Spa Offering Glossary
A B C D E F H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y
A
Abhyanga (oil massage)
Ayurvedic external treatment in which one, two, or more therapists use massage and aromatic herbal oils to bring balance to the body.
Acupressure
Ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities; when these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body’s life force (sometimes known as qi or chi) to aid healing.
Acupuncture
Ancient Oriental healing technique based on the Taoist philosophy of balancing energy meridians within the body, thus allowing the body to heal itself; fine needles are painlessly inserted at key points corresponding to body organs to relieve pain and cure disease and dysfunction.
Aerobics
A system of physical conditioning involving exercises (such as running, walking, swimming, or calisthenics) performed strenuously, so as to cause a marked temporary increase in respiration and heart rate.
Alexander technique
An energy method used to reeducate the mind and body to improve posture and balance and to reduce stress.
Anaerobic
Meaning “working without oxygen”; nonaerobic exercises, such as weight lifting, involve working muscles in such a way that more oxygen is expended than is taken in.
Aqua aerobics
Aerobic exercise performed in a pool or body of water and using the water to support and resist during movement.
Aromatherapy
The use of essential oils (extracted from herbs, flowers, resin, woods, and roots) in body and skin care treatments; used as a healing technique for thousands of years by the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, essential oils aid in relaxation, improve circulation, and help the healing of wounds.
Ayurvedic medicine
A form of holistic alternative medicine that is the traditional system of medicine of India.
B
Balneotherapy
Ancient use of waters to restore and revitalize the body; has been used to improve circulation, fortify the immune system, relieve pain, and treat stress.
Body mask (masque) or wrap
A body treatment using the application of algae, seaweed, mud, clay, lotion, or cream. Treatments typically begin with exfoliation; if called body wrap, is followed by wrapping the body with sheets, towels, blankets, or bandages.
Body scrub (polish)
Skin treatment in which the upper layer of dead skin cells is sloughed off; a variety of techniques can be used, and the treatment is called, accordingly, loofah rub, salt scrub, body glow, brush and tone, etc.
Botox
A trademark for a preparation of botulinum toxin, a protein that relaxes muscle contractions; it is sometimes injected under the skin to erase facial wrinkles.
C
Caldarium
Steaming Roman bath used for sweating and detoxification.
Chemical (enzyme) peels
A general classification for a number of chemical treatments used to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin; a chemical solution is applied to the skin and works by dissolving the upper layers of the skin; as the tissue is dissolved, a wound is created on the skin that stimulates the body's healing response, causing new tissue to emerge
Chemical hair services
Treatments performed to color, wave, or straighten hair.
Chiropractic
A medical system based on the theory that disease and disorders are caused by a misalignment of the bones, especially in the spine, which obstructs proper nerve function.
Cold plunge
Immersion in a pool of cold water, intended to stimulate circulation.
Color therapy
The use of color and its vibration to balance energies in the body; dates back to ancient Egypt and other premodern societies.
Craniosacral therapy
A method of evaluating and enhancing the function of a physiological body arrangement called the craniosacral system, which consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. The craniosacral system extends from the bones of the skull, face, and mouth—which make up the cranium—down to the sacrum or tailbone. The craniosacral therapy practitioner uses a light touch to assist the natural movement of fluid within the craniosacral system.
Creative therapy
Therapies that integrate art, dance, music, crafts, etc., to enhance an experience.
Cryotherapy
The therapeutic use of cold in treatments; involves cooling the body using ice, cold towels, and compresses to reduce the temperature of the tissues on or below the surface of the skin.
D
Deep tissue (therapeutic) massage
Massage techniques administered to affect the sublayer of musculature and fascia. These techniques require advanced training and a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology. The techniques help with chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation and reduce inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendinitis. They are generally integrated with other massage techniques.
Drumming
Rythmic drumming and percussion sounds used to promote emotional healing and spiritual release.
Dry brush
Treatment using a natural bristle brush to exfoliate skin and stimulate circulation.
E
Ear candling (coning)
Using a specially designed hollow candle, the administrator places the candle at the entry of the ear canal and lights the opposite end to encourage the elimination of wax.
Electrolysis
Hair removal using destruction of hair roots by passage of an electric current through an electrolyte.
F
Facial
The integration of services for the skin, including massaging the face (back or body), cleansing, toning, steaming, exfoliating, and moisturizing.
Fangotherapy
The use of fine-grained natural materials such as clay, mud, or peat for body treatments.
Feldenkrais
Developed by Russian-born Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, this method consists of verbal and touch therapy combined to reorganize the body’s fundamental movements and relationship with the central nervous system.
Fridigarium
A room having a bath of unheated water.
H
Hammam (hamam in Turkey)
Originally the word for bathhouse, now used to describe a spa treatment; the treatment generally includes body cleansing, exfoliation, massage, and wrapping and takes place in a heated steam-room-like chamber.
