A Spa Retreat At Home

How to Create Your Own Home Spa Retreat
by Patricia Eggers

Relaxation techniques are unique and specific for each person. Purchase items that will be used by you for your pampering needs only. Buy in limited amounts so that you can test what works into your needs. Many times, you can obtain from a skin care professional, facial masques and trial sizes for little or no cost and are available for you to try out before you buy in larger quantities.

Using your senses will help create your space so that you can relax and enjoy the time you have put aside. Aromatherapy, though, is not for everyone. Some people have allergies to the scent of certain aromas. This is your body’s way of telling you that a certain scent is not for you! Test each scent and you will find the one that achieves your goal. People with kidney issues, pregnant women, or any other major health issue should first consult their doctor and/or an Aromatherapist. Lavender is a great all around scent that is relaxing and is generally safe for all to use. This is very relaxing to use in the evening before bed. Chamomile is another scent that is great before bed. Enjoy a cup of Chamomile tea while relaxing in a lavender bath! Use Chamomile tea bags as a compress on your skin to calm irritated skin.

Picture courtesy of heavyonhealth.com

Light and sounds can add to your session and stimulate or calm you down. In the morning, make sure you have a lot of fresh air and natural lighting, listening to happy tunes. In the evening, use dim candlelight and soft lighting and listen to soft music or a cd specifically playing spa music. Music should be relaxing and in the background, not overly stimulating. Set the stage for your ultimate spa treatment.

Giving yourself a steam facial with essential oils is fantastic and takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 5 minutes to do, resulting in hours of enjoyment. Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser while the water is safely heating up. Boil the water and pour into a large bowl. Add essential oils to the water. Some suggestions: for dry skin, try geranium, rose or sandalwood. For sensitive skin, try jasmine, lavender or roman chamomile. For the mature skin care, try sage, geranium or lavender. Fresh lemon and cinnamon is refreshing and can be used for both evening or morning. Squeeze the lemon and drop the entire fruit into the bowl and add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon into the bowl. Place the bowl of water with your choice of oil and place the heavy towel over your head and the bowl to make a nice tent. Take nice, deep breathes for 5-10 minutes. Complete your session with your moisturizer or try a small amount of olive or avocado oil and massage in.

Using ingredients you already have can be a low cost way of feeling like you stepped into a spa retreat. Listen to your body when it comes to the frequency of different techniques, like body scrubs for example, and how to incorporate them into your weekly routine.

An example of a ‘spa treatment’ that you can do on a weekly basis starts with a nice warm bath and relaxing music. Prepare the area by collecting all the things necessary for your session so that it will be uninterrupted bliss!

You will need:
Two wash cloths
A rolled towel for your neck
A large towel or robe to wrap yourself in when you are finished
Exfoliating Body Scrub (recipes below or a recommendation from your skin care professional)
Relax for 5-10 minutes in your tub. Start exfoliating by lifting each part of your body out of the water and gently using circular motions with the product of choice until your body, from the neck to your toes, has been exfoliated. Rinse well. Pat dry and apply a heavy moisturizer or oil over your entire body. Wrap yourself in a warm towel or a robe. This has such great health benefits for skin.
Some recipes to try!
Exfoliating Body Scrub
Mix 1 tablespoon of coarse salt
2 tablespoons of either oil (olive, walnut, avocado, vegetable) or yogurt
1 tablespoon of honey
A squeeze of lemon or 2-3 drops of sweet marjoram, rose, sweet fennel or juniper oils or chopped rose petals. Essential oils can be found at reputable health food stores.
Exfoliating Oatmeal SockFill a clean old sock/stocking with 1 cup oatmeal
Let it soak in the tub with you until it softens, then scrub your body with it
Gentle ExfoliateAdd ¼-½ cup of Apple Cider Vinegar to your bath
Pampering is meant to be a special, out of the ordinary way of rejuvenating your mind, body and inner self. Set aside a time each week. Trying different times of day can help you decide how to make the most of your pampering time! Your skin is the largest organ in your body and needs attention. Give your brain a rest and soothe your body regularly!
Enjoy!: