Glossary

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M |
N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z |


A

ABLUTIONS (TOTAL & PARTIAL)
A washing or cleansing of the body, especially as part of a religious rite.

ACCUPRESSURE
Finger massage designed to release muscle tension and promote healing by applying pressure to "energy points" or "meridians" in the body. The pressure applied to these vital points (the same points used in acupuncture) was identified by medical practitioners in China centuries ago and is believed to improve the flow of energy (chi) throughout the body. Similar in many ways to Shiatsu.

ACUPUNCTURE
An ancient Chinese healing technique based on Taoist philosophy. The aim is to balance the energy meridians to permit the body to "heal" itself. A relatively painless technique, it is administered by inserting fine needles at key points meridians of the body that relate to different organs in order to relieve muscular, neurological and arthritic problems, cure disease and relieve pain.

AFFIRMATION
Similar to visualisation, this technique is used to overcome physical ailments (e.g. backaches) and emotional problems (e.g., family or professional problems) through repetition of a positive statement. For example, a person who is afraid of flying would repeat "I like to fly" and envision a pleasant flying experience.

ALCHEMICAL / ALCHEMY
Essentially a reverence for the material world as being the reflection of a more perfect living transcendent reality.

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
Was developed in 1890’s by an Australian, FM Alexander to teach us how to move with greater ease and co-ordination by focusing on correct posture, the right way to lift objects, the proper position of feet when standing, the angle of one's shoulders and so forth, thus retaining optimum balance.

ALGOTHERAPY
Use of algae (seaweed) in treatments including bath, scrubs, body wraps. Can also see Thalassotherapy.

ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES
Treatments based on speculative or abstract reasoning. Such treatments include: Acupuncture, Aromatherapy, Ayurveda Treatment, Colonic, Cranio-sacral Therapy, Electro Therapy, Energy Balancing, Fango, Flotation, Gommages, Homeopathy, Light Treatment, Lymph Drainage, Mud Therapies, Music Therapy, Panchakarma, Phytotherapy, Primordial Sound, Reiki, Spinal Release Therapy and Ultrasound.

ANTHOTHERAPY
Treatments in humid caves where the atmosphere is very vaporous (between 30°-42°C / 86°-107°F). In dry caves the atmosphere takes the heat from the spring (between 50°-70°C / 122° - 158°F).

ANTI-CELLULITE TREATMENT
Releases and reduces cellulite on various parts of the body.

AQUA AEROBICS
Aerobics workouts performed in a swimming pool. Water resistance is utilised to stretch, strengthen and increase stamina. This activity is also commonly known as aqua exercise.

AROMATHERAPY
An ancient healing art dating back to 4500 B. C., Aromatherapy usually refers to treatments such as massage, facials, body wraps or hydro baths with the application of essential oils from plants, leaves, bark, roots, seeds, resins and flowers. These oils are used to treat emotional disorders, organ dysfunction, and skin problems through a variety of internal and external application techniques.

ASANAS
Yoga postures.

AURA
An electromagnetic field or visual energy that surrounds each living thing. The different layers of colour and contouring shapes are believed to reflect your physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual well-being.

AYURVEDIC
An ancient holistic system from India that encompasses custom, nutrition, herbal medicines, massage, exercise and yoga to sustain a balanced well being.

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B

BACH FLOWER CURES
Thirty eight flower remedies developed by Dr Edward Bach in the 1930’s. The vibration level of the flower is used to effect emotional change. Also known as Flower Essence.

BALNEOTHERAPY
A generic term for water treatments that use hot springs, mineral water or sea waters to improve and revitalise circulation, the immune system and relieve stress and pain.

BATH
The soaking or cleansing of the body or parts in water or steam. May be infused with oils, flowers, salts or minerals in varying temperatures.

BEAUTY TREATMENTS
A variety of treatments used to enhance beauty and overall well being. Treatments include facials, manicure/pedicure, waxing, tanning, image consultation and makeovers.

BODY MASK
Body is coated in clay or mud the benefiting minerals and elements help detoxify and hydrate the skin.

