TRENDING SPA TREATMENTS
Most everyone has experienced a manicure or massage, but what about some of the more interesting spa treatments that are available? Let’s deconstruct some of the hot trends in spa therapies.
RASUL
Rasul thermal mud treatment is a traditional cleansing treatment that is traditional in Arabia, combining the health enhancing properties of heat, steam and mud for a relaxing and skin conditioning treatment in a magical and sensory private enviroment, complete with twinkling lights and fragrant vapours. In a Rasul treatment, Detoxifying Body & Muscle Essential Oil Clay Lotions are applied to specific areas of the body, then you relax with a combination of steam and cool showers.
REIKI
Reiki is a form of non-intrusive energy healing originating in Japan in the early 1900s in which naturally occurring electromagnetic energy is channelled by an ‘attuned’ practitioner. Once associated with the incense soaked realm of new age hippies, Reiki is rapidly infiltrating the mainstream. Like acupuncture and reflexology before it, doctors are now recommending Reiki as a viable healing method, and today it’s practiced through the world by many millions of people.
REFLEXOLOGY
Reflexology is a type of ‘zone therapy’ which involves applying pressure to certain points on the hands, feet and ears. Doing this is believed to encourage the body’s natural healing process in corresponding areas. It can also be used for stress relief and to improve overall well-being. The therapy is based on the principal that certain points on the feet, hands and ears (known as reflexes) are linked to other areas of the body. For example, the tips of the toes correspond with the head and the heel is associated with the lower back and intestines.
CUPPING
Cupping is a lesser-known treatment that comes from Asian medicine, one that can provide an especially pleasant experience. Cupping is the term applied to a technique that uses small glass cups or bamboo jars as suction devices that are placed on the skin. Once the suction has occurred (with the use of heat), the cups can be gently moved across the skin (often referred to as ‘gliding cupping’). The suction in the cups causes the skin and superficial muscle layer to be lightly drawn into the cup. Cupping is much like the inverse of massage - rather than applying pressure to muscles, it uses gentle pressure to pull them upward.
ION CLEANSE
An ion cleanse is meant to be a detoxification system to reduce the symptoms of unavoidable ‘toxic overload’ through a series of detox sessions. Simply relax with your feet in water for about 30 minutes. The procedure is painless and comfortable. The therapist uses a basin containing sea salt dissolved in purified water and then place an electrical unit, called an array, in the water. The array generates alternating positive and negative ions around the feet. The ions enter the body through your feet and begin neutralizing the toxins. Why the feet? Apparently, the largest pores in your body are located in your feet, allowing for the greatest release of toxins in the shortest amount of time.
ROSE QUARTZ FACIAL
Rose quartz facial massage therapy is a treatment for mind, body and soul. Rose essential oil, rosehip oil and rosewater are used to nourish the skin, while a facial massage with rose quartz crystal wands stimulate cell renewal, heal and re-energise the skin while promoting a feeling of wellbeing. Rose quartz contains a number of minerals, including iron, magnesium, sodium, manganese and silicium, as well as oxygen. Thanks to the ability to transfer energy, this crystal is believed to have a positive effect on body, mind and soul and improve skin moisture, increase vitality and stimulate circulation.
A BOTTOM FACIAL
Why stop at your face when going for a beauty treatment? In America, derrière therapy is all the rage. Scrubs and microtherapy help smooth out the little bumps and lumps on your tush, while a finish of spray tan makes sure your
bum is beach ready.
SALT CAVES
The curative effects of the salt cave are believed to lie in the anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties of Himalayan crystal salt. Himalayan Crystal Salt is more than mere salt: it is the energy of the primal sea, the Earth, the Sun, and the stars. Once sought by emperors, kings, and sultans, natural crystal salt is believed to be a panacea and it has been known and used as a holistic remedy for centuries. Halotherapy (‘halos’ in Greek means salt) is a completely natural treatment with no side effects. It takes place in a dry, sterile, and hermetic environment that recreates a natural microclimate identical to ancient salt caves and salt mines. Throughout the therapy, salt aerosol is constantly scattered into the air for the patients to breathe in. The salt aerosol consists of tiny and dry salt particles which are ground in a special salt generator. These aerosolized microparticles can penetrate into the deepest regions of the lungs and deposit upon the surface, destroying bacteria and fungi.
CRYOTHERAPY
Cold air therapy takes place in a whole-body chamber, which has dry fresh, oxygenated air — due to the lack of moisture (humidity) or wind chill, and is not painful like an ice bath or immersion. During the treatment, your skin temperature will decrease between 30-45 degrees over 2.5 to 3.5 minutes inside the chamber. You will immediately warm after exiting the chamber, with full range of motion in your muscles and joints, unlike water or ice treatments, where the joints remain stiff for hours. Even if you don’t like being cold, this process will rejuvenate your body, skin and mind, and you will leave feeling warmer than when you arrived.
