At-Home Spa Tricks with Towels

Ease neck aches with moist heat, says Steve Ellis, the lead massage therapist at the Four Seasons Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona. Soak a hand towel in water and wring it out, then warm the towel in the microwave for 60 seconds. To protect skin from direct heat, place a dry towel on your neck, then roll up the heated towel and lay it on top. Gently rotate your head back and to the sides as the heat works its way into your neck. You can also drape a warm, moist towel across a sore back to soothe it. Another option is to pick up some good books on Indian head massage and accupressure. This works great for a headache and with warm olive oil/coconut oil - really any vegetable based oil to massage the head, hair, and washup. Conditions the skin great. I have used Neutrogena's body oil as it's very light and nice. Dab on some peppermint oil for a great natural pick-me-up, says Sasha Lefort of New Orleans' Ritz-Carlton Spa, where the towels are subtly scented with peppermint and guests are offered peppermint oil to inhale after a massage if they feel congested. (You can find essential oils at health-food stores or beauty sites like http://TheBodyShop.com.) Dot on your temples to relieve post-carpool headache, or place a few drops in the corners of your shower and turn on the hot water to help clear your head — and your sinuses. I have use vicks vapor rub for this..only difference I have put it directly on my neck, upper chest and taken a shower..the vapor go up and feel real good for head/chest colds. It's cheaper and easier...and it's like steam inhalation. VERY EFFECTIVE for allergies and colds. I also like to scent olive oil with a few drops of rose essential oil run it in the shower.