GET SPA BUSINESS
magazine
Yes! Send me the FREE digital editions of Spa Business and Spa Business insider magazines and the FREE weekly Spa Business and Spa Business insider ezines and breaking news alerts!
Not right now, thanksclose this window
Uniting the world of spa & wellness
Get Spa Business and Spa Business insider digital magazines FREE
Sign up here ▸
News   Features   Products   Company profilesProfiles   Magazine   Handbook   Advertise    Subscribe  
Write to reply
Letters

Do you have a strong opinion, or disagree with something we’ve published in Spa Business magazine? Or perhaps you feel there are industry issues or topics worthy of more attention. If so, we’d love to hear from you. Email your letters, thoughts and suggestions to [email protected]


Medical wellness is coming into its own and it’s exciting
Sandie Johannessen, director of health & wellness, Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som
Sandie Johannessen / Photo: Sandie Johannessen

The past few years have taught us that health is a valuable commodity we can’t take for granted. Medical wellness is key to this and it’s coming into its own now more than ever.

Instead of being passive recipients of care from a medical professional, more people are taking steps to avert issues before they happen.

This is befitting of the ‘medical/integrative wellness guest’ model, which usually encompasses a whole-person approach that involves a team of professionals working collaboratively to ensure the best health outcomes for the individual on a physical, emotional and spiritual level.

Exercise, nutrition, relaxation and massage come into play and luxury hotels are also increasingly investing in high-grade medical equipment and diagnostics, as well as holistic healthcare professionals, to add scientific credibility to their wellbeing offerings.

And with blood work being the new ‘passport to wellbeing’, guests can gain insights into everything from micro-nutrient deficiencies to management – or even diagnosis – of conditions from high blood pressure to diabetes.

On the other side of the coin in the Middle East, where I’m based, new hospitals are replicating the five-star hotel experience for patients, recruiting hoteliers and therapists for their skills.

So the question is are these two models really so separate? Or do they each, in fact, stimulate growth, learning and development in the other?

With researchers, scientists, medics and therapists working together towards longer and healthier lives for all, the future truly does look bright – from hospitality at a cellular level to hospitals that encompass a holistic approach to healing.

This is why the integrative wellness world excites me and why I’m looking forward to seeing just how much the lines between patient and guest can and will blur in the future. What fascinates you about the integrative/medical wellness world?

With researchers, scientists, medics and therapists working together towards longer and healthier lives for all, the future truly does look bright
It all starts with the vagus nerve Julie Cichocki, wellness solutions provider, Kloodos
Julie Cichocki / photo:kloodos

When developing and writing advanced wellness protocols I always start at the very beginning – the vagus nerve.

This is the longest nerve in the parasympathetic system and touches all major organs, carrying signals to the brain and vice versa.

A good technician can strengthen and tone the vagus nerve through on/off, firm/light touches of the neck (taking clients to the edge before relaxing) and focus on breathwork, as well as incorporate work on the eyes (they have direct access to the brain) and tongue.

This initial approach will help to balance the whole body before you then work on lymph (waste) drainage because without these starting points you’ll get nowhere, but they’re so often overlooked.

With the arrival of high-tech in spas – from cryotherapy and hyperbaric chambers to IV drips – we’re in danger of neglecting touch. That said, hands-on alone cannot hope to replicate the deep cellular regeneration we can deliver with the right technology.

For the ultimate explosive results, the potent force of tech and touch cannot be beaten. It’s so logical, it’s powerful. But it’s grossly neglected.

I’ve spent four decades developing treatment protocols for leading names such as Mandarin Oriental and ESPA and in the last decade I’ve also been supplying best-in-class technologies. It’s unusual for distributors to have such a passion for anatomy and physiology, but being able to offer solutions to spas which integrate technologies and incorporate hands-on approaches enables them to have the best impact on health and wellness.

Without working on the vagus nerve followed by lymph drainage you’ll get nowhere – yet it’s so often overlooked
Working on the neck is one way to impact the vagus nerve / Photo: shutterstock/VALUA VITALY
FEATURED SUPPLIERS

Snow’s holistic cool-down: Embracing inclusivity in post-sauna rituals
In the world of wellness, the age-old tradition of sauna bathing is synonymous with relaxation, detoxification and rejuvenation. But, a crucial and sometimes overlooked part of the journey is the all-important cooldown. [more...]

