20% Off Sitewide!
★ Free Postage On Orders Over £20 ★

The history of SPA treatments

spa main post

The history of using spa treatments to promote wellbeing and relaxation goes back thousands of years. From ancient Roman baths to modern spa resorts, people sought the therapeutic benefits of natural water springs and an array of treatments.

So what is actually a SPA? It can be many things. With the growing popularity of the wellness and wellbeing industry, more and more treatments appear, which broadens the definition of spa treatments.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, spa can mean two things: first, it refers to the original spas and means “a town where water comes out of the ground and people come to drink it or lie in it because they think it will improve their health.” This correlates with the theory from where the word was originated. One of the popular beliefs is that the word “spa” originated from Latin phrase “sanitas per aquas” which can be translated as “health trough water”.

The second definition is probably closer to what a spa is now: “a place where people go in order to become more healthy by doing exercises, eating special food, etc.”

But the most exciting thing about spa treatments is that, with advances in modern technology, beauty, and wellness industries, there is no need to go to a special place. A vast majority of the treatments can be performed at home on a daily basis.

All roads lead to Rome.

spa treatments

The first spa resorts date to the Roman Empire. In ancient Rome, taking care of the body and mind was an essential part of daily life. And the way to achieve this was through spa treatments. Those treatments were considered not only a way to relax and unwind but also for their medicinal purposes. Those spas were known as Roman baths, and they were a central part of Roman culture.

Roman baths had a lot of rooms with different temperatures, places to read and socialise,  swimming pools, and rooms for relaxation. At first, it was a luxury that could only be accessed by notable and rich citizens. However, it became so popular that very soon public baths were open all over the Roman Empire, where people of all classes could enjoy all its benefits.

The Romans believed that the water contained some healing power. It was often infused with herbs and oils to increase its healing and relaxation powers.

One of the most popular spa treatments in ancient Rome was the so-called “sudatorium,” the progenitor of a modern sauna. It wasn’t much different in the setup than the ones now. “Sudatorium” was usually a small room filled with hot, dry air. The Romans believed that sweating was an excellent way to get rid of impurities and cleanse the body.

Another very popular treatment was “frigidarium,” which is a pool filled with cold water. It was meant to be invigorating for the body and mind. It was believed that the contrast between hot and cold temperatures was the perfect combination to treat the body and sharpen the mind. That’s why those two treatment rooms were often close to each other and used one after another.

In modern days, those practises are still used as the most popular practises in spa treatments in different cultures.

Massage and aromatherapy were also very important partsof spa treatmentsrelievecient Rome. Massage oils were infused with essential oils and herbs, and believed to relief muscle tension, promote better blood circulation and even help with some medical issues. The Romans even used a mixture of olive oil, sea salt, and herbs for exfoliating and stimulating skin regeneration.

The raise of popularity

spa bath

As time went on, the popularity of spa treatments spread throughout Europe and Asia. In the Middle Ages, public baths were built in cities across Europe, and people visit them to cleanse their bodies and heal their ailments. In Asia, traditional healing practices like Ayurveda and Chinese medicine incorporated water therapy as an essential part of their treatments.

By the 19th century, spa treatments had become a very popular form of health tourism. People would travel to famous spa towns like Bath in England, or Baden-Baden in Germany to indulge in different treatments and soak in natural hot springs. These spas were often built in big ornate buildings, and were considered as the symbol of wealth, luxury, and prestige.

In 20th century, spa treatments became more accessible, and many hotels and resorts began incorporating spas into their amenities.

Today, spa treatments are a billion-dollar industry with countless options. From hot stone massages to hydrotherapy baths, spa treatments have come a long way from their humble beginnings in ancient Rome.

Spa in modern times

spa

In modern times spa treatments have become increasingly popular as more and more people look for ways to relax, destress, and take some time to prioritise their well-being and health.

With demand continuing to grow, more and more new treatments appear to suit different preferences, desires, and needs. From classical sauna treatments to meditation, facials, a range of different massages, and the list can go on.

It has become so popular because, in a fast-paced modern society, people feel more pressure, stress, and worry. Many people overwork, get burned out, and are looking for ways to decrease anxiety, recharge, rejuvenate, and relax. Mental health awareness has also greatly contributed to the rise in popularity of spa treatments, as they can greatly improve emotional and psychological well-being.

Another important factor in the rising popularity of spas is the increasing availability and accessibility of their services. Spas and wellness centres are in the majority of cities and towns, and they are offering treatments at a different price range to make sure they can be more accessible to a wider range of people, so even people who haven’t considered them in the past could try them.

Many spas now offer a range of high-tech treatments such as floatation treatments, cryotherapy, infrared therapy, and so on. They use advanced equipment to provide unique and effective wellness experiences for relaxation and rejuvenation. Although those treatments are quite pricey and generally done in courses, those who are willing to use them would need to consider investing a significant amount of money.

In the last few years, social media has contributed to the growing interest in different self-care routines. Influencers and celebrities are actively sharing their experiences as well as promoting different types of treatment. They even share how people can do certain procedures in the comfort of their homes. All this has helped to create an extra buzz around spa treatments and has encouraged a lot more people to give them a try.

Spa treatments at home

spa at home

While spa treatments can sound like a luxurious experience that is not always feasible or affordable, there are some treatments you can do at home and on a budget. For a lot of them, all you need is some carrier oil (such as avocado oil), some essential oils, and some simple tools. So luckily, there is no need to break the bank to be able to experience some of the techniques to relax, rejuvenate, and unwind. And the good thing is that all of them can be done without leaving the house.

