What to expect when you go for a spa treatment.
The treatment room is a sacred space; a place designed for your comfort. Within its walls, you should feel safe — able to unwind.
Background: One of the main reasons I became involved in the spa and wellness world is my love of spa and wellness treatments. Having received treatment at many different places, I was able to pick and choose my favorites and incorporate those things into my own space. As a client, I cherished my time spent in the treatment room, and so, as a practitioner, I approach my practice from a client’s point of view, still cherishing my time from behind the chair as much as I did in the chair!
For those who have questions about the treatment room, here are a number of areas to consider that can influence your experience.
Soundscape: Do you want to talk? Talk. Would you prefer quiet? Be quiet. Personally, I like there to be at least some quiet time, though there are clients who prefer to chat. In fact, there have been times when other practitioners have joked about the laughter coming from my room; however, I think it’s important for the client to dictate this aspect of treatment.
Sometimes, people talk when they are anxious, and I will gently steer them towards going within and enjoying their inner landscape. “This is your time,” I will say. But regardless of whether the treatment room is quiet or not, what goes on is about the client, not the practitioner. The client calls the shots. Furthermore, soft music is always a lovely addition to the ambience.
Climate: This is definitely an area where you should speak up! The temperature should be comfortable. Otherwise, there are blankets for warmth and climate control for healing and cooling. Some practitioners, like me, employ a table warmer. If steam is being used, speak up if it’s too near or far for your liking.
Landscape: Your body should feel comfortable, and this can be aided by bolsters, pillows or rolled towels. And again, feel comfortable to let your feelings be known.
Bodyscape: You can dress or undress to the level of your comfort. I provide wraps, although some practitioners do not. If you’re more comfortable without the wrap, that’s fine. Rest assured that you will be draped appropriately at all times.
I’ll never forget the time that I arrived for treatment and the practitioner plainly stated, “Now, I’d like you to take your clothes off for me.” Of course, she did leave the room, but not before my jaw hit the ground. 🙂 However, it was a fabulous treatment. The lesson for me was: Don’t get put off by the practitioner’s personal style. It doesn’t necessarily reflect upon their level of expertise. Also, I’d like to note that here, in the United States, there are areas of the body that most massage therapists avoid, but if you travel to other countries, you might find different customs observed.
Comfort Zone: It’s probably a good idea not to drink a lot of water before treatment and to make sure that you’ve eaten something so that you’re not aware of annoying bodily functions. I say this from experience. You don’t want to be lying there, wishing the treatment was over so that you can get up and go to the bathroom.
Also, if a particular product being used is causing you discomfort, like itching or burning, it’s important to ask the practitioner if this is a normal reaction.
Signature Style: People have their own particular likes, dislikes and specialties. Personally, I don’t like interruptions during treatment. I like to keep noise of any kind to a minimum and will spend most, if not all of the treatment time in the room with the client, attending to their needs, ready and available.
Expectations: Most of all, it’s your show when you go for treatment.
Although I have spoken mostly about what happens within the treatment room, treatment begins the moment you decide to take time to care for yourself. Furthermore, I’d suggest that you arrive on time so that you can take full advantage of the time allotted for your treatment. I’m so excited when I go for treatment, I feel like a puppy waiting for a treat with it’s tail wagging. I can’t wait to peel off my clothes and hop on the table!
