Pamela Hill Institute

Every aestheitician, clinician or beauty professional, specifically those that work within the medical spa industry, should know the history of their profession. 

The medical spa is a fairly recent development, but the history of spas themselves actually begin in ancient times in Greece and Rome. In those cultures bathing in natural waters was considered both therapeutic and sacred and was a major part of the culture, providing relief to those in pain and cures to the sick according to their traditions.  Europe and Japan have very long histories of water treatments.  In Germany for instance there is a monastery near Munich with waters believed to have mystical healing properties.  The monks there sponsor tours for pilgrims all year long.  Pilgrims partake of the healing waters and then enjoy a good meal at the Guest House the monks maintain, often sampling the beer they’ve made since the 1400’s according to government imposed standards and their own commitment to quality, using the waters of the spa.Unknown until recently, after World War II the concept of spas made its way to the United States. 

The word spa itself comes from a Waloon word “espa” meaning fountain.  Other interpretations of the word include sprinkle, moisten or scatter.  The Latin phrase sanitas per aqua which means health through water is also tied to the world.  Regardless of the interpretation the word spa has become synonymous with water and medicinal value.European treatments are used today in spas based on principles of balneology.  While in the US and UK the word spa is still used, in Europe the term has been changed to thermal waters, which describes the process of using thermal water or healing, so popular in Europe that insurance companies reimburse people for receiving these services. 

Today’s spas however are a fusion of modern technology with ancient traditions.The trend towards the medical spa began in the late 1980’s with the advent of alpha hydroxyl acids and the original Collagen injectable.  Spas today have progressed into multi service entities that meet the changing needs of clients.  The main strength of the medi-spa concept is the close relationships between the professionals involved: aesthetician, cosmetic nurse and physician, each bringing a distinct skill set and benefits to the patient.

Growth of the spa industry, and in particular the medical spa has been at an astounding rate in the US and Canada since the early 1990’s and is sure to continue as popularity increases.