6 Spa Therapies That Will Make You Forget About Stress

Been wishing for the weekend since Monday? Have you been feeling tired and less motivated towards work all through the week? Well, that's because you haven't really been taking care of yourself. Surely a healthy lifestyle is about following a balanced diet and being active, but it is also about pampering yourself from time to time to de-stress and relax your mind. Afterall how can you ever feel good if your mind is cluttered? Science says that getting a massage done releases a hormone called serotonin that allows your body and mind to go in a "feel good" state, just like the way you feel after a good workout.

So make the most of your weekend break and give your body some tender love and care. Here are six popular spa treatments that can chase away the blues instantly:

1. Aromatherapy massage

One of the most popular spa treatments is aromatic body therapy. This massage utilises the power of pure essential oils to soothe the mind, body and soul. The treatment involves gentle choreographed massage strokes that focus on the restorative properties of the essential oils instead of the physical pressure application, to reduce stress, promote good sleep, stimulate and detoxify the body.

Each essential oil serves a unique purpose and a carefully curated blend is used to target specific problem areas of the body. Since the oils have healing properties, they are suggested to treat issues like congestion, muscle spasms, etc.

2. Balinese massage

The Balinese massage is a high pressure, deep tissue treatment that utilises palm pressure, gentle stretching strokes, acupressure and essential oils to stimulate the flow of blood, oxygen and 'chi' (energy) in the body. The boost to blood circulation helps in reducing stress and rebalances the body.

3. Swedish massage

A medium pressure therapy, the Swedish massage aims to make one feel relaxed and content by promoting circulation and an overall feeling of well-being. The massage uses a variety of techniques such as stroking, gliding, kneading, rubbing, tapping and pounding to provide a classic massage for relieving tense muscles and relaxing tight areas in the body. Ranging between 60 to 90 minutes, the massage improves immunity by the manipulation of muscles over the bone structure.

(Also read: 5 Skincare Tips To Care For Your Body In Monsoon)

4. Lomi-Lomi therapy

A Hawaiian massage, the Lomi-Lomi therapy is one of the most effective stress-relieving treatments. It is known for its long and continuous strokes of deep- tissue massage, which is designed to help the body to let go of its old patterns and behaviours. Macadamia, palm and coconut oils are usually used as moisturisers during the session to keep the strokes smooth and to nourish the skin.

5. Reflexology

Reflexology, also known as zone therapy, is an application of pressure to feet, hands or ears. This is to send a calming message from the peripheral nerves, which in turn signals the body to adjust the tension level bringing calmness to the central nervous system. Apart from relaxing the body, this therapy also helps in reducing pain and stress.

6. Hair spa

Getting a hair spa done is the best thing you can do to de-stress yourself. Because of the shocking amounts of pollution and dust that your hair is exposed to every single day, they can lead to serious damage. Hair spas are not only relaxing but a great way to nourish the hair by keeping it soft and healthy in the long run.

Go on and pamper yourself because you surely deserve it.

Inputs from IANS