Acupressure - Oriental technique of applying pressure to specific "pressure
points" to improve the flow of energy. |
Acupuncture
- Oriental technique of inserting needles into specific pressure
points to stimulate healing and balance. |
Algotherapy
-
A form of thalassotherapy where thin layers of heated seaweed
are applied to the skin; infra-red lamps are also used in the
treatment to maintain the heat of the prepared seaweed. Treatment
reduces pain and functions as an anti-inflammatory. |
Aromatherapy - Twentieth century term which is based on the ancient practice
of utilizing essential oils to heal by "therapeutically" stimulating the nasal/olfactory senses, mental responses, circulatory
and respiratory functions. |
Ayurveda
-
Eastern Indian philosophy and practice of utilizing herbal and
other folklore adaptations, as well as meditation, to create
a balance between the internal and external self |
Balneotherapy - Water therapies
used to "cure" a variety of ailments, including stress,
arthritis, circulation, etc. Employs mineral, salt or purified
water. |
Basti
-
Ayurvedic herbal purification treatment. |
Biofeedback
- Tracking method of physiological responses and behavioral
reaction to various situational stimuli. Used as an attempt
in understanding human behavior and developing programs of modification
to restore well-being. |
Body
Composition Analysis
- Any method (caliper, electro, etc.) used to determine the
percentage ratio of body fat to lean muscle. Used as part of
a weight reduction/exercise program. |
Brush
and Tone
- Exfoliating treatment involving the dry brushing of skin to
remove dead cells and stimulate circulation, and then applying
hydrating oils or moisturizing agents to soften the skin. The
dry brushing technique may also be used as a preparatory step
for other treatments such as a seaweed wrap or fango/parafango. |
Cathiodermie
- Electric stimulation of skin, in low voltage doses, believed
to stimulate circulation and remove impurities. |
Cell
Therapy - This therapy involves the injection of lamb embryonic cells;
believed to regenerate cell growth and reverse the aging process.
This therapy is not FDA approved and not "legally" available in the U.S.A. |
Circuit
Training -
Exercise regimen using a series of weight training devices combining
the resistance with aerobics. |
Clinical
Esthetician
- Skin care specialist who may work in a medical environment,
but not necessarily with a physician, on the treatment of skin
related ailments. |
Colonic
- Irrigation of the colon for the purpose of cleansing trapped
debris, which is believed to recycle toxins back into the system. |
Complementary
Medicine
- Non-traditional forms of medical therapies used to treat a
variety of illnesses/deficiencies; these include vitamins, herbs,
aromatherapy, meditation, massage, etc. |
Craniosacral
Therapy
- Massage therapy focusing on the head and neck. |
Crenotherapy
- Any treatment incorporating mineral water, mud and vapor. |
Dancercize
- Aerobic regimen utilizing dance steps or routines. |
Dead
Sea Mud Treatment
- As stated. This type of fango is nutrient and mineral rich
and known for its detoxification and exfoliation properties. |
Doshas - Ayurvedic body functions; Vata for blood, circulation and
healing; Pitta for heat and metabolism; and Kapha for the structure
of one’s spiritual and philosophical self. |
Dulse
Scrub
- Exfoliating body treatment, which utilizes dulse seaweed powder,
which has been rehydrated with either water or an essential
oil. This treatment removes impurities and dead skin cells and
re-mineralizes the skin. |
Duo
Massage -
Synchronous massage treatment done by two therapists; done properly,
the sense of touch isn’t discernible that four hands are
performing the treatment. |
Endermologie
- Developed in France, this massage therapy significantly reduces
the appearance of cellulite, while defining the figure; performed
by an esthetician specifically trained in this therapy. |
Effleurage
-
Massage technique of quick long strokes used in the preparatory
stage and the conclusion of the treatment. |
Essential Oils - The aromatic (liquid)
substance extracted from roots, bark, flowers, grasses, etc.,
which are then used as part of a cosmetic or "therapeutic" treatment, such as aromatherapy. |
Esthetician
-
Skin care specialist who focuses on the treatment of skin as
part of a beauty therapy such as a facial or the treatment and
maintenance of "healthy" skin. |
Exfoliation
- The process of removal and sloughing of dead skin cells. This
process also aids in improving circulation through stimulating
blood flow. The pressure used to generate the process, further
aids in relaxation and stress reduction. |
Fango
Therapy - Treatment utilizing various types of mud, which are rich in
minerals and nutrients. Mud removes toxins from the skin’s
pores, and aids in the exfoliation process as well. |
Flotation Tank - A tank filled with
enough salt water so a person can float in it; lights are either
dimmed or turned off. The combination of a darkened room and
the floating process is an aid to relaxation and stress reduction. |
Golden Spoons - A product utilizing
twenty-three karat plated "spoons" used as part of
a facial; one is hot (actually warm to the touch) and the other
is cold. The facialist applies alternately each one to generate
efficacious penetration of the creams and lotions, and also
to open and close pores, stimulating circulation. Based on the
Kneipp Treatment Principle of alternating hot/cold, cold/hot. |
Gommage
- Body treatment that cleanses and rehydrates utilizing various
creams applied in long massage-like strokes. |
Hamam
- Turkish/Middle Eastern communal bath house. |
