In 2011, SpaFinder named “The Science of Spa” a top trend, forecasting a new era where more questions about the proven, medical effectiveness of spa therapies would get asked, leading to new visibility for the growing archive of clinical evidence that exists for approaches like massage, meditation or acupuncture.
With the launch of the new website SpaEvidence.com this year — the world’s first portal to the aggregated medical studies that exists for 21 common spa/wellness approaches — that trend was literally embodied. Launched by the Global Spa Summit in mid-2011 (an advocacy group for the worldwide spa/wellness industries), and shaped by doctors with an expertise in integrative medicine, SpaEvidence gives the world easy access to the “evidence-based medicine” databases that doctors use, so they can search thousands of studies evaluating which spa modalities are proven to work, and for which exact conditions.
SpaEvidence represented a big, courageous step towards transparency for the spa industry, as the site returns the clinical evidence behind therapies, whether it is positive, inconclusive or negative. And it forged new, common ground between the medical and spa worlds by embracing the rigors of “evidence-based medicine.”
For 2012, we name a trend after this breakthrough website because the “fact” of its appearance so neatly encapsulates a macro shift that is quickening: the continued breakdown of the once separate “silos” of traditional medicine and complementary/spa therapies. And the erosion of these silos, the “Spa Evidence” trend, will take diverse forms in the year ahead…some ongoing, some new.
In 2012, more hospitals than ever before will incorporate — and more doctors will prescribe — spa and wellness approaches, not only because more new research shows that mind-body treatments can be especially effective for chronic pain, heart disease, sleep disorders and depression/anxiety, etc., but because the sheer global costs of not focusing on prevention have passed the tipping point. (Spending on healthcare amongst OECD and BRIC nations will grow 50 percent-plus from 2010 to 2020.[8] ) Consider changes underway in the prevention-challenged U.S. healthcare system: A new study[9] reveals that the number of hospitals offering alternative/spa services has tripled since 2000 (from 14 percent of hospitals, to 42 percent today). Roughly two in three of these hospitals now provide massage, three in five offer acupuncture and music/art therapy and one in five provide reiki. Hospitals report footing the bill 44 percent of the time, and at Pritikin (one of the premier weight-loss/heart-health American spa resorts), qualified people now get their trip covered by Medicare. Another new study[10] finds that of the 41 million Americans that use mind-body therapies like yoga or tai chi, 6.4 million are now doing them because they were “prescribed” by their medical provider.
A+ on this but now you must continuously promote @SpaEvidence so people can find it here there and everywhere on the web. I would like to suggest Wellness Ambassadors, people in the community that have expertise in the respective spa evidence therapy offered. Perhaps you can have a well known individual(s) write a short piece on why he/she believes this or that therapy is viable and scientific for spas/clinics to promote and offer as part of their wellness menu. Promoting the articles, making sure appropriate hashtags, and twitter names are used, provide for maximum ongoing visibility for all involved.
@MarktheSpaman
Dallas, Texas
Thanks Mark and I couldn’t agree more that we need to a better job of marketing this great resource. Ideally, it should be on all spas’ websites. Thanks for helping get the word out as we do need support in helping it gain more visibility. If you might be able to mention it from time to time, I know that will help. We also recently put it as a banner at the bottom of the GSWS Weekender. Any and all ideas welcome!
Susie
SpaEvidence is a much needed site. With so many treatments out there, it’s only natural to be suspicious every now and then, but on the flip side, to have evidence about the benefits of some treatments is fabulous. So glad you shared them, it’s definitely going to be a resource for me now.
Hi Susie! I have followed your trends so very closely for myself and to share with the UCIrvine students over the years. Below is an article which I think so keenly upholds your blend of “spa and hospitals.” Let me know your thoughts and if you might wish to share it with your readers. I hope you are well!
Best wishes,
Valory
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
A MOTHER’S INTUITION
LAGUNA HILLS, CA, December 16, 2012 — Mikki Anderson has 11,128 babies. These babies are her pride and joy and keep her beaming with every pregnant woman she sees – and touches.
This pioneering massage therapist noticed 20 years ago how moms limped, waddled, ached, and sighed. Being pregnant is hard work – and can hurt. As a trained therapist, she knew she could provide relief to these moms. Mikki embarked on an extensive, advanced training to ensure her massage relief was safe and supportive for the mom and baby; thus paving the niche of prenatal massage. Soon, she was the area expert within her spa, Stressbusters Wellness Spa in Laguna Hills, CA, and within the hospitals. Locally, Saddleback Memorial Hospital and Mission Hospital exclusively grant Mikki access on the OB and delivery floor to aid moms in need – including high risk pregnancies and her specialty, moms carrying multliple babies. When the OBs themselves are pregnant they too escape to Mikki and the skill of Stressbusters’ prenatal massage team at the area day spa.
Mikki doesn’t have children of her own. This was by choice. Mikki and Michael Anderson, owners of Stressbusters’ Wellness, have dedicated their lives to the healing benefits that a knowledable spa team can provide. From relieving pregnant women with skilled bodywork and stress relief via rehabilitative massage to oncology massage and organic facials, the Anderson’s have impacted thousands upon thousands of people.
Kay Kurtz, a loyal client since 1991 shared her years with SB Wellness, “I began in 1991 as it was suggested to be beneficial in treating my migraine headaches. I continue because the benefits to my general health and wellbeing are numerous. I look forward to my weekly visits.” Mikki and Kay have naturally developed a rapport after 21 years together, “My relationship with Mikki is one of caring and sharing. She was very supportive of me and aided in the healing of my body after the surgery when I was treated for melanoma. We have laughed together and cried together through our struggles and accomplishments during our growing and enriching years.”
Tracy Williams, pregnant with triplets, exulted Mikki’s influence on her, “Mikki taught me how to sleep with multiples in my belly. She relieved my backs and hips, so I could truly rest. And, since working with Mikki, I haven’t taken Tylenol in weeks, which is a true feat while carrying three babies.”
Mikki and Michael’s passion for healing has kept them at the forefront of natural and beneficial techniques, which now also includes clinical aromatherapy. This complementary alternative medicine can assist to eliminate insomnia, depression, nausea and pain. She is referred by both local hospitals and is in the process of launching aromatherapy on a medical surgery floor.
Mikki has that true mother’s intuition to care and protect. With a natural ease, Mikki brushes the hair out of Tracy’s eyes while she reduces tension in Tracy’s lower back and neck. “My babies are a gift,” shared Tracy, “Mikki has made that gift and experience of carrying triplets one of health and pleasure.”
To celebrate the holiday season and care for pregnant moms who can’t be active, on December 23rd, Mikki is giving complimentary 30-minute massages to pregnant women on bed rest at Saddleback Memorial Hospital. A mother’s work is never done.