Acne treatments:
Though no acne cure has been found, a good number of medical and prescription treatments do exist, from antibiotics that kill bacteria to effective acne scar removal techniques.

Acupressure:
Ancient form of Chinese medicine using fingertip pressure on the meridian points of the body to channel energy.

Acupuncture:
Oriental technique of inserting needles into specific pressure points to stimulate healing and balance.

Aerobics:
Exercise regimen which elevates the heart rate; increases blood circulation, strengthening heart and lungs, and encouraging weight loss through the burning of fat.

Affusion shower:
Multi shower of varying temperatures and pressure, which are often infused with aromatics.

Аlexander technique:
Method of re-educating the mind and body to improve movement. The focus is on applying the appropriate amount of energy for each activity in order to improve posture and balance and to eliminate stress-inducing habits.

Algotherapy:
A form of thalassotherapy where thin layers of heated seaweed are applied to the skin; infra-red lamps are also used in the treatment to maintain the heat of the prepared seaweed. Treatment reduces pain and functions as an anti-inflammatory.

Anaerobics:
Exercise regimen that doesn’t support blood circulation or delivery of oxygen to the muscular system, such as weight lifting and/or body building.

Anti-aging photofacial:
Product or treatment that combats or defends against the aging process.

Applied kinesiology:
Study of muscles, especially the mechanics of human motion.

Aqua aerobics:
Aerobic exercises performed in a pool using the support and resistance of the water to burn fat, strengthen bones, and increase cardiovascular health and endurance. The buoyancy of the water greatly reduces the chance of injuring joints or muscles.

Aromatherapy:
Ancient therapeutic practice of utilizing essential oils from plants, leaves, bark, roots, seeds, resins, and flowers.

Asanas:
Various yoga postures or poses. The practice of these physical poses is a fundamental stage in many branches of the yoga system.

Ayurveda:
Eastern Indian philosophy and practice of utilizing herbal and other folklore adaptations, as well as meditation, to create a balance between the internal and external self

Bach flower cures:
Use of flowers for healing.

Balneotherapy:
The use of water to restore and revitalize the body. Since antiquity, balneotherapy has been used to improve circulation, fortify the immune system, and relieve pain and stress.

Basti:
Ayurvedic herbal purification treatment.

Behavior modification:
Change in personal habits through repetition of desired behaviors. Most spas incorporate behavior modification into their weight loss programs.

Bindi:
Body treatment combining exfoliation, herbal treatment, and light massage.

Biofeedback:
Training program that gives a person information about physiological processes (heart rate or blood pressure) with the goal of gaining conscious control over them.

Blood pressure:
Pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of the body's arteries. Normal blood pressure is usually 120/80.

Body conditioning:
Any exercise program that focuses on overall conditioning of the body. A body-conditioning routine might combine exercises for strength and flexibility and use both strength-training equipment and floor exercises.

Body polish:
A full-body scrub with mild abrasives and warm oil that stimulates circulation and gently removes dead skin cells.

Body scrub:
Body scrubs/skin care which include brush and tone, dulse scrub, loofah scrub, parafin treatment, repaichage and vichy shower.

Body sculpting:
Fitness program using weight, flexibility, and endurance training; but not running or jumping, to shape hips, thighs, upper arms, and buttocks without creating bulk.

Body wrap:
Strips of cloth soaked in herbal teas and cocooned around the body. Also call herbal wrap.

Botanicals:
Plant part or extract used in hair or skin products.

Botox:
A medical protein called Botulinum A Toxin is injected into the targeted area to temporarily paralyze the facial muscles that cause the wrinkling, thereby creating a softer, more relaxed appearance.

Brush and tone:
Exfoliating treatment involving the dry brushing of skin to remove dead cells and stimulate circulation, and then applying 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 or fango/parafango.

Capoeira:
Combination of acrobatics, dance, boxing, and martial arts invented by Brazilian slaves. Widely played in South America and gaining popularity in the United States.

Cathiodermie:
Electric stimulation of skin, in low voltage doses, believed to stimulate circulation and remove impurities.