Elemental Herbology introduces cleansing duo to power new double cleanse routine
With the phenomenon of double cleansing taking the skincare world by storm, Elemental Herbology (voted Best Natural Spa Brand of 2023 in the Beauty Shortlist Awards 2023) has launched two new products to create a two-step double cleansing routine. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
ESPA

Founded in 1992 by Susan Harmsworth, ESPA combines the conceptualisation, development and management [more...]
Spa Bureau

We are the team of multidisciplinary professionals in wellness architecture, engineering and design. [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
 

+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

26-29 Sep 2023

SPATEC North America

Eau Palm Beach , Manalapan, United States
04-06 Oct 2023

27th European Spas Congress

Karlovy Vary , Czech Republic
+ More diary  
 
ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
 
SPA BUSINESS
SPA OPPORTUNITIES
SPA BUSINESS HANDBOOK
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2023
Uniting the world of spa & wellness
Get Spa Business and Spa Business insider digital magazines FREE
Sign up here ▸
News   Products   Magazine   Subscribe
Write to reply
Letters

Do you have a strong opinion, or disagree with something we’ve published in Spa Business magazine? Or perhaps you feel there are industry issues or topics worthy of more attention. If so, we’d love to hear from you. Email your letters, thoughts and suggestions to [email protected]


Medical wellness is coming into its own and it’s exciting
Sandie Johannessen, director of health & wellness, Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som
Sandie Johannessen / Photo: Sandie Johannessen

The past few years have taught us that health is a valuable commodity we can’t take for granted. Medical wellness is key to this and it’s coming into its own now more than ever.

Instead of being passive recipients of care from a medical professional, more people are taking steps to avert issues before they happen.

This is befitting of the ‘medical/integrative wellness guest’ model, which usually encompasses a whole-person approach that involves a team of professionals working collaboratively to ensure the best health outcomes for the individual on a physical, emotional and spiritual level.

Exercise, nutrition, relaxation and massage come into play and luxury hotels are also increasingly investing in high-grade medical equipment and diagnostics, as well as holistic healthcare professionals, to add scientific credibility to their wellbeing offerings.

And with blood work being the new ‘passport to wellbeing’, guests can gain insights into everything from micro-nutrient deficiencies to management – or even diagnosis – of conditions from high blood pressure to diabetes.

On the other side of the coin in the Middle East, where I’m based, new hospitals are replicating the five-star hotel experience for patients, recruiting hoteliers and therapists for their skills.

So the question is are these two models really so separate? Or do they each, in fact, stimulate growth, learning and development in the other?

With researchers, scientists, medics and therapists working together towards longer and healthier lives for all, the future truly does look bright – from hospitality at a cellular level to hospitals that encompass a holistic approach to healing.

This is why the integrative wellness world excites me and why I’m looking forward to seeing just how much the lines between patient and guest can and will blur in the future. What fascinates you about the integrative/medical wellness world?

With researchers, scientists, medics and therapists working together towards longer and healthier lives for all, the future truly does look bright
It all starts with the vagus nerve Julie Cichocki, wellness solutions provider, Kloodos
Julie Cichocki / photo:kloodos

When developing and writing advanced wellness protocols I always start at the very beginning – the vagus nerve.

This is the longest nerve in the parasympathetic system and touches all major organs, carrying signals to the brain and vice versa.

A good technician can strengthen and tone the vagus nerve through on/off, firm/light touches of the neck (taking clients to the edge before relaxing) and focus on breathwork, as well as incorporate work on the eyes (they have direct access to the brain) and tongue.

This initial approach will help to balance the whole body before you then work on lymph (waste) drainage because without these starting points you’ll get nowhere, but they’re so often overlooked.

With the arrival of high-tech in spas – from cryotherapy and hyperbaric chambers to IV drips – we’re in danger of neglecting touch. That said, hands-on alone cannot hope to replicate the deep cellular regeneration we can deliver with the right technology.

