Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris will open its new Le Spa this July, offering “a sanctuary of haute couture tailor-made, results-driven treatments” in the heart of the City of Love.

The brand new Spa, spread over nearly 8,000 square feet includes a 55-foot mosaic-lined swimming pool, a vitality pool with hydro-massage water experience, a cutting-edge fitness room, and a stylish hair salon. In addition to the five single treatment rooms, there are also two luxury hammams for men and women and a Spa Suite for couple treatments.

“We are delighted to introduce Le Spa, a contemporary space of style and serenity in the heart of the city. A place where Parisian elegance meets caring Four Seasons service, delivered by our team of passionate therapists who are dedicated to making you look and feel your best,” Jean-Claude Wietzel, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, was quoted as saying in a media release.

Renowned Parisian interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon created the bright, modern and elegant space, drawing on ancient spa traditions.

“We meticulously selected materials, furniture and pieces of art that embody the spirit codes and harmony of the hotel, both classic and resolutely contemporary,” comments Rochon.

Offering a menu of treatments from the most reputable French and international brands, Le Spa will design personalized experiences addressing the needs of all skin types, using a collection of products and techniques developed in conjunction with globally recognized Spa and beauty experts.

A selection of signature experiences have been developed to harness the core spirit of the Spa, providing bespoke sensory journeys that deliver tangible results. Highlights include:

Kobido: a rare, traditional Japanese facelift created by Dr. Shogo Mochizuki
In Japanese, Kobido means “the ancient way of beauty,” and according to the Four Seasons media release is the oldest facial tradition in Japan, following a lineage that dates back to 1472. “Tradition states that this therapy was reserved exclusively for imperials and nobility for centuries.”

Breath of Life by Alaena: an organic treatment designed by Dr Sylvie Peres from France,
“this body and face treatment is inspired by Tui Na, a therapeutic art of Chinese Medicine, using patented active ingredients to boost cells rejuvenation and impart an anti-ageing effect.”

George V Escape by Dr. Pauline Burgener: Created exclusively for Le Spa, “this luxurious  antioxidant treatment combines a Chardonnay body scrub, a massage with Champagne oil, and a facial harnessing the antioxidant power of gold, Chardonnay and green caviar. A sweet treat of a Four Seasons Hotel George V macaron and a glass of Champagne complete this uniquely Parisian experience.”

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Iconic designer Clodagh on how to bring joy to your space

Spa Executive magazine is published by Book4Time, the world’s most innovative spa, salon, wellness, and activity management software. Learn more at Book4Time.com

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The cost of employee turnover is high. How high depends on who you ask.

A 2012 paper from the Center for American Progress stated in that the average cost of replacing a highly skilled employee could be up to 213% of one year’s salary for that role. Another report gave a more conservative estimate of six to nine months of an employee’s salary to replace that employee. Or between $25,000 – $37,500 to replace an employee making $50,000 a year.

Regardless, with recruiting, hiring, training, and onboarding, it costs more to replace people than it does to keep them. So, if your staff turnover is high, and your good employees are quitting, it’s in your best interest to figure out what’s going on and why they are leaving.

Below is a list of the most likely reasons reasons your spa employees are quitting.

Caveat: this is assuming your staff is adequately compensated for their work, of course. Researchers love to suggest that money is unimportant compared with other employee motivation and retention tactics. But we all know that, if someone isn’t paid enough to live, that’s not true. Employees are more likely to remain if they are well paid, and likely to leave if they are not.

Now that’s out of the way, let’s look at four reasons employees are leaving your spa that aren’t to do with compensation.

They don’t like the manager. Most people who quit their jobs do it for one reason – they don’t like their manager. Research consistently shows that dissatisfaction with one’s boss or management is either the number one reason people quit jobs, or among the top three (depending on the study). If this is a possibility, it’s time to start looking at your spa’s management style. Remember to keep communication open, the be supportive and patient, to thank employees for jobs well done, and to offer praise – not just criticism — where it is due.