Cellulite:
Deposits of lumpy fat and fibrous tissue that cause dimpling of the skin in the thighs, hips, and buttocks of some women.

Celtic Roman Bath:
Sequence of hot and cold baths, showers, and pools combined with heat and steam rooms.

Chakra:
Ayurvedic term for energy "center." It is believed that there are seven chakras, which are all interconnected and which must be balanced.

Chemical Peel:
Uses a chemical solution to improve and smooth the texture of facial skin by removing damaged outer layers and is helpful for those with facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation.

Chiropractic:
The realignment of the spine through active manipulation primarily to relieve back and neck problems.

Circuit training:
Exercise plan utilizing six to ten exercises that are completed one after another on weight-resistance equipment to increase mobility, strength, and stamina. Each exercise is performed for a certain number of repetitions.

City hotel or urban spas:
Located in metropolitan hotels, some of these spas are open only to hotel guests, while others are accessible to the general public.

Collagen:
The main organic constituent in animal connective tissue, produced in gelatin form by boiling. An important ingredient in many natural cosmetics.

Collagen Facial:
A facial skin technique that uses freeze-dried collagen to smooth out fine lines.

Colonic:
Irrigation of the colon for the purpose of cleansing trapped debris, which is believed to recycle toxins back into the system.

Color therapy / chromatherapy:
Use of color to balance mental and spiritual health through the use of colored rooms, light bulbs, fabrics, etc. The technique dates back to ancient Egypt.

Complementary medicine:
Non-traditional forms of medical therapies used to treat a variety of illnesses/deficiencies; these include vitamins, herbs, aromatherapy, meditation, massage, etc.

Cosmeceuticals or cosmaceuticals:
Topical cosmetic-pharmaceutical combinations intended to improve the health and appearance of skin.

Cranio-sacral therapy:
Treatment that focuses on the connection between the skull and the base of the spine along the spinal column. The therapist's palpitations in those areas are said to release blockages in the circulation of the cerebral-spinal fluid and allow it to flow more freely.

Crystal healing:
Healing energy believed to be generated by quartz and other minerals. Crystals are known to have electromagnetic energy, as does the human body. When a natural quartz crystal is brought into contact with a person's etheric body, the electromagnetic attraction is capable of drawing imbalanced energy out of the human body.

Dancercize:
Aerobic workout to upbeat music using steps and patterns derived from modern dance help improve range of motion, endurance, aerobic capacity, flexibility, and strength.

Day spa:
Establishment that provides beautifying, relaxing, or pampering experiences that can last an hour or may take a whole day. Can be freestanding or connected to health clubs, hotels, or department stores.

Dead sea mud treatment:
Application of mineral-rich mud from the Dead Sea in Israel. Used to detoxify skin and body and to ease painful symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis.

Dermabrasion:
A surgical procedure in which the physician attempts to make scars less noticeable by sanding them using a small hand-held tool.

Destination spa:
Establishments that focus exclusively on lifestyle improvement, health enhancement, and self-renewal in the company of like-minded people

Detoxification:
Cleansing the body of poisons or toxins that may have accumulated through addictive habits

Doshas:
According to Ayurvedic medicine, the three metabolic types (vata, pitta, and Kapha). Most people are a combination of types, though are predominately one.

Drumming:
Rhythms and sounds, used by spas to promote emotional and spiritual release. Drums may come from African, Middle Eastern, Native American, and South American musical traditions.

Dry brush:
Procedure using a natural-bristle brush to remove dead skin and impurities while stimulating circulation. This is one of many exfoliating techniques used prior to mud and seaweed body masks.

Dulse scrub:
Exfoliating body treatment that utilizes dulse seaweed powder, which has been rehydrated with either water or an essential oil. This treatment removes impurities and dead skin cells and re-mineralizes the skin.

Duo massage:
Synchronous massage treatment done by two therapists; done properly, the sense of touch doesn't discern that four hands are performing the treatment.

Ear candling:

Ear piercing:

Ecotour:
Ecologically responsible travel that promotes the conservation of nature and sustains the wellbeing of local people.

