Slow Down, Sit and Stopover at the Spa to Control Stress

LEXINGTON, Ky., April 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Everyone has stress - it's unavoidable - but the way you deal with it can make a huge difference in your life.  In recognition of April's National Stress Awareness Month, spas are leading the way in helping the over-stressed.  Research shows that spa treatments like massage, acupuncture and meditation can aid in stress reduction.

Stress can cause all sorts of unwelcome side affects including high blood pressure, decreased immunity function, reduced energy levels - even your attitude can be affected.  It might even do a number on your appearance - acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis flare ups are all stress-related, and can be addressed with the help of an esthetician at your local spa.

"It's simple; we know that stress negatively effects health, and as long as there's stress there will be spa experiences to aid in stress reduction," said ISPA President Lynne McNees.  "According to ISPA's research, we know that the No. 1 reason people go to a spa worldwide is to learn to manage stress and relax."

Dr. Brent Bauer, director of the Complementary and Integrative Medicine Program at the Mayo Clinic and ISPA's Medical Advisor explains, "We need to increase the awareness about the direct and well-documented effects that chronic stress has on health - things like impaired immune function, slowed wound healing, increased inflammation in the body and increased risk of heart attacks, diabetes and obesity.  Seen in this light, stress should be treated as aggressively as we now treat high blood pressure or high cholesterol.  Clearly, this is a wonderful opportunity for spas to intervene in a meaningful fashion with many of the proven interventions such as massage, meditation and acupuncture."

With taxes due this week and techno-stress (the anxiety you feel when your blackberry won't stop buzzing) at an all time high you're due for a time-out.  Work is often cited as the main trigger point for stress. The American Psychological Association reports that 62 percent of Americans are stressed about work. Utilizing spa techniques like meditation and yoga poses in your cubicle to help calm and balance yourself is an easy and discreet way to manage stress while at work. It's time to visit the spa when you need stress-busting treatments such as massage, acupuncture or guided imagery.  

A sampling of the stress relieving treatments offered by ISPA members during April are listed on the ISPA Web site.  To learn more about the affects of stress from ISPA's Medical Advisor, Dr. Brent Bauer and how a trip to the spa can help, visit the stress management page on the ISPA Web site.  

About ISPA

ISPA is recognized worldwide as the leading professional organization and voice of the spa industry. More details are available on www.experienceispa.com.

Shelby Jones, International SPA Association

1.859.425.5072, [email protected]

SOURCE International SPA Association