Career in Spa Therapy and Wellness

What: SPA is an acronym originating during the Roman Empire, when battle-weary soldiers found a way to recover from their military wounds and ailments. They sought out hot springs and built baths so they could heal their aching bodies thus naming the treatment ‘Sanus Per Aquam’ (SPA) – meaning ‘health by or through water’.

A career in spa therapy offers tremendous potential for further growth in future along with financial security. The spa industry is experiencing rapid growth which in turn is driving the requirement for professionally qualified practitioners. With strong growth in the industry and the number of new spas doubling every year, this young industry is pushing itself in many directions to accommodate industry demand. Apart from India, there are a number of other countries in Asia whose spa industry is still developing and these include China, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, South Korea and Myanmar.

Newly qualified spa therapists may earn around Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 14,000 per month. Therapists with a few years’ experience can earn between Rs. 14,000 to Rs. 20,000. If they move into management, spa therapists may earn Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 80,000 a month or even more

How: A course in spa therapy basically familiarizes one with the basic physiology and anatomy of the human body. It will help you understand different body forms and identify imperfections. Moreover, you will learn about the various types of massage and spa therapies as well as about the specific health conditions that can be rectified or healed through massage etc. Besides learning how to treat cellulite you will learn how to administer heat therapy, body wraps, mud wraps, body polishes and salt exfoliation. You’ll gain expertise in trigger movements, pettissage, effleurage, tapping and sensory massage hydro and stone therapy, Swedish massage techniques, reflexology, muscle stimulation, remedial exercises and different techniques of massage, aromatherapy. The basics of sanitation and sterilization are also covered in these programmes.

Where: It will be highly beneficial if one do a professional course in spa therapies and acquire an international certification from CIBTAC or ITEC. One such institute in India that offers courses in this field is Ananda Spa Institute, Hyderabad. From the long list of offerings, you could either opt for the ASI Spa Diploma (eight- month) or the ASI Holistic Diploma (five month). But there are several others you could check out as well.

Institutions:

• Vandana Luthra Curls And Curves India Limited (VLCC)
• Ispaa Spa Academy, Cochin
• Ananda Spa Institute, Hyderabad.