Spa Bodywork Guide for Bodyworkers
How Massage Therapists Can Give Effective Spa Treatments Safely
Feb 3, 2008
Spa Bodywork: A Guide for Massage Therapists is written by Anne Williams and published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. This massage book is unique in that it teaches massage therapists step-by-step spa treatments and how to perform them in a dry room situation. Spa Bodywork is also used by many massage schools as a comprehensive curriculum program and Anne Williams has curriculum guidelines established for massage and bodywork schools to implement if desired.
Understanding Spa Treatments Benefits and Effects
The first section of Spa Bodywork: A Guide for Massage Therapists discusses the basics of spa treatments, types of spas, basic spa equipment (including wet room equipment overviews), sanitation principles, how to drape for spa treatments and other basics. It is so important for massage therapists to review the basic principles of good treatment whether it's during a spa treatment or during a massage.
Hydrotherapy and Aromatherapy Principles
The next couple chapters of Spa Bodywork cover the benefits and physical effects of aromatherapy spa treatments, and hydrotherapy spa treatments. Methods of application and special considerations are all covered, as well as how massage therapists can stay within their scope of practice. Hydrotherapy is the use of water during spa massage treatments and includes hot water, steam towels, cold water and ice. Aromatherapy is the use of volatile and potent essential oils, and safety considerations, methods of application and blending principles for using essential oils during spa massage treatments are all covered.
Types of Spa Treatments for Massage Therapists
The seven chapters of part two in Spa Bodywork cover some actual spa treatments that massage therapists can perform with their clients in the massage room. Many treatment types are discussed including:
- Exfoliation Spa Treatments for Massage Therapists
- Body Wraps and Cocoon Spa Massage Treatments
- Massage Spa Foot Treatments
- Fangotherapy Massage Spa Treatments
- Thalassotherapy or Seaweed Spa Treatments for Massage Therapists
- Ayurvedic Spa Treatments and Principles for Bodyworkers
- Stone Massage Spa Treatments
Designing Personalized Spa Treatments as a Massage Therapist
One of the most fun chapters in the entire book, this part of Spa Bodywork discusses how to create your own spa treatments tailored to your specific massage focus and bodywork goals. Inspiration for creating personalized spa treatments can come from historical and religious materials, nature, food, drink, and other areas.
The last part of Spa Bodywork discusses potential careers for spa bodyworkers and includes philosophy of care ideas and many career tips.
Reference Value of Spa Bodywork – Do you want it on your shelf?
The answer is a resounding “Yes!”. Any massage therapist or bodyworker who plans to expand the menu of options to include spa treatments of any type needs to put this book on the shelf. The appendix of resources and spa product retailers is a valuable guide. Spa Bodywork: A Guide for Massage Therapists also has so many step-by-step, photo guides for performing new spa treatments, sample spa massage treatment menus and ideas, sanitation tips, and additional information that massage therapists offering spa treatments will refer to the book frequently.
See Anne Williams' website for live workshops and demonstrations as well as contacting her for additional information on adding a Spa Bodywork educational program to your massage school.