Herbal
Wrap
- Body treatment utilizing herb soaked linen sheeting, which
is wrapped around the body. Person is then covered with a blanket
and has a cold compress applied to forehead. Treatment lasts
between twenty and thirty minutes. Stimulates circulation, detoxification
and relaxation. The treatment process elevates body temperatures
and heart rates. Not recommended for those with heart conditions,
high blood pressure, or when pregnant. |
Herbalism - A health alternative to treating certain non-life threatening
ailments with plants and plant essences. May also be referred
to as "folk medicine". |
Holistic
Medicine/Health - Has its roots in "herbalism", but also incorporates
other forms of non-traditional approaches/beliefs such as Eastern
disciplines, meditation, etc. The relationship of one with all
elements such as environmental, physical, spiritual, emotional,
etc., and the balance between those elements. |
Hydrotherapy
-
Another term for balneotherapy, or any treatments utilizing
water as the primary facilitator. Type of water is generally
fresh/spring, as opposed to seawater (thalassotherapy). |
Inhalation
Therapy
- Treatments involving the inhalation of steam vapor, which
may have been treated with medicine or natural herbal / mineral
substances; used for respiratory, pulmonary or sinus related
ailments. |
Ionization
- A form of thalassotherapy where seawater has been ionized
with negative ions, sprayed and inhaled; aids the upper respiratory
tract. |
Japanese
Enzyme Bath -
Wooden tub filled with fibrous material (such as wood chips)
and plant enzymes, which naturally ferment creating a heated
substance. Person is submerged in the mixture and allowed sweating
out toxins; aids in the relaxation process, improves circulation
and metabolism. Treatment time generally doesn’t exceed
one hour. |
Japanese
Facial
- 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 preventing aging. |
Kinesitherapy - Also referred to
as physiotherapy, this treatment involves the active or passive
movement of various parts of the body, and aids in the circulatory
and strengthening of the body. |
Kneipp
Baths
- Developed by Father Sebastian Kneipp. Herbal/mineral baths
used as part of a regimented therapy of healing; used in combination
with nutritional and exercise disciplines. Hot and cold therapy
is a key component of this form of therapy (water, stones, pebbles,
etc.). |
Kur - German for "cure". Spa-going, especially in European
countries, has always been for therapeutic and recuperative
reasons; hence, to go to a spa, was to take the waters, or to
take the "kur". |
Loofah
Scrub
- Body treatment utilizing the dead loofah plant as a friction
implement to massage and exfoliate dead skin cells. Also improves
circulation and relaxation.
Lymph Drainage - A massage treatment, which stimulates circulation,
reduces edema (water retention) and frees up stored toxins,
encouraging them to "flow" out of the body. Treatment
is done either through manual massage, or as part of a hydrotherapy
massage. |
Marine
Hydrotherapy
- A form of thalassotherapy bath/shower, where water jets propel
the seawater; massages, stimulates and reduces pain/inflammation |
Medical
Esthetician
- Skin care specialist who works in a medical environment along
with a physician in either a pre-operative or post-operative
situation. |
Meditation
- Any form of focusing on a specific thought, memory, breathing,
etc. which encourages one to relax and achieve a greater sense
of inner-self; to connect and balance the internal with the
external-self. |
Moor
Peat Bath
- Organic material, nutrient rich used to alleviate stiffness
and pain in localized areas. |
Morphology
- Attributed to Hippocrates, this specialized form of massage
targets specific digestive areas; massage is done in combination
with essential oils; this massage therapy requires specialized
training and may be barred from practice in some states. The
therapy is used to improve digestion and eliminate waste from
the colon tract. |
Naturopathy
- The discipline of natural medicine and healing through the
power of nature and all natural substances. |
NIA - Non-impact aerobics; beneficial,
yet not as rigorous as traditional aerobic exercise regimens. |
Oleation
-
Ayurvedic adapted treatment using friction massage of blended
essential oils (similar to an aromatherapy massage). |
Oxygen
Facial
- Oxygen and other nutrients applied topically or sprayed onto
the face to stimulate and reinforce the collagen level of skin;
an aid to preventing aging.
Panchakarma - Ayurvedic cleansing and purification treatments
using essential oils, massage and meditation techniques. |
Parafango
- The combination of paraffin and fango (mud). Used to detoxify,
heat and exfoliate |
Paraffin - Heated/melted wax that
has been infused with hydrating/emollient substances, menthol,
etc. Used to ease pain and/or rehydrate.
Parcours - Outdoor exercise trail, usually less than two miles,
with interspersed exercise stations. |
Physiochineitherapy
- Therapeutic use of heat, light, electrical and mechanical
means and movements to regenerate strength and flexibility. |
Polarity
Massage -
A technique of gently rocking, holding and massaging to stimulate
relaxation, restore energy flow and encourage revitalization. |
Radon
Therapy
- An inert gas used in many European spas as part of a treatment
process believed to stimulate organ functions and promote improved
secretions of the glands, without any harmful effects of radiation. |
Reflexology
- Ancient Egyptian, Chinese and Indian therapy, which treats
the whole body through the touching of reflexes and their manipulation;
primarily done on the feet, but also done on hands and ears.
