Category: Interview

The perfect integration of technology and manual physiotherapy accelerates the repair process and improves sports performance. The combination of specific frequency 448kHz and 20kHz leads to unlimited possibilities in sport medicine. Interview with Mr. Marc Ignasi Corral Baqués(PhD), the Medical Expert of INDIBA S.A.

As the market leader in Proionic treatment, INDIBA is accelerating the natural recovery of the body and restoring vitality.

INDIBA ACTIV, the pioneer of RF technology that helps people recover faster from injuries and helps professionals improve their sports performance, can be used in key areas including Rehabilitation, Sports Physio, Pelvic Health and Physio Aesthetics.

INDIBA ACTIV treatments can be integrated with manual physiotherapy to enhance the outcomes, accelerate the repair process of damaged tissue, as well as treat sports injuries and improve athletic performance.

The 109th Tour de France, which started on 1 July in Copenhagen and finished on 24 July on the Champs Elysées in Paris, a 21-stage, 23-day race, combined some of the most challenging cycling routes and natural conditions in the world. INDIBA worked closely with the Astana, Movistar and Arkéa-Samsic cycling teams throughout the event, providing radiofrequency therapy to help each athlete recover faster and be ready for the next stage of the race.

“Our technology can largely benefit the sporting events, teams and individual athletes we support, helping them to finish the competition healthily and achieve the best possible athletic performance,” Dr. Baqués said.

Andrés Iniesta, the famous Spanish football player and one of the best midfield stars in the world played for the La Liga team Barcelona as a midfielder or winger from his debut until May 2018. He has won a total of 35 championship trophies in his career, and won the treble twice with Barcelona in 2009 and 2015. He is currently playing for the Japanese team Vissel Kobe and has brought his INDIBA CT9 device to Japan to ensure he was treated with the most cutting-edge technology whilst on the road.

There are many famous sport teams and athletes around the world who have benefited from INDIBA technology to become top players in their field. INDIBA can be used for daily rehabilitation to improve post-sports muscle pain, or to treat sports injuries. For more  examples, please visit the Hall of Fame page on the brand’s website to find out more https://www.indiba.com/ia/hall-of-fame/.

See below for details of the effects and a Q&A with Mr. Marc Ignasi Corral Baqués (PhD), the Medical Expert of INDIBA S.A.

For Rehabilitation

Who are the people needing the treatments INDIBA® ACTIV provides?

It is for people suffering from common skeletal and muscular injuries, such as osteoarthritis, tendon injuries, joint pain, muscle tears, spasms, etc, or those undergoing fracture surgery and joint replacement etc., INDIBA® ACTIV rehabilitation treatments help them recover sooner and in a better condition, to normal life.

Since 2011, González de Vega has reported his experience on more than 500 patients treated with INDIBA® ACTIV with excellent results.

What kind of effects can INDIBA® ACTIV bring to them?

What makes INDIBA® ACTIV unique is its versatility in rehab, especially due to its different effects: relieves pain, eliminates swelling, increases tissue ductility (improves ROM), accelerates wound healing, promotes blood circulation.

How often do people need to have the INDIBA® ACTIV treatments to be total recovered?

There is no simple answer to this question, as the type of conditions that INDIBA® ACTIV can treat is very wide. Acute conditions require less session, in comparison to chronic that may need many sessions. Also is relevant whether the etiology (cause of the disorder) is being treated or not. For instance, with fracture problems, if the alignment of the fracture is not dealt with, INDIBA® ACTIV treatments can just relieve pain and improve circulation.

What issues need to be paid attention to during the Rehabilitation treatments?

First of all, if there is any condition that could contraindicate the use of INDIBA, they are electronic implants, pregnancy or thrombosis. On the treatment side, it is important to know that INDIBA can be applied in combination with massage or mobilization of muscles, to enhance its effects. In this case, the therapists who deliver the treatments need to have obtained certain qualifications in rehabilitation medicine.

What kind of licenses are needed to provide the Rehabilitation treatments?

Physiotherapists, rehabilitation physicians or professionals with equivalent medical education who have undergone specialist training in INDIBA® ACTIV.

For Sports Physio

Why are Sports Physio services so very much needed these days?

With COVID-19 pandemic and work-from-home has become the new norm, a lot of people started to feel the need to sport as a means of escape, and most of them were not trained nor prepared, and that has been a cause of many injuries. But not only pandemics is responsible, people also want to be healthier, feel better and look better, and sports is one of the main ways to achieve it, and as more people practice sports, more people may be in the need of sports physio services.

Are you working with professional sports players worldwide to aid their recovery?

Yes, INDIBA® ACTIV is used by many professional athletes and their rehabilitation teams around the world, and they are all loyal users, including some Olympic training centres, football team players (e.g. Messi, Neymar), elite tennis players (e.g. Nadal, Muguruza). INDIBA® ACTIV is also invited to provide medical coverage and rehabilitation advice at professional events, such as the Australian Open Tennis Championship, NBA, FIFA, NFL, WTA etc. Recently, we are invited to provide medical support for the Tour de France2022, which started on 1 July in Copenhagen, Denmark and finished on 24 July on the Champs-Elysées in Paris, France.

What kind of effects can INDIBA® ACTIV bring to them?

INDIBA® ACTIV can help prevent or reduce the risk of sports injuries, ensure athletes’ performance and athletic status, promote lactic acid metabolism, relieve muscle soreness and get athletes to the next competition cycle as quickly as possible. At the same time, INDIBA® ACTIV can treat both acute and chronic injuries to keep athletes in good health.

What kind of sports injuries do you usually see among regular sports and fitness fans, and how can INDIBA® ACTIV help?

Swollen, inflamed and painful tissues due to knee and ankle injuries, which are most common in running, can be treated by INDIBA® ACTIV with a combination of manual treatments to reduce inflammation and swelling and thus relieve pain. For muscle strains after playing badminton, we can intervene in the acute phase with sub-thermal treatments. For pelvic floor pain, which is very common among cyclists, we use intracavitary electrodes to reach the affected area.

For Pelvic Health

Why is Pelvic Health important?

The pelvis and its associated muscles and organs play an important role in the body and are responsible for a range of basic functions, including bladder and bowel control, sexual function, breathing, urination, pregnancy and childbirth. These basic functions are essential to an individual’s health. In addition to significantly affecting one’s physical health, it may also have an impact on mental and sexual health. Furthermore, pelvic health disorders can be long-lasting and in some cases can cause chronic pain and discomfort.

How big is the market demand?

The prevalence of pelvic floor disorders is increasing globally and this figure is set to rise by 35% by 2030. Currently, at least 25% of women already have pelvic problems. Of course, men also have corresponding pelvic problems that are of equal concern.

What kind of treatments can INDIBA® ACTIV provide and what kind of effects does INDIBA® ACTIV bring to them?

INDIBA® ACTIV can treat a wide range of pelvic problems including inflammation, chronic pelvic pain, vaginal dryness, anal fissures, postpartum recovery, perineotomy recovery, caesarean section and other surgical recovery. Adherence to such treatments can promote faster tissue healing, reduce pain and discomfort, reduce swelling and increase local blood flow. Different from other treatments, INDIBA® ACTIV treatments can treat acute, sub-acute and chronic pelvic problems alike. And both long term disorders and short term pain can be dealt with.

For Physio Aesthetics

What is Physio Aesthetics?

Physio Aesthetics is the physiological and aesthetic indicator of one’s state of health. So physio aesthetics problems is a reflection of health problems.

Why did INDIBA® ACTIV create the Physio Aesthetics treatment?

Many patients under physiotherapy treatment, due to their condition, may develop aesthetic conditions that could somehow interfere with their recovery, e.g. Cesarean section recovery, as skin flaccidity or retractile scars. In this sense, these treatments aim to help the professional to offer an integral treatment of their patients.

What is unique about this treatment?

Both physio aesthetics problems visible to the naked eye and the invisible ones caused by internal tissue densification can be treated with INDIBA®ACTIV. For example, internal tissue densification can be treated with INDIBA®ACTIV FASCIA kit for fascial treatment.

Who are the people that need Physio Aesthetics treatment?

Actually all of us are at risk of physio aesthetic problems. Physio aesthetic problems are not only the visible ones. Many are inside the body and only through professional assessment can they be discovered.

What kind of results and effects can Physio Aesthetics treatment bring?

Results belong to two different areas, those that can be seen, such as quality of skin and body contouring, or those that cannot be seen, such as well-being and better self-esteem after the improvement of physical appearance.

Interview with Mr. Randy Shimabuku,
General Manager of Four Seasons Resorts Bali

Showcasing Bali at its authentic best, Four Seasons offers two distinct experiences. The iconic all-villa beach retreat of Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay cascades down 14 hectares of hilly headland and tropical water gardens adorned with hundreds of statues and shrines, to the sparkling Indian Ocean. Signature experiences include onsite Cooking Academy, a curative journey at The Healing Village Spa, surfing tours with Tropicsurf, and all-day dining and beach club at Sundara. In the central highlands near Ubud, Four Seasons Sayan invites you to an intimate hideaway nestled between two rivers. Entrance to this architectural icon is via a footbridge high above the treetops, which brings you to a stunning rooftop lobby pond to start your descent into paradise. Retreat from the world in spacious suites and private villas submerged in the jungle and embark on a culinary journey at Sokasi cooking school. Visit Sacred River Spa for chakra-rebalancing treatments, meet the resident Wellness Mentor for meditation and a Sacred Nap, and take a private rafting journey down the Ayung River.

Recently, Mr. Randy Shimabuku has been appointed General Manager of Four Seasons Resorts Bali, taking leadership of the two iconic resorts at Jimbaran Bay and Sayan at a critical time as Bali reopens to the world. The appointment marks an exciting new chapter as the Bali resorts unveil a brand new spa, new culinary team and immersive experiences that showcase the island’s vibrant culture and diverse landscapes.

“As a leader, you have to be inspired and enriched in order to enrich others,” says Randy. “There’s so much inspiration in Bali, I feel like a kid again. I want to soak it all in and learn about their culture, their foods, their traditions – that sense of community is as important to our company culture as it is to the guest experience.”

A member of the ‘Three Continents Club’ – having worked across North America, Africa and Asia at nine properties in his 34 years-and-counting with Four Seasons – Randy’s credentials are impressive. His journey with Four Seasons has taken him from Toronto to Tokyo, Beverly Hills to Kuala Lumpur, and to more than his share of crises including not one but two revolutions during his eight years as General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence.  Most recently, he was the host-extraordinaire as General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, where he oversaw major renovations and led the team to stellar results in guest service and employee satisfaction.

“Coming from Hawaii, the ‘Island Mentality’ is very deep in my DNA. Being more aware of myself and open to learning as much as teaching, is the only way to truly maximize my exposure to everything a new destination has to offer,” said Randy Shimabuku. SpaChina interviewed him.

How do you see worldwide travel trends now, especially after Covid?

With Bali reopening to the world, guests are seeking longer stays, private activities and wellness offerings throughout every element of their resort stay, from the food menus to in-room amenities and of course deeply nurturing treatments at the Spa.

At The Healing Village Spa, the average duration of our treatments has increased by over 50%, as guests are now wanting more than just a massage. They are adding on body treatments like scrubs and wraps, crystal and colour therapy, sound healing meditation, facials, and packages combined with yoga, culture and culinary offerings. To cater for this, we have launched a number of new packages such as our Spa and Afternoon Tea package, and the Tennis, Spa and Breakfast Package on our grandslam quality hard court.

I’ve heard people call it revenge spending – they are making up for lost time and putting their wellbeing as their top priority, both at home and when travelling.

We know Four Seasons always provides strong availability and accessibility to a wide range of wellness professionals and practitioners, including ones offering holistic and alternative modalities. What about Four Seasons Bali?

We are thrilled to be reviving our International Visiting Practitioners program at our two spas in Bali starting this July, following the opening of Indonesia’s borders. World-leading experts such as energy healer Rashdy Ahmad, psychic medium Marco Della Vaile, shaman energy healer Marianna Jacobs, and world-renowned astrologer Debbie Frank will be available exclusively for guests of Four Seasons Resorts Bali. This program enhances our weekly wellness program and complements the traditional Balinese healers and therapists who we partner with.

What are the highlights in terms of the “sustainable” concept for Four Seasons Bali? Do you have any substantial sustainability policies and practices?

Four Seasons Resorts Bali has a very stringent and robust sustainability program, as part of our commitment to minimize our impact on the environment. Beyond waste management programs which have been established since the resort’s opening, we have continued to innovate in the area of sustainability and have created experiences for guests to get involved directly at the resort. We have our own water purification plant to supply drinking water in all guest rooms, and we are now offering guests the opportunity to tour Bali with the island’s first electric cars. Our traditional architecture also reflects sustainable design principles, and our Telu bar (opened in 2021) is made 100% from upcycled materials, salvaged and repurposed to create a vibrant new venue where our bartenders lead sustainable cocktail workshops for guests.

In what ways does Four Seasons Bali consider the quality-of-life for locals who benefit from tourism, the creation of jobs within the industry, and the creation of a market for locally-made products and services? Could you share some of these with us?

There is no understating the important role that tourism plays on the local economy, and on the livelihoods of Balinese people through investment, employment and locally-sourced goods and services. We prioritise local sourcing for the majority of our Food & Beverage operations as well as room amenities and building amenities. During the Covid-imposed border closure, we are proud to say we did not let any of our local staff go. Some staff who had been with us since the resort’s opening chose to take voluntary retirement on full benefits; their loyalty is greatly appreciated and we recognize that and returned that loyalty in full. We are truly a business powered by people, and nothing is more rewarding than seeing our staff and the communities in which we operate, develop and grow with us.

Another example of this is our ongoing outreach program with breast cancer survivors from the Bali Pink Fighters, a support group of the Pink Ribbon Foundation. Our Spa therapists have completed specialist training accredited by the Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care, and use bespoke oils to soothe dry or radiation-irritated skin, release scar tissue and provide lymph support. The groundbreaking treatment is available for anyone, at any time during their cancer journey, and is as much about emotional nurturing as physical and mental. We provide complimentary Cancer Care Massages and yoga classes to women from the Bali Pink Fighters, as part of our support of the local community.

How important are natural assets important for the wellness destinations?

The connection between nature and wellness is extremely important for all of us, and is intrinsic to Balinese culture and the wellbeing experiences we offer at both resorts. Whether it’s a spa treatment on the edge of Jimbaran Bay to the soundtrack of the ocean, or a Sacred Nap amidst the rice fields at Sayan where you are rocked to sleep like a baby by Ibu Fera while listening to the songbirds – the beauty and power of nature offers a sensory immersion that is incredible soothing and healing. It’s the foundation for every aspect of our resorts, from the indoor-outdoor architecture to the spa and dining experiences, and local cultural discoveries.

Please recommend some wellness and sustainable packages to our readers for each of these two Four Seasons Resorts.

At Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, the 3-day wellness package Elevated By Energy celebrates the launch of the Healing Village Spa, and aims to detoxify and invigorate from head to toe, using age-old Balinese rituals and revolutionary thermotherapy. At Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, the 4-day wellness package Guided By Gratitude has been curated by resident wellness mentor and former Buddhist nun, Ibu Fera, and is for anyone who needs time out to restore inner peace and strength, and rediscover gratitude for the simple things in life.

Interview with Mr. Simon McHendry, General Manager, The Temple House

The Temple House is one of four Houses in The House Collective and is located in the heart of Chengdu within the Sino-Ocean Taikoo Li, a bustling open-plan shopping area. The 100-room House and its 42 serviced residences form an integral part of the city government’s conservation project to preserve the surrounding heritage buildings next to the thousand-year-old Daci Temple. Elegant bamboo trees frame the House’s entrance, which is set in a beautifully restored Chinese courtyard built in the Qing Dynasty.

 Mi Xun houses the award-winning spa, which includes a pool and fitness centre, as well as Michelin-starred teahouse serving vegetarian Sichuan cuisine. The Temple House also offers a dynamic collection of outlets including The Temple Café – the all-day dining restaurant, Tivano – a Michelin guide recommended Italian restaurant, and Jing Bar – a lively bar featuring live music.

In 2019, Mr Simon McHendry relocated to Chengdu and took on the role of General Manager at The Temple House. Having been a part of the Swire Hotels family for over six years in both The House Collective and EAST brands, and with 20 years of hospitality industry experience, Simon embodies the Swire culture as well as a wealth of knowledge and experience in both back-of-house and front-of-house operations.

As one of the most popular and award-winning hotel in China, The Temple House always carries a strong sustainable concept during its daily operation. SpaChina interviewed Mr Simon McHendry to learn about their sustainable practices.

How do you see China travel trends now, especially after Covid?

In my opinion, consumers are looking more into wellness and sustainable living, and their spending habits reflect this trend. Guests also tend to be more health conscious and health and safety is a greater consideration when hotel choices are made. Additionally, experience will always be a priority, so engaging hospitality and the introduction of new initiatives and service offerings continue to be of utmost importance. Travellers would probably seek out places that they can fully trust to give them a good balance between wellbeing and an impeccable guest experience.

The Temple House provides variety, availability and accessibility to a range of health and wellness professionals and practitioners activities and events. What kind of activities and events do you usually host?

At The Temple House, we have on-going wellness initiatives from healthy menu selection at our restaurants to cross-brand collaborations to create unique experiences for our guest. We provide integrated wellness offerings, including a unique Bamboo Massage taking from local inspiration, fitness programmes, and regular yoga classes favourited by House friends every Saturday morning. We also offer a bike tour for in-house guests every Sunday morning to cycle around our historic neighborhood as well as some other exciting places of interest on handmade bamboo bikes.

