Spa Treatment Glossary A - I

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, 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.

• Deep Tissue Massage - A massage technique that loosens the fascia (connective tissue) to release muscle tension and promote healing. This is a sometimes painful technique often used to treat sports injuries.

• Electrolysis - A method of hair removal that "kills" the follicle with electricity. Used primarily on the face, the method requires repeated treatments to remove all of the hair in an area, but the results are permanent.

• Endermologie - A French massage technique utilizing a machine that rolls and vacuums the skin to reduce the appearance of cellulite.

• Fango - An Italian mud treatment used for both facials and body treatments.

• Flotation Tank - Enclosed tank with about 1 foot of mineral-rich, salted water. When closed, the darkened tank and weightlessness of floating promotes deep relaxation.

• Glycolic Peel or Exfoliation - The use of fruit-derived alphahydroxy acids to exfoliate the skin, soften lines, and improve texture.

• Hammam (or Hamam) - A Middle-Eastern bathhouse ritual (sometimes called a Turkish Bath) involving many steps: wet or dry heat to promote perspiration, mud body masks, showers or drenching from a water bucket, scrubbing and exfoliation, and massage.

• Hatha Yoga - A yoga technique that utilizes postures and breathing for improved flexibility and health.

• Herbal Wrap - The use of herb-soaked linens to wrap the body tightly. The body is then covered in blankets. The therapy relaxes and detoxifies the body and improves circulation.

• Holistic Therapies - Health spa treatment that addresses the person as a whole - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Herbs, massage, meditation and stress relief are the focus of holistic therapies.

• Hot Springs - A naturally occuring spring that produces very hot water (usually from a volcanic source). Hot springs were among the first gathering grounds for pursuing health.

• Hot Stone Massage - Heated stones are applied to chakra points for massage and balancing of energy.

• Hydrotherapy - The use of water in healthful therapies. Hydromassage, the use of water jets to massage the body, is a form of hydrotherapy.

• Inhalation Therapy - Inhalation of steam, often infused with essential oils, to promote relaxation and improved respiration.

The Spa Treatment Glossary continues with

• Spa Treatment Glossary J - R

• Spa Treatment Glossary S - Z

• Types of Spas

• Return to Spa Glossary

Return to Great Spa Vacations