Spa Set-Up & Design – Important Points to Consider

 

The look of the spa is a very important aspect when designing the spa, however, certain requirements must always be considered before moving on to the creative aspect of spa design.

For this reason, it is necessary to consult an expert in spa interiors or someone who has had experience in setting up spas of their own. Personal knowledge of the therapies to be provided also plays a very important role.

Location – The location of your spa depends on your customer base and of course, the cost of real estate. If open to public, the location must be in a place where people generally hang out for relaxation and fun and where the entrance to your spa can be prominently seen.

Keep the therapy requirements in mind – The layout of your spa will depend on the flow of the therapies provided. A changing room, treatment room, steam room, shower room etc. will have to be included in the plan as per requirement. For example, if your therapies include wet room treatments, you will require such a room equipped with Vichy shower and appropriate washable flooring etc. You will have to visualize the treatments and their flow and consider the comfort and least effort on the client’s part.

Furniture – Apart from a comforting retreat-like feel, most of your furniture will depend on what kind of therapies you have to offer. Will it be traditional Indian in case of Ayurvedic therapies, or Balinese, Thai, or a more Westernized look? The massage tables and oils on display also depend on the type of therapy provided. For example, if your therapy includes Shirodhara, you will require a different massage table with head support for your client and a drain for the oil. Balinese massage requires a larger, wider and sturdier table while Swedish massage can have a more delicate and stylish table. If your therapy includes Khizi (Potli massage) you will have to make sure that arrangements are made for a heater beside every massage table.

Safety – Antique show pieces and shelves with fountains and lights, etc. are wonderful for the look of the spa. But keep safety in mind. Shelves should never be placed where there is a possibility of a client or staff member’s head banging into it. Corners of the shelves should be blunt for the same reason. Use flooring and material that are anti-skid and safe.

Cleanliness – The rooms will look relaxing and large if minimum clutter is kept in them. Keep everything neat and clean. Hygiene is the main concern for all clients and it can make or break a spa.

Privacy – Consider the privacy of a client. Many foot spas keep many chairs together without any partition as it does not require the clients to change out of their clothes. However, not all people can relax in public and a collapsible partition or option of the same can be provided for those who want it.

Waiting room – Again, depending on your area, marketing and client base, you may require a small, medium or large waiting room. The clients will require something to do while waiting. Plan the room accordingly. It should be a welcoming and friendly place.

Pantry – A fully equipped hygienic pantry for heating water, mixing oils or product, preparing welcome drinks or snacks for the clients, etc. is a must for every spa.

Therapist Room – Therapists (employees) are the backbone of the spa. They are the ones doing the hard work for long hours. If the therapists are tired or disgruntled, the services of the spa will suffer. And so it is very important to provide a separate room and washroom for staff to rest and for their personal needs. A sofa for resting and a small table with chairs for their lunch time would also be thoughtful. This room should never be forgotten when planning a spa.

Writer:

Mr. Pinakin Shah

Founder

Pristine Senses Academy

Geriatric Massage - Massage for Senior Citizens

What is Geriatric Massage?

Geriatric Massage is a specialized massage for senior citizens, that lasts for approximately 30 minutes. It is a modified form of Swedish Massage (soft tissue) that is suited to the sensitive and delicate skin and muscle structure or the elderly.

We have found through experience that gentle massage which is soothing and relaxing turns out to be all the more enjoyable for senior citizens as they are in need of caring physical touch and emotional support. Many of our elders experience loneliness, fear of death and disease, fear of being dependent and of course, suffer from certain age-related health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, nervous disorders, etc. This leads to tension, anxiety and physical weakness which are relieved through Geriatric Massage.

Need for Geriatric Massage

It is not necessary that all senior citizens are weak and suffering from disease. Many of our elders are more fit than us as they used to have a lot of physical activity during their younger days. However, those who are fit also require regular massage because with age, the muscles have comparatively less capacity and strength and blood and lymph circulation is also less.

Geriatric massage is especially important for those who are not very mobile or are on the wheel chair. It includes light stretching, reflexology and massage on hands and feet and gentle manipulation of muscles which helps in improving the posture, circulation, relaxation, gives relief in pain and in conditions like arthritis, gout, Parkinson’s, etc. It helps to release toxins from the body, improves respiration, digestion, better sleep, helps to maintain sensation in extremities and moisture, texture and tone of skin and muscles.

This therapy is mainly taken as a preventive therapy to help avoid health conditions and to keep the joints and extremities in good condition.

Requirements of a Geriatric Massage Therapist

A therapist performing Geriatric Massage needs to have knowledge not only of massage techniques but also knowledge of psychology, etiquette, nervous system, hygiene, diseases, medication and their repercussions on health and skin and how they would affect the massage procedure.

There can be some health conditions that are contraindicated in Geriatric Massage and so the therapist should do a thorough client assessment before beginning the treatment and ask for a doctor’s certificate where necessary. The therapist needs to be sensitive to the client’s feelings and reactions during the treatment. Even a slight excess pressure can cause pain and discomfort. There will be no fixed system of massage, it would differ from client to client. There is no place for deep tissue massage in Geriatric Massage. Even if the client may have excess cellulite, deep tissue massage may lead to pain and soreness after a few hours.

In this therapy, special care is taken to make sure the client is in a comfortable position and is kept warm. In most cases, clients will not be comfortable lying in the prone (face down) position and so massage has to be done in such a way that both sides are covered without moving the client.

Geriatric Massage is a highly underrated but a much needed therapy. There is still not much awareness of this technique in India. So it is our duty as trained massage therapists to spread awareness for the benefit of our elders. A good place to start our practice would be in our own family, hospitals and old age homes.

Our elders need to feel cared for and if done by a close family member, the feeling of well-being, positivity and happiness generated from Geriatric Massage can be manifold.

Writer: Mr. Pinakin Shah

Founder,

PristineSenses Academy

Training in Body-Mind Therapies

(image courtesy - ttuhsc.edu)

10 Tips to Become a Successful Therapist (Part II)

In Part I of this blog post, we spoke of the first 5 important tips to be a successful therapist. Choose your trainer wisely, be genuine, be professional, learn by experience and hygiene and responsibility. Let us continue to the next 5 guidelines that will help you down your career path. 

6. Learn to Market Yourself – Learn the tricks of the trade, keep your eyes open for opportunities and be creative in marketing yourself. If possible undergo training in communication and marketing in the industry. Your trainer may be able to help you with it.

7. Exercise Mindfulness – Each client will have a unique response to your therapies. Remember their responses for future reference. Notice their reactions during the therapy and change your techniques accordingly. Anticipate the need of the client and they will appreciate your thoughtfulness. More than anything else, people need to feel cared about. A therapist and client relationship should be a professional but caring one. Be empathetic towards the client and mould the techniques accordingly. Avoid being mechanical just because you do the therapies day-in-day-out. Understand that you are healing a person, not just treating them for the sake of earning money.

8. Challenge yourself – Monotonous work does make the mind dull, but you should keep the interest alive in the job. Read, research, take refresher courses and keep learning. Remain updated of the latest developments on the industry and health.

9. Network – Attend conferences and workshops and participate in discussions on social media. It not only helps increase your knowledge base, but also is useful to increase business. Do not consider others as competitors. They are all in this field because they want to heal people. Keeping this in mind, if you maintain good, honest relations with others, they are sure to reciprocate. Friends in the same field can help and guide each other out in times of need.

10. The Power is in your hands – Whether you are a hired therapist, freelancer, spa/ salon owner or even learning a therapy just for the sake of hobby, the power to uplift yourself is in your own hands. There are abundant opportunities out there to learn, grow and diversify. Do not allow yourself to become lax and follow what everyone else in the industry is doing. Be original and pour your heart and soul in everything you do.

Writer: Mr. Pinakin Shah, Founder & Trainer at Pristine Senses Academy

To learn more about Pinakin Shah's Pristine Senses Academy, click here.

10 Tips to Become a Successful Therapist (Part I)

Whether you are an employer or employee or working on a freelance basis, there are some qualities that make an exceptional therapist of you. Read on if you want to stand out of the crowd and make a sure and happy future of yourself.

1. Choose your trainer wisely – For an aspiring therapist, there is nothing worse than a ill-informed teacher. Half-baked knowledge will only make half-baked therapists who have no idea what they are doing. A trainer should be one who is always ready to answer questions, is available to you during and even after your course is over to share experiences, questions and guidance. Enrolling for a course may not be cheap, but it is a very good investment. However, like with every investment, be careful to do your homework and check if the course you are joining for is in your best interest. Read online reviews, meet the trainers beforehand, ask as many questions as you like, study the body language of the trainer and judge his / her genuineness. Take your time to decide and once you do, have full faith in your teacher.

2. Be genuine – Be honest in your interaction with your client. Do not take the client for granted. They can be even more informed and experienced than you and can make out how genuine you are. If they are happy with you, they will spread the word among family and friends and help you increase your business.

3. Be professional – If working in a spa / salon, there is no question of being unprofessional or casual. You must follow the rules of the trade, even when your boss is not looking. However, the problem arises when one is working as an individual or hobby. Many things are taken for granted. However, you can be different if you have a professional attitude. Not just the way you communicate with the client, but also your preparations, equipment, planning, etc. can be innovative and professional. For example, when going on house-calls or treating clients at your own home, keep a portable stereo with soothing music to create a mood and ambiance. Add some interesting twists or complementary additions to your therapy.

4. Learn by Experience – A trainer can only teach you the techniques and share their own experiences. However, real learning happens when you have experienced for yourself. So make sure the course you join allows you to have enough practical experience to gain confidence. Before beginning commercially, treat your family, friends and relatives for free. Get as much feedback and learning from them as possible. This will increase your field experience and confidence.

5. Hygiene and responsibility – Hygiene is extremely important not just for the client but also for your own health. Make sure you use sanitized equipment, sanitize your hands, keep your nails short and make sure that the client is not suffering from any infections or other disease that can be transmitted. It is your responsibility to ensure the client is fit for treatment and to see that no disease is spread to other clients through you. Explain patiently to the client the reason you have to refuse them in such cases. They will only respect the decision, understanding that you care about your clients’ safety.

(To be continued...)

Writer: Mr. Pinakin Shah, Founder and Trainer at Pristine Senses Academy

To learn more about Pinakin Shah's Pristine Senses Academy . Click Here

Reduce Fat with Body Wrap

People find it hard to believe that you can ‘reduce’ with something like Body Wraps. Most of them wave it off as a marketing gimmick.

However, if we look a little deeper into the science of Body Wraps, we might understand why such a claim is made.

Firstly, body wraps may not help you lose weight, but they do help in losing inches.

How Does This Work?

A body wrap contains certain special herbal ingredients like kelp, mud, chocolate, coffee or seasonal fruits etc. These add their own unique properties to the wrap and work on the skin. A generous layer of the wrap is applied on the whole body. The client is then covered with a warm sheet or blanket.

While the client relaxes for 20-45 minutes, the wrap slowly tightens the skin and makes its firm. It helps mobilize the thick layer of cellulite (fat cells) in the subcutaneous layer of the skin. This mobilized fat dissolves internally and is removed by the body through natural ways.

Many times, results are seen after the first wrap itself. Regular wrap regime help maintain firmness, glow and health of the skin as well as aid in inch loss.

Other Factors for Inch Loss

Many clients ask or demand for a guarantee that a body wrap will help then reduce fat. At this point it is important for the therapist to explain as well as the client to understand that Body Wrap is an alternative therapy. It works slowly but surely.

However, there are other factors like lifestyle, diet, lack of exercise, stress, etc. that also contribute to fat storage in the body. If the client continues to follow wrong habits, fat will keep accumulating every time and Wraps would provide only temporary relief.