You don’t have their backs. This falls under the same category as not liking a manager, but deserves its own bullet point.  Spa services are hands on, they’re personal, and they take place between an often half-dressed individual and a service provider, in an enclosed space (in which the service provider is also often expected to play psychotherapist). And so spa employees are subject to potential harassment, and are also in a position to be made the unfair targets of customer complaints – because spa services are also highly personal for the guest. A good spa manager who wants to keep their employees from leaving should be aware of this vulnerability, and let the employees know that they are supported– and then actually be there to support them when the time comes. I’ve heard stories of managers who didn’t support their team members in bad situations, and this is not something easily forgotten by the team member, who will find another job as soon as it’s available.

They’re overworked. This was ranked one of the top reasons for staff attrition in any industry in a 2014 Robert Half survey. And spa staff can burn out more easily than those in other jobs, as their roles can be both physically and emotionally taxing. The tendency to overwork spa staff has also been cited as a shortfall of many spa managers in a recent interviews we’ve conducted regarding staffing in the industry. Management should be checking in with their team to ensure that they don’t burn out.

No growth or advancement opportunities. Opportunities for growth and advancement also consistently rate high on reasons why people take jobs and choose to remain or not remain in them. If an employee is giving massages or pedicures all day long — day in, day out — in the same environment, for the same pay; and that’s what they will be doing for the foreseeable future, they are going to become demoralized and demotivated, or just plain bored, and start looking for something else.

I listed this one last, however, because offering growth opportunities and career pathing isn’t easy in spa, where room to move up can be limited. This is something you might find more difficult to overcome.

Other options include implementing performance-based pay incentives, and involving your team in the decision making process. The latter creates a feeling of partnership and empowerment.

Paying attention to these key factors will go a long way towards improving your employee retention.

Special report: can the spa industry solve its staffing problems before it’s too late?

Spa Executive magazine is published by Book4Time, the world’s most innovative spa, salon, wellness, and activity management software. Learn more at Book4Time.com

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We’re talking about crystal healing this week.

Most commonly when we think crystals, we think of crystal jewellery, or carrying rocks around in little sacs. But those are not the only ways in which devotees believe that they work.

Crystals are set about working and living spaces to “balance negative energy,” and sealed into water bottles to infuse the water with their avowed healing and restoring properties. Believers place crystals into “grids” to enhance their alleged powers, light crystal lamps to cleanse the environment, and lie on crystal Biomats to ease stress and pain.

And crystal skincare isn’t just skincare, but self care, using stones that are said to calm, heal, and cleanse not only the skin but the chakras, body, and soul. Själ Skincare, for example, infuses beauty products with rose quartz, amethyst, and blue sapphire, among other things.

According to the själ website, “Each product in the själ line is ‘charged’ with precious minerals and gemstones which naturally vibrate at a higher frequency, providing targeted cell delivery, enhanced cellular productivity, microcirculation, clarity, and rejuvenation.”

Sounds nice, yes?

These products are just the tip of the massive rock formation that is the currently trending crystal industry.

Richway Amethyst Biomat

The Richway Biomat is said to use a combination of fabrics and amethyst stones to generate far infrared rays. The company asserts that these rays “warm the inside of your body,” and that the technology helps to ease aches and pains, and improve circulation.

Experience our new Amethyst BioMat therapy, meant to heal your mind, body and spirit with FDA licensed technology. #health #wellness #spirituality #salttherapy #flotationtherapy #therockspa #starthealingtoday #biomat #amethyst

A post shared by The Rock Spa Kitchener, ON (@therockspa) on Mar 3, 2018 at 3:31pm PST

Rose Quartz Glacce Bottle

According to the Glacce website, the presence of Rose Quartz has “the ability to make its surrounding environment feel like a completely open & safe space. So you can imagine the power it has as a crystal elixir.” The site advises you to “Let your Rose Quartz Glacce Bottle serve as a guide to letting go, forgiving yourself & others with grace, and true healthy love. It all starts with you so remember to give love and remain open to receiving love, now.” (IG post embed updated May 2019)

 

