Do health spas need more strict regulations?

A Quebec woman has died after undergoing an overnight detoxification spa treatment in which she was covered in mud, wrapped in plastic and blankets and put in a cardboard box.

At least 10 people were undergoing an intense sweating detox program at this Quebec farmhouse when two of them were rushed to hospital unconscious. One woman later died. (Radio-Canada) The woman, 35, died late Friday afternoon in a Drummondville hospital, said Quebec provincial police.

She was one of two women taken to hospital after falling unconscious Friday. At least 10 people were undergoing the detox process at the time.

The CBCNews.ca story prompted a discussion about regulation alternative health and spa treatments in the comments.

"Vanity is a powerful motivator that lulls some women and men to these spas without any concern as to whether the operators are certified," said Measured Words.

"When will society and our legal system going to hold these wackjob 'health' spas and systems to account?" asked saskatchewinner.


"As a naturopathic doctor, cleanses and hydrotherapy can be extremely effective, but to the untrained it can be fatal. Ironically, the powers that be are still preventing the naturopathic profession in Quebec to be licensed so that the public can be confident in licensed and PROPERLY trained practitioners," wrote D Cook.

Do you think that health spas need more strict legal regulation? Let us know what you think.



(This survey is not scientific, it is based on readers' responses.)