Spa and Fitness Glossary of Terms
return to
top
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
Aerobics: Rhythmic exercises performed to music that stimulates the aerobic capacity of the heart and lungs and burns calories.
Aikido: A Japanese martial art. More about this subject 
Algotherapy: Seaweed bath (refer to Thalassotherapy for more information).
Aqua (water) aerobics: Aerobic exercises performed in a
swimming pool where the water provides support and resistance. More about this subject
Aromatherapy: This relates to the use of fragrant, natural,
botanical essential oils from plants, leaves, bark, roots, seeds, resins and flowers.
Aromatherapy refreshes and relaxes the skin while soothing the mind by helping to induce a
sense of well-being and. Each individual essence is used to produce a specific beneficial
effect. Used in massage and facials. More about
this subject
Auras - coming soon
Bach Cures: Healing with floral essences and oils. More about this
subject
Balneotherapy: The use of water to improve circulation, strengthen the immune system, and reduce pain and stress.
Bindi: Bodywork combining exfoliation, herbal treatment, and light massage.
Bioenergetics: Energy exchange between the giver and receiver of massage.
Bio-Lifting: A non-surgical facial lifting treatment performed with galvanic stimulation.
Body Composition Test: Computerized evaluation of lean body
mass determining the percentage of body fat. More about this subject
Brush & Tone: Dry-brushing exfoliating of skin to remove
its dead layers and impurities and stimulate circulation. More about this subject
Cayce-Reilly Massage: This massage is intensively therapeutic, manipulates tissues and joints, and uses moist heated castor oil and glycothymaline packs.
Cathiodermie: Low-voltage electrical stimulation treatment that cleanses the face and stimulates skin regeneration.
Chakras - coming soon
Chi Kung / Chi Kong / Qigong: A Chinese
energy exercise where breathing and body movement recharge energy. More about this subject
Chi Nei Tsang: According
to Buathon Thienarrom, Medical Manager of Chiva-Som International Health
Resort in Thailand, Chi Nei Tsang is a traditional treatment created by
Thai people under the umbrella of Taoist. It is an internal organ massage that uses the technique of
massaging directly at the navel and surrounding abdominal area where stress, tension and negative emotions accumulate and congest. When this area is
knotted up, the whole energy of the body is blocked. When this occurs, all
vital energy functions stagnate, which then slowly weakens the internal organs and decreases energy and vitality. A Chi Nei Tsang massage quickly releases negative emotions, tensions and
sicknesses, bringing comfort and relief to the abdomen and vital energy to the internal organs. This is also effective in the treatment of digestive
problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, bloating, constipation, eliminates toxins in the gastrointestinal tract and promotes lymphatic
drainage.
Circuit Training: A high energy aerobic workout combined with
weight resistance equipment. More about this subject
Collagen Facial : Freeze-dried collagen is used to plump the skin to fill in the fine lines acquired by stress, sunbathing, or the environment.
Colon Therapy: A high colonic enema that cleanses using
water. Benefits include detoxification, cleansing of the blood, and the stimulation of
internal organs. More
about this subject
Color Therapy - coming soon
Compression Wrap: A localized treatment for cellulite and fatty deposits on arms, legs and buttocks.
Contouring: Deep toning of muscles using calisthenics.
Crystal
Healing - coming soon. Healing by using energy believed to be
generated by quartz and other crystals and minerals. More about this subject Even more about this subject
Cure: A course of treatment. Also known as kur.
Cybex: Patented exercise equipment used for isokinetic strength training.
Dancercise: Modified modern dance steps and movements to provide an aerobic work out.
Dead Sea Mud Treatment: The application of mineral-rich mud from the Dead Sea to detoxify the skin and the body and to relieve rheumatic and arthritic pain.
Deep Muscle Massage / Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy:
This type of massage eliminates knots, locked up areas, and emotional blocks in the body
due to prolonged stress. It includes various leverage techniques and kneading for a very
firm massage. More about this
subject Even More about this subject
Deep Tissue Massage: Frees congestion of the muscle
attachments. Deep work brings about realignment of postural distortions and restores
proper range of motion. Liberation of emotional tensions may also result. Muscle function
and awareness are balanced, and elasticity is revived. More about this subject
Even More about this subject
Energy Healing - coming soon
Equilibropathy: A method of balancing the body which can be used to therapeutically treat ailments from asthma, migraines, sore muscles, sinus congestion, vertigo, stiff joints including gout, arthritis & rheumatism, lowered immunity and many more common conditions and is particularly useful in the prevention of all types of illnesses.
According to Buathon Thienarrom, Medical Manager of Chiva-Som International Health Resort in Thailand, the place that originated this treatment by Dr. Taworn Kasomson, Equilibropathy (DULAYAPHAP BUMBUD) is a unique regulation of self-healing process that could guide you on how to take full charge of your own health. This treatment uses special technique in allowing the body to function properly by letting tensed muscle group to relax, thus regulating various body systems, e.g. blood flow, nerve signals, lymphatic drainage, to work harmoniously. Improving body structure and balancing muscle tone help clear the mind and facilitate good energy flow resulting to spiritual uplift which is the key to your personal fulfillment. Dr. Taworn Kasomson, M.D. applies all his expertise in modern medical science and oriental healing arts to evaluate your health, make specific diagnoses and help you understand the nature of your health problems and how they can be solved by a direct approach to the causes. The treatment will start with the examination of your spinal column and the associate muscle groups along the spine to help determine the root cause of your health problem and even reveal existing asymptomatic illnesses. The treatment begins with a special modified acupunture technique to help release tensed and knotted muscle groups, thus allowing proper circulation, lymphatic drainage, nerve signal and energy flow into the whole body. Opposed to common belief, this modified acupunture technique is designed without the complication of pain associated with needles to let the body relax. A specially designed breathing exercise will be taught during the session to stimulate your muscles to release tension and at the same time correct body structures. You could take charge of your own health using this technique as tools for continuous healing process and health improvement. Follow up sessions may be recommended for some cases to evaluate the healing process and further help the muscles and body structure to be more harmonized and relaxed. First session (90 MINS.) Second session (60 MINS.)
Ergometer: Exercise machine designed for muscular
contraction. More about this subject
Esalen Massage: A long, gentle and stroking style of massage.
More about this subject
European Facial: A skin care treatment which includes deep cleansing, steam, exfoliation and professional massage of the face, shoulders and chest area which nourishes and refines the skin. This is followed by a special masque that hydrates the skin.
Exfoliating Facial Treatment: Peels away dry skin cells and removes deeply-trapped secretions that impede oxygenation. Marine sediments, mineral salts, and lipoamino acids can be used to stimulate circulation and add moisture.
Exfoliation: Peels away dry skin cells and removes
deeply-trapped secretions that impede oxygenation. More about this subject
Fango Body Treatment: Thermal fango mud from Italy is applied to the entire body to gently cleanse, release toxins, remineralize, nourish, and soothe the skin. Also used to relieve muscular and arthritic pain.
Feldenkrais: A method to reprogram the nervous system through
movement augmented by physical pressure and manipulation. More about this subject
Floatation: Float in tanks filled with sterile salt water
regulated so that its temperature is precisely the same as your body temperature for a
sense of buoyancy and weightlessness. You float in complete sensory isolation so that no
nerve impulses move from the skin to the brain for a unique feeling of relaxation. Can be
used in complete silence, music or guided imagery. More about this subject
Free Weights: Hand held dumbbells or barbells.
G5: Percussive hand massage to relax tense muscles.
Glycolic Facial: This breaks down the glue bond that holds dry skin on the face, then creates a rapid exfoliation to soften lines and smooth the skin.
Gommage: A massage-like treatment using creams to cleanse and moisturize.
Hellerwork: Deep tissue bodywork, stress reduction and
movement reeducation. More about this
subject
Herbal Wrap: The body is wrapped in a cloth soaked in a herbal solution to eliminate impurities, detoxify the body, and induce relaxation.
Herbology: Therapeutic use of herbs in treatments and diet.
More about this subject
Holistic Health: A philosophy of well-being that considers
the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of life as closely interconnected and balanced.
More about this subject
Hot Stone (LaStone) Massage: A bodywork involves the use of
heated and cooled stones (Thermotherapy) applied to the body in various ways to bring
about relief to stiff and sore muscles More about this subject
Hydration Facial: Utilizes enzymes and hylauronic acids which promotes superior hydration of stressed skin cells. A mask of paraffin and essential oils are applied to rehydrate and revitalize the skin.
