ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Spa Treatments

Unit 16 - Spa Treatments

Recommended minimum guided learning hours 50
Pre-requisite ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Body Treatments or equivalent
QCA Qualification Accreditation Number: 100/2587/X

Learning Outcome
Students will be able to:

Underpinning Knowledge

1.

Understand and explain the history and

concept of Spas

2.

Understand and explain the importance

of creating and maintaining the
correct atmosphere and ambiance
within a Spa

3.

Understand and explain total care of

the Spa environment

To include:
The Greeks Romans Naturally occurring Spas
Concept of the use of water for treatments
To include:
Ensuring the Spa appeals to the 5 senses:
Touch with massage Sight by changing colours
Sound tranquil music Taste herbal teas
Smell perfumed aromas possibly from essential oils
To include:
All equipment Ensure equipment complies with legal
requirements Wet area Consumables Changing and
relaxation areas

Exfoliation
4.
5.

6.

Understand and explain the various

methods of exfoliation/desquamation
Understand and explain the application
technique for exfoliation and
desquamation and the point in the
treatment at which they should be used

To include:
Salt scrubs General scrubs Peels Body brushing
To include:
Salt scrubs General scrubs Peels Body brushing

Understand and explain the

contraindications to treatment

With medical, GP or specialist permission In

circumstances where written medical permission
cannot be obtained the client must sign an informed
consent stating that the treatment and its effects has
been fully explained to them and confirm that they are
willing to proceed without permission from their G.P.
or specialist
Pregnancy Cardio vascular conditions
(thrombosis, phlebitis, hypertension, hypotension,
heart conditions)
Haemophilia Any condition already being treated by a
GP or another complementary practitioner Medical
oedema Osteoporosis Arthritis Nervous/Psychotic
conditions Epilepsy Recent operations Diabetes
Asthma Any dysfunction of the nervous system (e.g.
Muscular sclerosis, Parkinsons disease, Motor neurone
disease) Bells Palsy Trapped/Pinched nerve (e.g.
sciatica) Inflamed nerve Cancer Postural deformities
Spastic conditions Kidney infections Whiplash
Slipped disc Undiagnosed pain When taking
prescribed medication Acute rheumatism
Contraindications that restrict treatment
Fever Contagious or infectious diseases
Under the influence of recreational drugs or alcohol
Diarrhoea and vomiting Skin diseases Undiagnosed
lumps and bumps Localised swelling Inflammation
Varicose veins Pregnancy (abdomen) Cuts Bruises
Abrasions Scar tissues (2 years for major operation and
6 months for a small scar) Sunburn Hormonal implants
Abdomen (first few days of menstruation depending how
the client feels) Haematoma Hernia Recent fractures
(minimum 3 months) Cervical spondylitis Gastric ulcers
After a heavy meal Conditions affecting the neck

ITEC Unit 16 Spa Treatments Syllabus September 2007 Page 1

Exfoliation should always take place at the beginning of a

Spa treatment plan NEVER after any form of heat has
been applied to the skin
Steam and Sauna
7.

Understand and explain the therapeutic

effects of Steam and Sauna treatments

8.

Understand and explain the differences

between wet and dry heat

9.