Effleurage:
Massage technique involving quick, long strokes used at the beginning and end of certain treatments.

Electrolysis:
The removal of excess hair by passing an electric curent through the root.

Endermology:
French massage therapy that reduces the appearance of cellulite.

Essential oils:
Aromatic liquids extracted from flowers, grasses, fruits, leaves, roots, or trees. The oils maintain the odors and tastes, and thus the essence, of the plant they are extracted from.

Estrogen:
Generic term for any steroid hormones secreted chiefly by the ovaries and placenta. Promotes the development of the female secondary sex characteristics and affects female reproductive system.

European acne facial:

European facial:
A facial skin treatment that employs deep-cleansing, exfoliating, and steam treatments along with a massage of the face, shoulders, and chest, followed by a hydrating spa facial masque.

Exercise facilities:
Buildings or rooms containing equipment for physical activity to sustain or improve health.

Exfoliation treatments:
The process of removal and sloughing of dead skin cells. This process also aids in improving circulation through stimulating blood flow. The pressure used to generate the process further aids in relaxation and stress reduction.

Eyebrow shaping:
Eyebrow shaping involves removing extra hair from underneath and above the eyebrow as needed, to give definition and provide an attractive "frame" for the eyes.

Eyebrow threading:
Ancient method of hair removal developed in the Middle East and Asia that uses a cotton thread to pull out unwanted hair at the root.

Eyelash tinting:
Application of makeup or cosmetics appropriate for a specific skin type, look, and age.

Facial:
There are many types of facials. A standard facial usually includes massaging the face, cleansing, toning, steaming, exfoliating and moisturizing. Other types of facials, mask and skin treatments are available at most spas. They include a European facial (similar to a standard facial except the products are European); a peeling mask designed to lift dead skin and encourage new skin growth; a paraffin mask, which helps increase circulation and rehydrate the skin; and a deep cleansing facial which purifies and revitalizes the skin.

Fango therapy:
From the Italian word for mud, a treatment that uses mineralized mud mixed with oil or water and applied over the body as a heat pack to detoxify the skin, soothe the muscles, and stimulate circulation.

Feng shui:
Chinese art of determining the most propitious design and placement of a structure or site to achieve maximum harmony between the flow of energy between the place and its inhabitant.

Fitness profile / assessment:
A test administered by a fitness instructor to evaluate aerobic capacity, flexibility, and strength, as well as resting heart rate, resting blood pressure, and body composition.

Flotation tank:
A little larger than a twin-size bed, filled with 10 to 12 inches of water, this enclosed tank, containing warm water and Epsom salts, allows you to float comfortably in a totally dark, silent environment. This can be a serene, deeply relaxing experience for some, but claustrophobic for others. It creates a sensation that has been likened to returning to the womb.

Food service:
Preparation and serving of delicious, healthy, low-fat food.

Functional foods:
Foods that have been fortified with herbs, vitamins, minerals, or other supplements.

Glyco-peeling:
A skin treatment that uses alpha-hydroxyl peeling through various fruit acids to reduce age spots and age lines; control acne; improve complexion; and revitalize skin.

Glycolic facial:
A facial skin treatment that uses a chemical to break down the cellular bond holding dry skin to the client's face. This spa technique results in rapid exfoliation of the face.

Golden needles and / or golden spoons:
Anti-wrinkle facial programs to stimulate muscles and help the absorption of creams and lotions.

Gommage:
Body treatment that cleanses and rehydrates utilizing various creams applied in long massage-like strokes.

Green:
Concerned with or promoting environmentalism by recycling, making bidogradable products, or limiting pollution.

Green tea:
Tea whose leaves come from the same shrub as black tree but are heated before oxidation (called fermentation) is complete. It may reduce risk of cancer and help prevent cardiovascular disease.

Haiku:
Traditonal Japanese form of poetry consisting of three lines, which have 5, 7, and 5 syllables respectively.

Hair colour:

Hair cuts:

Hair extensions:
Synthetic fibers or real human hair that is woven (sewn) or braided into existing hair to increase length, volume, or color.

