The time of year that SAD sufferers dread has crept upon us once again and without much of a summer to mark 2007, the dark winter nights can seem downright miserable. To paraphrase gold old Deborah Kehr in 50s tearjerker ‘An Affair to Remember’, the prospect of winter can be cold for those with no warm memories, and as our recollection of those balmy beer garden evenings with friends are fewer and farther between than usual, many of us are unpacking our winter woollies with a heavy heart.
But fear not, as where there is darkness, old Smiths albums and the onset of seasonal gloomfest, there is light and the promise of autumnal delights and new winter coats. And in addition to this, the organisers of a major calendar event in the business we call spa are whipping up a pick-me-up for health and beauty junkies. The delicious nutrient-laden smoothie for the soul: Spa Show, an event showcasing the largest and hottest collection of spa treatments and spa destinations from around the world. The theme: ‘One Big Day Spa’, reflecting the wide range of treatments both new and popular that are available for show visitors to sample. The result: a fun and fabulous fix that’ll enable you to breeze through the pre-Christmas madness and a guarantee that you’ll be able to keep your engine revving right into the new year.
Whether you are a spa aficionado or a virgin spa goer, The Spa Show is your gateway to pampering paradise. And as an indicator of its popularity, the visitor list grows more diverse by the year. Last year, ladies of leisure rubbed shoulders with new age revellers, the cutting edge fashion pack and healthy living devotees who shared a common denominator: looking good and feeling great.
The average woman now spends £600 a year on beauty therapies and there's hardly a street in the capital these days that doesn't boast a salon or spa. The spa business is no longer part of the elitist world of luxury five star hotels and far flung exotic locations. Having shaken its exclusive image, the spa has burst out of the margins and into the mainstream. But, like any industry that seems to have rapidly diversified in a short space of time, it can leave consumers reeling and wondering how to get the best out of their spa experience.
Which is why Spa Show is the event du jour for everyone and anyone who is interested in finding out more. Whether it’s to quiz technicians about the particulars of various treatments and or to find out which alternative therapy is best suited to you, the Spa Show exhibitors pride themselves on finding the answers. Spa and beauty experts from around the globe will be standing to attention to wax lyrical about the latest techniques and therapies.
Spa Show certainly has something for everyone, including alternative health devotees or curious window shoppers seeking complementary therapies such as reflexology, Chinese massage, herbal medicine and acupuncture. Taster sessions will be available to all and the experts will be on hand to advise on the latest treatments and complementary medicine. Qualified Reiki authorities and Ayurveda professionals will be stepping up to the podium to give the most comprehensive answers to questions regarding alternative health.
A century of science-based medicine has not led us to the promised land of perfect health. Our noses still run, if less often. Our backs ache more than ever - that's what happens when you sit at a desk all day.
Recently, a new study was published on acupuncture revealing that acupuncture outperfoms medical treatment in curing backache. Those who have contemplated whether a local practitioner might assist them with their slipped desk where conventional medicine has failed now have the ample opportunity to interrogate one of the skilled acupuncturists as to whether they believe it’ll work for them. Acupuncture can be used to treat many physical conditions, including backache, headache, irregular periods, sinusitis, gynaecological problems, skin conditions, chronic fatigue syndrome), digestive disorders, muscular and joint pain, asthma and stress, to name but a few. Meanwhile, acupuncture has also been used to treat those afflicted with emotional or psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, lack of confidence and low self esteem.
Spa Show emphasises the need to look at the whole person, including analysis of physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional, social, spiritual and lifestyle values. It encompasses all stated modalities of diagnosis and treatment including drugs and surgery if no safe alternative exists. Holistic medicine focuses on education and responsibility for personal efforts to achieve balance and well-being. With this in mind, Spa Show will be uniting some of the most knowledgeable experts in the holistic world in this annual event.
The Shiatsu Society will be present with the acupuncture camp to explain why their treatments are equally as effective in treating back pain, stress, headaches, whiplash injuries, neck stiffness, joint pain and many sports injuries amongst other ailments. Those interested in a Shiatsu demonstration are encouraged to step up to the stand for a taster which involves a few techniques, merely a still, relaxed pressure at various points on the body with the hand or thumb, an easy leaning of the elbows or a simple rotation of a limb. But underneath the uncomplicated movements much is happening internally to the body's energy on a subtle level, helping to ward off illness. Treatments and advice are available to all Spa Show attendees at the Shiatsu stand.
Though if Shiatsu, acupuncture or reflexology fail to float your boat, then there are countless other complementary services available. The Tri-Dosha Ayurvedic Therapy is an expert ayurvedic lifestyle brand and attendees of the show are encouraged to experience the Tri-Dosha Shirodhara treatment (third eye drip) for yourself. Ayurveda is the name given to the ancient Indian science of life and is said to have originated 4000 years ago - it is believed to be the oldest health system known to man today. Rather than treating symptoms, it treats the whole person, working holistically, combining nutrition, herbal remedies, yoga and massage.
In addition to the aforementioned alternative therapies, cupping, crystal healing, homeopathy, LaStone Therapy demonstrations will be among the many demonstrators
Any finally, it isn’t just beauty junkies and or those seeking a greater understanding of alternative health who will find this occasion an inspiration. No indeed, for nestled amongst the alternative therapy stands and spa and beauty brands are tour operators and travel organisations, making it a vital pit-stop for the bride-and-grooms to decide on their honeymoon destination, friends retreat or a Mother and daughter break away. Tour operator options vary from luxury retreats to the adventurous and outlandish. The range of exhibitors are so varied that whether you’re a pauper, princess or prince, you’re guaranteed to received sound advice on some of the best options for your tastes and budget.
So whether your seeking ways of finding a sense wellbeing and balance, a perfect honeymoon or a spa treatment designed to give you that ready break glimmer of health, you may find the answers at Spa Show are the ones that’ll make your Autumn/Winter 07 one to remember.