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What Humans Have Known For Centuries: Healing Matters

Liz Belford

It’s been such a joy to see our clients, old and new, back in the spa. The energy that is created from reconnection is so fulfilling and we’re delighted to be able to offer our services to you again.


It’s made such a difference to emerge from the pandemic and experience again the real healing that arises from re-engagement. Witnessing this took me back down memory lane to the time when I was criss-crossing the globe before opening Rosewater and pursuing my quest to learn best practises in the spa business.


That time afforded me the benefit of learning how different cultures have distinct approaches to well-being while at the same time acknowledging that a common theme is the interconnectedness of mind-body-spirit in healing. 


Many traditional healing systems emphasize body and breathing in maintaining well-being. In India there are healing practices that feature regular massage with body oils, yoga, and pranayama also known as breathing techniques for maintaining balance. 


Spa treatments however extend far beyond massage and include many types of therapeutic services that have been popular for centuries. Europe is dotted with great spas where entire towns sprung up revolving entirely around healing. 


Among the most famous are Baden-Baden, Vichy and Bath.


Baden-Baden, situated on the western outskirts of Germany’s Black Forest, is one of the most important spa centres in Europe. Bathing in Baden-Baden is a tradition dating back to Roman Antiquity. It was founded in 80 A.D. by the Romans.


Located in Bourbonnais, France on the banks of the river Allier, the waters of Vichy have been in use since Antiquity. The ‘queen of spa towns’ is still world-known for its thermal and tourist activities. 


And, in the United Kingdom, Bath has been a place of healing for over two thousand years.


My point is that for centuries humans have acknowledged the role that non-traditional practices can play in creating a full, healthy and rewarding life.


And, if you ever have the opportunity to visit one of these great European spas it will be an experience you won’t forget. I had the opportunity to visit the Friedrichsbad Spa in Baden-Baden on two occasions. How remarkable it was to enjoy the real treatment ceremony. Beyond the wonderful culinary experience of visiting Germany in white asparagus season and a day trip to enjoy the foie gras in Strasbourg, it was the spa that formed the highlight of my trips.


Image: Gerd Eichmann – licensed under the Creative Commons


Upon its opening in 1877, this temple of well-being was recognized as being the most modern bathing establishment in Europe. The relaxing and enjoyable experience that is unique to the Friedrichsbad is a result of the changing sequence of warm and hot dry-air baths, a soap & brush massage, steam baths of varying intensity and a selection of thermal pools along with thermal water showers. In fact you experience 17 bathing stations as you progress through the spa!


Acknowledging that Oakville is unlikely to become a UNESCO World Heritage Centre such as these towns, Rosewater can claim some historical relevance as the only spa in Oakville that features genuine Vichy treatments! 


On the massage front, some feel that it is only a feel-good way to indulge yourself. To the contrary, massage can be a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being, whether you have a specific health condition or are just looking for another stress reliever.*


Finally, now that we’re emerging from the isolation of the past many months so many people are craving the simple pleasures and sometimes that may make services such as facials, manicures and pedicures appear purely indulgent. I can assure they are not. The therapeutic benefit of human engagement and human touch are clearly established as methods by which we prove that healing matters.


Yours in Health & Wellness,
Liz Belford, Founder

 



*https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/massage/art-20045743

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