Introduction: The Age of Wellness

Introduction: The Age of Wellness…

In many ways, The Age of Wellness is well and truly upon us. ‘Wellness’ is a concept so rich with possibility that it is shifting from a perceived luxury to being considered a fundamental human right. Spending on wellness has doubled in the last decade, and will continue to grow at an impressive rate.

With global healthcare at crisis point and consumers picking obesity as the number one threat to the future health of humanity, you might argue that it is the very worst of times for our overall health and wellness.

And yet, there is much to be positive about: 86% of people believe they have the power to change their own level of wellness, 73% feel positive about their overall health and the average person now believes they will live to 79 (in China this rises to 84). This optimism is being amplified by a technological revolution that is set to dramatically impact our health.

What is ‘wellness’ exactly?

The World Health Organization defines it in the following way:

Wellness is an optimal state of health. It concerns a person’s individual health physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually and also their role in society and fulfilling expectations in their family, community, place of worship, workplace and environment.

In the survey we asked consumers to indicate the relative importance of the components that are thought to make up our overall wellness. As you’ll see below, the primary emphasis is on physical health but consumers certainly see wellness as a multifaceted concept:

 

Spa has four main pillars:

1.      Massage

2.      Steam

3.      Sauna

4.      Jacuzzi

 Spa Treatment has two main objectives:

1) to create treatments that would offer clients real results while providing a pleasurable and relaxing sensory experience, and

2) to introduce clients to a holistic approach to health and beauty, one that would address the inner and outer needs of the body, and that would ultimately ensure the most rewarding spa experience.

Importance of Spa

1. It helps to relief body pain
2. It helps in proper blood circulation
3. Enhances body energy
4. Helps in better body movement
5. Relaxes the body muscles
6. Detoxifies the body
7. Reduces stress
8. Helps to lower body fat
9. Helps to prevent hypertension and blood pressure

Based on the requirement and purpose there are different types of spa available nowadays which are as follows

1. Home Spas: The latest in spa technology is a single portable home spa machine which uses involves ultrasonic waves, ozone negative ions and far infrared rays . The machine is designed to cause physical reliefs that are the effects of stress and strain. This is the latest breakthrough in home spa technology and is the ultrasonic home spa system. 

Ultrasonic bubble treatment renders the same body response in equilibrium to a one hour massage session, as it applies direct pressure to the body tissues akin to a massage, therefore the ultrasonic bubble treatment applies direct pressure to the body by dilating the cells and penetrating the skin, it also provides internal warming and deep cleansing. To enjoy the bath of a hot spring one can also add essential oils for a healthier feel to the body. 

Another home spa trend is encouraged by the availability of essential oils to facilitate aromatherapy at home, all one needs to do is drop in small beads of essential oil in a a large or small container of hot water such as lavender oil, citrus oil or even sandalwood oil. A home spa is popular because it is reasonable, and one can indulge in a spa experience in an inexpensive manner, and all one requires is a bathroom at home with a some extra equipments that are good investments like the hydro therapeutic showers, tubs and glass tiles, of course one can visit a day spa to feel pampered as well; however a home spa a convenient way to relax after a hard day's work.

2. Medical Spas / Hospital Spa: People in metropolitan cities are becoming more health conscious and health has become their priority, there are a number ailing people who receive treatment from medical spas treated with medication as well as alternative medication ;which is a particular health regimen that is served as a part of the medication practice where a new level of healthcare is adopted; such as massage, reflexology, water therapies, and even body wraps and facials are at par for the course. The idea is about look good and feel good factor or vice versa. Complementary therapies are offered along with medical practice combined to define a comprehensive, well-rounded approach to healthcare delivery.

3.Theme Spas: The idea behind a theme spa is to add a touch of personality and create a unique brand identity for a competitive advantage. The theme trend is based on a particular concept with specializes in specific treatments of course. The theme of the spa should reflect in the atmosphere, decor, products and programmes offered in the spa.

4.Resort Spas or Retreat Spas: A resort spa can be found in popular hotels in the major tourists destinations such as Paris or Phuket etc. However a resort spa is not a destination spa because a destination spa is a place exclusively meant for fitness whereas a resort spa is an establishment for tourist lodging with features of a spa environment to enhance the level of pleasure and satisfaction at the spa resort. 

