For many people, a trip to the spa is an indulgence typically reserved for vacations and special occasions. But in today’s age of feeling overworked and overstressed, perhaps adding day spa treatments to everyday life is just what the doctor ordered. In fact, studies have shown that spa visits are linked to better physical and mental health.

Fortunately, day spas exist from big cities to small towns, making it easy to work in a little healthy me-time, even during your lunch hour. Ready for a mini-retreat? Here are some of the top spa treatments you’ll find at a typical day spa and their potential spa health benefits.

Massages

A massage is what motivates most people to visit a day spa — whether it’s for the total relaxation or to relieve tension and sore muscles. This therapeutic rubbing and manipulation of soft tissues may have farther-reaching benefits, as studies show that it may also help ease anxiety, headaches and digestive disorders. But with so many different types of massages, with different degrees of intensity, which one is right for you?

Swedish. The most common and most gentle form of massage, it involves long, often circular, strokes.
Deep tissue. As the name suggests, this technique goes deeper with more targeted, forceful strokes to help injuries.
Hot stone. Smooth, heated stones are placed on specific points on the body; typically combined with Swedish massage techniques.
Shiatsu. This Japanese technique involves applying pressure to facilitate the flow of energy, or “chi.”

Sessions are typically broken down into 30- 60- and 90-minute increments, so you can pick what works for you and your schedule. No matter which one you choose, be sure to let your massage therapist know if there are any specific areas they should focus on.

Body treatments and facial treatments

For the largest organ in our body — our skin — body treatments and facial treatments are here to give it the attention it deserves. From scrubs that exfoliate skin, often with salt and essential oils, to wraps that hydrate it, whole-body or facial treatments help remove toxins and may prevent wrinkles and slow signs of aging. Facials go a step further by extracting blackheads and cleaning pores. Technicians can also recommend a daily moisturizer for your skin type.

Sauna and hot tub treatments

For centuries, many cultures have sought the benefits of heat by sitting in saunas and soaking in hot springs or the more modern hot tub. These thermal treatments soothe muscles and joints, flush toxins and may support cardiovascular health. In fact, a study from the University of Eastern Finland showed that regular 30-minute sauna bathing reduced blood pressure, and another Finnish study linked sauna use with fewer incidences of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Spa treatments can be a great way to complement your medical care. But despite the potential spa benefits, there can be risks, too, especially for those with certain medical conditions. Be sure to consult your doctor first. Remember that you can use the CareCredit credit card at hundreds of thousands of healthcare providers and health-focused retail locations nationwide, including day spas.* Download the CareCredit Mobile App or use the Acceptance Locator to find a provider or retailer near you that accepts CareCredit.