NATURAQUA: Salute per Aquam

In the fast paced world of long work hours, fast food, the weekends few of us get a chance to enjoy, and the stress that follows us all, is there a solution? Well, there are of course urban spas…

They are known as spas (an expression which comes from the latin "salutem per aquam" that stands for health through water), actual urban spas offer us a way to relax in steam or water, and the possibility of disconnecting from the hectic world for a bit.

One of these thermal centers in Madrid is Naturaqua, located in the calle Oruro in the zone of Serrano and Plaza de Ecuador, was opened November 12th of 2001. The initiative came from a group of professionals with knowledge of the sectors of health, athletics, aesthetics and therapy. With this they offer us treatments coming from the ancient Turkish tradition, based in the benefits water offers the body.

Everything in NATURAQUA induces relaxation: the blue color of their logo in the hall, the predominant amount of white found throughout the installations, the seeming calmness you breathe in, and the silence only interrupted by the sounds made by water.

So, what else is so special about the facilities of this SPA?

• Circuito Aqua (The Water Circuit) Before entering the "water zones" and starting the tour, you try out a warm shower, and then go on to try the hydrotherapeutic pools. These pools, formed into the shape of a bed, allow the water to wrap around and massage you. Continuing onwards you can submerge yourself into another pool, where you pass through various stations, six in total, and each for about three minutes. Next you abandon the hot water in order to introduce yourself to the nebulizing shower (where vapors of cold water awaken all your muscles and senses). Yet another contrast is produced in the Hamman, in which you can relax your body by giving in to the humid heat, and eliminating toxins in your body. Later another heat jolt is incorporated: the Bi-thermal Shower (where your feet are submerged in cold water, and the rest of your body in warm water), before you then go back to repeat another cycle of this following the Hamman.
  Following this cycle where you go through to the end wearing a bathing suit and flip-flops, in pairs and after put your body through so many contrasting temperatures, NATURAQUA offers you an isotonic drink, for re-hydration. This all lasts about an hour.

• Another is the Circuito Aqua-Turco (Turkish Water Circuit), which consists of the a body peeling, a massage that cleanses the skin, and muscular toning, an elimination of body toxins, resulting in full relaxation, all in only one session.

• Continue along with Tratamientos Natur (Natural Treatments), which include a massage and peeling in the Hamman, seaweed, mud, and clay wrappings, a Vichy massage, and a lymphatic draining.

• And lastly there are the Masajes Terepéuticos (Therapeutic Massages), which calm, relieve tension, act like an anti-cellulite treatment, and improve circulation.

In the cabins provided, in all effect, the presidence of relaxation also rules, with the faint sounds of music, and great amount of space that adds to the pleasant atmosphere of the physical therapy rooms.

In addition there are some Tratamientos Específicos (Special Treatments) which include treatments for feet or back problems, in addition to hidrocinesiterapia (a method of physical therapy that utilizes the properties of water combined with hydrotherapy, heat, and hydrodynamic resistance with the exercise of therapy). This is done to better the mobility of joints, and tone of muscles. The final effect is to problems like arthritis can be prevented, and it can help with post-traumatic recuperations, post-surgical limitations, and muscular pain. All this is realized in the hydrotherapeutic pools, with a maximum of four people per group with one physical therapist.

For these treatments the best installations are available: two hydrotherapeutic pools, a Hamman with a Turkish massage bench, a Bitérmic Shower, a Vichy Shower, a freezing, nebulizing shower, therapeutic massage cabins, cabins with mud and seaweed, and a locker room with a booking office.

The installations in Naturaqua are offered exclusively. That is, through previous meetings, they advise clients to take advantage of the whole of the installation for the most personal satisfaction and also advise to reserve a few days in advance to enjoy the individualized feminine or masculine services. In addition their hours of business are based in customer convenience, from nine in the a.m. until ten in the p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and Saturdays from ten in the a.m. until three in the p.m. The prices are also just as advantageous, and with specials that are offered at times, you will find the prices even more reasonable.

And so, of course one hour, some weekday, would suffice so that our bodies become the focus and we find ourselves revitalized by the power of water action. Stress can be combated and perhaps even sometimes eliminated from one day in our life.