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For thousands of years, ancient civilizations, such as the Romans and Greeks, have enjoyed social bathing and believed it was critical to maintaining physical health and encouraging mental stimulation. And if it was good enough for the Greek gods and Roman gladiators, it should definitely be good enough for us.

Fast forward to 2014 where Body Blitz Spa has revived the ancient tradition by recreating the communal bathing experience for today’s do-it-all-renaissance women.

The remedial effects of the therapeutic waters have stood the test of time, and Body Blitz’s co-spa director, Carene Coulter, says one of the greatest benefits is that spa treatments “improve respiration and regulate blood pressure, which is key, as that’s the fuel for everything else in your body.”

But the benefits don’t end there. Whether you relax in the warm Dead Sea salt pool, daydream in the aromatherapy steam room or cringe at the thought of the polar water plunge (yes, you read correctly — insert goose bumps here), you’ll improve your circulation, detox the skin, close your pores and moisturize the entire body — on top of being utterly rejuvenated, of course.

But what can you do to maintain beautiful, healthy skin in-between spa treatments? Coulter reveals her top tip for at-home spa maintenance: Epsom salts. Pour the salts into your bath with lavender oil for some relaxation before bedtime, and you’ll be sure to sleep like a baby. Or add Epsom salts to your body wash and give yourself a full-body exfoliation, feet included, and voilà — you just gave yourself a natural pedicure. As summer approaches and patios become the spot-du-jour, keeping your skin healthy and glowing should be the top priority: using the salts to slough off dead skin cells from tanning will do just that. Epsom salts are a miracle mineral.

Body Blitz Spa aims to create a relaxing spa experience — with two Toronto locations, friendly staff and a roster of spa treatments (such as the sweet ginger plus milk body glow, a crowd-favourite).

There’s no reason not to invest in yourself and give your body the pampering it deserves — your skin is worth it. This summer, if you’re planning on a stay-cation, create an escape in your own city and make it a spa-cation!