Beauty
Hydrotherapy Melts Away Your Chills
By
Aug 6, 2008, 18:20

(NewsUSA) - Cooler weather and shorter days leave many Americans with the winter blues. But melting away stress and chills can be as easy as sitting down in a hot tub.

The ancient Greeks and Romans used hydrotherapy -; the combination of heat, water and air -; to soothe sore muscles.

Today, Americans can receive hydrotherapy's benefits without visiting a public bathhouse.

Home spas and hot tubs make soothing soaks convenient. Hot water helps to warm up the body, improving circulation, while water's natural buoyancy relieves joint and muscle pressure.


Moving water helps loosen tight muscles and release pain-relieving endorphins.

Home spas are easy to set up, too. Kits, like the Soft Soak Spa Start-Up Kit from SpaGuard, include sanitizer, shock and conditioner, everything needed to set up a hot tub that won't dry out skin or irritate eyes.

In studies, hydrotherapy has been shown to help ease everyday aches, tension, arthritis pain and insomnia. But to really relieve stress, Americans should consider combining hydrotherapy with aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy uses scents from botanical oils to promote healing. Scents like jasmine and lavender lift spirits, while chamomile and thyme promote sleep. Cinnamon, basil and cedarwood help ease tension.

Buying and blending essential oils can be expensive and time-consuming. But some spa supply companies make soothing scents that homeowners simply pour into the water. SpaGuard makes an aromatherapy line called "Moments" that combines hyacinth, rose, lily, fresh apple, vanilla, jasmine, green tea and other scents to create different effects. Moments comes in four fragrances: retreat, revive, passion and tranquility.

Here are some other ways to pamper yourself during the cooler months:

- Do an at-home facial. Choose a product designed for your skin type, then wear a mask while you soak.

- Moisturize after your time in the hot tub. After thoroughly drying yourself, massage a natural-scented lotion into your skin. You will avoid dryness and help continue your aromatherapy.

- Treat yourself to a pedicure. Warm water softens skin, so after you get out of the hot tub, buff away callouses with a pumice stone, then massage a little oil or foot cream into your skin.

For more information about SpaGuard products and to locate a nearby dealer, visit www.spaguard.com.

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