Booking a luxury spa retreat can come with a variety of health benefits—from sleep therapy and detox programmes to holistic treatments and clean eating regimes. Frequent use of spas often translates to better physical and mental health and higher quality sleep, proving that there is much more to be gained from a spa retreat than just simple relaxation.
Banishing stress
The British International Spa Association states that relaxation is the number one reason why people visit a spa (around 91 percent), followed by the desire to get rid of toxins (56 percent). Even though we might not be able to control it at times, stress itself can be a hazard to our health as it raises your blood pressure and has been shown to change the way blood clots—increasing an individual’s chances of suffering a heart attack. Stress can also exacerbate muscle stiffness and tension, which can result in symptoms that range from headaches to abdominal cramps. Massages can alleviate that pressure and stiffness while also delivering oxygen and nutrients to cells, eliminating toxins, stimulating the lymphatic system and helping the body to release the ‘feel good’ hormone serotonin. Spending some time in a sauna, booking a massage and soaking in a thermal pool can all lower stress levels, boost wellbeing and temporarily relieve a wide array of aches and pains.
Recovery treatments
There are only a handful of spas in the UK that offer restoring health treatments specifically designed for people who are living with cancer or are being treated for the disease. Visitors to these spas will be able to choose from a variety of restoring health treatments—from shoulder and neck massages to pressure point therapy and facials—based on their preferences with the help of an expertly trained therapist. Look for establishments such as Lifehouse Spa & Hotel which are recognised by Wellness for Cancer—and sport the ‘Cancer Aware’ badge—for meeting standards required for offering safe and nurturing treatments tailored to visitors with the disease and those who seek post-cancer recovery.
See also: Top 5 UK Spas
Circulation
Hot tubs aren’t just for relaxing anymore—they can significantly relieve the symptoms (and discomfort) associated with rheumatoid arthritis; restoring health and alleviating pain. Hydrotherapy, the use of hot water to treat certain health conditions and ailments, uses heat to stimulate blood flow to stiff joints and muscles—reducing pain and inflammation. According to the Arthritis Foundation, hot water can go a long way in alleviating all kinds of symptoms characteristic of musculoskeletal complaints like fibromyalgia and back pain. A hydromassage using three main elements—buoyancy, heat and massage—will go some way in relaxing joints, ultimately making movements easier. The relaxing hydrotherapy jets in most hot tubs and thermal pools can also greatly benefit muscles as they simulate light exercise, breaking down lactic acid and reducing stiffness. This is especially useful for visitors who are very physically active, but find little time to take care of and relax their muscles post-workout.
Radiant skin
Relaxing in a sauna or soaking in a hot tub will also do wonders for restoring healthy skin. When exposed to a temperature of around 38 degrees celsius, the body perspires and expels toxins such as bacteria and excess minerals from the epidermal layer. The hot water will also open pores, help remove dead skin cells and make way for healthier, softer and smoother skin. Taking a cold shower after a trip to the sauna will close the pores and remove any chemical residue.
See also: Top Treatments to Help You Feel Younger
If you have enjoyed reading this article on restoring health, click here to read more on Celebrity Angels about our beginner’s guide to the ultimate spa break; what to expect and what you need to know.
