For Mumbai civic body, spa is just another salon

The term spa usually evokes in us a feeling of relaxation, rejuvenation and de-stressing.

But sadly, the three-letter word doesn’t exist in the lexicon of the municipal corporation.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has no separate category termed as spas; it only recognises salons. If you want to open a spa in Mumbai, you just need a shop and establishments licence from the civic body.

GT Ambe, executive health officer, BMC, said, “The spas are not licensable. The powers to enact laws to regulate the activity lie solely with the state government."

 Dharam Pratap, a representative of the world consortium of spas, says: “A salon, a massage parlour or even a semi-salon calls itself a spa. Often, a lot of grey activities go on at these places in the name of spa.”

 Pratap says there is need to establish guidelines for spas and a regulatory body. He says he has approached the Quality Council of India to come up with a document binding on all spas.

The absence of guidelines on space requirement, hygiene standards, and training of therapists has led to the formation of an organisation comprising the representatives of the Indian spa industry.

“The industry has got together in Mumbai to form the Association of the Spa & Wellness Industry,” says Manish Patwardhan, managing director, Spa Consultants, Pune. “The association is in the process of getting registered.”

However, spas in the city have a different story to tell. “While recruiting our therapists, we look for experience of at least three years and an international certification,” says Manauj Suvarna, manager, Quan Spa, JW Marriott. The therapists, says Suvarna, are retrained to match their signature therapies.

Pratap says, “Spas are not just about rubbing the body and taking money. The therapists should know their anatomy and physiology.”

According to therapist Nisha Varghese who works at a spa in Kemps Corner, undergoing a massage at the hands of an unqualified therapist can be fatal.

Farooq Merchant, co-founder Bambooo Tree, Bandra, says, “If you press the temple nerve in the right way and for the right duration, it is relaxing. But if you press it incorrectly it can result in death because you are blocking the oxygen flow.”

However, complications are more likely to occur if the client has a past medical history. “We ask the medical history of the client,” says Mahima Trivedi, Spa Manager, Club Renaissance Spa, Renaissance Hotel.