Hair removal:

Hand and foot treatment:

Hatha yoga:
Branch of yoga that is devoted to the physical processes (as opposed to others that focus on wisdom, meditation, service, etc.) and involves breathing and physical exercises. There are many types of physical yoga.

Haysack wrap:
Treatment using steamed organic alpine hay to detoxify the body.

Henna:
Dye from a natural plant substance used especially in Middle East in many cultures to decorate skin as part of ceremonial rituals. It is used also to color hair in West.

Herbal bath:
see herbal wrap

Herbal wrap:
Body is wrapped in herb soaked, hot linen sheets and then covered in blankets. Cool compress is applied to the forehead. Treatment using strips of cloth soaked in a heated herbal solution to wrap around the body. It is used for relaxation and said to eliminate impurities and detoxify.

Holistic medicine:
System of heath care that looks at the entire person, taking into account physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional, social, spiritual and lifestyle values, and avails itself all modes of diagnosis and treatment including drugs and surgery in the absence of a safe alternative. The patient is urged to make personal efforts to achieve balance and well-being.

Homeopathy:
Form of medicine based on the principle that "like cures like" To stimulate the body to heal itself, it treats patients with minute quantities of natural substances that cause symptoms much like those of the disease they are meant to cure.

Hormone replacement therapy:
Medication containing one or more female hormones (usually estogen) used to treat women experiencing symptoms of menopause or amenorrheoa or women who have had partial or full hysterectomy. Medical opinion about the risks of this kind of therapy is divided.

Hot spring:
Natural, sometimes volcanic, spring of hot mineral water.

Hot stone therapy:
Relaxing, therapeutic treatment in which dark, smooth stones heated in hot water or hot spring pools are placed or stroked with light pressure on areas of the body such as the back, in the palms, and between the toes. Cold stones may also be used.

Hot stone manicure & pedicure:

Hot stone massage:
Employs hot and cool smooth stones of various sizes. Each stone is placed on a specific area of the body to relieve muscle pain.

Hot Tub:
A soaking pool made of wood or other materials.

Hydotherapy tub:

Hydration facial:
This facial skin treatment uses a mixture of paraffin and essential oils in a masque to rehydrate the skin.

Hydro massage:
Underwater massage in a hydro bath equipped with high pressure jets and hand-manipulated hose to stimulate the blood and lymphatic circulations.

Hydrotherapy:
Another term for balneotherapy, or any treatments utilizing water as the primary facilitator. Type of water is generally fresh/spring, as opposed to seawater (thalassotherapy). Treatment using water therapeutically to aid relaxation in a variety of procedures such as underwater jet massage, different types of showers, and mineral baths. Thalassotherapy, using seawater for hydrotherapy, has long been a staple in European spas.

Hypoallergenic:
Cosmetic products alleged by manufacturer to create fewer allergic reactions among those who are sensitive. However, no federal standards govern the use of this term.

Infrared spa treatment:
A spa heat treatment used to relax the client's muscles and improve circulation.

Inhalation therapy:
Treatments involving the inhalation of steam vapor, which may have been treated with medicine or natural herbal/mineral substances; used for respiratory, pulmonary or sinus-related ailments.

Ionization:
A form of thalassotherapy where seawater has been ionized with negative ions, sprayed and inhaled; aids the upper respiratory tract.

ISPA:
International Spa Association, a professional organization representing all aspects of the spa industry: club spas, cruise ship spas, day spas, destination spas, resort/hotel spas, medical spas, and mineral springs spas.

Jacuzzi:

Japanese enzyme bath:
Relaxing and detoxifying treatment in a wooden tub filled with fragrant blends of cedar fibres and Japanese plant enzymes.

Japanese facial:
Energizing technique to stimulate the accupressure points on the face and scalp.

Jinn shin do & Jinn shin jyutsu:
Forms of energy-balancing massage.

Juice fast:
Short-term diet regimen consisting of only fresh fruit or vegetable juices. Advocates claim it detoxifies the body.

Kickboxing:
Boxing techniques, basic kicks, and martial arts moves (all self-defense tactics) that give the upper and lower body an intense cardiovascular, aerobic, and body-toning workout.

