What's the best spa treatment for me?

Aromatherapy

What is it? Combining use of essential oils and therapeutic massage; oils are extracted from plants and flowers and are highly concentrated, possessing natural healing properties.

How does it work? The smell of the essential oils triggers the limbic system - the part of the brain thought to be linked to our emotions. The oils can be burnt and inhaled but are best absorbed through the skin by massage.

What's it good for? Relaxation, relieving tiredness or aching muscles, improving skin tone, soothing chronic pain

Ayurveda

What is it? Ayurveda is an ancient lifestyle practice based on the belief that all life forms have a ‘dosha' - a unique mix of energies. A person's dosha determines the kind of lifestyle they should lead, including the sorts of food they should eat and the amount and type of exercise they should do.

How does it work? Ayurveda covers a variety of techniques, from detoxification, diet and herbal prescriptions, to yoga, meditation and massage therapy.

What's it good for: Detoxifying and cleansing, boosting the effectiveness of the immune system, and helping those with medical conditions to improve their overall well-being

Body wrap

What is it? A body wraps is designed to slim and tone the body, hydrate and firm the skin, or relax and soothe the muscles.

How does it work? The treatment usually begins with cream, oil or mud being smoothed over your body. Once covered you are wrapped tightly in cotton cloths and the heat generated will relax your muscles, open your pores and encourage sweating to flush out toxins. After a wrap your skin should feel firmer, hydrated and tighter, and can result in temporary inch loss.

What's it good for? Temporary inch loss, tighter and firmer skin, hydrating skin and relaxing muscles

Floatation

What is it? Floatation is a deeply relaxing treatment enabling you to experience total weightlessness and a sense of serenity.

How does it work? It's usually performed in an individual tank, where your body floats on top of a pool of salt water. The tank is sound and light-proof and offers users a safe oasis where the stress and tensions of everyday life can be left behind. Floatation tanks are ideal for those looking for peace and quiet and the experience has often been likened to the safety and comfort babies feel in the womb.

What's it good for? Relaxation, relieving stress, muscle aches and strains, encouraging deeper sleep

Hot stone therapy

What is it? Hot stone therapy is an ancient ritual perfect for those looking for deep relaxation.

How does it work? During the treatment, smooth water-heated stones are carefully placed on key points on the body and then used as a massage tool. The direct application of heat relaxes the muscles and encourages the body to detox and heal, increasing lymph flow and helping to flush out waste.

What's it good for: Muscular pain, insomnia, depression, poor circulation

Reflexology

What is it? Reflexology is a natural healing art based on the principle that there are points in the feet and hands, which correspond to each part of the body.

How does it work? Pressure is put on these areas to increase circulation and promote specific bodily and muscular functions.

What's it good for? Reflexology is recommended by doctors for many health complaints such as back pain and muscle strain, sports injuries, anxiety and depression, irritable bowel syndrome and eating. It is a good stress reliever and contributes to overall good health.

Reiki

What is it? Reiki is a spiritual treatment and works on the basis that physical and emotional problems are linked so should be treated at the same time.

How does it work? During a Reiki session, practitioners gently place their hands on or just above different areas of the body, particularly the head and the torso, for about three to five minutes. Energy is transferred from the hands of the practitioner, with the goal of restoring the body's energy to a state of balance.

What's it good for? Releasing stress, helping to combat depression, boosting the immune system, renewing energy flow and relieving muscular aches and pains

More information

'Spa Secrets' magazine is available in Selfridges, Harrods & Borders book stores. For further information on Spa Secrets magazine, visit the website www.spasecretsmagazine.com

Looking for a good spa?

See our favourite UK spas

Time for you: health and beauty advice

Anti-ageing beauty advice - Twiggy reveals her secrets!

What you should eat to make skin glow with health

Seven reasons why you're not losing weight