Holistic Therapy Treatments
Holistic therapy has been used as an alternative treatment for centuries and has been known to treat a number of conditions, including physical, psychological and emotional issues. If you are yet to experience holistic therapy, you will find everything you need to know in this guide.
We cover what holistic therapy is, some of the benefits associated with holistic therapy, and list some of the most popular holistic treatments available at our spas. To find out more about the individual treatments, please contact your chosen spa facility.
What is holistic therapy?
Holistic therapy is a non-invasive treatment, which acts as an alternative to western medicine. This method of ‘hands-on healing’ has been effectively used for centuries. Its name derives from the Greek term ‘holos’, which means ‘whole’.
Rather than just addressing immediate symptoms, a holistic therapist will look for the underlying cause of a condition, issue or ailment. Holistic therapy looks at the body and mind as a whole, hence the name, and so therapists will consider the current physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual states of health and wellbeing. They will then work to restore the body’s natural balance.
Holistic Therapy Treatments at a Luxury Spa
One of the great things about our luxury spa resorts is that they tend to offer a wider range of treatments and holistic therapies. Common holistic treatments you may enjoy at our range of luxury spas include different types of massage, including balancing aromatherapy massages and relaxing head massage. You may also have the option of a soothing aromatherapy facial.
Some of our luxury spas even offer more specialised therapies, such as reiki, acupuncture and reflexology. These therapies are not typically included in our set packages but may be available as an add-on. For example, the Champneys family of luxury health spas offers a wide selection of different holistic treatments at its venues that may be available to book at an extra cost. These spas also offer a range of holistic wellness classes, such as yoga and meditation.
Our luxury spas also feature a selection of leisure facilities that harness the wellness properties of water, such as hydro pools. Luxury spas that offer hydrotherapy pools include Rowhill Grange Hotel & Utopia Spa in Kent, The Shrigley Hall Hotel in Cheshire, and K West Hotel & K Spa in London.
Of course, the holistic treatments and therapies available at our luxury spas complement the other wonderful facilities and amenities that make these four- and five-star properties extra special.
What are the benefits of holistic therapy?
Holistic therapies can provide multiple physical and emotional health benefits. The benefits may vary depending on the type of therapy chosen and the area which is being treated. Results will also vary from person to person. Holistic therapy has been known to help with:
- Pain relief
- Relieving muscular tension (including the face and scalp)
- Relieving muscular fatigue & spasms
- Easing joint stiffness and inflammation
- Improving muscle function and joint mobility
- Increasing cellular activity to assist tissue recovery
- Improving sleep pattern
- Regulates hormone levels
- Encouraging detoxification of lactic acid and waste from the body
- Boosting energy levels
- Improving digestion
- Strengthening the immune system
- Alleviating mental fatigue and increasing mental clarity
- Easing anxiety and stress
- Balancing emotions
- Increasing confidence
- Improving connection to the ‘self’ and encouraging well-being
Types of holistic therapy treatments
You will find lots of spa treatments that are inspired by holistic or complementary therapies. Here is a look at some of the most popular holistic therapies that can help to rejuvenate and revitalise you from the inside and out:
Aromatherapy
Holistic aromatherapy uses essential oils to promote wellness. Rather than just choosing oils that have a pleasant scent, the idea is to match up these aromas with their optimal application. So, for example, lavender is thought to promote relaxation and lemongrass to soothe the mind. Essential oils have many different uses. In the spa, oils are often used as part of a massage. When choosing an essential oil for your own use, or when visiting a spa, it is important to take into account your specific circumstances. For example, some oils should be avoided if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure or are breastfeeding. Always let your spa therapist know beforehand, so they can choose the right aromatherapy oils for you.
Hydrotherapy
Water has long been known to have healing properties. One of the more extreme uses of water as a holistic treatment is as part of colonic irrigation, which is a specialised technique used to eliminate toxins and other nasties from the colon. If you prefer something a little less invasive, hydrotherapy pools are available at many spas. Gentle exercise in these pools can help to ease aches and pains, reduce stress and improve circulation. The effectiveness of this type of therapy means it is often recommended as a part of a rehabilitation regime for certain injuries and conditions. However, it is wonderful for anyone who wants to improve their overall wellbeing.
Massage therapy
Massage uses touch and manipulation to balance and heal the whole body. There are lots of types of massage treatments available which target different areas of the body in different ways, using specific techniques and pressures. If you’re looking for some holistic healing, you might like to try a Swedish massage, shiatsu massage or traditional Indian ayurvedic massage. If you don’t like the idea of a full body massage, you might prefer an Indian head massage, which focuses on the scalp, upper neck area and temples.
Reflexology
Reflexology focuses on certain pressure points or ‘reflex zones’ to improve circulation, achieve relaxation and even promote natural pain relief. Many people think reflexology is just about the feet, but reflex zones can also be found on the hands and ears. The idea is that these zones correspond to organs in the body, so applying pressure externally produces positive effects internally.
Reiki
Reiki is a traditional Japanese holistic technique used for reducing stress, promoting relaxation and encouraging natural healing. While the treatment involves touching the client’s body, it is not a massage. You stay dressed during the treatment and the therapist places their hands gently and lightly on the body in a certain sequence.
If you would like to find out for yourself what a holistic treatment can do for you, why not treat yourself to a pampering day or mini-break at a spa in the UK? Browse our site to find the perfect spa for you, or contact us today for more details.
