What Are the Differences in Asian and European Spas?

European and Asian spas have been helping people relax for hundreds of years.

Many people are seeking alternative venues to introduce themselves to new spa treatments. Spas are not a new concept; many cultures have cultivated their own treatments over hundreds of years that offer spa-goers a very relaxing and invigorating experience. Both European and Asian spa treatments have continued to grow in popularity over the years because of their particular milieu and specialized techniques. Spa-goers will enjoy a variety of treatments at both European and Asian spas, but knowing what each spa offers and in what treatments each spa specializes, will help make a spa experience that much more enjoyable.

Asian Spa Massages

Asian spas offer massage treatments that focus on releasing energy through pressure points.

Asian spas offer a variety of specialized massage techniques to spa-goers. One such massage is Shiatsu. Originating in Japan, Shiatsu incorporates acupressure massage to help release blocked energy channels and restore vitality. Another treatment many Asian spas offer is Thai massage. During a Thai massage, a therapist will apply pressure to the body and will stretch a client's limbs to release blocked energy and restore blood flow. One of the more famous Asian spa treatments is reflexology. This centuries-old Chinese treatment asserts that certain points on a person's hands and feet correspond to other body parts and that, by applying pressure to these points, a spa-goer can have energy instantly released through the body.

European Spa Massages

Hot and cold stone therapy is one kind of European massage treatment.

Medical spas originated in Europe, so European spas are adept in delivering therapeutic massage services. Hot and cold stone therapy is a European massage service that uses up to 85 stones of varying size, kind and temperature. Warm basalt stones loosen tight muscles while cool marble stones reduce skin and muscle inflammation. Stones are placed all over the body, then used to massage warm oils into the skin. Another European massage service is the well-known Swedish massage, which uses European techniques to stimulate circulation. Five basic strokes are used to knead, roll, percuss and tap the soft tissues of the body.

Specialized Asian Spa Treatments

Sea salts are used in Asian spas to exfoliate the skin.

Asian spa treatments offer more than just massages; they also specialize in redolent scrubs. Asian spa-goers can experience specialized treatments like a Bali sea and flowers ritual, which channels the sacred Bali seas. The treatment uses sun-dried sea salts, flower petals and Bali massage oil to give spa-goers a very aromatic exfoliation. A fragrant shower and a soothing massage follows the exfoliation, leaving spa-goers' skin smooth and renewed. Another similar specialized treatment is a Thai coconut scrub ritual. Coconut, rice, massage oils and vetiver (a grass similar to sandalwood) are used to thoroughly exfoliate the skin. The treatment ends with an aromatic Thai shower and massage.

Specialized Europen Spa Treatments

Mud wraps are popular in European spas.

European spas have incorporated mud, sea salts and herbs into their specialty treatments. During a European rose mud wrap, for example, a light exfoliation is following by a rose clay that is applied and smoothed all over the body. The spa-goer is then swaddled in a thermal wrap to help the skin absorb the purifying properties of the clay, leaving the skin hydrated and rejuvenated. Another specialty treatment is a herbology body polish. European herbs and fruity massage oils and creams are warmed, then applied and massaged into the body. The spa-goer is then enveloped in a thermal wrap to help the body relax.

References

• USA Today; Asian Spas Lure Visitors for Healing, Relaxation; Kitty Bean Yancey
• Great Spa Vacations: European Spa Vacation Index and Directory
• European Massage Company: Hot and Cold Stone Therapy
• Eight Winds Wellness Center and Spa: JAMU Asian Spa Treatments
• Metropolitan Spa: Body Treatments
• European Massage Company: Swedish Massage