How to Use Hydrotherapy
HOW TO USE HYDROTHERAPY
Hydrotherapy is simply the therapeutic application of hot and cold water on the body. Treatment by heat is beneficial for your health as it raises body temperature enabling the body to cleanse and detoxify through perspiration. The treatment supports the relaxation and suppleness of muscles, as well as leaving you with a feeling of wellbeing. SenSpa's hydrotherapy area combines age-old therapies with state of the art technologies with facilities such as hydrotherapy pool, laconicum, tepidarium, herbal sauna, crystal steam room, ice room and a range of unique health showers.
FOUR BASIC PRINCIPLES
Always follow heat with cold
When sinking into the water or the sauna and steam rooms, the skin reddens and warms as blood comes to the surface of the skin. The result is extra oxygen for skin cells that are, in turn, relieved of impurities and waste products. In addition more blood is drawn to the muscles, which together with tendons and ligaments, relax in the welcome warmth. The circulatory changes brought about by the warmth, rapidly removes lactic acid and brings relief and relaxation.
Then there is the importance of cooling off. The cold shuts down the skin circulation, shunting the blood into the body’s internal organs where impurities and waste products are flushed out of your system – like a mini detox. This also invigorates the brain as well as stimulating liver function and the immune system.
Stay in the heat only for as long as is comfortable
It is not appropriate to design a hydrotherapy session suitable for everyone as each person’s heat threshold is different. Listen to your body and stay in the heat only for as long as is comfortable for you. Remember that using hot rooms such as the sauna or steam room and then having a kouble douche or cold shower will have a higher impact than choosing a warm/cool option. Choose whatever is comfortable for you and always finish with a cold or cool option.
Stay hydrated
It is most important to drink plenty of water during and after your hydrotherapy session. This not only replenishes lost fluids but helps the body clear away toxins more efficiently. Tap water is available in the hydrotherapy hall, and filtered water in the ladies and gents changing rooms and the relaxation rooms. If you prefer, bottled water is sold in the Zen Garden restaurant.
Relax after your session
Two luxurious relaxation rooms offer a peaceful and restful environment to deepen the relaxation process that you have already begun with your hydrotherapy session. For complete quiet use the Quiet Room.
Herbal sauna
The sauna opens the pores of the skin giving the skin more tone. It is renowned for cleansing and detoxifying the skin, helping to clear clogged pores and eliminating toxic chemicals, metals and radiation in the body through sweat. Micro circulation is improved. The production of hormones such as testosterone in men and oestrogen in women is stimulated by sauna and it may provide relief from asthma and chronic bronchitis. The temperature is between 85 - 90 degrees Celsius with low humidity. Stay in only for as long as is comfortable. This could be anywhere from 2 - 12 minutes. Listen to your body. Do take a towel in with you as the wooden seats, especially those on the top level are very hot.
Crystal steam room
Many of the benefits of sauna also apply to steam. Steam gently opens pores to cleanse the skin and expel toxins from the body. Circulation is increased and the immune system stimulated. People with respiratory conditions often find relief in steam rooms as the heat dilates the air passages of the lungs and facilitates breathing. Steam baths are very relaxing and can help to relieve stress. Amethyst crystal is renowned as a stone of tranquillity and repose and is also believed to enhance mental strength, stability, and vigour. The temperature is 45 degrees celsius. Stay in only for as long as is comfortable. This could be anywhere from 2 - 10 minutes. Listen to your body.
Laconicum
The laconicum is a thermal room ideally suited to people who prefer gentle heat. It has all the benefits of sauna and steam. The Romans used the laconicum as an intermediate room to gently warm the body before entering warmer thermal rooms.
Sit on the bench or lie on the floor at the far end of the room. The temperature is between 45-50 degrees celsius with around 50 percent humidity. Stay in only for as long as is comfortable.
Tepidarium
The tepidarium is a relaxation room with heated recliners to keep you gently warm during your hydrotherapy experience. Use this room to relax in between your hot/cold sessions.
