Spa Glossary

Accupressure

Traditional Chinese pressure-point massage (massage where fingers are applied to key points on the body) used to stimulate energy flow in the body, ease muscle tension, relieve pain, and promote relaxation. Often referred to as acupuncture without needles.

Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese healing technique meant to maintain or restore the body's balance of energy. Administred by inserting fine needles into energy centers (meridians) to stimulate energy flow. Used to tread underlying causes of conditions including addiction, asthma, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, headaches, lower back pain, menstrual irregularities, arthritis, allergies, high blood pressure, and sciatica.

Alternative Medicine

Umbrella term that describes therapies and healing practices outside conventional Western medicine. Includes homeopathy, naturopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, chi gong, reiki, reflexology, aromatherapy, and herbal medicine. Therapies often focus on prevention and bodily systems rather than specific illnesses.

Anti- aging

The only method proven to slow aging and extend lifespan in mammals is caloric restriction of a nutrient-rich diet. While some people practice caloric restriction as a means of extending lifespan, its primary value is as a model to explore how aging can be controlled. The treatments removes stress from your life giving you a chance to change your lifestyle. It contans beautician treatments, physiotherapy and others.

Aquarobic

That is Aerobic in water. Through the water resistance muscles are more strongly stressed there than on the land. If one uses thereby different tools, it�s even more arduous and eats up calories. On the other hand by the lift of water joints are more protected.

Aromatherapy

Use of fragrant essential oil extracts from plants in treatments to induce relaxation or relieve stress or pain.

Aroma - Light Therapy

During aromatherapy treatments not the fragrances themselves but volatile oil extracts are used primarily to achieve the goal. Volatile oils have certain components that get locally active within the body and perform only a secondary effect through smelling as a brain stimulus. That is why only substances from nature�s laboratory were recommended for body and soul relaxation.On the other hand colours have a considerable influence on the autonomic nervous system. The different oscillation frequencies of the various colours penetrate the body through the sensory cells and are transmitted to the central nervous system. This changes the permeability of the cell walls and the metabolism is stimulated. Poisons and bacteria are more easily eliminated and the function of the various organs - according to colours - are stimulated or subdued.

Ayurvedic Massage

Deep, therapeutic maggage meant to release toxins, invigorate, and relax. Uses massage oils chosen to balance a person's doshas (see definition). Balancing the doshas is the basis of the ancient Indian system of Ayurvedic medicine, which incorporates nutrition, herbal medicine, aromatherapy, massage, and meditation.

Balneotherapy

This therapy is a kind of treatment with thermal water or mineralwater. There are different ways to make use of the water, for example you can try drinking cure, inhalation, mud treatment, carbonated baths and medicinal baths.

Biofeedback

Treatment method using real-time measurrements of physiological functions (muscle tension or heart rate) to teach people how to conciously control them. Used to treat headaches, anxiety, pain, digestive disorders, high blood pressure, abnormal heartbeat, epilepsy, and more.

Caldarium

Hottest room in ancient Roman baths where people would soak in steaming water to detoxify. Modern versions may not have a pool of hot water, but all use moist heat, sometimes infused with essential oils.

Chakra

Sanskrit for wheel. Ayurvedic term for energy center. Believed that there are seven chakras located along the spine, each with specific qualities.

Chemical Peel

Chemical solution applied to the skin (usually on face, neck or hands), causing it to blister and peel off, exposing new skin. Used to treat fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, acne, sun spots, age spots, and liver spots.

Chi Gong

CHEE gong - Ancient Chinese method of maintaining health by guiding and balancing energy, or chi, through breathing, movement, and meditation.

Chinese massage

The massage consists of two different parts. These two are the spine massage und the chinese headmassage, which aims to mass the head and the neck. The Chinese massage adopts a few elements from acupressure. During the massage the acupnture points are treated as well. The masseur makes not only a massage, but works with the joints either.

Cleopatra - bath

Clepatra, the egyptician queen fought aganst the ageing. She tried to make her skin softer and more youthful by having a milky bath. The beauty- care products named after her make of the bath, that contains milk and and vegetable oil. They take advantage of the good influence of the oils and mineral substances (in the milk).

Color Therapy

(also chromotherapy) - use of color in rooms, lights, crystals, fabrics, etc., to treat mental and spiritual health. Based on concept that color has vibrational energy that can help correct imbalances in the body. Dates back to ancient Egypt.

Cosmeceuticals

Topical cosmetic-pharmaceutical combinations intended to improve health and appearance of skin. Not recognized or subject to review by the Food and Drug Administration.

Cranio-Sacral Therapy

Treatment that aims to improve function of the central nervous system by balancing the fluid and membrances that surround the brain and spinal cord. Performed through gentle palpitations of specific points. Used to treat a range of conditions, including stress, insomnia, headache, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and head, neck, and back pain.

Cryogenic Therapy

(also cryotherapy) - treatment that lightly freezes skin, triggering anti-inflammatory respons that tightens skin and makes pores appear smaller.

Deep-Tissue Massage

Massage method focusing on aligning the deep layers os muscles and connective tissue (called fascia) through kneading and apply slowm intense pressure. Benefits include improved range of motion and posture, and stress and pain relief.

Deluge Shower

Showers that releases a surge of water from directly overhead. Can be used to cool of after a heat treatment or to massage tense neck, shoulder, and back muscles.

Detoxification

(also detox) - General term used to describe a variety of treatments intended to cleanse the body of poisons or toxins.

Dosha

Ayurvedic term for three mind-body qualities: vata, pitta, kapha that all people are presumed to possess. Most people are a combination of all three types, though one or two usually predominate.

Endermologie

treatment said to temporairly reduce the appearance of cellulite through noninvasive massage delivered via a hand-held mechanical device.

Fango

FAN-go - Italian for mud. Treatment in which mineralized mud, mixed with oil or water, is applied to the body as a heat pack to detoxify skin, stimulate circulation, and soothe muscles.

Feng Shui

Chinese art of arranging buildings, objects, or furnitures in the optimal position for achieving a harmonic flow of energy between a place and its inhabitants. Believed to influence health, happiness, wealth, and relationships.

Gyrotonic

Fitness modality that stretches and strengthens muscles and increase range of motion through flowing, rhytmic movements. Performed on a machine that provides resistance and support through a system of pulleys, ropes, and wheels.

Hammmam

(also Turkish bath) hah-MAHM - Traditional Middle Eastern bath house. Modern versions involve a series of steam rooms of increasingly elevated temperature, wherein bathing rituals often include a massage, a cold shower, or time in a relaxation lounge.

Homeopathy

Form of medicine based on principle that "like cures like." To stimulate healing, patients are treated with minute quantities of natural substances that cause symptoms much like those of the disease they are mean to cure.

Hot Stone Massage

Treatment in which smooth heated stones are placed on or use to stroke area of the body, such as the back, palms, and between the toes. Intended to relax tight muscles.

Hydrotherapy

General term for therapeutic procedures that use water for a variety of purposes, from relaxation to disease treatment. Method can include Kneipp baths, underwater jet massage, specialized or experience showers, mineral baths, thalassotherapy, and more.

Indian Head Massage

Massage based on Ayurvedic principles that focuses on the scalp, face, neck, and shoulder to relieve stress and tension and nourish the scalp.

Infinity-edge Pool

Swimming pool constructed so one or more sides appear to extend to the horizon.

Infrared Treatment

Treatment that uses far-infrared light to mimic sunlight without the exposure to harmful ultra-violet light. Applied using lamps or through infrared saunas to relieve sore muscles and joints and to detoxify.

Injectables

General term for fillers consisting of collagen, biologic acids, or synthetic compounds that are injected under the skin to eliminate small wrinkles and creases in the face. Results are temporary.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

A non-ablative photorejuvenation treatment that uses multiple wavelengths of light to address fine to moderate lines and wrinkles, unwanted facial hair, pigment problems, and rosacea.

Jacuzzi

The perfect solution to control stress. Feel calmer, loosen tight muscles, and relax after a hard day of work or play. Soaking away your stress will help you enjoy life and will not only contribute to better health, but a greater ability to succeed in your own agenda.

Japanese Furo Bath

(also ofuro) Hot bubbling bath used for relaxation, usually enjoyed in the nude at a Japanese sento (public bath) or onsen (hot spring)

Jogging

Jogging has all the health benefits of walking-- it conditions the heart, improves muscle tone and strength, relieves stress, and can help with a variety of health problems, such as osteoporosis, heart disease and arthritis.

Kinesiology

The study and science of human movement and how it relates to health. Differs from applied kinesiology, which is a system that aims to diagnose and treat disease through the body by testing and improving the strenght of various muscles.

Kneipp Bath

Water therapy originated in the mid-1800s by Germany's Father Sebastian Kneipp, a holistic teacher and proponent of natural remedies. Originally involving dipos in the icy Danube, the modern version involves immersion in bath warm and cold water, movement therapies, massage, herbal medicine, and nutrition.

Kur

German for cure. A planned course of spa treatments that typically involves soaking in mineral waters, mud baths, body wraps, and massage. "Taking the kur" might be a process lasting 10-20 days.

