Despite the spa being specifically designed to help you rest and unwind, the concept of a spa day during your period can be rather daunting for some.
From navigating the treatment menu and using facilities like the pool and steam room with maximum comfort, here’s our guide to having a great spa day on your period. It should help take the stress out of your experience.
Can you go to the spa on your period?
Firstly, let’s clear up a bit of a myth about heading to the spa on your period. Despite any anxieties, it’s something you can definitely do, and it doesn’t have to limit your time while there if you don’t want it too either. You can still book in for the treatment that you’ve been craving and use all your favourite facilities with the right sanitary wear. In fact, considering many spa therapies can even help ease menstrual symptoms, including cramps, bloating, mood swings and feeling tired, booking in for a spa day could actually benefit you during your time of the month.
However, to avoid certain anxieties stopping you from relaxing while at the spa, including the risk of leaks and discomfort, read on to discover some simple tips and tricks for maximising your spa day experience while on your period.
How to be comfortable at the spa on your period
1. Mention it to your massage therapist
Although there shouldn’t be, there can be quite a stigma about talking about being on your period. However, it can actually improve your experience to speak to your spa therapist, who has probably heard it many, many times before. Doing so allows them to use their expertise to adapt a treatment if required, and you can also ask to keep your own underwear on for your treatment if you don’t feel comfortable slipping into the disposables on offer.
In particular, your therapist may avoid massaging your stomach if it is a little sensitive (you can ask for this in general should you wish too, of course), or focus a little more on relieving water tension in your legs if you struggle with bloating. You don’t even have to avoid ‘messier’ treatments such as body wraps or scrubs if you don’t want to, as there are ways to ways to adapt the technique to keep you feeling comfortable.
2. Wear what makes you feel comfortable
A white fluffy spa robe might be a famous symbol of spa days, but if you’re constantly worrying about leaks, they can also be a source of anxiety. For that reason, there’s nothing stopping you wearing an outfit you feel more at ease in, such as cosy leggings and a top while exploring the spa. In fact, that’s true whether you are on your period or not, and the same goes for bringing your own towel if you’d prefer not to lay on a white one.
When it comes to feminine care products too, focus more on what makes you feel most confident. A spa trip is not the time to try something new for the first time, for example a menstrual cup, if you haven’t experienced using one before. That said, if you do want to make the most of wet rooms and swimming pool, especially if you are going during the heaviest part of your cycle, it can be wise to ensure you know what protection works for you. Brands we trust include Saalt menstrual cups and Daye tampons.
3. Try period swimwear
Another option is to invest in some period swimwear – a particularly on trend way to maximise your enjoyment of the spa. Again, it can be wise to try these out at-home beforehand or have other options with you as well just in case you don’t get on with them. In particular, ModiBodi and Wuka have some stylish and protective styles for your light to moderate days that make dipping in and out of the pool or Jacuzzi stress-free. They can also be a great option to wear alongside other sanitary items like tampons, giving you even more confidence during the day that you won’t mark your favourite swimsuit.
4. Consider the spa facilities
You don’t have to compromise on using the spa facilities either – although do wear your favoured sanitary protection. In fact, the heat from a sauna or Jacuzzi has actually been shown to aid with period pains due to their warming effect (like a hot water bottle) and gentle exercise like swimming or stretching in a spa’s gym can be beneficial if you’re comfortable doing so.
However, some activities like the sauna can also make your flow heavier due to their ability to increase blood circulation, so you do need to be suitably prepared for that and perhaps also take it steady with how long you stay inside, while also staying extra hydrated. Similarly, you may want to avoid non-swimsuit saunas, and choose a spa that has great changing room facilities. After all, you don’t want to be trekking back and forth to an overcrowded one that means you need to queue to change a pad or tampon.
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