Published: Wednesday, 24th March, 2010 4:30pm

Enjoy an day of relaxation for a good cause

This week Karen Downey put two treatments to the test at the C Spa in the Carlton Shearwater, Ballinasloe, ahead of the spa's charity day in aid of the ASPCA

It's great to treat yourself from time to time, but when you're doing it in aid of a good cause, and getting the treatments at a discounted price, it makes it all the more relaxing.

So why not enjoy a guilt-free facial or massage at the Carlton Shearwater's C Spa on Good Friday and help raise funds for the Athlone Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)? After trying out both the taster back, neck and shoulder massage and taster facial, I can certainly recommend both.

Arriving at the C Spa on a Friday afternoon I was greeted by therapist Katie who gave me a quick tour of the spa. After changing into my robe and slippers I headed to the relaxation room, where Katie met me and brought me to a treatment room.

When I was relaxed and snugly wrapped up in a blanket, Katie first cleansed my feet, explaining that it would help me to fully relax. She then started with the back, neck and shoulder massage, asking me firstly if it was ok to use oils during the massage and also asking if there were particular areas that bothered me or that I would like her to concentrate on. Spending most of my days in front of the computer my neck often causes me trouble, so I asked Katie to concentrate her efforts around my neck and shoulders.

Katie began the massage with a body brush, which gets rid of any build up of dead skin cells. She explained after the treatment that you should use a body brush on your skin about once a week.

After beginning to gently massage my neck, shoulders and back, Katie asked if the pressure was ok and then I completely relaxed as she eased the knots out of my neck and shoulders.

She also massaged my arms and hands placing my arms on my back she worked my shoulders, restoring some flexibility to them. The oils Katie used also got rid of dryness around my elbows.

It was a truly relaxing massage as Katie gently worked on my neck, shoulders and back to rid my body to tension, something that was very welcome on a Friday afternoon!

When the massage was complete it was time for the facial. Again Katie had asked if there were any particular skincare issues bothering me. I had had a breakout on my chin that week so pointed that out to Katie.

After gently cleansing my eye area, Katie then placed two cooling pads on my eyes and I almost dozed as she worked away on my skin. Using Elemis products, Katie gently cleansed my skin before applying an exfoliator, ensuring she got rid of all the dead skin cells from my face. Katie then applied a face mask that smelled and felt just delicious as she left that to work its magic on my skin, she gave me a scalp massage, first asking if it was ok to use hot oils. As I had nowhere hugely important to be that afternoon I was good to go with the hot oils, something I was glad about afterwards. Aside from the fact that that hot oils felt great as they were gently massaged into my scalp, my hair was certainly feeling the benefits for some time after as Katie advised I should try and leave the oils in my hair for as long as possible as they act as an excellent conditioner. So if you're opting for the facial, try not to have any major plans after so your hair can reap the benefits of these fabulous oils.

Katie then cleansed my face of the mask and finished off with a moisturiser, eyecream and cream for the lips. She explained that she had used products that would balance out my skin and address the breakout I had experienced on my chin.

With my treatments complete, Katie then led me to the relaxation room at the C Spa, where I could relax on a bed in the softly lit room and enjoy the water, fruit and herbal teas on offer, while catching up on the latest gossip in an array of celebrity magazines, the perfect way to finish off the afternoon!

So for an afternoon or evening of pure indulgence, contact the C Spa to make an appointment for Good Friday. The fundraiser at the C Spa runs from 1pm until 9pm on Friday, April 2, and you can avail of the taster facial or taster shoulder, neck and back massage for just €25, with all proceeds going to the ASPCA. The treatments normally cost between €45 and €50.

There will also be representatives from the ASPCA on hand on the day to explain about how the Society works.

To make an appointment contact the C Spa at the Carlton Shearwater, Ballinasloe, on 090 9630400.