Laconium

Warm sauna with relative low humidity that was part of ancient Roman baths. Milder than a Finnish sauna, it helps users eliminate toxins through perspiration.

Laconium

The body is so warmed up that after a short time it is ideally decontaminated by intensive perspiration. The circulation is stimulated, the elimination of metabolic waste accelerated and the body's own defences are mobilised. The regular perspiration in the Laconium moreover helps to reduce stress over the long term. The heartbeat is stimulated and blood pressure regulated. The result is a feeling of freshness and deeper mental and physical relaxation.

Lomilomi

Hawaiian massage technique derived from ancient Polynesians and traditionally administrated by village kahunas (shamans). Sometimes referred to as "loving hands" massage because of its gentle, continuously flowing and rocking motion. May include gentle stretches and joint rotation as well as traditional healing rituals or healing preyers.

Lulur

Body treatment evolved from a traditional Javanese wedding ceremony, that typically involves a coconut oil massage, exfoliation with a mix of rice and fagrant herbs, a floral bath, and a yogurt moisturizer.

Lymphatic Drainage

Therapeutic massage technique intended to increase circulation and drain trapped water and toxins from the body through the lymphatic system using delicate, wavelike movements on the face and neck or entire body. Used to reduce swelling, detoxify, regenerate tissue, and relieve pain and stress.

Mesotherapy

Cosmetic treatment developed in France that involves a series of injections of drugs, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids into the skin. Practitioners claim it can reduce cellulite and fat and provide anti-aging benefits.

Moor Mud

Mud harvested from a moor or peat marsh that is reach in proteins, organic matter, vitamins, and minerals. Used as a body or facial treatment to hydrate and exfoliate the skin and in a bath to ease aches and pains.

Microdermabrasion

Facial exfoliation procedure in which the top layer of skin is abraded away with ultrafine crystals of aluminium oxide or other ingredients. Improves and smoothes skin surface and can minimize imperfections, like blemishes, fine lines, and signs of sun damage.

Naturopathy

Holistic medical system based on the healing power of nature and the ability of the body to heal itself. Naturopathy focuses on prevention and treating causes, not symptoms, using natural foods, vitamins and supplements, excercise, herbal medicine, lifestyle changes, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, and mind-body therapies,

Nutraceuticals

Natural chemical compounds added to food to prevent or treat disease and improve health. Also known as functional foods or phytochemicals.

Palapa

Thatched umbrella, often made with palm leaves, that provides shade from the sun in the tropics. Many spas perform outdoor treatments beneath them.

Paraffin treatment

The heated cream is smeared over the body,then happens the spreading of the heated paraffin, after that it sets. The paraffin temporarily impeded the cutaneous respiration, and it helps the cream full of active ingredients to be absorbed. Alga can be found in the paraffin pack, it contains a lot of jodine and dissolves grease,help the skin to stay smooth an stretched.

Photorejuvenation

Series of gentle laser treatments that stimulate new collagen, smooth fine wrinkles, and diminish the appearance of age spots, broken capillaries, and rosacea.

Pilates

pih-LAH-tees - Body conditioning program meant to develop flexibility and strength via a system of controlled exercises. Developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s, it can be performed on a mat or on specially designed equipment.

Qi- Gong

A collective term, that includes wide scale of the chinese healthguarding practice. This ancient method unites the mental concentration, breathing technique, and physical exercise to activate and keep in condition our lifeenergy. You must practise the technique reglarly, but it is easily acquired for all ages.

Rasul Treatment

(also rhassoul) - Traditional Arabic cleansing ritual in which the body is coated in mineral-rich Moroccan mud that exfoliates and draws out impurities. Followed by relaxation in a steam room and rinsing mud off in a warm shower.

Reflexology

Therapy based on ancient techniques that use pressure point massage (similar to acupressure), usualy on the feet but also on the hands and ears, to restore the flow of energy throughout the body. Introduced as zone therapy to the West in 1913 by Dr. William Fitzgerald, practitioners believe that areas on feet and hands correspond to other areas throughout the body. Used to relieve symptoms of such conditions as back pain, migraines, arthritis, sleep disorder, injuries, and stress.

Reiki (Japanese)

Rei, meaning wisdom, and Ki, which is life-force energy, combine for a truly transcendent experience. Light-touch and non-touch techniques are applied to key energy centers of the body to promote emotional and spiritual balance and well-being.

Roman Bath

Traditionally, a complex of hot, warm, and cold pools where Romans would go to communally bath and socialize.

Sauna

An enclosed, heated room designed to promote sweating and boost circulation, relax muscles, and release toxins. Often follow by a shower, a dip in a pool, or a roll in the snow to cool off. The Finish sauna, which is heated by hot rocks, is the most common; other cultures have similar concepts, including Native American sweat lodges (see temazcal), Turkish hammams, and Roman tepidariums.