Small, positive lifestyle changes clubbed with Body Wraps, however, speed up the process for healthy fat reduction.

Writer:

Ankita Shah

Director & Trainer

Pristine Senses Academy

Mumbai

Balinese Massage: for an amazing De-stressing and Relaxing Experience

Bali, Indonesia

Traditional Balinese Massage dates back to almost a 100 years ago. Many ancient manuscripts in Indonesia record the use of herbs and mantras in healing diseases.

Being an island rich in spices, Indonesia was exposed to Hindu traditions from India, Buddhist traditions from China and other foreign cultures which were integrated to form a unique blend of healing tradition characteristic to Indonesia.

And so Balinese Massage is a rich blend of many massage techniques from around the world. Being an exotic island with many foreign visitors, Indonesia developed into one of the major spa destinations of the world and Balinese Massage became popular the world over.

Balinese Massage is a deep-tissue full body oil massage that includes dry massage on the face and head. It’s techniques are adapted from Reflexology, Swedish Massage, Shiatsu, Ayurvedic Massage etc.

Balinese Massage

Balinese Massage is generally done with coconut oil with added aroma oils for soothing the senses. It has many benefits that relate to body, mind and soul. It helps restore vitality, helps de-stress, improves blood and lymph circulation, eases headaches, helps improve sleep, improves metabolism, reduces depression, improves immunity, helps reduce excess fat, eases stiff and aching joints and is, in fact, recommended for certain sports injuries.

Balinese Massage requires a broad strong massage table as many times, the therapist is required to climb up to provide appropriate pressure. It takes a great deal of stamina to give a Balinese Massage and so those who wish to learn it must care for their own fitness.

The massage lasts for about 90 minutes but can vary depending on the treatment package. It can be followed by a unique Balinese Scrub and Wrap, steam and an aromatherapy or milk bath.

It is the ultimate de-stressing treatment one can give or get and is highly recommended for those who wish to learn to heal as a hobby or profession.

Keep Healing!

Writer: Mr. Pinakin Shah

Body-Mind Therapist, Owner and Trainer at Pristine Senses Academy,

Massage Trainer, Reflexologist and Reiki Practitioner.

Contact: pristinesenses@gmail.com

Swedish Massage Therapy

Over centuries, massage in various forms has been practiced in different civilizations for its medicinal, therapeutic, soothing and invigorating effects on the body. Ancient book records and hyroglyphics on cave walls prove that the science of this healing therapy was known years ago in China, Japan, Egypt, India and to many other civilizations such as the Romans, Greeks and Persians.

Today, this same knowledge has been rediscovered and infused with modern knowledge and techniques, has given rise to a new era of ‘Alternate Medicine.’ Among the most popular therapies today, is the Classic/ Swedish Massage which is a soft tissue, gentle and soothing full body massage (excluding face and head).

It is not clear who actually was responsible for development of this type of massage. It was generally believed that a Swede named Henri Peter Ling developed Swedish Massage in 1812 at the University of Stockholm. However, a Dutch practitioner, Johan Georg Mezger is generally given credit for coining the French terms for the basic strokes used during the massage.

The basic strokes used in Swedish Massage are:

1. Effleurage: Long soothing, stroking movements with the palms of the hands.
2. Petrissage: A number of movements including kneading and rolling of skin.
3. Friction: Penetrating circular movements which involved deep pressure to one particular site of muscle tension, using the thumb, fingertips and knuckles.
4. Tapotement: Which include fast and stimulating movements including cupping, hacking, pounding, etc.

The strokes used in Swedish Massage form the basis of all other massages. There are many other massages that are a combination of Swedish Massage techniques and other deep tissue massage techniques and therapies.

Swedish Massage has shown amazing results in terms of physical, psychological and spiritual health. It is especially useful for:

·       Relaxation

·       Stimulation

·       Rejuvenation

·       Healing skin

·       Relief to tense muscles

·       Improved sleep patterns

·       Stress relief, etc.

