Spa Glossary - A To Z
Author: Susan Gans

Know the difference between acupuncture and acupressure? How
about Shiatsu and Watsu? The spa world is filled with a dizzying
collection of terms and procedures. Following is a sample
glossary, thanks to Spa Finder, to help spa-goers speak and
understand the lingo with ease.

Acupressure
Used to stimulate the flow of energy in the body, acupressure
is a traditional Chinese pressure-point massage.

Acupuncture
Administered using needles, a low-voltage electric current, or
acupressure, acupuncture is a traditional Chinese healing
technique based on Taoist philosophy.

Body Wrap
Herbal body wraps cover the client in a cocoon-like form with
strips of cloth soaked in herbal teas. Sea mud body wraps use
mineral essential-rich mud to cleanse and hydrate the body.

Complementary medicine
Unlike alternative medicine which replaces traditional
therapies, complementary medicine uses treatments and therapies
in conjunction with traditional medicine.

Destination Spa
Property that focuses on improving one's lifestyle, enhancing
health, and creating self-renewal in the company of other
like-minded people.

European Facial
A treatment that includes deep cleansing, steam, exfoliation,
and a professional face massage, followed by a mask that
hydrates the skin.

Green
The buzzword that describes a concern with, or promotion of,
environmentalism through recycling, creation of biogradable
products, or reducing pollution.

Hot Stone Therapy
A treatment in which dark, smooth stones are heated in hot
water and then placed or stroked lightly on key areas of the
body.

ISPA
The International Spa Association, which represents all aspects
of the spa industry.

Lymph Drainage
A type of massage meant to stimulate circulation in the lymph
system to drain away excess fluids and trapped toxins.

Medical Spa
These are destination or day spas that offer traditional and
complementary medical services including cosmetic procedures,
diagnostic testing, and preventative care.

Organic
Food grown without the use of chemicals of any kind, including
growth hormones, pesticides, and fertilizers.

Pilates
Developed by Joseph Pilates, this is a body conditioning
program that develops flexibility and strength through
controlled movements and specially-designed exercise equipment.

Qi Gong (or Chi Gung or Chi Kung)
A group of Chinese self-healing exercises, the term Qi Gong
comes from qi (energy) and gong (achievement that comes from
practice). The exercises include simple movements, breathing,
and mental imagery to relax and strengthen the body and mind.

Salt Glow
Used to exfoliate and stimulate circulation, skin is rubbed
with coarse salt combined with fragrant oils.

Shiatsu
This massage technique developed in Japan uses applied pressure
to specific body points to stimulate and unblock meridians, or
pathways through which energy is said to flow.

Thai Massage
With a client dressed in full clothing, this treatment involves
yoga-like stretching and pressure-point massage to release
blocked energy, relieve tension, and increase awareness.

Vichy Shower
Meant to hydrate the body and improve circulation, the Vichy
shower was inspired by treatments in the French thermal spa
city. It involves a client lying beneath a spray of warm water
created by a five- to seven-head shower system.

Watsu
This treatment achieves deep relaxation in the client through
rhythmic movements and a pressure-point massage administered by
a therapist in a warm pool.

Yoga
Aimed at self-development and self-realization, the physical
practice of yoga uses positions, deep breathing, and meditation
to stretch and tone the body.

Zen
A school of Mahayana Buddhism that asserts enlightenment can be
achieved through meditation, self-contemplation, and intuition
by focusing on one's essential nature.


About The Author: Geologix Inc. manufactures the Mineral
Essentials line which focuses on spa, skin care, and massage
products to moisturize and provide anti-aging protection for
great skin. http://www.mineralessentials.com