A
acupressure
Traditional Chinese pressure-point massage used to stimulate the flow of energy in the body.
acupuncture
Traditional Chinese healing technique based on Taoist philosophy. It can be administered by using needles, low-voltage electric current (electro acupuncture), or pinpoint massage (acupressure).
aerobic exercise
Any sustained rhythmic exercise (such as brisk walking, running, or dance) that uses the large muscle groups of the body and increases the heart rate from 50 to 90 percent of its maximum.
alexander technique
Method of re-educating the mind and body to improve movement. The focus is on applying the appropriate amount of energy for each activity in order to improve posture and balance and to eliminate stress-inducing habits.
algotherapy
Seaweed bath that is a form of thalassotherapy.
anaerobic
Opposite of aerobic exercise, anaerobic exercise --such as weightlifting and bodybuilding-- involves muscular work that causes the body to use more oxygen than it takes in.
anti-aging
Product or treatment that combats or defends against the aging process.
applied kinesiology
Study of muscles, especially the mechanics of human motion.
aqua aerobics
Aerobic exercises performed in a pool using the support and resistance of the water to burn fat, strengthen bones, and increase cardiovascular health and endurance. The buoyancy of the water greatly reduces the chance of injuring joints or muscles.
aromatherapy
Treatments such as massage, facials, body wraps, or hydrobaths that include the application of fragrant essential oils. Different oils are used for different therapeutic benefits.
asanas
Various yoga postures or poses. The practice of these physical poses is a fundamental stage in many branches of the yoga system
Ayurveda
Ancient Indian system of traditional folk medicine from India using a variety of techniques, incorporating nutrition, herbal medicine, aromatherapy, massage, and meditation to restore the organism to perfect balance
B
balneotherapy
The use of water to restore and revitalize the body. Since antiquity, balneotherapy has been used to improve circulation, fortify the immune system, and relieve pain and stress.
behaviour modification
Change in personal habits through repetition of desired behaviours. Most spas incorporate behaviour modification into their weight loss programs.
Bindi
Bodywork combining exfoliation, herbal treatment, and light massage.
biofeedback
Training program that gives a person information about physiological processes (heart rate or blood pressure) with the goal of gaining conscious control over them.
blood pressure
Pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of the body's arteries. Normal blood pressure is usually 120/80.
body conditioning
Any exercise program that focuses on overall conditioning of the body. A body-conditioning routine might combine exercises for strength and flexibility and use both strength-training equipment and floor exercises.
body sculpting
Fitness program using weight, flexibility, and endurance training; but not running or jumping, to shape hips, thighs, upper arms, and buttocks without creating bulk.
body wrap (herbal 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.
brush and tone
Dry brushing of the skin intended to remove dead layers and impurities while stimulating circulation. This is one of many exfoliating techniques used as a pre-treatment for mud and seaweed body masks that are formed by the application of a moisturizing lotion.
C
caldarium
The hottest room in a Roman bath, where the ancient Romans would bathe in steaming water for detoxification purposes. Modern-day spa caldaria may not have a pool of hot water, but they all utilize the detoxifying power of steam heat.
capoeira
Combination of acrobatics, dance, boxing, and martial arts invented by Brazilian slaves. Widely played in South America and gaining popularity in the United States.
casino spas
Spas with a casino on premises. These spas tend to be luxury-oriented and often do not admit guests under 18 years of age.
cellulite
Deposits of lumpy fat and fibrous tissue that cause dimpling of the skin in the thighs, hips, and buttocks of some women.
chakra
Ayurvedic term for energy "centre." It is believed that there are seven chakras, which are all interconnected and which must be balanced
circuit training
Exercise plan utilizing six to ten exercises that are completed one after another on weight-resistance equipment to increase mobility, strength, and stamina. Each exercise is performed for a certain number of repetitions.
city hotel or urban spas
Located in metropolitan hotels, some of these spas are open only to hotel guests, while others are accessible to the general public
cold plunge
A circulation-stimulating pool of frigid water designed to be used in conjunction with sauna or steam room sessions.
collagen therapy
Injection of collagen beneath the skin with a fine needle to fill out wrinkles and lines.
colonic
Intense water irrigation of the entire colon, intended to release trapped impurities and prevent the recycling of toxins into the bloodstream.
colour therapy/chromatherapy
Use of colour to balance mental and spiritual health through the use of coloured rooms, light bulbs, fabrics, etc. The technique dates back to ancient Egypt.
complementary medicine
Treatments and therapies used in conjunction with traditional medicine. Alternative medicine, in contrast, replaces traditional therapies.
cosmeceuticals or cosmaceuticals
Topical cosmetic-pharmaceutical combinations intended to improve the health and appearance of skin.
cranio-sacral therapy
Treatment that focuses on the connection between the skull and the base of the spine along the spinal column. The therapist's palpitations in those areas are said to release blockages in the circulation of the cerebral-spinal fluid and allow it to flow more freely.
