Letters 3 2013 What’s In A Name?
Steve Capellini, spa therapist, consultant and author, Royal Treatment Enterprises
What does ‘spa’ mean? As debated in your magazine (see SB12/4 p26), does it mean wellness or pampering? Ther- apy or indulgence? Unfortunately, in my hometown of Miami, it’s increasingly used to signify Asian massage parlours. Meanwhile, for millions of others, the word spa signifi es not much more than a hair salon with a massage room. For those who work in the industry, ‘spa’ means so much more – it signifi es healing, rejuvenation, meaningful con- nections and, more than anything, hope. One enterprise that’s given me hope is Himalayan Healers (see SB07/2 p44). Founded in 2006 by American Rob Buckley, this is the fi rst massage school in Nepal where ‘untouchables’ from the lowest social orders are taught the art of touch and fi nd good jobs in spas. Buckley’s selfl ess work has dramatically improved over a hundred people’s lives in the most dire circumstances. He worked with what he had amidst poverty, corruption, and ill- health to create something truly beautiful. It’s an inspiring example of how we can work with what we’ve got to create some- thing that lives up to that hope.
Gaia, in Australia, openly welcomes guests who have or have had cancer
Equal Treatment For People With Cancer
Naomi Quarrell, spa manager, Gaia Retreat & Spa
Cancer is so diverse with so many variables. This is a time that support is needed most and I was pleased to see the topic covered in Spa Business (see SB13/2 p24) We don’t treat our cancer guests any dif-
In Nepal, the word spa can mean ‘hope’
ferently to others: everyone’s treated on an individual basis and equally cared for. Spas shouldn’t shy away from discussing the can- cer as it assists the therapist to give the best support and most appropriate treatment. Training and experience is a major fac- tor in client and therapist confi dence, so we have practitioners specifi cally trained to support those dealing with cancer. There are a number of treatments they can enjoy including massage, beauty treat-
ments, Chinese medicine, hypnotherapy, spiritual healing, oncology massage and lymphatic drainage. Sometimes the great- est comfort can come through touch alone. However, it’s important to know the limitations and make these clear. We take guidance from the guest’s GP. In most cases a doctor’s certifi cate isn’t required, but there are always exceptions to the rule and so these would be assessed on an indi- vidual basis.
If spas are open to this market, they need
to let it be known that they welcome cancer sufferers, although it’s important that they make the distinction of not being a medi- cal facility, with medical staff on site. Olivia Newton-John, an ambassador for cancer awareness worldwide, is one of our direc- tors at Gaia (see SB10/3 p46), but has also opened her own cancer and wellness hos- pital in Melbourne and it is important for us to maintain the distinction.
The global resource for spa professionals The annual Spa Business Handbook brings
together research and vital reference content. Visit
www.spahandbook.com to download a PDF or view it online at
www.spahandbook.com/digital
Spa Business 3 2013 ©Cybertrek 2013
The search engine for spa buyers
Find the suppliers you need to equip your spa quickly and easily. Over 57,000 buyers each month use the service, which includes sector- specifi c linked websites and a weekly ezine.
Read Spa Business online
spabusiness.com / digital 15
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116