massage in beijing massage beijing beijing massageThe word "spa" conjures up images of long days filled with mud baths and meditation classes, exquisitely prepared spa cuisine, and fragrant eucalyptus groves.
But spas, lately, seem to be popping up everywhere: office buildings, strip malls, village storefronts. Salons with one tiny massage table tout their spa services. Even nail places call themselves spa pedicures. How can they all be spas?
For one thing, there are several different types of spas. The first kind is a destination spa. At a day spa you just drop in for treatments like massage, facials and body treatments Often, day spas are an extension of a hair salon, which is fine as long as the spa is a separate wing that offers a quiet, serene, environment.
But no one is regulating use of the word spa. That's why some salons promote spa services when all they have is one massage table, or use names like "spa pedicure." If you have any doubt, check out the facilities yourself before booking an appointment. Just drop in and ask for a quick tour. At a minimum, a day spa should offer professionally administered massages, facials and body treatments in a quiet, serene atmosphere.
There's also a huge range of experiences at resort spas. Again, no one is regulating the use of the name, so it could be anything from one massage room next to the fitness center to a multi-million facility. You should do research on the facilities before you book.
There's even a difference with destination spas, ranging from small specialty inns to Canyon Ranch , which has a staff of physicians, psychologists, nutritionists and physical therapists. It offers so many classes, lectures and services that and so many things going on that you could spend months there and still not experience them all.
What does it mean? It's up to you, the spa-goer, to figure out what kind of service and experience you want, and find the place that suits you.
What You Need To Know About Spas
* Day spas range from homespun spas in converted houses to lavish multi-million dollar facilities.
* At a minimum a spa should offer a relaxing environment, robe and slippers, soothing music, and high quality spa treatments.
* No one regulates the use of the word "spa." Some hair salons call themselves a spa when all they have is one massage table.
* You can drop in and ask for a quick tour before you book an appointment at day spas.
* There are many different types of spas. Do your research to make sure you get the experience you want.
The term spa is traditionally used to mean a place where water that is believed to have special health-giving properties occurs. This is usually a mineral or hot spring, and can include cold water treatments. The term is derived from the Belgian town of Spa (See below). Contrary to popular belief, 'sanus per aquam' is not the source for spa, but a false etymology or backronym.
# Belgian Town of Spa
Spa is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Liège. It is situated in a romantic valley amid hills which form part of the Ardennes chain, some 35 km (22 miles) southeast of Liège, and 45 km (28 miles) southwest of Aachen. On 1 January 2005, Spa had a total population of 10,568. The total area is 39.85 km², giving a population density of 265.2 inhabitants per km².
As the famed site of healing hot springs, Spa has been frequented as a watering-place since as early as the 14th century. Though other sources of healing hot mineral springs have become famous throughout the world, it is the town of Spa which has become eponymous with any place having a natural water source that is believed to possess special health-giving properties. As a generic term, the word "spa" may also refer to a resort hotel – usually located near a source of mineral water or hot spring – which offers hot-tub or similar warm-water hydromassage facilities.
In 1918 the German Army established its principal Headquarters in Spa, and it was from here that the delegates set out for the French lines to meet Marshal Foch and sue for peace in the consultations leading up to the Armistice which ended the First World War.
The town is perhaps best known today as home to the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, which hosts the annual Formula One Belgian Grand Prix. It is also the location of mineral water producer Spa.