Spa glossary A-C
A
Asanas
Clay wrap
Cranio-sacral therapy
Abhyanga
An Ayurvedic soothing synchronized massage performed by two therapists pouring large amounts of warm herbalised oil in waves up and down the body.This massage is designed to help detoxify the body and restore its balance.
Acupressure
A Traditional Chinese Medicine technique using pressure point massage with moderate to firm pressure to stimulate the natural flow of energy (qi) through the body.
Acupuncture
A form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that treats pain and disease through the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific sites (acupuncture points) along the body's meridians to clear energy blockages and encourage the normal flow of natural energy, otherwise known as qi, through the individual. The practitioner may also stimulate the acupuncture points using other methods, including cupping, laser therapy, electro-stimulation and massage (acupressure), in order to re-establish the flow of qi.
Aesclepions
Greek healing centres named after the philosopher and healer Aescleopios. These centres are believed to have been early spas and healing centres.
Aesthetic medicine
Use of equipment, such as lasers, to remove scars and blemishes to leave the skin looking youthful. Normally administered by medical practitioners.
Alexander technique
Method of re-educating the mind and body to improve movement by focusing on applying the appropriate amount of energy for each activity in order to improve posture and balance and to eliminate stress.
Algotherapy
A heated seaweed bath that is a form of thalassotherapy. The seaweed acts as an anti-inflammatory treatment to help reduce pain.
Aqua massage
A hydrotherapy technique using underwater jets or hand held jets to massage a person submerged in a bath or pool.
Aromatherapy
The use of fragrant essential oils in massage, facials, body wraps and hydrobaths. Different essential oils are used for different therapeutic benefits.
Asanas
Yoga postures or poses that are a fundamental stage in most types of yoga.
Ashiatsu
A luxurious deep tissue massage where the therapist walks along the client’s back.
Aslan Therapy
An anti-aging formula and procedure developed by Dr Ana Aslan from Romania. Gerovital and Aslavital or Novocain are used in this therapy.
Astringent
A substance that dries or tightens the skin.
Ayurveda
An Eastern Indian medicinal philosophy using herbal treatments and hot oils, combined with meditation, nutrition and aromatherapy to create overall balance and harmony. The Ayurvedic body functions, called doshas, consist of Vata, referring to blood, circulation and healing; Pitta, referring to heat and metabolism; and Kapha, the structure of one’s spiritual and philosophical self.
B
Balneotherapy
A therapy using purified, mineral or salt water to improve circulation and the immune system. Can also help relieve ailments such as stress and arthritis.
Basti
An Ayurvedic herbal cleansing treatment that helps remove toxins from the colon.
Bindi
Bodywork combining exfoliation, herbal treatment and light massage.
Body brushing
Dry brushing the skin to remove dead skin cells and stimulate circulation. Generally used as a pre-treatment for mud and seaweed wraps.
Body composition analysis
A process used to establish the percentage ratio of body fat to lean muscle. Used to help determine diet and nutrition needs.
Body polishing
Use of scrubs to exfoliate the skin to help remove dead skin cells and cleanse the body.
Body wrap (also known as a herbal wrap)
Treatment where strips of cloth are soaked in herbal teas and wrapped around the body.
Boreh
Balinese cleansing and exfoliating body treatment using herbs, seeds, grains, oils and grated carrots to stimulate and increase circulation. Not recommended for pregnant women.
Botanicals
Plant part or extract used in hair or skin products.
Bowen technique
The Bowen Technique is a cross fibre muscle release treatment that balances and stimulates energy flows, resulting in a deep sense of overall relaxation.
Brush and tone
Dry brushing of the skin to remove dead skin layers and impurities while improving circulation, followed by an application of hydrating oils or moisturisers to help soften the skin.
C
Caldarium
The hottest room in a Roman bath, where the ancient Romans would bathe in steaming water to detoxify. Modern-day spa caldaria generally use the detoxifying power of steam.
Cathiodermie
Low voltage electrical stimulation on the face designed to oxygenate the skin and invigorate circulation.
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 there are seven charkas which are all interconnected and which need to be balanced.
Chemical peel
A treatment using chemicals to remove the top layer of dried or damaged skin to reveal a more even tone and texture, and provide a more youthful appearance.
Chi Nei Tsang
A massage of the abdomen using circular strokes to alleviate bloating and improve digestion.
Natural clay is applied to the skin to remove toxins and ease muscle pain.
Clinical esthetician
A skin care specialist in a medical practice or clinic trained to work with skin ailments.
Cold plunge
A person is immersed in a pool of cold water after a sauna treatment to increase circulation.
Collagen therapy
Injection of collagen beneath the skin with a fine needle to fill out lines and wrinkles.
Colonic irrigation
The process of cleansing the colon of toxins and releasing trapped impurities with intense water irrigation developed specifically for the individual.
Colour therapy (also known as chromatherapy)
Use of colour to balance mental and spiritual health through the use of coloured rooms, light bulbs and fabrics. This therapy dates back to ancient Egypt.
Complementary medicine
Treatments and therapies used in conjunction with traditional medicine.
Cosmaceuticals
Cosmetic products that offer therapeutic benefits, such as nutrients and anti-aging elements to help improve the health and appearance of the skin.
Massage treatment that focused on the connection between the skull and the base of the spine along the spinal column. Massage of these areas helps release blockages in the circulation of the cerebral-spinal fluid allowing it to flow more freely.
Crenotherapy
Treatments involving vapour, mineral water and mud.
Cupping
Cupping is an ancient Chinese therapy in which a cup is applied to the skin
and the pressure in the cup is reduced (either by heat or suction) in order to
draw and hold skin and superficial muscles inside the cup.