Enhancing your Spa Experience

Since Jakarta has a plethora of top-quality spas offering services at unbelievably low prices, there really is no reason why you shouldn't look and feel your best at all times.
Suprisingly, many people don't know what exactly to expect when they go to a spa. So, we are here to happily demystify the spa experience by telling you what different treatments include, spa dos and don'ts and mention a few of our favourite spots.

General Tips and Information

Advance Booking – Some spas recommend you to call at least a day earlier to book for an appointment. However, there are some that can give you an appointment straight away subsequent to your arrival.

Attire – If you chose to use the other facilities in the spa, such as the gym or sauna, it would be wise to bring a change of clothes or a swimsuit. Usually, spas provide you with towels and other necessities, such as hair dryers and rubber sandals.

Conversation – A spa is a great place to get some time alone. Conversations should be kept at a low volume at all times.

Eating and Drinking – It is best if you try not to eat for at least an hour before any type of spa treatment. Avoid consuming any alcohol on the day of the treatment. Drink lots of water before and after, especially if you plan to go to the gym or the sauna.

Exploring the Facilities – Most resort and hotel spas offer other facilities that you may enjoy. This includes all spa facilities, such as saunas, steam rooms and relaxation rooms and fitness centers. However, there are some places where they may charge you.

Medical Conditions - If you have any type of medical condition, be sure to mention it when you book for an appointment. There may be treatments that are not suitable for your condition. It is also possible that they recommend a treatment that can help you.

Mobile Phones – This is a moment to relax. Either turn off or put your mobile phones in silent mode.

Punctuality - Preferably, arrive at least 15-30 minutes prior to your treatment. In some spas, it is expected for you to stay in the treatment room for about 5-10 minutes to loosen up.

Therapists – Don't hesitate to ask for either a male or female therapist. In most spas, both genders are available, but for some it's not. However, in Indonesia, they prefer to perform the treatment on the same gender.

Valuables – In some spas, lockers are provided, free of charge. If not, all of your valuables should be kept with you at all times.



The Spa Dictionary

Aromatherapy
Believed to be a "treatment using scents." It is viewed as a holistic treatment, which cares for the body using pleasant smelling essential oils such as rose, lemon, lavender, peppermint and others. These essential oils are aromatic liquids extracted from plants, flowers, trees, fruits, bark, grasses and seeds, which is proven to have discrete therapeutic, psychological and physiological properties. According to researchers, there are about 150 essential oils with most containing antiseptic properties – some are antiviral, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, antidepressant and expectorant. You have the choice of either adding essential oils to your bath or massaged into your skin, inhaled directly or by simply burning the oil to fill an entire room with a scent.

Aromatherapy is one of the fastest growing fields in alternative medicine. It is extensively used at home, clinics and hospitals, particularly for pain relief. Essential oils can affect the mood, alleviate tension and fatigue, reduce anxiety and to revitalize the entire body. In particular, aromatherapy is for stress, psychosomatic induced problems, muscular and rheumatic pains, digestive disorders and women's related problems, such as PMS, menopausal complaints and postnatal depression.

Ayurveda
Ancient Indian system of traditional and natural system of medicine that has been practiced for more than 5,000 years. "Ayurveda" is a Sanskrit word that means "science of life" or "practices of longevity." Ayurvedic practices restore the balance and harmony of the individual resulting in self healing, good health and longevity. By using a holistic approach, this treatment offers a variety of techniques for our five senses. Therapies include incorporating herbs and nutrition, massage, yoga, aromatherapy, color and music therapy, mantra meditation in order to restore one's perfect balance in nature.

Body Treatment
In essence, a body treatment is a "facial" for the entire body. Its main properties are to cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate the skin on the body. Usually, a full body treatment includes a foot massage, body scrub, aromatherapy massage, body mask, herbal bath and body wash.

The most prominent of all body treatments is the body scrub, sometimes called sea salt scrub or salt glow. This treatment exfoliates the skin, which takes place on a massage table covered with sheets and a thin plastic sheet. The massage therapist will rub sea salt, oil and aromatic oils, such as lavender. This procedure, however, differs in every spa. Body scrub is essential as it removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells and leaves your skin smoother, brighter and rejuvenated.

A body mask treatment consists of a body scrub, aromatherapy massage and body wash. Mainly this involves the application of a product over the entire body. If rubbed with mud, algae or seaweed and wrapped in a thermal blanket, it becomes a detoxifying treatment, which stimulates your metabolic system, leading to speed of carrying waste products away. However, if the product used is heavy cream, then this becomes a hydrating treatment.

A body wrap is essential for those who need a treatment for cellulites. Sometimes, it has a diuretic effect that helps temporary weight reduction. Some body wrap products are highly conditioning, leaving the skin soft and revitalized. – ideal for those who have very dry, sensitive, flaky skin to oily complexions.

Java Wrap is most popular amongst women because it helps them regain their shape and form after giving birth. Eucalyptus, crushed sea stone or coral, lime juice, betel leaf and oil are mixed together into paste and is rubbed around the abdomen area. Then, a long cotton cummerbund is tied around the body from under the breasts until the lower hip area. However, some women uses a gerita, which is not as long as the cummerbund (acts like a corset made from cotton.)

A common traditional treatment found in spas in Indonesia is mandi luhur. This exfoliates and polishes the body that leaves the skin soft, agile and shiny. The paste that is used for this treatment is made up of herbs and other ingredients, such as tumeric, sandalwood, jasmine oil and rice powder. This is then massaged into the body and left to dry for about 20-30 minutes, and is rubbed off to complete the exfoliation.

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