Spa Body Rituals

Seven Steps to Renewal

You may have heard about a spa ritual and been transported by the words used to describe the experience, but what does it mean really? Essentially you are taken on a journey of the senses, a process with treatment combinations aimed at helping you fully relax. Each spa ritual is designed to create a truly personal spa experience. Spa rituals are where echoes of ancient traditions, therapeutic disciplines and Western practises are linked together to nurture and rebalance the body.

Rituals is what we use to ground ourselves in everyday life. They are how we orientate ourselves and make sense of the world. In modern life we have lost many of our daily rituals as we try and do more and more. We have to fulfil several different roles, often at the same time. As a result our sense of self and our world has become fragmented.

Spa rituals are essentially a combination of treatments that are designed to help you find inner peace, and tranquillity – to make yourself whole again. There is a process to these rituals that helps calm the mind and this makes your body more receptive to the healing aspects of these treatments. The ritual isllustrated here is a basic example although many spas have their own customised processes that could be either longer or shorter.

The Seven Steps of a Spa Ritual

Most spa rituals consist of seven steps. Seven is a very mystical number in many religions and cultures. They are designed to bring about a gradual and progressive calming effect. This method means that your body slowly eases into a state of complete relaxation, allowing you to find both physical and mental healing.

The first step - The Reception

Here you enter into a peaceful environment that should be intimate and personal. The staff usually connect with you in a very friendly manner. You will be taken somewhere where you can change into a kimono, gown or sarong. This can be akin to a novice’s dress – as you are about to undertake a spiritual journey.

The second step – A Steam Bath

In some spa rituals this step is optional. It is very beneficial as sweating allows your body to eliminate toxins. The pouring of water on hot stones also releases ions that are calming. These ions help to combat fatigue and tension.

The third step - A Body Scrub

This can involve a number of different techniques that are used to get rid of dead skin cells. The soothing motions combined with any number of natural substances such as salt, coconut, sugar, honey, and spices such as cinnamon help to ease your nervous tension. This facilitates a transition between your day to day life, and the space in which you will receive pampering massages.

The fourth step - A Body Wrap

These usually involve mud and seaweed. This symbolises your reconnection with the Earth and the mud works as a beauty treatment to soothe your irritated skin. Mud from the Dead Sea is often used. Seaweed contains many beneficial compounds and is said to reconnect us to the ocean. During mud treatments your body absorbs minerals, and amino acids, proteins and steroidal lipids.

The ffth step – A Massage

Now that you are feeling relaxed the massage will be more effective. There are many different massages offered depending on your particular needs. Some spas offer special packages, but many will tailor-make this part of the journey to your needs. The massage will help bring balance to your body and improve your circulation.

The sixth step – The Bath

Depending on where you are this may be scheduled before your massage, especially in Western countries. In Asia it follows the massage. In the first instance you are left feeling very relaxed before your massage, in the second a scented bath is the culminating experience of your spa journey, leaving you feeling like a new person.

The Seventh Step – A Rest Period

This is a very important step and for any treatment over an hour and a half, you should lie down for at least half an hour. You should never feel rushed, this rest period is very important for your well being. It is a good thing if you can even fall asleep, as this allows the body to heal. You also should not drink alcohol or consume heavy meals too soon after your spa ritual.