BODY SCRUB
Exfoliates the body using products such as salts or herbs to remove dry dead body cells and improve blood circulation giving skin a healthier glow. Techniques such as dry body brushing, loofahs can also be used. Also known as body polish or body exfoliation.

BODY TREATMENT
A term for treatments for the body.

BODYWORK
Touching or manipulating techniques using massage or exercise to relax, ease tension or treat illnesses or pain. It may also involve instruction in posture and movement.

BODY WRAP
A treatment to detox the system, sooth tired muscles and hydrate the skin by applying a wrap to the body that has been coated in either clays, muds or seaweed.

BRINE (SALT WATER) BATHS
Water saturated with or containing large amounts of a salt, especially of sodium chloride. The water from the sea or an ocean.

BROMINE/IODINE BATH
A heavy, volatile, corrosive, reddish-brown, non-metallic liquid element, having a highly irritating vapour combined with a liquid containing iodine dissolved in ethyl alcohol, used as an antiseptic on the skin.

BRUSH AND TONE
Dry brushing of the skin, intended to remove dead layers and impurities while stimulating circulation. This is one of many exfoliation techniques used as a pre-treatment for mud and seaweed body masks. The body is brushed in invigorating, circular motions to remove dead skin, followed by the application of moisturising lotion that leaves the skin silky smooth, alive, and glowing.

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C

CELLULITE
A non-scientific term used to describe dimply or uneven surface of the skin of the hips, thighs, or buttocks. Caused by the sagging or breaking down of the quilt-like strands of collagen which attach the skin to underlying structures and is associated with increased deposits of fat in those areas.

CEREMONY
A formal act or performance as prescribed by ritual or custom. Derived from the Latin word meaning, sacredness.

CHAKRA
Refers to the seven energy centres on your body. Taken from the Sanskrit word meaning, wheel.

CHANNELING
The art of receiving information, often while in a trance state, from a source, usually someone no longer alive.

CLEANSING
To free and detoxify one's body from accumulative toxins.

COLD PLUNGE
Deep pool for the rapid contraction of the capillaries intended to stimulate circulation after sauna.

COLONIC IRRIGATION
A water irrigation (enema) of the colon, intended to cleanse out trapped impurities preventing the recycling of toxins into the blood stream.

COLOR ANALYSIS
Think you look good in blue? A colour analysis may prove otherwise. Each season of the year represents a group of colours that are flattering to certain skin tones. To determine whether you're a spring, summer, fall or winter colour type, swatches of fabric from each season are held next to your face. The analysis, based on the colours that are most becoming to you, then gives you guidelines for choosing wardrobe and makeup colours.

COLOR HEALING
Based on the law of attraction wherein the vibration of the colour attracts a similar vibration in the human body. Dates back to ancient Egypt.

COMPRESSES (cold and hot)
A folded cloth or pad applied so as to press upon a body part.

CRANIO-SACRAL THERAPY
A massage and manipulation of the head.

CREATIVE MOVEMENT
Includes dance, aerobic and stretch exercises designed to improve your co-ordination and mobility whilst moving oxygen through your body.

CREATIVE VISUALISATION
An effective process of creating what we want in our lives using mental energy to transform and greatly improve health, beauty, prosperity, loving relationships, and the fulfilment of all one's desires. A relaxation technique similar to meditation where in a quiet room you are narratively lead to imagine a serene, relaxing environment, such as a beautiful sand beach or peaceful meadow. By describing things like the colour of the sky or the smell or wildflowers, the instructor creates a soothing fantasy environment.

CRÈME BATH
An Indonesian scalp and hair treatment.

CRYSTAL HEALING
Healing energy believed to be generated by quartz and other minerals. Crystals are known to have electromagnetic energy, as does the human body. When a natural quartz crystal is brought into contact with a person's enteric body, the electromagnetic attraction is capable of drawing imbalanced energy out of the human body.

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D

DAY SPA
A spa offering a variety of professionally administered spa services to clients on a day use basis.

DEAD SEA MUD TREATMENT
Applications of mineral-rich mud from the Dead Sea in Israel. Used to detoxify skin and body; also used to ease painful symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis.

