This article is brought to you by Spavelous.com.

 http://www.spavelous.com

Hot Therapies & Cold Therapies
Using hot and cold packs is one of the fastest, most effective ways of relieving pain. A hot water bottle and ice pack can be your best friends if you know when to use which. Here are some guidelines.

Heat increases circulation and soothes stiff joints. Apply heat to tired muscles, lingering muscle aches, and to muscles prior to stretching or exercise. Hold a hot water bottle on your abdomen to relieve abdominal bloating or sluggishness after eating. Soaking your feel in hot water can unplug congested sinuses and relieve migraine headaches. (Note: This also drains the blood from your digestive system, so don’t do it after meals.)
Use heat for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Never apply heat when there is swelling, or when there is nerve pain (an electric or numb feeling.)

Cold relieves spasms, swelling, sciatica and other nerve pain. Apply cold after injury, and for acute pain (immediate and severe, rather than lingering and long-term). Cold to your neck and nose relieves nose bleeds.
Use cold for 2 to 10 minutes at a time, not more. Remove cold any time the treated area feels numb. Extended application of cold can damage tissue.

For stabbing pain or poor circulation in feet, legs or hands, try alternating hot and cold. Use 10 minutes of heat, then 2 minutes of cold, then repeat. Make the switch from hot to cold quickly.

Remember:
1. Wet is better. Water carries heat and cold deeper and faster into the tissue than a dry application. Place a thin, damp dishtowel under a hot water bottle or ice pack to improve the effect dramatically.
2. If in doubt whether to use heat or cold, use cold. Observe the results after two minutes, and change to heat if there is no improvement.

Related Articles

How Cold Therapy Works

Ice Ice Beauty

Being cold is very hot indeed

Stone Cold Massage

Youthful Cold Showers

Take the Plunge

Fancy Facial Finger Frosts

Baby its Cold in Here

Frozen Out … no cold therapy for you

Chill Out at Home … icy beauty tips

The Best Spas to Chill Out and Cool Off

Cold Conversion

Cold Spa Therapies, Hot Springs, Spas

 

This article is brought to you by Spavelous.com.

 http://www.spavelous.com

 

Why Sweat It? The Benefits of the Sauna

You know you should go exercise, but don’t feel up to it? Try substituting a session in the sauna occasionally.

The health benefits of saunas are not a recent discovery. For thousands of years on all continents, numerous cultures have used steam or smoke as part of religious, social, and family traditions. The practice has cleansed the body, reduced stress and heightened spirituality.

While proponents of the sauna have exaggerated some of their claims, and other effects are difficult to measure, modern science has confirmed several physical benefits of sweating it out in the sauna.

Detoxification
The sweating process helps the body rid itself of toxins. Simulating a fever, the sauna prompts your body to flush impurities through increased sweat and blood flow. Your internal organs kick into high gear, dispelling heavy metals, uric and lactic acid, alcohol, cholesterol, nicotine and other toxic chemicals.

Related Article

How Spas help you to detoxify

Healing and Pain Relief
Heat from saunas stimulates the production of white blood cells and improves circulation, which in turn promotes healing of infections and soft tissue injuries. Since fevers are the body’s natural defence against bacteria and infection, the artificial fever of the sauna facilitates the healing process. Because viruses and germs do not tolerate heat well, the body can heal itself in the high temperatures of saunas and steam baths.

With the removal of lactic acid, muscle stiffness and spasms are alleviated. Saunas are particularly suited to treat heat responsive pain such as lower back and shoulder aches. Those who suffer from arthritis and other joint disorders have found relief in the sauna, as well.

Weight Loss
While you’re soaking in the comforting warmth of the sauna, your body will work to cool itself. This increases your heart rate, cardiac output and metabolic rate. The blood flow in a sauna can double and studies have compared the regular use of a sauna to that of moderate cardiovascular conditioning.

A person in healthy condition can shed 250 grams of sweat in a 30-minute sauna session, which equates to 200 or 300 calories burned. While the water weight will be quickly regained in re-hydration, the energy burned in the process means the calories are gone forever.

Skin Conditioning
The skin is a complex organ with blood vessels, oil glands, nerve endings and cells that stop bacteria from getting into our bodies. Saunas purge the skin’s clogged pores of deeply imbedded impurities and dead cells. Increased blood circulation encourages a healthy flow of nutrients to your skin that help relieve acne, eczema and, psoriasis. After a sauna, the skin is left in supple and pliant condition.

Easier Breathing
Almost immediately on entering a sauna, you will feel nasal passages clear and sinuses drain. The increased demand for oxygen in the sauna forces you to take deeper, fuller breaths, resulting in the temporary benefit of increased oxygenation to your cells.

