How to Make the Most of Water Therapies at the Spa

by Erin Davis

If you’re not hitting the spa with enough time to take advantage of the water therapies pre or post-treatment, you’re not doing it properly.

Water therapies are a great way to not only unwind, but also to detoxify your body. With a swimming pool, whirlpool, and steam rooms on site, Toronto’s Elmwood Spa – a Toronto wellness staple for over 35 years – is the perfect place to immerse yourself.

We turned to them to hear a little more about their expertise with water therapies.

Benefits of Water Therapies

  1. Helps decrease pain.
  2. Increases muscle relaxation and improves soft tissue elasticity; perfect prior to a massage treatment.
  3. Helps decrease pulmonary congestion; can provide some relief for those with asthma and bronchitis.

The Elmwood Spa Care Experts explained how to make the most of your time in the Water Therapies…

Water Therapies Circuit

Step 1
Take a warm shower prior to entering steam room. Not only will it clear the pores of makeup, oil and lotions, but also prepare your body for the steam. Dry off skin well, as wet skin doesn’t sweat as well.

Step 2
Wear only a towel in the steam room. Again, this will prevent obstructing skin pores, but allows your body to help regulate body temperature. Sit on a towel and wear flip flops for hygienic reasons.

Step 3

Enjoy the steam or whirlpool for no more than 15 minutes. Listen to your body; if you begin to feel uncomfortable or light headed then step out.

Step 4
Step out of the steam room or whirlpool and allow yourself to rest 10-15 minutes. Use this time to give yourself a quick rinse, and drink some water. This rest period will allow your body to regulate its temperature and rehydrate.

Step 5
Repeat steps 3 and 4 two more times, you may alternate steam room and whirlpool, if you are still feeling good, making sure to listen to your body and drink water. Dehydration can cause light headedness and muscle soreness.

Step 6
Finish your Water Therapies with a good shower to wash off any sweat and rest a bit. Enjoy the benefits before you rush out to reality.

If you find the steam room environment too uncomfortable, the whirlpool is a good alternative.

Elmwood Spa treatments that maximize the impact of water therapies include the Li’Tya Kodo Body Massage, a rhythmic massage, inspired by traditional Australian Aboriginal techniques; the Lava Shell Massage, a body exfoliation followed by a 45 minute therapeutic heated lava shell massage with seaweed massage oil blend; the Deep Siam Massage, which features a heated Thai herbal compress which restores and redirects energy and repairs the body by balancing the senses, calming the nerves and revitalizing the skin and tissues; and the Fire & Ice Body Scrub, which features a peppermint and Aloe Vera-based scrub, and a relaxing 20 minute therapeutic massage with hot and cold lava shells.

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Erin Davis is a Travel to Wellness regular contributor.

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