The Advent of Holistic Spa Services: Industry Professionals Should be Trained and Ready

Holistic spa services have become increasingly popular in the western world because of the incredible benefits of mind and body harmony and healing. The therapies featured at a holistic spa are derived from ancient principles of the Eastern healing arts. With the advent of holistic spa services comes the need for professionals to be trained and ready to work in the industry.

A holistic spa offers a variety of healing therapies that include minerals, herbs and essential oils for a combination of Eastern healing arts, relaxing and calming your mind. Techniques frequently featured at holistic spas include massage, aromatherapy and reflexology. Each of these techniques requires specialized training to understand the combination and administration of elements necessary to deliver a successful healing session.

Because holistic spas are in greater demand, the spa industry is booming. The need for training professionals to administer holistic techniques is rising because of the increased awareness of the effectiveness of holistic therapies. Additionally, there is a need for other trained spa staff such as receptionists and managers. If you are looking for an exciting, rewarding career in a growing industry, consider an education today in spa management and holistic therapies for a great spa job tomorrow.

The Top Spa Services that Will Attract New Clients and Keep Them Coming Back

When it comes to attracting new clients to the spa, the oldies, but goodies are always a great place to start. Massage is the number one service that attracts clients to the spa. The most popular massage is by far the Swedish massage. This is a good massage for the beginner and when performed by a well-trained therapist, your clients will want to return again and again. You can also offer other types of massage such as hot stone, aromatherapy, and Shiatsu for those who want to try something new and different.

Other popular spa services include facials and body treatments. Providing exfoliating facial masks and treatments that relax the face, stimulate the muscles, and target problem skin areas are the types of services that clients are looking for. Body treatments, such as salt scrubs or body wraps are great for beginners and leave them feeling rejuvenated and ready to make their next appointment!

You can also add indigenous treatments to your menu that combine ingredients popular in the spa’s local region with massages or other therapies. This might include using peach scrubs in Georgia, volcanic ash mud baths in Hawaii, or blueberry body wraps in Maine.

Choosing to Include Acupressure Massage on your Spa Menu: Tips and Pitfalls

When it comes to adding new therapies to your spa menu, make sure they are going to provide your clients with relaxation, enjoyment, and results. Acupressure massage is a therapy that can fulfill these requirements, but it’s essential that you hire trained and qualified therapists.

Shiatsu is one of the most popular and aggressive acupressure massage methods around. This ancient Chinese massage applies pressure to certain parts of the body in order to cause a response from other parts of the body. Acupressure can provide relief for stress, relax the mind, increase circulation, remove toxins, promote healing, increase energy, relieve cramps, alleviate arthritis pain, reduce migraines, and even decrease labor pains.

Each pressure point can specifically trigger a mind or body response. Many of these pressure points are near the spine and a client can actually be injured if too much pressure is applied around these areas. Knowing how long to apply pressure to each point is also an important factor.

While adding these exotic massage techniques to your menu may be tempting, make sure you hire qualified and well-trained therapists who know how to perform acupressure properly before you have a lawsuit on your hands rather than satisfied customers.

Aestheticians and Therapists with Attitude Don’t Belong in a Client Focused Spa Setting

The spa industry is a people industry, yet many of the people who work in the spa industry seem to have forgotten this little fact. The main goal of any business is to make money and when you’re in the business of making people happy you have to remember that when they don’t leave happy, you don’t make money!

One of the simplest ways to assure that your spa clients remain happy is to treat them with respect and a positive attitude. While this is often easier said than done, your spa staff needs to remember that client satisfaction is the bread and butter of the spa industry. A successful spa is one that maintains a high level of repeat business and clients won’t come back if they are treated badly.

Aestheticians and therapists with a negative attitude need to keep this in mind because most repeat customers return to a spa because of how they were personally treated, no matter how wonderful their massage was! A bad attitude can ruin even the best spa treatment, so make sure your staff understands how important it is that the only attitude that’s acceptable in the work place is a positive one.

Spa Management is a New and Emerging Career Trend: How to Get an Edge

Due to the wildly popular spa trends that are exploding around the world, a career in spa management is one that is a fairly new choice for many business-minded professionals. With all of the opportunities that spa management has to offer, now is the time to get into this ever-increasing industry while it’s hot.

In order to prepare yourself for a future in spa management, you need to get an edge on the competition. This means becoming a triple threat that will attract the best spa management opportunities from around the world by becoming skilled in spa business management, understanding the fine art of customer service, and getting practical experience in the industry.

