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A Brief History of Spa Although the proliferation of spas in recent years might lead one to think that they are a recent development of the 20th century, the earliest spas -- or "baths" -- date back several thousand years to various civilizations, including Mesopotamia, Egypt and ancient Greece. But it was during the time of the Roman Empire that baths began making the transformations that would eventually lay the groundwork for the spas we have come to know today. There are several theories suggesting how the word "spa" came into being, including the Latin word "espa," meaning fountain, or the word "spagere," meaning bubble up, to scatter, sprinkle or moisten. Other possible origins include "Salus Per Aquam," Latin for health by water; "Solus Per Aqua," meaning to enter through water; "Salut Per Aqua," Latin for health or relaxation through water; and "Sanitas Per Aquas," for health through water. Initially, the Romans used natural hot springs and thermal baths as a means of health and wellness, initially for the benefit of wounded soldiers. Over time, however, thermal and mineral baths evolved into elaborate structures, used for socializing and relaxation, as well as continued medical treatment. Today, spas fill many of the same needs as they did thousands of years ago, including relaxation, wellness and stress relief by incorporating many of the same methods embraced by the ancients such as a multitude of hydrotherapy treatments, body scrubs and massage therapy, one of the most widely used spa treatments. Massage Therapy: Massage therapy is recognized as one of the oldest methods of healing, with references in medical texts nearly 4,000 years old. In fact, Hippocrates, known as the "father of medicine," referenced massage when he wrote, in the 4th century B.C.: "The physician must be acquainted with many things, and assuredly with rubbing." Massage Therapy Image01Now days, in addition to "rubbing," massage therapy, often referred to as bodywork or somatic therapy, refers to the application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the body that include applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, vibration, rocking, friction, kneading and compression using primarily the hands, although massage therapists do use other areas of the body, such as the forearms, elbows or feet. All of the techniques are used for the benefit of the musculoskeletal, circulatory-lymphatic, nervous, and other systems of the body. In fact, massage therapy positively influences the overall health and well-being of the client. It's physical and mental benefits include: * Relaxing the whole body * Loosening and relieving tired, aching and tight muscles * Increasing flexibility and range of motion * Diminishing chronic pain * Calming the nervous system * Lowering blood pressure and heart rate * Enhancing skin tone * Aiding in recovery following injuries and illness * Strengthening the immune system * Reducing headaches and mental stress * Improving relaxation * Promoting restful sleep Relaxation massage A relaxation massage is a whole-body hands-on treatment that uses pressure, stroking and rubbing of your skin to help you relax. Most massage treatments will relax you, among other things. With a relaxation massage, relaxing you is the only aim. For this reason, it is one of the most complete and indulgent massages you can have. Definitions vary, but in the UK, a relaxation massage is usually a full-body treatment involving soft music, soft lighting and aromatherapy oils. You will have a long, luxurious massage which will use all kinds of techniques including long strokes, gentle kneading and rolling of skin and muscle, and perhaps some rhythmic rocking from side to side. Relaxation massage is a passive treatment. You probably won't be stretched or manoeuvred into any yoga-like positions, as you are, for example, in Thai massage. You just lie there and take it. This is the massage to choose if you just want to chill out, and be pampered and spoiled. What is relaxation massage good for? The clue to relaxation massage is in the title. A good relaxation massage relieves stress and tension in your muscles and will leave you oozing with a sense of wellbeing. Relaxation massage achieves this because of the general benefits of massage: it improves your circulation, so your organs and skin get more oxygen; it moves fluid through your lymphatic system. A relaxation massage encourages your body to digest its food, and get rid of its toxins. It will help you to sleep better. A massage will also help un-knot any muscles, soothe aches and sprains and encourage the skin to heal minor abrasions. It is a natural instinct to rub or cuddle someone to give them comfort; a relaxation massage takes that instinct and runs with it, or rather "meanders" with it. Precautions: Before any massage treatment, avoid large meals or alcohol.Before any massage treatment, avoid large meals or alcohol. Drink plenty of water, which will help your body to flush the toxins out of your body. It's also a good idea to give yourself plenty of time either side of the massage, so that you don't feel rushed. You should always tell your therapist in advance if you: * are, or think you might be, pregnant * have any medical conditions or are receiving any treatment or medication. * have recently had an injury or operation * are allergic to anything, particularly skin allergies * have any broken skin or sores on your scalp as this may affect the kind of oil and treatment you receive.