Navigating the ins and outs of spa etiquette is a minefield, magnified by the sense of exposure you feel, dressed sometimes in only a robe. What are the hard-and-fast rules when it comes to spa treatments? How does a sauna differ in Helsinki and London? When do you unrobe and when do you stay covered up? When do you wash? Vogue answers all your questions with our definitive guide on how to avoid the pitfalls of spa no-no’s, wherever you are in the world.
Traditional saunas in Germany, Austria and Finland
A national pastime that’s been going strong for over 2,000 years in Finland, the benefits of a traditional European sauna are more than just building up a sweat. A recent report published in the Maya Clinic Proceedings journal found that regular saunas can improve circulation, reduce blood pressure, improve the immune system and boost detoxification. Here are the rules to sweat by in Europe’s top sauna-practicing countries.
- Nude areas mean nude, so only a towel is acceptable as a cover-up. Swimsuits are considered unhygienic.
- Footwear should not be worn inside.
- Tranquillity is key: use a hushed voice when speaking and be mindful of those trying to relax around you. German saunas favour total silence.
- Pouring water over the coals should only be done by the Saunameister.
- Men and women can sauna together, but separate saunas are often also on offer.
- Shut the door fast. Letting cold air in is a big no-no.
- In Finland, there is a therapist who will sometimes join the sauna to massage and scrub the patrons, as well as keep everyone in check.
- It is pronounced “sow-na”, not “saw-na”.
The Russian banya
The traditional Russian banya is an invigorating alternative to the European sauna, with plenty of steam and birch branches that are used to slap the back and boost circulation. The banya, or bath house, features multiple rooms, from the steam area to a tea room for refreshments afterwards.
- Unlike the preferred silence of the German sauna, this is a social place, and a favourite spot for friends and colleagues to meet and socialise.
- It’s hot and wet: expect to sweat, and lie flat in order to be able to stay longer.
- Be wary of how slippery the floors are from the steam—you might want to consider wearing flip-flops or slides.
- Usually you’ll take three or four rounds in the hot room, cooling down in the main hall in between.
- Expect plenty of invigorating scents, such as eucalyptus, mint and sage, which are wafted around, so best not to go if you’re prone to allergic reactions.
- Bundle of birch leaves are soaked in water and then slapped against the skin, so be prepared for this gentle assault from the therapists.
- Keep drinking, as the intense sweating can leave you extremely dehydrated.
- At the more rural banyas, the ritual is often ended with a skinny-dip roll in the snow outside.
Japanese onsens
When it comes to bathing rituals, the Japanese have them down to a T. Onsen communal bathing, which traditionally happens outdoors in wooden baths fed by natural hot springs—has been around for centuries and is steeped in ritual. Onsen has two phases: the cleaning and the soaking. Both must be kept very separate, and the soak (furo) can only follow once you are fully washed and clean.
- Bathing areas are separated for men and women. Bathers don’t wear any clothes or underwear.
- At the small washing area (they usually come with a tap, bucket and shower), scrub, shampoo and fully wash yourself while being mindful of not wasting water and splashing your neighbour too much.
- Wash your cleaning station thoroughly afterwards and when you’ve finished, flip your washing bucket upside down to show you’ve cleaned your station.
- “The onsen, or Japanese bath, is very sacred, so guests should shower before entering the hot bath and not wear any clothing as it may cause the water to be less pure,” says Victor Rinaldi, director of the spa at Aman Tokyo.
- Leave your wash cloth on the side (or rock if it’s a hot spring); if you must keep it, fold it and put it on your head. You can use it to clear away sweat, but don’t immerse it in the water, as this is considered unhygienic.
- Don’t wear your hair down in the bath. keep it tied up in a topknot or under a shower cap.
- Some public baths will not admit people with tattoos, as these are sometimes associated with the Japanese mafia (yakuza). Each establishment exercises its own discretion here, so do your research before going if you do have body art.
Hammams in Turkey, Morocco and the UAE
Based on the premise of a Roman bath, a hammam—literally translated as “spreader of warmth”—is a cluster of warm, cave-like rooms with steam and heat, along with cold basins or plunge-pools for rinsing and cooling off. Positioned over the heat source is a central marble table or platform, on which you can be scrubbed to within an inch of your life.
