Spa Trends: Alternative Medicine in Spas

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Good Morning!

 

Spa Trends: Alternative Medicine in Spas

 

The term " Medical Spa " is fast becoming the new spa incarnation. The spa

industry has been moving into new realms of consciousness for the past decade.

The goal of any spa is to introduce new and vibrant concepts, therapies and

wellness features to their demanding, high profile clients, while staying ahead

of the curve. It has become a fierce and competitive business. The current trend

in spas can be seen reaching out to the newest billion dollar market, the

alternative health industry.

 

Although, alternative treatments lurked on the fringes of many spas for years,

nowadays, hotstone massage, crystal facials, acupuncture and facial

rejuvenation, anti-aging therapies and water therapies have become the norm.

Also, the attention to proper body alignment and posture have also brought

awareness to the spa patron. I have even seen many of these services now offered

in nail and hair salons! The spa industry is integrating world modalities in

healing and healthcare in order to keep up with customer's demands for living a

cleaner, healthier, less toxic lifestyle, as well as, the one-stop shopping

mentality.

 

 

Antioxidants

 

Antioxidants are a classification of several organic substances, which include

vitamins C and E, vitamin A (converted from beta-carotene), selenium, alpha

lipoic acid, and carotenoids. Together as antioxidants, these substances are

thought to be effective in helping to prevent certain cancers, cardiovascular

disease, and cataracts. At the cellular level, antioxidants serve to deactivate

certain free radicals in turn helping to decrease inflammation. Two trends that

spas are turning to are the preservation of ingredients and ingestible nutrients

for internal skin care. The airless pump helps to preserve ingredients and

prolongs the product's efficacy. Less water in skin formulations is also done to

preserve the product and less water means fewer bacteria growth. Ingestible

nutrients are vitamins, nutrients and herbal supplements taken internally to

create beauty from the inside out. Good skin care starts from the inside and

reflects outwards. See Internal Beauty.

 

 

Hot Stone Therapies

 

Popular in spas for the last few years, this ancient therapy has gone high end

with variations on the popular method. Cold stones have been added to the

therapy to help with under eye puffiness, tissue decongestant and increase micro

circulation. Stone apprentices, patented by Fred Harrison are now being

incorporated for TMJ, sinus congestion and low back pain. The marriage of

aromatherapy and hotstones, Aroma Stones are stones infused with essential oils

and can be used to invigorate or soothe, depending on the clients needs.

 

 

Unique Facials

 

Facials are a staple in the spa industry. In the last year or so, the unique

power of metaphysics, along with color therapy and crystal therapies have been

introduced into the arena. As a fresh alternative, color therapy facials,

facials done with crystals, and nature inspired treatments, bringing the spa

business into a new era of wellness as well as beauty.

 

 

Energy Medicine

 

The power of the intangible has taken hold. For centuries, energy medicine has

been around and accepted in many cultures. From the doshas and Chakras of

Tibetan and Indian cultures to the Meridians and Qi of Chinese and Japanese

medical practices. Energy therapies are becoming much more of an interest to the

spa and wellness industries. The most cutting edge spas are incorporating Chakra

balancing and Aura cleansing in their menu of services. Color therapy kits with

bath oils and sea salts are bringing new " light " into this ever changing

industry.

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

http://peacefulmind.com/body_skin.htm

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit