. It’s often offered as a means to reduce stress, promote deeper sleep, stimulate blood flow, and detoxify the body.
Each essential oil offers its own set of aromatic benefits. Many come in perfect blends to target specific problems within the body, including muscle spasms, headaches, congestion, and even anxiety.
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Reiki
Reiki might sound strange at first. But in the spirit of trying every spa treatment once, I strongly suggest going into this one with an open mind.
Reiki is built around the belief that the therapist or healer can locate and channel energy into someone’s body through the “laying on of hands.” This practice is believed to lead to natural healing and restorative physical and emotional processes.
Ultimately, the goal of reiki is an overall improvement in one’s well-being. And no matter how skeptical you might walk in, I bet you’ll walk out way more relaxed, like a weight you didn’t know was there has been lifted. Said to help find and tap into tension in the body, people also report strong emotional releases during the treatment.
Sound Baths
Sound baths are another holistic spa treatment designed to deal with pent-up stress. From deeper relaxation to improved focus, those who’ve tried them say sound baths are not to be dismissed. And science backs up some of the biggest benefits.
Per Insider, “People have been using sound to promote healing for thousands of years. For example, ancient Greek physicians used musical instruments as therapy believing that the instruments’ vibrations could aid in digestion, treat mental disturbance, and induce sleep. Meanwhile, ancient Egyptians thought musical incantations healed the sick.”
No matter what unique spa treatment you try, none should be treated as a cure. Instead, these treatments for the body and mind should be seen as worthy forms of self-care that might boast more benefits than you initially bargained for. And only good can come from that.
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