Healthy living with Wellness and Spa

Health, as defined by the World Health Organization, is a ‘complete state of physical, mental and social well-being, not merely an absence of disease.’ Thus, health does not reside merely in the physical domain, but in the mind and in the spirit as well – the holistic approach.Reconnecting body-mind-spirit, one of the objectives of taking a spa and/or wellness day out, can have a profound effect on one’s health. Scientific research says that most of the diseases human beings face are related to stress. Stress can not only affect the mental health of a person but also can damage your physical health. In the ever-changing world and with today’s ultra fast-paced lifestyle, meditation, and yoga with life coaching, is on the rise. We are in a world where there is no slowing down, and mental rejuvenation is what people need to cope with stress.As perceived, stress is reduced or removed at a wellness centre and spa, with meditation, yoga, opening up your chakras or a simple oil massage to relax the muscles, one can actually change the biochemistry of their body. Ultimately, a greater state of balance and a higher state of health can be achieved. Wellness is the hot new word in holistic approach these days. It’s the most powerful argument anyone can make against seeing spas as a mere luxury, but rather a research-backed tool that can improve your health. From the rise of ageing baby boomers to high net worth clients whose stress levels and the need for self-fulfilment have increased, spa and wellness is on the rise.Whether it’s a sweaty workout or an intense day at work that has your muscles in a knot, a wellness treatment like a massage or a trip to the sauna can sound like an alluring medicine. Wellness means you live in a state of optimal health, well-being, and vitality, and you invest money, time, and energy in the things that help you achieve it. That includes a good diet, exercise, and treatments like massage and bodywork out that keeps you functioning at your best. Wellness makes our lives richer and more enjoyable. Wellness and Spa industries are recording a growing trend from year to year. The growing tendency of these markets come as a result of a shift in the attitudes of the population, which is now oriented towards improving the health and quality of life, which is manifested through the use of the services of these centres. Talking about the growing trend of Wellness and Spa in Qatar and how it has transformed from a mere luxury to a necessity for health, Jessica Kim SN, Manager of Balance Wellness Centre and Anantara Spa at Banana Island Resort, said, “People are getting aware that they need to do something for themselves and their body to keep themselves recharged. People are now taking care of themselves. Right now, where people are stressed at work and in everyday life, Wellness and Spa becomes a necessity automatically. Often it happens that when we’re explaining about treatments to women, lots of men also actually show interest and come out to try the services.”Wellness and Spa are two different terms and businesses, although many people often fail to identify them. Are these differences minor or it is just a lack of awareness? “Wellness is the treatment for your body post stress and Spa and massage is to prevent you from that stress. They’re linked and overlap at a lot of places and treatments,” clears Jessica.However, a healthy lifestyle has a lot to do with Wellness and Spa. Lizette Duco, Director of Recreation at Oryx Rotana, says, “Wellness, Spa and Healthy Lifestyle are all entwined. Global Wellness Institute describes ‘Wellness’ as the active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to holistic health. ‘Spas are a place devoted to enhancing overall well-being through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body, and spirit’ as per the International Spa Association. Healthy lifestyle is daily practice to achieve your optimal health. All three are geared towards a healthier mind, body and spirit.”Is wellness a more effective way for body treatments? Jessica and Lizette are in with us on it. “You don’t need a pill for your headaches in wellness. Every procedure is natural and that helps one to relax mentally and physically – the inner being. The Wellness and Spa treatments are more of prevention for diseases and illnesses.” Adds Lizette, “In wellness we have this health continuum, the healthier you are – the less sick you become, the less you need medical help. It’s the pro-active approach of wellness.”With the rise of technology, everything has gone mobile. There are many mobile applications like Headspace that claims a full meditation session, sitting at home. Drawing parallel between this new mobile technique and traditional methods, Lizette says, “Meditation can be in different forms, what is important is that it benefits the user. If the client is techno-savvy then this will be effective for him/her. It’s just a matter of preference.” However Jessica contradicts with the narrative. She says, “Some people are using different mobile applications for meditation. But that’s too much technology. Sometimes you need a personal touch. You need to talk to people and get engaged with them. Personal touch plays a very important role in meditation. Everyday you’re just listening to a recorded voice but in actual meditation, the trainer helps you through the correct procedure. Our minds are always moving and thinking, to settle it all down, in the present moment, after you’re done with meditation, it’s important to engage with someone.”Talking about the benefits of various wellness treatments, including modern and traditional practices of Ayurveda, in relation to the physical body and anatomy. Jessica explains, “Infrared Sauna is to detoxify your body. It actually sort of gives a protective layer to your skin from the external pollution and environment. It helps to detoxify and cleanse the body by releasing toxins. It also sort of supports weight loss, relieves joint pains and boosts blood circulation. Of course first time you might not even feel anything, but it takes time. You have to take the treatment consistently and you see the results for sure,” she added, “Shirodhara, is an Ayurvedic treatment where warm herbal oils are poured gently over your forehead. This treatment is also very good for blood circulation to the brain, improving memory, hair and scalp and encouraging sound sleep and calming your mind.”“Then there’s Flotation Pod where Epsom salt is used. Long known as a natural remedy for a number of ailments, Epsom salt has numerous health benefits educing inflammation, helping muscle and nerve function, helping to prevent artery hardening, improve the absorption of nutrients, flush toxins, and even help ease migraine headaches. So the pod is closed and the lights inside the pod changes to activate the seven chakras,” tells JessicaShe adds, “Vichy Shower is also a very effective treatment. This water massage treatment is particularly effective following a body scrub or wrap, to circulate the recently absorbed products through your system. During the Vichy Shower treatment, you lie on a padded water table, with the shower jets above you and the lights have been installed that changed colour to activate your chakras.”Lizette gives suggestion and tips for mental and physical well-being. “I would suggest physical activity of 30 minutes, daily meditation and healthy nutrition. Also do a consultation with a certified fitness instructor for fitness training, attend yoga and Pilates class and meet spa therapist to find the best treatment for them for their weekly relaxation sessions,” she says.