The Research Adventure
Our study aimed to explore both the long term (chronic) and short-term (acute) effects of spa treatments, examining the impact of a single 40-minute spa experience and eight weekly sessions respectively. We were keen on understanding if these spa experiences could leave a lasting impression, even lingering two weeks after the spa sessions concluded.
Participants were randomly assigned to one of three different pools, each offering a unique experience:
- Celestial Floatation Pool: Mineral-rich with a serene floatation environment.
- Dead Sea Salt Therapy Pool: Packed with mineral goodness.
- Balneotherapy Control Pool: A control group that mimicked the spa environment without the mineral richness.
This diverse setup allowed us to distinguish whether the benefits observed were due to the mineral content, the spa environment, or a combination of both.
The Results Unveiled
Long-Term Look (Chronic Analysis):
- Feeling positive got a real boost at weeks 8 and 10, especially for those using the Celestial Floatation Pool.
- Feelings associated with the blues and anxiety reduced significantly between 8 and 10 across all pools, but particularly for those using the Balneotherapy and Celestial Floatation pools.
- Those experiencing the weight of depression experienced significant improvements around weeks 8 and 10, this was primarily observed by those in the Celestial Floatation Pool.
Short-Term Snapshot (Acute Analysis):
- One spa session did wonders for everyone, instantly lifting moods and easing anxiety and gloominess.
- After eight consecutive weeks, benefits persisted, with reductions in anxiety and depressive aspects of mood.
Key Findings:
- Eight weeks of spa treatment showcased positive impacts on positive mood, negative mood, anxiety, and depression.
- The Celestial Floatation Pool demonstrated sustained benefits even two weeks after the treatment ended.
- A single initial spa treatment provided immediate positive effects on mood and anxiety.
Next steps
It’s important to view these results as preliminary, considering the relatively small sample size involved in our study. Think of it as a pilot—a first step that provides a glimpse into the potential benefits. However, the journey doesn’t end here. In the coming year, we are committed to delving deeper into the subject with a more extensive study. This next phase aims to build upon the robust foundation laid by these encouraging findings, allowing us to explore further and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of spa treatments on mood and psychological well-being.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Associate Prof. Daniel Lamport, Dr. Katie Barfoot, and his team and all those who participated into this remarkable pilot study.
