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Spa Glossary
In this section you will find a glossary of the most common terms associated with spa treatments. |
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Acupressure
Acupressure is a traditional Chinese pressure-point massage used to encourage the flow of energy in to the body
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Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the Traditional Chinese healing technique. There are three ways that it can be administered; a) by using needles, b) by using low-voltage electric current (also known as electro acupuncture), c)by using pinpoint massage (also known as acupressure).
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Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic Exercise is any sustained rhythmic exercise (including running, power walking, or dancing) that utilises large groups of muscles and consequently increases the heart rate from say 45% to 85% of its maximum.
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Affusion Shower
See Vichy Shower |
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Algotherapy
Algotherapy is the art of applying seaweed (and other algae & marine products) to the body, via facials, body wraps, and baths for detoxification, rejuvenation and relaxation. The via bath approach is a form of thalassotherapy. |
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Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy dates back to ancient times, utilising essential oils from flowers, seeds, bark, roots, leaves, plants and resins. Aromatherapy is used in hydrotherapy, face & body treatments and pressure point massage. See also Essential Oils. |
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Ayurveda Treatments
Ayurveda is an Ancient Indian medical science combining folk medicine and philosophy. Ayurveda utilises aromatherapy, massage, herbal remedies, nutrition and meditation to balance body and mind. |
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Balneotherapy
Balneotherapy derives from the term Balneology which refers to the study of the science and art of bathing. Balneotherapy are water based treatments utilising seawater or hot mineral springs in the treatment of stresses and strains within the body. The aim of these treatments is to enhance the immune system, stimulate circulation and boost the immune system. |
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Boreh
Boreh was used initially by Indonesian farmers to ease away aches and pains. Following a massage the client's body is coated in a warm spicy paste made from tumeric, nutmeg and ground ginger. |
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Caldarium
Historically was the hottest room in a Roman bath. A caldarium is a steam room infused with aromatic herbs; effective for relieving stress and helping regeneration. |
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Cold Plunge Pool
Exactly what it says - a cold water plunge pool. Used by plunging into it immediately after a heat treatment (a Sauna for example). The objective (apart from the amusement of the Spa staff) is to rapidly cool the body and to stimulate circulation. |
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Colonic Irrigation
Also known as Colonic Hydrotherapy. Dating back to Ancient Egyptian times, this treatment utilises warm water to gently cleanse and detoxify the colon, which in turn prevents the release of toxins into the bloodstream. |
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Dead Sea Mud Therapy
This treatment detoxifies, cleans pores, relaxes tight muscles and can ease Arthritic and Rheumatic pain. The treatment involves applying mineral rich Dead Sea mud to the face and body. |
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Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is used to relieve muscle tension. |
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Doshas
Ayurvedic principles explain that a human being has three forces governing the body. These three forces are called Doshas; they are named Kapha (earth), Pitta (fire) and Vata (air). One or more of these is dominant in each person. The Ayurvedic principles further explain the need to harmonise and balance the Doshas’s, the result will be a body in good health with a sense of wellbeing. |
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Duo Massage
Correct you’ve guessed it; a massage carried out by two therapists synchronising their actions to achieve an extremely relaxing massage. |
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Essential Oils
Essential Oils are used in Aromatherapy treatments. The oils are extracted from flowers, seeds, bark, roots, leaves, plants and resins. Some oils have therapeutic value, they work by being absorbed through the skin and by inhalation, which then relaxes both the mind and the body. |
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Flotation Tank
Designed to induce deep relaxation and described as the closest experience to emulate the human womb. The tank is the size of a double divan and is filled with circa 12 inches of mineral enriched, heavily salted water that keeps the client both weightless and afloat. |
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Hamman
A Hamman is another type of steam room. Originating from Turkey and the Middle East. |
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Herbal Wrap
An Herbal Wrap treatment is designed to soften, detoxify and relax the body. The treatment entails; firstly wrapping the client in herb soaked linen sheets; and secondly covering him or her in blankets to retain the heat. Most spas would also apply a cold compress to the forehead. |
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Hot Spring
A natural hot water mineral spring that is normally volcanic. |
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Hydromassage
A hydro massage stimulates both the body’s circulation system and its lymphatic system. A hydro massage will take place in a well filled bath and utilises high pressure underwater jets. |
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Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is a general term relating to any therapeutic treatment that utilises water for relaxation or healing. Treatments will comprise of mineral baths, showers, jet sprays and underwater jet sprays. |
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Kinesiology
Kinesiology is a system for diagnosing muscle weakness originating from mineral or vitamin deficiencies or food allergies. |
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Laconium
The laconium is a dry heat room for relaxing and resting often between spa treatments. |
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Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Lymphatic drainage massage is a gently pumping massage technique of a non oil nature. The massage reduces water retention pockets. Hydromassage, aromatherapy massage can also be used to achieve lymph drainage. |
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Ozonised Baths
