Four of the best spa treatments for mindfulness

Mindfulness is one of the pillars of modern wellness. Once something of a quirky trait practised by the select few or relegated to yoga classes, today it’s recognised as something that we can all incorporate into our lives, if we choose. We know that it has benefits for mind, body and soul. We know that it doesn’t have to incorporate any whizzy gadgetry or expensive classes. But isn’t it nice to add an extra layer of experience into the mix to help you get into the right headspace?

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness covers all manner of things. A slightly nebulous practise, it’s one of those things that’s ongoing rather than a static state of achievement or being. It has its roots in Buddhism, but essentially it’s a great way of helping to manage our mental health. The short explanation, is that it’s about bringing your mind back into the moment rather than worrying about what might be, what’s in the past etc. That’s why lots of people find that yoga, walking in nature or even having a massage can help. It allows you to focus on where you are in that moment, whether it’s how your body feels or watching the leaves on the trees.

As Vietnamese Thiền Buddhist monk, Thích Nhất Hạnh put it:

"With mindfulness, you can establish yourself in the present in order to touch the wonders of life that are available in that moment."

Why is mindfulness good for your wellbeing?

The benefits of mindfulness are widely reported, and different people get different things from it. For some it’s about relaxation, for some it’s about regulating mood, for others it’s about mental clarity, and for lots of us it’s simply about finding ways to cope and feel well. That said, in broad terms, the benefits of mindfulness are said to be:

• Stress relief
• Better sleep
• Improved mental health
• Improved self-control
• Better concentration
• Enhanced emotional intelligence
• An enhanced capacity for kindness, empathy, acceptance and compassion

Top spa treatments for mindfulness

From guided meditation to different relaxation techniques, there are lots of different practices and treatments that are designed to encourage mindfulness or that achieve it alongside other benefits. Massage for example has multiple benefits, including inducing a meditative state and bringing you back into your body. However, there are a number of spa experiences and treatments that really focus on mindfulness and support mental wellbeing. Here are a few of our favourites:

Forest bathing

Forest bathing is essentially a guided walk that incorporates meditation and draws on the healing powers of nature. It’s grown in popularity over recent years, and combines all of the best features of wellness and spas - the natural world along with the expertise of spa pros. We tried it out at Spread Eagle Hotel and Spa, and it was a deeply relaxing experience.

Sound baths

Sound baths are all about working on vibrations. Everything around us and within us, whether we hear it or not, is on a vibration. Sound baths take that idea and use music for healing with instruments such as Tibetan singing bowls. The instruments give beautiful harmonics and overtones, and match those in the body. The idea is that when our natural vibrations get out of tune, it is the root of illness.

Floatation tanks

Floatation tanks, sometimes known as Isopod treatments vary from one spa to the next (as do all therapies), but hinge around laying (floating) in a tank of water. The water might contain Epsom salts or other elements, you may be able to select different coloured lighting to suit your mood, and music may play. The idea is to feel weightless and for your mind to finally stop chattering and be still. Some guests fall asleep.

Shirodhara

Drawing on a 5000 year old therapeutic tradition, Shirodhara can be a treatment in its own right or incorporated into other therapies. Generally, it involves pouring warm oil on the ‘third eye’ continuously, which is deeply relaxing and meditative. It relaxes the emotions, calms the mind, improves sleep, and induces a profound sense of peace and wellbeing. It's also a great treatment for nourishing your hair!