Hot Springs to Day Spa - It Will Make You Feel Great!

In the 1930s there were well over 2000 health resorts built around cold or hot springs. Once the benefits of spending time at a spa had become well-known many people made plans to spend at least some of their vacation time soaking up the healthful waters found in the naturally occurring springs that are found in many places right here in the U.S. Also called balneotherapy, the health filled therapy found in hot springs (even cold springs) draw crowds of people seeking a way to feel better, perhaps to heal sore muscles or over stressed bones. Doctors recommend spa time to their patients who suffer from joint diseases like rheumatism and arthritis because they know of the benefits to be found in those magic waters. But there actually is no magic to the springs, they are part of nature and a natural method of healing the sore and unhealthy.

Greeks and Romans first learned the benefits of natural spring waters

Since Greeks first discovered that bathing in certain waters made them feel significantly better, followed by Romans who turned the art of the bath into something spectacular, bathing in natural spring waters or tidal pools has earned the right to claim its healthy claims. Ancient Greek bath houses first found benefit in the natural mud found in and around hot springs and literally covered themselves with the dark viscous material, hoping to feel better while eliminating those aches and pains associated with bone and joint discomfort. According to Greek mythology, certain tidal pools and natural springs had been blessed by the gods and would cure diseases. The then established facilities for bathing purposes with the intention of healing and those who desired the help could go there and spend time, soaking in the healing waters.

Modern spas may be palatial or sparsely appointed

As the popularity of spas rose so did the price of a spa day. There were traditional baths using the waters from hot springs that were located in areas such as hot springs in Arkansas. The states of New York, Connecticut, Virginia, and Pennsylvania are also famous for their cold and hot springs. Saratoga springs as well as Ballston spa and Kinderhood are noted spas in New York while Pennsylvania has its own Bristol, Yellow, and Bath springs. Virginia's White Sulphur springs, hot springs, and Warm springs beckon to all who come near. Those who travel to such locations are treated to a luxurious spa day and that means all the amenities that comfort allows. They can exercise, practice a healthful diet, and enjoy the healthy benefits found in the soothing waters.

Bath houses could be found everywhere

For those who could not or would not wish to travel far from home, the bath house could substitute as they emulated the healthful benefits of naturally occurring springs by adding salts and various ingredients into warm pools of water and allowing guests to soak in their soothing properties. Bath houses gained a bad reputation yet remain popular in many large cities due to their healthy warm waters and the use of mud therapy, exercise equipment, and a combination including manicures, pedicures, facial and body massages to help relieve the aches and pains of everyday living. Today enjoying a day at the spa remains a popular and healthy activity for all.

Korean Spas Are Truly a Gem

Exactly what goes on in Korean spas? They are not your typical spas where you relax in a waiting room before your treatment while wearing a comfy white robe all while sipping on unlimited cucumber water. Korean spas are a unique, cultural, all-inclusive experience and one that a real spa aficionado would appreciate. Not only do they provide excellent treatment in clean facilities, they expect you to stay and relax for however long you want. The bigger spas are even 24 hours, and your admission includes a free place to sleep. You might think this is odd, but this is part of the culture and is represented as a second home.

What is unique about Korean spas versus American spas like Burke Williams or Glen Ivy's is that you have to be naked. Of course the spa is gender segregated for the facility pools and the bathhouses. There is also a co-ed area in which you would wear their provided uniform which includes a t-shirt and a pair of shorts. The co-ed area boasts their traditional, specialty rooms like the Red Clay room or the Ice Room, the common area where people can watch television or use the provided computers to surf the internet, the restaurant where you can order authentic Korean food, and finally some have a sleeping area if they are open 24 hours. The Korean spa experience is calming and one can use as much time to get to that state of pure, stress-free, relaxed state of mind.

Korean bathhouses have been part of Korea's culture for centuries. Initially these bathhouses were for the privileged to take part in bathing in special aromatic scents and to scrub their bodies to become whiter. Now they are around for people to relax and unwind but also a place to socialize with friends and family. Parents bring their children and scrub each other's backs, and this is their bonding time. Friends go together and vent about their days while sitting in the Jacuzzi. People even make friends at the spa because they see the same faces monthly or even weekly.

Korean spas are known for their popular treatment which is their body scrub or commonly referred to as the akasuri scrub. The masseuses will thoroughly scrub you in every place imaginable, so this is not for the shy or faint at heart. They use special scrubbing gloves that will make your skin feeling silky smooth and you'll walk out of there feeling like you're a couple shades lighter. The whole concept of the scrub is to make you feel just that - cleaner and whiter. The newer facilities will allow your scrub to be in a private room with just your masseuse, but many spas still have a scrubbing area that will accommodate three or four tables. Again, this is not for people who are uncomfortable in their own skin. The masseuses mean business, and they will maneuver your body to clean certain areas and you might have to do this next to some stranger who's also in a compromising position. Their technique might be strange, but it guarantees results. Your skin will feel just as smooth as a baby, and you'll also feel relaxed because a scrub also comes with a scalp massage.

What is even great about Korean spas is how affordable the services are. A scrub at a new facility will range from $30-$45, and it will include free usage to the showers and pools and the specialty rooms. If you just want to pay admission to use the main facility and not get any treatment done, it will probably only cost you $15-$20. Many of the spas in major cities have already connected with deal sites like Groupon or Living Social. The trend and popularity of these spas have really grown the past few years, and even celebrities enjoy spending time at Korean spas. Emmanuelle Chriqui from Entourage was quoted in Women's Health Magazine that she likes to visit a Korean day spa. Although the majority of spa goers are middle aged Korean women, many of the younger generation are trying it out and finding that they like the experience. If you're curious about Korean spas, just try it one day. Go with a friend (but note, you'll have to see your friend naked), and make it fun spa event. I have to warn you though; it's quite addicting!