The spa industry is booming, particularly in China and India, as more men and aging boomers seek pain relief as well as relaxing and luxury treatments, including $1,250 facials.

Massage is still the most popular request, but people with deep pockets can opt for pricier treatments such as the ultra-expensive facial from New York skincare expert Dangene, who is booked months in advance.

Treatments ranging from plasma therapy, in which a patient's platelet-rich plasma is extracted from their blood and injected into wrinkles, and infrared saunas to oxygen therapy and salt rooms are also giving a boost to the $250 billion industry.

"The word spa has become a global term. It has captured people's imaginations and is a term they can relate to in a very positive way," said Susie Ellis, the president of SpaFinder Inc, a global spa resource group that publishes a yearly report on the industry.

"There has been an explosion (in spas) in Asia," she added in an interview.

China and India are leading in spa/hotel development, but there is also growth in Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Egypt, according to Ellis.

Reference:http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/23/uk-spas-trends-idUSLNE77M01N20110823