In order to achieve these highly sought-after traits, you’ll need to get the specified training necessary to be able to successfully manage a busy spa location. Enrolling in a management program that focuses specifically on the spa industry and gives you the tools necessary to handle the demands and challenges that come with managing a spa is essential. Running a spa is very different from running a retail store, hotel, or restaurant, so having this specialized training will make you stand out among the rest.

Trends in the Spa Industry: A Management Point of View

According to the International Spa Association (ISPA), nearly one quarter of Americans have visited a spa and the current trends are focusing on the needs of these educated consumers.

Spa-goers want lifestyle classes, such as healthy cooking, stress management, and medical health courses.

Spa-goers want stress relief in order to relax, soothe sore muscles, and to get an emotional boost.

Rather than being pampered, the typical spa-goer now wants specific results to repair injury, reduce pain, control headaches, or lose weight.

More clients want medical treatments, including chemical peels, microdermabrasion, body wraps, and acupuncture.

Builders are now building houses and condominiums that focus on spa-living and wellness.
Many clients go to the spa to meet other people, so provide opportunities or special activities that allow clients to socialize.

Spa-goers want to control their own spa environment by choosing their own music, lighting, temperature, scents, and oils.

Male clients want products and services that focus on their specific needs and requirements.

The majority of spa-goers visit the spa while on vacation and men are more likely to go to a spa on vacation.

Spa-goers are interested in experiencing new textures, scents, and sounds while at the spa, especially when traveling.

A Comprehensive Review of Reputable Spa Industry Associations Worldwide

International Spa Association
The International Spa Association (ISPA) represents nearly 2,700 spas in 75 countries. They provide educational and networking opportunities for members in order to promote spa industry growth. They offer excellent research materials and trend reports that can increase your spa’s profits. Membership includes PULSE magazine subscription, listing in the ISPA directory, and discounts on business tools, staff development, marketing assistance, and conference fees. (www.experienceispa.com)

Day Spa Association
The Day Spa Association serves as a business resource for day spa professionals providing educational seminars, industry research, and publications to promote increased business and consumer awareness. Membership includes listing in the Day Spa Directory, regularly updated statistical reports, In Touch quarterly newsletter, and discounts on education, front desk publications, and other business and marketing tools. (www.dayspaassociation.com)

Spa Association
The Spa Association (SPAA) strives to unite the spa community to promote higher standards and professional spa promotions. They offer day spa’s continuing education materials, industry research reports, marketing assistance, business tools, and discounts with industry vendors and conventions. (www.thespaassociation.com)

Destination Spa Group
The Destination Spa Group (DSG) is a networking and marketing association for destination spa professionals. Members must meet the ISPA and DSG criteria for destination spa designation. Membership includes marketing assistance, a 2-page spread in Destination Spa Vacations Magazine, directory listing, press releases, networking opportunities, and ongoing professional development. (www.destinationspa.com)

International Medical Spa Association
The International Medical Spa Association (IMSA) provides professional and medical assistance for medical spas, beauty and skin therapy offices, medical centers, and wellness centers. Following a medical code of ethics, the association provides members certification, directory listings, invitations to industry functions, mentoring services, continuing education, and free magazine subscriptions to multiple medical spa publications. (www.medicalspaassociation.org)

Medical Spa Society
The Medical Spa Society is a non-profit association that is dedicated to raising professional medical spa industry practices to the highest levels possible. Members enjoy 50% off Medical Spa Conference and Expo registration fees, continuing education credits, directory listings, quarterly newsletter, online seminars, workshops, 50% off classified advertising at Best Spa Jobs website, and complimentary subscription to PCI Journal. (www.medicalspasociety.com)

American Holistic Medical Association
The American Holistic Medical Association (AHMA) is devoted to educating and training physicians in the art and science of holistic medicine by focusing on the whole body, mind, and spirit. Members must have a recognized doctorate degree in medicine and be currently licensed. Membership includes discounted fees to attend annual and regional conferences and meetings, advanced medical education, listing in membership directory, and subscription to The Journal of Science and Healing. (www.holisticmedicine.org)

For a Spa, It Is True that Cleanliness is Next to Godliness (Appearance, Safety & Hygeine are Everything in the Spa Industry)

When a client chooses your spa to go to for a little relaxation, the last thing they want to see is dirt, clutter, poor hygiene, and unkempt looking employees. A client comes to your spa to feel pampered and carried away from their daily lives, so you want to provide a sanctuary for them. It’s important that you keep your spa as clean, safe, hygienic, and organized as possible so your clients can relax without having to worry about their surroundings.

Keep your spa sparkling by thoroughly cleaning it daily and spot cleaning throughout the day. Clients want to feel like they’re your one and only client, so make sure they are treated this way by cleaning therapy rooms after each treatment, straightening up relaxation rooms regularly, and making sure towels, robes, and other linens are washed thoroughly.

If you display products, make sure shelves are dusted daily so it doesn’t look like they have been sitting there for months. Keep the dressing rooms spotless by wiping down counters and mopping up wet floors for hygiene and safety. Vacuum floors and empty the trash regularly. Also, make sure employees are dressed in clean, pressed clothes with well kept hair.

Rural Spa Marketing: Effective Advertising To Get Clients to Your Neck of the Woods

When you have a spa in a rural area, marketing is less about competition and more about getting people interested in new experiences. Rural spa clients have very different needs and perceptions to those in the city, so your advertising should focus on these needs and perceptions.

People unfamiliar with the spa industry believe that it’s only for the rich and famous, so you should change this perception by offering special introductory offers or coupons to get clients in the door. Advertising buy-one-get-one offers or free gifts can entice new clients to give you a try without feeling they are going to break the bank.

Establishing a customer loyalty or referral program is a great way to have your clients do the advertising for you. Giving your current clients an incentive to return more than once or offering free services or products for referrals will increase your first-time client traffic.

Using direct mail advertising is a great way to let people in the area know that you are around. You might even consider advertising in neighborhood newsletters to attract people who are new to the area or don’t regularly read the local newspaper where your other ads might be placed.

Massage Therapy: So Much More than Relaxation

The benefits of massage therapy are so much more than just relaxation. Studies have shown that massage is helpful in decreasing blood pressure for people who suffer from hypertension and helps alleviate pain in migraine suffers. Office workers, when massaged regularly, become more alert, perform better and are less stressed. Massage therapy reduces the heart rate, increases blood circulation and lymph flow, strengthens the immune system, improves posture and improves range of motion. Sports injuries are rehabilitated much quicker and more effectively with massage therapy. In addition to the physical benefits, massage therapy also provides mental and emotional benefits.

Massage therapy fosters peace of mind, relieves mental stress and increases mental alertness, while enhancing your capacity for calm thinking and creativity. Studies also have shown that children who suffer from autism show less erratic behavior after massage therapy, and burn patients who receive massage therapy report a decrease in pain, itching and anxiety during the healing process. Arthritis sufferers who receive regular massage therapy note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain. And, massage therapy has produced better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow in asthmatic children.

Large City Spa Management: Effective Marketing Tips To Avoid Getting Lost in the Crowd

Marketing your big city spa can be a challenge and make you feel like a small fish in a large pond. However, you can stand out from the crowd by focusing on your target audience and determining what makes your spa different.

It is essential that you have a website! If you don’t, many potential clients will never find you because most people today search for spa services online. You also need to focus on your search engine ranking so that your spa’s website appears at the top of the search list or else potential clients will end up going to the spa next door simply because their website popped up above yours.

With so much competition, you must differentiate yourself from the other spas in your advertising. Visit your competition and compare your spa’s atmosphere, customer service, treatments, prices, and marketing to theirs. Make a list of what sets you apart and focus on this in your advertising.

Whether you choose a print, television, radio, or direct mail advertising strategy, make sure you stay with it for the long haul. Long-term advertising will establish a sense of stability and keep your spa’s name in the minds of potential clients.

Motivating Spa Staff Requires Energy, Patience and Above All Persistence

One of the most challenging issues that face a spa manager is motivating the staff into providing the kind of client services that you want to provide. No matter how great of a working atmosphere you have created for your employees, there are always going to be motivation issues.

In order to keep your staff motivated, you need a lot of energy, patience, and persistence. Making employees feel important and appreciated is a constant challenge and it may take a little extra effort on your part to provide these positive, emotional strokes. Try telling your employees how much you appreciate them on a regular basis or create a reward program that awards perks for good service.

Keep in mind that everyone has their own struggles and many times people just want to be heard. Try keeping an open-door policy for your employees to come to you with ideas and concerns. A great spa manager has plenty of patience and the ability to listen.

Finally, being consistent in your management style and persistent in maintaining an expected level of service will give your spa staff a clear understanding of what is expected of them and what it takes to be successful.

Top 10 Ways to Make Your Spa Reception or Waiting Room More Attractive & Comfortable

Your spa reception area is the first and last thing your clients will see in your spa, so make sure to create a good first impression, as well as a lasting one, while considering these decorating tips.

1. Studies have shown that lower desks without walls make people feel more comfortable. You can use low walls to hide computer cables, but make sure the receptionist has a clear view of the entire waiting area.