Healing Touch
Developed by Janet Mentgen, RN, this energy-based therapeutic approach to healing uses touch to influence the energy system, thus affecting physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health, as well as healing, the goal being to restore harmony and balance in the energy system to help the person self-heal.
Hellerwork
Named after its founder, Joseph Heller, a series of eleven 90-minute sessions of deep-tissue bodywork and movement designed to realign the body and release chronic tension and stress; verbal dialogue is used to assist the client in becoming aware of emotional stress that may be related to physical tension; regarded as preventive rather than curative and reflects a holistic approach to health; designed to produce permanent physical change.
Herbal and dietary supplements
Products proposed to supplement the diet, containing herbs, botanicals, minerals, vitamins, or amino acids; intended to be injested in capsule, tablet, gelcap/softgel, or liquid form.
Hot stone therapy
Stones of all shapes and sizes and varying temperatures, ranging from 0 to 140°F, are used to elicit physical healing, mental relaxation, and a spiritual connection to earth energy; warm stones encourage the exchange of blood and lymph and provide soothing heat for deep-tissue work; cold stones aid with inflammation, moving blood out of the area, and balancing male/female energies; stones are placed in varying positions on the body for energy balancing or may be used by the therapist for specific trigger-point work; the alternating heat and cold of thermotherapy brings the entire body into the healing process, with a rapid exchange of blood and oxygen and alternating rise and fall of respiration rate as the body seeks homeostasis (balance).
Hydrotherapy
The therapeutic use of water; common methods include underwater massage, herbal baths, thalassotherapy, Kneipp therapy, steam, sauna, Vichy treatments, Scotch hoses, and Swiss showers.
I
Inhalation therapy
Steam vapor treatment used to improve respiratory function; the vapor is often mixed with herbal and aromatic elements.
Injectables
Term used to categorizewrinkle fillers that are injected into the skin, such as trademarked Botox, Dysport, Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane, and Radiesse.
J
Jin shin jyutsu
Traditional Chinese medicine technique used to restore balance and reduce stress; intended to balance the flow of energy through the body.
K
Kneipp (contrast bath)
Treatments combining hydrotherapy, herbology, and a diet of natural foods, developed in Germany in the mid-1800s by Pastor Sebastian Kneipp; these highly regarded European therapies are particularly popular in Austria, Switzerland, and Germany; Kneipp combines the practice of physical exercise with a healthy diet and hydrotherapy to achieve physical and emotional well-being.
L
Labyrinth
A place constructed of intricate passageways; used in a spa as a form of meditation or contemplative walk.
Laser hair removal
Use of concentrated beams of light to permanently removed unwanted hair.
Light therapy
Exposure to daylight or to specific wavelengths of light using lasers or lamps to treat skin conditions, eye disorders, and seasonal effective disorder (SAD).
Lomilomi
Hawaiian for “rub rub”;a system of massage that utilizes very large, broad movements; two-handed, forearm, and elbow application of strokes, which cover a broad area, are characteristic of lomilomi.
Lymph drainage
A type of massage in which hands and fingers apply gentle, wavelike movements meant to stimulate circulation in the lymphatic system.
M
Makeup application
The art of applying or teaching cosmetic application, based on the individual’s skin type, style, and age.
Manicure
A cosmetic treatment for the care of the hands and fingernails that includes shaping and polishing.
Massage
Manipulation of soft and connective tissue (usually by hand) to relax muscles, relieve tension, improve circulation, and hasten elimination of wastes; also stretches connective tissue and improves circulation; various forms include accupressure, athletic massage, polarity massage, reflexology, Rolfing, shiatsu, sports massage, Swedish massage, Traeger massage, Watsu.
Meditation
The act or process of engaging in mental exercise (such as concentration on one’s breathing or repetition of a mantra) for the purpose of reaching a heightened level of spiritual awareness.
Microdermabrasion
A procedure in which the dead outermost surface of the skin is partially or completely removed by light abrasion; used to remove sun-damaged skin and to remove or lessen scars and dark spots on the skin.
Micropigmentation
Also known as permanent makeup; a cosmetic procedure in which metabolically inert pigment granules are implanted below the dermis; the technique used is similar to a tattooing process.
Mineral springs
Water from natural springs and wells, which contains a minimum of 1000 mgr/liter solid components of rare, biologically active elements or compounds; may be cold or hot.
Myofacial (trigger-point) therapy
Based on the discoveries of Drs. Janet Travell and David Simons, who found the causal relationship between chronic pain and its source; used to relieve muscular pain and dysfunction through applied pressure to trigger points of referred pain and through stretching exercises; trigger points are defined as localized areas in which the muscle and connective tissue are highly sensitive to pain when compressed; pressure on these points can send referred pain to other specific parts of the body.
N
Nail art
Using polishing, nail painting, applications, and nail creation to decorate finger or toe nails.
