SALON SPA GLOSSARY
Accupressure - Oriental technique applying pressure to specific "pressure points" on the body to improve the flow of energy.
Aroma Therapy - Based on the ancient practice of utilizing essential oils to heal by therapeutically stimulating the nasal olfactory senses, mental responses, circulatory and respiratory functions.
Ayurvedic - Eastern Indian philosophy and practice of utilizing herbal and hot oil treatment, combined with meditation, to create a balance between the internal and external self.
Brush & Tone - Dry brushing of skin to remove dead cells by exfoliating and to stimulate circulation, followed by an application of hydrating oils or moisturizing agents to soften the skin. The dry brushing technique may also be used as a preparatory step for other treatments such as a seaweed wrap of fango/parafango.
Chakra - Ayurvedic for energy center. It is believed that there are seven chakras, which are all interconnected. When balanced, the physical, mental and spiritual aspect of "Self" is in a state of harmony, contributing to a state of health and well being. Chakras run along the base of the spine to the crown of the head. When imbalance occurs, therapies such as Reiki, colour and light therapy, crystal and stones are believed to re-balance the chakras. Yoga and meditative disciplines also contribute to re-balancing the chakras.
Essential Oils - The aromatic (liquid) substance extracted from roots, bark, flowers, grasses etc.., which are then used as a part of a cosmetic or therapeutic treatment such as Aroma Therapy.
Esthetician - Skin care specialist who focuses on the treatment of the skin as a part beauty therapy such as a facial or the treatment and maintenance of healthy skin.
Exfoliation - The process of removing and sloughing of dead skin cells. This process also aids in improving circulation through stimulating blood flow. The pressure use to generate the process further aids in relaxation and stress reduction.
Herbal Wrap - Herb-soaked linen sheets are wrapped tightly around the body. The person is then covered with a blanket and has a cold compress applied to the forehead. Treatment lasts between 20 and 30 minutes. It stimulates circulation, detoxification and relaxation. The treatment process elevates body temperature and heart rates. Not recommended for those with heart conditions, high blood pressure or when pregnant.
Hydrotherapy - Anther term for Balneotherapy. Any treatments utilizing water as the primary facilitator (hydro). Water is generally fresh/spring as opposed to seawater (thalassotherapy).
Lymph Drainage - Message treatment of the lymphatic system, which stimulates circulation, reduces edema (water retention) and frees up stored toxins, encouraging them to flow either through manual massage or as a part of a hydrotherapy massage.
Paraffin - Heated / melted wax that has been infused with hydrating / emollient substances such as menthol, oils etc. Used to ease pain and/or re-hydrate.
Reflexology - Ancient Egyptian, Chinese and Indian therapy focusing on the reflex points of the feet that correspond to specific body organs. Hands and ears have similar reflex points and can be substituted.
Salt Glow - Small amounts of oil and coarse salt are applied to dampened skin in circular or elongated strokes to create a hydrogenated and exfoliating treatment. Aids in circulation.
Spa - Facility where one goes for a variety of treatments and reasons whether to relax, rejuvenate, exercise or get pampered. Types of spas include:
Day Spa - A clean, safe and nurturing environment offering an array of spa treatments administered by highly trained and licensed technicians. It is usually a self-contained facility but may also be combined with a salon. Clients frequent this spa for a few hours or a day. Overnight accommodations are not provided.
Amenity Spa or Resort Spa - A spa facility at a resort, where guests who enjoy the spa concept can also take advantage of traditional resort activities.
Destination Spa - All guests participate in a variety of exclusively structured programs, combining weight loss, nutrition, exercise, healing, meditation and pampering. Guests usually stay for a minimum of 3-4 days. Some of these facilities offer only weekly programs. Rejuvenation, relaxation and revitalization are the goals of all these 3 types of spa.
Medical Spa - Spa setting which combines various medically based therapeutic treatments that often blend eastern and western therapies. There is usually a medical director overseeing all treatments in combination with medical doctors of various disciplines. For example: Complementary and alternative medicine, dermatology, plastic surgery or theropedics, along with traditional spa treatments.
Swedish Massage - Massage techniques employing the gentle but firm manipulation of pressure points and muscles. Massage oil or lotion is used to lubricate the skin to promote friction and ease of manipulation.
Thai Massage - This massage incorporates acupressure and yoga manipulations by the therapist on the recipient who is situated on a mat on the floor. Recipient remains passive to the therapist at all times. Improving relaxation, spinal and skeletal alignment, increase energy and circulation often induces a meditative state for the recipient.
