People spend most of their waking hours running from one demanding event to another — caring for kids, getting to work, attending meetings, commuting to dentist appointments — and the list continues.
Amidst all of this busyness, what most of us are trying to do is to find little moments of peace and tranquility.
It is that awesome run on the trail, hot bath at the end of a long day, or glass of wine with our spouse in the evening that helps to get us through the week.
The Paseo Club knows you are working hard — whether hitting the weights in a fitness class or leading the meetings at work. We also know that making time to care for yourself isn’t always easy. Sometimes we need the help of others.
Licensed massage therapists and estheticians offer the type of support people often need. These trained professionals are skilled in helping you to refresh and recharge — energizing your mind and spirit.
In this article, we will review the top 12 spa treatments to help you feel and look your best.
Top 12 spa treatments
1. Swedish massage
A Swedish massage is known as a classic massage. Swedish massage relaxes the entire body by the therapist rubbing the muscles in long, gliding strokes in the same direction of blood returning to the heart.
This type of massage can also involve actions like percussion, kneading, vibration, tapping, and rolling. Massage oil or lotion protects the skin from friction.
Swedish massage is commonly used for relaxation but also can increase the level of oxygen in the blood, improving circulation and flexibility.
2. Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage therapy is similar to Swedish massage, but there is more slow, firm pressure to release muscle tension. The focus is on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons, and fascia (the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones, and joints).
Deep tissue massages can break down muscle adhesions which are “knots” that we feel in our muscles made from bands of rigid and painful muscle tissue).
A deep tissue massage may improve circulation, reduce minor aches and pain, increase range of motion, and ease inflammation. Many people enjoy deep tissue massage to aid in stress relief.
It is usually performed on one or two areas of the body per session.
3. Hot Stone
A hot stone massage is a method of massage that utilizes stones as tools to apply pressure to tight areas of the back and body.
Before the massage, the therapist will warm the stones to between 110°F and 145°F.
The treatment typically begins with the practitioner placing them strategically down the center of the back along the spine. Hot stones can also be placed on the stomach, feet, chest, face, toes, and palms of hands.
Basalt river rocks are the most commonly used stones for this type of massage because they are smooth from the river’s current and hold heat well. The heat within the rocks relaxes the muscles, making them more pliable.
Hot stone massages can relieve stress, anxiety, tension, and pain from sore muscles and provide some relief for chronic illnesses or chronic pain.
4. Heated Himalayan salt stone massage
A heated Himalayan salt stone massage is very similar to hot stone massage. The stones made from salt crystals are from the Himalayan region and are smooth, gliding seamlessly along the body.
There are many benefits to receiving massage with salt stones.
- Highly relaxing
- Relieves anxiety
- Relieves insomnia
- Lightly exfoliates the skin
- Balances the nervous system
- Helps to lower blood pressure
- Delivers 84 minerals to the body
- Recharges and balances electromagnetic field
- Boosts bone health and prevents muscle cramps
- Supports a healthy respiratory system and sinuses
- Improves circulation of the lymph and circulation system
5. Trigger Point Massage
Trigger points are sore, painful spots—also called knots—found in muscles and fascia. They can be found almost anywhere on the body and can be a primary source of musculoskeletal pain.
These knots are sensitive. When pressure is applied, they often produce pain in a different part of your body, such as headaches caused by knots in the neck or upper trapezius. This is called referral pain
A trigger point massage helps work out those knots, reducing the pain by improving blood circulation to the trigger zone, stretching any taut bands, and releasing surrounding fascia.
6. CBD Massage
Massage with CBD (cannabidiol) offers many of the same benefits as a standard massage — with even better results. CBD oil is proven to reduce inflammation, ease chronic pain, and even relieve anxiety.
On top of those benefits, a CBD massage will also improve the health of your skin. A massage therapist applies oil over the entire body (usually excluding the face) or in target areas to treat where there is more pain or discomfort.
CBD massage is great for people experiencing chronic pain or muscle soreness, stress, tension, worry, or inflammation.
