By: Xeng Zulueta
Yes, a spa is indeed a place where you get a massage and pampering, but if that is the only thing you know about spas, then it’s time to crawl out from underneath that rock and get with the program, especially when you’re facing so much wedding-planning stress! Boost your spa know-how with this list of spa treatments below and book a specific one (or multiple) on your next spa day. Knowing the right one for your needs is key!
The detox massage
Done with aromatherapy oil. Each spa will call it differently but this is also known as lymphatic drainage massage. This kind of massage makes use of specific strokes which look and feel like long and swift movements that go towards the heart. All blockages and toxins that gather in our lymphatic system are activated and released through circulation. Our lymphatic system courses through our bodies starting from the tonsils to under each ear, down the chest, below the rib cage, the abdomen, the groin and down the back of the knee. The lymphatic system plays a vital part in the immune system. The clear fluid that runs through it leads directly to the heart. That’s why the strokes have to be in this direction.
THIS IS FOR YOU IF…
- You suffer from water retention, slow metabolism sluggishness, dull skin, and have a tendency to catch a cold from an officemate.
- You work or live in a high stress environment where a lot of demands are made on you. You barely have time for yourself and that’s why you go to a spa.
YOU CAN SKIP THIS IF…
- you like hard massages. This massage is not for you because it specifically works on the circulatory system and not the muscular system. The strokes are meant to be swift and long.
- you are an athlete or have sore muscles.
- you will be participating in a marathon or a sport. A tendency to be under the weather a day after a lymphatic drainage massage is normal. This is your body’s way of eliminating toxins (I often get a slight fever right after).
The hard pressure body massage
Done with aromatherapy oil. This makes use of slow kneading strokes as if you are kneading flour or dough when baking a cake or making bread. The purpose of this is to get rid of the “knots” or pockets of air that accumulate along the back, the arms and the back of the legs.
THIS IS FOR YOU IF…
- you are under a lot of extreme stress. Our bodies have a tendency to tense up under a lot of pressure.
- your work pressures you with high deliverables, not to mention the fierce competition inside and outside of the office.
- you have soreness because of exercise, a sport, an outdoor activity.
YOU CAN SKIP THIS IF…
- you are ticklish because it can get awkward.
- you are anemic or have a tendency to bruise easily. I once came out of a massage all black and blue and that’s when I realized too much pressure is not always okay.
- you are about to get your period or it’s that time of the month. This might mess up your flow and make dysmenorrhea worse.
The invigorating dry massage
This is also sometimes known as the shiatsu (my personal favorite) and the movements are fast and jabbing. Imaging the karate chop move—yup, something like that for all over the body. This massage DOES NOT make use of any oil because of how the movements are done. Also, if you use oil with this brisk massage, you will really end up black and blue. Among all the spa treatments available, this is my favorite. I don’t like the sticky feeling of oil or lotion and I also have a tendency to bruise easily so this is perfect.
THIS IS FOR YOU IF…
- you would rather be perky, awake, and feel alive after a massage. Most massages are so relaxing that you feel sleepy or groggy after.
- you hate the sticky feeling of oil or lotion which is sometimes such a hassle to remove after a massage.
- you are particular about how massage oils smell. The wrong one triggers my migraines, but this massage does not use any! Yay!
YOU CAN SKIP THIS IF…
- your idea of a spa massage includes nap time in the end.
- you really love massage oils and consider spa time a special treat which will be incomplete without it.
The detox facial
This one usually comes with the detox massage. The strokes on the face are fluid and graceful which restores one’s glow.
THIS IS FOR YOU IF…
- you really want the royal treatment.
- you are a bride-to-be.
- you have to look amazing for a presentation, a reunion or any event.
YOU CAN SKIP THIS IF…
- you have sensitive skin and can only use specific skincare products.
- you have sensitive skin and can only use specific skincare products.
- you have sensitive skin and can only use specific skincare products.
- you already get regular facials at your derma.
- you have acne or other skin problems.
The scrub
A body scrub that involves exfoliation of the skin with scrubbing grains. Coffee scrub is the most common and it claims to reduce the appearance of cellulite when done regularly. The caffeine melts fat
and improves circulation on problem areas such as the back of the legs, the stomach and abdomen, the
butt and the upper arms.
THIS IS FOR YOU IF…
- you have cellulite.
- you feel bloated.
YOU CAN SKIP THIS IF…
- you don’t’ have cellulite problems.
