by Alex Storey

Created on: April 14, 2009   Last Updated: September 24, 2011

FOR HIM!

Dudes need pampering too and there are just as many ways to relax at the spa for men as there are for women.

In the old days, the girls would go for spa treatment while the guys would play golf. The stigma has now gone and men are rejuvenating themselves with manicures to mud baths.

Everybody needs to recharge those batteries after a hectic working schedule to keep physically and mentally strong and estimates suggest twice as many men signed up for spa treatment in 2008 compared to five years before.

The word "spa" refers to water treatment and comes from the Roman bath town of Spa in Belgium. It possibly comes from the Latin word "spagere" meaning sprinkle or moisten.

Ireland and Italy are the most popular destinations in Europe with California topping the list in the US. Thailand, Mexico and the Caribbean are the best places worldwide.

Resorts are increasingly offering side-by-side treatments to respond to the growing demand for males For example they are constructing barbershops, selling cleansing products designed for men and using pool tables, leather sofas and offering robes and slippers to make the guys feel comfortable.

Standard treatments include:

Scalp, neck and shoulder massage. Facial. Sea-salt scrub. Hot stone foot ritual. Sauna. Jacuzzi. Manicure. Pedicure. Hair cut. Hot shave. Deep tissue massage. Thai massage. Swedish massage. Sports massage. Solarium and steam room.

Proven medical benefits are increased blood flow with massage and reflexology, which helps lower blood pressure, boost circulation and alleviate aches, pains and arthritis.

Psychiatrists say calm surroundings and relaxation help release more endorphins, which are brain chemicals, related to happiness.

Alternative therapies may include:

Muscle-melt back massage. Hot stone massage. Aromatherapy. Shiaku and herbal remedy massage. Aqua-hydro jet therapy treatments. Alexander Technique massage. Meditation treatment. Hydrotherapy and a detox body wrap.

The Canyon Ranch Health Resort in Tuscan, Arizona is like a health spa hospital with doctors, nurses, psychologists, nutritionists and physiologists who conduct medical exams, lab work, stress tests and bone density tests. It is the Ferrari of all spa resorts!

The next market apparently, is KIDS! The Hyatt Regency has reportedly been overwhelmed by demand for children requesting facials at $40 per session.

Personally, I believe these children may think that instead of looking after themselves someone else can do it for them. At their age, they need education about healthy living. Diet and exercise will alleviate their problems far easier than an expensive health resort or spa!

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