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Trends now indicate the spa industry is currently in the process of a major “reincarnation” to better meet the needs of its expanding, sophisticated and demanding market. To do so effectively, spas are moving beyond the traditional one-dimensional focus on pampering the body, to an integrated multi-dimensional approach that engages the guest on all levels of their bodies and minds.
YogaAway, the global leader in the distribution of yoga and wellness content to the spa, travel and hospitality industry, is now launching The Enlightened Spa, a program that equips spas to meet the needs of this emerging market. By collaborating with major spa brands, the personalized programs will offer an integrated system of “enhanced” spa experiences based on authentic “yogic” practices. YogaAway is the first company to introduce this authentic healing model to the international spa community. Designed by Bija Bennett, Founder of YogaAway LLC, and her team of mind-body specialists, these new techniques are linked to NIH protocols for treating anxiety and low back pain.
According to a 2007 survey by the International Spa Association (ISPA), spas are now incorporating yoga as an integral part of their programs – not to mention spa treatments that include yoga as part of the experience. The Enlightened Spa provides expert consultation to tailor these programs most effectively.
States Bija, “Yoga is often reduced to just stretching the hamstring muscles. But it’s actually a 5,000 year-old science of transforming the entire human being, which offers a replicable healing model that can be applied in a modern spa setting.”
“What’s thrilling is how the benefits of the spa experience increase significantly with simple sensory enhancements brought into the treatment room itself. Guiding guests in a specially designed sequence of movements and breathing techniques, increases tactile stimulation and creates a deep sense of emotional comfort. Adding visualizations directs internal focus and settles agitated states, all of which leads to optimal health. Actively involving guests in their own wellness experience is the beginning of self-healing,” Bija says.
She explains, “Spas are becoming the new churches or temples where people can go to get a real ‘internal’ experience – away from the barrage of external stimuli constantly surrounding us.
Integrating time-tested, authentic practices into the guest treatment experience aligns the ‘new’ spa with a powerful and systematic approach to wellness that can be easily implemented and expanded.”
Merging an integral healing model with the spa experience is what the future of the spa industry is about.
About YogaAway
Founded by internationally recognized author and speaker, Bija Bennett, YogaAway, LLC (yogaaway.com) provides custom content, consulting and education for the spa, travel and corporate wellness industries. As the exclusive provider of yoga services and products to Hyatt Hotels and Resorts worldwide, YogaAway has established itself as the single source provider of on-site yoga classes, in-room videos, instructor trainings, innovative stress reduction, fitness, mental focus and enhanced sleep DVDs, and yoga accessories for resort properties and spas, becoming the global leader in the distribution of custom yoga content. YogaAway delivers the benefits of an ancient science in a modern, easy-to-use context, to individuals and business worldwide.
About Bija Bennett
Bija Bennett is an internationally recognized author, yoga therapist and workshop leader — and an outstanding communicator who is able to convey the tenets of mind-body health in remarkably accessible and engaging ways. A poet, producer and performer, Bija is a gifted and charismatic speaker whose innovative healing techniques have helped celebrities, corporate CEO’s, professional athletes and thousands of others achieve serenity and health.
A Chicago native, Bija earned a Master’s Degree in Dance from UCLA, and held positions with the Ravinia Festival and the Chicago City Ballet. For more than a decade, she worked closely with Deepak Chopra, MD, co-leading his seminars across the US and Europe, and addressing the personal needs of thousands of patients in a medical/spa setting. She also appeared regularly at the national and international seminars of the Young Presidents’ Organization, bringing an understanding of yoga and its benefits to business leaders. A long-time student and teacher of Viniyoga, Bija has studied extensively in India with T.K.V. Desikachar and in the U.S. with Gary Kraftsow.
Bija is the author of Breathing Into Life: Recovering Wholeness Through Body, Mind & Breath (HarperCollins, 1993), and Emotional Yoga: How the Body Can Heal the Mind, (Simon and Schuster, 2002).
Bija is available for interviews, wellness and travel “tips” for spas and spa goers - at the 2007 ISPA conference. Visit YogaAway at Booth #1512
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