Spa glossary P-R
P
Panchakarma
Ayurvedic purification treatments involving essential oils, massage and meditation.
Parafango (also known as Fango Therapy)
A treatment involving paraffin and mineral-rich organic mud.
Paraffin
Warm, melted wax enriched with hydrating substances such as menthol and essential oils.
Parrafin wrap
Melted paraffin wax is brushed on to help relax muscles and soften the skin.
pH
Measurement of the degree of acidity or alkaline of a solution based on a scale of 1-14 with anything below 7 being acidic and anything over 7 being alkaline, with 7 being neutral.
Pilates
Strength training and conditioning program invented by Dr Joseph Pilates from Germany. Pilates uses specialised stretches to tone muscles, and it is often performed on pilates equipment or floor mats.
Piloga
An exercise routine combining yoga and pilates.
Pinda Swedena
Deep massage using rice boiled in milk and herbs designed to relax, rejuvenate and detoxify.
Pitta
An Ayurvedic body function involving heat and metabolism.
Pizichilli
A continuous stream of warm herbal oil is poured over the body as two therapists gently massage.
Plunge pools
Two pools filled with hot and cold water designed to revitalise circulation as the person immerses themselves in each pool, alternating between hot and cold.
Polarity massage
A massage technique developed by Dr Randolph Stone designed to promote balance of energy in the body; this massage often incorporates gentle rocking movements.
Panchakarma
Ayurvedic purification treatments involving essential oils, massage and meditation.
Parafango (also known as Fango Therapy)
A treatment involving paraffin and mineral-rich organic mud.
Paraffin
Warm, melted wax enriched with hydrating substances such as menthol and essential oils.
Parrafin wrap
Melted paraffin wax is brushed on to help relax muscles and soften the skin.
pH
Measurement of the degree of acidity or alkaline of a solution based on a scale of 1-14 with anything below 7 being acidic and anything over 7 being alkaline, with 7 being neutral.
Pilates
Strength training and conditioning program invented by Dr Joseph Pilates from Germany. Pilates uses specialised stretches to tone muscles, and it is often performed on pilates equipment or floor mats.
Piloga
An exercise routine combining yoga and pilates.
Pinda Swedena
Deep massage using rice boiled in milk and herbs designed to relax, rejuvenate and detoxify.
Pitta
An Ayurvedic body function involving heat and metabolism.
Pizichilli
A continuous stream of warm herbal oil is poured over the body as two therapists gently massage.
Plunge pools
Two pools filled with hot and cold water designed to revitalise circulation as the person immerses themselves in each pool, alternating between hot and cold.
Polarity massage
A massage technique developed by Dr Randolph Stone designed to promote balance of energy in the body; this massage often incorporates gentle rocking movements.
Q
Qigong (also known as Chi Kung)
Chinese exercise focusing on breathing and body movements to increase energy, balance and overall health.
Qigong (also known as Chi Kung)
Chinese exercise focusing on breathing and body movements to increase energy, balance and overall health.
R
Radon therapy
European spa treatment involving an inert natural gas believed to stimulate organ functions and improve gland secretions without the harmful effects of radiation.
Rassoul
A mineral-rich mud from Morocco used to revitalise and condition hair, and exfoliate facial skin.
Rassoul chamber
This treatment is designed for couples and is normally in a special, romantic room. Each person applies rassoul mud to their partner, and once it has dried washes it off.
Rasul
Body treatment beginning with a warm shower using seaweed soap, followed by mud application, and completed with a herbal steam bath. See Stephanies Spa Retreat Rasul Temple.
Rebirthing
A yoga breathing technique used with guided meditation to clear the mind.
Reflexology
Shiatsu-like finger pressure is applied to pressure points on the hands and feet (and sometimes the earlobes), which are believed to correspond to all glands and organs in the body. Used for relieving tension and improving circulation.
Reiki
An ancient Japanese massage technique where the therapist uses stationary palm positioning and pressure to relieve specific tension points.
Rolfing
System developed by biochemist Ida Rolf, designed to improve energy flow and relieve stress through deep manipulation of muscles, bones and joints. Can be painful due to deep muscle manipulation.
Roman bath
Developed in ancient Rome, a whirlpool bath alternating warm, hot and cold water to help improve circulation.
Russian steambath
Sauna-like chambers designed to treat the body with steam, heat and water. Alternating between hot and cold, massages are given in the chambers with oak leave branches soaked in hot soapy water.
Radon therapy
European spa treatment involving an inert natural gas believed to stimulate organ functions and improve gland secretions without the harmful effects of radiation.
Rassoul
A mineral-rich mud from Morocco used to revitalise and condition hair, and exfoliate facial skin.
Rassoul chamber
This treatment is designed for couples and is normally in a special, romantic room. Each person applies rassoul mud to their partner, and once it has dried washes it off.
Rasul
Body treatment beginning with a warm shower using seaweed soap, followed by mud application, and completed with a herbal steam bath. See Stephanies Spa Retreat Rasul Temple.
Rebirthing
A yoga breathing technique used with guided meditation to clear the mind.
Reflexology
Shiatsu-like finger pressure is applied to pressure points on the hands and feet (and sometimes the earlobes), which are believed to correspond to all glands and organs in the body. Used for relieving tension and improving circulation.
Reiki
An ancient Japanese massage technique where the therapist uses stationary palm positioning and pressure to relieve specific tension points.
Rolfing
System developed by biochemist Ida Rolf, designed to improve energy flow and relieve stress through deep manipulation of muscles, bones and joints. Can be painful due to deep muscle manipulation.
Roman bath
Developed in ancient Rome, a whirlpool bath alternating warm, hot and cold water to help improve circulation.
Russian steambath
Sauna-like chambers designed to treat the body with steam, heat and water. Alternating between hot and cold, massages are given in the chambers with oak leave branches soaked in hot soapy water.