It is now widely known that stress and mental strain is the main cause of around 85% diseases. By providing a much needed relief and relaxation in today’s day and age of hurry, worry and curry, Swedish Massage proves to be beneficial to your overall wellbeing.

However, there are certain contraindicatons to this massage. A therapist as well as client needs to be aware of these. Thus, the therapist must perform a detailed client consultation before commencing treatment and a client must be forthright about any medical conditions he/she may be suffering from. Pre-massage consultation is of utmost importance and it is irresponsible on any spa/ salon/ therapist’s part to commence treatment without it.

Some of the contraindications to massage are:

·       High Blood Pressure

·       Heart Disease/ Stroke

·       Pregnancy

·       Cancer

·       Fever

·       Varicose Veins

·       Oedema

·       Headache/ Migraine

·       Physical Injury

·       Osteporosis

·       Acute Infectious Conditions

·       Inflammation of any kind

·       Bruises

It is not necessary that if you have the above mentioned conditions, you cannot have a massage. The massage treatment can be modified accordingly, or the consultation of a doctor might be required by the therapist.

Finally, a detailed knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medical conditions and correct massage techniques is required to perform Swedish Massage. So therapists, make sure you choose the right school which includes this in the curriculum and clients, make sure you are going to a certified and well trained massage therapist.

Stay Well!

Essential (Aromatic) Oils

It is believed that the ancient Egyptians were the first to discover the theraputic use of plants and their oils. Romans and Greeks were also aware of this science. Pure essential oils extracted by steam distillation, etc. were used in medicine between the 17th and late 19th century. Later their uses were confined to perfumes.

The medicinal properties of essential oils was rediscovered in the 1920s, when a French chemist, Dr. Maurice Gattefosse, burned his hand and successfully treated it with the essential oil of Lavender. 

Aromatherapy Essential Oils are highly concentrated, pure, extracts of plants and plant material like leaves, twigs, berries, bark, wood, root, flowers, and the peel of citrus fruits.

They are highly volatile and readily evaporate into the air. Theraputic pols have many beneficial properties and can affect the body through inhalation and through the skin. It is found that certain scents stimulate the senses and thus the brain, triggering healing. Essential oils not only affect a person psychologically, but also physiologically. 

Essential oils have the power to calm, stimulate, help balance the hormones, improve digestion, energy levels, immunity and can even prevent and combat infection and kill bacteria. They have proven useful in healing muscle aches and pains and even flu. 

Essential oils belong to different families and have different uses based on the properties of their plants. By knowing the plant family to which the oil belongs, we can better understand its nature, properties and effects as the oil properties will follow the common properties representative of their plant family.

The families of essential oils are:

·       Burseraceae (Resin Family).

·       Compositae (Sunflower Family)

·       Pinaceae (Pine Family)

·       Gramineae or Poaceae (Grass Family)

·       Lamiaceae or Labiatae (Mint Family)

·       Lauraceae (Laurel Family)

Aromatherapy can be applied in many creative ways to heal others and yourself. You can use some of the oils in a bath, scrub, inhalation, on pillow or clothes and can even be applied on to the skin. The best way to enhance any treatment like a massage or reflexology is to add aromatherapy to it. 

In aromatherapy massage, essential oils are mixed with a carrier oil like sweet almond, apricot kernel or grapeseed oil. The combination and concentration of the oils depends on the requirement for the client and the properties of the oils. 

Some of the essential oils used regularly are Peppermint, Blood Orange, Lavender, Champaka, Rose, Chamomile, Geranium, Rosemary, Coffee, Apple, Bergamont, Frankincense, Myrrh, Eucalyptus, Jasmine, Sandalwood, etc.

Inspite of the amazing uses of essential oils, they can prove to be counter productive if used in the wrong way by an untrained therapist. It is very important to know the properties, nature and exact uses of essential oils before trying them out. So if you wish to add an essential oil or combination of oils to your treatment, make sure you know what you are doing. For your benefit, we will talk about the uses and individual properties of each oil in future posts.