Some of the most popular treatments that can be done at home include:

  1. DIY facials.

A facial is a great way to relax and give the skin an extra boost. There are a lot of them that can be done in the salon or at home. While it is quite difficult to do something complicated that requires special equipment, training, or professional materials, it is still possible to do some treatments. One of the most popular is having a face mask. They could be purchased at a reasonable price from almost any shop. And there is a great variety of them to tackle different skin concerns, like helping with dry or oily skin, impurities, energising, and adding a glow.

Alternatively, face masks could be made using some simple ingredients like honey, avocado, cucumber, oatmeal, etc. There are plenty of recipes for homemade masks that can be found online.

Another popular facial that doesn’t require a salon appointment is massage with gua sha stones. It is an ancient Chinese healing technique that involves scraping the skin with a specially shaped stone. And is said to help with blood circulation and aid in reducing signs of ageing.

  1. Relaxing bath soaks

A relaxing bath is probably the easiest and most popular spa treatment that can be done at home. Soaking in warm water can help with relaxation, relieving stress and anxiety, and helping some sore muscles. Additionally, to maximise benefits and make the experience even more luxurious, essential oils or bath salts could be added to the water. One of the most popular essential oil used for baths is lavender oil. It provides additional help with reducing anxiety and stress. And having a warm bath with lavender oil before going to bed will help with a better night’s sleep.

  1. Scalp massages

It is another popular spa treatment that can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and help with blood circulation on the scalp. This could be beneficial for hair growth.

The treatment can be done simply by massaging the scalp in circular motions and applying some pressure to the head. For additional benefits, a couple of drops of peppermint or lavender essential oil could be added to the fingertips. This will add to the benefits of aromatherapy as well as the benefits of essential oil itself. For instance, lavender essential oil is great for helping with such common problems as dandruff and dull-looking hair.

  1. Body scrub

A body scrub is a popular way to exfoliate dead skin cells, leaving skin feeling smooth and soft and even helping with the appearance of cellulite. The most common DIY body scrubs are coffee scrubs or a mixture of coconut oil, sugar, and your preferred essential oil.

  1. Yoga and meditation

While not a traditional spa treatment, yoga and meditation can be just as effective at promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and promoting wellbeing. There are many online resources dedicated to yoga and meditation, as well as some guided classes.

Those are only some examples of spa treatments that can be done at home using simple ingredients and techniques that can help with relaxation and rejuvenation.

Additionally, there are a lot of tools on the market that are designed for home use and are very similar to the ones used in professional salons. The price range differs between quite affordable ones and very expensive, top-of-the-line ones.

Potential risks

spa treatments

Spa treatments definitely have a lot of benefits for the human body and mind. However, as with any health-related practise, there are potential risks associated with it that customers should be aware of.

One of the primary risks of spa treatments is the possibility of infection transmission. Spas can be breeding grounds for viruses, fungi, and bacteria. That can happen if the place doesn’t follow proper sanitation and disinfection protocols. If the spa doesn’t maintain cleanliness and hygiene to minimise the risk of infection transmission, it can lead to the spread of such things as ringworm, athlete’s foot, nail fungus, and, in some cases, even more serious things such as hepatitis or even HIV. So it is very important to choose spas carefully by reading reviews online or even going to check the place out and asking some questions regarding sanitation protocols before booking a treatment.

Another very common risk is the qualification of the specialists providing the treatment. They should have good qualifications and be certified to perform certain treatments. In some cases, specialists would need to have a medical degree. To minimise risks for clients and make sure that the procedure won’t cause any harm. As well as be able to suggest what procedures a client should or shouldn’t do based on their health record.

But even if the salon is good and the specialists are qualified, there are still risks that need to be considered.

One of the most common is an allergic reaction. Many spa products, such as lotions, oils, and scrubs, contain ingredients that trigger allergic reactions in some people. Common allergens include fragrances, dyes, and preservatives. That could be dangerous, as some allergic reactions could be quite severe. It is very important for customers to inform their spa therapist of any allergies they may have and for spas to use hypoallergenic products wherever possible.

In addition, there are potential risks associated with specific spa treatments. For example, deep tissue massage can cause some soreness or even bruising in some cases, while chemical peels and microdermabrasion will most likely cause redness and some skin irritation. While those are, in most cases, expected side effects and will improve after a short period of time, customers need to make sure that it won’t cause any inconveniences. For instance, it is not recommended to have chemical peels before big events or holidays. As it might take some time for the skin to heal and become less sensitive.

But some spa treatments can even be dangerous for certain people. It is not recommended for people with high blood pressure and heart diseases to use saunas and hot tubs, as it may worsen their condition.

To minimise the risks associated with spa treatments, customers need to do thorough research, choose reputable spas with good specialists, inform therapists about any concerns regarding their health conditions, and ask questions about the treatments they are considering.

By being informed and cautious, customers can enjoy all the benefits of spa treatments without putting their health at risk.

In conclusion, spa treatments are a great way to improve overall health and wellbeing. It can help with relaxation, pain relief, improving skin health, reducing the signs of ageing, and boosting the immune system. But it is just as important to understand the potential risks.

Overall, spa treatments can be a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle. By choosing the right treatments and being informed about the potential risks, customers can enjoy the many benefits spa treatments have to offer.

Shopping Basket