Avoid the Doctor: Go to the Spa

“If it feels good, it’s probably bad for you” may be true of a lot of things, but not for spa services. Do you love the complimentary, stress-relieving neck and shoulder treatments you get when you arrive at Douglas J for an appointment? Do our scalp massages during your shampoo make you swoon?

These rituals are so much more than a bit of indulgence. We want to encourage all our guests to live holistically — to incorporate healing, soothing spa treatments into their regular routine for better short- and long-term health and well-being.

Spa treatments are proven to relieve stress, and they’re designed to soothe and nurture. In other words, it feels great to go to the spa. But the health benefits of regular, recurring spa treatments extend beyond that wonderful sense of relaxation. They can keep you out of the doctor’s office, help you recover from injuries and illnesses faster, and put you in a healthier and more positive frame of mind.

Massage, especially, has proven health benefits. According to a study published by the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, massage:

• pumps up the immune system — by increasing white blood cells
• eases pain and inflammation — from headaches, muscle aches, and injuries
• curbs anxiety & depression — by flooding the body with the feel-good chemicals oxytocin, dopamine, and seratonin
• improves sleep — by increasing delta brainwaves, linked to deep sleep.

In fact, massage is often recommended (and sometimes prescribed) to cancer patients to help relieve pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and nausea associated with their illness and treatment.

Some specialized spa treatments, like our Breathe Easy Sinus Treatment, are designed to relieve specific health problems. Our Elemental Nature massage can be customized to address the issues brought on by pregnancy and sports injuries and strains; and Hydrotherm and the Vichy Shower use water as a de-tensing tool. The Aveda Stress Relieving Treatment is the ultimate fix for the chronically tense: it’s 90 blissful minutes of head-to-toe massage combined with heat therapy, aromatherapy and a relaxing facial.

Start incorporating spa treatments into your life. They’re not a luxury, but a necessity — and so much nicer than doctor’s visits