About 18 years ago, a group of spa professionals from all over the world - recognizing the need for a voice for the industry - met to establish ISPA, the International Spa Association. As part of an ongoing endeavor to define 'spa', ISPA came up with 'ten domains of spa' or aspects of the industry. I'm glad to note that Water was number one in the list, though it was not assumed that every spa would have every domain, and water has lost it's place somewhat.
It is interesting to review the history of the organization on their site, and also to take note of their Sustainability Statement and Ethics and Standards.
In 2004, says ISPA, it 'laid the task of defining spa to rest' after the association's board and marketing task force had worked for years on a solid definition for spa and came to a consensus with the following very general statement that, sadly from my point of view, includes no mention of water:
Spas are places devoted to enhancing overall well-being through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit.
Here is a list of the ten domains charted above, which I think are excellent and worth reviewing for anyone considering creating a spa venue:
- Waters: The internal and external use of water in its many forms.
- Nourishment: What we feed ourselves: food, herbals, supplements and medicines.
- Movement: Vitality and energy through movement, exercise, stretching and fitness.
- Touch: Connectivity and communication embraced through touch, massage and bodywork.
- Integration: The personal and social relationship between mind, body, spirit and environment.
- Aesthetics: Our concept of beauty and how botanical agents relate to the biochemical components of the body.
- Environment: Location, placement, weather patterns, water constitution, natural agents and social responsibility.
- Cultural Expression: The spiritual belief systems, the value of art and the scientific and political view of the time.
- Social Contribution: Commerce, volunteer efforts, and intention as they relate to well-being.
- Time, Space Rhythms: The perception of space and time and its relationship to natural cycles and rhythms.
Which of the elements call to you the most? I invite you to say why in the comments section below.
The ancient and actual origins of 'The Ten Domains of Spa Cultures' are found in the ideas, works and forms contemplated by Pythagorus, Plato and the neo-Platonists Plotinus and Proculus. It is from their thoughts and practices as applied through the tetrahedron and its significance for health, hygiene and healing, that the dynamics of 'The Ten Domains' were born; but that is a lengthy tradition with a long story.
The contemporary origins of 'The Ten Domain of Spa Cultures' can be found in the notes, lectures and experiences in the summer 1996/97/98/99 seminars on spa cultures, dreams and healing waters held at Karlsbad, Czech Republic and Bad Sulza, Germany.
Late in 1998, as chairperson for the ISPA Education Committee, I introduced the concepts of 'The Ten Domains of Spa Cultures' at the ISPA Fall Conference and Board of Directors meeting.
Robin Zill was one of 28 participants in the 1998 Karlsbad seminar, a member and later chairperson of the Education committee as well as an active entrepreneur. She saw value in 'The Ten Domains of Spa Cultures' as fully presented and as she experienced them in the summer course.
Robin later changed 'The Ten Domains of Spa Cultures' and branded them as 'The Ten Elements of The Spa Experience' in a Circle Chart that included ISPA’s then definition of Spa – 'a Time to Revitalize, Rejoice, Reflect and Relax' for Body, Mind & Spirit - which ISPA combined and printed together in a Circle of Eight.
I am honored by the re-use and the industrial branding, but much like a Spa without Water, the deeper dynamics, full intent, and experiential energy found in the ancient and original 'The Ten Domains of Spa Cultures' continues to remain a mystery for many. But then mystery can be a silent source of soulful inspiration for our imagination and wonder, health and healing — just like The Blood of Nature’s powerful Waters.
During the conception, incubation and manifestation of 'The Ten Domains of Spa Cultures' Marion was instrumental in her active work on the ISPA Education Committee. Now she is leading the SPA World well beyond the commercial limits of ISPA and is growing SPA globally through BISA - where health and healing waters are central and core to SPA.