D
dancercise
Aerobic workout to upbeat music using steps and patterns derived from modern dance help improve range of motion, endurance, aerobic capacity, flexibility, and strength.
day spa
Establishment that provides beautifying, relaxing, or pampering experiences that can last an hour or may take a whole day. Can be freestanding or connected to health clubs, hotels, or department stores.
dead sea mud treatment
Application of mineral-rich mud from the Dead Sea in Israel. Used to detoxify skin and body and to ease painful symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis.
destination spa
Establishments that focus exclusively on lifestyle improvement, health enhancement, and self-renewal in the company of like-minded people
detoxification (detox)
Cleansing the body of poisons or toxins that may have accumulated through addictive habits
doshas
According to Ayurvedic medicine, the three metabolic types (vata, pitta, and Kapha). Most people are a combination of types, though are predominately one.
drumming
Rhythms and sounds, used by spas to promote emotional and spiritual release. Drums may come from African, Middle Eastern, Native American, and South American musical traditions.
dry brush
Procedure using a natural-bristle brush to remove dead skin and impurities while stimulating circulation. This is one of many exfoliating techniques used prior to mud and seaweed body masks.
duo massage
Massage treatment performed in simultaneously by two therapists.
E
eco-spas
Spas that are set in a natural or protected area and have a major commitment to incorporating environmentally friendly practices such as organic gardening, water conservation, and ecological building design. They must also encourage sensitivity to the natural environment and wildlife through education of spa-goers, and may also promote the well being of local people and culture by preserving indigenous healing traditions and ingredients.
effleurage
Massage technique involving quick, long strokes used at the beginning and end of certain treatments.
electrolysis
A method of lasting hair removal that involves the use of electricity or radio wave energy to damage hair follicles. This method can sometimes require some form of pain relief.
endermologie
French massage therapy said to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
essential oils
Aromatic liquids extracted from flowers, grasses, fruits, leaves, roots, or trees. The oils maintain the odours and tastes, and thus the essence, of the plant they are extracted from.
estrogen
Generic term for any steroid hormones secreted chiefly by the ovaries and placenta. Promotes the development of the female secondary sex characteristics and affects female reproductive system.
European facial
Treatment that begins with deep cleansing, steam, exfoliation, and professional massage of the face, shoulders, and chest area, followed by special mask that hydrates the skin.
exfoliation
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.
eyebrow threading
Ancient method of hair removal developed in the Middle East and Asia that uses a cotton thread to pull out unwanted hair at the root.
F
facial
Generic term for treatment of skin in the face that usually includes massaging, cleansing, toning, steaming, exfoliating, and moisturizing.
fango
From the Italian word for mud, a treatment that uses mineralized mud mixed with oil or water and applied over the body as a heat pack to detoxify the skin, soothe the muscles, and stimulate circulation.
feng shui
Chinese art of determining the most propitious design and placement of a structure or site to achieve maximum harmony between the flow of energy between the place and its inhabitant.
Feldenkrais
The Feldenkrais method is named for its Russian-born originator, Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais. An education-based system for restoring physical function to a burdened or impaired body, the method consists of intensive verbal and touch-therapy workshops designed to reorganize the body's fundamental movements and relationship with the central nervous system. Certified practitioners must complete 800-1,000 hours of training in a three- or four-year period.
fitness profile/assessment
A test administered by a fitness instructor to evaluate aerobic capacity, flexibility, and strength, as well as resting heart rate, resting blood pressure, and body composition.
functional foods
Foods that have been fortified with herbs, vitamins, minerals, or other supplements.
G
gommage
Cleansing, rehydrating treatment using creams that are applied in long movements, similar to a massage.
green
Concerned with or promoting environmentalism by recycling, making biodegradable products, or limiting pollution.
green tea
Tea whose leaves come from the same shrub as black tree but are heated before oxidation (called fermentation) is complete. It may reduce risk of cancer and help prevent cardiovascular disease.