Kinesitherapy:
Also referred to as physiotherapy, this treatment involves the active or passive movement of various parts of the body, aiding in circulation and strengthening of the body.

Кinesthetic awareness:
Sensitivity to the moment of your body through space that contributes to your ability to balance and move rhythmically and fluidly. It is sometimes developed as a self-awareness technique for spiritual growth.

Kneipp baths:
Water therapies originated by Germany's Father Sebastian Kniepp, a holistic teacher and proponent of natural remedies. Originally involving dips in the icy Danube, nowadays the therapy involves immersion both in warm and cold water.

Kneipp Kur System:
Developed by Father Sebastian Kneipp. Herbal/mineral baths used as part of a regimented therapy of healing; used in combination with nutritional and exercise disciplines. Hot and cold therapy is a key component of this form of therapy (water, stones, pebbles, etc.)

Кosher:
From the Hebrew meaning "fit" or "proper," food that meets the criteria of Jewish law regarding the ingredients and the equipment used to produce it. One of the basic laws prohibits combining meat and milk.

Кrauter bath:
Based on German natural remedy, this is a strong, aromatic herbal bath solution.

Кur:
From the German "kur," a planned course of spa treatments that typically involve mineral water, mud baths, algae, and herbs. "Taking the kur" might be a ten- to twenty-day process every three months.

Labyrinth walking:
Following a man-made, spiral pattern path (traced on the ground, as in many cathedrals, or constructed in garden) to meditate, focus, and calm the mind. Not a maze, the path follows a number of circuits to the center of a circle and back out.

Laser hair removal:
A simple cooling tip comes in contact with the surface of the skin before delivering a high speed of light.

Laying on of hands:
Among the most direct approaches to healing. A "body therapy" for removing energy blockages, balancing, and improving one's healing journey through life.

Light therapy:
The use of light as a treatment for everything from physical disease to psychological disorders.

Liposuction:
A cosmetic surgical procedure that sucks excess fatty tissue out of various areas of the body.

Liquid sound:
Light and music under and above water for relaxation and visualization.

Lomi-Lomi:
Hawaiian rhythmical, rocking massage.

Loofah body scrub:
Dried plant used as a friction massage to exfoliate the body.

Lycopene:
The substance that makes tomatoes red, it is also a powerful antioxidant that may help prevent diseases of aging such as some forms of cancer and heart disease.

Lymphatic drainage massage:
Therapeutic massage using a gentle pumping technique to reduce pockets of water retention. Lymph drainage can be achieved through manual, hydro or aromatherapy massage.

Make-up application:
Involves learning the application of make-up appropriate for a specific skin type, look, and age.

Make-up consultation:
This usually involves learning to apply make-up appropriate for your skin type, look, and age.

Manicure:
A cosmetic treatment of the fingernails, including shaping and polishing.

Massage:
Manipulation of tissues, usually manually, to improve health and well-being by relaxing muscles, relieving tension, and improving circulation.

Massage therapy:
Different massage therapies have evolved throughout the world over many centuries for stress, muscle, and tissue relaxation, as well as manipulation of skin, muscle, and joints.

Medical spa:
Destination or day spa that offers traditional and complementary medical services supervised or administered by medical professionals. A spa may specialize in diagnostic testing, preventive care, cosmetic procedures, or a combination.

Medi-spa:
Any facility, usually a day spa, that offers both medical treatments and spa therapies.

Meditation:
Practice of using mental skills to perform such feats as focusing attention on a single object for a long period of time; cultivating compassion, which involves the transforming of negative events; and creating a state of pure awareness of thoughts, emotions, and sensations without reacting. Meditation is said to increase emotional well-being and is being studied for alleged benefits to physical health.

Metabolism:
Rate at which a body burns up fuel and transforms it into energy.

Microdermabrasion:
Facial exfoliation procedure in which skin is "sandblasted" with ultra-fine crystals of aluminum oxide or other ingredients to remove top layer of skin.

Mineral Bath:

Morphology:
Specialized form of massage with essential oils that targets the digestive areas.

