Chitika

Chitika

onsdag 27 juli 2011

Spa Nudity: What is expected?

By Michael Gordon


The spa is a magical oasis where the noise and dirt of the bustle outside just fades away. As soon as the door closes behind you, all sound turns to a soft soothing melody. The subtle fragrance of essential oils relaxes the nerves and quiets the mind. A quiet voice greets you by name and invites you to wander through to the discreet locker room, offering a silky terrycloth robe and slippers to change into. Oh the bliss!

For seasoned spa-goers the above setting sounds like the beginning of a heavenly day. For those who are not so familiar with the spa experience, it may sound like the beginning of an anxiety-filled day that may or may not include baring one's body to a stranger. Let's begin by stating that no one is ever forced to be naked at a spa. If you are not comfortable, then you do not have to do strip down. At the time of booking, ask lots of questions about your treatment. In most countries, a are specially trained to provide the maximum amount of modesty for clients, no matter what the treatment. In general, North American spas require very little exposure for full body treatments. However in many European nations the removal of all garments and full exposure is not only the norm, it is expected. Germany, Austria, Finland, Sweden and Australia are examples of places where modesty is not a priority in spa treatments.

Speaking from a North American point of view, there are very few treatments where full nudity is required, and even in those instances the spa usually provides disposable underwear. Keep in mind that part of the whole spa experience includes shedding your garments from the busyness of the outside world and donning the relaxing robe of the spa. So go ahead, pop into a change room and begin your spa experience. Most spas provide lockers where belongings can be secured with a key. Remember to leave your cell phone turned off and in the locker. This is an oasis, not a chance to catch up on email. Plus, your fellow spa-goers are there for relaxation too. They do not want to see or hear your cell phone; it reminds them of the stresses existing outside the spa.

Massage is the most common spa treatment, but hydrotherapy and beauty wraps are becoming more popular as well. When it is time for the massage, a therapist will come to the relaxation room to request your presence in a private massage room. He or she will quietly give you instructions to undress, lie on the massage table and cover yourself with the blanket or towel provided, then leave the room. After about five minutes the massage therapist will discreetly knock on the door to let you know they are entering. A good therapist will discuss your previous massage experiences, physical health concerns that may affect the therapy and areas of tightness that you would like them to work on. If you have had a recent injury or surgery, be sure to tell the therapist. If the treatment requires massage in sensitive areas such as the chest, groin, buttocks or upper thighs, most therapists will only uncover the small area they are working on at that moment, not your whole body. If there is some question of exposure or you are feeling uncomfortable, just ask them to work on you through the towel in those private areas.

For beauty wraps and hydrotherapy, there may be a bit more exposure required. Hydrotherapy, Vichy showers and salt scrubs do involve either the use of a bathing suit or spa-provided disposable undergarments. There will never be an instance of full nakedness in the presence of an esthetician if you do not feel comfortable with it. The same is true for beauty wraps. When the strips of fortified cloth are applied to the body, it is essential they are directly on the skin for full benefit of the treatment to be achieved. However, once again disposable underwear can be provided to allow the guest an element of modesty.

Saunas, steam rooms and Jacuzzi's are points of ambiguity when it comes to nudity. Some countries forbid the use of swimsuits, others have no ruling and still others require them. In North America it is generally left up to the guest, but be aware that most of these facilities are shared among men and women. If you choose to be daring and go into the sauna fully exposed, be prepared to encounter the opposite sex.

A good spa with good a will do everything they can to make their guests feel at ease. The spa experience is supposed to be a relaxing time of quiet pampering, not an examination of the body by strangers. Make sure your esthetician is aware of your comfort level, and your spa experience will be absolute bliss!




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