Understand and explain the safety

procedures required for each treatment

10. Understand and explain the

contraindications to Steam and Sauna

To include:
Cleanses by perspiration Relaxation
Relaxes muscles prior to deeper treatment
To include:
Steam produces wet heat Sauna produces dry heat
Both methods deep cleanse
To include:
Ensure the cabinets are wiped out with sterilising
solution after every treatment
Ensure the benches are covered with clean paper
towels for each client
Ensure the client showers before entering the cabinet
and that swimwear or similar is worn
Ensure that the treatment is explained to the client
before commencement
Ensure the correct temperature is adhered to
Check temperature gauge
Ensure the client stays in the sauna/steam room
for maximum 10 minutes
After 10 minutes they should take a warm shower or
plunge in a warm pool (not freezing)
Ensure the client drinks plenty of water
Ensure that the client rests in the rest area and allows
the body temperature to return to normal before leaving
the Spa
With medical, GP or specialist permission In
circumstances where written medical permission
cannot be obtained the client must sign an informed
consent stating that the treatment and its effects has
been fully explained to them and confirm that they are
willing to proceed without permission from their G.P.
or specialist
Pregnancy Cardio vascular conditions
(thrombosis, phlebitis, hypertension, hypotension,
heart conditions) Haemophilia Any condition
already being treated by a GP or another
complementary practitioner Medical oedema
Osteoporosis Arthritis Nervous/Psychotic conditions
Epilepsy Recent operations Diabetes Asthma
Any dysfunction of the nervous system (e.g.
Muscular sclerosis, Parkinsons disease, Motor
neurone disease) Bells Palsy Trapped/Pinched
nerve (e.g. sciatica) Inflamed nerve Cancer
Postural deformities Spastic conditions Kidney
infections Whiplash Slipped disc Undiagnosed
pain When taking prescribed medication Acute
rheumatism
Contraindications that restrict treatment
Fever Contagious or infectious diseases
Under the influence of recreational drugs or alcohol
Diarrhoea and vomiting Skin diseases Undiagnosed
lumps and bumps Localised swelling Inflammation
Varicose veins Pregnancy (abdomen) Cuts Bruises
Abrasions Scar tissues (2 years for major operation and
6 months for a small scar) Sunburn Hormonal implants
Abdomen (first few days of menstruation depending
how the client feels) Haematoma Hernia Recent
fractures (minimum 3 months) Cervical spondylitis
Gastric ulcers After a heavy meal Conditions affecting
the neck

ITEC Unit 16 Spa Treatments Syllabus September 2007 Page 2

11. Understand and explain the

importance of relaxation after
treatment and care of the relaxation
area

To allow the body temperature to return to normal

The possible consequences of not doing so should be
known:
Dehydration Fainting Heart attack Coronary
Collapse

12. Understand and explain the correct

procedure for treatment

Ensure the cabinet is wiped out with sterilising solution

regularly
Ensure the benches are covered with clean towels for
each client
Ensure the client showers before entering the cabinet
and that swimwear or similar is worn
Ensure that the treatment is explained to the client
before commencement
Ensure the correct temperature is adhered to
Ensure the client stays in the sauna/steam for
maximum 10 minutes
After 10 minutes they should take a warm shower or
plunge in a warm pool (not freezing)
Ensure that clients rest in the relaxation area or suite of
relaxation rooms in the case of a Turkish bath and allow
the body temperature to return to normal before
showering and leaving the Spa
If individual steam cabinets are used, a towel should be
placed around the neck area to stop the steam escaping
from the cabinet, otherwise the procedure is the same

13. Understand and explain the correct

hygiene procedures

Ensure the cabinet is wiped out with sterilising solution

regularly
Ensure the benches are covered with clean towels for
each client
Ensure the client showers before entering the cabinet
and that swimwear or similar is worn
If individual steam baths are used, a towel should be
placed around the neck area to stop the steam escaping
from the cabinet
Check the up to date procedure with St Johns/Andrews
ambulance or Red Cross

14. Understand and explain the first aid

for heat exhaustion, burns and fainting

Bodymasks/Wraps
15. Understand, explain and ensure
appropriate client care at all times

To include:
Checking consultation and contraindications
Explain the treatment to the client
Use appropriate protective sheets for the couch and
floor area
Help the client onto the couch protecting the clients
modesty at all times
Underwear must be worn (paper pants are acceptable)
Ensure that all parts of the client are covered except
the area being treated
Cleanse the feet with an appropriate sanitiser
Wash own hands
Keep ensuring that the client is comfortable
Adapt the treatment to suit the needs of the client as
part of a weight loss programme or skin treatment
Apply the mask/wrap in accordance with
manufacturers instruction
Wrap the client in sheets/blankets/thermal blanket,
whichever is most appropriate to the treatment, for the
required treatment time
Remove the mask/wrap at the end of the treatment
Help the client off the couch protecting their modesty at
all times

ITEC Unit 16 Spa Treatments Syllabus September 2007 Page 3

16. Understand and explain

contraindications to wraps and masks

17. Understand, explain and select a

suitable mask for the area to be treated
18. Understand and explain the
ingredients and their function in
accordance with the
manufacturers details
19. Understand, explain and apply the
mask/wrap appropriately
20. Understand, explain and demonstrate
thorough removal after treatment time
has elapsed
21. Understand, explain and update client
records accordingly

