Asian Spa Experience
In Asia, spa has evolved into a
concept focussing on the spiritual and natural, drawing from traditions of meditation,
respect for nature and the desire to achieve physical and mental well being, the
key to maintaining health and beauty.
In Thailand, the concept of spa blends
with the ancient traditions of natural healing through herbal baths, massage,
meditation, and the continued pursuit of inner and outer beauty. Before the arrival
of modern medicine in Thailand, the temple was the the centre of learning for
all disciplines, including medicine. Monks therefore played the role of doctor
and pharmacist, prescribing herbal remedies, steam compresses, massages and other
such treatments for the relief of various ailments.
One can still try ancient
massage therapy in its original form at certain temples such as Wat Pho in Bangkok,
where treatments can be undergone daily for a small fee. Most major hotels also
offer traditional Thai massage as part of their health and fitness services, as
do natural healing and spa centres where herbal steam bath and sauna treatments
are derived from holistic therapies practiced for centuries.
History
of Spa
The term "Spa" derives from the name of a
town in Belgium, historically patronised by those seeking a restorative or cure
for tiredness or disease, and which name became universally applied in reference
to a watering place or mineral bath. Man has always appreciated and used the restorative
powers of water to achieve a relaxed healthy state. In ancient civilisations,
bathing in hot springs and mineral rich waters was a common method of rejuvenation,
and the earliest physicians recognised that hydrotherapy - the medical use of
water in treating disease - was fundamental to curing an assortment of ailments.
The Romans were particularly sophisticated in the art of "taking the waters",
using hot and cold pools, steam baths and massages, and popularising a form of
relaxation which was enjoyed and carried on by a number of civilisations- albeit
in different forms - throughout the world to the modern day.
In recent
times, the term has broadened its frame of reference and has come to evoke much
more. Though spas of the modern world still use historically derived water and
steam therapies, many employ other natural and scientific practices and incorporate
them into an all inclusive approach to achieving inner and outer health and beauty.
Visits to spas may be regarded as an
indulgence or luxury to be experienced occasionally or by the rich and famous.
Here at the beginning of the 21st century however, the holistic approach to achieving
a healthy mind and body is becoming regarded not as a luxury, but more as a necessity
to healthy living. Spa pampering is therefore becoming a popular form of relaxation,
for more and more people on a regular basis. Moreover, as the pace and stresses
of modern life have caused people to appreciate the benefits of caring for themselves,
so the spa industry has grown to cater for this trend. This has allowed the industry
to become price competitive and affordable for all. |
