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Phuket
Spas & Massage
Spas Overview
 Phuket
Spas & Health, The
Thai spa experience is one of the greatest ways for an ultimate
relaxation. Being a culmination of several very Thai components, every
Thai spa experience makes use of different elements such as indigenous
home-grown natural resources as well as age-old folk wisdom and traditions.
It is basically an epitome of the entire mystical yet harmonious Thai
way of living. Ignite all your senses from the mood setting
of the lighting, the aroma of freshness, the perfect harmony of nature
sounds, the perfect feel of elements on your skin, the peace of mind,
and most especially the warmness of the service. Day spa, medical
spa, destination spa, spa resort and hotel, spa package, spa vacation,
Thai massage, aromatherapy, your perfect choices to any of
these are endless in Thailand. Amongst the most popular destinations
are in Phuket and Krabi for day spa and medical spa, Chiva Som Hotel
for destination spa, and Mandara Spa at Anantara which is a spa and
resort hotel. Thailand is indeed the plethora of all the good things
in life especially physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. You deserve
to be pampered and be spoiled. Love yourself. Think of yourself for
a change.
Spa
Service Directory
Looking for some extra special pampering and top-quality treatment?
Read this section for listing and details on some of Phuket's best
spas.
In the last decade, Phuket has put itself on the map as one of the
world's premier tourist destinations. It's reputation as a spa haven
has only added to its popularity, particularly in the past
5-6 years with the opening of several world-class centres around the
island.
Spa
Treatments
 Thai
massage
Thai massage has been an integral part of traditional
Thai medicine for at least 2,500 years. Derived from a blend of Ayurvedic
and Chinese healing influences, Thai massage is a technique that aims
to balance energy in the body.
In a typical two-hour session, the masseuse
will guide stretching movements similar to yoga postures and also
apply pressure to points along the body using the hands, thumbs, forearms,
elbows, knees and feet. These pressure points are believed to be connected
to energy channels that run through the body. Massaging them will
help remove blockages and stimulate energy flow, thus restoring balance
and health in the body. A Thai massage session can help increase flexibility,
provide relief to tense muscles and joints, and give one a feeling
of refreshment and renewal.
Swedish
massage
Swedish massage uses a blend of long strokes,
kneading, friction, tapping and other techniques, which help to increase
the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles.
It is also believed to stimulate the skin and nervous system, and
also soothe the nerves and feelings of stress.
Shiatsu/Acupressure
Shiatsu and acupressure are based on the same
principle of stimulating the flow of energy ("qi" or "chi") through
the body to relieve health problems and promote one's well-being.
A combination of pressure and assisted-stretching techniques help
to improve circulation, release toxins and tensions from the muscles
and give the recipient a relaxing and revitalizing experience.
Reflexology
Reflexology developed from the belief that there
are reflex areas on the feet and hands corresponding to all parts
of the body including internal organs. It is believed that applying
pressure to specific points on the feet and hands can affect organs
and body systems, and therefore promote good health. In addition to
being a relaxing treatment, reflexology is believed to help relieve
headaches, sinus problems, breathing disorders, digestive problems,
circulatory problems and backaches.
Steam
and sauna
A short herbal steam bath and/or sauna session
is often included as part of a spa package, usually done before a
body treatment to open up the skin's pores and get people into a relaxed
state of mind. Steam/sauna is also believed to benefit one's health
by stimulating circulation and ridding the body of unwanted materials
through sweating.
Hydrotherapy
The term hydrotherapy covers any sort
of treatment in which water is used, such as a soak in a whirlpool
or a footbath. Both hot and cool treatments may be done. It is believed
to help tone the body, stimulate digestion, improve circulation and
the immune system and to relieve tension and pain.
Body
scrubs and wraps
A number of treatments including body
scrubs and wraps are done to help exfoliate, moisturize and freshen
up the skin. Natural products such as tumeric, aloe, honey, kaffir
lime, tropical fruits, mud, oils or sea salt are applied, with blends
often specially prepared to suit one's skin condition (dry, oily,
sunburned, etc).
Beauty
treatments
Some spas, in addition to massages and
body treatments, provide a full range of beauty services including
facials, hair styling, manicures and waxing. A nice feature in service-oriented
Thailand is that these are often done with a spa-level of care. A
haircut, for example, is often not just a haircut - you may get a
head and neck massage while your hair is being washed, or before and
after the cutting.
Total
health/beauty programs
Going beyond the typical day spa experience,
some spas are now offering a complete package of services to improve
one's health and well-being. Massage and body treatments are just
part of a program for weight loss, diet, stress relief or physical
healing.
Spa cuisine, fitness regimens, colonic
cleansing, physiotherapy, tai chi, yoga, meditation and more may be
offered, as well as beauty treatments such as Botox injections. Some
spas may even have professionals on site to perform such treatments/training,
or they can arrange treatments at a local private hospital.
There are more types of treatments available, in addition to the ones
listed above, as Phuket's spas continue to improve their range and
quality of services. Some will even tailor-design a program just for
you. Check with the spas for more specific details.
Spa
Tips
"Spa Enthusiast" magazine offers these tips
for making the most of your spa visit:
- Try to come
at off-peak hours. Your spa experience may be more relaxing
and leisurely when you're there at a less crowded time.
- Explore the possibilities. Ask for a full description
of any treatment that sounds intriguing. Be open to experimentation.
That's how you'll find new treatments to enjoy.
- Get advice regarding scheduling. If
you plan on having more than one treatment, ask if the spa has recommendations
regarding the order in which you receive them. Choosing the right
sequence may enhance your pleasure. Some facials are more suitable
before a body treatment, and some are more appropriate afterward.
Many spas will have packages that give you the treatments in the most
appropriate order.
- Share your personal health history. The spa
can help you plan accordingly. If you have conditions such as asthma,
diabetes, or lupus, you should get your doctor's okay for any treatment
you'd like to try. People with high blood pressure or a heart condition
may want to avoid body wraps or any treatment that involves heat or
detoxification. Those with varicose veins may want to avoid heat treatments
to those areas, and people with iodine allergies should avoid marine
products such as seaweed. Pregnant women should avoid essential oils
and anything that could raise body temperature, such as body wraps,
saunas/steambaths and Jacuzzis.
- Mention any prescription drugs you are using
in order to avoid any services or products that might irritate your
skin or otherwise be harmful.
- Anticipate how the treatment
will fit into your other plans. For example, if you're having
a facial treatment that may leave your skin temporarily irritated
or blotchy, you may not want to go to a romantic dinner afterward.
- Allow enough time for your visit.
Plan to spend a least 15 minutes sipping a beverage, relaxing, and
chatting or enjoying some solitude. And try not to rush yourself at
the end of your visit. This way you won't have to be concerned if
your visit takes a little longer than you anticipated, and you'll
prolong the pleasure of relaxation.
Partner Sites
www.phukethoteltour.com
| www.phuket-hotels-links.com
| www.hotel-phuket.org
| www.1phuket.com
| www.patong-hotels.net
| www.katakaronhotel.com
| www.phuket-map.net |
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