Spa Glossary

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

Abhyangaa herb infused oil massage

Acupressure is a form of pressure applied to meridians along the body usually to stimulate the body’s healing powers.

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine utilizing thin needles which are inserted into the body at specific points.

Aerobics includes any physical activity, such as walking, running, swimming, or dance, which employs the large muscle groups of the body and elevates the heart rate.

Alexander Technique utilizes a massage system created in the 1890’s by the Australian actor F.M. Alexander and designed to improve posture and correct physical habits that cause stress.

Alogtherapy is any treatment that involves the use of algae as part of the therapy. Treatments usually include facials and body treatments such as body wraps and body scrubs.

Aqua Aerobics are aerobic workouts in a pool that combine water resistance and body movements. Helps to strengthen body and tone muscles.

Aromatherapy is a practice that uses plant materials and aromatic plant oils, and other aroma compounds for improving overall well being.

Asana applies to yoga posture or pose and literally means “seat.”

Ashram is a devotional retreat centre dedicated to the study of yoga, meditation, eastern philosophy and spirituality.

Aslan Therapy uses specially developed treatments by Prof. Aslan. Integrated modern medicine with natural healing procedures for body mind and soul.

Ayurveda is a 5,000 year-old Indian philosophy of well-being that uses oils, massage, herbs, diet and lifestyle modification to restore perfect balance to a body.

B

Bach Flower Remedies are alternative healing methods based on distilled floral essences and oils developed in London in the 1930’s by Dr. Edward Bach

Baden-Baden is a world famous and highly acclaimed spa destination in southwestern Germany.

Baden by Wien is a spa town in Austria.

Balneology involves traditional water-based treatments using geothermal hot springs, mineral water or seawater to improve circulation, strengthen immunity and relieve pain and stress.

Basti provides an Ayurvedic enema that treats the entire colon.

Bhakti Yoga is one of the traditional monastic forms practiced at yoga ashrams leading to self-realization.

Biofeedback is a technique that teaches how to control body functions, such as the heart rate. With biofeedback, electrical sensors connected to the body help receive information (feedback) about the body (bio).

Body Brushing is a technique of dry brushing the skin to remove dead cells and stimulate circulation.

Body-Composition Test is an analysis to determine percentage of an individual’s body fat.

Body Conditioning is a combination of resistance training, stretching and other exercises designed to improve the body’s overall condition.

Body Polish is the use of various scrubs, loofahs and other exfoliants to gently cleanse the body and remove dead skin cells.

Boreh is made from a combination of roots, herbs and spices when applied to the body increases blood circulation, relieves aching joints, sore muscles and headaches and is fever-reducing. An ancient Indonesian treatment.

Boxing Aerobics consists of high-energy aerobics incorporating boxing movements.

C

Cathiodermiean electric current

Chakra literally translates to wheel or disk. There are seven main chakras, which align the spine, starting from the base of the spine through to the crown of the head.

Circuit Training is a form of body conditioning training using high-intensity aerobics. It targets strength building and muscular endurance.

Clay Wrap is rich in organic matter, applied to the skin to remove toxins and ease muscle pain.

Clinical Aesthetician is trained in Waxing, Permanent Lash Extensions, Advanced Pedicures, Micro-Dermabrasion Skin Treatments, Laser Hair Removal, Laser Skin Treatments and all related spa therapies

Cold plunge Immerse into a deep pool of cold water used to stimulate circulation after sauna.

Colonic Irrigation is an enema to cleanse the colon to remove impurities.

Complementary Medicine includes non-traditional medical services and related treatments.

Contouring for the body eliminates stubborn fat with surgery or downtime. Equipment used is FDA approved, safe and effective.

Callisthenics are exercises to achieve fitness, core body strength and deep toning of the muscle groups.

Craniosacral is an alternative form of bodywork using gentle touch to manipulate the joints of the cranium.

