Treat yourself
You might think a spa break is a way to simply indulge. But there are plenty of benefits for both the body and mind to be found in a blissful spa experience. Here we find out how a spa break can benefit you
According to research carried out by Phorest Salon Software, the Salon and Spa Industry in Ireland contributes €540 million annually to the Irish economy.
With an estimated 4,000 salons and spas around Ireland, the desire for a spa experience is clearly becoming increasingly popular with Irish people.
“Day-to-day life has become so busy and fast-paced,” says Amy Kenny, Spa Manager at Monart Spa in Co Wexford (www.monart.ie), which was named ‘Ireland’s Favourite Spa’ for the second year running in the Irish Independent Travel Reader Awards and which Condé Nast voted as ‘Runner-up Best Spa Retreat Worldwide’. “These days everybody is running around, always on the go and are not able to switch off. You need somewhere where you can stop, relax and let go.” Relaxation
The first benefit of any spa is the most common desire, relaxation. In today’s busy and interconnected world, it is difficult to find time to switch off and not worry about the rest of the world, and a spa can give you that time.
“When you arrive at a spa like Monart, you come in through the gate and the gate closes behind you and that’s it,” says Amy. “You don’t have to worry about anything else. Almost instantly, you feel like you’re leaving the rest of the world behind. It’s all about switching off, completely unwinding and relaxing.
“Stress can contribute to so many different ailments such as anxiety and depression, and even physical problems. Yes, you have a life to live, a job to get to and possibly have kids to get to school every morning, but it’s also important to take time for yourself. Our most popular room is our Infrared Pro Suite which treats any sort of back issues that you have, as your back and shoulders holds all your stress. Relaxation is a top priority for our guests.” Better health
Spa treatments are not just for indulgence. They also help with many different health troubles. The sauna is a great way to help with some respiratory problems such as asthma and even coughs and colds, as it can open up your airways according to a study in the ‘Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation’ journal.
A good massage can help with joint pain conditions like arthritis or help ease some painful physical conditions, such as a new hip replacement or something as simple as stiffness in your neck from sleeping in the wrong position. According to a 2006 study at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, adults with knee osteoarthritis received two massages per week for eight weeks and they reported great improvements in knee pain, stiffness and walking.
Not to mention, a massage has been shown to significantly reduce migraines. According to a 2006 study in the Annals of Behavioural Medicine journal, a group of migraine sufferers received massage therapy and recorded on average a 34pc reduction in migraines and they also slept better. It can’t get any better than that!
“We have a client who is around 80 years old and he’s here every single day in the sauna as it helps with his breathing,” says Amy. “He suffers with asthma and it’s ideal for helping him. It’s brilliant for sinus problems and anyone who suffers from headaches. Smokers find it really beneficial too as it helps clear everything out. There are so many health benefits to spas.”
Confidence
After going for a wrap, a thermal rejuvenation and a mud mask, you’re bound to feel better about your own body, especially if you were stressed out beforehand.
“I personally feel we all need some time out to ourselves,” says Mariana McIntyre, Spa Manager at the 5-Star Lough Eske Castle in Co Donegal (www.lougheskecastlehotel.com), which previously won Luxury Hotel of the Year 2017, and was listed in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards. “In today’s busy lifestyle, we are all working at a 110pc pace ticking off all the ‘to-do’s’ of each day and never actually living in the moment or enjoying the present. That is why a spa is important.”
Having treated your body to some of the best treatments around, you will have far less stress which gives you much more confidence in your body, your mind and a different attitude to the world.
Looking good
Health and well-being are important, but many people want to have treatments to look their best. The steam in a sauna can help you sweat out toxins which can make you look and feel better than ever. But it’s the facial which can make you look like a movie star. A facial or a facial massage can help refine pores, reduce and prevent wrinkles and make skin feel rejuvenated. So, you’ll feel and look amazing.
“Spa treatments can help alleviate numerous health problems and skin problems,”says Mariana. “Stress can trigger a lot of health issues and can aggravate skin problems. Once we remove the stress, this can improve all the conditions that it triggers.”
Get happy
Mariana says indulging in some self-care is very important for your own happiness. “It helps you recharge your batteries and be at your best. You can’t pour from an empty glass, so in order to take care of others, we need to take care of ourselves first.
“For instance, the ESPA Mindful Massage at Lough Eske Castle works on balancing the mind, the body and the soul. This is a personal favourite of mine, as it works to release my physical tension and any emotional anxieties I have. This type of treatment can definitely create a lot of happiness in a person.”
According to a 2005 study in the ‘International Journal of Neuroscience’, massage therapy was shown to increase serotonin by 28pc and dopamine by 31pc, which are both referred to as the happy hormones. They can give people a feeling of bliss, so it’s great for your mental health and mood. After going for a massage and a full spa day, it’s now scientifically proven that you can actually feel happier!