Losing Touch – How to Disconnect via New Innovative Technology

When Genesis released their single, “Invisible Touch” in 1986, they probably never thought that it would one day apply to the spa industry, yet this is exactly where we find ourselves in 2021. The Mindbody Wellness Index for 2021 predicts that touchless spa services will be one of the main industry trends for this year and into the foreseeable future.

It was clear that spas and other businesses that offer high-touch wellness services would have to adapt or die, as people are now looking to limit their contact time with others to the bare minimum in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, many spas reported that their massage clients declined by more than half in 2020.

The sharp decline in spa visits has boosted the need for innovation and development of practical new technologies that would allow us to still receive the benefits of traditional spa centers. Especially during the pandemic, increased stress and isolation has fueled our need for escapism and relaxation. Many companies have taken a note and started to devise alternative solutions for traditional pampering centers.

There are now a large variety of pioneering touchless spa services available. Below are some of the trending options.

LED therapy

LED therapy uses light of varying wavelengths in its treatments, but not UV light, so it is completely safe for everyday use. The claim that treatments help to reduce inflammation, signs of ageing and acne are backed up by studies and the US navy even used the technology to treat wounds sustained during training.

Salt caves

This may sound a bit wacky at first, but there is method in the madness. The idea first took root in the middle of the 19th century, when a Polish physician noticed that workers in the salt mine caves had remarkably little respiratory issues. We are also well aware of the mental and physical benefits of gargling salt water or spending a day at the beach, for example. That is why many spas now offer the manmade version of salt caves, where the walls are made of Himalayan salt. In some instances, tiny salt particles may even be blown into the surrounding air.

Infrared saunas

Infrared saunas operate in much the same fashion as traditional saunas to create a hot environment, with infrared lights generating the heat instead of the usual hot rocks and steam. The use of infrared lights is claimed to provide additional benefits, including muscle recovery, better blood circulation, destressing and improving sleep.

Massage guns

This is a lot less threatening than it sounds. Massage guns are handheld devices that uses percussion on the skin to release tension. They are said to be able to reach deeper muscles and cause less pain than human hands.

Other no or low touch therapies that are starting to gain traction include flotation tanks, hyperbaric chambers, IV drips, ice therapy, compression therapy and meditation classes.

No-touch treatments are in an excellent position to show their worth now that traditional massages and other similar treatments are not in favor as much as before. And it is important for these treatments to establish themselves now because traditional massages will not be off the table forever.

In fact, we can expect that many people will emerge from COVID-19 confinement with a greater need for the human touch than ever before. So, while it is unlikely that no-touch treatments will dominate the industry in the years to come, they are likely to play a much greater role in a holistic wellness approach. We may well get used to the idea of investing more time in taking care of our physical well-being; pandemic has most likely been responsible for a permanent shift in our attitudes and especially those that we have towards self-care.

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