SoulConcord Aims to Be the Premier Spa Salon in Los Angeles - Term Paper Example

Download file to see previous pages In contemporary society, the spa is turning out as part of day-to-day life. One can notice, that spa is mushrooming at a faster rate even in the suburbs and thus the spa industry is growing at a healthy rate throughout the world. As the concept of the spa is quite new, often people misunderstood it with other non-spa businesses like beauty salons, and massage services offered in hotels and clinics. Therefore, the missing concept of people regarding spas can be minimized with help of a clear-cut definition. The spa can be defined as “a business offering spa treatments based on authentic water-based therapies which are practices by qualified personnel in a professional and relaxing environment (Cohen & Bodeker, 2008, p.55).
It is quite hard to find out the origin of the spa industry but as per the experts, the use of mineral springs and thermal mud was part of the first civilization developed on Earth. With time, the concept of different forms of baths got attached to religious ceremonies, hygiene, and beauty. Among the ancient spa baths, those of the Roman Empire were the most famous ones. These social baths were part of the culture and a means of hygiene. In Roman culture, large hydrotherapy and garrisons were built near hot springs. These places were used by the soldiers to heal their battle wounds. However, the prevailing spa industry has its origin in Europe during the 18th – 19th century when people started using water therapy for rheumatic and respiration disorders. At that time spas were specifically made in mountain towns so that the visitors can enjoy spectacular views along with fresh air and water treatments. The modern spas are also based on hydrotherapy principles that use thermal pools, different types of massage, and mud baths for therapeutic use (Williams, 2006, p.4-5).
The concept of the therapeutic use of mineral water was well known to the Native Americans. The spa industry was commercialized in 1790 when Saratoga Hot Spring in Wyoming was opened for commercial use. Another major development in the spa industry was International Spa Association (ISPA) founded in 1991. The goal of this association is to develop networking among international professional spa associations, educate them, formulate policies & standards, provide required resources, and build a coalition throughout the world.

The above-given figure explains the ten essential elements associated with the spa industry. These elements were identified by the ISPA and are used for measuring the quality of the service offered by a spa to its clients. Water element refers to internal as well as external use in its different forms. Nourishment represents a different form of food, supplements, herbs, and medicines. Movement is associated with energy through movements, stretching, and exercise. Touch reflects connectivity and communication through touch and massage. Integration means the relationship between mind, body, spirit, and environment. Aesthetics is associated with one's concept of beauty. This element is also associated with the environment. The element known as environment comprises the location, weather conditions, and natural agents. The cultural component takes into account the spiritual belief system of the time in respect of science and art. The social contribution element of the sap model comprises commerce, volunteer’s association, and intention associated with the well-being of the clients. ...Download file to see next pages Read More