A vat or bath of either sea or thermal water that has underwater jets creating ozonised or aerated bubbles. These baths will help stimulate circulation and generally relax the client. |
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Phytotherapy
Phytotherapy is a general term for a wide range of therapeutic treatments that involves using herbs, aromatic essential oils, seaweed and plant extracts. The treatment can be administered in the form of a wrap, a massage, steam, inhalation or even via herbal tea. |
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Pilates
Pilates are a relatively new exercise regime that combines stretching movements synchronised with breathing patterns. The result improves fitness and strengthens the body. |
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Rasul Bath
A Rasul Bath is a clever specially designed steam room. More of a cleansing ceremony than a treatment. The client applies different types of mud to their chest, thighs, back and face. This mud is absorbed by the skin as the heat increases and the body sweats. The experience is completed by a warm tropical rain shower; that washes any residue away and gently cleanses the body. |
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Rebirthing
Rebirthing combines Yogic breathing techniques and meditation to promote complete relaxation by clearing the mind. |
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Reflexology
Reflexology treatments have historic links to India, China and Egypt. Treatment involves fingertip pressure on the reflex zones found on the soles of our feet. The technique is intended to restore the body’s natural energy. |
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Reiki
Spiritually orientated Reiki entails an “in tune” therapist gently touching or hovering his / her hands above specific body points to channel energy. The treatment is said to rebalance and restore; mind, body and spirit. The treatment generates nurturing and deep relaxation. This is a clothed treatment that does not involve massage or oils. Loose clothes are recommended. |
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Roman Bath
The modern day equivalent of a Roman Bath, usually comprises of a Jacuzzi style bath, a whirlpool and a group of other pools maintained at different temperatures. |
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Salt Glow
A Salt Glow treatment entails an exfoliating body rub with coarse salt, essential oils and water. A shower before a final application of body lotion follows the body rub. Also known in some Spas as either a Turkish Scrub or a Body Glow. |
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Sauna
A sauna is a dry heat treatment usually in a pine cabin. The heat is generated from heated lava rocks or coals. The heat is sufficient to induce sweating which cleanses the pores of impurities. |
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Scottish Shower
A Scottish shower is a water treatment also known as the Scotch hose. The treatment involves the client standing and their body being hosed (by a therapist) with a high-pressure jet of alternating cold and warm water. The treatment relieves tension and stimulates the circulation. |
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Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a Japanese massage utilising finger pressure. The technique involves stimulating the body’s natural energy flow along the “meridians”. The procedure is said to boost the body’s healing powers. |
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Shirodhara
Shirodhara is an Ayurvedic treatment. This potent treatment entails slowly pouring warmed oil on to the “third eye”. The “third eye” is located in the centre of the forehead. The treatment clears the mind and brings on a profound sense of relaxation. |
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Spa Treatments
Spa Treatments is the collective name for the whole range of services offered within a spa. |
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Spa Weekend
A Spa Weekend is in our opinion a great way to experience a spa hotel and all that it has to offer. |
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Spinning
Spinning is an aerobic exercise that takes place; usually in groups; on a cycling machine (a stationary bicycle). |
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Stone Therapy
Stone therapy is a massage treatment that involves placing both cold and hot stones on to oiled skin. The result is a relaxed, rejuvenated and recharged body.
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Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage combines five different hand movements. The movements are; kneading, tapping, rolling, vibrating and lengthy strokes. |
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Tai Chi
The Chinese characters for Tai Chi can be translated as the “Supreme Ultimate Force”. Tai Chi can be thought of as a moving form of yoga and meditation combined.
In Chinese philosophy and medicine there exists the concept of “chi” a vital force that animates the body. One of the main aims of Tai Chi is to foster the circulation of this “chi” within the body, the belief being that by doing so the health and vitality of the person are enhanced. Learning to do these exercises provides a practical avenue for learning about balance, alignment, fine-scale motor control and rhythm of movement.
At the Capri Palace Hotel & Spa the Tai Chi Master – Supol Lohachitkul – for the first time in Italy, will introduce you to discover these techniques which help to harmonize mind, heart and body, between the 29th April and the 20 May 2006.
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Thalassotherapy
Thalassotherapy is a water therapy based on seawater and marine derivatives used to re-establish the body’s natural balance. Only spas that can demonstrate that they use uncontaminated sea water; pumped to the spa directly from the sea are able to claim the term Thalasso. Many Thalasso spas have pipes extending up to a mile or more out to sea. |
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Turkish Scrub
See Salt Glow |
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Vichy Shower
A water treatment where the client lays on a massage table and is showered with multiple water jets. The jets are programmed to vary both water pressure and temperature. The Vichy shower relaxes and energises. Some spas label this treatment “Affusion shower” |
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Water treatment
See Hydrotherapy |
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Watsu
A water therapy treatment celebrated for being physically and emotionally liberating. Essentially Watsu is a shiatsu type massage that takes place whilst the consumer is floating in warm water. |
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Yoga
Yoga evolved in the Indian sub-continent. Yoga concentrates on fixed postures, intense stretching and breathing, these help to improve body strength and flexibility. |
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