We all agree that "spa" is transitioning from beauty centered to wellness focused. Authentic health is the purpose of wellness, and the impact of organ health on beauty and wellness is becoming a part of the mainstream discussion.
Many spas are still only concerned with external organs such as integumentary (skin/hair/nails), skeletal (bones) and muscular (muscles). However, all internal organs, as well as the nervous system, need to be treated holistically in order to achieve true wellness. There are many ways spas can substantially help their clients with new techniques, supplies and equipment, allowing them to be perceived by their clients as essential and more than "skin deep."
An All-Organ Approach
One facility with an all-organ approach is Cure in Malibu, California. Founded by internist Lisa Benya, D.O. and Michael McCauley, Cure provides a comprehensive plan for each individual based on the 11-organ system, which thoroughly examines each area of the body and mind.
Related: The Wellness Benefits of Maya Abdominal Therapy
The 11-organ system is made up of three parts: External, Internal and Nervous System.
The external organs consist of the integumentary, skeletal and muscular systems. These provide the framework for the body, provide protection to internal organs, and perform other vital functions such as temperature regulation and the ability to execute movement, etc.
The internal organs consist of cardiovascular, urologic, lymphatic/immune, endocrine, digestive, reproductive and respiratory systems. These perform functions such as circulating oxygen and nutrients, producing enzymes and other substances the body needs to survive, etc.
These two systems communicate most often by the third pillar, which is the nervous system. All organ systems must be strong individually and work harmoniously for optimal human performance.
Cure provides different services to support the health of each system. Skin and hair treatments address the integumentary system. Body treatments, such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage, exercise programs and physical therapy, strengthen and optimize the skeletal and muscular systems.
How Spas Can Address Organ Health
Spas can address organ health both in treatments and via retail products.
To maximize your importance to a client, consider what resources you have available, i.e., local physicians and medical centers, and think of ways to incorporate that into spa offerings, as well as staff trainings. This effort can be as comprehensive as hiring new staff, collaborating with local medical centers, events, blogs or newsletters, or bringing in new brands.
One essential organ to highlight is the kidney. Did you know that 1 in 10 people will have at least one kidney stone in their life? Research has also linked the keto diet to an increased decline in kidney function. The high protein diet generates more acid in the blood, causing the kidneys to work harder, which leads to the progression of chronic kidney disease.
Luckily, there are kidney health products available over the counter, including supplements that prevent kidney stones. Alkali citrate supplementation, specifically, has been shown to reduce growth and recurrence of calcium-based stones, uric acid stones and cystine stones.
Related: Holistically Hydrating the Skin and Body
Spas can sell options like capsules, gummies and ready-to-mix (RTM) powders at their facilities. It never hurts to have a range of options that can help consumers.
Another organ that is indispensable and often overlooked is the liver. It carries out 500 functions, one of which is to modify potentially damaging substances and make them harmless. The liver works hard, and it can take a lot of abuse, but it has its limits.
Spas can provide herbal liver support to guests in the form of supplements or herbal teas, especially if they already offer Ayurveda services, as the ancient practice addresses liver health in a number of ways. Botanicals such as Terminalia chebula (fruit) and Sphaeranthus indicus (Flower). Both are adaptogenic herbs that help the body adjust to physical, chemical, or biological stress.
Spas can support internal organs through their fitness and bodywork offerings as well. Maya abdominal massage therapy, for example, realigns internal organs to an optimal position, resulting in better function and less discomfort.
Meanwhile, yoga classes can incorporate poses that massage internal organs to improve digestion. Abdominal twists combined with breathwork are simple ways to support the body from within. This can also be achieved through gentle stretching yoga classes, so even your most inexperienced guests can benefit.
Incorporating specific treatments and services for internal organs allows you to access the deeper layers of your clients' bodies and minds, and produces a positive impact. Concentrating on all our organs is pivotal for our overall health. Putting our full attention and effort toward these areas will result in a true state of wellness.
Nancy Trent is a writer, speaker, lifelong wellness activist, trend watcher, and founder and president of wellness PR firm Trent & Company. A former journalist for New York Magazine, Trent has written seven books on healthy lifestyles and travels the world speaking at conferences and trade shows. She is a recognized expert in PR, with more than 30 years of experience creating highly successful campaigns.
