The modern day Spa has centuries of history built into its structure.
As far back as Greek and Roman times bathing in spa waters was well known for medicinal and healing properties with people often making pilgrimages to help with their ailments. Even further back in time the Egyptians indulged in the taking of baths in healing waters with added oils and remedies. Spirituality played a key role in the importance of cleanliness and healing.
More recently and here in Europe historically, visiting spa towns to heal the body and mind was extremely fashionable in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The wealthy loved visiting the spa towns to rest and recuperate after or during illness as it was much believed to improve the health of the body and the mind.
It seems as a human race we have for thousands of years enjoyed taking part in indulgent activity we feel improves our health and state of mind and that also has a side effect of making us feel more beautiful.
The modern day spa has developed and branched into a hugely diverse industry. The human need to feel pampered and ‘healed’ in mind and body has expanded. Across the world spas and associated treatments cater for both men and women and almost any treatment imaginable is now available.
Spas and treatments improve bodily function, combat insomnia, improve skin quality, relax and refresh tired, aching and painful muscles and reduce anxiety and stress. Associated treatments can remove unwanted hair, shape brows, deliver light and heat therapy…..whatever treatment we want there is a spa that provides it. As an expanding industry the spa industry caters for what seems to be a primal need to be ‘touched’, ‘healed’ and generally made to feel better about ourselves.
Celebrating and promoting the spa industry is National Spa Week from October 31st-November 4th when UK spas and salons are opening their doors to entice new and existing customers to visit, and further promote the work of spas and spa therapists.
Even better, participating salons are invited to help raise money for Macmillan Cancer Care during the week by donating a percentage of the profit during National Spa Week. So if you have ever considered a hot stone massage, a detox body wrap or an Indian head massage this could be the week to book it in and support a fantastic charity. Looking after our emotional and physical health has never been more important in the hectic lifestyle of this century!
For more information about National Spa Week, please visit http://spaweek.co.uk/about-sdw