They have gone from being synonymous with luxury to being considered as an option within everyone�s reach, with therapies which are very beneficial for the body. The spa method derives from �water cure� and works by using water at varying pressures and temperatures, depending on the desired effect. Generally, these treatments are usually complemented by other methods such as massage, aromatherapy with essential oils and even seaweed wraps or reflexology. The method used usually involves performing �circuits�, pre-planned routes which don�t usually last any more than two hours. It is recommended that you have a medical beforehand and that a physiotherapist plans your personal needs afterwards. They are particularly suitable in cases of sports injuries, arthritis, osteoarthritis, back trouble, skin problems and to relieve chronic pain. However, they are not recommended for people suffering from infectious illnesses, heart trouble or if you have low blood-pressure, as you may faint due to the high temperatures.

 

The cold and hot contrasts used and the effect of the water pressure on the body have beneficial effects as they encourage blood circulation, performing a gentle massage causing muscles to relax and releasing tension, generally situated in areas such as the back and neck. Unlike health resorts, which use water with medicinal and curative qualities, spas use ordinary water for their therapies and the basic difference lies in the different methods used to apply the water. Furthermore, in these centres there is no medical service, they offer therapeutic and beauty treatments instead. Generally, those most in demand are relaxation treatments, anti-stress treatments to combat the everyday wear and tear of routine activities. It is known that if stressful circumstances persist for a long time, they can end up causing heart problems and increasing muscular tension which can sometimes cause contractions.

 

Although these centres both offer circuits which relax the body using water, being a relatively recent phenomenon it is possible to find spas that combine different services: they sometimes form part of a gym and sometimes beauty centres offer hydrotherapy treatments. Circuits can range from the basic, those geared towards relaxation which usually combine seaweed treatments and finish with a massage, to the more vigorous which include a Turkish bath, high-pressure jet streams and hydromassage with salts, among other services. There are also anti-stress circuits, slimming circuits and detoxifying circuits with underwater massages, seaweed wraps and high-pressure jet streams.

 

The fact that this type of treatment has become popular has meant that its cost is currently more accessible. Furthermore, the majority of spas offer the opportunity to buy passes with prices varying depending on the treatments they include.

 

Generally, many people opt for the Vichy shower, which involves an overall massage which is given using water jet streams of varying pressure. The patient lies down on a bed on top of which there are tiny lukewarm water jets. It is very gentle, effective in treating rheumatism and during the massage mud or seaweed may be applied, making the treatment particularly gratifying.

 

Another of the most popular therapies is the Scottish shower, which consists of applying water jet streams of varying pressure and alternating between cold and hot water, from head to foot. This stimulates circulation, tones the body and firms up the skin.

 

On the other hand, both massages and seaweed or mud treatments are often used as complementary treatments to stimulate circulation, relieve pain and even improve the appearance of the skin, in the case of face packs.

 

To complement hydrotherapy, spas usually also offer beauty treatments based on natural ingredients. Aromatherapy, a technique where essential oils are applied is, without a doubt, the clients� favourite, although there is also great demand for exfoliating treatments using seaweed and others which soften and moisturise the skin.