This chapter introduces spa therapies and other bodywork approaches that are popular with both therapists and clients. Whether you want to work in a spa or offer greater variety to clients in a clinic or private practice, the knowledge and skills in this chapter broaden your understanding of ways to integrate techniques for health and wellness. Topic
15-1 briefly describes the history of spa and scope of practice guidelines before previewing different types of treatments often labeled “spa.” You learn to deliver salt and sugar glows, dry skin brushing, loofah scrubs, and body wraps. Topic 15-2 provides an overview of the benefits and effects of essential oils when used with massage or spa therapy. Topic 15-3 explores techniques for a relaxation reflexology routine, while Topic 15-4 demonstrates the many ways that heated stones can be integrated with massage techniques for unique services.
Key Terms
aromatherapy
Basalt
cocoon
dry skin brushing
dry room
essential oil
exfoliation
hot sheet wrap
loofah scrub
reflexology
salt glow
spa therapy
stone massage
sugar glow
wet room
Learning Objectives
Having read the chapter and used the related student learning tools, the student will be able to:
- Analyze spa treatments and promotional descriptions to make good decisions about scope of practice when delivering spa services.
- Compare and contrast the removal of spa products in a wet room with the removal of spa product in a dry room.
- Describe the effects of exfoliation that are similar to the effects of massage.
- List three contraindications for exfoliation treatments.
- Differentiate between the procedures for a hot sheet wrap and a cocoon.
- Explain why remaining with a client at all times during a body wrap is important.
- List three primary and three accent aromatherapy treatments that might be used in a spa or massage practice.
- List three contraindications for aromatherapy.
- Discuss the reflexology belief that there are points on the feet, hands, and ears that stimulate the different regions of the body including glands and organs.
- State the range of safe stone temperatures for stone massage.
- Outline the cleaning and sanitation steps therapists take to ensure hot stone massage is sanitary.