Mud Baths:
Natural peat, rich in organic matter, used to ease pains and stiffness.

Mud Therapy:
A hot mask of thermal mud applied to certain parts of the body for treating and preventing arthritis and its symptoms. At a lower rate it can also be used for certain skin problems.

Nail Application:
Applying a gel or acrylic extensions to fingernails.

Nail Extensions:

Naturopathy:
Discipline of natural medicine.

Nia:
Non-impact aerobics (not as rigorous as traditional aerobic exercise).

Nutrition Counselling:
The review of an individual's eating habits and dietary needs by a qualified practitioner.

Oleation:
Ayurvedic adapted treatment using friction massage of blended essential oils (similar to an aromatherapy massage).

Onsen:
Japanese natural mineral thermal spring.

Outdoor Activities:
Pursuits, such as swimming, hiking, biking, jogging, etc. aimed at decreasing body fat and improving cardiovascular fitness and strength.

Overnight Accommodations:
Rooms at destination, resort and hotel spas.

Oxygen facial:
Oxygen and other nutrients applied to the face to stimulate and reinforce the collagen level of the skin.

Pain management:

Panchakarma:
Ayurvedic cleansing and purification treatment using essential oils, massage and meditation.

Parafango:
Combination of fango mud and paraffin wax to detoxify, heat and exfoliate.

Pedicure:
Nail care and treatment of the feet. Includes soaking feet in warm soapy water and removing dry skin with a pumice stone or a special razor. Also includes a foot and leg massage and concludes with polishing of nails, if desired.

Peels:
The removal of superficial layers of skin on the face, usually to remove scars, etc.

Permanent Make-up:
The application of makeup intended to last or function indefinitely without change.

Personal Trainer:
A certified professional for safe and effective exercise programs aimed at fat loss, toning, flexibility, cardiovascular conditioning, or any other fitness goal.

Physiochineitherapy:
Therapeutic use of heat, light, electrical and mechanical means and movements to regenerate strength and flexibility.

Physiotherapy:

Phytotherapy:
Healing treatment through plants, herbs, aromatic essential oils and seaweed applied through massage, wraps, steam therapies, inhalation and herbal teas.

Pilates:
Strength training movements involving coordinated breathing techniques developed in Germany by Dr. Joseph Pilates during the 1920s.

Plastic Surgery:
Process of reconstructing or repairing parts of the body by the transfer of tissue to treat injuries or for cosmetic purposes.

Plunge Pools:
Also known as Roman pools. Deep pools, one filled with hot and one with cold water. Alternating "plunging" into each will improve and revitalize circulation.

Polarity massage:
Technique of gently rocking, holding and massaging the body, designed to balance the subtle or electromagnetic energy through touch, stretching exercises, diet and mental-emotional balanced attitude.

Pool:
A small body of still water for swimmimg, wading, etc.

Pressotherapy:
A spa treatment using pressure cuffs that improves circulation of blood in the feet.

Pressure Point Therapy:

Radon therapy:
An inert gas used in many European Spas as part of a treatment process to stimulate organ functions.

Reflexology:
Ancient Egyptian, Chinese and Indian technique using finger-point pressure on the reflex zones of the feet and hands to restore the flow of energy through the body.

Reiki:
A technique of channeling energy consisting of salt, essential oils and water followed by a shower with body lotion to complete the treatment.

Repaichage Massage/Facial:
Massage and skin treatment that can be applied just to the face or to the entire body. This treatment uses a combination of herbal, seaweed and clay or mud masques to deep clean and moisturize.

Rolfing:
Massage technique requiring specific certification, which involves extremely deep tissue massaging and often-painful manipulation of injured areas. The massage is sought by those who require intensified treatment.

Salt Glow:
A hydrating and exfoliating treatment where small amounts of oil and coarse salt are applied to dampened skin in circular or elongated strokes. Also aids in circulation.

Salt Scrub:
The body is rubbed with a vigorous, abrasive scrub consisting of coarse salt usually mixed with essential oils and water. Cleanses pores and removes dead skin. It is usually followed by a gentle shower and body moisturizer.