BEER BATH
Beer has always been the secret to shiny tresses, but in Germany they are taking it to the next level with a beer bath. Besides being bubbly, warm and portable, this whirlpool like treatment is meant to soothe and cleanse the skin with B vitamins, biotin and protein compounds. The following three treatments are all available at One Spa, Sheraton Grand Hotel, Edinburgh:
AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS
Ayurvedic medicine (“Ayurveda” for short) is one of the world’s oldest holistic (“whole-body”) healing systems. It was developed more than 3,000 years ago in India. It’s based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit. Abhyanga is a form of Ayurvedic medicine that involves massage of the body with large amounts of warm oil. The oil is often pre-medicated with herbs for specific conditions.
SERAIL MUD CHAMBER
A traditional Egyptian treatment, the Serail Mud Chamber harnesses the therapeutic benefits of mineral mud to improve the complexion, relieve rheumatic discomfort and remove toxins by encouraging blood flow to revive tissue and stimulate the lymph system.
CHAKRA BALANCING
Chakras are seven subtle energy centres in the body that affect our equilibrium and inner harmony. When blocked, these Chakras can affect the body and mind emotionally and physically.
One Spa at the Sheraton Grand Hotel, Edinburgh is a natural balance of energy, water and heat in a beautiful, light-filled space. An infinity edge swimming pool and shimmering rooftop Hydropool go hand-in-hand with a rejuvenating Thermal Suite and a soothing spa treatment programme, while the advanced gym and fitness studio tones and balances the body’s core.
TREATMENTS
Experience a series of spa treatments designed to restore balance and purify the body. Many of One Spa’s treatments include time in the rooftop Hydropool and Thermal Suite. Their full range of spa treatments includes: Ayurvedic body wrap, Serail mud chamber, facials, massages and spa packages to renew, restore and refresh.
SPA DAYS
Dedicate the whole day to nothing but you, with a series of bespoke Spa Days designed to restore balance, purify the body and stimulate the senses. Each spa day programme includes the signature spa experience Escape at
One (excluding New Beginnings and Bridal Bliss).
ESCAPE AT ONE SPA EXPERIENCE
£70 Relax the mind and rejuvenate the body with Escape at One. A calming space where you are free to explore the collection of heat and water treatments inspired by the ancient Celts and Romans, the iconic rooftop Hydropool and light-filled indoor swimming pool. Includes: Rock Sauna, Bio Sauna, Laconium, Tepidarium, Hammam, Aroma Grotto, Tropical Rain & Cold Fog Showers, Indoor & Outdoor Rooftop Hydropool, Gym & Fitness Studios, 19 Metre Swimming Pool, Poolside Sauna, Relaxation Areas Escape at One is available for 3 hours, Monday - Friday. SAMPLE ESPA TREATMENTS...
5 Hours of bliss… Ayurvedic Body Wrap with Hot Stones £155
2 hours, treatment includes: • Traditional foot cleanse & personal
Ayurvedic consultation • Full Body Exfoliation • Algae or Mud Body Wrap • Dosha Specific Body Massage with warm oils Head Massage Escape at One (additional 3 hours)
Ama Releasing Abhyanga £162
2 hours, treatment includes: • Traditional foot cleanse & personal
Ayurvedic consultation • Full Body Exfoliation • Facial Cleanse • Ayurvedic Marma Point Body Massage with warm oils • Head Massage • Escape at One (additional 3 hours)
Serail Mud Chamber £45
25 minutes Treatment begins with self-application of muds to face, scalp and body. A soothing warm temperature will allow the mud to bake. The chamber then fills with gentle steam to soften the mud and a warm shower completes the experience. This is a fantastic experience for friends, couples and groups. (Maximum 4 people)
Full Body Salt & Oil Scrub £40
25 minutes An exfoliation combining sea salts, nourishing and essential oils to leave skin feeling moisturised and smooth. If desired, a lighter Body Polish can be applied instead of Salt & Oil Scrub.
Intensive Facial £82
55 minutes Naturally improves the condition of the skin and enhances its appearance. Each facial is adapted to suit your personal requirements and includes: • Double Cleansing • Gentle Exfoliation • Acupressure Facial Massage • A Prescriptive Face Mask • Head Massage • Specific Moisturising & Protection
GROUP SPA DAYS
Join your friends or family for a whole day of pure indulgence. Created with groups of five or more in mind, the Spa Group Days are perfect for a birthday treat, a spot of pre-wedding relaxation or simply a well-earned break. Each programme includes Escape at One.
SPA OPENING TIMES
Monday to Friday : 06.30 - 22.00 Saturday & Sunday : 07.00 - 21.00
NOW BY ONE SPA
More beauty in less time An all-new salon in the heart of Edinburgh. Open from early morning for a stylish start to the day, now by one spa offers a range of express treatments from big-hitters including HD brows, LVL lashes and OPI gel nail polish. The perfect pick-me-up and fast feel good stop in the heart of the city!