HAVE A SPA DAY AT HOME WITH THESE TIPS
Hydrotherapy uses water to ease pain, stimulate blood circulation and treat some disease symptoms. It’s an ancient practice, one that can be traced to about 4500 BC to the areas that are now Egypt, Iraq and Iran. Think of circulating jets of a hot tub after a tough gym workout and you’ll recognize one of the ways hydrotherapy has come to be used in modern day. Immersing the body in water has been medically proven to be relaxing and therapeutic. Josie Feria, Director of Spa Operation at Lapis Spa at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach says the deep muscle relaxation associated with a good hot soak helps to reduce cramps, tension headaches and improves muscle elasticity. And it feels so good. Can’t get to Florida to book a relaxing soak at the luxurious Lapis Spa at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach? Create the ultimate soaking experience at home with the following tips, provided by Josie:
1. Use Scented Bath Oil. Floral scents like lavender, jasmine, iris and rose are associated with relaxation and can help to ease you into a relaxing state quicker. Add oils to the tub when the bath is halfway full, this will help them disperse evenly throughout the water.
2. Bath Temperature. A warm bath is best for relaxing the body. Ideal water temperature for a warm bath is 92 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to use your wrist, not your hand to test the water since your wrist is a better gauge of how the water will feel once your entire body is submerged.
3. Body Scrub. Some people have a hard time relaxing, even while soaking in a tub. Gently massaging your body with a sponge and body scrub will help engage your mind as the scrub buffs away dryness and leaves your skin supple and moist.
4. Close Your Eyes. To enter deep relaxation, it’s important to close your eyes. To facilitate this, try placing cold cucumbers, an icy compress or eye pads which have been soaked in chilled chamomile tea onto your lids to help ease you into relaxation.
5. Bath Salts. Tough workout? Bath salts are like external muscle relaxants. If you have soreness, pain or swelling, bath salts reduce inflammation and stiffness and help detoxify skin and increase circulation which helps to ease tension and revitalize the body.
6. Candles. Bright bathroom lights tell your body it’s go-time — not bath time. Instead, light a few candles and place them around the room and on the edge of the tub.
7. Cold Water. If you’ve set your water temperature right (somewhere between steamy and very warm,) you should be feeling quite toasty in the tub. A warm bath raises your body’s core temperature, so you’ll start sweating. Before getting into the tub, set a bowl of ice water and a washcloth next to you and use it as a cold compress on your forehead or the nape of your neck to help keep you refreshed throughout the bath time. I also grab a tall bottle of San Pellegrino and force myself to drink the whole thing to hydrate.
8. Bath Robe/ Nice Bath Sheets. Nothing jolts you out of a zen state like going from a warm, luxe bath to a measly, threadbare robe or old dingy towel. Get a plush terry cloth robe or fluffy towels that allow you to feel warm and comfortable.
9. Relax Afterwards. Leave the smart phone alone for an hour or so and just enjoy time for yourself. Get a glass of tea and read or listen to music. Want more coziness? Wrap a heated towel around your neck and take a deep and well-earned nap.
10. Multitask. Make the most of your bath by using the time to also give yourself a face and hair treatment. Both the skin and hair respond very favorably to the moist environment created by a steamy bath. To cleanse your face, apply a clay mask to the skin avoiding the eyes. Allow to remain on the skin for 7-10 minutes then remove gently with wet washcloth. Need to soften and hydrate your hair? Apply conditioner or a hair mask to wet hair then cover in a plastic cap and hot towel and allow the conditioner or mask to remain on hair for duration of bath for 15- 20 minutes. Wash and rinse thoroughly.
11. Music. Play relaxing music to soothe your mood and aid in the process of relaxation. Visualization is also a great tool to enhance relaxation in the bath. Complimented by music, visualization exercises can transport you to your own private Nirvana. Caribbean beaches anyone?
Going to be in Miami Beach? Book your reservation at Lapis Spa at The Fontainebleau Miami Beach online. Or, for additional information, email: LapisSpa@fontainebleau.com or call 305-674-4772 / 866-750-4772.
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