Romantic baths

A bath ritual features a series of spa pleasures and the opportunity to float around in the tub with the person you like best in the whole world. Spas usually pull out the stops for this amorous rite and you will find your bath strewn with rose petals, floating candles and sensual music. Soaking together in the tub starts with choosing an essential oil before you immerse yourselves in the tub…and in your relationship! The ritual aims at easing the tension in your bodies.

Chamomile, lavender, basil and bergamot are essential oils that promote relaxation, whereas rosemary and pine warm the muscles and ease aching joints. While the tepid water relaxes muscles, the essential oils do wonders by calming your body and eliminating stress.

Where: All spa resorts offer this ritual. Choose a resort for its majestic ambience, like any of the Jiva spas at the Taj hotels and you are sure to increase your sensual pleasure.

Chocolate therapy

Envision you and your better half soaking in a vat full of sinful milk chocolate. A tender exfoliation with a potion of cocoa bean husks and thick butter follows the soak. You will then be cocooned in a Chocolate Fondue Wrap prepared with balmy moor mud and essence of cocoa. Finally, a delectable chocolate massage ends the ritual. This is not some weird chocoholic’s fantasy, but a treatment available at spas around the world.

Besides the aroma of chocolate eliciting a chemical reaction in the brain that induces feelings of first falling in love, it has barfuls of physical benefits as well. In addition to the endorphins creating an emotion of euphoria, dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants which help reduce wrinkles and keep the skin tight and supple. The caffeine in the cocoa boosts circulation and that is why couples coming out of this treatment feel energised and alive.

Where: The Chocolate Escape Package was first introduced at the Hershey Spa in Pennsylvania, USA. India has a few places where this is available. Frank Provost Spa in Mumbai offers a treatment called the French Kiss [chocolate honey scrub] and Love Choco Ballad [chocolate body scrub followed by a sensuous massage]. The Windflower Spa and Resort in Mysore has a Chocolate Indulgence package.

Earth stone massage

Hot Stone Massage is the ultimate, nurturing healing massage. This profoundly relaxing and balancing treatment can be 75 minutes of unadulterated ecstasy for couples.  First, you have to lie down on massage tables covered with linens, steeped in herbs. You are then gently covered. Smooth, heated ‘placement’ stones are positioned tactically on bare body parts, and ‘working’ hot and cold stones are used in a complete rub down that leaves every muscle and tendon soothed. The heat from the stones penetrates, provoking an utterly tranquil state and an almost magical release of muscle tension—giving you a feeling of invigorated elation.

Earth Stone therapy improves posture and circulation. The warmth of the basalt stones will leave you with lingering sensations of comfort and relaxation. In contrast, the cold marble stones help the body to detoxify and heal, lulling you and your partner to the unknown realms of heaven.

Where: Most spas offer this treatment; choose one that is closer to nature to multiply the pleasure.

Ropana body ritual

The Ropana Body Ritual is over two hours of perfect romantic pampering. This ultra-lavish treatment begins with a steam and a soothing flower petal foot soak. An abhyanga massage [a full body massage with long, deep soothing strokes], exfoliation and a deep cleansing herbal mask follow. Your ritual ends with an aromatic flower bath. Two therapists attend to each of you separately, but you can still get intimate with your eyes and mind.

This cleansing and healing ritual that aims at restoring balance between body and mind. Created around the benefits of neem, this ritual blends the therapeutic properties of date seed, green tea and blood orange. More than two hours of this shared private pleasure will bring about a feeling of serenity and maybe much more.

Where: This ritual is tailor-made for couples at the Four Seasons Hotel in Mumbai in your private suite.

Vinotherapy

Vinotherapy or wine therapy is an indulgence that started in a French winery where the skins and seeds of the grape were used for their healing properties rather than being disposed of. This intoxicating three-step treatment starts with a gentle exfoliating scrub prepared from sticky sugar and plump grape skin extracts massaged onto your bodies. Sugar has wonderful skin tightening and antioxidant elements, and while the scrub is allowed to soak in, you and your partner are snugly wrapped in warm blankets, lying side by side. After an invigorating shower, your skin is smoothed and prepped for a full-body application of nourishing grape seed oil.

Besides leaving your skin delightfully tingling, Chardonnay and Shiraz wraps contain high levels of polyphenols that heal skin damage and detoxify. These chemicals are responsible for preventing coronary heart diseases, combating pollution, sun damage and are 20 times more effective than vitamin C.