The Newest Innovation: Infrared Saunas
For a long time we have used wet saunas, dry saunas, smoke saunas and steam saunas. Each type affects our bodies in a slightly different way. Infrared saunas are the most recent advance in spa construction. They use a special heater that generates infrared radiation rays similar to that produced by the sun. Unlike the sun’s UV radiation, however, infrared is said to be beneficial to overall health. Its warm rays penetrate the skin far more deeply than other sauna types, in particular magnifying the detoxifying, healing and conditioning effects.

Full Article

Related Articles

Hot spring Spas

 

Spa Reference Quick Links

 

 

Cellulite Wrap, Detox Spa, Hot Springs

 

This article is brought to you by Spavelous.com.

 http://www.spavelous.com

10 Affordable Spa Vacation Deals

If a spa vacation is on your wish list but you’re not sure you can afford it, think again. There are a number of inspirational spas, transformational spas, and — yes — affordable spa deals options out there. One of the easiest ways to book a spa escape on a budget is to check into a local hotel or resort spa for a long weekend (or longer). Many offer special spa-themed packages and last-minute spa deals that in-the-know locals can cash in on. But if getting away from it all is more your style, you can find lower-cost options for that, too.

“Affordable,” of course, is a relative term. So in this list you’ll find 7 weeklong spa experiences — from soaking in hot springs to fitness retreats offering ultra-healthy cuisine to all-inclusive stays at destination spas — chosen to fit almost any budget.

While cost was definitely a driving factor, ambience and the quality of the spa treatments, activities, and food were also considered in compiling this selection. They’re arranged according to price, from least to most expensive — with a cap of $3,000 for a weeklong stay. (And just in case you can’t quite carve out a full week away, the nightly rates are listed, as well.) Read on to find out where to get the most bang for your buck.

OJO CALIENTE MINERAL SPRINGS RESORT & SPA, OJO CALIENTE, NEW MEXICO

I found this hot springs spa years ago when a friend of mine, living in Taos at the time, insisted I visit. We spent the afternoon (a day pass is $16) lounging in mineral pools containing arsenic (good for skin conditions and arthritis) and lithium (aids digestion and eases depression), sipping spring water, and spreading mud on our bodies then drying in the sun. It was blissful. In addition to 10 mineral pools, the 1,100-acre property has a historic hotel, a restaurant, and a full-fl edged spa. (Massages begin at $80 for 50 minutes and must be booked in advance.)

PRICE: From $109 per night; seven-night stays from $783.

GLEN IVY HOT SPRINGS SPA, CORONA, CALIFORNIA

The Native Americans were the first to enjoy these sacred waters, followed by the Spaniards, and by the 1890s the place had mushroomed into a health haven. Today, guests book into local hotels (accommodations are not available on-site) and then head to Glen Ivy’s spa playground (day admission is $35 on weekdays, $48 on weekends). A selection of soak-supplementing options are available: the legendary Glen Ivy Club Mud, where you can cover yourself in red clay (great for drawing impurities out of the pores and tightening the skin); a grotto for slathering on a hydrating body masque ($25); a wide variety of massages and facials (from $125); and a café serving tasty, healthy dishes made with local ingredients.

PRICE: Area hotels from $124 per night; packages that include seven days admission to Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa and seven nights accommodations from $892.

KRIPALU CENTER, STOCKBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS

When it comes to yoga, there are few, if any, retreat centers in the U.S. that can boast more offerings and renowned instructors than the Kripalu Center. (Each year, Kripalu’s 700 yogacentric programs attract more than 28,000 participants.) Its location — 150 wooded acres with a private lake and miles of trails — provides the ultimate setting for peaceful walks and meditative contemplation between yoga sessions, which are held three times a day: early morning, midday, and late afternoon. In between, there’s hiking and canoeing as well as workshops on topics like nutrition and creative writing. Ayurveda, India’s ancient science of holistic medicine, is practiced here and incorporated into everything from daily rituals (awaken before sunrise and give thanks before bed, for example) to therapeutic treatments like massage, nasal cleansing, and herbal detoxification sessions (spa treatments from $35).

PRICE: Dormitory accommodations from $155 per night (twonight minimum); seven-night stays from $1,106.

THE OAKS AT OJAI, OJAI, CALIFORNIA

Founded by legendary fitness buff Sheila Cluff, who still personally leads some of the activities and classes, The Oaks at Ojai celebrated its 30th birthday in 2007. Not surprisingly, there’s a cornucopia of get-in-shape classes, from aqua aerobics to core conditioning with hula hoops to belly dancing. New mission-style spa suites featuring hand-carved headboards and spacious jet tubs in the bathrooms add a feeling of luxury, and select spa treatments benefit from local ingredients, such as the Ojai Olive Oil Body Souffl é ($125, 75 minutes) that uses oil pressed from olives gathered in nearby groves. But it’s the 1,000-calorie-a-day spa cuisine that attracts the majority of guests — many who come with a holy grail weight-loss spa focus. Hikes and walks are popular, too — not to mention gorgeous — amid flowering citrus trees, lavender, and aloe.