With medical, GP or specialist permission In

circumstances where written medical permission
cannot be obtained the client must sign an informed
consent stating that the treatment and its effects has
been fully explained to them and confirm that they are
willing to proceed without permission from their G.P.
or specialist
Pregnancy Cardio vascular conditions
(thrombosis, phlebitis, hypertension, hypotension,
heart conditions) Haemophilia Any condition
already being treated by a GP or another
complementary practitioner Medical oedema
Osteoporosis Arthritis Nervous/Psychotic conditions
Epilepsy Recent operations Diabetes Asthma
Any dysfunction of the nervous system (e.g.
Muscular sclerosis, Parkinsons disease, Motor
neurone disease) Bells Palsy Trapped/Pinched
nerve (e.g. sciatica) Inflamed nerve Cancer
Postural deformities Spastic conditions Kidney
infections Whiplash Slipped disc Undiagnosed
pain When taking prescribed medication Acute
rheumatism
Contraindications that restrict treatment
Fever Contagious or infectious diseases
Under the influence of recreational drugs or alcohol
Diarrhoea and vomiting Skin diseases Undiagnosed
lumps and bumps Localised swelling Inflammation
Varicose veins Pregnancy (abdomen) Cuts Bruises
Abrasions Scar tissues (2 years for major operation and
6 months for a small scar) Sunburn Hormonal implants
Abdomen (first few days of menstruation depending
how the client feels) Haematoma Hernia Recent
fractures (minimum 3 months) Cervical spondylitis
Gastric ulcers After a heavy meal Conditions affecting
the neck
Natural Specialised Anti-cellulite Firming/contouring
Moisturising Paraffin wax Mud Detox Seaweed
Mineral
Natural Specialised Anti-cellulite Firming/contouring
Moisturising Paraffin wax Mud Detox Herbal
Seaweed Mineral
Following manufacturers instructions
Following manufacturers instructions
To include:
Treatment plan Any reactions during treatment
Any home care advice given

ITEC Unit 16 Spa Treatments Syllabus September 2007 Page 4

Sea Water and Seaweed Treatments

22. Understand and explain the
contraindications to seaweed treatments

With medical, GP or specialist permission In

circumstances where written medical permission
cannot be obtained the client must sign an informed
consent stating that the treatment and its effects has
been fully explained to them and confirm that they are
willing to proceed without permission from their G.P.
or specialist
Pregnancy Cardio vascular conditions
(thrombosis, phlebitis, hypertension, hypotension,
heart conditions) Haemophilia Any condition
already being treated by a GP or another
complementary practitioner Medical oedema
Osteoporosis Arthritis Nervous/Psychotic conditions
Epilepsy Recent operations Diabetes Asthma Any
dysfunction of the nervous system (e.g. Muscular sclerosis,
Parkinsons disease, Motor neurone disease) Bells Palsy
Trapped/Pinched nerve (e.g. sciatica)
Inflamed nerve Cancer Postural deformities
Spastic conditions Kidney infections Whiplash
Slipped disc Undiagnosed pain When taking
prescribed medication Acute rheumatism
Contraindications that restrict treatment
Fever Contagious or infectious diseases
Under the influence of recreational drugs or alcohol
Diarrhoea and vomiting Skin diseases Undiagnosed
lumps and bumps Localised swelling Inflammation
Varicose veins Pregnancy (abdomen) Cuts Bruises
Abrasions Scar tissues (2 years for major operation and
6 months for a small scar) Sunburn Hormonal implants
Abdomen (first few days of menstruation depending
how the client feels) Haematoma Hernia Recent
fractures (minimum 3 months) Cervical spondylitis
Gastric ulcers After a heavy meal Conditions affecting
the neck

23. Understand and explain the different

types of seaweed and their uses
24. Understand and explain the benefits
of seaweed treatments

To include:
Brown Red Green Blue/green
To include:
Deep cleansing Detoxifying
Stimulating to the metabolism Weight loss
To include:
Concept and origins of seaweed
To include:
Masks Baths Creams Thalassotherapy
To include:
Masks Baths Creams

25. Understand the history of seaweed

treatments
26. Understand and explain the
application of seaweed treatments
27. Understand and explain the home
care procedure

Water Treatment
28. Understand and explain the various
ways in which water is treated to
maintain hygiene
29. Understand and explain how the
treatment of the water may affect
the hydrotherapy treatment
30. Understand and explain the changes
which occur in the body once it
is immersed in water

To include:
Water testing kit Ozone Chlorine Salt
To include:
Ozone Chlorine Salt Temperature
To include:
Buoyancy Effect on the skin Relaxation of the muscles

