What is a Holistic Spa?

According to a recent report, there are over 150,000 spas around the globe, and the list of what qualifies as a spa seems to be continually growing. No wonder it can get a bit confusing trying to sort out the different types of spas and what might be right for you. In this article, we will focus on a specific type of spa, a holistic spa. So, what is a holistic spa? And, even more importantly, how can it benefit you?

What is a Spa?

Let’s start with a more basic question first. What is a spa? In the most general terms, a spa is a business where you can receive some sort of relaxing, beauty, or therapeutic treatment. Most of us have heard of, or even been to a spa at a hotel or on a cruise ship, a day spa, a destination spa, or a resort spa. Fewer people realize that they could be benefiting so much more from the services found at a holistic spa. First, let’s dive a little deeper into the meaning of “holistic”.

What Does Holistic Mean?

“Holistic” can have many applications, so let’s begin by defining the term. Holistic, at its root, refers to the parts of a system being intimately connected to the point where it is impossible to define it without referring to the complete whole. When talking about a person, holistic refers to dealing with the whole person - body, mind, and spirit. So, with that definition in mind, what is a holistic spa? And how do they treat the whole person?

What Makes a Holistic Spa Different?

There are many types of spas and many types of treatments. People are accustomed to going to a spa and ordering a particular treatment in an a-la-carte fashion. They generally have no idea if a particular treatment is right for them or could even be detrimental to their goals or ultimately their overall health. At a holistic spa, the staff will help you create a personalized plan based on you as a whole person. You can still get a massage and a facial, but you’ll get one that is customized for you and you alone. Rather than simply having better-looking and feeling skin, at a holistic spa, you will walk away with an understanding of how the health of your whole body, both inside and out, affects your skin and a plan to keep it and you looking your best.

6 Things to Look For in a Holistic Spa

Expert Staff

The staff should work with you to develop a complete plan that supports your outward appearance including fitness, nutrition, and physical and mental health.

Comfortable Atmosphere

Feeling safe and comfortable forms the foundation of a healing journey. The atmosphere should encourage relaxation and give you the ability to focus on you.

Encouraging Support

Friendly, accommodating staff who always have your wellbeing in mind will help reduce your stress level. You should feel better when you leave than you did when you came in.

Education

It’s not just about the treatments you receive. It’s understanding why those treatments are right for you and how they have been customized to support your individual needs. You should gain knowledge about how your choices affect you as a whole person.

Personalized Goals

The staff should help you set clear and achievable goals for your overall health and wellness. With those in mind, a realistic plan can be created to get you there.

Emotional Wellbeing Support

Because your body and mind are interconnected, you can’t progress in one area without support in the other. A holistic spa should encourage advancement in every area of your overall well being.