People are increasingly under pressure, working long hours with stress levels higher than ever - is it any wonder they are turning to spas for a little bit of relaxation, writes Sophia Sleigh.

Celebrities are known for their unusual spa treatments - Victoria Beckham likes a bird poo facial, while Jessica Simpson favours a fish pedicure and Demi Moore lets leeches suck the toxins out of her blood.

However, spa treatments are nothing new and since pre-historic times people have travelled to natural springs looking for cures and treatment for ailments. Some of the first spa procedures were created by the Ancient Greeks and were picked up by the Romans who spread them across their empire - including the city of Bath.

Spas have gone global and treatments are no longer just focused on bathing and massage but look towards people’s health and well being.

At The Bodyworks Practice in Banstead you can try traditional Chinese cupping therapy - when a suction is created on the skin using heated cups which is said to promote healing - and even learn about your health through a special study of your eyes called Iridology.

The centre is like a growing number of spas which offer colonic irrigation - a natural treatment where waste is flushed out of your bowels using water.

But you might fancy some of the more traditional treatments such as massage or osteopathy.

Leisure centres are increasingly branching out into the spa culture with Wimbledon Leisure Centre opening new spa facilities offering a thermal spa experience, while Thai Spa Village in Wimbledon Park you can get a chocolate massage.Spa treatments are also popular with brides wanting to relax before their wedding day and still look their best. Addington Palace offer a bride-to-be package, with massage facial , manicure and pedicure.