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If you’re overworked, burnt out or looking to treat yourself, a spa day can make you feel refreshed and pampered. Our ultimate spa day guide will walk you through what you can do at a spa, the different types of treatments available and some spa tips to help you make the most out of your experience. 

Benefits of a Spa Day

A spa day is an excellent opportunity to enjoy some “me time.” Taking care of yourself is an important way to boost your self-esteem and confidence. However, the benefits of a spa day extend beyond making you feel good. There are actual health benefits to spa treatments, so the next time you book a spa day, you can feel good knowing you’re taking care of your mental and physical health. 

Benefits of a spa day include:

• Relaxation and stress reduction: Doing something for yourself allows you to stop and think about your own needs. During spa treatments, you have friendly, professional staff to take care of you — all you need to do is sit back and enjoy. 
• Lowers blood pressure: Spa treatments like a hot bath or massage help lower blood pressure. High blood pressure can be dangerous and lead to heart disease. With regular spa treatments, you can actively work on preventing high blood pressure.
• Promotes healthy skin: When you’re at the spa, your skin gets pampered with the best ingredients. Receiving spa services helps achieve and maintain healthy, glowing skin.
• Detoxes the body: A day at the spa helps remove any unhealthy or toxic substances from the body to help you feel your best. Various spa treatments stimulate the lymphatic system, helping your body naturally detox.
• Relieves pain: Spa treatments can help alleviate chronic pain. Different types of massages can help with headaches and lower back pain. In some cases, spa treatments can even help cancer patients alleviate pain or symptoms such as nausea.
• Improves mental health: A spa day helps you clear your mind and leaves you feeling refreshed. Serotonin gets released during spa treatments, making you feel happier and more energized. While at the spa, you are able to focus on your own needs and happiness and disengage from any outside stressors. 

You deserve to make your mental and physical health a priority. The benefits of the spa make scheduling an appointment an investment in your health and happiness. When you feel your best, you are able to do your best.

What to Expect During a Spa Trip

Feeling prepared for your spa day can make you more relaxed and comfortable. Let’s take a look at some of the things you can do at the spa and what your spa day will consist of:

• Check-in: First, you’ll need to check in for your appointment at the front desk. If it’s your first visit, feel free to let the receptionist know so they can provide you with the necessary information or a tour of the facility. 
• Fill out paperwork: During check-in, you’ll be asked to complete some paperwork. Spa day paperwork will ask you to disclose any allergies, current medication or health concerns to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. You can also mention areas you would like to focus on. For example, if you’re getting a massage, you can mention your lower back needs some extra attention. 
• Change your clothes: From there, you’ll receive a robe, slippers and towel. Feel free to wear comfortable clothing to the spa because you will be changing out of your clothes and into a robe. You may also want to bring a bathing suit so you can enjoy amenities such as steam rooms, saunas and pools. 
• Utilize the spa amenities: While waiting for your treatment, feel free to enjoy all of the amenities available at the spa. You can expect to see other guests in these areas, so remember to be considerate. Refrain from monopolizing a space so that everyone can enjoy it. Also, keep your phone and other electronics locked in a locker to avoid disturbing other guests looking forward to peace and quiet.

Treatment length will vary for each individual treatment. The best way to prepare yourself for your specific treatment is to read the treatment description on the spa’s website, call the spa or ask during your check-in. 

The Different Types of Massages 

Massages are one of the most common and popular spa treatments. They are also recommended as one of the best spa treatments for beginners. Massages can help relieve pain, improve circulation and promote relaxation. There are various massage treatments available. Each one focuses on different needs, so you can find the treatment that would be the most beneficial for your mind and body. 

Swedish Massage 

The Swedish massage is one of the most popular varieties. The massage therapist uses massage oil and long, soft kneading stroking movements during this treatment. They may use additional movements and strokes such as deep circular motions, vibration and tapping for optimal relaxation. 

This gentle full body massage uses light to moderate pressure to release tension and relax the body, making Swedish massages a great option for people who are new to massage treatments. 

Some benefits of a Swedish massage include the following:

• Improved blood circulation
• Increased immunity
• Nerve stimulation
• Lymphatic drainage
• Improved mood
• Reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress
• Chronic pain management

Typically, a Swedish massage treatment lasts between 30 and 90 minutes.

Deep Tissue Massage

A deep tissue massage applies more pressure to the muscles and works to relieve muscle tension. This massage treatment uses slow, deep and firm strokes to release tension and knots from the deepest layers of tissue and muscle. This is not a full body massage. Deep tissue massages focus on problem areas you identify before your massage. You might focus on your upper back or shoulders if you feel a lot of tension there on a daily basis.

Deep tissue massages are great for those experiencing:

• Injury 
• Soreness
• Tightness
• Chronic muscle pain
• Imbalance

While this massage will feel more intense than other massage treatments, you should at no point feel any pain. If you do feel pain, tell your massage therapist immediately.

Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massages use very similar techniques to the Swedish massage. Long strokes, circular movements, tapping, vibration and kneading are all used to massage the body. What differentiates a hot stone massage from a Swedish massage are the heated stones used throughout the treatment. The massage therapist will place hot stones on your body to increase circulation, ease muscle stiffness, easy away tension and even aid in chronic pain relief and injury healing.