Hope you will enjoy reading them. 

Happy Healing!

Flexibility Brings More Business!

Did you know that the more flexible your body is, the more flexible and adjusting your nature becomes? In fact, in Palmistry, it is believed that if the thumb is flexible and you can bend backwards almost to 90 degrees, you are of flexible nature. Try it and see what your nature really is like!

But no, in terms of business I don't mean you get more customers if you do gymnastics...

Flexibility in service- customization, is the one thing a customer looks for when going in for any kind of therapy, may it be a foot massage, hair treatment, or even just applying nail polish.

People love being pampered, but they want to be pampered in their way, not yours. Whether we believe it or not, having a fixed package or style of doing things will not bring you more business.

For example, a customer is coming to you for a foot reflexology treatment. However, he is having shoulder pain and would like to also have a short neck, head and shoulder massage as the icing on the cake. It is true that foot reflexology alone can help in relieving most of the pain, but isn't it relaxing and oh so satisfying to have a last minute (complementary) surprise addition to your treatment?

It shows that the therapist cares for what the customer feels, needs and wants, and is not only after making a quick buck.

When sitting in the waiting room in one of the foot spas, I came across one such a customer who requested something additional for his pain but was told, "Sorry, we have only these and these treatments. We cannot help you." It is sad to see that even spas, made for pampering the clients, claiming to 'give you a most satisfying experience' are so inflexible when it comes to your needs.

If you charge by the hour and are going to the client's house to treat them, make it a point not to have other appointments too close to each other. Some clients find it easier to open up to you after a treatment and share their feelings. 5-10 minutes more will not kill you. It will only build a stronger image of you in your client's mind. Of course, some people have a habit of going on and on, but a therapist must have the skill to be able to wind up the talk on time.

This time for emotional release is very important for clients, because most problems result from those emotions, which are released with therapy. During the therapy, it is better to not talk, so the only time one can talk is after.

The client is the most important person. If they feel they are being cared for and are getting real quality service, they will tell others about you. Soon you will have a long list of clientele without even much of marketing on your part. Your business will grow, only by spending a few extra minutes with each client.

Do share your thoughts, comments and experiences when it comes to serving the client in your own special way. What else do you do for increasing your clientele without much expenditure on marketing?

Stay Well !!

Traditional Reflexology for Foot Spas

These days we find many foot spas coming up in every nook and cranny of Mumbai. It is evident that foot massage is becoming very popular among the masses in urban India. However the question that arises is; is there any foot spa that is completely unique?

Unfortunately, all foot spas are cashing in on the same theme, a mix of Thai foot massage with head, shoulder, hand massage and a bit of reflexology, generally done with a tool. If a prospective client enquires and asks whether Reflexology treatment is available, they are told it is. But what they actually get is quite different from traditional reflexology.

Traditional Reflexology belongs more in the alternative medicine rather than in the massage/ spa category. This is because:

·       In traditional reflexology, oil or cream is not used as it makes the thumb or fingers slip, preventing the therapist from stimulating each point properly. Instead, a bit of talc powder is used.

·       It is not recommended to use any instruments in reflexology unlike what is done in most of the current spas. Fingers and Thumbs are the best tools for reflexology as they help the therapist to feel any possible knots or tenderness in the feet.

·       A few massage techniques are used during reflexology for warming up the feet and relaxing the client. However, these techniques are used only as a starter, a bit in the middle and as dessert during treatment. The actual treatment mainly involves thumb/ finger walking, pivoting and finger rotary pressure.

It is sad that a traditional reflexology spa/ clinic is still difficult to find in a city like Mumbai where almost every single person requires a healing treatment for their stress, tension and the resultant diseases.

Most spa owners believe that there will be more ROI if they offer the ‘popular’ treatments, but the market soon gets saturated with the same kind of services. What we need to realize is that popularity can be created by using the right kind of marketing techniques. And the best bet for survival of any spa is to offer something unique and niche.