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Glacce founder Sharon Leslie wasn’t the first to think about adding crystals to water, but she was the first to perfect it. An original work of beauty was formed. For you, for everyone. . @blvxmth . #crystal #crystals #glacce #glaccebottles #crystalelixirwaterbottle #crystalelixir #healingstones #quartz #quartzcrystal #zerowaste #glasswaterbottle #crystalenergy #crystalwater #crystalhealing #glacce #crystalquartz #crystalwater #workofbeauty #healthrituals #healthritual #beauty #beautyandwellness #healthandwellness #wellnessritual #stayhydrated #reducewaste

A post shared by GLACCE (@glacce) on Nov 1, 2018 at 6:05pm PDT

Energy Muse Selenite Lamp 

Said to offer a “refreshed sense of joy and spiritual purity” with the flip of a switch. “Light up your spirit and space with the pure, luminous energy of a Selenite Lamp.”

Ever wished that a refreshed sense of joy and spiritual purity was as easy as flipping a switch? That’s why we are obsessed with these Selenite lamps! Light up your spirit and space with the pure, luminous energy. They bring the duality of purifying, clearing energy while literally lighting up the room. For anyone with kids, these make the perfect energy night light for every room on your home. #crystalsofig #crystalsofinstagram #crystalgram #selenite

A post shared by Energy Muse (@energymuse) on Mar 4, 2018 at 8:48am PST

Herbivore Botanicals Jade Facial Roller

A Chinese skincare tool that will “cool, tighten, and de-puff your face in seconds,” according to Vogue.com. The Jade Roller is said to improve blood circulation and skin tone and elasticity; promote lymphatic drainage; reduce puffiness, wrinkles and dark eye circles; eliminate toxins, reduce pore size, help with sinus issues, and balance chi.

Ready to roll. The Jade Facial Roller is a great tool for facial massage and helps to de-puff and increase circulation in the skin and lymphatic system. Also, works well with our facial oils by helping them absorb more deeply into the skin. Watch our video above for full details on how to use it. (in our saved stories section) photo @ivysavanah

A post shared by Herbivore Botanicals (@herbivorebotanicals) on Jan 9, 2018 at 1:46pm PST

Själ Bio-Rejeneratif Anti-Aging Serum

A 6-in-1 serum said to provide the ultimate anti-aging treatment, and containing a “proprietary gemstone blend,” including malachite extract, amethyst, ruby, sapphire, diamond, and tourmaline.

According to the website, “Infused with precious gemstones and minerals, this nutrient rich and highly active formula promotes a more youthful, radiant, and even skin tone … It resonates at a cellular level and allows for optimized cellular energy and metabolism, and helps to protect the skin from electromagnetic pollution.”

Keep aging at bay with the ultimate #anti-aging #serum – formulated with #malachite #amethyst #sapphire and #tourmaline for the ultimate youthful lift

A post shared by Själ Skincare (@sjalskincare) on Dec 15, 2017 at 9:45am PST

Rocks for the Spirit Crystal Necklaces

Black Tourmaline & Amazonite, Ammolite, Lemurian Seed Quartz, Labradorite & Amazonite, Amethyst Stalactite, & Moonstone with Amazonite.

Among other things these stones are said to protect against and eliminate negative energy, balance chakras, ease stress and anxiety, and induce a higher state of consciousness.

The shop is finally updated with over 60 new necklaces & rings including these beauties hereFrom left to right is Black Tourmaline & Amazonite, Ammolite, Lemurian Seed Quartz, Labradorite & Amazonite, Amethyst Stalactite, & Moonstone with AmazoniteWe appreciate your patience while we finished things up & we hope you love the new selection!! As always feel free to message us with any questions and have a wonderful & relaxing Sunday night

A post shared by Bri (@rocksforthespirit) on Nov 12, 2017 at 6:32pm PST

Hot trend: crystal healing & how to work it into your spa experience with Heather Askinosie of Energy Muse

Spa Executive magazine is published by Book4Time, the world’s most innovative spa, salon, wellness, and activity management software. Learn more at Book4Time.com

The post Six crystal healing products: jewellery, skincare, & beyond appeared first on Spa Executive.