Where: The trendiest spas in India have promised to start this sumptuous treatment and the ones to watch out for are the major wine houses in the country. Anushka salon and spa in Chennai does offer a heady grape treatment, it’s only a matter of time until the others catch up.

On the whole

Holistic treatments stimulate all five senses, opening you up completely to the person besides you, garnering a renewed sense of togetherness. Physical touch coupled with correct breathing techniques are powerful therapeutic tools to lift your mood and heal your soul. It increases and improves the energy flow throughout your body allowing the release of negative emotions and memories, thereby reducing the harmful impact they have upon your feeling of wellbeing.

Couple spa treatments not only strip you down to your bare selves, but also break down stress barriers, and offer a unique way to experience romance. After experiencing the rituals together, you and your partner may feel relaxed, aroused or emotionally more exposed—bringing you closer in mind, body and spirit.

This was first published in the Feb 2009 issue of Complete Wellbeing.

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From ancient healing rituals to modern-day advancements, spas offer guests an abundance of treatments that stimulate all five senses and still the mind. However, for some people a ‘spa’ is just a fancy word for a ‘hair salon’ and a place for women to splurge on an over-priced maalish. While others believe it to be a load of mumbo-jumbo where terms like ‘wellbeing’ and ‘holistic approach’ are loosely used, with no tangible benefits. So, are spas really a place for just primping and preening, or are they much more than that?

Spas ≠ salons

The spa experience is based on ancient healing rituals infused with contemporary wellness innovations. Years of practised techniques do leave a person feeling rejuvenated and revitalised. Most massages find their roots in ancient Europe and Asia, where treatments were given to heal injuries, alleviate mental anguish, manage pain and improve blood circulation.

Our very own champi or Indian head massage is based on ayurvedic systems, expressly related to our chakras and energy flows. Champi involves kneading the points that suggest the most tension by skilfully tapping, chopping, plucking and cupping. The simple hand and foot massage is founded on the principle of reflexology that states that there are points on our palms and soles related to every organ, gland, and system in the body. The popular Swedish massage on the other hand, uses five styles of flowing strokes to massage rigid joints and improve circulation. While Thai massages combine massage with yoga-like positions, aromatherapy uses specific oils according to an individual’s need.

Every stroke in a spa has a well thought-out significance—the ergonomically designed spa bed, the peaceful décor, the soothing music, the optimum temperature—all contribute to that quintessential ‘wellness’ experience. And most significantly, spas only use trained and certified professionals to administer treatments, something you will never encounter in an ordinary salon.

Visiting a spa does help you; it’s not all indulgence

More and more people are suffering from shoulder and neck problems due to long working hours, headaches, lumbar pain or just plain frayed nerves. Reports illustrate that massage can effectively improve everyday wear-and-tear from swellings, cramps, soreness and muscle spasms by soothing the soft tissues and encouraging relaxation.

Massage also has a broad range of physiological benefits that include improved body alignment, better circulation of oxygen and nutrients, stimulation of the lymphatic system, reduction of stress hormones, increased joint mobility, flexibility and improved skin tone. Treatments also promote the elimination of toxins, flushing out metabolic waste, and therefore aiding recovery, especially during illnesses.

Now, more than ever, where daily exercise is a regular part of our health-conscious routines, a massage is highly recommended. Habitually taken, it renews tired muscles and also keeps healthy ones in peak form, preventing injuries. Massage also boosts immunity and nurses a variety of disorders from premenstrual syndrome, high blood pressure, arthritis to stress, anxiety and sleep disturbances.

Spas don’t just promote new-age spacey nonsense

Mental wellness is not necessarily found only in yoga and meditation, but in massage therapy as well. Massage treatments not only offer great physical benefits, but also promote a mental and spiritual awakening. There are many ayurvedic treatments that aim at restoring the mind-body balance and their emphasis is on oneness with the universe. Massage rituals also work on the natural automatic response to rub or clutch an affected area. It is this ‘human touch’ that practitioners employ as a powerful tool to heal and promote wellness.

Shiatsu has been proven to promote a general feeling of wellbeing through the shifting of Chi or energy points on a person’s body. Watsu, a combination of water therapy and Shiatsu, where the Watsuer tenderly moves a person through warm water in fluid movements, brings about a deep state of relaxation with dramatic changes in the autonomic nervous system. Many come out of a Watsu session saying that it was one of the most powerful experiences of their life. Some even express a delving into a subconscious level of peace and a lightening of emotional baggage after a tranquil massage.

