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Liquid THE TOUCH Heat generally soothes and relaxes the body by slowing the activity of internal organs and relieving tension, anxiety and stress. Cold temperatures usually stimulate and invigorate, causing a "wake up" effect. So a warm shower might be the perfect remedy for the overstressed, while a cold shower can help to stimulate a fatigued body and mind. COLD OR HOT? SPAS ARE TRADITIONALLY PLACES OF HEALING AND TRANQUILITY, AND WATER IS AT THEIR VERY CORE. People have practiced hydrotherapy—the therapeutic use of water—since ancient times. That's why Sanctuary Body Spa of St. Dominic's suggests hydrotherapy as a powerful source of physical and emotional healing. It is used to soothe a variety of aches and pains from arthritis, poor circulation and sore muscles, rejuvenate skin and muscles, help reduce stress, stimulate blood flow and energize our bodies and minds. Sanctuary Body Spa has several spa service offerings that include hydrotherapy. HYDROTHERAPY TUB This state-of-the-art tub is fully equipped with color light therapy and jets and is used for soaking, milk baths, aromatherapy baths and hydro-massage therapy. Submerging oneself in a warm bath is perfect for washing away the stress of daily living. It produces a kind of weightlessness and relieves some of the effects of gravity. VICHY SHOWER Begin with a scrub or a wrap and then, instead of jumping in a shower to rinse, just remain lying on the table. Five showerheads that run parallel to the treatment table provide an invigorating whole- body water massage and rinse away the remnants of the scrub or wrap treatment. The movement of the water on the skin produces the sensation of floating for many people, while stimulating the immune system, soothing the nervous system, helping to increase blood circulation, hydrating the skin and relaxing muscles. MASSAGE THERAPY Any form of hydrotherapy is a great precursor to massage therapy, loosening surface muscles and working out some of the superficial knots so the therapist can massage deeper without causing discomfort. "Soaking in the hydrotherapy tub after a massage is also recommended as a good way to help flush out toxins and relax the muscles even more," said Morgan Harris, Sanctuary Massage Therapist and Aesthetician. Research shows that massage therapy has been proven to help relieve some of the negative effects of stress by lowering heart rate and blood pressure, increasing the production of endorphins, and releasing serotonin and dopamine. Interested in the healing power of water? Call Sanctuary Body Spa at (601) 790-2222 to learn more or schedule an appointment. s t d o m .c o m 4 LOOK