SAUNA
The sauna was invented in Finland and the practice of sauna visits dates back to the year 1100. The original form of sauna was simply a hole in the ground that was covered, sometimes by a makeshift roof. The cleansing of the body and the subsequent feeling of wellbeing was already known throughout the ancient world-in the Roman thermae, the Turkish hamams or the Japanese mushiboro.

The temperature of a classic Finnish sauna varies between 80 and 100 degrees Celsius at a humidity of approximately 20%; however, readings of 60 to 80 degrees Celsius at 30 to 40% humidity are the most common.

An ideal Finnish sauna is made from wood or stone and is located close to a natural source of cold water, for instance a river, a lake or even the ocean, into which you can dive directly after using the sauna.
In the winter, when everything is frozen over, the Finns simply roll themselves in the snow or cut holes into the ice to dive into the frigid water. This helps to clean off sweat and close the skin's pores.
However, in the wellness spas of our world, you'll usually find cold showers for that purpose.

Sweating is a very natural physiological mechanism that keeps the body temperature at a steady 37 degrees Celsius. Sweating also helps the body to detoxify and relaxes the muscles after sporting activities. During the use of a sauna, the metabolism and heart rate increase and the blood vessels widen. All this results in better blood circulation, especially in the legs.
People using the sauna not only enjoy the positive effects on their bodies, but also the stress reduction which eases their minds.

HAMMAM
The word "hamam" immediately brings to mind images of the Orient with its seductive scents and delicious teas. For Sheherazade, the princess of 1001 nights, a city without a hamam would not have been complete. However, we mostly know the hamam as the Turkish bath.

A real hamam consists of multiple steps, including peelings and massages, and may take up to 90 minutes. As a first step in a hamam, the skin must be prepared for a peeling: the body is washed with plenty of warm water, rubbed with horsehair and Moroccan soap, and is followed by a massage.

MASSAGE
Massages are among the earliest forms of all therapies; it's a natural reflex to massage sore spots. Nowadays, massages are divided into therapeutic, aesthetic and sports massages, and are also part of the medical field of rehabilitation.
There are a number of reasons for a massage. It starts with the relaxation caused by a massage, and continues with numerous other positive effects such as loosening muscle tension, improving the immune system and blood circulation, removing dead cells and absorbing soothing substances. Massages also foster a feeling of being cared for.
The most common massages are the following:

. Relaxation massage:
helps with stress and fatigue and fosters a feeling of overall wellbeing. There is literally no body part that can't be affected by painful muscle tension, be it the neck, shoulders, back, arms or legs. Massages increase the body's flexibility and blood circulation and stimulate the flow of energy in a vitalizing way.

. Sport massage:
mostly used together with athletes' daily training sessions. Usually legs and feet are the center of attention since they are used the most, and muscle tension in these areas is quite common.

. Rehabilitation massage:
supports the healing process after injuries and operations and helps the patient return to a regular, healthy life. This type of massage should only be administered by trained physiotherapists.

. Estetico:
soothes the skin and may lead to reduced cellulite. Results vary with different metabolisms and fat deposits, especially on the legs. This type of massage stimulates the lymph nodes, resulting in an increased flow of lymphatic fluid that can collect between muscle and skin.

SHIATSU
Shiatsu is an independent, self-contained system of holistic manual body work. It derives from Far East healing methods based on the theory of a dynamic life energy (Ki, Qi). Shiatsu is also influenced by Western health concepts that focus on holistic views of the human being. The goal of Shiatsu is the leveling and revitalizing of vital potentials, the maintenance and strengthening of the mind, body, and soul as a unit, harmonizing the flow of energy. Shiatsu activates the self-healing powers of the human organism and is customarily performed on the floor (mats, futons) in traditional posture with direct or indirect skin contact and without use of any additional materials.

The pressure is applied vertically, in a stable manner, and increasingly moves away from the body's center (hara). The body's weight is utilized-with the use of gravity and without additional strength-and the use of hands, thumbs, fingers, elbows, knees and feet. Meridians and energy spots are stimulated, while the intensity, duration and strength of pressure is adapted to the energetic status of the client.
Special shiatsu techniques are, for example, the two-hand technique, the toning and sedation technique, Makko-ho (meridian extension), rotation technique and Do-In-exercises. This is how this type of massage loosens energetic blockages (tensions, feeling of congestion…) and increases the flow of energy. Shiatsu stimulates the autonomic nerve system and has a balancing effect on heart frequencies, breathing and muscle tone.

Shiatsu treatments are usually performed in quiet and comfortable surroundings: the client lies on a soft mat (futon) or sometimes on a massage table or sits on a low bench.

MASSAGGIO THAI
Thai massage is a medical massage originating with Buddhist monks in Thailand. This approach was transferred from masters to students over a period of over 2500 years. It combines the finger pressure massage of Chinese medicine with a form of "guided stretching" deriving from Indian yoga. This interaction opens up the body energetically and physiologically.

The goal of traditional Thai massage is to achieve a certain ease or uplift the emotions and spirit, possibly affecting both the performer and the recipient of the massage. There are a lot of myths surrounding the origins of the practice dating back to Ayurvedic medicine, yoga and traditional Chinese medicine.

The patient is diagnosed in the first session and the massage treatments are designed to match individual needs. It is also important for both parties to wear comfortable clothes that allow for ease of movement. All Thai treatments are performed on a mat on the floor.

STONE MASSAGE
This is a very special form of massage that uses warm lava stones. This treatment enhances wellbeing and causes deep relaxation.

The warm lava stones are placed on different regions of the body and are accompanied by a massage. The stones transfer their warmth to the affected body regions.

From a holistic standpoint, this techniques increases the body's flow of energy. The stones are placed along the chakra lines while the client lies on his or her back. After that the client turns over, the stones are placed on the spine. This treatment is aimed at deep relaxation and decreased stress.
The warm lava stones also help with muscle tensions, rheumatic arthritis, back pains, stress, sleeplessness, depression and blood circulation.

LYMPH DRAINAGE
Manual lymph drainage, according to Vodder, was invented in the 1920s and is based on the stimulation of lymph nodes which then transport collected cell liquid out of the tissue. Manual lymph drainage is a treatment that is recognized worldwide.