Spa is a large area to encompass holistic therapies, fitness, nutrition and beauty therapies. This is not new to the world as humans have used water since pre-historic times due to its healing purpose. Humanity utilises water in spa therapy as a corner stone. It sometimes focus on specific areas like; aromatherapy.
Types of Treatment a Spa Therapist Perform
A spa therapist can perform a variety of treatments. Here is the list:
- Hydrotherapy treatments which involve sauna treatment, steam treatment, Vichy shower, scotch hose, Swiss shower and hydrotherapy bath.
- Spa aromatherapy
- Fitness and wellness exercises
- Diet and nutrition
- Auricle Heat Therapy
- Massage treatments
- Indian head massage
- Swedish massage
- Lymphatic drainage massage.
- On-site massage
- Deep tissue massage
- Traditional Maori massage
- Thai massage
- Shiatsu massage
- Spa foot reflexology massage
How Do You Become a Spa Therapist?
You become a spa therapist by having recognised Diploma in Beauty Therapy and Diploma in Body Massage Therapy. After this you can be able to apply for Spa therapy trainings in the best spas.
A candidate must have a background in performing a variety of spa services to become a spa therapist. Such training centers offer courses in traditional Swedish massage technique, anatomy, physiology etc. A spa therapist can learn more specialised techniques such as shiatsu, acupressure or deep tissue massage, aromatherapy or hot stone therapy.
Reflexology massage aims to remove these blocks and allows energy to flow freely. Reflexology courses are very important for a massage therapist as it is related to hands and feet. It yields best results when experts work with dedication. It helps to reduce stress and tension due to which blood circulation improves. It is popular for revitalisation of energy and promotion of good health. Reflexology course provides the student with detailed information and knowledge to begin his/her work as a Reflexologist. Some training centers offers advanced reflexology courses in order to expand the knowledge in specialised areas.
Prenatal or Postnatal massage course focus on how to support mother in postnatal period from birth. It aims to look at supporting bonding with the baby and breastfeeding. These courses also focus on mother’s long-term health.
Acupressure courses include: anatomy and physiology, first aid, meridians, body system, zone therapy, mapping the feet, cranial nerves, active life, energy channels, digestive systems, terminal illness, skin diseases and disorders, meridian lines theory, clients after care etc.
Beauty courses are also very important and popular for a Spa Therapist. It used to be women going for their once a fortnight treatment, now the trend is men spa and more men paying attention to their looks and their complexion which is boom for Spa all over again! On top of that, younger girls like teenage are also pampered by their affluent parents to care for their skin and starting young to visit spas. Thus, there is a huge and still growing number of facial or beauty massage in Singapore. Beauty Facial Accredited Diploma course is of much importance for facial massage therapist, CIBTAC Beauty Treatment Diploma being the most comprehensive and popular and recognised by Spas worldwide.
In Singapore, the spa industry is due to expand again, become more sophisticated with government licensing requirements and more people are understanding various modalities of healing therapies to complement with their massage.