Crystals are nothing new to wellness, and are said to have been used by energy healers since ancient times. But they’ve certainly seen a rise in popularity in the past couple of years – as we noted in our 10 wellness trends for 2018.

Between 2013-2017, Google searches for “crystal healing” and “Crystal shops near me” increased by 40% and 35%, respectively. Meanwhile, nearly a dozen new crystal retail outlets opened up in New York and L.A. between 2016-2017. Rocks for the Spirit, a Crystal shop in Encinitas California has 192,000 Instagram followers, and Healing Crystals – a site dedicated to “promoting education and the use of crystals to support healing,” has 123,000 Instagram followers, and more than 100,000 Facebook likes.

People are falling in love crystals, a trend aided by celebrity endorsements from the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Victoria Beckham, Katy Perry, Khloe Kardashian, Bella Hadid, and Adele.

Crystal skin care, water bottles, and more

Most commonly when we think crystals, we think of crystal jewellery, but that’s not the only way proponents believe they work. Rose quartz and amethyst are set about homes and other working and living spaces to “balance negative energy.” These stones are sealed into water bottles to infuse the water with their declared healing, grounding, and restoring properties. Several crystals are being placed into “grids” to enhance the  powers devotees believe they possess. We’re also seeing a rise in the popularity of crystal skin care and crystal light therapy. Crystals are being touted as cures for stress and pain, and as having the ability to “reduce radiation” from smartphones – among other things.

In what other ways are crystals being incorporated into spa settings, and what should you know about this modality?

We spoke with Heather Askinosie, co-founder of Energy Muse, Inspirational Crystal Jewellery,  and co-author of Crystal Muse: Everyday Ritual to Tune Into the Real You. She shared some comments on how to incorporate the pretty rocks into a spa and wellness setting, as well as some of the trends she’s personally excited about.

What can you tell us about the benefits of crystals, how they’re used, and how they might be integrated into a spa or wellness setting? What crystals would work best for this and why?

I place them all around my house to remind me to always be grateful for Mother Nature’s beauty. As soon as I hold a crystal in my hand, I feel grounded. I remember to breathe. Crystals act as a tool to create a tangible shift in my energy.

We will be the first to tell you: if anyone thinks that just buying a crystal is going to magically change their life, they’re going to be disappointed. Trust me, I wish that were true, but it’s not. Working with crystals is like any new diet or fitness regime: you have to put in the work! Like any new program, it takes time and consistency to get results. The magic is not the crystal; it’s you. It’s not doing the work, you’re doing the work. It’s an ally on your journey. A tool to help you get where you want to go.

At the end of the day, crystals are a tool that reminds you that you can find peace even in the midst of chaos. A touchstone to get grounded, balanced and centered. And when we are in this state, we can make better decisions.

In a spa setting, having crystals under the massage or treatment tables is amazing! Place a smoky quartz underneath the table where the client’s feet would lay, Rose Quartz under where the heart would be and Amethyst under where the head would be. In a wellness setting, I love Black Tourmaline in the four corners to seal in the room with the energy of protection. Also, selenite to clear and cleanse as well as fill the room with light energy to raise the vibration.

What is your favourite crystal for healing, and why?

My favorite would have to be Rose Quartz because at the end of the day, we will all heal through our hearts and through the energy of love. Rose Quartz reminds us to tap into that quality within each of us.

Have you seen spas and wellness businesses using crystals in their therapies, treatments, or workshops? If so, what are you seeing that you like?

Yes! I love that spas are integrating crystals in their beauty products, treatments and environments. It takes the work they’re doing to a different level as it permeates the body on an energetic level. Jade rollers are having a moment right now; many, many places using them in their facials. I’ve seen many spas are laying crystals on clients’ bodies during their treatments. Also, many places are having people lay on the Biomat when they first come in, and I love that.

What trends in this area are you excited about or keeping your eye on?

It’s always exciting to walk into a spa or wellness space and see them using crystals in their environment. It let’s me know that they’re tapped into the energy and that they’re working with the energy of the Earth as an additional modality for healing. I’ve noticed them in more spaces than ever before!

In what ways could spas and other wellness organizations be getting the most out of crystals that they currently are not?

I think educating their clients that crystals are tools that they can use. They can take them home and be able to use them to keep that spa treatment energy alive until their next session. Working with crystals is all about consistency and that’s when you get the breakthrough results.

Learn more:

Six crystal healing products: jewellery, skincare, & beyond

Spa Executive magazine is published by Book4Time, the world’s most innovative spa, salon, wellness, and activity management software. Learn more at Book4Time.com

The post Hot trend: crystal healing & how to work it into your spa experience with Heather Askinosie of Energy Muse appeared first on Spa Executive.

K-beauty is a growing trend in North America, and developments in Korean skincare and beauty trends have become something those in the health and beauty space can ignore at their own peril.

“In the past, France was considered the global leader in beauty, but now all eyes are on Korea,” skin-care expert Peter Thomas Roth, told The Cut in 2015. And the takeover continues.

In recent years we’ve seen Korean products like BB Creams, cushion compacts, and sheet masks become beauty staples in North America. And this is no accident, but largely the result of an orchestrated push by the South Korean government to establish the existing beauty culture as a source of revenue for the country. Beauty is huge in Korea, and Korean products are seen as the best and most high tech by experts.

South Korea is the eighth largest cosmetics market in the world, representing nearly 3.0% of the global market. In 2016, the market size was estimated to be approximately USD 7.1 billion; and has grown at an annual growth rate of 8.2% for the last five years. (2016.Export.Gov)

Meanwhile, Unilever has just agreed to pay 2.27 billion euros ($2.7 billion) for one of South Korea’s biggest makers of beauty products, Carver Korea Co., maker of AHC skincare products.

What to do? Follow closely along! Now that we’ve all got our sheet masks on and cushion compacts in hand, here are four trends to watch out of Korea right now:

Snail mucous: Though  now quite passé in Korea,  snail mucus, or “secretion filtrate,” is still a growing market in North America. Said to contain hyaluronic acid, enzymes and peptides, it’s touted to promote skin healing and collagen production. The media notes that celebrity makeup artists are taking interest, and major retailers have moved towards stocking products on shelves. In June, 2017, Bloomberg reported that the “decade-old craze is making its way to everyday consumers in the U.S., as K-beauty products jump from niche websites and slide onto the shelves at Target Corp., CVS Health Corp. and Ulta Beauty Inc. stores.”

Rp @sokoglam @theklog.co How does snail mucin get into your #COSRX snail essence and cream? What kinds of snails are used, and how is snail mucin collected? You know that snail mucin is one of the most versatile skin care ingredients. From hydrating and soothing irritated skin to repairing skin damage, snail mucin can benefit all skin types. We interviewed with @theklog.co, the creators of some of the most popular snail mucin products, how it’s done. If you’re curious to find out, read the klog NEW article in bio!

A post shared by COSRX official for everyone (@cosrx) on May 2, 2017 at 8:48pm PDT

Watermelon: According to Refinery 29, the buzz around watermelon as a skin care ingredient can be traced back to Korean beauty brand Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask. “Utilizing watermelon’s hydrating powers, this breathable sleeping mask has gained a cult following for its skin-softening and glow-giving properties.”

Glow Recipe’s Sarah Lee told W Magazine, “Watermelon as 92% water content and is rich in vitamins A, B6 and C, amino acids and lycopene. It’s also incredibly antioxidant-rich and is a great hydrating and soothing ingredient for skin year-round.”

October’s Glow Gamechanger is here!⠀ ⠀ Radiant, petal-soft skin is just a dream away For the entire month, every purchase of the Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask comes with a deluxe mini duo of cult-favorites Jelly Pack and Whamisa Deep Rich Toner!⠀ ⠀ Tap the link in bio to start glowing!⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ #kbeauty #koreanbeauty #skincare #koreanskinare #korean #beauty #glowrecipe #tips #tricks #ilovebeauty #bblogger #abbeauty #watermelon #glowon #glowup #w #blueberry #travel #mask #endofsummer #summersover #summer #fall #autumn #morningglow #glowgamechanger #october #weekend #sunday

A post shared by The Best Natural Korean Beauty (@glowrecipe) on Oct 1, 2017 at 9:44am PDT

Glass Skin: Glass Skin is the latest big thing to come out of Korea. The product of an intense skin care routine that can range form 10-12 or so steps, glass skin is smooth, poreless skin with a wet look. Bustle calls it “luminous and translucent,” like glass.

The process involves exfoliation and layering lotions and serums to achieve a dewy look. Alicia Yoon of Peach and Lily told Refinery 29, “Getting this fresh-faced texture comes two-fold. First, you’ll need an exfoliator to buff skin so it has that very smooth texture. Secondly, a hydrating serum to help give that glass-like appearance.”

Glow Recipe’s Sarah Lee and Christine Chang told Allure that “glass skin is a skin ideal in Korea.”

“Glass Skin” Is The Latest Korean Beauty Obsession! We can HELP YOU GET IT! #glassskin #hydratedskin #hydrafacial #hyaluronicacid #koreanskincare #korean

A post shared by Nadia Drake (@nadiadrakest) on Oct 1, 2017 at 12:55pm PDT

Volcanic ash: Volcanic ash clusters are used in masks, mousses and balms, and are said to be incredible pore cleansers. Julien Bouzitat, general manager of K-beauty brand Innisfree US, which uses clusters sourced from volcanic Jeju Island for products like Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask, told Well + Good “Volcanic clusters are naturally porous, so they have a natural ability to absorb oil and gunk on your skin. They also deeply cleanse and gently exfoliate to minimize the look of your pores.”

With 7 Volcanic Color Clay Masks, my skin will be soft and silky for tomorrow! . 7가지 화산송이팩과 함께 내일의 매끈한 하루 준비 끝! . #innisfree #innistagram #kbeauty #jeju #VolcanicColorClayMask #brightening #hydrating #vitalizing #cica #calming #refining #purifying #悦诗风吟 #面膜 #이니스프리 #제주 #화산송이 #화산송이컬러클레이마스크 #배고파요팩 #알록달록 #스킨케어 #팩 #브라이트닝 #수분 #생기 #시카 #진정 #매끈결 #정화

A post shared by innisfree official (이니스프리) (@innisfreeofficial) on Aug 1, 2017 at 7:59pm PDT

Spa Executive magazine is published by Book4Time, the world’s most innovative spa, salon, wellness, and activity management software. Learn more at Book4Time.com

The post Watermelon skin care: 4 Korean skin care trends to watch appeared first on Spa Executive.

Mental Wellness was identified by the Global Wellness Institute as the biggest future trend – “period” – out of 8 Wellness Trends for 2017 – and beyond.

The Trends report states that “Mental disorders are skyrocketing globally: between 1990 and today, people suffering from depression or anxiety increased roughly 50% (to over 600 million people – WHO). Antidepressant use has exploded in OECD countries, but simultaneously depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, phobias (and suicide) keep climbing.”*

Most of us are aware of evidence suggesting that modalities like meditation, exposure to nature, and exercise can have a positive impact on mental wellbeing. So, it seems only natural for people to expect spas – which already emphasize these sorts of things, to focus on this connection. But don’t think it’s a question of faking it ‘til you make it or just repackaging existing menu treatments.

How can you make mental wellness initiatives part of your spa program?

We reached out Gerard Bodeker, Professor of epidemiology at Columbia and Oxford universities, and Chair of the GWI’s Mental Wellness Initiative, and asked him to share some insight.

“Spas are actually doing a good job of creating experience, but mental wellness is not front and centre,” Bodeker says on the phone from Kuala Lumpur. “One of the major clichés in the spa world vocabulary is ‘mind body spirit. But, while ‘mind, body, spirit’ is talked about a lot, the focus is really on ‘body,’ with some sort of additional contribution for mind and spirit like aromatherapy or spa music.”

That’s changing. And the shift is largely being driven by millennials, a cohort that research shows takes a holistic view of health that includes mental wellness.

But what does that mean, exactly?

“Putting mental wellness on the front burner,” says Bodeker, “means understanding how to help people deal with stress, burnout, fatigue, etc. We’re not asking spas to become mental health practitioners – they’re not trained to do that – but to understand these issues and how best to deal with them through massage, meditation, yoga, and so on.”

But, Bodeker cautions, not everyone should be offering mental wellness programs.

“The spa manager needs to realize that offering these programs requires some inner awareness and personal development training on the part of the therapists. Only those spas that really understand this and that really feel inspired to learn and to go down these pathways should pursue them.

Bodeker points to a few of the spas successfully integrating wellness into their programs:

Among them, Five Elements Spa in Bali, Indonesia offer wellness programs such as yoga, meditation, and healing therapies and rituals that include chakra balancing and prana healing.

Another retreat, Kamalaya on the island of Koh Samui, in Thailand, offers wellness programs that include Stress Management, Mind Body Balance, Personal Mentoring, and Meditation.

These are some examples, says Bodeker, of spas taking a genuine approach to wellness, which is key, because if you’re not in it for the right reasons, he says, you shouldn’t bother.

“If it’s just a business opportunity, and it’s going to be talking about mental wellness without really living it on the part of the practitioners then it’s going to be superficial and possibly a bit misguided, and it’s better that spas stay out of it.”

*Take this claim with a healthy dose of (pink Himalayan) salt, as there’s actually much debate in the medical and scientific community over whether mental illness is really increasing, or whether it’s diagnoses that are increasing. But that doesn’t mean paying attention to mental wellness in isn’t important.

The post Trend watch: mental wellness appeared first on Spa Executive.

Frequent sauna bathing can reduce the risk of dementia in men, according to a recent study at the University of Eastern Finland.

The study, led by Jari Laukkanen, a professor of clinical medicine, followed more than 2,300 middle-aged Finnish men (aged 42-60) for more than 20 years and found that the most frequent sauna users had the lowest risk of dementia.

Men who went to the sauna four to seven times a week were 66% less likely to be diagnosed with dementia, and 65% less likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, than those taking a sauna once a week.

This is the first time the effects of sauna bathing on the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia have been studied.

“We have taken into account other lifestyle factors, like physical activity and socioeconomic factors … There is an independent effect of sauna on these outcomes,” Laukkanen reportedly said. He also noted that more research is required on different age groups, other nationalities, and women.

Previously released results from the same study suggested that men who take frequent saunas also have a lower risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) and all-cause mortality.

For fatal coronary heart disease the risk was 48% lower for 4 to 7 sauna sessions per week compared to once a week. And for all-cause mortality, 4 to 7 times per week was associated with a 40% reduction in risk compared to once per week.

“Further studies are warranted to establish the potential mechanism that links sauna bathing and cardiovascular health,” the study said.

Reuters quotes Laukkonen as saying, “In the sauna, the heart rate increases and we start to sweat. This is a bit like physical exercise.

“After sauna, you may have lower blood pressure, and blood pressure is an important risk factor in cardiovascular and memory diseases. This may be one possible explanation for our findings.”

In Finland, sauna is part of the national culture. There are an estimated two million saunas in Finland, for a population of 5.3 million.

The post Frequent sauna bathing may protect against dementia appeared first on Spa Executive.

“The cure for anything is salt water – tears, sweat, or the sea. ” —Isak Dinesen 

“Salt” is the chemical term for an ionic compound resulting from the neutralization reaction of acid and base. These compounds may include but aren’t limited to: magnesium sulphate (Epsom salts), used as a laxative and purported to ease sore muscles in warm baths; lithium salt, used in medication to treat bipolar disorder; and potassium dichromate, used in screen printing and photography, and toxic to ingest.

But common salt, a mineral composed primarily of sodium chloride, is what we’re usually referring to when we say “salt.” This too comes with a variety of names – sea salt, fleur de sel, Black Hawaiian, pink Himalayan… but if we allow the word “sea” to include oceans, we can say that all salt is actually “sea salt.” All salt was formed in one large water body or another, and salt mines are just evaporated oceans. Fleur de sel is the thin layer of sea salt on the top of the water. Himalayan pink salt is salt from the Himalayas that contains trace amounts of iron oxide. Black Hawaiian salt is salt from Hawaii that contains trace amounts of charcoal. It’s all salt.