Shiatsu

Japanese finger- and palm-pressure is combined with light stretches to balance and harmonize the body�s energy pathways. This treatment stimulates the senses as it relaxes tired muscles.

Solemassage

Reflexology or sole massage has been performed for five thousand years in Asia and it sees its heydays nowadays. It quickly protects and improves our physical and mental health without any side effects. It prevents ailments and activates the body�s self-healing processes. Reflexology is an art based on experiences. Massaging the sole opens a way to affect the central nervous system, circulation and internal organs as it is extremely rich in nerve endings (more than 70 000 nerve endings can be found there). On the other areas of our body all the body organs are reflected like many micro-maps: for instance, on the hand, the foot and the ear.Owing to inappropriate nutrition, unhealthy way of life the toxic substances and waste materials accumulate in the body since they cannot be removed via natural mechanisms like excretion and perspiration. Thus it results in reduced metabolism, harm to organs and organic systems and the formation of energy blocks. The different organs have their particular reflex zones where lumps of various sizes can be felt that may often be sensitive or even painful. The aim is to rub off these deposits and detoxify the body, improve blood circulation and activate self-healing capacity. Reflexology strengthens the immune system and has analgetic, relaxing, stress-relieving effects.

Spinning

A group aerobic exercise class performed on stationary bicycles.

Stretching

Stretching is one of the most important elements of a good fitness progarm, yet many walkers don't stretch, don't stretch enough, or stretch incorrectly. Stretching can be time consuming, but it is important for good walking form and injury prevention.

Swedish Massage

Classical European massage technique manipulating muscles with the use of massage oils and five different movements: long strokes, kneading, tapping, friction, and vibration. Used to increase circulation and flexibility, soothe tense muscles, and de-stress.

Swiss Shower

Treatment that involves powerful shower jets directed at the body from various heights and at different temperatures to simulate an invigorating massage.

Tai Chi (also Tai Chi Chuan)

Chinese martial art in which practitioners move slowly and gracefully through of series of postures coordinated by their breath. Used to reduce stress and improve flexibility, strength, energy, agility, and well-being. Often described as "meditation in motion".

Temazcal

Traditional steam bath used by indigenous Mexican and Central Americans consisting of a dome-like structure build around the pit where water is poured over hot volcanic rocs. Induces sweating, relaxation, and detoxification. Herbs are often heated on the rocs for medicinal purposes. Also known as a sweat lodge among North American indigenous peoples.

Tepidarium

Heated open space in ancient Roman baths where visitor would prepare for the bath. Modern version is a heated lounge area with comfortable furniture where guests can relax before and after the treatment.

Thai Massage

Full body treatment that involve passive, yoga like stretching and pressure point massage along the body's major energy channels to release blocked energy, relieve tension, align the skeletal sructure, and increase flexibility. Traditionally done on the floor with client wearing loose clothing.

Thalassotherapy

Umbrella term describing variety of treatments that use seawater, seaweed, and other natural ocean products for therapeutic benefits. Treatments include underwater jet massage, different types of showers, mineral baths and seaweed or algae wraps.

Tui Na

Chinese therapy used to balance energy in the body and release toxins with massage and acupressure techniques. An important component of traditional Chinese medicine.

Vichy Shower

Shower treatment, often enjoyed after a body wrap or scrub, in which five to seven water jets spray water on the back of a client lying prone on a cushioned table. Inspired by treatments in the French thermal spa city of Vichy, it is meant to reduce stress, hydrate, and improve circulation.

Vinotherapy

Skin treatments that use antidoxident-rich grape skins, seeds, and extracts in a variety of scrubs, baths, and masks.

Watsu

Combination of the words water and shiatsu. Healing massage treatment performed in a warm pool in which a therapist supports the client and administers rhythmic movements, pressure-point massage, and stretches. Design to relieve stress, muscle tension, and pain, and promote deep relaxation.

Yoga

Ancient Indian philosophy that integrates body, mind, and spirit. The physical practice of yoga involves performing asanas (postures) and using controlled breathing and meditation to stretch, tone, and care for the body. Different styles of yoga include: Anusara, Ashtanga, Bikram, Hatha, Iyengar, Jivamukti, Kundalini, and Vinyasa.

Yumeiho

Yumeiho is a kind of massage coming from Japan. It was created by Sajoni Masayuki, who used the elements of martial arts of Buddhist cloister. The masseur thorougly kneads the body with a special method considering the joints as well. It gives way for the free flow of energy and makes easier the motion. Acupressure techniques combining with manualtherapy and movement practice are applied during the massage.

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