PRICE: From $185 per night; seven-night stays from $1,295.

NEW AGE HEALTH SPA, NEVERSINK, NEW YORK

Just two hours from Manhattan in the Catskill Mountains, New Age Health Spa sits on 280 wooded acres combining lovely nature trails with spiritual, New Agey offerings like tarot card readings and a plethora of yoga, tai chi, and meditation classes. Native American rituals are the highlight of the spa menu: Try the Native Sun Purification ($95, 50 minutes), a spa hair treatment using traditional herbs grown in the spa’s greenhouse, or the complimentary Sweat Lodge Ceremony that is offered from April to November on the Saturday evening closest to the full moon.

PRICE: From $209 per night (two-night minimum); sevennight stays from $1,589.

PRICE: From $130 per night; six-night Detox Program from $1,699.

COPPERHOOD INN & SPA, SHANDAKEN, NEW YORK

This intimate destination spa — just 17 rooms — offers an old-Europe feel. Think gilded frames, marble, and wingback chairs. Hiking is the big draw, particularly in autumn’s glorious foliage, but yoga, meditation, and spa treatments (from $60) are popular, as well. Rooms are cozy, and afternoon tea is served daily in front of a fireplace — or on a wraparound deck with Adirondack chairs during the warmer months. The cuisine excludes red meat and instead features local ingredients like free-range chicken, cheese, and seasonal produce.

PRICE: From $325 per night (two-night minimum); seven-night stays from $2,240.

  

Full Article

 

 

TOP SPA TRIPADVISOR

 

Spa Reference Quick Links

 

Spa Search In Each States

Ayurveda, CA Day Spas, California Spas, Day Spa, Destination Spa, Hot Springs, Los Angeles Day Spas, Massachusetts Spas, Massage, NYC Spas, New Mexico Spa, New York Spa, Skin Care, Spa Getaways, Spa Treatments, Top Spa Searches

This article is brought to you by Spavelous.com.

http://www.spavelous.com

High on healing

Stressed? Head for the mountains for some quality spa time

Getaways for getting closer

Stress and long hours at the office regularly drive Karen Cross to The Homestead in search of relief.

The Homestead

1766 Homestead Drive

Hot Springs, VA 24445

540-839-1766

REVIEW THIS SPA NOW

There, she unwinds at the spa as massage therapists work the kinks from her sore shoulders and stiff neck. She often indulges in a facial, then a manicure and a pedicure.

“This is something you don’t do all the time — then it wouldn’t be a treat,” Cross said. “If you work full time, you definitely need time to relax and unwind. This is time by myself, when someone is pampering and taking care of me.”

Cross, senior vice president for Land’or International at Innsbrook and a resident of western Henrico County, travels to The Homestead in Hot Springs annually with her husband, John. While he plays golf, she rejuvenates in the sauna.

“I work hard,” Cross said. “This is time to give back to myself.”

Within an easy drive of Richmond, resorts such as The Homestead, Wintergreen, Boar’s Head Inn and Keswick Hall remain popular destinations, despite the soaring cost of gasoline. Richmond is home to a variety of spas, but many enjoy making a weekend out of relaxing near the mountains.

REVIEW THIS SPA NOW

“With the economy going the way it is, everyone is cutting back on eating out and going to the movies,” said Jana Powers, spa director at Boar’s Head Inn in Charlottesville. “But we are going strong. People aren’t willing to give this up. Spas help with your health and well-being.”

Boar’s Head Inn

200 Ednam Dr

Charlottesville, VA 22903

(434) 296-2181

REVIEW THIS SPA NOW

According to the International Spa Association, spa visits nationwide have hovered around 110 million the past few years, and spa industry revenues totaled $9.4 million in 2006. Since 1999, the number of spas has grown at an average annual rate of 21 percent, to more than 14,000.

“Spas give us the chance to calm our nerves,” Powers said. “They take us out of the real world, even if for a short period of time.”

At Boar’s Head, stressed-out souls can soak in a bubbling tub of goat’s milk and honey as they escape the daily grind of the workweek. The seven treatment rooms are filled on weekends, so be sure to book at least three weeks ahead.

If massages and body wraps aren’t your thing, escape to the sports club, play golf, take a hot-air balloon ride or visit historic sites, such as Monticello.

“You can definitely see the stress when people come in here,” Powers said. “You can see the change when they leave. They walk out smiling.”

Some book an entire day at the spa, with a break for lunch sandwiched between an exfoliating scrub and pedicure. Mary Anna’s Inspiration, a combination of a mineral bath with herbs, Swedish massage, European facial and pedicure/manicure, takes nearly five hours at The Homestead.

