About Health Spas

A health spa offers guests a chance to touch on regenerating or rejuvenating their overall health. Planning a spa getaway is a great way to separate the body from the outside world. At the health spa there are several options to choose from depending on the type of spa that one is visiting. Some spas have specific themes while others accompany a large market of clientele. Some spas are world-renowned and host celebrities and world leaders. A spa getaway can involve a few hours of pampering or several days of personal treatment.

Detoxification

• The term detoxification means "the process of removing poison." Over time, the human body can accumulate excess waste and buildup due to a poor environment and what we eat. At a detox spa, massage, fat-flushing herbal remedies, body wraps, organic facials and reiki are part of the detox process. Sauna sessions, steam baths and bubbling mud baths also assist in removing toxins. Specialty drinks can be served to act as diuretics as well. Detoxification can also be available for those suffering from addictions to drugs, alcohol and smoking. Trained medical professionals and spa staff are available to treat individuals with specialized care. The Abundant Health Dtox Day Spa in San Francisco specializes in detoxification.

Stress management

• In this day and age, stress affects everyone. What better way to gain a sense of inner power and self-worth than through a rejuvenating spa treatment? Most facilities welcome guests with the sound of tranquil water trickles. Aromatherapy candles fill each room with a fragrance such as citrus and ying and yang. Massages are given by a professional massage therapist using reiki, reflexology, heated stones and deep tissue massage. Hot tubs nestled in a pristine indoor or outdoor environment are often found at most spa facilities. A stress management spa such as the Acqualina & ESPA Spa in Miami Beach, Fla., will give the recipient a newfound sense of peace and inner strength.

Cosmetic

• For those who are looking to glam up their look a bit while being pampered at the same time, a cosmetic spa is the perfect choice. Considered a health spa --- due to improving appearance and rejuvenating the inner spirit --- a cosmetic spa is a popular choice with many over the age of 25. Intense herbal and medicinal facials are popular features at a cosmetic health spa. The body is often wrapped, exfoliated and then moisturized to remove dead skin and rejuvenate an overall look. Simple cosmetic procedures involving laser therapy, skin resurfacing, injectable fillers and Botox injections are often performed by trained professionals where they follow up on the recovery process at the spa. The Prive Medispa Inc. in Los Angeles is a celebrity hot spot and accommodates the rich and famous of the Western United States.

Locations

• Health spas are often tucked away in remote locations just outside of large cities. Most are situated on several acres of property to be able to provide privacy and minimal noise during the client's spa stay. Scottsdale, Ariz., is home to the renowned Boulders resort and spa --- here guests will relax in prime luxury nestled in the rocky, desert terrain. The Boulders is an oasis in the middle of the desert where guests will experience the one-of-a-kind "Watsu" --- a water relaxation method offering a "back to the womb" experience. Guests can also feel healthier, rejuvenated and refreshed at European-inspired spas such as the Carmel by-the-sea in Carmel, Calif. Here guests can shop and even enjoy the oceanside while pampering themselves in luxury.

Length of stay

• When booking a spa treatment, it may be difficult to choose between one day or even one week. Some spas only offer daily treatments while others such as the detoxification spas prefer a minimum three-day booking. Some facilities offer seven- to 14-day excursions. The longer treatments may include detox or combine other recreational activities such as whitewater rafting, hiking or visiting area landmarks.