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Health Spas » Sea Therapies Today
Sea Therapies Today
While there are no recent studies proving the
benefits of algae for the many therapeutic and beauty purposes for which
it has become known, folklore and tradition continue to perpetuate its
popularity in European and American spas alike. From sea-salt scrubs
to thermal seaweed wraps, ocean-mud packs to sea-algae baths, kelp facials
to algae buffs, ocean products are experiencing renewed popularity in
spas all over the world, resulting in exotic therapies that effect powerful
healing.
Seaweed therapies are great for all clients
because they nourish the skin, reduce cellulite and remove toxins from
the system. They are easily our most popular type of treatment, besides
the typical facial or one-hour massage," says Gohar Thomas, owner
of Gohar Beauty Clinique in Glendale, California.
At Thomas' spa, specialty baths are a popular
accompaniment to other services. "Our sea-algae bath with [Dead
Sea salt] and aromatherapy is probably the most popular," Thomas
says. "Oftentimes clients will opt for a marine-based bath before
a massage to loosen up the muscles and complement the detoxification
process that comes with deep-tissue work.
The Limu Seaweed Body Wrap offered at the Kohala in Waikoloa, Hawaii,
is among that spa's most popular services. This treatment uses processed
seaweed from the Brittany Coast of France, and includes exfoliation
and detoxification.
Among the marine-based services offered at The
Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas is the four-layer facial,
which involves applying layer upon layer of fresh European seaweed to
rejuvenate and tone, followed by a warm, mineral-rich thermal masque
to moisturize and nourish the skin.
Seaweed-based products are one of the classics,
because seaweed is such a complete plant source of nutrients and benefits,"
says Michelle Bartok, owner of International Beauty Solutions (IBS),
a manufacturer of spa, health and beauty products.
One of the more innovative spa treatments of late is the "sushi
wrap," says Bartok. "We wanted to combine all of the therapeutic
ingredients that should go into an effective body treatment while keeping
the service fun and interesting," she says. "The combination
that we came up with is a ginger-wasabi solution that is healing and
anti-inflammatory. This is followed by a rice putty that is rich in
amino acids and creamy to the touch. Finally, a seaweed paste is layered
onto the body and the client is wrapped.
Spa client Stephanie Kersulis of Los Angeles
tries to visit a spa on a monthly basis and typically gets some kind
of sea wrap or buff because she believes it is good for her entire system.
"The last spa that I visited was the Gaia Day Spa in La Jolla [California],"
she says. "I received a French algae all-over body buffing, which
was divine. They combined fruit acids with essential oil and the algae
for an invigorating buff.
I followed the treatment with a hot shower and
then a massage, Kersulis continues. "Before leaving I stocked up
on some new balneotherapy algae bath soak for at home. I try to keep
up with the ritual when I can't get to a spa for a professional treatment.
Kersulis isn't squeamish at the idea of having algae on her skin. "I
don't think I have ever been to a spa where the seaweed was anything
but wonderful," she says. "I would go every day for a seaweed
wrap if I could.
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