Lady Golfer: The benefits of sports spas
Clarins Honey Hot Stone for muscular aches & pains
What is it?
A 50-minute full body massage using hot stones. It starts with work on the back of the body, applying a honey gel from the toes upwards in a sweeping motion before using the stones to massage over the legs, back and arms, and then repeating the ritual on the front of the body. It finishes by refreshing the body with damp mitts, and as it’s a three-phase gel, when it is combined with water it turns into an emulsion that is worked into the skin to act as a moisturiser.
What is it supposed to do?
Very relaxing and is particularly good for aches and pains. It’s warming, good for dry and dehydrated skin, and for sports fans it is a great way to ease tension, aches and pains.
Where to go?
Whittlebury Hall, Northants, offers the Clarins Honey Hot Stones treatment as well as an all-encompassing thermal suite. The hotel and spa are adjacent to the course while its welcoming atmosphere, 23 treatment rooms, and regular events including tribute nights, mean it is a fun destination for a girly group getaway.
Acupuncture for Shin Splints
What is it?
There are various different forms, but generally the treatment uses fine needles on specific trigger points throughout the body to stimulate the energy flow, immune and endocrine systems in specific areas of the body, bringing them back into balance.
What is it supposed to do?
The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, pass like rivers, irrigating and nourishing the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up creating imbalances in the body.
Where to go?
SHA Wellness Clinic in Alicante is every inch the specialised health destination. The spa is dedicated to looking after the mind and body through a combination of Oriental techniques and relaxation in the welcoming Spanish climate, a region that is a perennial favourite among golfers.
Thalassotherapy for Joint Inflammation
What is it?
Thalassotherapy is a Greek variation on Hydrotherapy, a spa feature that rather sweepingly refers to ‘treatments with water’, most commonly featured in the form of hydrotherapy pools. It extends this idea with the addition of natural elements including marine resources such as sea water, seaweed, mud, and temperatures between 35 and 37º C.
It’s warming, good for dry and dehydrated skin, and for sports fans it is a great way to ease tension, aches and pains. What is it supposed to do?
The warm temperatures have a restorative effect on the skin and body, helping in the treatment of Osteoarthritis and lower back pain, sports injuries, anxiety and stress. The minerals and nutrients from the marine elements, as well as the temperature, have a soothing effect on aching joints such as hips, knees and spine. Waters containing sulphur are also help with rheumatic diseases and chronic inflammation. Muscular pain and limited joint movement can improve, and swelling in joints reduced.
Where to go?
Evason Ma’in and Six Senses Spa in Jordan. At the heart of the five-star retreat are the mineral-rich, natural hot spring waterfalls, which perfectly compliment the synergy with Mother Nature that the place invokes, a feature that’s enhanced by the use of deep-sea inspired products, Jordanian olive oil, and herbs in the spa treatments.
Reflexology for Achilles Tendonitis
What is it?
It works with compression massage, usually applied with the thumb and fingers, delivering a moderate pressure to the feet and sometimes the hands if the foot is damaged or severely infected. Treatments usually last about an hour and are taken at weekly intervals to allow the body to balance between treatments. The feet are divided into 10 longitudinal and transverse zones. Both feet are worked on, and the treatment usually starts at the head and works down through points that correspond with the feet, chest, abdomen, and groin areas, depending on the individual requirements.
What is it supposed to do?
It releases tension, improves circulation and improves the energy flow by breaking down calcium deposits at the end of the nerve endings in feet and hands. Most patients feel very relaxed, some energized. It can help with Tendonitis by stimulating the nerve and blood flow to the damaged region and helping the body to heal itself.
Where to go?
Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa in Leicestershire. An enormous Victorian country house, the ornate red brick building retains a sense of easy-going, homely comfort alongside the grandeur.
Ytsara Moham to Stretch Out
What is it?
A Thai-style massage using the Ytsara product line. It uses royal Thai pressure points over a towel, and a hot herbal poultice containing cinnamon and indigo as well as gentle stretching and a deep tissue oil massage.
What is it supposed to do?
Eases aches and pains and uses the ancient healing arts of the Hamong Shaman, which is where the poultice comes in. Great for anyone who exercises a lot and therefore has a lot of tension – as well as aiding flexibility.
Where to go?
Bovey Castle is a devotee of the Ytsara brand. Situated in Devon, it is a 275-acre estate with an abundance of history, although the existing hotel dates back to the 1920s. The spa is located in the Art-Deco inspired Orangery, taking in views across the awe inspiring Dartmoor National Park.
About Bonnie:
Bonnie Friend is the editor of Spabreaks.com
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