The Difference Between Spa and Wellness

Wellness is a holistic approach to health that integrates the mind, body and spirit (1). Spa and wellness are synonymous, though some spas distinguish themselves from wellness centres by offering more upscale experiences like detox treatments or bubbly facials.

After the pandemic, clients will want to re-discover the benefits of massage, meditation and other spa therapies to boost their immunity and wellbeing. Add low-touch treatment options to your menu to cater to those who are shy of personal contact.

Stress Reduction

Stress is a normal response to certain situations, but prolonged exposure to high levels of stress can lead to health issues. High levels of stress reduce immune function, increase the likelihood of disease and can cause a person to react physically or emotionally. The body’s natural defenses to stress are to relax the muscles and mind. The best way to relieve stress is through relaxation, which can be achieved by spa treatments like facials, massages, and hydrotherapy. These techniques help to lower the heart rate and blood pressure. They also act as a form of natural tranquilizers and can improve energy levels.

In addition, spa treatments help to detoxify the body. This removes unwanted toxins from the system and helps the body slim down. A regular spa session can increase self-esteem and help people feel good about themselves. This is especially important in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, when people are undergoing a lot of mental stress.

A trip to the spa is a great place to relax and get away from everyday stressors. Whether it’s a relaxing massage, facial or mani-pedi, a spa treatment can do wonders for the mind and body. It is true that “a mani-pedi a day keeps the doctor away.” So go ahead and indulge in some pampering to keep your skin healthy and your mind relaxed!

Improved Circulation

A strong supply of nutrient and oxygen-rich blood is the key to ensuring your body’s organs function properly. Unfortunately, poor circulation is linked to a host of problems, from clammy hands and feet to high blood pressure, digestive issues and fatigue. Fortunately, spa treatments can help improve circulation by opening up the blood vessels and getting the heart pumping a higher volume of nutrient rich blood.

In particular, a warm water immersion in a spa pool can help people suffering from peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition that affects the legs and feet. In fact, the combination of the warm water and leg and foot jets in a Hot Spring spa pool can help increase the flow of blood throughout the body by stretching the blood vessels, which helps lower blood pressure, ease pain and discomfort, and improve mobility.

Additionally, the repeated movement involved in many spa treatments like massages helps to improve muscle tone, which can also boost your overall health and help you sleep better at night. Sleep is essential to the functioning of your body and mind, so it’s important to prioritize your relaxation time.

Not only do spa treatments help you improve your hair and skin, but they can also be a fun way to spend quality time with your loved ones or friends. Many spas offer special packages that allow you to enjoy a unique date or girl’s day out while still receiving the health benefits of spa treatment.

Better Sleep

Getting enough sleep is one of the pillars of living a healthy life, but many people don’t get the amount they need. Poor sleep can affect all of the body’s systems and lead to a host of problems, including depression, weight gain, high blood pressure and even premature aging. That’s why spas are offering treatments that focus on sleep and how to develop good habits at home.

Aromatherapy is a big part of sleep-enhancing spa treatments. Certain plant-derived oils like lavender, chamomile and roman chamomile have been shown to promote relaxation. They also have a soothing effect on the nervous system, which makes them ideal for use in spas to induce sleepiness and calm the mind. Inhalation is the best way to experience their calming effects, and there are several options for incorporating them into daily wellness rituals, from a simple inhalation at the end of a massage to sprinkling 10-12 drops of an essential oil blend on the pillow before bed.

Carmel Valley Ranch is one of a handful of resorts to offer suite-based Zen sleep spas. In the suites, guests can enjoy a nourishing spa treatment paired with a glass of Pinot Noir, as well as guided meditation and mindfulness exercises to help them establish a more consistent sleep pattern. Hotel companies are also focusing on sleep wellness, including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts’ new Alchemy of Sleep experiences. These curated getaways are designed in partnership with sleep experts to help guests improve their sleep patterns while away from home.

Improved Mood

Spa treatments are a powerful tool to reduce anxiety and depression. A massage can increase serotonin levels, which helps to improve mood and boosts energy. A calming environment, soothing music and aromatherapy also help to reduce feelings of stress and depression. Many spas also offer yoga classes and other activities that encourage socialization and positive mental health.

In addition to treating physical and mental health, spas can also offer a variety of relaxation therapies that can promote good sleep habits. Regular massages, for example, have been found to help with insomnia and restlessness by relaxing the muscles, easing tension and encouraging better sleep. Some spas even have dedicated sleep retreats to cater to this need.

Spas and wellness have been a hot trend for a while, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, they have seen a surge in demand. The stress of isolation, working from home and widespread lockdowns has led to an increased need for human connection and a desire to be nurtured. Spas were ready to meet this need, and many have added services like equine therapy (being in the ring with a horse) and low ropes challenge courses to their offerings to appeal to this new clientele. They have also focused on integrating nature into their facilities and offering guided meditation and mindfulness practices, which are all proven ways to improve mood.