Spa Days for a Better Life
Many will consider a trip to the spa as an indulgent cost that just is not necessary. What they fail to consider, however, are the health benefits that comes with a day at the spa. The benefits are great, and as such, spa treatments could be considered a pro-active approach to health and wellbeing.
How Spa Days Can Save You From Becoming A Nervous Wreck
A study from Thomas Stratmann, of George Mason University, and Jonathan Click, or Florida State University College of Law, completed a study into the benefits of spas. Their low estimates, in conclusion, indicate a reduction of lost workdays by up to 2, and up to 5 at the other end of the scale.
Spa for Stress Relief and Mental Benefits
Soothing and relaxing, a trip to the spa allows a complete disconnection from the world, allowing you to shed all of your worries and stress.
The benefits of relieving stress play directly into your mental health, as well. Stress can have a direct impact on depression and anxiety, whether by causing those symptoms or exacerbating them. A simple trip to the spa for a massage, or other indulgent treatment offers relief from the daily grind.
Spa treatments also improve sleep patterns, which can also have an effect on stress levels.
Spa Detoxification
A detox process helps to eliminate water retention and bloating, and purges your body of toxins. Some of the treatments that fall under the detoxification umbrella include colonic irrigation, deep colon massage, lymphatic draining, scalp massage, and full body algae wraps.
Clinical Endocrinology published a study showing a link between fatty liver disease and high cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone that is released during times of chronic, or acute, stress. A detox is an ideal way to help regulate cortisol levels.
Spa for Better Blood Pressure and Circulation
As discussed by Health Mix spa treatments keeps your blood circulating and free from clots. Spa treatments are a cost effective alternative to medical treatments that can come with a high price tag. Massage therapists are highly trained, and certified, in the techniques required to provide a service that will benefit your circulation.
Heat therapy, massage, and hydrotherapy help to regulate your blood pressure, in addition to improving circulation.
Flexibility and Breathing at the Spa
A number of spas offer yoga, meditation and Pilates- all of which improve your body’s flexibility, and your breathing. Proper breathing can be used when under stress to return your body and mind to a calm state. The stretching exercises allow your body more flexibility, which will reduce your aches and pains, as well as helping prevent further injuries from occurring.
Spa for Pain Management
There are a number of spa treatments that can improve pain levels, whether you opt for a massage or hydrotherapy. Both fibromyalgia and arthritis sufferers can benefit from massage therapy.
The Touch Research Institute conducted a study, which was funded by Massage Envy, and found that massage therapy for osteoarthritis had significant pain improvements, in addition to an increase in range of motion.
Patients with arthritis in their wrists and hands had greater grip strength after massage therapy, as well as a reduction in pain. Furthermore, this led to an improvement in mood scores and less anxiety.
North American Journal of Medical Sciences completed a study on hydrotherapy, concluding that it can be used to improve immunity, for pain management, asthma, fatigue, anxiety, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and obesity. While they were unable to conclude why it works, it does in fact, work and different illnesses can be treated depending on the temperature.
The overall benefits of managing pain include increased serotonin, which naturally reduces pain, increases deep sleep, range of motion, improves mood and lowers anxiety.