- “In hammams, the guest will usually wear disposable underwear but should be prepared for a lot of water used in the treatment. Therapists sometimes wear swimsuits and sarongs due to the heat and amount of water used,” explains Rinaldi.
- Traditional hammams offer strictly separate sessions for men and women, though hotels usually advertise couples’ treatments.
- You don’t need to wash before going in—the hammam therapist will bathe, scrub, rinse and massage you—with gusto. This often includes all body parts, so best not to be too body-shy. However, you may wish to remove makeup beforehand.
- In Turkey, a tip is generally expected at the end and the therapists will usually line up afterwards. 15 per cent is usual.
Massage in North America, Australia and the UK
- Spas generally ask guests to be covered up in robes and disposable underwear for the comfort of other guests.
- Tipping is not expected in the UK or Australia. In the US, the customary 10 to 20 per cent is expected.
- Full disclosure on any medical conditions and any cosmetic procedures should be made.
- Silence is encouraged during a treatment.
- “Do not assist the therapist with lifting your legs/arms/head up—the therapist will control the limbs and do the work,” explains Debbie Lowry, spa manager at The Lanesborough in London. “The experience is so much lovelier if you let yourself feel heavy on the treatment couch and let your therapist do the healing work.”
- Do take a shower prior to the treatment to reap the full benefits of the products used on your body.
- Speak up if the pressure is not satisfactory, and do so early to enjoy the treatment fully.
- While tips are welcomed after pedicures and blow-dries, they are not expected post-massage.
A spa directory of terms
Far-infrared
The latest sauna offering swaps heated environments for infrared lights that are directly applied to key points in the body that stimulate the skin to sweat and release toxins. Benefits are said to include relaxation, relief for pain, and better circulation and metabolism function.
Cryotherapy
This frozen therapy involves exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures, prompting a release of endorphins that boosts circulation, promotes an oxygen rush to the cells and speeds up the metabolism; athletes favour the process for muscle recovery, too. While the basic method merely involves sitting in an ice bath, now many spas are offering fully immersive cryo-chambers. These look a little like tanning booths, with “dry” cold created by liquid nitrogen.
Deep tissue
Deep tissue massage involves applying firm pressure and slow strokes to reach deeper layers of muscle and fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles). It’s best for aches and pains, especially in the neck, upper back and lower back, as well as leg muscle tightness.
Thai massage
This is an over-the-clothes massage that incorporates stretching and targeted muscle tension release by hand. Expect the therapist to use their body weight to release tension and move your limbs around to bend you into yoga poses. Otherwise known as the yoga massage, this is all conducted on a mat.
Shiatsu
Also often applied through clothes, the therapist will work on acupressure points throughout the body to release tension and realign the flow of the body’s Qi (vital energy) to calm and rejuvenate.
Ayurvedic massage
This is a body massage that incorporates traditional Ayurvedic herbal ingredients to nourish and soothe the body. Massage is normally aligned with the body type you fit into (vata/pitta/kapha) to benefit your system as a whole.
Hot stone therapy
This massage uses hot stones over tight, knotted areas of the body to release tension. This increases relaxation and stress release both physically and mentally.
Lomi lomi
Originating from Hawaii, this treatment involves two parts of the body being massaged simultaneously. The strokes are long and firm, relaxing and elongating the limbs.
Watsu
This Shiatsu-inspired treatment, invented in California during the 1980s, takes place in a pool heated to 35°C, in which you’re massaged and stretched out while floating in the water. Cocoon-like and comforting.
Also read:
This spa can actually help you bring down your biological age
The best wellness retreats and spas to head to for a break from city life
5 things you must try while you’re at the Oberoi Sukhvilās Resort & Spa
8 body massage oils that are perfect for your next self-care Sunday
A multi-step body care routine could be the need of the hour—here’s why
The post The Vogue guide to spa etiquette around the world appeared first on VOGUE India.
from Beauty – VOGUE India https://ift.tt/2AvJLTM
No comments:
Post a Comment