The Development of Lanna Spa Services for Wellness Tourism project was awarded in December 2018 by the Thailand Research Fund (TRF) as a spearhead project. This one-year project is part of a larger nationwide research effort, the ‘Administrative Plan for Thailand to be A Quality Wellness Tourism Destination’ project (aka the ‘Spa and Sport’ project), led by Prof. Dr. Wipada Kunvaiktikul, which aims to develop Thailand as a health and wellness tourism destination. The parent project is focusing on developing competitive sporting events, such as marathons, cycling, boxing and golf, in Central Thailand, while the spa component emphasizes the integration of traditional healing into spa services in Northern and Southern Thailand. The researchers are from five universities.
Prof. Dr. Areewan Klunklin is the Principal Investigator for the Development of Lanna Spa Services for Wellness Tourism project which focuses on Northern Thailand. The project, which is supported by TRF, is divided into three sub-studies: 1) Lanna Spa Services Model for Wellness Tourism (PI: Assoc. Prof. Nantaporn Sansiriphun); 2) Lanna Spa Accreditation Criteria Development for Wellness Tourism (PI: Prof. Dr. Areewan Klunklin); and 3) Lanna Spa Products for Spa Services for Wellness Tourism (PI: Asst. Prof. Dr. Chaiyavat Chaiyasu from the Chiang Mai University Faculty of Pharmacy). The larger project is also collaborating with the private sector to conduct formative research. These businesses provide spa services and some also have training programs or spa academies for spa service practitioners. Business partners include: Fah Lanna Spa, Health Lanna Spa, Lanna Come Spa, Oasis Spa, Srimantra Spa, and Zira Spa. In addition, Organic Vita Co. Ltd. will help researchers to develop and test new products. Prof. Dr. Areewan has vast experience working with spas and the alternative health sector as she was the founding chair of what is currently known as the Center for the Efficient Development of Health Spa Services at the Faculty of Nursing. This unique center was created in 2003 to promote and train practitioners in Thai traditional alternative therapies, while promoting high standards for practice and delivery.
In 2017 Thailand unveiled the Thailand 4.0 blueprint for the country’s economic development. Part of this vision includes transforming Thailand’s health infrastructure into the premiere medical hub of Southeast Asia by 2025. This funding will undoubtedly support the development of this ambitious vision. This grant was awarded to address three primary aims: to better understand what comprises a Lanna, or Northern Thai, health spa; to create standards and criteria for certifying Lanna health spas, and to create spa products integrating traditional Northern Thai herbal remedies.
The first study, a situational analysis of Lanna health spas, has been completed. This was a mixed method study utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Several types of key informants were included: spa owners, managers, trainers, and therapists, as well as Lanna historians and community elders. These key informants provided information on Lanna wisdom and traditions, the current status of Lanna-style spas, how Lanna-style spa services could be integrated into current spa services, and recommending types of Lanna therapeutic traditions for use across the lifespan - specifically among infants, adults, older adults, and pregnant women. Therapeutic recommendations were then pilot tested using a classic experimental/control design to see how these treatments affected stress and relaxation as measured through blood pressure, blood circulation, and saliva cortisol levels.
The second study, to explore Lanna identity and develop criteria for certifying Lanna health spas is currently underway. A literature review has been completed and the study is currently in the interviewing stage. Both the literature review and the interviews are gathering information on aspects of Lanna wisdom, culture, history, and tradition. This data will provide insight into different aspects of images, tastes, scents, sounds, and touch that embody the Lanna identity. Once data collection is complete, researchers will develop a certification process and a set of criteria for certifying Lanna health spas. This will be reviewed by the study’s partners from the business community for feasibility.
The third study is working to identify Lanna herbal remedies for use in a line of products developed specifically for this project. To achieve this, two medicinal herbs were identified through a literature review: Kaempferiamarginata Carey and Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers. K. marginata Carey, also known as sand ginger, is a type of galangal and was used as a traditional cosmetic. It is an antioxidant and reduces inflammation, relives pain, and can be used as a sleep aid. L. cubeba (Lour.) Pers. is more commonly known as May Chang and is widely used as an essential oil and in Northern Thai cuisine. It is used to increase blood circulation and to aid digestion and relaxation. In the past, Northern Thais have used it in shampoo, soap, and lotion. The study is currently testing the clinical effects of both herbs as well as feasibility of their use in spa products. A strong unpleasant smell or an unappealing texture could disqualify either of these herbs from further development. When this stage of the study is complete, Organic Vita, a Chiang Mai-based company experienced in making herbal drinks and cosmetics, will begin developing products using the herb. All products will be tested for safety and practitioner and customer satisfaction.
This innovative formative research project will be completed in December 2019 and will hopefully lead to renewal. Prof. Dr. Areewan is gratified that alternative therapies have been recognized through such a substantial grant. “This grant represents all of the hard work that the Faculty of Nursing has done as a pioneer in promoting and training alternative healing. There is a wealth of health wisdom in Northern Thailand and I am pleased that we can back it up through evidence based academic research”.