The Psychology of Spas & Wellbeing: A Guide to the Science of Holistic Healing - Paperback

by Jeremy McCarthy (Author)

The Psychology of Spas and Wellbeing is the culmination of years of research in psychology, positive psychology, and the science of holistic wellbeing. The spa industry markets itself as offering holistic wellness through a variety of services intended to enhance wellbeing across body, mind and spirit. This book explores the science behind the claims of the spa industry and looks for possible applications to enhance the impact of a spa as a center for holistic healing. This book is intended for: - Spa and holistic healing professionals who want to use the latest science to deepen their impact on human wellbeing. - Healthcare professionals who want to learn more about a holistic approach to wellness. - Anyone interested in a comprehensive review of the scientific literature on holistic wellness. In this book, readers will learn: - The history, philosophy and culture of the world of spas and its role in modern society - How to approach human wellbeing holistically, considering body, mind and spirit and the interactions between these domains - The psychology of the spa experience and the links between psychological wellbeing and health - The latest research from the field of positive psychology and how it can be applied in a spa or other center for health and wellness - An overview of the research on stress and stress relief, the number one reason consumers visit spas - The elements of a healthy "spa lifestyle" and the latest research on behavior modification and positive lifestyle change The spa industry has a rich history and culture of holistic healing, but lacks a foundation in science. Modern medicine and healthcare is informed by the science of recent decades but ignores the holistic nature of human wellbeing. This book explores the latest scientific research in wellbeing to assess the evidence of the spa industry's impact on health and to explore applications and interventions that could be used to create a new, more effective healing institution that combines the best of science and philosophy.

Author Biography

Jeremy McCarthy has over twenty years of experience opening and operating luxury resort spas, including 14 years with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and 3 years opening and operating the new spa at famed La Costa Resort and Spa. Since 2006, he is the Director of Global Spa Development and Operations for Starwood Hotels and Resorts where he is responsible for the development of spas across Starwood's many hotel brands around the world. McCarthy sat for several years on the Board of Directors for the International Spa Association and speaks regularly at spa industry events including ISPA, The Global Spa and Wellness Summit, Leading Spas of Canada, New York Spa Alliance, Washington Spa Alliance, and SPATEC. He is the author of "Become a Spa Owner," and writes regularly for Pulse, LiveSpa, Organic Spa Magazine, and Positive Psychology News Daily, as well as his own blog on holistic wellness, The Psychology of Wellbeing (http: //psychologyofwellbeing.com.) He has a Master of Applied Positive Psychology degree from the University of Pennsylvania that he applies to his work in spas and luxury resorts and he teaches a course at University of California, Irvine on "Positive Leadership for Spas and Hospitality." When he is not working, he enjoys surfing and beach volleyball.