Spa of the month

Always on the look out for new spa concepts when I was recently flying back from London to Bangkok in Club Class, I popped into the Molton Brown Travel Spa at Heathrow's Terminal 4 in their Lounge Pavilion close to Gate 11. This is the first spa exclusively dedicated to travel. It should be noted that if you wish to take advantage of the treatment present yourself at least one hour prior to departure. Each treatment takes 10 minutes and has been exclusively for air travelers with a focus on sleep enhancement and nerve stabilizers, designed to send you on your journey ready for work or relaxation. The therapies are complimentary and exclusive to passengers traveling in British Airways Club, First Class, Concorde or gold and silver members of British Airways Executive Club.

Well-being in the sky is now a major concern and the treatments, particularly the 'circulation therapies' and the 'reflex therapies' are designed to improve the circulation in general, and prepare the body for the stresses flying (and air pressure) can cause. Therapists, particularly in the arrivals spa, will also look out for any signs of DVT in their clients to alert them. The treatments tend to be well-being 'performance services', which do anything from, enhance sleep, to sharpen the mind ready for work.

Lack of sleep and an interruption of the circadian clock, the brains time keeper, results in jet lag and feeling of displacement. Give your body the help it needs by adjusting to the time at your destination from the moment you step on board the aircraft. Reset your sleeping and eating patterns to be in tune with your lifestyle of the coming days. The time at your destination should be allowed to dictate whether you stay alert and awake for much of the flight or to get some rest, conserving your energy for arrival.

Whether you decide to sleep or rest, light exercise is vital to enhance circulation and to reduce jet lag on arrival. Simple stretching exercises and a little Qigong massage will increase your energy, concentration and physical well-being as well as reducing stress and lifting your mood. The following simple exercises can make all the difference. Lengthen and stretch your spinal column by rounding and arching your back while breathing deeply. Stand with your body comfortably aligned with your arms at your side. Holding this position lengthen your legs, spine and shoulders upwards to the ceiling while your fingers stretch to the floor. Don't forget to keep breathing. Gently massage the tops of your shoulders and the back of your neck to release tension. Relieve backache by standing and bending forwards at the hips so your back is straight and at right angles to your legs. Reach back and gently pummel your lower back with your fists.

Light meals and a glass of still water for every hour that you are in the air, followed by light exercise will stop you feeling sluggish and sleepy and helps increase your digestion. Avoid intakes of caffeine or alcohol as a sort term energy fix as it will just leave you feeling drained in a few hours, instead take regular power naps or relaxation breaks to keep your mind alert and focused.

How you drift into sleep, napping or daydreaming has an important effect on how successful your rest time is on leaving you feel energized. Make sure your body is comfortably aligned; close your eyes and breath deeply and evenly through your nose, from the diaphragm and think of a precious object. Let your brain build upon the sensory experience for as long as possible and you will be ready for deep rest.

What ever class you travel in, do your utmost to ensure that your body arrives in the best possible shape.