Hydrotherapy:
(coming soon) Water used as a form of treatment by way of jet
massages, showers, and baths. More about
this subject
Interval Training: A combination of high energy exercise
followed by a period of low intensity activity. More about this subject
Jin Shin Do, Jin Shin Acupressure
Kinesitherapy - coming soon
Kur: A course of treatment. Also known as cure.
LaStone (Hot Stone) Therapy: A bodywork involves the use of
heated and cooled stones (Thermotherapy) applied to the body in various ways to bring
about relief to stiff and sore muscles More about this subject
Lomi-Lomi: Traditional Hawaiian bodywork which uses energy in the form of waves. These waves are produced by the mind (intent), the body (touch & motion), and the spirit (energy field).
Loofah Scrub: Brisk rubbing with a Loofah sponge to exfoliate the skin and stimulate circulation.
Low Impact Aerobics: A form of aerobics without jumping which
spares the body possible injuries. More
about this subject
Lymphodrainage: Therapeutic massage that uses a delicate pumping technique to purge lymph nodes of water and trapped toxins.
Magnet Therapy - coming soon
Massage: There are over 80 types of massage in use
today. They are as many reasons to seek massage as there are types. In general, massage is
based on concepts of human function, anatomy, and physiology and uses a wide variety of
soft tissue and manipulative techniques. More about this subject
Even More about this subject
Moor Mud Therapy / Treatment: Formed more than 30,000 years ago, Moor Mud is a complete nourishing matter containing over 800 plants with at least 380 having known medicinal value. Treatments remineralize, hydrate & exfoliate the skin leaving it with a vital, healthy glow.
Mud Treatment: Mineral-rich mud used to detoxify the body, loosen muscles, and stimulate circulation.
Naturopathy: Natural healing treatments using plants and flowers.
Oxygen Treatment: Oxygen is used to cleanse and refresh.
More about this subject
Parafango: A combination of Fango mud and paraffin wax (refer to Paraffin Mud Treatment).
Paraffin Mud Treatment: Mud mixed in paraffin provides the benefits of both mud and paraffin treatments. More about this subject.
Paraffin Treatment: Melted paraffin is applied to the skin to trap heat, absorb toxins, and induce relaxation. After solidifying, it is briskly whisked off leaving the skin silky soft.
Paraffin Wrap: A process of removing dead skin cells with hot oil and Japanese dry brushing techniques. Then an emollient wax is applied to the entire body for an intense hydrating treatment.
Parcours: An outdoor trail with exercise stations along the way.
Perfector Therapy: The use a low current that sends tiny electrical impulses to the muscles, stimulating them which in turn leads to cell regeneration, lymph cleansing, toxin removal and more toned and firmer skin and muscles.
Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy / Deep Muscle
Massage: This type of massage eliminates knots, locked up areas, and emotional blocks
in the body due to prolonged stress. It includes various leverage techniques and kneading
for a very firm massage. More
about this subject
.Even More about this subject
Phytotherapy: (coming soon) Healing through plants, involving the use of herbs, aromatic essential oils, seaweeds, herbal and floral extracts.
Polarity Massage: A massage technique used to release energy.
More about this subject
Polarity Therapy: Balancing energy in the body through a
combination of massage, meditation, exercise, and diet. More about this subject
Polish: A gentle process using large sea sponges to cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate, and soften the body.
Pressotherapy: Treatment with pressure cuffs to improve the circulation of the feet.
Qigong / Chi Kung / Chi Kong:
A Chinese energy exercise where breathing and body movement recharge energy. More about this subject
Radionics - coming soon
Rasul: An Oriental ceremony for body care involving a cleansing seaweed soap shower, medicinal muds, and an invigorating herbal steam bath.
Repichage: A combination of herbal, clay, seaweed or mud face-packs to cleanse and moisturize.
Salt Glow: An exfoliating treatment where the body is rubbed with coarse salt to remove the top layer of dead skin and stimulate circulation.
Scotch Hose Massage: A massage received in a standing position performed by a therapist who uses a hose to spray strong jets of water on the body alternating hot and cold water or using sea water.
Seaweed Wrap: A wrap of concentrated sea water and seaweed
which difuse minerals, rare elements, vitamins, proteins in the blood stream to revitalize
the skin and the body. More
about this subject
Even More about this subject
More about
this subject
Spa: Means the "cure of water". It has transformed into wonderful treatments utilizing the benefits of sea and mineral water.
