Spas and spa treatment
The word Spa is usually found in the context of Spa treatments and therapies and it generally refers to something called balneotherapy which means treatment by water or bathing.
Hydrotherapy is a more modern term that encompasses all of the different water treatments from water massage to using jets of water and even gaining benefit from the properties of the water itself, e.g. when the water contains concentrations of certain minerals.
Jacuzzi and whirlpool
Probably the most popular Spa hydrotherapy treatments are the Jacuzzi and whirlpool baths that were originally intended as physical therapy aids to reduce pain from symptoms like arthritis.
Today these treatments still have a medical use through occupational therapists, however they are equally popular as relaxation therapies and gentle massage therapies.
Jacuzzis and whirlpool baths work by using water jets or nozzles to pumps high pressure water (or a mix of water and air) into the bath area. The number of these outlets varies from one model to the next, but all hydrotherapy baths will have multiple nozzles. These nozzles normally have fixed orientations (i.e. a fixed direction for each water jet), however other features like the pressure of the water jet and the temperature of the water can usually be varied. This means that Jacuzzi and whirlpool type baths can be controlled very precisely and most will have a selection of factory settings that range from a gentle soothing massage sensation to a more vigorous and exhilarating massage experience.
Jacuzzi and whirlpool baths come in a vast range of shapes, sizes and prices. Some are intended to complement a bathroom, but most are designed for outdoor installation and they normally have a protective cover or lid. A small whirlpool bath or Jacuzzi style bath may only accommodate a single person, whilst a larger version may seat six or even a dozen individuals. Most Spa hotels and health related leisure centres have Jacuzzis.
Benefits of Jacuzzi and whirlpool treatments
Most hydrotherapy treatments originated in the rehabilitation and relief of pain medical sector and the Jacuzzi and whirlpool water jet systems fall into this category. The benefits that these therapies can offer include the following.
- Relaxation and stress relief resulting from the massage and muscle relaxation properties of the water jets (and possibly associated social interaction). This is the main reason that most people buy these products. They can become an important part of any social gathering and many owners see them as being integral to informal house parties and get-togethers.
- When the body is subjected to heat it will result in an increase in the heart rate and the metabolic rate, both of which can be healthy for the body.
- Reduced recovery time from injuries that benefit from the heat and massage therapies of a hydrotherapy treatment. (This may not be appropriate when an injury is still swollen or inflamed).
- Help with discomfort and joint mobility for those who suffer from arthritis or similar ailments. The heat and massaging effects of the water are acknowledged as being beneficial.
- Although not directly applicable to Jacuzzis, water jets are often used in areas like reflexology to direct precise jets of water at specific pressure points on the body.
Mineral Spa
Mineral Spas have a long history that dates back to the Roman Empire and beyond and it has long been recognised that bathing in certain waters appears to have a positive effect on the skin.
The result of this has been the development of baths and Spas in areas where the water is deemed to offer these properties, hence we have Spa towns like Bath and Harrogate in England.
It is also possible to buy preparations that can be added to a bath with the intention of duplicating the benefits of the water found in a naturally occurring Spa area.
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