Nail extensions
Applications of acrylic or gel substances to lengthen and beautify nails.
Naturopathy
Integration of a range of natural therapeutics emphasizing the healing power of nature to treat the causes of disease, rather than suppressing the symptoms; as part of a holistic medical health-care system with an emphasis on education and prevention, the naturopathic physician seeks to motivate the individual toward a healthy and balanced diet, lifestyle, and mental attitude; treatments such as homeopathic medicines, clinical nutrition, traditional Asian medicine, and acupuncture are used to enhance the body’s natural healing processes.
O
Oxygen therapy
Use of humidified oxygen infused with aromas for therapeutic purposes.
P
Parafango
A mixture of ash and paraffin, heated and molded to portions of the body in need of increased circulation and rehydration; parafango may be infused with essential oils for added aromatherapy benefits.
Paraffin treatment
Heated paraffin wax is either applied on the body or the body part is dipped into the wax to cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate the skin.
Pedicure
A treatment of the feet, toes, and toe nails that includes massage, exfoliation, and cleaning of the feet as well as buffing or polishing the nails.
Photo rejuvenation
Using laser light to smooth wrinkles and diminish the appearance of age spots, broken capillaries, and rosacea (redness).
Pilates
A series of movements, done from a sitting, reclining, kneeling, or standing position, designed to increase strength and flexibility, release tension, and relieve chronic neck and back pain; developed by German-born Joseph Pilates in the 1920s; uses a specially designed apparatus for stretching and strengthening exercises and can be calibrated to the client’s needs.
Pinda
A relaxation massage by one or more therapists who hold and use muslin bags of herbs, rice, and milk.
Polarity therapy
Based on universal principles of energy—attraction, repulsion, and neutrality; interrelation of these principles forms the basis for every aspect of life, including our experience of health, wellness, and disease; founded by Austrian-born naturopath Dr. Randolph Stone in the mid-1950s; a clothes-on, noninvasive system complementing existing modalities with an integrated, holistic model; based on the belief that positive and negative poles exist in every cell; the body is gently manipulated to balance the positive and negative energies as well as eliminate blockages and toxins through a cleansing diet and simple exercises; treatments are suggested in a series of four.
Prayer
The act or practice of praying to God or a god.
Pre/post-natal massage
A massage treatment designed specifically to address the physical challenges and changes in a woman’s body during and after pregnancy.
Q
Qi (chi) gong (chi gung or chi kung)
Traditional Chinese treatment that combines hands-on and hands-off techniques to balance the flow of qi (energy) through the body, move and relieve qi blockages, and improve circulation; a combination of timed breathing and gentle flowing movement, meditation, visualization, and conscious intent all working together to achieve an integrated adjustment of mind and body to better cultivate, circulate, and balance qi or life force.
R
Reflexology
Manipulation of specific reflex areas in the foot, hands, and ears that correspond to other parts of the body; sometimes referred to as zone therapy; based on an ancient Chinese therapy, it involves application of pressure to these reflex zones to stimulate body organs and relieve areas of congestion; similar to acupressure principles, reflexology works with the body’s energy flow to stimulate self-healing and maintain balance in physical function; the technique is used to reduce pain, foster relaxation, and stimulate circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids.
Reiki healing system
Hands-on energy healing art; originated in Japan in the early twentieth century by MikaoUsui, who developed a system of practices that enabled others to become effective healers; the practitioner, trained to access and serve as a channel for the life force (chi), places his or her hands on or just above the client’s body to activate healing energy within receptive points on the body; the practitioner’s hands move progressively with a passive touch through twelve positions on the body, remaining in each position for 3 to 5 minutes; as a harmonic flow of energy is strengthened within the client and the practitioner, healing occurs through the return of physical, mental, and spiritual balance.
Rolfing/structural integration
A method for reordering the major body segments; founded by American biochemist Dr. Ida Rolf in the 1940s; utilizes physical manipulation and movement awareness to bring the head, shoulders, thorax, pelvis, and legs into vertical alignment; allows more efficient use of muscles with less expended energy by lifting the head and chest and lengthening the body’s trunk; a sense of lightness and greater mobility often results; treatments are offered in a ten-session series, as well as advanced sessions.
S
Salt glow
An exfoliation and skin circulation treatment in which the skin is rubbed with coarse salt.
Sauna
A form of traditional sweat bathing aimed at cleansing the body through perspiration; a pile of stones covering a stove is heated using wood until it turns red hot; then water is thrown over the heated stones to generate steam.
Scotch hose
Standing body massage delivered by the therapist with high-pressure hoses; this invigorating shower tones circulation by contracting and then dilating capillaries as water from sixteen needle-spray shower heads and two high-pressure hoses (operated by an attendant), ranging in temperature from 45 to 105°F, is turned quickly from hot to cold and back to hot for several seconds at a time; this massage aids circulation and helps relieve the pain of arthritis and rheumatism.