fic research question: spa treatments

[kindkit]

For the purposes of writing an incredibly self-indulgent bit of fluff, I would like to know about day spas, beauty treatments, that kind of thing--ones done for fun, relaxation, or "self care," not so much the medical/medicalized ones. It's not something I have personal experience with.

I know I can google what sorts of treatments exist, but I also want to know what they're like subjectively, and I can't easily google that.

If you can help out, I've got three questions:

(1) What spa/massage/beauty treatment type things have you experienced?

(2) Which ones felt especially luxurious or pampering?

(3) Which ones, if any, were weird, uncomfortable, or unpleasant?


All replies welcome, whether we know each other or not. Anon commenting is on if you prefer. And signal-boosting would be great!

Comments

[laurajv]

1. let's see - regular massage, hot stone massage, couples massage (exactly like other kinds of massages except with 4 ppl in the room instead of 2), mud wraps, kind of mindfulness walk things (like wading in a meditation pool between treatments), fancy baths, facial massage, facials, hand massage, manicures, pedicures

2. frankly, pedicures are the best combo i've found of "not that awkward" and "is nice". a full-on pedicure often involves soaking your feet, foot + leg massage, etc.

3. massage always feels a little awkward to me to start but then it's ok. massage therapists in the places i have been tend to be very professional, which helps. i straight-up don't like wraps and baths very much bc there's an uneasy sense that if i fall asleep (they're very soporific) i might not wake up (the attendant often leaves for long stretches of time during these, and you are often immobilized in a way that frankly is probably not very safe to be left alone in).

[kindkit]

Thank you! A pedicure was already on the menu for this character, but I hadn't thought of including foot massage. Definitely will be now, though. And hot stone massage as well.

[resonant]

I love body massage but to me it feels less like relaxation and more in the physical therapy category. It's a relief from pain and discomfort, and sometimes involves enduring lesser pain and discomfort.

Now HAND massage is pure pleasure to me. Scalp massage is also very nice and relaxing.

I enjoy pedicures (I'm so very very ticklish and I've never had a pedicurist tickle me, so yay professional skills) and they allow for a lot of luxury adders like scent etc. I also love the ritual of choosing polish color.

I wish spa people would have some way of indicating "I know what ASMR is and can try to give you that kind of experience" so you could identify the person who isn't, for instance, going to end the session by clapping their hands together and saying loudly, "You're all set, sugar."

[kindkit]

Another vote for pedicures! I was already planning to include one, but even more so now. Also hand and foot massage, maybe scalp massage (along with some hair treatments), and some body massage (probably with a hot stone element) of the amateur type--the scenario is the character being pampered by his boyfriend with some spa-ish things, not real professional spa services.

Thanks for your help!

[kateoftheangels]

An aromatherapy full body massage is my go-to for luxurious pampering - with warm sandalwood oil, or the scented oil of your choice. Preceded by a stint in the steam room to open the pores, and inclusive of a scalp massage.

I once tried a Japanese sauna, or onsen, which was a wonderfully relaxing experience.

I have never gotten into the more active massages like Swedish or Thai, and my one run-in with cupping was very unpleasant. Some people swear by body scrubs and wraps, but I have always found them messy, and in the latter case, vaguely claustrophobia-inducing. To each their own!

[kindkit]

Thank you!