Health and beauty treatments are growing in popularity with those looking for relaxation.

WHEN singer Thiri Swe hungers for relaxation and repose she usually goes to a spa to clear her head and emerge feeling fresh as a daisy.

Visiting a spa is her favourite way to relax and a good way to combat stress, so she goes twice a month.

“Afterward I feel very calm in body and mind, and all stress seems to have disappeared. It’s very pleasant,” she said.

“Spa treatments can have a positive effect on both mental and physical health. For example dead skin cells and cellulite can be decreased through massages and body scrubs, while a steam bath or sauna can improve blood circulation,” said Nwe Ni, a beautician from Eros Beauty Spa, “and a relaxed body helps calm the mind.”

“The emphasis is on health rather than on beauty, because you can’t have the latter without the former,” she added.

Those suffering from back and neck pain should have a massage to aid relaxation, and those with sun-damaged skin should get treatments for a healthier complexion. These days, more and more people understand how important it is to take care of their skin, and these people visit spas, according to Nwe Ni.

Spas are growing in popularity as people become more open to health/beauty treatments. Many think it is an expensive luxury although there are reasonably priced treatments available. The spa prices range from K30,000 to K100,000 at Eros Beauty Spa. Manicures are priced around K5000.

Treatments available at Eros Beauty Spa include facials, body scrubs, steam, sauna, massage and slimming treatments, as well as manicures and pedicures.

“People who regularly visit spas have smoother, healthier skin because their pores are more open and less clogged with dead cells. Sweat, sebum and oil pass through the pores more easily, which cools a healthy body,” the beautician said.

Most women use spa treatments to help their skin return to normal when their body has been sunburned or when they feel achy or in pain and want to relax, according to Ma Thandar Soe from ‘Spirit’ Beauty Spa, which offers body scrubs, waxing, body masks, and an aromatherapy jacuzzi package.