Spa Glossary

Aromatherapy

Fragrant essential oils extracted from flowers, plants and barks used in massages, facials, body wraps or hydro-baths. Different oils have a therapeutic effect for different conditions, but are extremely volatile and evaporate quickly, so need to be mixed with fixed carrier oil like soya, almond or wheatgerm. Inhalation is important because of the psychological healing effect of smell.

Ayurveda

Eastern Indian philosophy and practice of utilizing herbal and hot oil treatments, combined with meditation, to create a balance between the internal and external self. From the Indian school of thought that one's skin is the mirror to one's inner health; the body reveals what's happening inside.

Balinese Massage

Dry oil massage that releases areas of tension through thumb and palm pressure techniques. The massage is deep and beneficial, working along the body's energy meridians.

Dual Massage

Synchronous massage treatment done by two therapists; done properly, the sense of touch isn’t discernible that four hands are performing the treatment.

Exfoliation

The process of removal and sloughing of dead skin cells. This process also aids in improving circulation through stimulating blood flow. The pressure used to generate the process, further aids in relaxation and stress reduction.

Gommage

Various creams applied in long massage-like strokes to the body and used on the face with short, quick strokes to cleanse and rehydrate the skin.

Herbal Wrap

Herb soaked linen sheets are wrapped tightly around the body. The person is then covered with a blanket and has a cold compress applied to forehead. Treatment lasts between twenty and thirty minutes. Stimulates circulation, detoxification and relaxation. The treatment process elevates body temperatures and heart rates. Not recommended for those with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or when pregnant.

Hydrotherapy

Therapy that has long been a staple in European spas and includes underwater jet massage, showers, jet sprays and mineral baths.

Lomi Lomi

Deep massage originating in Hawaii, using muscles, thumbs and elbows to loosen tissues and reduce tension in order to relax and rejuvenate the body.

Meditation

Concentration on breathing, or on a particular thought, sound or image for a length of time. Regular meditation is believed to increase energy, well-being, and powers of concentration to reduce stress and anxiety.

Reflexology

Ancient Chinese therapy focusing on the reflex points in the feet that correspond to specific body organs. Hands and ears have similar reflex points and can be substituted. Reflex points are massaged to re-establish the flow of energy within the body.

Shiatsu

Acupressure massage technique, developed in Japan, applying pressure to specific points in the body, to stimulate and unblock the 'meridians' - channels in the body through which Qi or life energy flows.

Stone Therapy

Also known as Hawaiian Stone Therapy; relaxing treatment designed to relieve stiffness and recharge the body. Smooth stones, heated in water are stroked across the client's oiled back. Then smaller Ones are placed around the body, palms and between the toes to create a flow of energy around the body. Warm stones are used to massage the body, easing muscle tension. Some therapists also alternate using cold stones.

Swedish Massage

Classic massage technique of gentle manipulation of muscles, using massage oils. Improves circulation and flexibility, eases muscle aches and tensions, and creates relaxation.

Thalassotherapy

Sea, seaweed and algae are used in marine-based facials, baths, seawater jets, body wraps, algae application, cryoptherapy (cold application to stimulate the system). A genuine thalassotherapy spa must use unpolluted seawater pumped directly from the ocean.

Yoga

Practice developed in India, using postures and controlled breathing to stretch and tone the body, improve circulation, calm the central nervous system and bring about a meditative and whole state of being.