The Synergy Of Spas And Shamans

Mark Sands, VP of Wellness at Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas talks to Esther Faith Lew about his deep connection with the land that sees him break down cultural barriers and journey into the ancient world of traditional healing in the name of wellness.

- Esther Faith Lew

How well do you take care of yourself in current times of psychological duress, physical exertion and environmental stressors? Self-care advocates have gone to lengths to heal on a deeper level, drawing inspiration from modern-day solutions offering energy medicine in various forms. From herbs and roots to crystals and reiki, wellness providers have embraced the new and respected the old to provide seekers with integrated solutions that embody a range of disciplines and therapeutic approaches.

Beyond the pampering massages and treatments so often found in luxury spas, there is an ever-increasing emphasis on the importance of holistic healing, and the options can be exotic and profound. You have the likes of silent spiritual retreats; body cleansing programmes; yoga and meditation getaways; colour vibration therapy; and even Mayan sweat lodges with cleansing rituals known as “temazcals”.

The options are staggering and will take you from mental and spiritual to astral and physical.

The oldest type of healing modality known to man is believed to be shamanism, one of the oldest divinatory practices in the history of the world. While the mention of shamans conjures up images of dramatic headdresses and trippy experiences, there is in reality a new breed of modern-day shamans who have shrugged off this stereotype, giving rise to the presence of professional shamans who drive wellness treatments at hotels and resorts. Called by many names, from “mudang” in Korea and “Babalawo” in Nigeria to “fugara” among the Bedouins in the Middle East, shamans now play an important wellness role in the world of hospitality.