For the ultimate explosive results, the potent force of tech and touch cannot be beaten. It’s so logical, it’s powerful. But it’s grossly neglected.

I’ve spent four decades developing treatment protocols for leading names such as Mandarin Oriental and ESPA and in the last decade I’ve also been supplying best-in-class technologies. It’s unusual for distributors to have such a passion for anatomy and physiology, but being able to offer solutions to spas which integrate technologies and incorporate hands-on approaches enables them to have the best impact on health and wellness.

Without working on the vagus nerve followed by lymph drainage you’ll get nowhere – yet it’s so often overlooked
Working on the neck is one way to impact the vagus nerve / Photo: shutterstock/VALUA VITALY
LATEST NEWS
Lanserhof to enter Spanish market in 2026 with Marbella health resort
Austria-based medical wellness resort operator Lanserhof Group has announced plans to open a new health destination near Marbella in Spain.
Hand & Stone bolsters North American portfolio with 23 extra locations
US massage franchise Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa is set to convert 23 Massage Green franchise locations across the US to its brand.
Disruptions between memory and appetite linked to obesity
Disruptions in the way the human brain links memory and appetite could help explain some disorders associated with obesity.
Dior’s flagship spa at Hôtel Plaza Athénée refreshed with new treatments and facilities
The Dorchester Collection’s Parisian outpost, Hôtel Plaza Athénée, has refreshed its Dior spa with new facilities and exclusive wellness programming.
Therme appoints UK CEO as £250m Therme Manchester gets planning approval
Therme Group has received planning permission to build the UK’s first city-based wellbeing resort, Therme Manchester, after a four-year journey.
Mental health now the 'main motivation for exercise'
Improved mental health is now a stronger motivation for Brits to exercise than staying in shape.
World Health Organization reports on 'devastating impact' of high blood pressure – calls for physical activity to be used as prevention
The World Health Organization (WHO) has published its first-ever report on the "devastating global impact" of high blood pressure, along with recommendations on the ways to win the race against the condition.
Demand for wellness tours and retreats is ramping up reports WeTravel survey
Wellness travel is one of the fastest-growing tourism segments globally and was most recently valued at US$436 billion (£349.8 billion, €407 billion) by the Global Wellness Institute.
Soneva’s new hospitality concept Soneva Secret launching January 2024
Soneva will open a new US$40 million (£32.1 million, €37.4 million) resort in the Maldives’ secluded Haa Dhaalu atoll on 10 January 2024.
Ensana to branch into Bulgaria this October with seaside wellness resort
European health spa hotel operator Ensana has announced plans to operate its first Bulgarian location this October.
ESPA promotes Samantha Ashton to director of spa for UK & Ireland
Samantha Ashton has stepped up to a new role as director of spa UK & Ireland at UK-based global spa and wellbeing brand ESPA.
Specific types of physical activity, diet and lifestyle promote powerful reasoning skills in young children
Children who take part in organised physical activity or sport over their first two school years, while also having better diets and spending more time reading have more powerful reasoning skills than peers who don't have the benefit of these kinds of support or engagement.
+ More news   
 
FEATURED SUPPLIERS

Snow’s holistic cool-down: Embracing inclusivity in post-sauna rituals
In the world of wellness, the age-old tradition of sauna bathing is synonymous with relaxation, detoxification and rejuvenation. But, a crucial and sometimes overlooked part of the journey is the all-important cooldown. [more...]

Elemental Herbology introduces cleansing duo to power new double cleanse routine
With the phenomenon of double cleansing taking the skincare world by storm, Elemental Herbology (voted Best Natural Spa Brand of 2023 in the Beauty Shortlist Awards 2023) has launched two new products to create a two-step double cleansing routine. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers  
COMPANY PROFILES
ESPA

Founded in 1992 by Susan Harmsworth, ESPA combines the conceptualisation, development and management [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  

DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

26-29 Sep 2023

SPATEC North America

Eau Palm Beach , Manalapan, United States
04-06 Oct 2023

27th European Spas Congress

Karlovy Vary , Czech Republic
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2023

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS