Our Shared Ethos
We honor bio-individuality and a whole-body approach; “holistic” is not a box but a conversation about unique needs and paths to balance. We also recognize that practitioners express holism across a spectrum of “Shades of Green,” which is a tool for communication and education, not a label.
Purpose & Scope
The Holistic Spa Alliance (HSA) exists to support spa and wellness professionals with community, clean products, advanced education, and better business practices with a holistic approach. This Code sets expectations for all members, partners, speakers, and participants in HSA spaces—online, at events, and in private communications facilitated by HSA.
1) Client Care & Professional Responsibility
Safety first, always. Prioritize client well-being, accurate intake, and appropriate referrals.
Informed consent. Explain services, expected outcomes, potential sensations/after-effects, and alternatives in clear language; obtain consent before beginning or changing any service.
Scope of practice. Perform only services you are trained and permitted to provide under your local laws and licenses; collaborate and refer when needs fall outside your scope.
Confidentiality. Protect client information and stories; share only with permission or when required by law.
Hygiene & sanitation. Maintain clean workspaces, tools, linens, and personal presentation consistent with local regulations and best practices.
2) Skin-Integrity Philosophy (“Progressive, Not Aggressive”)
Barrier-respecting care. Choose methods that protect the skin barrier and long-term health; favor progressive approaches over aggressive “quick fixes.”
Thoughtful escalation. More intensive methods (e.g., deeper peels, ablative procedures, devices that puncture skin) should never be default choices and only be considered when clinically appropriate, within scope, and with explicit informed consent.
Language matters. Avoid shaming, “bad skin,” or fear-based messaging; educate with empathy and clarity.
3) Product & Materials Standards
Clean, non-toxic commitment. Choose products without dyes, perfumes, unnecessary fillers, or known irritants; be mindful of endocrine disruption and allergens.
Transparency. Represent ingredients, sourcing, and claims honestly; do not mislead about safety or results.
Sustainability awareness. Consider environmental impact in product selection, disposables, laundering, and waste.
4) Education, Events & Mentorship (Pros Only)
Integrity in teaching. Present evidence-informed content aligned with safety, scope, and HSA values.
Hands-on ethics. Obtain consent for demonstrations; honor draping and personal boundaries.
Access & inclusion. Design events that welcome diverse practitioners and learning styles; provide replays/notes when possible.
Representation. When presenting under HSA, uphold brand values of clean practice, community, and practical, immediately useful education.
5) Community Spaces (Private Group, Roundtables, Spotlights)
Respect & inclusion. No harassment, hate speech, personal attacks, or discrimination based on race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, body size, religion, age, gender identity/expression, or sexual orientation.
Constructive sharing. Ask for feedback with openness; respond with kindness and specificity.
No spam/self-promotion. Share offerings in designated threads or with moderator permission; disclose affiliate relationships.
Confidentiality. Stories from roundtables and the private group stay in the group unless you have permission to share.
Spotlights. Practitioner Spotlights must be truthful; testimonials require consent and must not promise medical cures.
6) Marketing & Communication Ethics
Truthful, non-misleading claims. Avoid diagnosing, treating, or curing claims unless you are legally authorized to do so; keep claims within scope and evidence.
Image honesty. Disclose filters/retouching in before-and-after imagery; do not misrepresent results.
Fair competition. No disparagement of peers or brands; focus on your own differentiators.
Privacy compliance. Get permission before using client images, reviews, or stories; honor opt-outs and do not share private group content publicly.
7) Collaboration & The Shades of Green
A spectrum, not a silo. Light, Green, and Dark Green reflect different yet aligned approaches to “clean” products and tools—from nature+science blends to whole-plant traditions. Use the framework to clarify preferences, education paths, and client communication—not to judge. HSA
Mutual respect. Celebrate different expressions of holism; collaborate across shades where values align.
8) Brand & Badge Use
Proud Member Badge. The HSA logo/badge may be displayed by current members to communicate affiliation.
Do not alter. Use provided files; do not modify colors, proportions, or wording.
Truth in affiliation. Remove badge promptly if membership lapses or if HSA requests removal due to a conduct finding.
9) Digital Conduct
Professional tone. Treat emails, DMs, comments, and forum posts as professional communications.
No scraping or solicitation. Do not harvest member contacts for cold outreach; use directories and networking features as intended.
Security. Protect your accounts and client data; report suspected breaches affecting HSA spaces.
10) Reporting, Resolution & Consequences
See something, say something. Report concerns about safety, harassment, misrepresentation, or scope violations via the HSA reporting form or email listed on our site.
Fair process. HSA will review reports, request statements from involved parties, and determine appropriate actions.
Possible actions. Education/coaching, content edits or removals, warnings, temporary suspension, loss of group access, removal from directories, or membership termination.
Appeals. Members may request reconsideration in writing within 14 days of a decision.
11) Commitment & Acknowledgment
By joining or participating in HSA, you agree to follow this Code, applicable laws and regulations in your jurisdiction, and any additional event-specific policies. HSA may update this Code to reflect evolving best practices, safety standards, and community needs.