Ingested, too much of it will kill you, but you can’t live without it – like air and water.

And salt has been used therapeutically for millennia. Ancient Egyptians used salt as an essential ingredient in medicine – as a disinfectant, a laxative, and to treat skin diseases, among other things. The Greeks used salt as an expectorant, an emetic, a cure for diseases of the spleen, and a treatment for skin conditions, including freckles (poor innocent freckles. So disdained throughout the ages). In the middle ages, salt was used as a painkiller and a fever remedy.

The ancient Greeks also believed in visiting seaside health resorts to treat a variety of skin ailments. These were the early days of Thalassotherapy, literally, “sea therapy.” And, of course, the water of the Dead Sea is legendary for its purported incredible healing properties. Salt pools now abound in homes, hotels, resorts, and spas around the world. The word “halotherapy,” literally “salt therapy,” also from the Greek, refers to the inhalation of salt vapour. Salt rooms, caves, and chambers have also popped up the world over in recent years.

While today, we would probably treat a festering chest wound with something else, salt is still used to prevent and treat infection – dentists and doctors will recommend swishing or gargling with a saltwater rinse to treat sore throats and post oral surgery lesions.

Salt therapies and remedies – pools, rooms, scrubs, salt massage stones, and more – in spas across the globe, are also believed to detoxify the body and to ease conditions that include but are not limited to: rhinitis, allergies, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, muscle cramps, eczema, acne, psoriasis, bee stings, poison ivy, insect bites, inflammation, and stress.

Just a few of the spas taking these therapies to the next level:

Where: Layana’s Linger Longer Spa, Thailand
What: Natural Salt Therapy Package

A “respiratory and relaxation respite” that features a “soothing and cleansing” Salt Glow Body Scrub, followed by a visit to the Salt Spa room modelled on an ancient salt cave. Here, says Lanaya, “you will cleanse your respiratory ailments by inhaling the salt aerosol, while our expertly trained staff performs your choice of a 45 minute soothing facial or foot reflexology session.”

Where: Lepa Vida Thalasso Spa at the Piran Salt Pans, Slovenia
What: Bath in Brine – mother water/ Salt Pan Mud Wrap

This spa literally stands in the middle of a “salt field.” The salt-pan mud is Istrian clay enriched with brine. “Due to its gradual maturing in the salt ponds, it contains a high concentration of minerals.”

“Mother water” is liquid that remains at the bottom of the salt evaporation ponds after hand-harvesting the sea salt.

“Due to the rich content of minerals like bromine, iodine and magnesium, brine has been highly valued for centuries. Brine is used in the form of baths. Its most important characteristic is that it encourages and strengthens the body’s defence abilities, and provides a calming effect due to the presence of bromine.”

Where: Cavallo Point, Sausalito
What: Himalayan Salt Stone Massage

This is a “warming and grounding” treatment using heated Himalayan salt crystals that are massaged over the body.” The penetrating heat of the salt stones allows for deeper tissue relaxation and makes the body more readily accept the numerous vital minerals of the salt crystals….This treatment deeply relaxes, restores key minerals, eases tension, improves circulation, and lifts your spirits.” The massage uses essential oils of Himalayan cedar and frankincense “to ground the nervous system, tone and soften the skin, and calm the mind.”

Where: Pure and Simple, Toronto
What: Salt microdermabrasion
“A more natural, more refining microdermabrasion using all-natural sea salt to abrade instead of standard cordunum crystals. This microdermabrasion is a deeper peeling, yet results in less inflammation.”

Where: Spa Vilnius, Lithuania
What: Signature four-handed massage – Massage & Salt Therapy

Face and foot massages are followed by warm salt applications. “Warm salt packs applied in the joint areas warm them up, relieve pain, improve lymphatic circulation, and reduce swelling. Salt minerals promote perspiration and the body’s toxins are faster eliminated.”

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