Prescription: Spa

I am fortunate enough to work in an industry that accepts alternative healing remedies as gospel and encourages participation in indulgences such as beautification and stress relief.

Science tells us that an estimated 90% of our maladies are stress-related, and yet many continue to view the spa as a frivolous luxury. If a traditional spa therapy such as massage has been clinically documented to reduce stress, why, then, do we not proactively treat our troubles?

I would like to share a story about a spa guest who understood the value of the healing spa environment. Andrea was diagnosed with breast cancer and had just finished her last round of chemotherapy when she walked into the spa. Her doctor recommended that she incorporate various stress-reducing activities into her daily life so that her body would, in turn, continue to heal itself without distraction. As most would, she turned to the spa for regular massage therapies.

In today's spa world (fortunately for Andrea!) most spas are also true wellness centers, and can therefore provide even more support than at first glance. Because Andrea was so forthcoming with her intentions and goals for visiting the spa, she was recommended other expertly acknowledged stress reducing disciplines such as meditation, Yoga, and acupuncture.

Having been an athlete much of her life, Andrea recognized the value in cross-training, and applied that same concept in her recovery. She started taking private Yoga sessions and working with a massage therapist and acupuncturist weekly. After 4 weeks, I received a call from her doctor, who was very carefully monitoring her condition, thanking me for our dedication and special attention to his patient. I assured him that her progress had everything to do with her dedication to making stress-reduction a priority in her life.

Clearly this stress-reduced living has its merits, but for many who are time-starved in this stressful world, adding another 'to do' to the list seems very Catch22-ish. Unfortunately, it often takes a 'have to' situation to nudge us in the right direction. Andrea's situation, however extreme, demonstrates the importance of incorporating stress-reducing elements into our daily lives for the betterment of our general health. Identifying wellness centers is as easy as a Google search, yet some of the most well known healing centers exist as destinations (Miraval, Canyon Ranch, Golden Door).

While it's important to maintain a stress-free life, you can jumpstart this by scheduling a week or more in some of these reputable places, all while being monitored by medical doctors. Whichever wellness path you take, remember that your goal is to make you feel better for your greater good, and though it may feel indulgent and extravagant, it doesn't lessen the therapeutic benefits of stress management.

The fact that stress management via the spa environment is increasingly more accepted by the medical community speaks volumes; are you listening?


How do you manage your stress on a daily basis?

A Spa is a Spa is a Spa….

Back in the medieval days of Spa, Belgium, one was cured of maladies, supplemented for deficiencies, and sustained in wellbeing by partaking of the local spring water. By the 16th century, other believers had established satellite “water” towns (the most famous one still known today is Bath, England), and the term “Spa” became more commonly defined as any water-based therapy, either internally or externally administered, for the betterment of one’s physical condition.

Today, among the original definition, the dictionary defines spa as “a commercial establishment providing facilities devoted especially to health, fitness, weight loss, beauty, and relaxation,” and the International Spa Association (ISPA) offers, "Spas are places devoted to enhancing overall well-being through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit.” So, does this mean that your local nail salon can be considered a spa? Yes! …but so, too, can your dentist.

How can we wade through the diluted waters of spa-land by today’s definition? Experts in the industry feel the term “Spa” still holds true to the original ideals and beliefs – that natural remedies, modern enhancements, and spiritual awareness can heal, supplement, and sustain our happiness and general wellbeing. If your weekly pedicure eases your stress levels, or your teeth whitening treatment boosts your happiness, you have found yourself a spa!

The most progressive approach to Spa is the Medispa. Medical doctors have recently seen the benefit of coupling a modern, medical approach with a pampering and restorative environment. And while the approach is less based in the natural remedy space, the intent to heal, restore and nurture certainly has been preserved.

My favorite spa style will continue to be the true wellness centers, commonly found in a destination setting like the Golden Door or Miraval, and more decadently in luxury residence communities such as Canyon Ranch. A new breed of spa, the urban destination concept such as exhale mind body spa ®, nationwide, brings this destination spa experience to everyday life, so you can lead a destination spa lifestyle on a daily basis. These types of spa tend to offer total mind and body wellness options and programs, encompassing fitness classes, healing treatments, and traditional spa and beauty therapies.

With the overabundance of spa choices, we can certainly look at the proverbial spring water bottle as half full; perhaps that is why the spa has become more prevalent in our daily lives and will continue to offer alternative healing remedies for what ails us.

How do you see the future of the spa industry? Do you think it will return to a more traditional spa focus or continue on its expansionist path?

I Spa You!

Receiving a gift for a spa experience is always exciting and welcome, especially on Valentine’s Day! There is no better way to say, “I love you” or “I love me” than with a decadent spa therapy.

Many spas offer specials year round, but have featured services on Valentine’s Day for couples massage or all day couples spa packages. Most spas also have a coed relaxation area, so you and your soul mate can unwind together…a new twist on couples’ therapy! Let the healers put you in the most blissful state possible before you carry on with your night.

Spa parties for friends on Valentine’s Day have also become a new standard. What better time to gather your nearest and dearest to enjoy rejuvenating spa services together while reconnecting or just catching up. Gossip, optional!

Want to be a homebody with somebody? Turn your home into a romantic spa:

• Create the environment with candles to sweeten the air with a sexy aroma (I Y Buddha Nose’s Heart Spray).


• Indulge your sweetie with a massage (I Y SpaRitual’s Infinitely Loving Massage Oil) that will linger in thoughts long after the day is over...

How will you "Spa" this Valentines Day?


Long live love!
Susan

Hello Spa Bloggers.

Hi, Everyone! My name is Susan, and I’m so pleased to be a part of this forward-thinking wellness community!

As a spa director, I have been fortunate to work in spas on both coasts, and I’ve experienced many aspects of the spa concept throughout my career. Indisputably, an ongoing theme of this industry always rings true: Take time to care for yourself, whether by pampering or for healing.

The spa concept is, and will continue to be, a well-founded anchor in the world of wellness. It is a safe, reliable environment that enables expert healers to advance a healthy lifestyle for all.

It is energizing to be able to reach out to like-minded individuals who are as enthusiastic about personal well being as I am. I look forward to us sharing thoughts, opinions, and inspiration—all in the pursuit of mind and body wellness.

Here's to your health!!

Susan