These hot stones may be placed:

• On your chest
• On your feet and toes
• On your palms
• Along your spine
• On your stomach

Some hot stone massages will also utilize cold stones near the end of the treatment to soothe and calm the skin. You can often get a hot stone massage as an add-on to another massage treatment. For example, you can request hot stone treatment after your Swedish massage. 

Aroma Touch Therapy Massage

Aroma touch therapy, also known as an aromatherapy massage, uses essential oils to enhance your massage experience. The massage therapist will apply a selection of essential oils onto your skin and massage them in for a soothing and relaxing experience. This type of massage treatment uses soft and gentle stroking.

Essential oils are known to impact emotions and boost moods through their fragrance. Popular essential oils for aroma touch therapy include:

• Geranium
• Frankincense
• Lavender
• Coriander
• Bergamot

While your massage therapist will recommend essential oils based on what they think would benefit your mind and body, be sure to mention any of your personal favorites and any oils you need to avoid.

Prenatal Massage

A prenatal massage addresses the specific needs of a mother-to-be. It often focuses on the mother’s back, legs and shoulders. Prenatal massage therapy helps reduce body aches, stress and muscle tension caused by pregnancy. This treatment can also reduce blood pressure and increase flexibility.

During this massage, mothers will either lay on their side or face down on a table with a specialty cutout for the stomach area. Most massage facilities will not treat pregnant clients until later in their pregnancy. Usually, mothers who want to receive a prenatal massage will need to wait until their second or third trimester. 

Couples Massage

Couples massages are a great way to indulge in relaxation with a partner, friend or family member. You and the other guest will enter a private room with two massage tables side-by-side. You’ll each have your own massage therapist so you can enjoy your treatments at the same time.

People receiving couples massages can typically choose the type of massage they want, whether Swedish, deep tissue or hot stone massages. Depending on the policies and procedures of the spa you visit, you and your partner may be able to pick different massages if you want different types of treatment.

Couples massages are great for date nights, anniversaries, birthdays and other special occasions. You can choose to either talk to your partner throughout the treatment or you can opt for a silent session and just enjoy the relaxation together. You’ll both leave feeling refreshed, relaxed and happy. 

Preparing for a Massage

When it’s time for your massage, your therapist will leave the room to give you privacy to undress and slip under the towel or sheet provided on the massage bed. Let yourself relax, and speak up if you’re feeling any discomfort. After your massage, take your time getting dressed and remember to drink a lot of water. Feeling sore the next day is completely normal, as your therapist may have engaged some muscles you haven’t used in a while.

How to Plan a Spa Day

To ensure you get the most out of your spa day, there are a few spa tips you should follow and review before heading to your appointment. Spa staff is there to make everything as easy and enjoyable as possible, but there are a few things you can do to make sure you reach ultimate relaxation and happiness. Here are some of the best spa day tips for beginners.

Do Your Research 

You don’t want to book a spa day at the first place you find. Do some research to see the types of services the spa provides and look for customer reviews. Ensure the services you’re looking for are available at the spa you choose. Also, review the spa’s payment policy. Check if gratuities are automatically included or if you’ll need to bring extra cash along.

Unplug

Spa days are meant to clear your head and provide you with a calm space to relax. Leave your phone with all its distractions turned off or locked away in a locker. Unplugging lets you truly live in the experience. Plus, using your phone can be disruptive to other spa guests. 

Arrive Early

Arriving at the salon with plenty of time to spare allows you to decompress and prepare yourself for your day of relaxation. Depending on your treatments and the spa, you may also have to fill out some paperwork, which you don’t want to cut into your treatment time. The paperwork allows you to inform your technicians of any health concerns or products you’re using so they can accommodate your needs.

Stay Hydrated

You’ll want to drink plenty of water before and during your spa day. Especially if you plan to use a steam room or sauna, you will need to be hydrated as you’ll be sweating. Remember to replenish your body with more water after using these amenities. 

Drinking enough water is also beneficial to any facial or body treatments and can help maximize treatment effectiveness. Healthy skin is hydrated skin, so staying hydrated will make the appearance of your skin post-treatment even more beautiful.

Eat a Light, Nutritious Meal Before Your Appointment

Indulging in a light, nutritious meal will help you feel comfortable throughout your spa visit. You don’t want to be lightheaded from hunger, but you also don’t want to feel bloated or gassy. Consider eating a smoothie bowl, eggs and avocado toast or a salad before heading to the spa. 

If you plan to be at the spa all day, consider bringing some light snacks to help keep you feeling energized. Some spas may also offer refreshments or meals available for order.

Plan Your Spa Day at Tachi Palace Now

If you’re ready for a day of relaxation, Tachi Palace offers massage treatments that will leave you feeling revitalized. You can also use our sauna before and after treatment for enhanced relaxation. Located in the heart of central California in Lemoore, our hotel and spa offer the perfect getaway to help you relax and reset. 

Treat yourself to an indulgent spa experience and schedule a spa appointment today.