Additionally, we host diverse wellness activities monthly in cooperation with different brands and partners. We’ve conducted outdoor running, yoga, water meditation, and sleep therapy training to promote stillness, happiness and well-being with our guests and communities. We’ve created amazing experiences for groups of like-minded people who also share the same interests and passions.

Recently, we’ve worked with SpaChina to bring its readers and our House friends livestream yoga classes, which allowed participants to find inner peace and joy with our instructor to practice meditation, deep breathing and stretches at home.

What are The Temple House highlights in terms of the “sustainable” concept?

People are what makes us different. At The Temple House, sustainability starts with our people. We deploy our philosophy of thinking differently to explore ways that we can drive positive changes in energy conservation, water conservation and waste management while crafting exceptional, more eco-friendly experiences for our guests.

For instance, sustainable seasonal celebrations are a tradition at The Temple House. Every Christmas, we incorporate recycled materials as whimsical and thought-provoking festive decorations for our community-driven tree-lighting ceremony. In the past years, we’ve featured recycled bamboo, recycled glass bottles from guest rooms, upcycled bottles from Tivano and Jing, used tea candle shells from Daci Temple and repurposed wooden floorboards from our House.

We have reduced and removed single-use plastics from our House – replacing all straws, hampers, room amenity wrappers and toothbrushes with products made from biodegradable materials. In our rooms, we have changed all plastic Bamford amenities to aluminium packaging. Additionally, plastic water bottles have been replaced with glass and reusable cloth bags are now provided. Every small change helps us achieve our goal of reducing our carbon footprint.

In what ways does The Temple House consider the quality-of-life for locals who benefit from the creation of a market for locally-made products and services?

The Temple House is located in Chengdu, Sichuan, and nowhere is China’s tea culture better represented than in Sichuan province. As Sichuan’s capital city, Chengdu naturally has its fair share of wonderful teahouses. Many locals, seem to spend all day at our Mi Xun Teahouse, ordering a pot of locally-made jasmine green tea on a beautiful sunny day. Continuing The Temple House’s design theme, the tea house captures authentic elements of Chengdu’s heritage with modern sophistication.

How important are natural and historical assets important for The Temple House?

The overall design of The Temple House respects the local natural landscape, history and cultural elements of Chengdu, and through traditional architectural elements such as bamboo, timber and green bricks, the building is naturally integrated into its surroundings in a modern and unique aesthetic way. Honouring the heritage and cultural touchstones, our House incorporates a number of Chinese courtyards and historic building into the design. The Temple House is an integral component of the Chengdu Daci Temple Cultural and Commercial Complex. To evoke a sense of history, guests enter The Temple House via a beautifully restored Qing Dynasty heritage building. The grand staircase connecting the reception area to the courtyard resembles Sichuan’s steep hillsides while the courtyard’s undulating landscape mirrors the region’s rolling rice fields.

Could you introduce any in-house restaurants or independent restaurants offering healthful cuisine prepared by chefs committed to clean eating and who work in partnership with local growers?

Nestled in a historical heritage Zhanghuali building, our Michelin-starred restaurant – Mi Xun Teahouse is immersed in an ambience of elegance and tranquillity that seems worlds away from the bustling city. Since its opening in 2015, it has immediately become a favourite in the city for its fine tea and delectable vegetarian offerings. The refined vegetarian menu at Mi Xun Teahouse is in turn inspired by the healthy dishes once served at Daci Temple. Whether its signature Sichuanese delicacy – Mapo Tofu and the delightful Handmade Spinach Noodles with Dandan Sauce, the Teahouse’s balanced offerings are light yet tasty and prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. A Sichuan native, our Executive Sous Chef Tony Xu brings more than 20 years of culinary experience. He is very particular with the ingredients he uses and only creates unique, seasonal dishes using the freshest local ingredients of the highest quality. Chef Tony also insists on using traceable ingredients, sourced from farms around Chengdu, and on using natural ingredients rather than synthetic vegetarian meals.

Please recommend some of The Temple House wellness and sustainable packages to our readers. We will soon launch our new summer vegetarian menu at Mi Xun Teahouse. We also have a fantastic selection of wellness packages and treatments at our award-winning Mi Xun Spa including our new Himalayan Crystal Salt Singing Bowl Treatment and Eaglewood Singing Bowl Treatment. Both treatments create an ultimate experience that relax and nourish guest’s body and mind.