The feet are believed to be microcosms of the entire body, having
relational points which correlate to specific body parts, especially
major organs and the circulatory system. |
Reiki
- Massage technique using subtle stationary hand positions on
points of tension or injury; the therapists hands are usually
fully extended, and palms applied to the affected area. |
Rolfing
- Massage technique requiring specific certification, which
involves extremely deep tissue massaging and often-painful manipulation
of injured areas. The massage is sought by those who require
intensified treatment. |
Roman
Bath
- Ancient Romans had numerous baths that were used alternately;
hot, warm and cold. The varying temperatures aided in stimulating
the circulatory system. |
Salt
Glow -
A hydrating and exfoliating treatment where small amounts of
oil and coarse salt are applied to dampened skin in circular
or elongated strokes. Also aids in circulation. |
Sauna
- A Finnish treatment of dry heat, in a wooden structure; the
heat forces sweating and the elimination of toxins; open pores.
A cold shower usually follows to close the opened pores and
to stop the sweating process. |
Scotch
Hose/Swiss Shower - A water therapy treatment combining the use of stationary
water jets (12 to 16) which are aimed at pressure areas of the
skin; the water alternates between hot/cold, while an attendant
also uses a hose targeted at specific pressure points; water
temperature of attendant’s hose fluctuates between hot
and cold. Stimulates circulation and relieves tension. Both
treatments can be used/applied separately |
Shiatsu - Japanese massage technique
of acupressure used to stimulate pressure points and improve
energy flow. |
Shiro
Dhara -
Ayurvedic treatment of warmed oil slowly pouring over one’s
middle of the forehead, where it is believed the third eye resides.
Induces relaxation. |
Siddha
Vaidya
- Ayurvedic massage treatment where a pouch of blended herbs
is dipped in essential oils and massaged over the body. |
S.P.A. - Latin for "solus per aqua"; or, to enter by means
of water. Others have interpreted this to mean "health
through water" |
Spa - Facility where one goes for a variety of treatments and reasons,
whether to relax, rejuvenate, exercise or get pampered. Types
of spas include: DAY SPA - This is usually a facility combined
with a salon, but may also be a self-contained facility, where
spa-type treatments/services can be given during the course
of a day, and overnight accommodations aren’t available.
AMENITY SPA or RESORT SPA - As the name implies, this is an
added facility for the resort go-er who enjoys the concept of
a spa in combination with other non-spa activities. DESTINATION
SPA - All guests participate in a variety of exclusively structured
programs, combining nutrition, healing, meditation, exercising,
pampering, etc. Guests, who stay at one of these facilities,
usually do so for a minimum of three to four days; some of these
facilities only offer weekly programs. Rejuvenation, relaxation
and revitalization are the goals of any of these three forms
of spas. |
Spinning
- Stationary bicycle exercise regime guided with an instructor;
often combines a video projected image to give one the impression
that they are cycling on a terrain of some sort. |
Sports
Massage
- Technique of using quick and vigorous strokes, such as deep
tissue, on localized body parts where a specific activity may
have caused exertion and muscle tightness. |
Steam
Room
- Area of wet, hot steam; promotes sweating, opening pores and
ridding of toxins. |
Step Aerobics - Fitness regimen
of aerobic exercise in combination with a step platform three
or more inches high. |
Sugaring - Is a method of hair removal using sugar and fabric strips. |
Swedish
Massage
- Massage technique employing the gentle but firm manipulation
of pressure points and muscles; skin is lubricated with either
a single or blended oil to promote friction and ease of manipulation
of the skin. |
Swiss
Shower
- Refer to Scotch Hose/Swiss Shower. |
Tai
Chi -
Chinese martial art discipline employing deliberate/relaxed
breathing and mental focus, in combination with slow sustained
physical movements. |
Thalassotherapy
-
Any treatment employing the utilization of sea water and marine
by-products, which are mineral and nutrient rich, and which
have a curative or restorative property, benefiting the internal
and external. From the Greek "thalassa", or sea. |
Trager
Massage
- Technique of gentle rhythmic rocking movements to induce relaxation
and relieve tension. |
Ultra
Sound
- A therapy using sound waves emitted from a frequency-generating
device. The device may also have the capability of utilizing
heat as part of the therapy. Often employed by physical therapists
to alleviate pain and discomfort to injured areas of the body. |
Vichy
Shower - Multi-jet mechanism suspended over a wet-table used as part
of various treatments such seaweed wrap, dulse scrub, fango,
gommage, etc. Used to not only rinse any remains of the treatment’s
substance from the body, but also to relax and stimulate circulation. |
| Watsu
Massage
- A treatment combining the benefits of water tank floatation
and the rhythmic and methodical stretching of limbs. Aids
in flexibility and relaxation.
|
Waxing
- Hair removal treatment using cold or hot wax. |