Crenotherapy is the term used to define any treatment incorporating mineral water, mud and vapour. This treatment is one of the oldest in the world and involves drinking mineral waters that are full of important elements.

Cure is any course of healing spa treatments. Also called kur which means healing.

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D

Dead Sea Mudhealthy skin

Deep-tissue Massage involves vigorous manipulations of bodily tissues to relieve knots, tension, inflexibility, pain and discomfort.

Dental Spa/Spa Dentistry is a facility whose dental program is run under strict supervision of a licensed dentist.

Dosha Is the term for one of three body types in ayuredic philosophy: pitta, vata, or kapha.

Drinking Cure is a medically prescribed regiment of mineral-water consumption.

Dulse Scrub is a body polish using a skin-sloughing and enriching mixture of powered coarse red seaweed and water or oil.

Duo Massage is a massage for two people. Enjoy a relaxing massage side by side with a friend.

E

Endermologielocalized body fat

Effleurage is a series of gentle massage strokes used in Swedish massage.

Essentials Oils have been used throughout history. Extracted from plants the oils are used in aromatherapy and other related alternative therapies.

Esthetician is trained in a range of esthetics treatments from skin care, hair removal, and manicures and pedicures.

Exfoliation involves the process of removing a thin layer of dry skin cells with loofah or other lightly abrasive materials.

F

Fango Mud

Feldenkrais Method is a system developed by an Israeli physicist Moshe Feldenkrais in the 1940’s to re-programme the nervous system through movement augmented by physical pressure and manipulation.

Flotation Tank is an appliance filled with about 12 inches of highly salty, mineral enriched water used to promote deep relaxation and serenity.

G

Glycolic Exfoliationdry skin

Golden Spoons equipment triggers a nutritive blood supply to the cells and connective tissues, and a rhythmic expansion and contraction. The facial treatment, which can show firming results in minutes, utilizes principle of alternating cold and warm stimulus on the skin.

Gommage means “to ease” in French. A cream or paste is applied to the face and with gentle exfoliation dead skin cells are removed.

Guided Imagery involves visualization used to stimulate the body’s immune system.

H

Hamam known as a Turkish Bath involves warm stream-filled atmosphere where bathers can relax and unwind.

Hatha Yoga is a type of yoga that focuses on physical exercise used to achieve bodily control.

Haysack Wrap is a spa treatment with steamed hay intended to detoxify the body.

Hellerwork is a system of deep-tissue bodywork, stress reduction and movement education by educator Joseph Heller.

Henna is a dye from a plant used in beautiful temporary body art also used in skin and hair dyes

Herbal Wrap involves wrapping the body in hot linens and blankets imbued with herbal essences. The treatment is intended to promote muscle relaxation and elimination of toxins. Also called aromabath or herbal bath.

Herbolgy is the therapeutic use of herbs in healing treatments and healthy diet.

Holistic Medicine is an approach to health and healing that addresses the body and mind.

Homeopathy is an alternative medicine method in which patients consume minute quantities of symptom-causing substances in order to simulate self-healing.

Hot-stone Massage involves using smooth stones heated in water and applied to the skin with pressure or strokes or simply rested on the body.

Hydrotherapy the use of water (hot, cold, steam, or ice) to relieve discomfort and promote physical well-being.

Hydro Tub involves underwater massage in deep tubs equipped with high-pressure jets and hand-manipulated hoses.

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I

Inhalation Therapysleep

Interval Training is a combination of alternating high and low intensity aerobic activity.

Iyengar Yoga is an exercise system developed in India by K.S. Iyengar.

J

Japanese Enzyme Bathfermented sawdust

Japanese facial is an energizing technique used to stimulate acupressure points through the lifting and toning of the face and scalp; believed to have a cumulative effect when used on a regular basis for firming the skin and preserving a youthful appearance.

Javanse lulur is a traditional prenuptial treatment in Indonesia that combines exfoliation, massage and bathing.

