Spas- threat to Ayurveda

Mushrooming of the so called Ayurvedic massage parlors and spas sans qualified Ayurvedic therapists is posing a threat to the health of customers as well as the credibility of the Indian stream of medicine, say experts.
During the past few years, a lot of centers have sprung up offering ayurvedic massages and therapies as part of wellness treatments and they often "dilute" the treatment methods for making a quick buck, they say.
"Even though this shows the growing popularity of Ayurveda, the attempt to dilute the system for purely commercial interests will do great harm to this stream of medicine," said Dr U Indulal, Deputy Director, Arya Vaidya Pharmacy, Coimbatore.
Echoing his view, Dr C Madhusoodanan, Chief of the Ayurveda wing at Kumaran Hospital, Chennai, said many of the centres do not even have doctors, proper facilities, medicinal oils or qualified therapists.
"This would even paint a wrong picture about this ancient system of medicine not only among the people of the country but also the foreigners who show interest in Ayurveda."
Unlike other streams of treatment like Allopathy and Homeopathy, Ayurveda has treatments that help rejuvenation and wellness. This trait makes it vulnerable to be excessively commercialised, he said.
"To do an oil massage as per the Ayurvedic texts, we need seven therapists and a systematic method has to be adopted as per the advice of the doctor. The choice of oil, massage, preparations etc are prescribed after evaluating the condition of the patient."

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Day spa business plan! help!?

I want to open my own day spa and need to write a business plan, I'm lost!! I have been in the spa industry for 15 yrs but this is all new!

Start with an Outline and then fill in the answers. Here is a sample Outline that may help you.

I.SITUATION ANALYSIS
A.BUSINESS DESCRIPTION
B.OBJECTIVES
C. MISSION STATEMENT
D.DEVELOPMENT BUDGET
E.TIME SCHEDULE TO COMPLETE BUILD OUT

II.AREA DESCRIPTION (DEMOGRAPHICS)
A.LOCATION
B.POPULATIONC. WHO IS YOUR CONSUMER

III.SERVICES & DAY SPA FORMAT
A.MASSAGE THERAPY
B.HYDROTHERAPY/ AROMATHERAPY
C.FACIALS
D.BODY TREATMENTS
E.RELAXATION AREAS
F.CLIENT EVALUATION & EDUCATION
G.RETAIL SALES

IV.MARKETING PLAN
A.ENVIRONMENTAL OVERVIEW
B.TARGET MARKETS
C.COMPETETIVE ANALYSIS
D.MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS

V.HUMAN RESOURCE STRATEGY
A.STAFFING PLAN
B.JOB DESCRIPTIONS
C.EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION & INCENTIVE PLAN

VI.DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
A.RECEPTION AREA COMPUTERS & PHONE
B.RETAIL SPACE
C.MASSAGE & SPA TREATMENT ROOMS
D.SAUNAS/STEAM ROOMS/LOCKER ROOMS
E.ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES & STAFF LOUNGE
F.STORAGE & LAUNDRY AREAS
G.MEDICAL & EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
H.MISCELLANEAOUS EQUIPMENT
I.WATER SYSTEM
J. VENDORS PRODUCTS

VII.CAPITAL EXPEDITURES
A.PROJECT COST
B.ANNUAL OPERATIONAL AND MAINTENANCE COST
C.EMPLOYEE PROFIT SHARING

VIII.FINANCIAL STRATEGY
A.FINANCIAL FEASIBILITY AND KEY INDICATORS
B.OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE
C.RESERVE FUND