ITEC Unit 16 Spa Treatments Syllabus September 2007 Page 5

Hydrotherapy
31. Understand and explain the
contraindications to
hydrotherapy treatment

With medical, GP or specialist permission In

circumstances where written medical permission
cannot be obtained the client must sign an informed
consent stating that the treatment and its effects has
been fully explained to them and confirm that they are
willing to proceed without permission from their G.P.
or specialist
Pregnancy Cardio vascular conditions (thrombosis,
phlebitis, hypertension, hypotension, heart conditions)
Haemophilia Any condition already being treated by a
GP or another practitioner Medical oedema
Osteoporosis Arthritis
Nervous/Psychotic conditions Epilepsy Recent
operations Diabetes Asthma Any dysfunction of
the nervous system (e.g. Muscular sclerosis,
Parkinsons disease, Motor neurone disease)
Bells Palsy Trapped/Pinched nerve (e.g. sciatica)
Inflamed nerve Cancer Postural deformities
Spastic conditions Kidney infections Whiplash
Slipped disc Undiagnosed pain When taking prescribed
medication Acute rheumatism
Contraindications that restrict treatment
Fever Contagious or infectious diseases Under the
influence of recreational drugs or alcohol Diarrhoea and
vomiting Skin diseases Undiagnosed lumps and bumps
Localised swelling Inflammation
Varicose veins Pregnancy (abdomen) Cuts Bruises
Abrasions Scar tissues (2 years for major operation and
6 months for a small scar) Sunburn Hormonal implants
Abdomen (first few days of menstruation depending how
the client feels) Haematoma Hernia Recent fractures
(minimum 3 months) Cervical spondylitis Gastric ulcers
After a heavy meal Conditions affecting the neck

32. Understand and explain the benefits

of hydrotherapy treatment

To include:
Kneipp theory
Spa pool originally known as a Jacuzzi, underwater jet
massage
Jet shower (blitz/scotch) A lymphatic drainage massage
with a high pressure jet of water where the temperature
can be altered depending upon the type of treatment
required e.g. toning or relaxation
Hydrotherapy bath A foam aerated bath whereby
ozone and/or oxygen are pumped through the bath.
Alternatively underwater jets move along the reflex points
of the body for massage treatment or the foam and jet
massage can be combined in a treatment Some baths
also have a separate hose which can be used by a
therapist to give underwater massage.
Affusion (Swiss shower) - This is where a client lies on a
wet bed whilst a shower emits fine raindrops form above.
A therapist then proceeds to massage the client whilst the
shower continues. The temperature is controlled
depending upon the results required. Alternatively the
shower can be used to rinse off wraps, masks scrubs
Flotation bath, tank, pool, bed

ITEC Unit 16 Spa Treatments Syllabus September 2007 Page 6

33. Understand and explain the procedure

for each treatment
34. Understand and explain the safety
precautions to be taken with all of
the above

35. Understand and explain any home

care advice

Treatment Evidence
4 Spa treatments to be performed and
outcomes documented. Evidence must
include 4 exfoliations and 4 body
wraps/masks

To include:
Spa Pool Jet shower (blitz/scotch) Hydrotherapy bath
Affusion (Swiss shower) Flotation
To include:
Ensure safety handles are available to ensure clients
dont slip check the temperature gauge
Never leave the client unattended
Ensure a panic button is available (particularly for
foam baths)
When using the hydrotherapy bath ensure the water
is drained before the client attempts to get out
Ensure clients get up slowly
Ensure clients shower then relax until the body
temperature returns to normal before dressing
Ensure the water is the correct temperature for
the treatment
Ensure the water has been treated appropriately
(spa pools)
Ensure the entire spa area complies with health safety
and hygiene regulations
To include:
Diet Exercise Use of creams Baths Masks
To include:

Consultation
Medical History
Treatment Details
Client Feedback
Aftercare and Home care Advice

3 Spa client consultations and

instructions must be carried out to set
Treatments should be evidenced through the consultation
up, monitor and shut down the following; form for Spa treatment. See www.itecworld.co.uk for a sample
steam, sauna and hydrotherapy.
consultation form and evidence treatments guidance form
Outcomes must be documented as part
of the client care and treatment process
These are internally assessed by the
college lecturer and verified by the ITEC
practical Examiner

ITEC Unit 16 Spa Treatments Syllabus September 2007 Page 7