K

Kickboxing is a form of self-defence that involves punching, kicking and blocking.

Kinesitherapy is a treatment that involves the active or passive movement of various parts of the body, and aids in circulation and improving muscle tone. Also known as physiotherapy.

Kniepp kur are treatments combining hydrotherapy, herbology and a diet of natural foods, developed in Germany in the mid 1800’s by Sebastian Kneipp.

Kripalu yoga is a form of yoga that combines physical postures with meditation.

Kur or Cure is the German for “cure” The “Kur” in European countries has always been for therapeutic and recuperative purposes; hence, to go to the spa, was to take or drink the “waters” – to take a “Kur”

L

Lap poolswimming lanes

Loofah is a coarse sponge made from a naturally occurring plant fibre and used to exfoliate the skin and stimulate circulation.

Lomi lomi is an Hawaiian massage.

Lymphatic Drainage is a massage technique designed to gently drain away toxins and excess water from the body.

M

Magnet Therapystatic magnets

Marine Hydrotherapy is available at spas that offer a seawater pool. Swim and wander through different aquatic massages providing relaxation and fitness for a sensation of well–being.

Massage Therapy Manipulation of body tissue for therapeutic purposes. Types of massage include acupressure, reflexology and shiatsu.

Meditation Prolonged contemplation of a word, image or sound as a means of clearing the mind and thereby reducing stress and anxiety.

Microbdermabrasion involves removing the top layer of skin (usually on the face) by brushing it with aluminium crystals or another abrasive material on order to diminish the appearance of fine lines and even out pigmentation.

Moor mud Natural peat or mud, rich in organic matter, applied to the skin to remove toxins and ease muscle and joint pain.

Mud wrap Body treatments using warm mud to cleanse pores and draw out impurities. Also called clay wrap.

N

Naturopathy lossaryrevision

NIA (Neuromuscular Integrative Action) A low-impact workout program created by San Francisco dancers Carlos and Debby Roasa, blending elements of yoga, tai chi, and aikido with aerobics and modern dance.

Nutraceuticals Skin care formulations that are based upon food ingredients to supplement what the skin needs to look healthy and vibrant and healthy.

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O

Oleation Glossaryrevision

Onsen Glossary under revision.

Ovo-lacto diet A diet regime, usually vegetarian, that includes eggs and dairy products.

Oxygenate Glossary under revision.

Oxygen Facial A spray of liquid oxygen or an application of oxygen rich oils as part of a treatment aimed at revitalizing especially dry or damaged skin on the face.

P

Panchakarma A type of massage therapy that uses warm herbalized oils and aims to restore balance to the body.

Parafango Treatment using a combination of volcanic mud and paraffin. See fango.

Paraffin Wrap Brushed-on layers of warm wax that help to relax the muscles and soften the skin.

Parcourse Glossary under revision.

Physiochineitherapy Glossary under revision.

Phythotherapy is the method of plant-based treatments incorporating essential oils, seaweed and herbs applied through massage, wraps, inhalation and other methods.

Pilates includes strength-training movements developed in Germany by Dr. Joseph Pilates during the 1920’s.

Piloga includes a combination of yoga and Pilates exercises.

Pizichilli is a treatment during which a continuous stream of warm herbalized oil is poured over the body while two therapists perform gentle massage.

Polarity therapy Treatment developed by Dr. Randolph Stone that balances the body’s energy through a combination of massage, meditation, exercise and diet.

Pressotherapy The use of pressure cuffs on the feet to improve circulation.

Pressure-point Massage bodywork using pressure on designated body parts that connect to major nerves.

Power Yoga a particular form of yoga that requires rapid movements.

Q

Qigong Glossaryrevision

R

Radon Therapy Glossaryrevision

Rassoul Ritual is a traditional Arabian body treatment involving steam and mineral rich clay/mud.

Rebirthing A yoga breathing technique combined with guided mediation to relax and clear the mind.

