Most people cannot avoid stress however you can do things to relieve it by using relaxation techniques and relaxation practices, which used as often as you can manage will reduce your everyday stress levels and boost your feelings, from basic breathing exercises to massage therapy. To get the most out of your relaxation you need to try and put time aside each day for some basic relaxation exercises and try and do these when you are not feeling tired and sleepy as it will not have as much effect as if you were awake and alert.

Below are some basic relaxation methods and other practices that will help alleviate your stress.
Deep breathing – For a simple yet powerful, relaxation technique focus on full, cleansing breaths and deep breathing you will find that deep breathing provides a quick way to get your stress levels in check. Deep breathing is a main component to relaxation and is used in many practices and combined with other relaxation methods for full relaxation. To get the most out of deep breathing you need to take deep breaths from the abdomen, rather than shallow breaths from your upper chest, to inhale more oxygen. The more oxygen you get, the less tense, short of breath, and anxious you feel.

Progressive muscle relaxation – This is a great way to completely relax your body and involves a two-step process in which you systematically tense and relax different muscle groups in the body you can get audio instructions from many progressive muscle practitioners for this relaxation treatment to follow. They normally start at the feet and work their way up to the face.

Massage Therapy – This treatment is not necessarily an everyday treatment as not everyone has daily access to a personal masseuse however it’s a great treat once a month or when you are feeling particularly stressed.  Getting a massage will provide deep relaxation and as your muscles relax so will your mind. There are many types of massage but the most common is a Swedish massage which is a soothing technique specifically designed to relax and energize.

Getting a bit bored with the usual spa treatments you receive? Have a look below for some more unusual treatments available around the world.

Brewery spa – There are a number of brewery spas in Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic, in these you can have a good soak in a small swimming pool filled with beer, it seems that the vitamins and yeast in beer are quite cleansing for the skin, as well as indulging in the twenty minute dip in dark beer which is mixed with carbonated mineral water, yeast, hops and aromatic herbs, afterwards you can enjoy some relaxation time or an optional massage or treatment involving hot stones or being packed in hot grains.

Snake massage – Not for those who suffer from ophiophobia (fear of snakes) with this treatment you have various non-venomous snakes like California king, Florida king, milk and corn varieties slithering and sliding over your body to sooth aching muscles and joints. You can experience one of these treatments in Talmei Elazar which is in North Israel.

Geisha facial – You can now have a facial treatment that gives you the complexion of a geisha, the facial which uses the geisha skin care routine is available in New York and uses the secret ingredient geishas use, nightingale excrement (i.e. bird droppings). During the treatment you have a facemask made from the excrement which has been dried and sterilized, called uguisu no fun which exfoliates, nourishes and brightens the skin.

Cactus massage – This may sound like a very painful treatment however it’s not as prickly as you may think. This massage does involve Nopal paddles however they are spike free, they are used to massage in a mixture of prickly pear cactus, pulque (an alcoholic beverage similar to tequila but made from agave) and tuna (the cactus blossom, not the fish). These ingredients are known for their healing properties, removing toxins as well as moisturising the skin.

An extravagant facial – For those with an expensive and luxurious taste why not try a caviar facial or full body caviar treatment. You are covered in green gunk that contains sevruga fish eggs) extracts and “spirulina algae”, hence the colour. Another wallet busting treatment is a 24K Gold facial which involves covering your face with gold leaf or gold dust ala Cleopatra. The gold is thought to remove blemishes and purify the skin, and it apparently has anti-aging properties.

caviar

Picture courtsey of star5112

It is easy to make yourself feel good about your body, about yourself and the world around you. Women who take care of themselves have an inner glow that shows on their faces and in the way they carry themselves. A day spa treatment is about providing the time, space and expertise for women to renew that glow; this can apply whether you are coming in for a full day of treatments or just to relax in the atmosphere of a traditional Thai day spa London with a close friend.

Drawing on ancient rituals with modern day touches, the unique Thai spa treatment creates luxurious treatments that recharge your body’s essential energies and envelop you in a world of new discovery. You will find that your muscles are eased, minds are restored and you are left feeling completely at ease. At the same time you can, if you wish, catch up with friends or indulge in some precious ‘me’ time. A day spa in London is the perfect retreat from the stresses of a busy London life.

Inspired by ancient traditions and philosophies and combined with modern day touches, the spa treatment provide a unique pampering and relaxation experience, allowing you to unwind, escape and fully rejuvenate. The trained therapists will work with you helping you leave the cares and worries of the day behind. Having skin treatment is certain to give you a lift and you will come away, not just with an inner glow, but boosting the skin’s own natural.

Thai massage is believed to have been developed more than 2,500 years ago in India. It then made its way to Thailand, where the Ayurvedic techniques and principles gradually became influenced by traditional Chinese medicine and for centuries, Thai massage was performed by monks as one component of Thai medicine.

Thai massage is more energizing and rigorous than the more classic forms of massage and there are many Thai massage in London where you can relieve those stresses of work and travel through the capital. Often referred to as Thai yoga massage, because the therapist uses his or her hands, knees, legs, and feet to move you into a series of yoga-like stretches; for many, Thai massage is just like doing yoga without any work!

There are some things that you should know when you contact your Thai massage spa. For example, Thai massage is usually done on a padded mat on the floor and no oil is applied, so you are fully dressed. You are usually asked to bring or wear comfortable clothing to the massage. Whilst Thai massage can take differing times, depending what you are advised or decide upon, for a typical Thai massage, this is 60 minutes to two hours long and you can be sure that it will relax you, reduce stress, improve your circulation, increase your energy, improve your range of motion, all in all you will feel a whole lot better after you have been to your Thai massage spa.