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For years, spa treatments have been associated with rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. Beyond just feeling good, spa therapy is rooted in science, and has a profound impact on both physical as well as mental health.
More than just relaxation, it is backed by science and scientific research. Different types of massage offer a combination of neurological, physiological and psychological benefits.
Whether you’re getting a full body spa treatment, massage spa or body massage, these therapies activate the body’s natural healing systems, reduce stress hormones and transform into rejuvenating journeys for both the mind as well as the body.
Key Takeaways
- Conventional spa therapy goes beyond relaxation. It offers physical, mental and emotional health benefits.
- With science-backed massage therapy, the nervous system’s healing response is activated which lowers stress, anxiety and blood pressure.
- Consistent and regular spa sessions contribute to long-term health and results in better immune functioning.
- Spa therapy works as preventive healthcare and wellness care which supports overall health over a period of time.
How Different Spa Therapies Work on the Mind and Body?
Not all spa therapies are the same. Each treatment has a different impact on the mind and body, or mental and physical well-being. In this blog, we are going to be looking into how different spa therapies work and their overall scientific benefits:
Full Body Spa Treatment
In a full body spa therapy or treatment, various procedures are done to improve health and well-being. It includes body scrubs, wraps, hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, and steam and sauna sessions.
All these treatments work together to rest the nervous system and offer improved circulation.
The Science of Relaxation in a Full Body Massage
From a scientific point of view, a full body massage releases endorphins, relaxes the parasympathetic nervous system and reduces cortisol. Let’s look at each of these in detail:
- Release of Endorphins
Often referred to as the “feel-good” hormones, certain spa treatments release endorphins which reduce stress and anxiety. Massages, facials, and body wraps stimulate the release of hormones.
- Cortisol Reduction
Chronic stress can lead to elevated stress levels. This can further have a negative effect on the body. By engaging and indulging in spa treatments, there can be a visible reduction in the cortisol levels.
- Improve Blood Circulation
As mentioned, a full-body massage also includes hydrotherapy. Water too has healing properties as it reduces the effect of gravity on the body.
This further promotes relaxation. The rhythmic flow of water enhances and improves blood circulation. This helps in detoxification.
- Calms the Parasympathetic Nervous System
Spa treatments, especially a full body massage, activate the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). While it promotes rest and relaxation, it also slows down the heart rate.
Aromatherapy is an important treatment in a full body massage.
The olfactory system is directly connected to the brain. When we inhale certain aromas, they interact with the limbic nervous system. Certain scents evoke certain emotions and promote relaxation.
A few essential oils that promote relaxation are lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus. They are known for their anxiolytic properties and calm the nervous system.
When the PNS is calm, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) also becomes calm. That is responsible for the “fight or flight” response.
- Improved Sleep Quality
By getting a full body massage, you tend to sleep better. Muscle tension is reduced and melatonin is regulated. The overall body’s circadian rhythm also gets normalised.
Massage Spa Therapy Treatment
Massage spa therapy works in a slightly different manner. It usually combines traditional massage techniques with (Swedish or Deep Tissue) with a luxurious spa experience.
To further reduce stress and promote relaxation, the therapy is combined with aromatherapy and calming music.
During a massage spa, the mechanoreceptors get activated. These are in the skin and muscles. Signals are sent to the brain which further reduces stress and pain.
In case of severe pain, a deep tissue massage is performed. In order to experience significant effects on muscle recovery and pain, consistent and multiple sessions are required.
Athletes regularly get deep tissues massages for pain relief. As the name implies, this kind of massage targets the deep tissues which further breaks down scar tissues and improves circulation and muscle tension.
The Scientific Benefits of Massage Spa Therapy
Just like full body massage, massage spa also has scientific benefits. It lowers stress hormones, boosts mood-lifting chemicals and improves blood circulation. Let’s look at each of these in detail:
- Reduced Muscle Tension and Pain
Sportspersons and athletes usually suffer from muscle stiffness due to lactic acid buildup.
By regularly engaging in muscle therapy, muscle tension and pain is considerably reduced. It also improves blood flow and relaxes tight muscles.
- Aids in Hormonal Balance
Massage spa therapy also has physiological benefits. It reduces cortisol (stress hormone), increases serotonin and dopamine (mood/happiness), and activates endorphins (natural painkillers).
This further helps in reducing anxiety and depression.
- Improves Lymphatic Drainage
One session of a massage spa can deliver a surge of oxygen in your body while consistent and multiple sessions offer lasting benefits.
It boosts the lymphocyte count (disease-fighting cells), reduces swelling and ensures a healthy functioning of the immune system. Overall, it also increases the joint range of motion.
Spas and massage centres usually take a call on the kind of massage based on the symptoms experienced by the client. For instance, in case of severe pain, a high-pressure, deep tissue treatment is performed. The treatment involves gentle stretching strokes, pump pressure, and the use of aromatic essential oils.
Next there is medium-pressure therapy or Swedish massage. The aim of this kind of massage is to make the patient feel relaxed and content. This technique relieves tense muscles and tight areas in the body.
The sub-categories of massage therapy also include reflexology and hydrotherapy. They help adjust the stress and tension levels in the body, and elevate the mood and overall sense of well-being.
Facial Treatments
While a single facial can leave your skin glowing, regular facials have better benefits and deliver long-lasting results. Facials go beyond conventional beauty treatments. They’re much more than that. There is a certain science in facials too.
A regular spa facial treatment involves deep cleansing, physical or chemical exfoliation, and the infusion of active ingredients. These ingredients include vitamins, antioxidants and peptides.
Facials are important as they nourish the skin, boost collagen and increase hydration.
Beyond improving appearance, facials directly enhance the skin biology and the functioning of the nervous system.
The Science Behind Facial Treatments
Did you know? The skin undergoes a renewal cycle every 28 days. That means, getting consistent facials is a must. Over a period of time, this can transform your complexion. Here’s how facials work on a scientific level:
- They Work at a Cellular Level
The skin primarily consists of three layers – epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. When you get a facial treatment, each of these layers are targeted to enhance cell regeneration.
Facials also increase hydration and remove dead skin cells. It also boosts collagen production.
- Improves Skin Barrier Function
Professional exfoliation is important to hydrate the epidermis. During exfoliation, the dead skin cells are removed and the skin renewal process begins.
There are two main types of exfoliations that are done – chemical exfoliation and physical exfoliation. It improves the skin tone, reduces hyperpigmentation and unclogs pores.
- Enhances Blood and Oxygen Flow
During a spa facial treatment, blood and oxygen flow to the skin increases. It also enhances nutrient delivery. Since facial treatments use active ingredients to treat skin concerns, they penetrate into different layers of the skin and help in maintaining long-term skin health.
Each active ingredient has different benefits. For instance, retinol helps reduce fine lines while peptides support collagen synthesis. Niacinamide on the other hand controls oil production.
Besides these scientific benefits, a facial massage also activates certain pressure points which are linked to the parasympathetic nervous system. This further promotes deep relaxation, and reduces stress and anxiety.
Final Words
Spa therapy and massage treatments aren’t something that should be taken lightly. In fact, in today’s times, it is considered preventive healthcare.
All the above-mentioned treatments help reduce stress hormones, regulate the nervous system and enhance skin health.
If you’re someone who owns a spa, wellness centre or massage parlour, consider investing in Salon360App, spa management software. It is designed for busy spa owners who want to streamline operations, and deliver a better health and wellness experience to their clients.
Your clients can experience a therapeutic experience from the time they book their appointment till the time they come in, avail the service and leave. This further improves client retention which is a win-win for your spa.
