by Shah-Kapoor

Created on: June 27, 2008   Last Updated: June 28, 2008

I have recently been introduced to the world of spa and wellness. Some time ago, I read parts of the Global Spa Economy Report, and began to realise how big the spa economy really is. It is worth $255 billion!

In this context, I recently read about massage therapists and this made me start thinking about spa regulations.

How do you know if a massage therapist is good? What kind of training should s/he have? What do we look for when we have an opportunity to choose our therapists: Is it their training in specialized treatments that matters or the number of certified training hours, regardless of their speciality?

I have been on the American Massage Therapy Association website, and I see some requirements for certain states - but what about the other states? This information is missing. I have also heard about the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, which also offers certification. So, is this certification better than the American Massage School? I have looked at several other websites of schools that offer certifications - how good are these?

In my opinion, it is really difficult to find a good massage therapist, because we do not know how to define 'good'. Consumers should be educated in this matter, and there isnt anything specific for them to go to, to find this information quickly.

Even when it comes to cosmetic procedures such as botox - which seems to be popular (suprisingly) amongst Gen X, do doctors have to be available-on-staff for these procedures? I am aware of rules being passed in California about having physicians on staff, but how about nurses- Can they perform botox treatments? I want to understand this better - this way I will feel safer undertaking a laser procedure in this country.

In addition, few weeks ago I visited a spa in 'casino-land' where they asked me if I cared for a glass of wine while in the spa tub. This made me wonder, is this legal? And, should it be legal? If spas are all about wellness (so, I think), should alcohol be allowed? Is that state-specific? Perhaps, a glass of wine is a good thing (for argument's sake)? I am seeing the interest in spa cuisine (read healthy food), which I think is a good thing. But alcohol?

I believe all of these things would be a start for a good debate. Every time I visit a spa, I always wonder about these things - but its not always easy to find this information online, and quite honestly, I really do not know where to find precisely what I am looking for.

If someone knows more, I would love for them to share. That way, we can have, a, well(ness) debate?

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