Beware of Dangers at Health Spas in Austin

Spa in Austin

Austin, Texas is gateway to Texas Hill Country with rolling hills and sparkling waters. Although Texas is typically not known for being laid-back, Austin is a progressive and creative city welcoming its community of musicians, artists and forward thinking people. Austin is also home to The University of Texas campus adding to the overall charm of the city.

Health spas are popular in Austin. However, beware of dangers lurking in these luxurious and often expensive destinations. Health spas in Austin differ from day spas in that they usually require you to stay at least two or three nights and some require a week.

Health spas offer a variety of services to enhance your appearance and sense of well being. Health spas offer massage, body treatments and facials.

Beware of possible dangers lurking behind the treatments at health spas. Many of the body treatments contain food products. Health spas offer body wraps where your body is covered in one of many substances (including chocolate, rosemary, honey, butter or eucalyptus), then wrapped in a thermal blanket and left to sweat out toxins or absorb creams and lotions.

Health spas in Austin can trigger food allergies as products containing food are being applied directly to your body. Sea salt potions can trigger iodine allergies. Nut oils can trigger severe nut allergies. If you’re not sure about a reaction to a certain product, ask spa personnel to apply a sample patch to your skin. Always discuss your allergies with spa personnel so they are aware of any problems or conditions you might have such.

Pregnant women particularly need to take particular care using health spa services. Anything that raises the temperature of your body is dangerous to your unborn child. Beware of saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs and body wraps. Massages are also not recommended for women in their first trimester of pregnancy.

Other services to be avoided at health spas are hair bleaches, removal creams, aromatherapy and detox scrubs.

People with breathing problems need to be wary of the dry heat in saunas. Anyone with asthma, emphysema or even a cold might consider a steam room, instead.

If you have a medical condition such as high blood pressure or heart disease, discuss use of health spa facilities with your doctor.

Lastly, if you have diabetes, be extremely careful in the use of pedicures. In diabetes, circulation to the feet is impaired and the slightest wound or infection to your toes can end up as an amputation.