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ACUPUNCTURE
Part of traditional Chinese medicine it employs the body's own energy to help
heal itself. Using the same points as in acupressure - tiny, fine needles are
used to increase the flow of energy in the body.
ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
A method of re-aligning the body to improve posture, relieve tension and
re-align the internal organs.
AQUA AEROBICS
Aerobic exercises performed in a pool using the support and resistance of the
water to burn fat, strengthen bones, and increase cardiovascular activity. The
buoyancy of the water reduces the chance of injuring joints or muscles.
AROMATHERAPY
Treatments such as massage, facials, body wraps, or hydrobaths that include the
application of fragrant essential oils. Different oils are used for different
therapeutic benefits.
AYURVEDA
One of the oldest medical disciplines in the world. Founded in India and now
stretching worldwide, it incorporates a variety of techniques from meditation
to massage and from diet to herbal medicines.
BALNEOTHERAPY
The use of underwater massage to stimulate, massage and relief tension in the
body.
BOWEN THERAPY
A powerful complementary non-intrusive therapy, which is used in aiding the
body to help heal itself, particularly aches and pains.
CATHIODERMIE
Low-voltage electrical stimulation of facial area used to oxygenate the skin,
stimulate and revitalize circulation.
CRANIO-SACRAL THERAPY
A gentle therapy that focuses on the connection between the skull and the base
of the spine, which helps release trapped spinal fluid.
CRYSTAL HEALING
The use of crystals to help highlight and draw out imbalanced energies from the
body.
DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE
A type of massage aimed at the deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia, also called connective tissue. Deep tissue massage uses many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish Massage but the pressure will generally be more intense. It is also a more focused type of massage, as the therapist works to release chronic muscle tension or knots.
DEAD SEA MUD TREATMENT
An application of mineral-rich mud from the Dead Sea. Used to detoxify skin and
body, and to ease painful symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis.
DRY BRUSH
A brushing of the skin with a natural-bristle brush to remove dead skin and
impurities while stimulating circulation, part of the preparation for massage,
wraps or body masks.
EXFOLIATION
A process by which the top layer of dead skin cells is sloughed off the face or
body whether by dry-brushing, scrubs, or other exfoliation techniques.
FOUR-HANDED OR SYNCHRONIZED MASSAGE, SOMETIMES KNOWN AS A BALINESE
MASSAGE
A massage by two therapists working in synchronized movements along the body.
HAMMAM
A Turkish or middle-Eastern bathing area which uses steam, water, and oils.
HERBAL WRAP
A treatment in which moisture, heat, and herbal essences penetrate the skin
while the body is wrapped in hot linens, plastic sheets, and blankets. It is
intended to promote muscle relaxation and the elimination of toxins.
HYDROTHERAPY
Treatments using water incorporating underwater massage, jet blitzes, showers
and/or mineral baths.
INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE
An ayurvedic therapy in which medicated oils are used in a vigorous head and
scalp massage. It increases circulation, exfoliates the scalp and nourishes the
hair. In its more western form, it is less vigorous.
JET BLITZ
A thalassotherapy treatment in which pressurized sea water is administered via
a controlled hose. Each area of the body is massaged in turn to help boost
circulation and break down fatty tissue.
LACONIUM
Similar to a sauna, where dry heat is used to relax muscles and help draw out
toxins.
LA STONE OR HOT STONE THERAPY
A relaxing treatment designed to relieve stiffness and soreness and restore
energy. Smooth, volcanic stones are heated and then used with oil in massage.
Has its roots in Native American culture.
LOMI-LOMI
A Polynesian healing treatment incorporating long and broad massage strokes, as
well as a rocking motion. This treatment can be quite vigorous, as the
therapist uses forearms and elbows as well as hands.
LYMPH OR LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE
A special type of massage where a gentle pumping technique is used to help drain away pockets of water retention and blocked toxins.
MARMA MASSAGE
A type of massage where the strokes work on the body's energy channels to release blockages and help circulation.
MOOR MUD BATHS
A natural preparation that is rich in organic matter, proteins, vitamins, and trace minerals, used to help ease aches and pains.
PARAFFIN TREATMENT
A treatment in which heated paraffin wax is brushed over the body, feet or hands. It is used as a heat pack to help eliminate toxins as well as softening the skin.
PILATES
Devised by Dr Joseph Pilates to help damaged dancers, it is a series of precise movements performed on a specially designed apparatus to help strengthen and re-align the body as well as aiding flexibility. Exercises can also be done on a floor mat, but are not as effective.
QI JONG/ QUGONG/ CHI KONG
A Chinese medical discipline combining movement and breathing exercises to help strengthen both body and mind.
REFLEXOLOGY
An ancient Chinese technique that uses pressure-point massage (usually on the feet, but also on the hands and ears) to restore the flow of energy throughout the entire body.
REIKI
A gentle Japanese technique of laying on of hands to help the energy flow within the body. Gentle and restorative.
SAUNA
Dry heat administered in a wooden room to open the pores, relax muscles, and eliminate toxins.
SEAWEED WRAP
A wrap or mask of concentrated seawater and seaweed, which helps release toxins and revitalize the skin.
SHIATSU
An acupressure massage technique developed in Japan. The therapist applies pressure to specific points in the body to stimulate and unblock "meridians" or energy channels.
STEAM ROOM OR TEPIDARIUM
Similar to a Turkish bath where hot steam is used to help relax the body and eliminate toxins.
SWEDISH MASSAGE
The classic massage technique of manipulating muscles with the use of massage oils. It helps ease aching muscles, improve circulation and help relaxation.
TAI CHI
A Chinese martial art of stylized gestures regulated by deep breathing and movement.
TAMAZCAL
A traditional Mayan sweatlodge where the heat helps body to relax, opens the pores, and helps in elimination of toxins.
THAI MASSAGE
This is one of the few massages where oil is not used. Instead, the treatment is performed over light cotton pajamas. A manipulation of the body using yoga like stretching, pummeling, kneading as well as exerting pressure along the body's energy channels to help release blockages and soothe tight limbs and muscles.
THALASSOTHERAPY
From the Greek for sea - thalassa - and treatment - therapia - all the treatments use seawater and seawater products such as seaweed and algae. True thalassotherapy centers have to be by the sea where the water, algae, mud et al are especially treated and purified for inclusion in the therapies.
TUINA
A massage that is part of traditional Chinese medicine in which the body is pulled, pounded, pummelled, and rolled. It works on the body's energy channels and helps release blocked energies. Vigorous, and not for the timid.
VICHY SHOWER
A light, rain like shower, which is often used in combination with massage.
WAI CRU
The spiritual dimension of Thai boxing, which engages the mind as well as the physical movements.
WATSU
A shiatsu massage treatment performed in a warm pool where the therapist holds and moves the limbs.
YOGA
An ancient Hindu discipline comprising focused deep breathing, stretching and toning the body using various positions designed to improve circulation, flexibility and strength. A philosophical approach to balancing the body and mind.
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