Yahoo LifestyleThere’s more to spas than facials and massages
It’s National Spa Week and what better way to celebrate than with a round-up of our favourite new or unusual spa treatments.
Don’t just play it safe with a typical facial and simple massage treatment.
Search the lists of special therapies available and find some exciting treatments that are just as successful at reviving your mind, body and soul.
Here is a selection of some best alternative treatments available at UK spas.
Ginseng massage – Forget the usual neck, back and shoulders routine, this massage will send you into a complete state of relaxation. Warm stones are brushed against the skin in long flowing movements, accompanied by aromatic oil and the Scent Tao, an anti-stress complex.
Benefits
1. The Scent Tao contains valuable ingredients like Green tea, Ginseng and Ginkgo Biloba, which enhance the skins own protective barrier.
2. You will sleep like a baby.
Experience Ginseng Massage at Lifehouse Spa Resort, Essex, £75 for 60mins (01255 860050, lifehouse.co.uk).
[See also: 10 minute yoga tone up]
Shirodhara
– The luxurious treatment involves a head and neck massage and a continuous flow of warm oil on the poured on the forehead (don’t try this at home).
The oil is poured onto the centre of your head – the third eye – to help you relax and focus. Shirodhara is an ancient massage technique that originates from India and aims to harmonise, calm and rejuvenate.
Benefits
1. The steady spilling of the oil brings physical and emotional balance and gives your hair a good condition.
2. Shirodhara is known to release stored emotions, calm nerves and fight fatigue, anxiety and headaches.
Relax with a Shirodhara treatment at Shymala Ayurvdea (0207 348 0018, Shymala Ayurvdea).
The Bliss Deep Sea Detox – This full body blitz is essential for those suffering from too many all-nighters. This special treatment comes in three stages: the firming oil massage, with heated seashells, followed by a detoxifying French marine seaweed wrap and finished with a warm stimulating shower.
Benefits
1. The detox works to slim, promote lymph drainage, relax and hydrate your body.
2. It is recommended on a weekly basis to prove full effect. (We wish!).
Indulge in a Bliss Deep Sea Detox at Bliss London, £135 for 90mins (0207 590 6146, blissworld.co.uk).
Oriental Bathing Experience
– This is a unique bathing experience in the UK, where guests are treated to two hours of ultimate indulgence. The treatment offers a tantalising mixture of ancient Eastern techniques including a Thai foot ritual that opens the path to Sen energy lines, a full body exfoliation to rebuff your body and a few minutes of peace and quiet as you escape reality in a private sleep pod.
Benefits
1. You can enjoy the experience individually, as a couple or in groups up to three.
2. The experience combines traditional massage techniques with modern facilities.
Treat yourself to the Oriental Bathing Experience at Lifehouse Spa Resort, Essex, £120 (01255 860050, lifehouse.co.uk).
Shellac manicure – If you are sick of your nails chipping less than a day after you have carefully applied paint then this manicure is for you.
There is a lot of hype around UV manicures in the beauty community, with the Shellac manicure being highly praised among the rest. The Shellac system features a base coat, colour coat and top coat for your nails, with a time under a UV Lamp for a long-lasting finish.
Benefits
1. The UV lamp dries the paint in seconds, making this manicure a perfect treat to fit in at lunchtime.
2. The high voltage shine lasts for up to two weeks as the blend of gels move as your nails grow.
3. Shellac doesn’t damage your nails as some acrylics do.Try a Shellac manicure at Dove Spa, nationwide, £15 (dovespa.co.uk).
National Spa Week runs from 19th – 25th Sept 2011: See more for offers.
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