| |
By
Sharon Kaufman-Athanasiou
[email]
|
| |
While
most spas are quick to recommend their warming, nourishing body
wraps and soothing massages, they may not be as likely to push
their Cryotonic Gel Packs. Highly therapeutic and offered at
many spas throughout the country, this treatment for the legs
isn't exactly comfy; it's downright cold! But if you've got
varicose veins, spider veins, or leg swelling, it's worth the
temporary chill.
|
 |
|
| |
A
series of six to eight gel packs is recommended for optimal
results. "Cryotonic treatments reconstrict blood vessels
and make them go back to their original structure. They improve
circulation, and release excess water," says esthetician
Irene Fafalios of the Eclips Day Spa & Salon at the Renaissance
Vinoy Resort, St. Petersburg, Florida. Anxious to try something
different, I began my arctic spa experience at Eclips with an
exfoliation and cleansing from thigh to calf.
|
|
 |
| |
The
cryotonic gel was then applied — a product by Phytomer,
made from seaweed, tiger herb (centella asiatica), and
peppermint (which is the key cooling factor, according
to Emmanuelle Bourbon, director of education for Phytomer)
— and I was wrapped in plastic for 20 minutes, allowing
the cold to do its thing. (A warming, bubbling seaweed
blend was rubbed onto my spine, to provide some much-needed
heat.) Feeling refreshed, I actually enjoyed the unique,
cool invigoration of this treatment. And when your legs
are stuck underneath a desk all week, it surely can't
hurt to really get the blood flowing.
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
Cryotonic
Spa Treatments |
| •
Cryotonic
treatments reconstrict blood vessels and make them go
back to their original structure. They improve circulation,
and release excess water," says esthetician Irene
Fafalios of the Eclips Day Spa & Salon at the Renaissance
Vinoy Resort, St. Petersburg, Florida. |
|
 |