Guests who need a getaway or a short break form everyday life can visit a resort spa for a weekend or a vacation. Resort spas encourage other activities such as swimming, golfing or even cycling to nurture your mind with pleasure. A huge plus point with a resort spa is that children are welcome and activities are also catered to clients keeping children in mind; whereas most destination spas do not cater to children's activities. You should not visit a resort spa if you have certain health issues that you need to tackle; the right place for you will be a destination spa.

5. Fusion Spas: A fusion spa is a spa that offers fashionable treatments like watsu (a blend of water and shiatsu) or yogalates which is a blend of yoga and pilates and of course the very famous Thai Massage which is a blend of yoga and massage. There are many more designer programmes that are a concoction of several treatments in a single package to help clients enjoy a mixed gamut of therapies for their pleasure.

6. Genuine Spas: Genuine spas offer authentic alternative medicine practiced in the particular region or area with traditional therapies right from using essential oils to conventional methods of rehabilitation processes like Chinese medicine offers alternatives like Acupressure and Acupuncture, comprehensive, well-rounded approach to healthcare delivery.

7. Naturopathic Wellness Treatments: Naturopathic medicine is important for its ability to effectively treat the underlying causes of pain or disease, but at the same time people want to adopt a natural way of beautifying themselves. The use of herbs, healthy food or clinically enhanced products, are the main goal of acquiring inner beauty, and beauty treatments. Some people opt to avoid chemical and synthetic cosmetic products and focus on naturally found ingredients on various treatments.

8. Spa Cuisine: The main focus of spas is the nutritional value of food they offer in spa cuisine. A good diet will help you to be productive, and will enable you to deliver better results in any field of productivity, be it professional or personal. The human body needs to be constantly nourished, even more so in times of stress, which most people are experience with a hectic lifestyle. This trend of spa cuisine encourages people to eat healthy offering innovative recipes including foods that deal with stress, the texture of your skin, dark shadows or puffiness under your eyes, the extra weight on your stomach etc. can be tackled with changing your dietary habits.

9. Detox spa: Getting rid of all the toxins inside the body through treatments, ie. getting rid of dietary toxins from the body. These toxins accumulate in the body through bad eating habits, irregular sleep and deteriorating environment and stress induced by unhealthy lifestyle. Therefore a detox spa helps the function parameters of the body to improve by supporting the body's own detoxification system. The treatments include colon hydrotherapy and herbal enemas, which cleanse the colon, and detoxifying spa treatments like lymphatic drainage massage, and body wraps.

10. Spas for teenagers and kids: Not every spa caters to a child and teenage clientele, however there are some spas that do. These growing children are encouraged to eat healthy foods and practice a healthy lifestyle and cultivate one at an early stage in life. A spa for teenagers and children not only educates them with good health facts but it is good way for parents pampering to their kids.

11. Relaxation Spas: Sleep deprivation is a major health issue which means little or no sleep. The main cause for sleep deprivation is stress, however lifestyle, health complications, medication side effects and clinical disorders are some of the other causes that contribute to the growing number of sleep deprived patients. Tiredness affects our daily activities on a regular basis. 

Today there are many spas that are offering treatments and programmes to actively promote sleep health for their clients. These programmes not only help the clients to get sleep during their stay at the spa but it helps them to develop healthy sleep habits even when they return home. Certain spas also offer post treatment relaxation rooms where clients are encouraged to have a twenty minute nap after a massage therapy. There are other sleep programmes that are guided by physicians along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Some spas try to induce sleep in their clients with aromatherapy, feather beds, meditation / breathing CDs etc.

12. Organic Spa: There are many spa that are planting their own organic gardens, such as the likes of local farms in the front yard, it also helps the spa clients to enjoy, meditate, and relax in the natural atmosphere of the garden. Eating healthy a trend, but moreover a lifestyle change as well. Spas offer a new genre of recipes focusing on fresh, local, and organic ingredients.

13. Green spa: A green spa is a systematic planning of business keeping the safety the environment in mind. The main focus of a green spa is to educate the people about the direct impact of the environment on health. Spas are a leading industry today. 

The green environment thought is very conducive to the spa environment because of the utilization environmental resources, such as water, essential oils. healthy seasonal foods etc. A green spa is place where people go to detoxify, relax and of course reduce stress. a green spa also takes the opportunity to advise people on how to recycle water, paper, plastic, aluminum and glass along with many other environment related issues. Do keep mind that natural treatments are gentler and help ensure long-term health and beauty.

 

 

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