2. Choose a warm color palette for the walls, floors, and furnishings. Stay away from pastels, primary colors, or busy patterns that can be distracting.

3. Provide plenty of comfortable, cushioned chairs for your clients to relax in.

4. Use incandescent lights over fluorescent lights to create a soothing atmosphere. Add aromatherapy candles for added ambiance.

5. Thoroughly clean the reception area daily and tidy it up throughout the day.

6. Have refreshments available, such as tea, water, fruit, or cookies.

7. Add a saltwater fish tank rather than a TV or magazines.

8. Dedicate one side to check-ins and the other to check-outs that flows logically.

9. Play soothing satellite music without commercials.

10. Welcome each client with a smiling face and friendly attitude.

First Time Spa Goer? A Few Tips to Make it More Enjoyable

Are you a first time spa goer? If so, here are a few tips to making your spa visit enjoyable and anxiety free.

Your trip to the spa should be relaxing and rejuvenating, but if you are unsure of how to prepare or what your options may be, your first time can be a bit tense. Each spa is unique, but if you follow these basic tips you will get the most out of your spa experience.

Book your spa appointment well in advance to be sure to get a time slot of your choice, and if you will be using a gift certificate, it is advisable to mention this to the receptionist when you are booking the appointment.

If you have a preference regarding a male or female massage therapist then by all means mention your preference when scheduling.

Be sure to arrive at least 20 minutes prior to your appointment time. This will allow you to get acquainted with the amenities offered at the spa and gives you a chance to get comfortable and ready for your treatment so that you may enjoy the entire duration of your schedule treatment.

Generally, it is recommended that you wear casual clothing that is easy to slip off and stow away in a locker, and it is advised to leave jewelry at home to be safe. If modesty is a concern, check with the spa. Some of the treatments may be done while you’re fully clothed, but some, such as hydrotherapies are better experienced in the nude. The steam room and whirlpool may be enjoyed in a bathing suit or in the nude.

If you have any type of medical condition, be sure to mention them when you book your appointment.

Try to avoid sun exposure on the day and day after the treatment and if you must shave try to do so at least two hours before your appointment.

And, finally, check to see if gratuities are included in the treatment fee. If not, it is customary to add 15 to 20 percent to the fee.

Difference Between a Spa Manager and Spa Director: In Most Cases, Its the Same Role

Starting a career in spa management is one that can lead to opportunities for grow and success in a business that is increasing rapidly around the world. Whether you want to work in a small, local day spa or an exotic resort spa, a spa management career is one that can offer you unlimited potential.

Working your way up the spa management ladder can be very fulfilling. You can start out as an assistant spa manager and work your way up to spa manager, spa director, regional spa director, and even become a spa owner. While this is a great career path to follow, don’t be confused by the many spa position job descriptions that you might see. Oftentimes a spa manager and a spa director have the same duties and responsibilities depending on the size and location of the spa.

Small spas with just a handful of employees will have a smaller spa management structure, so the spa manager is often at the top of the management list. Larger resort spas with hundreds of employees might have several spa managers who serve under one or more spa directors. So, don’t confuse job responsibilities based solely on spa job descriptions.

From the Top Down: A Spa Manager that is Approachable and Friendly Leads by Example

Being a great spa manager means balancing a fine line between being friendly and approachable while also maintaining authority and control. By thinking through what your spa management style is going to be you will be able to become a successful spa manager while also establishing a professional and enjoyable working atmosphere.

The first thing to keep in mind is to lead by example. You can’t expect your spa employees to act in a certain way if you are not acting in that way yourself. As the spa manager, think of yourself as the archetype for all of your staff to model themselves after. If you act appropriately, they will too.

Treat your spa staff with respect, dignity, and kindness. No one likes to be treated as if they don’t matter, so make sure your spa employees feel appreciated. This can be as simple as telling them daily what a great job they are doing or establishing a reward program.

Finally, a great spa manager should know how to listen. Just as you would listen to the complaints your clients might have, you should establish an open-door-policy for your staff to come to you with ideas, problems, or complaints.

Institute of Spa Management Introduces Training Program for Hotels & Spas Worldwide

The Institute of Spa Management (ISM) now offers hotels and spas around the world comprehensive spa training for its staff members. Whether you have five employees or five hundred, the ISM corporate training program can customize training to fit your business’s needs and schedules. You get to choose the courses your employees take, whether it’s the full Spa Management program or individual courses for additional job training.

ISM offers hotels and spas two training options for their employees. Staff members can learn online and at their own pace. You can sign them up for as few or as many courses that you require. Courses such as customer service, conflict management, or marketing can give your staff the added training they need to become successful in and dedicated to the spa industry.

