Legend has it that people once journeyed far and wide in search of the legendary Fountain of Youth or the elixir of life in the hope of rejuvenation or eternal youth, often perishing along the way.
Luckily, these days most people needn't even leave their hometown to seek rejuvenation due to the mushrooming number of spas that have opened in the recent years.
Eveline Liao (廖雯玲), a manager at Taiwan Socie, a spa with outlets in locations nationwide, said that the growing spa phenomenon stemmed from the rise in the number of career women, who are stressed-out from working long hours.
"These women need to relax and unwind because the fast pace of life wears them down," Liao said.
"Mental pressure combined with other factors such as the polluted environment causes women to turn to massages and skin-care rituals for relief," Liao added.
Cillia Chiang (姜慧嵐), general manager of Super Shape Health Club, said that her gym has started offering spa treatment because exercise can be too tiring for those who work long hours.
Chiang said that spa treatments also attract those who do not like exercise in the first place, and provides them with another way to release stress.
"Eighty percent of our customers go to spas for health reasons," Chiang said. "Through treatments such as aromatherapy and massages, they can relieve muscle pain or soreness and rejuvenate themselves."
She said that spa treatments were no longer geared solely toward beautification.
Vivian Chin (
Although the majority of customers or members were women, spa managers said that increasing numbers of men have been going to spas recently.
The most popular spa treatments were whitening or anti-aging facials, massages, and aromatherapy, indicating that women are concerned about early aging and burdened by pressure, they said.
Even though the search for rejuvenation has become relatively safe and easy for modern women, spa employees still offer several safety reminders for spa-goers.
Liao said that before a customer chooses which treatment to undergo, a beautician or a skin-care consultant at her spa will gauge the person's skin and body type.
The consultant first inquires whether the customer has high blood pressure or allergies to certain skin-care products, Liao said.
Some spas were less conscientious in this process and as a result there have been a number of medical disputes after customers have had adverse reactions to products, she said.
Liao said that a small patch of skin needs to be tested with the product the consultant intends to use before applying it to the whole face or body.
If redness or a rash develops, then the product cannot be used on the customer, she added.
Jackie Lee (
"I don't want anything artificial smeared on my face or massaged into my skin that might make it worse than it already is," Lee said.
"You have to make sure the spa asks you about allergies before starting any type of treatment," she said.
Liao also said that people suffering from high blood pressure should avoid heated spa equipment or saunas.
Chiang said her health club asked members to fill out questionnaires citing allergies or illnesses before using sporting facilities or undergoing spa treatments.
Chin added that those with fevers or serious illnesses such as cancer should consult a physician before coming to a spa.
If skin allergies do occur, the spa will accompany the member to the hospital, Chin said.
Lin Chia-yi (
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