It’s Spa Time! - by Sandy Powell

SPA…. Take a deep breath and say it as you exhale. Spaaahhhh. Just the spoken word can invoke a sense of relaxation with thoughts drifting to an exotic locale surrounded by decadent décor of marble fixtures, waterfalls, steam rooms, and Vichy showers. Whirlpools, mud wraps, body scrubs, facials and oh yes, don’t forget the massage…., because they’re all part of the personal pampering one anticipates upon arrival.

The origins of the spa dates back to at least Roman times when battle weary soldiers recovered from wounds and ailments, using hot springs and healing waters.

In fact SPA is an acronym for “Sanus Per Aquam”, loosely translated as “health by or through water” The town of Spa, Belgium was founded and dedicated to the principles of a spa.

Data from ISPA indicates that spas have grown at an annual rate of 20% from 1995-99 and an impressive 100 % since the year 2000. Cultures and countries which value leisure time yet incur high rates of stress have typically seen the most growth. Day spas, destination spas, medi spas are all part of the evolution.

One of the major trends in spa growth has been towards “eco or greening” with the introduction of organic, holistic, natural products and treatments to facilitate a true mind, body, spirit experience.

While the number of spas is constantly growing, another trend is to streamline staff numbers, with focus on those who are flexible in creating and conducting customized treatment plans for the client. Another consideration is about skincare products and concern over the “eco footprint” they leave because of expensive packaging and shipping, not to mention costly inventory which all impact the bottom line.

Enter the Natural Spa Therapies Program at the TAC. A new and dynamic approach, which addresses the changing direction of this industry, while providing the necessary training for anyone who embarks on a career in this field.

The energetic and spiritual component involves courses in Reiki, meditation, chakra balancing, spiritual healing and energy transfer. Add in the substance of bodywork in Aromatherapy, Swedish massage and Reflexology, along with the use of essential oils to provide a strong core of fundamental skills for any healing environment.

The spa therapies segment is comprised of many common techniques used in spas including facials, massage, mud wraps and body scrubs, but the unique twist is that all products used are from your own repertoire of recipes which you learn to create in the extensive product formulation segment.

That’s right, you learn to make your own creams, lotions, cleansers, ointments, toners and incorporate the use of clays, muds, salts and so much more into custom treatments which a client can only receive from you.

Spiritual and energetic healing, physical treatments and pampering are all parts of the solution in our quest for wellbeing. While water is at the heart of the Spa, the use of natural botanical products and ingredients provides the soul.

For the graduates of this program, this adds up to an incredible array of value added talents and expertise which any Spa would be fortunate to have.

So come join us and rediscover the joy of playing in the mud….

Sandy Powell
Director of Spa, Aromatherapy, Reflexology Programs

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