What Benefits Do Hot Water Treatments Offer?

Soaking in a hot bath is a wonderful way to relax and unwind after a long day — but can immersing yourself in heated water do more for you than you realize?

According to researchconducted in the UK, the answer is yes!

But what benefits does a dip in hot water actually offer?

Reduce Blood Sugar Levels

The British study revealed that enjoying an hour-long bath in hot water every day for two weeks led to a reduction in blood sugar levels following sleep (or other fasting periods).

Controlling blood sugar levels is essential for people with diabetes to stay healthy and avoid complications (kidney issues, heart problems etc.). Insulin levels were improved too: insulin helps prevent your blood sugar rising too high or low, and is extremely important to a healthy body.

Regulate Inflammation

The study discovered that taking hot baths has the power to regulate the body’s inflammatory response, by increasing the production of nitric oxide and IL-6 levels (this is a blood protein associated with inflammation).

Again, this may be beneficial for people living with diabetes.

Boosting Your Metabolism

Taking a hot bath daily was shown to help boost the participants’ metabolism and make weight loss a little easier.

Of course, bear in mind that immersing yourself in heated water is no shortcut to your dream body — it could be an aid to shedding pounds, but only in conjunction with other healthy-lifestyle choices.

For example, combine daily hot baths with dietary changes to include more fruit and vegetables, take exercise however you can and quit nasty habits like smoking.

The Practicalities of the Research

Still, who can find one hour in their schedule for a relaxing soak every day of the week?

Perhaps you’re a busy mom with children to care for, a job to do and not enough free time for yourself. Maybe you work long shifts and feel inundated with chores, simply unable to carve a slot out of your day for a bath.

However, that doesn’t change the fact that immersing your body (or just specific parts of it) in heated water or special fluids for minutes at a time offers real benefits.

Paraffin Foot Treatment

Paraffin foot treatments are an excellent way to improve your circulation and soothe aching joints.

Your feet are submerged in a heated blend of paraffin and mineral oil, which helps to soften areas of rough skin too. This is a great option if you feel stiff or uncomfortable, and is a popular way to pamper your feet ahead of a luxurious pedicure.

Paraffin Hand Treatments

This is just as the above — but for your hands!

Again, it’s a nice treatment to enjoy before a pedicure. Your hands will look and feel better than ever.

Want to try these treatments for yourself?

Astra Medi Spa’s expert therapists are here to help! Our team has the best training, experience and skills to leave you feeling rejuvenated — and you’ll look amazing too.

Just get in touch with us now to learn more about our paraffin foot and hand treatments, or to book your appointment!

What are CryoProbes and How do they Work?

At Astra Medi Spa, our specialists work with cutting-edge equipment for the most effective results — including the innovative CryoProbe.

This fantastic device has the power to target and destroy abnormal tissue quickly, safely and precisely. It’s far faster than traditional surgery and can help you enjoy smoother skin free of unsightly blemishes or growths.

Sounds impressive? It is. But how does the CryoProbe work?

What is a CryoProbe?

The CryoProbe is a small handheld tool resembling a pen. It might look simple, but it’s actually an incredible feat of compact design.

It utilizes disposable cartridges filled with nitrous oxide, which administer fast treatment on the specific target (whatever that may be). Freezing the tissue takes just seconds and is safe, as the CryoProbe is simple to control with the right training.

Multiple types of CryoProbe have been created to help treat various skin issues, including:

• skin tags
• verrucae
• plantar warts
• pigmented spots
• actinic keratoses
• solar lentigo

This is just a selection of the different types of conditions and growths CryoProbes are designed to handle. Each model is used by professionals in multiple disciplines, from doctors and veterinarians to beauty therapists tackling a wealth of cosmetic issues.

Each CryoProbe has its own capabilities for maximum-flow times (such as 120 or 240 seconds), according to the size of the cartridge used.

How accurate is a CryoProbe?

The portable nature of CryoProbes means our specialists can be incredibly accurate during treatment, removing warts, skin tags and lesions across the body. Various applicators come supplied with CryoProbes too, which lets us choose the right tip for the problem at hand.

CryoProbe procedures are one of the most convenient ways to treat certain skin conditions and blemishes, without the physical trauma or recovery times associated with traditional surgery. You can visit Astra Medi Spa, undergo the treatment and be on your way faster than you may expect.

For example, freezing a wart takes from five to 45 seconds, depending on its size and shape. The majority of lesions usually take up to 30 seconds to freeze, but again, this may vary.

What does the CryoProbe process involve?

We’ll invite you to an in-depth consultation beforehand. You can ask any questions you might have or address concerns before we treat you, for your peace of mind. You’ll be told how the procedure works and what results you can expect.

Though the targeted tissue is frozen and destroyed, a CryoProbe causes little discomfort. Changing the cartridges is simple and our team is well trained to get the best performance out of these amazing tools.

As you can see, the CryoProbe is a powerful piece of equipment delivering a hassle-free solution. You can have skin tags, lesions and warts of all sizes removed quickly and easily.

Astra Medi Spa’s expert team is always here to answer your questions and book you in for a complimentary consultation at a time that suits you. If you want to talk about your options and make an appointment to learn more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

5 Luxurious Spa Gift Ideas for Any Occasion

Did you know that increased stress levels are connected to an increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke? What's more, Americans are experiencing stress at historically high levels, compounded by mounting responsibilities and busy schedules.

Luckily, there are things we can do to reduce stress. Some relaxing spa pampering or a massage can be a great way to get your mind off of your issues so you can unwind.

For this reason, a spa day can also be a great way to show someone special how much you care about them. Check out these spa gift ideas to get the inspiration you need.

1. Manicure, Pedicure, and Waxing

Sometimes, the simplest spa treatments can have the biggest impact. Having your nails done can help you both look better and feel better. Giving someone you love the gift of a manicure and pedicure can show them that you care that they feel gorgeous.

Waxing can also be a good option for hair removal, particularly for those who like to sculpt their eyebrows. For these reasons, a manicure, pedicure, and waxing can be a good gift to give before a big event like a wedding or a special vacation.

2. Deep Tissue Massage

Evidence shows that deep tissue massages can be an effective way of treating chronic, non-malignant pain. For someone in your life with muscle aches or sports injuries, a massage can be a great way to ease that pain.

Also, don't forget that spa days aren't just for women. A massage can be a nice way to give the special man in your life the opportunity to unwind and get relief.

3. Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massages are a specialty massage, and they are another good way to relieve stress on your muscles. The heat can help loosen up stiff muscles, which can help you to relax. This method is based on a Native American spiritual practice and is also believed to release certain helpful energies.

4. Laser Hair Removal

While waxing can be a great spa day gift, laser hair removal can also be a terrific gift for someone who wants longer-lasting results. Laser hair removal is the most permanent way to remove unwanted body hair, and can be a good option for both women and men. This can save both time and money over the course of a lifetime by eliminating the need for periodic waxing.

5. Body Contouring

Body contouring is a specialized spa procedure that can alter the shape of the body. This procedure is especially effective to eliminate or reduce excess skin and fat that remain after someone has lost weight. Giving this gift can show someone you love that you want them to both look their best and feel their best.

Get Your Spa Gift Ideas Today

Any one of these 5 spa gift ideas can be a great way to show someone important in your life how important they are to you.

Ready to get started? Contact us today to book the perfect spa experience for your loved one.