One of the instantaneous benefits of any massage, be it a facial, head or body massage, is a feeling of immense serenity and calm. This occurs because massage aids the release of endorphins [the happy chemical] that induces a sensation of wellbeing by reducing stress, anxiety and depression.

Spas are not only for the rich and they aren’t a waste of money

Don’t go by a spa’s pricey menu and assume that spas are only for the moneyed and pretentious. Now, more than ever, spas have become accessible and affordable. Besides, most good spas give you some extras for the price tag such as a jacuzzi, steam and sauna, making it a great value-for-money proposition. Some hotel spas even give you access to their gym and pool facilities.

It’s upto you to make the most of your spa experience. Check your worries and your phone at the door and enjoy the ‘me time’, spending the day as languidly as you wish.

In addition to the herbal teas and exotic fresh fruits [a spa will doubtlessly pamper you with these after a treatment], find out if there is a café or restaurant attached to the spa, should you decide to make an afternoon of it. Spread yourself out for at least half-an-hour after you’ve finished your treatment, reading in the lounge or enjoying the gentle music in your spa room before re-entering the real world.

Most spas provide you with fluffy robes, slippers and even access to a rain or massage shower [should you have the energy to take one] stocked with every amenity possible.

Spas aren’t a “girly thing”

Men make up for more than 30 per cent spa goers and that figure is progressively mounting. Massages are the most popular treatment among men, trailed by a steam bath and sauna. Men are speedily uncovering the amazing benefits of spa treatments that not only make them look and feel terrific, but also help them switch off completely from the hustle and bustle of their work life.

An astounding amount of men have become comfortable with the idea of going to a spa for a facial, manicure and even a professional shave.

Spas throughout the country have begun catering to their ever-increasing male clientele with a plethora of treatments like sports massages, neck and shoulder massages, men’s manicures and pedicures, waxing treatments, body scrubs to exfoliate rough and dry skin and special gentlemen’s facials to treat acne or rough and dry skin.

Whether men are interested in a body treatment, deep-cleansing skin treatments, wraps or hand and foot services, they will discover numerous spa rituals tailor-made exclusively for them [you can ask for a male masseuse if you wish]. A healing spa experience isn’t just beneficial to women, as the majority of men will swiftly find out after their first visit.

This was first published in the February 2012 issue of Complete Wellbeing.

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What men want

Men, though are not as concerned as women in the notion of ‘alone-time’; appear to respond more to treatments that are physically beneficial, active and luxurious.

“Men seem to like the pedicures, Thai Yoga Massages, reflexology, deep tissue massages and aromatherapy, mostly taking treatments after a workout to relax sore muscles,” says Deanne Panday, founder and director of Play Health and Fitness.

She reveals that male clients are on the upswing, since spas are no longer considered a girly thing. Clients to her spa include Bollywood macho men like John Abraham, Dino Morea and Kunal Kapoor.

Just for men

Spas have promptly understood how to establish a gender-neutral ambience, where both men and women feel at ease. In fact, some spas have services and packages that are designed specifically for the male body and skin-like hand and foot treatments [which are used to treat dry, rough and cracked skin], sports massages, body wraps, facials, and body hair removal.

The manly spa menu

The treatments for men include:

• Facials: This is a good treatment for men who are first time spa goers. It doesn’t involve disrobing and is calming. Generally men are astounded by how dramatically effective facials can be, as men tend to use fewer products on a day-to-day basis.
• Deep tissue massages or sports massages: These massages work on the connective tissue—deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia. It uses the same movements and techniques as a Swedish massage, but employs more pressure. Sportsmen have frequent deep tissue massages and so this concept often attracts men who have the odd muscular niggle or even more acute muscular tension.
• Saunas and steams: Saunas and steam are specially built rooms that use heat—a sauna uses dry heat, while a steam room incorporates high humidity and warmth—to cure, relax and release toxins. Men like these rooms as they are once again linked with sports and muscular pain relief. A few minutes in the steam or sauna before a massage helps warm-up muscles and open pores, therefore making a massage more effective.
• Hydro massage: This water-based treatment is both active and relaxing. Solid jets of water massage the entire body as you lie in a tub. Some hydro massages can be quite rigorous, greatly relaxing the muscles.
• Back scrub: This indulgent treatment begins with a thorough cleansing of the back under aromatic steam. It includes a massage with a scrub suited to your skin type and a refining mask. It’s great to remove dead skin for a smooth glowing back.
• Peppermint sports pedicure: The conventional pedicure is adapted to the needs of the man on the go. A refreshing exfoliation with peppermint sea salt helps soften the feet, while detailed nail grooming is followed by a soothing calf and foot massage.
• Chest, stomach and back wax: A quick yet affordable method of taking off unwanted hair.

