Spa Heat Treatments

Heat treatments at spas serve to rid the body of the toxin buildup that is part of modern life. Heat treatments also help relieve soreness and can rejuvenate muscles. Getting a heat treatment requires caution. People with respiratory or circulatory system problems should check with their doctors before going. Heat treatments are not recommended for women who are pregnant. For others, though, spa heat treatments can be a wonderful way to relax and get healthier.

Hot Stone Massage

Putting hot stones along certain lines, or meridians, in your body is a way to work on muscle soreness. Hot stone massages are popular along the sides of the spinal column because those muscles tend to get tense from sitting for long stretches. With a hot stone massage, the massage therapist will place the stones along the muscles and leave them there to cool or move them gently back and forth.

Saunas

A venting system forces hot, dry heat into a sauna. Drinking water is important while you are in a sauna because the dry heat will dehydrate the body faster than humid air. Most people should stay in saunas no longer than 15 minutes to avoid serious dehydration or elevating the body's temperature too much. Expect excessive sweating in a sauna.

Steam Rooms

Spending time in a steam room is similar to being in a large, steamy shower. The air is hot, as with a sauna, but it also is wet, or humid. The air in a steam room can be thick, making it inadvisable for people with respiratory problems. Steam rooms also will make you sweat, which is how they help the body get rid of toxins, but you are less likely to notice as the air is damp. Steam rooms also can make you dehydrated, so drink water before going in and leave if you feel faint.

Heated Oils

Hot oils worked into your skin can be part of a soothing massage. Standard heated oil will help to revive tired muscles and feels great. Herb-infused oils can have medicinal properties as well. These oils may have herbs that settle digestive problems or assist in stress relief. Having someone massage these oils into problem areas provides a dose of good medicine to specific parts of your body.