The Spa Experience

Aromatherapy is the supposed treatment or prevention of disease by use of essential oils. Two basic mechanisms are offered to explain the purported effects. One is the influence of aroma on the brain, especially the limbic system through the olfactory system. The other is the direct pharmacological effects of the essential oils.

While precise knowledge of the synergy between the body and aromatic oils is often claimed by aromatherapists, the efficacy of aromatherapy remains to be proven. However, some preliminary clinical studies show positive effects.

CHROMATHERAPY

Chromatherapy, sometimes called “color therapy” or “colorology,” is an alternative medicine method. Therapists trained in chromatherapy believe the use of color and light can balance energy wherever our bodies are lacking, be it physical, emotional, spiritual or mental.

Several findings indicate that color and light have been used for health treatments since the beginning of recorded time. Chromatherapy uses the narrow band in the cosmic electromagnetic energy spectrum (known to humankind as the visible color spectrum), composed of reds, greens, blues and their combined derivatives. These visual colors, with their unique wavelength and oscillations, are selectively applied to impaired organs or life systems with a light source to provide the healing energy. Trained technicians believe that colors generate electrical impulses and magnetic currents or fields of energy that are prime activators of the biochemical and hormonal processes in the human body. For a home spa, the use of such focused light colors can enhance a shower or a bathing experience

Underwater LED lamps (always specify two – one on each side of the bather) let the bather enjoy the full rainbow of colors, or select one to set a mood. Each color enhances the bather’s experience in a different way.

• White purifies the spirit and offers refreshing peace. This can be used to relieve headaches.
  
• Blue is the source of true relaxation. It calms in stressful times and is indulgent to the senses.
  
• Aquamarine offers balance and relief from inflammation.
  
• Green calms the mind, body and soul, and provides both relief and stability.
  
• Orange soothes a sore, tired body and stimulates circulation and the respiratory system.
  
• Red stimulates and rejuvenates. It creates a mood of excitement and activates circulation.
  
• Purple promotes a true sense of tranquility. It reduces anxiety and detoxifies.

HYDROTHERAPY (HYDROMASSAGE)

Since the ancient Greeks, people have found natural healing powers in bubbling pools of hot water. The Romans, Greeks, Japanese and other cultures have realized the many benefits to mind and body.

The heat, buoyancy and massage found in the warm, soothing waters of a jetted tub experience are both relaxing and rejuvenating. This type of therapy can be enjoyed in three different ways: (1) focused massage experience in a jetted tub where streams of aerated water bounce against specific body parts, or surround the body with a circular stream of concentrated aerated water; (2) an all encompassing non-directional massage of random air bubbles gently breaking against the skin; or, (3) a combination of both.

The medical profession does agree with the spa industry that jetted tubs are beneficial in relieving several medical conditions and everyday stress.

Physicians and physical therapists recognize the value of a massage water experience as an ideal environment for rehabilitation therapy. Muscle pain can be eased, fatigue overcome and stiffness and soreness relieved when relaxing in a hydro massage tub because body temperatures rise. This causes blood vessels to dilate, resulting in increased circulation and blood flow that accelerates the body’s natural healing properties. The reason the healing process is increased is that lactic acid and other toxins are replaced with oxygen. The release of endorphins also serves as the body’s natural pain killers.

The water experience also helps increase flexibility and range of motion, preventing exercise related injuries. Stretching in a whirlpool bath stimulates the production of lubricants between connective tissue fibers as well.