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First things first

A glimpse at the spa menu can be overwhelming for beginners. Should you get a massage or a body polish? Hydrate or detoxify?

Knowing this simple rule of thumb will make things easy for you: most massages are like facials. Just that instead of restricting the treatment to your face, they cover your entire body.

So by that principle all treatments cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate your skin. And most treatments also have a detoxifying effect on your system.

Now, back to the menu. Begin with basic treatments. A Swedish massage is a good place to start. And once you’ve tried these, you can then move on to try slightly advanced ones like a Thai or Ayurvedic massage, or hot stone therapy.

On arrival

Reach at least 15 minutes before your treatment, the more the better. This will give you time to get into a robe [generally during a massage, you don’t wear anything but your underwear underneath a towel or a sheet. Worry not, the therapist uncovers only the part of the body s/he is working on. This technique is called, draping] and talk to your therapist about what facial services or body treatments and products would be most suitable for your skin type.

Most spas require you to fill a form detailing your medical history. You also need to specify the body parts to work on or to avoid.

Most good spas usually also have a doctor, if you have specific medical questions regarding the treatment in relation to you.

Pre-treatment

After consultation and choosing an appropriate treatment, it’s now time to relax. Most spas offer a cold herbal drink before treatments to keep you hydrated, as well as complimentary whirlpool or jacuzzi services, including a sauna and steam bath.

Pre-treatment showers are optional. But it is preferable to wash off dirt from the skin and open up the pores for the treatment oil to can seep in.

If you do decide to take a dip in the jacuzzi before, take a shower to wash off the chlorine.

Post-treatment

Most people prefer to take a sauna and steam after a massage, as it helps absorb the oil. Always remember to end a sauna/steam with a cold shower to avoid feeling dizzy and to close the pores. It is again up to you whether you want to soap off the treatment oil at the spa immediately after a massage, or relax for a couple of hours and bathe at home. Most spa treatments end with a warm drink to further relax and calm you.

Popular treatments

The most popular treatments in a majority of spas are the Swedish and aromatherapy full-body massages.

Swedish massage: Therapists use massage oils to knead, stretch and tap the muscles, using firm but gentle pressure to promote relaxation, ease muscle tension and create other health benefits. Swedish massage usually comprises deeper work on areas of particular muscle tension and is the foundation for other types of Western massage, including aromatherapy and deep tissue.

Aromatherapy massage: This uses smooth gentle strokes and essential oils obtained from plants to change your mood and assuage muscle pain. The massage therapist uses up to five oils in a mixture, and chooses the oils best suited to an individual’s need. A restful aromatherapy massage, for instance, might have lavender or bergamot, while a massage for sore muscles might include peppermint and eucalyptus.

A massage has numerous benefits as it relaxes the nervous system and promotes a sense of tranquillity and wellbeing. It diminishes stress, promotes blood circulation, thereby increasing oxygen and nutrients in the body. It also stimulates the lymphatic system, alleviates muscle cramps and can help with pain management in conditions such as arthritis and sciatica.

So, remind yourself of these health benefits if you start to feel guilty about getting a treatment!

Maximising your massage

• Get there early, as being late will eat into your treatment time
• Don’t eat an hour before a massage
• Discuss it with the therapist if you don’t feel comfortable removing all your clothing
• Give accurate health information before the session
• Speak up during the massage if you have any problem with the amount of pressure, speed of movement, room temperature, music volume or lighting
• Don’t forget to breathe properly, as it enhances relaxation
• Still the mind by mentally following the hands of the therapist, focusing on the tactile sensations
• If you feel light-headed after a massage, take your time to sit up
• Drink plenty of water after a massage to re-hydrate
• Allow for half an hour of quiet time after your session to unwind.

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