H
haiku
Traditional Japanese form of poetry consisting of three lines, which have 5, 7, and 5 syllables respectively.
hair extensions
Synthetic fibres or real human hair that is woven (sewn) or braided into existing hair to increase length, volume, or colour.
hatha yoga
Branch of yoga that is devoted to the physical processes (as opposed to others that focus on wisdom, meditation, service, etc.) and involves breathing and physical exercises. There are many types of physical yoga.
henna
Dye from a natural plant substance used especially in Middle East in many cultures to decorate skin as part of ceremonial rituals. It is used also to colour hair in West
herbal wrap
Treatment using strips of cloth soaked in a heated herbal solution to wrap around the body. It is used for relaxation and said to eliminate impurities and detoxify.
holistic medicine
System of heath care that looks at the entire person, taking into account physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional, social, spiritual and lifestyle values, and avails itself all modes of diagnosis and treatment including drugs and surgery in the absence of a safe alternative. The patient is urged to make personal efforts to achieve balance and well-being.
homeopathy
Form of medicine based on the principle that "like cures like" To stimulate the body to heal itself, it treats patients with minute quantities of natural substances that cause symptoms much like those of the disease they are meant to cure.
hormone replacement therapy
Medication containing one or more female hormones (usually estrogen) used to treat women experiencing symptoms of menopause or amenorrheoa or women who have had partial or full hysterectomy. Medical opinion about the risks of this kind of therapy is divided.
hot stone therapy
Relaxing, therapeutic treatment in which dark, smooth stones heated in hot water or hot spring pools are placed or stroked with light pressure on areas of the body such as the back, in the palms, and between the toes. Cold stones may also be used.
hydrotherapy
Treatment using water therapeutically to aid relaxation in a variety of procedures such as underwater jet massage, different types of showers, and mineral baths. Thalassotherapy, using seawater for hydrotherapy, has long been a staple in European spas.
hypoallergenic
Cosmetic products alleged by manufacturer to create fewer allergic reactions among those who are sensitive. However, no federal standards govern the use of this term.
I
ISPA
International Spa Association, a professional organization representing all aspects of the spa industry: club spas, cruise ship spas, day spas, destination spas, resort/hotel spas, medical spas, and mineral springs spas.
inhalation therapy
Steam vapour treatments that are deemed especially helpful for those suffering from impaired respiratory function due to illness or a smoking habit. Vapour is often mixed with herbal elements such as eucalyptus and chamomile. This form of therapy is often found at spas with access to a mineral or thermal spring.
iridology
The study of patterns and structures in the iris (coloured part of the eye) to diagnose disease. Though the practice is disputed by most in the mainstream medical field, but many holistic health professionals claim that the response of nerves in the iris to bodily phenomena (including disease) can be interpreted through close scrutiny of visible features in the eye. Some even believe that iridology can prevent the onset of disease by discerning warning signs in the iris.
J
juice fast
Short-term diet regimen consisting of only fresh fruit or vegetable juices. Advocates claim it detoxifies the body.
Jacuzzi
The first free-standing whirlpool bath was introduced by Roy Jacuzzi in 1968, of the famous inventing Jacuzzi family, whose members also were also responsible for advances in agriculture and aviation. Though many companies manufacture whirlpool baths today, Jacuzzi is the trademarked name for the invention.
K
kickboxing
Boxing techniques, basic kicks, and martial arts moves (all self-defence tactics) that give the upper and lower body an intense cardiovascular, aerobic, and body-toning workout.
kinaesthetic awareness
Sensitivity to the moment of your body through space that contributes to your ability to balance and move rhythmically and fluidly. It is sometimes developed as a self-awareness technique for spiritual growth.
Kneipp baths
Water therapies originated by Germany's Father Sebastian Kneipp, a holistic teacher and proponent of natural remedies. Originally involving dips in the icy Danube, nowadays the therapy involves immersion both in warm and cold water.
kosher
From the Hebrew meaning "fit" or "proper," food that meets the criteria of Jewish law regarding the ingredients and the equipment used to produce it. One of the basic laws prohibits combining meat and milk.
krauter bath
Based on German natural remedy, this is a strong, aromatic herbal bath solution.
kur
From the German "kur," a planned course of spa treatments that typically involve mineral water, mud baths, algae, and herbs. "Taking the kur" might be a ten- to twenty-day process every three months.
L
la stone therapy ®
See hot stone therapy
labyrinth walking
Following a man-made, spiral pattern path (traced on the ground, as in many cathedrals, or constructed in garden) to meditate, focus, and calm the mind. Not a maze, the path follows a number of circuits to the centre of a circle and back out.
laser hair removal
Use of concentrated beams of light to permanently remove unwanted hair. Best candidates for the procedure have very fair skin and very dark hair.
laconium
A dry, gentle sauna whose concept originated with the spas of ancient Rome. A session in the laconium is often enjoyed prior to treatment because of its pore-opening action. Also, many spas combine laconium sessions with a cold plunge or another frigid treatment.
life enhancement
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