Health Hydro’s promote a healthier way of life
I consider myself as someone who leads a healthy lifestyle. I am very discerning about what I eat – my diet consists mostly of vegetables, fruits, and selected animal protein. I exercise 7 days a week, drink an adequate amount of water, and mind my own business.
Since this is not a passing trend for me but a way of life I adopted over ten years ago when I wanted to improve my health after the effects of carrying two kids, it trickles even into my hobbies. I find myself pulled towards health-related activities and facilities so I can learn new/improved ways of practicing habits to sustain or improve my health. Hence my love for Spa’s and Health Hydro’s. I tend to book hotels that offer relaxation treatment when I travel. Let’s Xplore the differences between the two types of facilities:
What is the difference between a health hydro and a spa?
A health hydro focuses on a holistic approach that aims to assess their clients’ health issues and needs and then equip them with tools for a healthier way of life going forth. Meanwhile, a Spa has some health benefits but focuses more on relaxation and pampering the body with various skin and body treatments. Health Hydro’s often offer spa treatments on their facilities as clients often stay more than one night and will have ample time to enjoy some pampering in between sessions of attending to their health.
What should people look for when choosing a destination health hydro?
For me, location is most important. A health Hydro needs the utmost tranquillity to have the desired effect of ultimate relaxation. It should not be so close to the city that the air is full of unnecessary extra pollution. This is a place where one goes to rest and detox from the world so to speak. You want to come out after a few days or a week feeling refreshed. If you choose a hydro that is in the city, please make sure measures have been taken to shut out the noise from the streets and that the building has ample space around it to give that feeling of “out there”.
Better yet, go to a place that is outside of the city where better quality of air and peace and quiet is guaranteed. Ample space outside of the buildings is also ideal for one to xplore with walks/ hikes or just simply checking out the relaxation spots, the fauna and flora around the building.
The place should have adequate facilities for actual Hydrotherapy (explained below) for the number of clients it accommodates to avoid frustrations from prolonged waiting to get a turn. Accommodation at the facility is ideal so that you don’t have to dress up and drive somewhere/ be taken elsewhere after your treatments, you can simply walk to your room/ villa. Bonus: a well-curated space that shows that much effort went into setting it up for the ultimate relaxation and healing experience.
Apart from aesthetic medicine offerings, do they offer any health benefits?
Hydro’s and Spa’s do not traditionally offer aesthetic medicine treatments. These are specialised treatments done by medically trained professionals (doctors) as some can have side effects that can be problematic if not done in a setting that can handle emergencies.
There are immediate health benefits to just being in a tranquil place and disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of daily business of life in addition to the treatments one chooses to do while there.
Massages (head, neck, face, body): Improves circulation (blood flow) to the area being treated. Decreases stiffness and therefore results in less soreness in the muscles. Loosens up the muscles by relieving tension and so increases flexibility of the joints where the muscles attach to. Lying/sitting down and being pampered helps one to relax and therefore helps with quality of sleep. Physical touch triggers release of feel-good hormones and therefore generally improves mood.
Hydro therapy: Involves immersion of the body in water alternating/changing between cold and hot temperatures in short periods of time. The cold water reduces overall inflammation in the body and any muscle soreness directly. In the long run, it may also help to build resilience (being able to withstand the shock of cold water after being under warm water regularly can teach one to be able to approach and handle tough situations better). It brings balance to the nervous system and improves brain function and overall mood.
Both types of facilities tend to serve better quality of food, especially at the hydro. The menu offers a lot of fresh vegetables, fruits and less processed animal protein. This has overall general health benefits, especially if the clients continue to improve their diets and eat better after their visit.
What are some of the most popular treatments to prepare the body for the winter season?
The winter dry air can be very harsh on the skin. Plus we tend to drink less water also this season because well, who wants to spend half the day in the loo peeling off layers upon layers of clothes and sitting on cold toilet seats to pee? Water drinking is skipped by many, subconsciously or intentionally.
I love treatments that hydrate the skin. So, exfoliating scrubs and body wraps that have hydrating and nourishing ingredients. Not only is dry, ashy and scaly skin unbecoming, but it can also pose a threat to the skin barrier and compromise that part of our immune system.
In my aesthetics medicine practice, I have observed that health treatments that focus on weight loss or management are also popular in winter. People want to emerge with healthier-looking summer bodies on the other side of August.
What are your go-to treatments that you treat yourself to this time of the year?
I am always on the go, so a full body massage at the Spa is always a good idea for relaxation. It is even better if it is the hot stone type to meet the warm and feel-good needs as I am not a fan of the cold weather. Reflexology foot treatments that benefit and bring balance to the whole body.
On the aesthetic medicine side, I love skin boosters injected or needled into my face and radiofrequency face treatments (both from my Dermalode Medical Aesthetics practice) for that radiant glow throughout winter. Add to that, some IV nutrition combinations that support the immune system and improve skin, hair, and nail health.
Do you recommend any health hydro? If so, which ones and what stands out about them?
Interestingly, there aren’t many such facilities in SA. There is one in the KZN Midlands, another in Stellenbosch, and then one in Pretoria West. I have been to the one in Pretoria West but Brookdale in the Midlands is the one I still have on my bucket list. I passed by once when I was holidaying there with the kids and it looked amazing and the vibe attracted me. I didn’t get to stay as I was alone with the kids and logistics didn’t allow it. However, one day soon I shall visit. Or better yet, I may just build my own seeing I am the perfect customer for such places and therefore know how to cater to that market.
