By Ranjan K Baruah
Our lifestyle has changed from the past and people are in stress due to work pressure or other issues. In the age of competition everyone wants to move ahead and progress but in the process it indirectly affects our health. People are looking for solution and this brings more demand for the wellness clinics or spas. Spa centers have increased in most of the cities and are still increasing as it is a good solution to relax and relieve the rising stress, stress-related ailments, anxiety and exhaustion of everyday life.
Spa / massage therapists are professionally qualified practitioners who deliver a variety of therapies and body care treatments such as massage, body wraps, body scrubs, therapeutic baths etc. It helps in reducing stress, alleviate muscle aches and pains and help to improve the overall well being of individuals. Besides massaging, some therapists provide skin-care and aesthetic services like facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, makeup, nail treatments, aromatherapy, reflexology, electrotherapy, hydrotherapy etc.
Spa massage or therapy is like another hospitality industry and is found in many places including in airports. The best part is that there is no specific long term course like beauty industry but there are some diplomas and certificate courses available.
Spa and massage therapy course imparts the students with knowledge in basic physiology, human anatomy, and training to identify different types of body forms and its imperfections. It also deals with various massage techniques. By studying this program students will also learn to do cellulite treatments, administer heat therapy, body wraps, mud wraps, body polishes and salt exfoliation.
Some of the courses are Advance Diploma in Spa Management, Advanced Spa and Beauty Therapy, Basic Spa and Beauty Therapy, Certificate Course in Spa Therapy, Diploma in Beauty Therapies and Ayurvedic Spa, Diploma in International Spa Therapy, Diploma in Professional Spa Therapy, Diploma in Spa Management, Diploma in Spa Massage, etc.
Trained spa therapists can find jobs in a variety of spa settings like day spa, resort spa, medi-spa, cruises/ship spa, club spa etc. Many luxury hotels, hospitals, beauty salons, fitness centers/ health clubs, sports clinics, slimming clinics, airlines, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, corporate offices and Ayurvedic clinics offering massage facilities, recruit spa therapists. This is a new area of employment for our young people. There would be more spa and wellness clinics in north east in near future too.
Exam/Entrance Update:
GPAT: AICTE has launched the National level Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) for facilitating institutions to select suitable students for admission in all pharmacy programs approved by AICTE. Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) is a national Level entrance exam. The test will be conducted in different states and cities. The GPAT is a three hour computer based online test which is conducted in a single session. The GPAT score is accepted by all AICTE-Approved Institutions/University Departments/Constituent Colleges/Affiliated Colleges. Bachelor’s degree holders in Pharmacy (4 Years after 10+2 including lateral entry candidates) and those who are in the final year of B. Pharmacy course are eligible for appearing in GPAT 2016 examination. Last date for applying is 30th November and exam would be held on 17th January.
CMAT: AICTE has launched the National level Management Admission Test (CMAT) for facilitating institutions to select suitable students for admission in all management programmes approved by AICTE. Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national Level entrance exam. The CMAT is a three hour computer based online test which is conducted in a single session to evaluate the candidate’s ability across various segments like Quantitative Technique, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension and General Awareness. Graduates in any discipline or Final year students of Graduate Courses (10+2+3) whose result will be declared before commencement of admission can apply for CMAT online. Last date for applying is 30th November and exam would be held on 17th January.
The writer can be reached at bkranjan@gmail.com