Spas are mushrooming across all cities and towns. The wellness industry is growing more than 30% in a year. However, the absence of established standard operating procedures in spa therapies is an area of major concern. While police are checking illegal activities no Indian government agency is checking if the spas are operating in a safe and hygienic manner.

Spa therapies can be risky and may cause diseases by cross contamination or transfer of bacteria through tools, hot tubs and human contact. Lack of certified therapists may cause more harm than good. Absence of health and fire safety norms in steam and sauna rooms can be life threatening.

You can minimise the risk of catching diseases and other complications by checking the following:

• Check if the therapists are certified. In absence of certification even long experience under experts is useful. Many Thai spas are operating without qualified staff and no government agency checks this.
• Ask the health status of the therapist if you have doubts.
• If you are allergic to any products let the therapists know before hand.
• Check if the spa is using disposable underwear, towels, bed sheets, gloves etc.
• Check if disposable kits for manicure and pedicure is being used.
• If disposables are not being used check if the tools are being sterilised and autoclaved properly.
• Read instructions for usage of steam rooms and sauna rooms. Usage should strictly be under supervision only.
• Check if the massage tables are being cleaned after each session.
• Check if the steam rooms are being sanitised after each session.
• Check for fire safety norms in sauna rooms. Ask for a panic button while using sauna or steam rooms.
• Check if foot massagers and whirlpools are being disinfected and cleaned as instructed by the supplier.

In the long run a growing awareness will definitely bring in standardisation but till then it is better to keep our eyes open for our own safety.