DEEP TISSUE MUSCLE MASSAGE
A massage technique separates muscle groups and loosens fascia (a thin layer of connective tissue covering and supporting or connecting the muscles or inner organs of the body) so as to bring about the realignment of the body and freedom of movement.

DEEP-CLEANSING FACIAL
Use of sophisticated machines or manual techniques to open pores, extract blackheads by hand, purify skin, close pores, and revitalize skin.

DESTINATION SPA (Health Spa Retreat)
A spa whose sole purpose is to provide guests with lifestyle improvement and health enhancement through professionally administered spa services, physical fitness, spa cuisine exclusively served, educational programming, and on-site accommodations.

DETOX
The cleansing of the inner body of accumulated toxins in the way of diet, exercise or potions for a healthier and clearer appearance and feeling.

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E

EASTERN MEDICINE
A holistic perspective on health and illness that constitutes the existence of a person as a whole - physiologically and psychologically.

EMOTIONAL CLEANSING
The acknowledgement, removal or healing of the emotional body.

ENERGY BALANCING
A term for techniques that channel and stimulate energy through the body.

ESSENTIAL OILS
Aromatic liquid substances which are extracted from certain species of flowers, grasses, fruits, leaves, roots and trees which are used in the medicinal, food and cosmetic industries. The positive effect of essential oils on blood circulation is due to bringing oxygen and nutrients to the tissues while assisting in the disposal of carbon dioxide and other waste products produced by cell metabolism.

EXFOLIATION
Skin treatment where the upper layer of dead skin cells is sloughed off. A variety of techniques can be used and the treatment is called accordingly: loofah rub, salt scrub, body glow, brush and tone, etc.

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F

FACIAL
There are many types of facials. A standard facial usually includes massaging the face, cleansing, toning, steaming, exfoliating and moisturising. Other types of facials, masks and skin treatments are available at most spas. Eg a peeling mask designed to lift dead skin and encourage new skin growth; a paraffin mask, which helps increase circulation and rehydrate the skin; and a deep cleansing facial which purifies and revitalises the skin.

FANGO TREATMENT (THERAPY) (FANGO BATH)
The Italian word for mud. Used in treatments, a highly mineralised mud may be mixed with oil or water and applied over the body as a heat pack to detoxify, stimulate the circulation and relieve muscular and arthritic pain. Fango creates all-encompassing warmth and works like a poultice softening the skin. Natural ingredients such as peat moss and sea kelp are often mixed into the mud to help contain the warmth and increase mineral content.

FAST (FASTING)
To abstain from certain, or all, food and certain drink, except water, for a period of time for the purpose of physical detoxification and rejuvenation. A supplemented fast, or very low-calorie diet, consists of small amounts of regular foods and extra vitamins and minerals, or of a liquid "formula" diet which is nutritionally adequate except for its content of calories.

FELDENKRAIS (METHOD)
System developed by Moshe Feldenkrais that attempts to reprogram the nervous system through movement instrumented by physical pressure and manipulation to the body.

FLOTATION TANK
An enclosed tank the approximate size of single bed filled with 30 -40 cm of warm water and Epsom salts allowing you to float comfortably in a totally dark silent environment. This can be a serene, deeply relaxing experience for some, but claustrophobic for others. It creates a sensation that has been likened to returning to the womb.

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G

GUIDED IMAGERY
A process which involves listening to music or a person's voice in a relaxed state for the purpose of allowing imagery, symbols, and deep feelings to arise from the inner self. This visualisation may be used to stimulate the body's immune system.

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H

HAND AND FOOT TREATMENT
This often includes a standard manicure and pedicure, followed by a seaweed or paraffin mask to soften and smooth the skin.

HAMMAM
Arabic steam bath. Muhammad believed that the heat of the hammam, which in Arabic means "spreader of warmth" enhanced fertility and the followers of the faith should multiply.

HAYSACK WRAP
Kneipp treatment with steamed hay intended to detoxify the body.

