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glossary
Glossary

  • Algotherapy

Seaweed bath that is a form of thalassotherapy.

 

  • Anti-Aging

Product or treatment that combats or defends against the aging process.

Blood Pressure

Pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of the body’s arteries. Normal blood pressure is usually 120/80.

 

  • Ayurvedic Massage

Deep, therapeutic massage 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.

 

  • Balinese  Massage

Balinese massage is one form of traditional Indonesian massage. Originating on the island of Bali, this massage involves a combination of techniques, including massage, acupressure,reflexology, and aromatherapy into one session. Often used for relaxation, this type of massage can also help loosen muscles and ease pain.

 

  • Body Wrap

Treatment in which strips of cloth are soaked in herbal teas and cocooned around the body.

 

  • Botanicals

Plant part or extract used in hair or skin products.

 

 

  • Cellulite

Deposits of lumpy fat and fibrous tissue that cause dimpling of the skin in the thighs, hips, and buttocks of some women.

 

  • Deep Tissue massage

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

 

  • Detoxification (also Detox)

General term used to describe a variety of treatments intended to cleanse the body of poisons or toxins.

 

  • Essential Oils

Aromatic liquids extracted from flowers, grasses, fruits, leaves, roots, or trees. The oils maintain the odors and tastes, and thus the essence, of the plant they are extracted from.

 

  • Experience Shower

A shower that suggests or evokes a natural element (e.g., a tropical storm or rain forest) through changes in lighting schemes and water pressure, often with an infusion of aromatherapy.

 

  • Hot Stone Massage

Treatment in which smooth heated stones are placed on or used to stroke areas of the body, such as the back, palms, and between the toes. This type of massage is intended to relax tight muscles.

 

  • Hydrotherapy

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

 

  • 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 dips in the icy Danube, the modern version involves immersion in both warm and cold water, movement therapies, massage, herbal medicine, and nutrition.

 

  • Oriental Massage

An oriental massage is an ancient form of therapy designed to relieve pain and tension in joints and muscles, reduce stress, enhance circulation of blood and preserve an overall healthy body and peaceful mind. This type of massage originated in the Far East and is based on the theories of Chinese medicine using the concept of energy, or chi, that flows throughout the body. This form of therapy treats tender parts of the body by massaging them with the fingers, thumbs and palms with the use of massage oils. There are several types of oriental massage methods but the most popular ones are Thai, Shiatsu and Indonesian-Javanese massages, all of which focus on the pressure points of the body, similar to Chinese acupuncture methods.

 

  • Paraffin Treatment

Heated paraffin wax is brushed over the body to soothe muscles and, by drawing out the dirt, removing the dead skin, and drawing out perspiration through the head, leave skin clean and soft.

 

  • Peeling

Procedure to slough top layer of dead skin cells off the face or body. Dry brush, loofah scrub, and salt glow are among the techniques used in conjunction with ingredients including grape seed, sugar, clay, and salt.

 

  • Reflexology

Introduced as zone therapy to the West in 1913 by Dr. William Fitzgerald, reflexology is based on ancient techniques that use pressure-point massage, usually on the feet but also on the hands and ears, to restore the flow of energy throughout the body. 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 disorders, injuries, and stress.

 

  • Seaweed Wrap

Body treatment using concentrated seawater and seaweed that contains nutrients including minerals, rare trace elements, vitamins, and proteins. Said by proponents to detoxify, increase circulation, and improve appearance of cellulite.

 

  • Scalp Massage

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

 

  • Vichy Shower

A 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.