ISM also offers on-the-job training which your employees can complete under your own supervision. ISM can provide you with training guides and materials that can be used over and over again as your hotel or spa business grows.

No matter which corporate training option you choose, you can be assured that ISM will provide you and your staff with high quality, comprehensive training that will increase your business’s success.

Blue Light Treatment for Acne: An Emerging Medical Spa Trend

Blue light treatment for acne is an emerging medical spa trend. Blue light treatments have an 85% success rate among clients with acne, and results are seen with in the first two weeks of consistent treatment.

Most clients notice a 60% reduction in visible acne after four weeks of treatments. Here’s how it works. The bacteria responsible for causing acne inflammation, produces tiny molecules call porphyrins, which when exposed to blue light wavelengths, produce free radicals that kill the bacteria that causes the inflammation. Successful treatments begin with using the blue light for 15 minutes each day. Once the acne has cleared, blue light treatments may be reduced to 15 minutes every other day.

Eventually the most effective number of blue light treatments may be determined to stay ahead of the client’s acne breakouts. There is no risk of sunburn or skin cancer when using the blue light as it does not emit UV. A potential darkening of the Asian skin tone is the only know side effect of blue light treatments.

Clients taking any medication that causes photo sensitivity should not use the blue light therapy. If you suffer from acne, it’s time to look into the benefits of the blue light treatments at your local medical spa.

The Ongoing Controversy Over Sunless Tanning

Sunless tanning—is it worth it? After we realized that basking in the sun at the beach to get that coveted bronze tan put us at great risk for skin cancer, tanning salons and now sunless tanning pills have increased in popularity. But are they as safe as we thought?

Due to all the controversy surrounding tanning salons questioning their safety, sunless tanning pills entered the market. The FDA has deemed the sunless tanning “pills” unsafe and a possible threat to your health. Little information regarding the ingredients of these pills is found. If this new miracle pill is to give you a sun bronzed look, it would have to include caretenoid pigments or tyrosine, but neither is found in the pill.

Caretenoid pigments and tyrosine cause the skin pigmentation to alter producing the sun baked look. For some that have tried the pill, reports of skin turning orange and uneven blotchiness in areas or no effect in other areas is common. The amount of caretenoid needed to color our skin has been deemed dangerous by the FDA. The other ingredient, tyrosine, is a non-essential amino acid that helps the skin cells produce melanin. Melanin is a naturally occurring element in our bodies and there is no need to take supplements for it.

Having a great tan is nice, but is it worth it?

There are healthy options to consider before putting yourself at risk for skin cancer or taking non-effective pills. Your doctor may recommend the best option for you.

For a Spa Manager - Personal Appearance, Demeanor and Poise is All Part of the Job Description

You know what they say, you never get a second chance at a first impression, and this is something the spa manager should always keep in mind. It doesn’t matter how exclusive the spa is, if the staff looks poorly or acts inappropriately, clients won’t return. This can all come down to how the spa manager looks and acts because it’s a direct reflection upon the spa itself.It should go without saying that the spa manager is a walking advertisement for the spa and this should be kept in mind at all times. The day spa industry is all about making people look and feel better, so the spa manager needs to always portray this image. This means dressing professionally, maintaining high levels of personal hygiene, and staying fit.

A spa manager should always have a professional, personable, and understanding demeanor. Spa managers should also carry themselves in a calm, self-assured, and dignified way.

The spa manager is the archetype for which the rest of the staff should model themselves after, so it’s important they understand what is expected of them when it comes to appearance, demeanor, and poise. This is all a part of the spa manager’s job.

Interior Design in a Day Spa: The Beauty Parlor Look is No Longer Acceptable

Every day spa, whether it’s in Las Vegas or Des Moines, should create an atmosphere that allows each client to focus on refreshing their body, mind, and spirit while escaping the pressures of the world for a few hours. An important part of creating this atmosphere comes from the interior design and layout choices the day spa chooses.

Gone are the days of pink walls, bright lights, fake plants, and open floor plans that many beauty parlors choose to use. Today’s day spa client expects luxury, style, comfort, and a touch of class that gives them the feeling that they have been transported to a tropical island or exotic locale.

Day spas should use warm, rich color schemes, soothing lights, comfortable seating, and create an overall atmosphere of privacy with well placed walls, curtains, or dividers. This is not to say it should be dull, dark, and cramped. Instead, clients should feel as if they’re in a cozy and private little oasis that does not distract them from their rest and relaxation goals. Achieving this kind of comfort will make clients feel as if they’re in a home away from home and will want to come back again and again.