Spa glossary G-I
G
Garshan
Dry skin bushed with a silk or wool glove to enhance circulation and exfoliate the skin to prepare the body for oil or herbal treatments.
Gommage
Creams applied to the body using long strokes to cleanse and hydrate the skin.
H
Hacking
A massage stroke made by a chopping motion with the side of a hand.
Hammam
A Turkish or Middle Eastern steam bathhouse.
Hatha yoga
A form of Yoga that focuses on physical exercise to gain control of the body.
Henna
Dye from a natural plant substance decoratively applied to women as part of a ritual or ceremony, such as marriage. Henna is mixed with a liquid and elaborate patterns are painted on various parts of the body, such as hands and feet.
Herbal wrap
A detoxification treatment where herb-soaked linen sheets are wrapped tightly around the body for 30 minutes. The person is then covered in a blanket and a cold compress is applied to the forehead. Not recommended for people with a heart condition, high blood pressure or pregnant women.
Herbalism
An alternative health treatment using plants and plant extracts to treat ailments.
Holistic medicine
System of health care that looks at the entire person, taking into account physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional, social, spiritual and lifestyle values, and uses all modes of diagnosis and treatment including drugs and surgery in the absence of a safe alternative. The patient is urged to make efforts to achieve balance and well-being.
Homeopathy
A form of medicine where patients are treated with natural substances, in miniscule doses, to create similar symptoms to those of the disease being treated.
Hot stone therapy/massage
A relaxing massage technique using smooth, warm stones applied with pressure, in strokes, or rested on the body.
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 is often used in European spas.
Hypoallergenic
Term used to state a product will not cause an allergic reaction or sensitivity to the skin.
I
Garshan
Dry skin bushed with a silk or wool glove to enhance circulation and exfoliate the skin to prepare the body for oil or herbal treatments.
Gommage
Creams applied to the body using long strokes to cleanse and hydrate the skin.
H
Hacking
A massage stroke made by a chopping motion with the side of a hand.
Hammam
A Turkish or Middle Eastern steam bathhouse.
Hatha yoga
A form of Yoga that focuses on physical exercise to gain control of the body.
Henna
Dye from a natural plant substance decoratively applied to women as part of a ritual or ceremony, such as marriage. Henna is mixed with a liquid and elaborate patterns are painted on various parts of the body, such as hands and feet.
Herbal wrap
A detoxification treatment where herb-soaked linen sheets are wrapped tightly around the body for 30 minutes. The person is then covered in a blanket and a cold compress is applied to the forehead. Not recommended for people with a heart condition, high blood pressure or pregnant women.
Herbalism
An alternative health treatment using plants and plant extracts to treat ailments.
Holistic medicine
System of health care that looks at the entire person, taking into account physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional, social, spiritual and lifestyle values, and uses all modes of diagnosis and treatment including drugs and surgery in the absence of a safe alternative. The patient is urged to make efforts to achieve balance and well-being.
Homeopathy
A form of medicine where patients are treated with natural substances, in miniscule doses, to create similar symptoms to those of the disease being treated.
Hot stone therapy/massage
A relaxing massage technique using smooth, warm stones applied with pressure, in strokes, or rested on the body.
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 is often used in European spas.
Hypoallergenic
Term used to state a product will not cause an allergic reaction or sensitivity to the skin.
I
ISPA
The International Spa Association is a professional organisation representing all aspects of the spa industry.
Indian Head Massage
A massage of the head and neck to relieve tension.
Inhalation therapy
Treatments involving the inhalation of steam, often enhanced with medicine or natural substances. This therapy is used for respiratory, pulmonary or sinus related ailments.
The International Spa Association is a professional organisation representing all aspects of the spa industry.
Indian Head Massage
A massage of the head and neck to relieve tension.
Inhalation therapy
Treatments involving the inhalation of steam, often enhanced with medicine or natural substances. This therapy is used for respiratory, pulmonary or sinus related ailments.