Pros and Cons of Spa Massage

There’s a debate about which massage is better. Is it the massage found in a day spa or massage outlet or the massage brought to your home? In order to fully express which massage is better, I'll need room. Please indulge me.

Let’s begin with the pros and cons of a spa massage. In another article we can step into your front door and talk about the benefits of a massage at home.

Spa Massage Pros

One of the greatest benefits of spa massage is the spa itself. You go to the spa for the whole experience of the relaxing atmosphere and the amenities. There’s the Jacuzzi or hot tub to warm your muscles, an intense steam room to help you sweat out any nasty toxins and a dry sauna which helps respiratory problems and increases your red blood cells. Combine these amenities with the massage you’re going to get and presto! It’s a euphoric experience only a day spa can create.

Another perk of going to a day spa is the variety of available treatments. There could be hot stone massages, maybe a Watsu water massage, or even an exotic East Indian Ayruvedic massage. And it’s not only for massage. Along with the massage you can get a facial, your nails done, hit the Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. Hence the word “DAY” in day spa. When utilizing a day spa spending a large portion of the day is important. If all you’re doing is getting a massage at the day spa and not spending more than 3 hours you’re not getting your money’s worth.

Spa Massage Cons

The day spa experience comes with a price. The amenities - hot water, people – the employees and the building cost real money. Euphoria is not free. And this is where the consumer must do a little shopping. Shop not only for price but amenities. Many sub-par spas charge high prices for their massages, but lack the amenities of their brethren. I’ve worked in spas that were pumped up high school gyms with showers and small lockers but advertised as a genuine spa and weren’t afraid to charged genuine spa prices. Word to the wise, look before you pay for your day spa experience.

One other huge downer on the spa experience: naked strangers. If you’re not comfortable in your own skin, then it will be very hard to relax sitting next to others who are. Although spas don't prohibit bathing suits, they try to promote the experience of letting yourself go. There are robes and waist towels but those go as far as the edge of a hot tub or the door of a steam room. This is part of the day spa life.

The day spa is not only for the indulged. It can be a great spot for a day out for a large group. And it can be a nice gift for a loved one. But understand what a day spa entails and remember that the value involves the “day” part of day spa.

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