HERBAL WRAP/BATH (hot and cold)
The body is wrapped in warm linen or cotton sheets which have been steeped like tea bags in a variety of aromatic herbs, then covered with blankets or towels, preventing the moist heat from escaping. Additionally, a cool compress is applied to the forehead. Herbal wraps help relax the muscles, soothe soreness and soften skin. However, some people find the heat oppressive and the cocoon effect of the wet sheets and blankets smothering. To avoid feeling claustrophobic, the arms may remain outside of the wrap.

HERBOLOGY (HERBALISM)
The use and study of herbs for the purpose of healing and diet. Herbs are prepared for internal and external use in a variety of ways including teas, tinctures, extracts, oils, ointments, compresses, and poultices.

HOLISTIC HEALTH
Also known as wholistic (from whole) A non-medical approach to the healing and health of the whole person that looks to combine physical and mental well being. This philosophy of health views the environmental, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of life as intricately interwoven and seeks to create balance by attending to all.

HOMEOPATHY
A form of medicine based on the principle that "like cures like". Patients are treated with natural substances in minute quantities which cause symptoms much like those manifested by the disease. In this way the body's own vital force is stimulated to cure itself.

HOT PLUNGE
A hot pool for the rapid expansion of the capillaries and is complimentary to a cold plunge.

HYDROMASSAGE
See hydrotub.

HYDROTHERAPY
Long a staple in European spas this is the generic term for water therapies using jets, underwater massage and mineral baths such as Balneotherapy, Iodine-Grine Therapy, Kneipp Treatments, Scotch Hose, Swiss Shower, Thalassotherapy, and others. It also can mean a whirlpool bath, hot Roman pool, hot tub, Jacuzzi, cold plunge and mineral bath. These treatments use physical water properties, such as temperature and pressure, for therapeutic purposes, to stimulate blood circulation, dispel toxins and treat certain diseases.

HYDROTUB
Underwater massage in a deep tub equipped with high-pressure jets and hand-manipulated hose. See also hydromassage.

HYPNOSIS
Inducing an altered state that has been compared to a state of deep meditation or transcendence in which the innate recuperative abilities of the psyche are allowed to flow more freely.

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I

INDONESIAN MASSAGE
A traditional method of massage from Indonesia or Bali in which deep tissue pressure and kneading is applied by the therapist’s fingers. Blended with oils to release muscle and improve circulation.

INFRARED TREATMENT
A heat treatment to aid in muscular relaxation and increase blood circulation.

INHALATION THERAPY (ROOM)
A wood-panelled room filled with hot vapours and/or steam from sea water, mineral water, or thermal water, sometimes augmented with pine eucalyptus and other oils for relieving respiratory congestion and enjoying the pleasures of aromatherapy. Hot vapours, or steam combined with eucalyptus oil, for treatment of respiratory, pulmonary and sinus problems are breathed through inhalation equipment or in a specific steam room. In Europe this sometimes refers to breathing vapours piped from below ground for varying treatments.

INTUITIVE CHANNELING
The art of being receptive to "knowing" without the use of rational processes.

IRIDOLOGY
A science by which a doctor or practitioner can determine from the markings or signs in the iris of the eye the condition of various organs in the body.

IYENGAR YOGA
Exercise system developed in India by B.K.S. Iyengar.

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J

JACUZZI
A patented design of a whirlpool bath or a mechanism which swirls water in a bath with underwater jets.

JAPANESE ENZYME BATH
A three part treatment - first you are served hot enzyme tea then you submerge in a large wooden tub filled with fragrant blends of cedar fibres and plant enzymes imported from Japan. The enzyme bath stimulates circulation and metabolism.

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K

KINESIOLOGY
Applied Kinesiology is a system that evaluates structural, chemical and mental aspects of health using manual muscle testing with other standard methods of diagnosis.

KNEIPP BATHS (THERAPY/TREATMENTS)
Herbal or mineral baths of hot and cold temperatures to improve circulation combined with diet and exercise.

KNEIPP KUR
Treatments combining hydrotherapy, herbology and a diet of natural foods for emotional and physical well-being, developed in Germany in the mid-1800s by Sebastian Kneipp. The Kur course of daily treatments uses natural resources.

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L

LABYRINTH
Ancient meditation tool in which a winding path leads to central point and back out again. Walking a labyrinth is meant to help centre your mind and on return broaden and clear the mind.

LAP POOL
A shallow swimming pool with exercise lanes; the standard lap length is 50 feet.

LAYING-ON-THE-HANDS
Among the most direct approaches to healing. A "body therapy" for removing energy blockages, balancing, and improving one's healing journey through life.

LIQUID BALANCING
Floating in body temperature saltwater alone or balanced by a physical therapist.

LOMI-LOMI
Hawaiian rhythmical rocking massage.

LOOFAH
A natural plant such as a dried sponge is used to slough off dead skin on the body.

LOOFAH BODY SCRUB
Full body massage with loofah sponge and sea salt to exfoliate the skin followed by a deep but soft massage of specific body sites located around lymph nodes.

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE
A therapeutic massage using a gentle pumping technique to drain away pockets of retained fluid and trapped toxins from the lymphatic nodes. Lymph drainage can be achieved through manual massage, hydro massage, or with aromatherapy massage boosting the body’s ability to eliminate waste and absorb nutrients. Works well when combined with exercise, drinking plenty of water and a wholesome diet.

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M

MACROBIOTICS
An extremely restrict vegetarian diet. The Eastern philosophy macrobiotic diet offers a way to achieve a fuller sense of balance both within ourselves and with the world around us by synchronising our eating habits with the cycles of nature.

MARMA POINTS
The body's vital energy points in Ayurveda. Having an imbalance or dysfunction of points leads to illness.

MANDALA
Sanskrit word literally meaning "circle" or "centre". A mandala consists of a series of concentric forms, suggestive of a passage between different dimensions. Through the mandala, man and woman may be projected into the universe and the universe into man and woman.

MANICURE
A beautifying treatment for hands and nails. Procedure normally consists of soaking of the hands, grooming of cuticles, trimming and shaping of nails, may include buffing and shining or coating of polish on the nails. A hand massage may also be included.

MASSAGE (THERAPY)
A therapy that applies a manipulation technique for muscle and joints to relax, relieve tension and pain, improve circulation and elimination of wastes to improve well-being. Generally practiced with the use of hands but machinery, water jets or hot stones may be used. Various forms of massage include: acupressure, reflexology, Rolfing, shiatsu, sports massage, Swedish, Thai, traeger, watsu.

MASSEUR
A male massage therapist.

MASSEUSE
A female massage therapist.

MEDITATION
The deep relaxation of breathing, mental concentration and contemplation heals the body, quiets the mind, and stimulates creativity and efficiency, thereby providing a sense of inner balance and peace.

MERIDIANS
Pathways or channels which vital energies flow and circulate through the body. Emotional, mental and physical illnesses are believed to result from an imbalance or blockage of flow.

MINERAL SPRING SPA
An on-site source of natural mineral or thermal water used in hydrotherapy treatments.

MINERAL WATER BATH
The bathing in hot or cool water of thermal springs which contains mineral salts or natural elements.

MOOR / PEAT BATHS
A natural plant accumulation that is rich in organic matter, proteins, vitamins and trace minerals, applied to ease aches and pains.

MOVEMENT THERAPY
A form of dance therapy.

MUD BATHS
See Fango therapy.

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N

NATUROPATHY
A practice of preventing, assessing and treating conditions of the human mind and body. By integrating conventional health sciences with a range of natural therapies and traditional medicines, naturopathy treats the patient’s mental, emotional and physical states for a lasting effect.

NUTRIENTS
Substances derived from foods that are necessary for the functioning of the human body including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. The body in three ways uses nutrients: to permit growth and repair of its tissues, to furnish energy and heat and to regulate body processes.

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O

ONSEN
Japanese natural mineral hot spring.

OXYGEN FACIAL
Facial treatment in which a fine mist of oxygen infused with a liquid ampoule is applied to your face.

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P

PANCHAKARMA
Succession of cleansing and purifying treatments from Ayurveda using nutrition, herbs, massage and meditative techniques aimed to restore the body’s own ability to create health.