Sauna:
A Finnish treatment of dry heat, in a wooden structure; the heat forces sweating and the elimination of toxins; open pores. A cold shower usually follows to close the opened pores and to stop the sweating process.

Scotch hose-jet blitz:
Standing body massage delivered by a therapist with a high pressure hose of alternating warm and cold water to stimulate circulation and relieve tension.

Seaweed wrap:
Envelopment of seaweed on the body, wrapped in a heated blanket to demineralise, revitalize, and rebalance the body.

Shiatsu:
Japanese finger pressure technique working the energy meridians to stimulate the body's inner powers of balance and healing.

Shiro Dhara:
Ayurvedic treatment of warm oil slowly pouring over the third eye in the center of the forehead to induce deep relaxation.

Siddha Vaidya:
Ayurvedic massage treatment where a pouch of blended herbs is dipped in essential oils and massaged over the body.

Siliceous thermal bath:
Treatment using silica.

Slenisuim body wrap:
Detoxifying body envelopment treatment using natural oils.

Spinning:
Stationary bicycle exercise regime guided with an instructor; often combines a video-projected image to give one the impression that they are cycling on a terrain of some sort.

Sports Massage:
Technique of using quick and vigorous strokes, such as deep tissue, on localized body parts where a specific activity may have caused exertion and muscle tightness.

Steam Room:
Area of wet, hot steam; promotes sweating, opening pores and ridding of toxins.

Steamroom:
See Steam Room

Step Aerobics:
Fitness regimen of aerobic exercise in combination with a step platform three or more inches high.

Stress Management:
A program of meditation and deep relaxation intended to reduce the ill effects of stress on the system. Most spas offer a variety of tension-relieving techniques that fall under the category of stress management (yoga, meditation, guided relaxation and visualization, stretching and breathing exercises, positive thinking, and nutritional counseling).

Sugaring:
Ancient practice of hair removal using sugar.

Swedish massage:
Traditional Massage technique created in 1812 at the University of Stockholm using five different movements of massage.

Tai Chi:
Chinese martial arts discipline employing deliberate/relaxed breathing and mental focus, in combination with slow sustained physical movements.

Tanning:
Year-round tan employing self-tanning treatments or a sunbed.

Thai herbal heat treatment:
A traditional herbal massage using Pai root, tamarind leaves and essential oils to relax tired muscles.

Thalassotherapy:
Therapeutic use of seaweed and marine byproducts that are rich in minerals and vitamins to restore the balance of the body.

Thermotherapy:
Heat treatment involving the use of various forms of heat for therapeutic purposes.

Threading:
Ancient Arabic manual technique for hair removal. Involves the use of a long, twisted loop of thread rotated rapidly across the skin that traps hair within the tight entwined coils, and pulls or breaks it off.

Traeger massage:
Gentle rhythmic shaking and rocking of the body to release tension from joints.

Ultra Sound:
A therapy using sound waves emitted from a frequency-generating device. The device may also have the capability of utilizing heat as part of the therapy. Often employed by physical therapists to alleviate pain and discomfort to injured areas of the body.

Vein Removal:
Pulsed light is used to remove leg veins, spider veins and other benign vascular lesions.

Vichy shower (Therapy):
Invigorating shower treatment from several water jets of varying temperatures and pressures applied while lying on a waterproof cushioned mat. This treatment is often followed by exfoliating treatments such as dulse scrub, loofah or salt glow.

Visualization:
Form of light hypnosis used to create a soothing environment for relaxation.

Watsu:
Method of rhythmic movement, pressure point massage, and stretching the body, working with a therapist, in warm water that leads to a state of deep relaxation.

Waxing:
Hot wax is applied to the skin, and a strip of cloth or paper is pressed into the preparation. The strip is then quickly pulled away, taking hairs with it.

Yoga:
Eastern discipline using various positions/postures (asansa), controlled breathing, focused/centered concentration in combination with various physical movements designed to improve circulation, flexibility, and strength. Also a philosophical approach to balancing one’s internal and external self.

Zen:
A Japanese accupressure art intended to ease tension and balance the body.