Hydrotherapy pool
The hydrotherapy pool helps to relax muscles and release tension, improving joint mobility and range of movement. Sore, stiff muscles and conditions such as osteoarthritis respond well to a session in the hydrotherapy pool. It is beneficial before a massage as the therapist is able to work the muscles more deeply without discomfort. Using it as a warm up before a yoga or stretch class is also helpful.
Use the underwater jets or overhead spouts to direct current to specific areas of your body, relax in the volcano or recline on the underwater benches for a relaxing, toning sensation. Our hydrotherapy pool is UV treated. The temperature is 37 degrees Celsius. Stay in for up to 20 minutes. Listen to your body and only stay for as long as is comfortable. In the evening the pool is candlelit which creates an enchanting, cocooned ambience.
The ice room
You can choose from the following options to cool down.
Crushed ice
Rub down your body with ice from the ice bucket and feel the tingling sensation on your skin. This is an effective and controlled way to cool down.
Kouble douche
For a more dramatic cold experience use the Kouble Douche, the wooden bucket suspended from the ceiling. Drench yourself with the cold water and feel your whole body being invigorated.
Experience showers
Alternatively have an experience shower. Choose Tropical Storm, Ice Storm or Sea Storm. During the 45 second programme you will be showered with water at changing temperature and velocity together with the sound of thunder and simulated lightning. Great fun.
Other thermal treatments (charges apply)
rhassoul
Located in the hydrotherapy hall, our Rhassoul mud room is a mosaic private steam chamber. Your session begins with you applying Rhassoul mud all over your body. The 25 minute programme starts with a gentle steam as the mud works its magic. After this you will be gently sprayed with a fine water mist. This is when you start to work the mud off. Following this a shower will allow you to remove most of the mud. Remove the remaining mud with the Kneipp Hose. Rhassoul clay from the Moroccan Atlas Mountains has been used for centuries and is known for its purifying, therapeutic and beautifying properties. It may be applied all over the body, face and hair. This unique clay absorbs toxins and delivers minerals to the skin improving clarity, brightness and elasticity. It is especially good for skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. We recommend taking a cold shower after your session, followed with moisturiser which you will find in the changing rooms, or try an organic SenSpa body oil which can be purchased in the spa shop. Ask at reception for session prices.
Hammam and vichy treatments
The Hammam is a heated mosaic slab on which you lie whilst your therapist delivers treatments with water. Our two Hammam treatment rooms are located in the hydrotherapy hall. We offer several classic wet treatments with combinations of body polish and massage. These all include a session with the Vichy shower, a relaxing series of water jets directed on the spine. Please refer to our spa treatment menu for individual treatments and prices. They are listed under 'Pure Spa'.
Frequently asked questions
I am staying in the hotel. May I use the hydrotherapy facilities?
If you are here on a spa break then hydrotherapy will be included in your package. If hydrotherapy is not included then you can upgrade at any time. Please ask at hotel or spa reception for prices.
I have upgraded to use the hydrotherapy facilities.
What is included?
You may use the hydrotherapy facilities as well as the relaxations rooms all day. Please note that if you are on a spa break you will have to exchange your programmed access card at spa reception as it is only programmed for the day. Please enquire for special half day rates.
How do I access the hydrotherapy area and relaxation rooms?
Please ask at spa reception for an access card. All of our spa days and spa breaks include hydrotherapy in the tariff. Otherwise hydrotherapy is charged in addition to your normal room tariff.
What are the opening hours of the spa?
The spa is open from 7am - 9pm on weekdays and 7am to 8pm on weekends. The Zen Garden restaurant opens at 8.00am and closes at 10.30pm Tuesday to Sun and closes at 5.30pm on Monday.
Where can I find towels?
Please help yourself to towels at spa reception.
I don't have pool shoes. What can I do?
If you don’t have your own pool shoes we can loan you a pair to wear during your stay. Please ask at spa reception. You may also go barefoot if you are more comfortable this way. We ask you not to use your hotel slippers in the wet areas as they are slippery in wet conditions.
Why should I shower before using the hydrotherapy and swimming pools?
>Water removes 80% of the bacteria on the skin and it is therefore best practice to shower before entering the pools. This is a requirement of the spa.