Reflexology Massage of the pressure points on the feet, hands and ears.

Reiki An ancient Japanese healing method that teaches universal life energy through the laying on of hands and mental and spiritual balancing. Intended to relieve acute emotional and physical conditions. Also called radiance technique.

Restorative yoga Passive yoga positions during which the body is supported by props such as blankets and pillows. Breathing and relaxation are the focus.

Rolfing Bodywork system developed by biochemist Ida Rolf that improves balance and flexibility through manipulation of muscles, bones and joints.

Roman Bath Glossary under revision.

Rubenfeld Synergy A method of integrating body and mind through movement, verbal expression and gentle touch, developed by Ilana Rubenfeld in the 1960’s.

Russian Baths were part of the day-to-day life in Ancient Rome. Bath in Somerset, contains one of the best examples of a Roman bath complex in Europe. Built upon natural hot springs with the steaming water playing a key role in the therapeutic qualities

S

Salt Glow rubbing the body with coarse salt to remove dead skin. Also called a salt rub. Aids in circulating.

Sauna Originated in Finland. A heated wooden room, usually with benches, where one sits in order to allow the pores to open and to eliminate toxins through sweat. A cold shower or roll in winter snow closes the pores. Process is repeated.

Scotch douche A shower like treatment with high pressure hoses that alternate hot and cold water intended to improve circulation through rapid contraction and dilation of the capillaries.

Seaweed Wrap A wrap using seawater and nutrient-packed marine algae.

Shiatsu Acupressure massage developed in Japan that uses pressure applied with fingers, hands, elbows and feet.

Shiroabh yanganasya Head, face and neck massage, followed by herbal steam treatment, heat packs and herbal drops for nasal passages.

Shiro dhara Glossary under revision.

SPA

Spa Cuisine any low-calorie, low fat and low cholesterol food that typically relies on fresh produce, whole grains and fish – served in many spas.

Spinning Trademark name for quick pedaling at various resistance levels on special stationary bicycles.

Sports massage A deep-tissue massage to relieve muscle tension, stress and residual pain from workouts.

Step Aerobics Low-impact aerobic exercise involving rhythmic stepping on and off a small platform.

Stress Management A program of mediation and deep relaxation intended to reduce the ill effects of stress on the system.

Sweat Lodge A natural sauna made of rocks that is the site for a Native American-inspired purifying ritual.

Swedana Herbalized steam treatment aimed at reducing tension and releasing impurities through the skin.

Swedish massage A treatment using stroking, kneading and tapping to relax muscles gently. Par Heinrik Ling devised it at the University of Stockholm early in the 19th century.

Swiss Shower A multijet bath that alternates hot and cold water, often used after mud wraps and other body treatments.

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T

Tai Chi is the ancient Asian discipline for exercise and meditation combining focused breathing and graceful dance like movements and postures. Also called tai chi chuan.

Thai massage involves a combination of deep-tissue massage and passive stretching that can help to ease stiff, tense or short muscles.

Thalassotherapy is a water-based treatments developed by the ancient Greeks that incorporates seawater, seaweed, algae and sea air.

Trager massage is a technique developed by Dr. Milton Trager that employs a gentle, rhythmic shaking of the body to release tension from the joints.

Tui Na is a therapeutic form of massage and has been used in China for more than 2,000 years.

U

V

Vichy shower Treatments in which a person lies on a cushioned waterproof mat and is showered by overhead water jets.

W

Watsu A relaxing therapy that blends the techniques of shiatsu and deep-tissue massage with gentle stretches and is conducted in a warm pool.

Waxing Hair Removal an effective hair removal method that is safe and gentle. This form of semi-permanent hair removal removes the hair from the root.

X

Y

Yoga involves stretching and toning the body through a series of movements or postures, controlled deep breathing, focused concentration and relaxation. Designed to improve circulating, flexibility and strength.

Z

Zen Shiatsuacupressure

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