If research and public surveys are anything to go by, most people (88 percent according to the Global Spa Report) visit spas for relaxation and stress management. Little wonder that spa and medispa owners alike struggle to deliver an unmatched experience in pampering and luxury to their guests. You have probably spent thousands of dollars on infrastructure, staff, and spa supplies, but did you know that something as simple and ubiquitous as essential oils can help you boost your spa business by a significant percentage? Here are five ways to incorporate aromatherapy in your medical spa from founder of Aromandina Cristina Proaño-Carrión, C.H. dip. Aroma.
Creating A Welcoming Spa Environment
We may not realize it often but smells find a place for themselves in the deep recesses of our brains. That’s why we tend to associate certain smells with a memory, a person or a place. Why not apply this concept in making your patient’s appointment pleasant memory right from the moment they step in? Using cheerful and uplifting scents like sweet orange and bergamot in the reception area will instantly put your clients at ease and make them feel special.
Promoting Health And Wellbeing
Fabulous fragrances aside, essential oils possess numerous therapeutic properties that you can employ to enhance the wellbeing of your clients. For example, if a client suffers from persistent acne, you can add a few drops of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory oils like tea tree and lavender to the facial. Similarly, floral oils like rose and jasmine bring out feminine confidence and sensuality – your female clients will love them!
Building Brand Identity
Your area may have a dozen other spas just like yours, so how are you going to stay ahead of the competition? Give your clients a little more than a regular spa experience by incorporating aromatherapy in your services and watch them coming back for more.
Addressing Specific Needs Of Your Clients
Instead of offering standardized spa services, ask your clients how they are feeling at the moment. This will help you customize your treatments and recommend corresponding retail products for home use. For example, if a guest is feeling under the weather, treat them with eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils. Are they stressed out? Cedarwood, lavender, and mandarin can help. Do they complain of exhaustion and fatigue? Perk them up with cardamom, peppermint, or spearmint. Hormones playing havoc? Relax and balance with clary sage, geranium, and rose.
Cleanliness And Hygiene
The last thing anyone wants in a spa or medical spa is the hospital-like smell of harsh cleaning agents. But at the same time, you cannot compromise on hygiene since infections can spread fast in a spa environment. Antibacterial and antifungal essential oils such as basil, cinnamon leaf and lemongrass, and tea tree can be used to clean surfaces and disinfect spa equipment, sheets and towels in an all-natural and organic way.
Cristina Proaño-Carrión, C.H. dip. Aroma., has 16 years of experience developing formulas for aromatherapy products for the health, spa, and fitness industries. She is the owner and formulator of Aromandina, a complete line of essential oils and aromatherapy products.