7. Aromatherapy
Essential oils have a long history of use for healing purposes. They are used to disinfect, calm, boost moods, improve sleep, reduce anxiety, and reduce headaches and tension.
One of the most commonly used oils is lavender. Lavender can improve and promote sleep and boost immunity. It also helps to calm the mind and treat anxiety and depression. Lavender can be applied topically to heal skin from minor burns and bug bites.
Essential oils can be diffused into the air or applied to the skin with massage lotion or oil. When essential oils are used in a massage, the recipient receives all of the benefits of the oil directly through direct absorption.
8. Prenatal massage
Pregnant womens' bodies go through radical changes as they grow and adjust to carrying a baby. The ligaments loosen, ankles swell, and backs ache.
A trained massage therapist can offer gentle massage that soothes and relaxes an expectant mother. Special pillows and cushions help to cradle her body so that she can lay on her back, side, and even her stomach.
Prenatal massage can help reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health.
9. Dermaplaning
In addition to restorative bodywork, many people come to spas for addressing skin issues.
Dermaplaning is a skin resurfacing procedure. It is minimally invasive and helps to revitalize and brighten your complexion. The esthetician uses a surgical blade to slough off dead skin at a cellular level.
The benefits of dermaplaning are:
- Fades fine lines
- Diminishes hyperpigm›entation
- Diminishes pores
- Minimizes acne scars
Many dermaplaning sessions include a facial massage, neck massage, extractions, and mask.
10. HydraFacial
A HydraFacial is a facial delivered by a specialized machine. The machine has six different applications — it hydrates and delivers products into the skin, promotes collagen and elastin, gets rid of bacteria, and uses ultrasound to stimulate dormant cells.
Many people choose a HydraFacial before a special event because the results are immediate. People notice that their pores look smaller, their skin glows brighter, and their face feels smoother.
Long-term use of the HydraFacial can also stimulate collagen production, smoothing out fine lines and making the skin appear more youthful.
11. Acne treatments
For those who are plagued by acne, it is a real hardship. Acne can be very difficult to get rid of. Excess skin oil, bacteria, and hormone imbalances all contribute to adult acne. It can also be genetic — adult acne does run in the family.
Esethicians and skin care companies have been working hard on creating successful treatments to reduce, or in some cases, eliminate acne.
Many estheticians offer treatments that kill bacteria by using benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, and salicylic acid applications. Extractions get rid of comedones (blackheads), milia (whiteheads), and pustules.
After the treatment, clients relax with a neck massage, mask, and SPF sunscreen application.
12. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is one of the most popular skin resurfacing treatments available. People select microdermabrasion to diminish pore size, help with fine lines, and to even pigmentation.
During treatment, a practitioner uses a machine. The machine has a tube that connects to a chrome wand that has diamond crystals etched on the tip. The wand is run over the skin, and the crystals slough off all the dead skin. It also works as a vacuum that pulls impurities out of the pores.
After the microdermabrasion treatment, clients often enjoy a neck massage, extractions, mask, and SPF sunscreen application.
Final thoughts on top spa treatments
Spa treatments provide the opportunity to pause and re-center. They can reduce stress, anxiety, tension, and pain and improve moods, fostering a sense of well-being. Spa treatments are the perfect anecdote to life’s demands.
Spa treatments are not always easy to afford. But when it is possible to treat yourself to one, we hope that you now know some of the options available at most spas.
The Paseo Club supports members' health — body, mind, and spirit. The club has fitness facilities, a cafe, and a spa on-site. The spa is available to members and non-members and is staffed by three practitioners.
Contact esthetician Angie George, or massage therapists Tarra Clements, or Haruko Hayashi to schedule your spa treatment.
To learn more about health and longevity, read this article about blue zones.
Are you interested in checking out some of our exercise facilities? Get a rundown on our top fitness classes. You can also browse the class calendar and if you see something you like, you can sign-up there too.
Want to check out the spa in person? Get a Paseo Club tour and see all of the club’s facilities.