Spa Treatment Glossary A - C

The Spa Treatment Glossary defines spa treatments from aromatherapy to yoga.

Not sure what treatments are right for you? Don't know the difference between natural treatments and holistic treatments? Check the spa treatment glossary!

There's nothing worse than planning a spa vacation, and then not enjoying the experience. The benefits of spa treatments are supposed to make you feel better, not worse - so make sure you find the right spa (see Types of Spas for help with that), and choose the right therapies for you.

Here are the definitions for spa body treatments, facial and beauty treatments, and more:

• Abhayanga - A full-body massage, usually performed by 2 therapists, utilizing a warm, herbal oil.

• Acupressure/acupuncture - Both free the flow of chi (energy) to relieve pain, restore health, and assist the body in healing. Acupressure uses pressure from the fingers at specific points related to the health of a body part; acupuncture uses long, thin needles inserted into those points.

• Algotherapy - The use of algae or seaweed applied the the skin to detoxify.

• Aromatherapy - The use of botanical scented oils to relax the body. The oils may be used topically in massage or facial treatments, and inhaling the aroma of the oils can help relax the mind.

• Ayurveda - Meaning "the science of life", this very popular Indian philosophy brings together the body and mind, and utilizes nutrition, exercise, massage, meditation, herbs, and oils to bring balance to life.

• Balneotherapy - Water therapy utilizing mineral hot springs or sea water to relieve physical stress and improve circulation.

• Bindi - Ayurvedic body treatment that combines herbal therapy, massage, and exfoliation.

• Body Polish - The use of loofah sponges or fine grains to cleanse and exfoliate the skin.

• Boreh - Rooted in Balinese tradition, boreh utilizes spices (ginger and turmeric) to make a warming paste or poultice to ease muscle aches.

• Botox Treatments - One of the newest and most popular wrinkle treatments, Botox is injected into the skin to soften and reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles.

• Cell/Cellular/Live Cell Therapy - The use of live animal embryonic cells, injected into the body, to retard the aging process.

• Chakra - From the Sanskrit for "wheel of life", there are 7 chakras, or energy centers, in the body. Optimal health requires the balancing of all 7 chakras.

• Chiropractic - Physical manipulation of the spine to restore health and alignment without the use of drugs or surgery.

• Cold Plunge - Immersion in very cold water after a hot treatment, such as a sauna, to stimulate circulation.

• Colonic Irrigation - An enema treatment to cleanse the large intestine and eliminate toxins from the body.

• Complementary Medicine - The use of Eastern medical therapies, such as acupuncture and herbal medicine, to complement Western medicine.

• Craniosacral Therapy - The use of gentle massage and pressure on the neck and head to relieve tension.

• Crystal Healing - The use of quartz and other minerals to assist healing by the transfer of energy between the crystals and the body.

The Spa Treatment Glossary continues with

• Glossary D - I

• Glossary J - M

• Glossary N - R

• Glossary S - Z

• Types of Spas

• Return to Spa Glossary

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