Spinning: Performing a series of exercises seated on special
exercise bikes: stretching, low intensity aerobics, high intensity aerobics, body contour,
yoga, meditation. More
about this subject
Sports Massage: Massage of foundation tissues directed
specifically at the muscles used in athletic activities. This is a deep muscle massage
often used around the joints. It combines classical Swedish style with trigger points,
compression and electro-neuromuscular techniques to reduce soreness. Excellent when
preparing for sports activities or after a strenuous workout. More about this subject
Steam Room: Tiled room in which steam is generated at high pressure and temperature. This treatment is used to open the pores and eliminate toxins.
Step Class / Step Aerobics: Aerobic sessions performed with a
small platform used to step up and down. More
about this subject
Stretching: Various parts of the body are stretched by
assuming different positions to help eliminate stress and tension and increase
flexibility. More about this
subject
Sugaring: An ancient hair removal process.
Swedish Massage: A classical European massage technique of
the muscles with special oils by therapeutic stroking and kneading of muscle tissue to
promote stress relief. It is used to improve circulation, relieve muscle pain and tension,
increase flexibility and induce relaxation. It combines three basic strokes to the skin:
long, firm strokes; kneading strokes; and small circles. This is the most requested and
one of the most enjoyable massages. More about this subject
Swiss Shower: Powerful shower jets that alternate hot and cold water are directed onto the body at various levels to produce the effect of an invigorating massage.
T'ai Chi: A form or Chinese martial art that combines mental
concentration, slow respiration and graceful movements similar to those of a dance. More about this subject
Thai Massage: A technique that involves a
unique combination of gentle rocking and stretching using range of motion and acupressure
techniques applied through clothing without oils. More about this subject
Thalassotherapy: The use of sea products used to detoxify, exfoliate, balance the skin's pH, and hydrate. More about this subject.
Thalassotherapy Massage: A massage using seaweed oil. More about this subject from
Trager Massage: Massage that relieves tension and realigns
the body by use of slow, effortless, and easy movement. More about this subject
Vichy Shower: A shower taken lying down on a table, usually in a "wet room" where jets of water spray from above. More about this subject.
Vodder Massage: A manual lymph drainage massage technique. More about this subject
Watsu: Done in a pool. Combines shiatsu and accupressure in
flowing dance-like movements where the body is supported by water and the practitioner. More about this subject
Waxing: The removal of body hair with hot wax.
Weight Lifting Work-out: Aerobic exercises that make use of
the resistance offered by weights. More
about this subject
Whirlpool: A tub of hot water with jets of high pressure water pumped from the sides and bottom which massage muscles and induce relaxation.
Yoga: Oriental practice that
uses special positions (asana) and breath control to stretch and tone the body, improve
circulation, calm the central nervous system and induce a meditative and all-embracing
state of being. More about this subject
SOURCES, REFERENCES and OTHER SPA GLOSSARIES
About's Spa Site -
Alexander Technique
About's Spa Site - Aromatherapy
About's Spa Site - Ayurveda
About's Spa Site - Craniosacral Therapy
About's Spa Site - Deep
Muscle Massage
About's Spa Site - Feldenkrais
About's Spa Site - Hellerwork
About's Spa Site - Hydrotherapy
About's Spa Site - LaStone
(Hot Stone) Therapy
About's Spa Site - Massage
About's Spa Site - Oxygen and Ozone
Therapies
About's Spa Site - Polarity Therapy
About's Spa Site - Pfrimmer Deep Muscle
Therapy
About's Spa Site - Reflexology
About's Spa Site - Reiki
About's Spa Site - Rolfing
About's Spa Site - Shiatsu
About's Spa Site - Trager Work
About's
Spa Site - Water Walking
About's Spa Site - Watsu
About's Alternative
Medicine Site
About's Beauty Site
About's Bicycling Site
About's Exercise Site
About's Healing Site
About's Herbs for Health Site
About's Martial Arts Site
About's New Age Site
About's Rowing Site
About's Sports Medicine Site
About's Walking Site
The Day
Spa Association
ISPA's
Global Spa Guide
Modern Life Guide
SPA'DUES
Spa Speak by Madelyn Miller, The Travel Lady
Spa Wish
World Health Spas