What should I wear for a hydrotherapy session?
Please wear swimwear. Although in Europe hydrotherapy is enjoyed naked,
it is not the British custom.
Is there a specific order for the thermal rooms?
No, choose the rooms which you enjoy most. Nor is it necessary to experience all the thermal rooms as you will derive more benefit in doing only what you enjoy.
How long should I stay in each room?
Every body is different. Some people have a high tolerance for heat and others have less. Listen to your body and stay in only for as long as it is comfortable. It is important that you have a cool or cold shower after each heat session and keep hydrated by drinking water.
What are the hydrotherapy temperatures?
Please refer to the following pages for temperature information. Our sauna is 90 degrees Celsius with low humidity, Steam room is 45 degrees, Laconicum 48 degrees with 50% humidity, hydrotherapy pool is 37 degrees, swimming pool is 26 degrees.
What are the benefits of hydrotherapy?
>There are many benefits. Each room has a different effect. Please follow the links to find out the benefits of each room. Sauna, steam room , laconicum, tepidarium, hydrotherapy pool, For a general explanation of how each room works and the benefits click here
What is the depth of the hydrotherapy and swimming pools?
The hydrotherapy pool is 1.35 metres (4.43 feet) and the swimming pool is 1.5 metres (4.92 feet).
Is hydrotherapy safe for everyone?
Hydrotherapy has been used to improve health for centuries and it is very safe when the basic principles are observed. However there are some conditions which are contraindicated. We suggest that you check with your health practitioner before using hydrotherapy if you have any of the following conditions. Unmedicated high blood pressure, lymph node damage or removal, a recent operation and pregnancy are all contraindicated. If you are unsure about a health condition you have please ask for help at spa reception.
What would be most helpful for back problems?
The hydrotherapy pool is an excellent choice for releasing muscle tension and increasing joint mobility and is especially good for conditions such as osteoarthritis or any condition which involves muscle or tendon strain. Please check with your health practitioner if you have rheumatoid arthritis as heat may aggravate this condition, though not necessarily. Use the sitting bench at the far end of the pool for lower back problems, the water spouts for neck and upper shoulders, the recliner and volcano for a general relaxation experience.
What is the Rhassoul and Hammam in the hydrotherapy hall?
These treatments must be booked and are not included in the price of hydrotherapy. Please click here for further information.
What is used to treat the water in the swimming and hydrotherapy pools?
Our swimming pool is ozone treated and the hydrotherapy pool is UV treated. Both are highly effective water treatment systems. We are legally required to add .05% chlorine.
Should I have hydrotherapy before or after a treatment?
Either is fine. You will derive great benefit by having hydrotherapy before a treatment. A sauna cleanses the pores of the skin before a facial and the hydrotherapy pool, steam or sauna relaxes muscles in preparation for massage. SenSpa oils are cold pressed and organic with all their nutrients intact. We recommend that you allow 20 minutes for your skin to absorb the goodness of the oil before showering if you are following a massage with hydrotherapy.
Should I eat before a hydrotherapy session?
It is best to wait an hour after eating a meal and slightly less for a lighter, easily digestible snack. Digestion requires a great deal of energy and during this process more of your blood supply is directed to the stomach and intestines. Hydrotherapy has a profound effect on the circulatory system and it will therefore interfere with the digestive process. This can cause discomfort such as nausea and cramps. Traditional Chinese Medicine places poor digestion at the root of disease. Please allow your body time to digest.
Are there disabled facilities?
For guests with mobility problems we can provide a hoist for the swimming and hydrotherapy pools. Both pools are on the ground floor and easily accessible. There is sauna, steam and Jacuzzi available at ground floor level opposite the swimming pool. In the hydrotherapy hall, sauna, steam and the hydrotherapy pool are on ground level. Please ask spa reception for assistance. There is a disabled toilet on the ground floor and a shower and toilet on the first floor, accessible via the lift in the Zen Garden restaurant. All treatments except Pure Spa and Rhassoul are easily accessible for guests in wheelchairs. Please let staff know of any disability issues you may have and they will ensure that an accessible treatment room is booked for you.