“We try to create the ultimate experience for people,” said Christie Ford, The Homestead’s spa director.

The emphasis, Ford said, is on using natural products unique to the area. Popular treatments include the mineral springs mud wrap and the buttercup scrub.

“We use ingredients you’ll see when you are out on a hike,” Ford said. “You leave feeling attached to The Homestead.”

The spa even gets children, Ford said, so The Homestead has designed treatments just for them.

Manicures and pedicures are popular for girls, who often get the treatments with mom.

“They get massages, too,” Ford said. “It’s not seen as pampering. With all the stress they are going through now with SOLs in school and everything else, this is a way to take care of themselves.”

Most come during summer vacation.

“When kids are out of school, weekdays aren’t really weekdays anymore,” said Kelly Stevens, spa services manager at the Wintergarden Spa at Wintergreen.

Wintergreen Resort

Route 664
Wintergreen, VA 22958
434-325-8003

REVIEW THIS SPA NOW

At Wintergreen, Swedish massage is the most popular treatment, Stevens said.

“For some, a spa treatment is a luxury,” she said. “But some use it more to help with their sore backs. For them, it helps them go on with their day-to-day lives.”

While many come to rest their weary bodies, couples make the trip for the romance of the countryside. Mothers and daughters make memories, and sisters use the time for bonding.

“I think the spa industry will only continue to grow as people realize just how relaxing it can be to escape from their daily lives,” Stevens said.

The adventure comes with a price. Individual treatments, such as manicures and pedicures, start at about $20. Packages that combine body wraps, facials, massages, exfoliating scrubs and soaks into a full day of luxury can add up to more than $500.

“Going to a spa is not an inexpensive treat,” Cross said. “But you get what you pay for. I work hard, so I don’t mind paying to pamper myself. Rejuvenation — that’s what it’s all about.”

Full Article

Find A Spa or Search the right Virginia spa just for you

Virginia Day Spas • Virginia Resort Spas • Virginia Medical Spas

Destination Spa, Facials, Hot Springs, Massage, Resort Spa, Spa, Spa Resort, Spa Treatments, Spas, Virginia Spas

This article is brought to you by Spavelous.com. http://www.spavelous.com

Attractions and activities abound in nearby Spa City

Hot Springs is Arkadelphia’s next door neighbor. The fun-filled city has a lot to offer to residents and tourist, but for college students, it’s a blessing.

Many agree that if it weren’t for Hot Springs, college life in Arkadelphia wouldn’t be as entertaining.

“I like to go up there and get away from the school work every once in a while,” sophomore mass media major Cameron Soils said.

“I work at Wendy’s and at the on-campus radio station on top of going to school, so I do it big when I can in the Springs.”

According to HotSprings.org, Hot Springs is America’s first resort and one of the south’s most popular family vacation and convention destination spots.

It has attractions for all ages and interest.

Hot Springs has everything – from an alligator farm and petting zoo for the little ones to luxurious day spas and salons for older tourists.

“I like to go and get a message every so often because it’s very relaxing,” senior early childhood education major Brittany Stuart said.

Ablution Day Spa and Salon is one of the many spas in Hot Springs. They offer four levels of comfort and sit on 4,500 square feet.

REVIEW THIS SPA NOW

The first level consists of things such as facials and cellulite reduction.

The second level offers body messages and body wraps.

The third and fourth levels include a full grooming of hair and nails.

Not only is Hot Springs a place to relax, but is also a place to learn.

The Belle of Hot Springs Riverboat is a 300-passenger riverboat where tourist can pay to float through beautiful Lake Hamilton as they listen to the captain talk about the “spa city.”

The tour includes a historical outlook of the city, along with colorful anecdotes and views of natural islands, the Ouachita Mountains, million-dollar mansions.

“You get a good view of the mountains going to Hot Springs from Arkadelphia,” junior physical education major Dionte Davis said.

There’s also a theme park for families to go to and have a fun- filled day.

Magic Springs Theme Park is also a water park, so when fun-seeking families do go to the park, it’s twice the thrills and twice the fun.

The good thing about that is you pay for one ticket to have access to both parks.

Shopping plays a big role in Hot Spring’s reputation.

There is Hot Springs Mall, where you and the family can shop till you drop at a variety of major retailers.

Other shopping stores, such as Beverly’s Casual Shop, Arlington Hotel Mall, Memorabilia-N-More and many other stores are located throughout Hot Springs.

The hardest thing about shopping and attractions in Hot Springs is trying not to spend all your money on the great things Hot Springs has to offer. It can be a hard task, but it would be a task well worth it.

Spas In Arkansas

Find A Spa or Search the right Arkansas just for you

Arkansas Resort Spas • Arkansas Spas

Adventure Spa, Hot Springs, Spa, Spa Day, Spa Experience, Spa Getaways