PARAFANGO
A mixture of dehydrated mud containing healing ingredients such as minerals and converted plants parts, mixed with various paraffins.

PARAFFIN TREATMENT (BATH)
Warm paraffin wax is brushed over the body. The liquid wax coats the skin and as it solidifies forms a vacuum that causes any dirt in the pores to be drawn out. Removes dead skin and induces a loss of body fluid in the form of perspiration. The deep heat created by this treatment helps to relieve stress and promote relaxation. Treatments leave the skin silky-smooth.

PEDICURE
A beautifying treatment for feet and nails. Procedure normally consists of soaking of the feet, exfoliation, grooming of cuticles, trimming and shaping of nails, may include buffing and shining or coating of polish on the nails. A foot and calf massage may also be included.

PHYTOTHERAPY
Is the healing treatment through plants involves the use of herbs, aromatic essential oils, seaweed and herbal and floral extracts and maybe applied through massage, packs or wraps, water and steam therapies, inhalation treatments and the drinking of herbal teas.

PILATES
Training involving slow movements, co-ordinated breathing techniques and special exercise equipment aimed at building strength and flexibility. Developed in Germany by Dr. Joseph Pilates during the 1920s.

POLARITY MASSAGE (THERAPY)
Is the art of healing based on the principles of energy in motion and how our life is governed by these principles. Polarity unites bodywork, diet, exercise, and self-awareness into a fully integrated system of health for the human body based on the Chakra system. From this basis, a full-body energy balancing treatment is taught, along with simple exercises designed to increase sensitivity to subtle energy. The experience of giving and receiving polarity work serves as the gateway to understanding energy bodywork while emphasizing the relationship of energy to healing, integrating all other forms of bodywork. Created by Austrian born Dr. Randolph Stone in the early 1900's.

PRIMORDIAL SOUND
The basic most essential sounds of nature. The specific Primordial Sounds which are used in meditation are mantras. These mantras are personal for each participant. They are chosen on the basis of Vedic mathematics which determines a specific sound or vibration of the Universe at the time and place of our birth. When we silently repeat Primordial Sounds as part of the mantra, they help to take our awareness away from the frenzy of daily activity of the mind to the stillness of our spirit. The effect soothes our entire physiology - mind, body and soul.

PURIFICATION
To make or become clean or pure.

PELOTHERAPY
The use of mud packs or mud baths in health or beauty treatments.

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R
RASUL
Elaborately tiled steam room in which you apply different coloured muds to your body.

RE-BIRTHING
An extension of yogic breathing technique combined with guided meditation that allows total relaxation and clearing of the mind of non-supportive thought patterns. Sometimes includes reliving the birth experience.

REFLEXOLOGY
Ancient Chinese technique using finger point pressure massage to reflex zones on the hands, feet, and ears to restore the flow of energy throughout the body, improve circulation, ease pain and relax the body. The specific points on the hands, feet and ears relate to and affect different body parts, organs and glands.

REIKI
Meaning "universal life-force energy," an ancient Tibetan teaching by applying hands over parts of a body to activate and balance the mind, body and soul. Helps to elevate pain, Intended to relieve acute emotional and physical conditions.

REJUVENATE
To restore to youthful vigour or appearance; make young again.

RELAXATION
To become less formal or tense; to relieve from strain.

RESORT SPA
A spa within a resort environment providing professionally administered spa services, fitness and wellness components or spa cuisine menu choices with the resort providing activities, services and tours.

REVITALISATION
Therapy used to stimulate fatigued or ageing organisms which assist an organism in defending itself and resisting the wear and tear of time and ageing.

RIGHT/LEFT BRAIN INTEGRATION
The integration or balancing of the right being feminine side of the brain with the left being masculine side of the brain.

ROLFING
A technique developed by Ida Rolf of deep muscular manipulation and massage for the relief of rigid muscles, bones and joints. It is designed to improve energy flow and relieve stress most often related to emotional trauma.

ROMAN (POOL) BATH
Historically consisted of a number of rooms and pools of different temperatures for bathing. Today the term usually refers to a hot whirlpool/Jacuzzi with benches to sit on for one or more persons.

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S

SAUNA
A dry heat treatment (at less than 10% humidity) in a room with benches to sit and relax. The inducing of perspiration opens the pores and cleanses the body of impurities. After a sauna a cool shower closes the pores and brings down body temperature.

SCALP AND HAIR TREATMENTS
A process that gives a thorough cleansing, conditioning and scalp massage leaving hair shiny and full of body. Also known as crème bath.

SCOTCH HOSE / SWISS SHOWER (DOUCHE MASSAGE)
Standing body massage delivered by therapist standing approximately 3 metres away with high-pressure hoses. The temperature is turned quickly from hot to cold to hot for several seconds at a time. This massage aids circulation and helps relieve the pain of arthritis and rheumatism.

SEAWEED (BODY) WRAP
Similar to herbal wrap but it is using sea water and seaweed with the balance of the ocean's nutrients; minerals, rare trace elements, vitamins and proteins which are soaked into the blood stream to revitalize skin and body.

SELF-REALIZATION
The quest for complete harmony and understanding of whom or what we are and why we are here.

SHAITSU (MASSAGE)
Means "finger" (shi) "pressure" (atsu) a blend of acupuncture and massage developed in Japan by Tokujiro Namikoshi in the 1940s works with vital points and energy meridians using finger-thumb-palm pressure as well as hand, forearm, elbow, knee or feet.

SHAMANISM (SHAMANIC)
A spiritual or natural healing practice performed by a medicine man. Sharman being a medicine man.

SITZ BATH
A bathing process in which ones hips and feets immersed in different water temperatures. Also a Kneipp treatment for constipation, haemorrhoids, prostate problems, menstrual problems and digestive upsets.

SPA
A term that may have generated from "sanitas per aqua" meaning health through water. It may have also been inspired by the Belgium town of Spa. These days it refers to an establishment that provides water treatments based on well being.

SPA CUISINE
Light healthy meals served at a spa location. Meals concentrate on low calories, fats, salts and sugars.

SPA MENU
A list of spa treatments available at a spa establishment.

SPORTS MASSAGE
Deep-tissue massage directed specifically at muscles used in athletic activities, administered before physical exertion and after physical exertion aiding in prevention of any sporting injury.

STEAM ROOM
A room with wet heat generated by temperatures of 110-130° Fahrenheit designed to soften the skin, cleanse the pores, calm the nervous system and relieves tension.

STRESS MANAGEMENT
Techniques used to deal with stress and anxiety.

SWEDISH MASSAGE
Oils are applied to a body and varies techniques such us effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement and vibration are used to release tension, ease pain and relax the body.

SWISS SHOWER
A shower with jets that spray on to you from the sides and top.

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T

THALASSOTHERAPY
Treatments that harness mineral and vitamin rich sea water or sea weed for curative or preventative purposes. Thalasso, Greek word meaning sea.

THERMOTHERAPY
Heat treatment involving the use of minerals and salts for therapeutic purposes.

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V

VEGAN
A vegetarian who follows a strict diet of consuming vegetables and fruits and does not consume products including butter, cheese, eggs and milk.

VEGETARIAN
A person who avoids the consumption of red or white meats or fish, but does consume dairy products and eats eggs and honey.

VICHY SHOWER
A horizontal shower that has water spraying jets at which the temperature and pressure can be regulated by a therapist. This treatment is often followed by exfoliating treatments such as Dulse scrub, loofah or salt-glow.

VINOTHERAPY
Is the use of wine and grapes for therapeutic benefits in both beauty and health treatments.

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W

WATSU
A water treatment involving you floating in a pool whilst being supported by a therapist stretches and manipulates your body to bring about a deep relaxation.

WHIRLPOOL
A pool with water circulating around in hot temperatures this treatment soothes sore and overstrained muscles and is used for relaxation.

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Y

YOGA
An ancient Hindu practise based on deep breathing, balance, stretching and movement through postures called asanas aiming to improve flexibility and openness for the mind, body and soul.

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