Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Body relaxation

Fitness & Massage Glossary of Terms

Please search through our glossary: click on the letters below to reference advertising terms:

Accuppressure
Acupressure is an ancient Chinese total body treatment, given through clothing on pressure points, to stimulate the flow and improve circulation of energy throughout the body. Like its Japanese equivalent shiatsu, acupressure requires no needles relying instead on the thumbs, palms, heels of the hands and elbows, (sometimes knees and feet) to apply held pressure on vital points on the body. Along with pressure point treatment, gentle stretching and corrective exercises are also used.

Acu Yoga
Acu-yoga is a hybrid practice combining traditional yoga and acupressure. It uses yoga postures for the purpose of pressing many acupressure points with your whole body instead of with just your hands. It's meant for use at home. The yoga stretches are particularly helpful when you want to work on your back and other hard-to-reach places.

Aerobics
Rhythmic exercises performed to music that stimulates the aerobic capacity of the heart and lungs and burns calories.

Aikido
A Japanese martial art.

Alexander Technique
A posture, movement, and massage system to relieve pain and stress the way you sit, stand and move in your daily life. This technique provides help for tension, Repetitive Strain Injury or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, backache or stiff neck and shoulders, and singers, musicians, actors, dancers or athletes to perform at full potential.

Algotherapy
Seaweed bath (refer to Thalassotherapy for more information).

Aqua (water) aerobics
Aerobic exercises performed in a swimming pool where the water provides support and resistance.

Amatherapy
This relates to the use of fragrant, natural, botanical essential oils from plants, leaves, bark, roots, seeds, resins and flowers. Aromatherapy refreshes and relaxes the skin while soothing the mind by helping to induce a sense of well-being and. Each individual essence is used to produce a specific beneficial effect. Used in massage and facials.

Bach Cures
Healing with floral essences and oils.

Balneotherapy
The use of water to improve circulation, strengthen the immune system, and reduce pain and stress.

Bindi
Bodywork combining exfoliation, herbal treatment, and light massage.

Bioenergetics
Energy exchange between the giver and receiver of massage.

Bio-Lifting
A non-surgical facial lifting treatment performed with galvanic stimulation.

Body Composition Test
Computerized evaluation of lean body mass determining the percentage of body fat.

Brush & Tone
Dry-brushing exfoliating of skin to remove its dead layers and impurities and stimulate circulation.

Cayce-Reilly Massage
This massage is intensively therapeutic, manipulates tissues and joints, and uses moist heated castor oil and glycothymaline packs.

Cathiodermie
Low-voltage electrical stimulation treatment that cleanses the face and stimulates skin regeneration.

Chi Kung / Chi Kong / Qigong
A Chinese energy exercise where breathing and body movement recharge energy.

Chi Nei Tsang
Chi Nei Tsang is a traditional treatment created by Thai people under the umbrella of Taoist. It is an internal organ massage that uses the technique of massaging directly at the navel and surrounding abdominal area where stress, tension and negative emotions accumulate and congest. When this area is knotted up, the whole energy of the body is blocked. When this occurs, all vital energy functions stagnate, which then slowly weakens the internal organs and decreases energy and vitality. A Chi Nei Tsang massage quickly releases negative emotions, tensions and sicknesses, bringing comfort and relief to the abdomen and vital energy to the internal organs. This is also effective in the treatment of digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, bloating, constipation, eliminates toxins in the gastrointestinal tract and promotes lymphatic drainage.

Circuit Training
A high energy aerobic workout combined with weight resistance equipment.

Collagen Facial
Freeze-dried collagen is used to plump the skin to fill in the fine lines acquired by stress, sunbathing, or the environment.

Colon Therapy
A high colonic enema that cleanses using water. Benefits include detoxification, cleansing of the blood, and the stimulation of internal organs.

Compression Wrap
A localized treatment for cellulite and fatty deposits on arms, legs and buttocks.

Contouring
Deep toning of muscles using calisthenics.

Crystal Healing
Healing by using energy believed to be generated by quartz and other crystals and minerals.

Cure: A course of treatment. Also known as kur.

Cybex
Patented exercise equipment used for isokinetic strength training.

Dancercise
Modified modern dance steps and movements to provide an aerobic work out.

Dead Sea Mud Treatment
The application of mineral-rich mud from the Dead Sea to detoxify the skin and the body and to relieve rheumatic and arthritic pain.

Deep Muscle Massage / Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy
This type of massage eliminates knots, locked up areas, and emotional blocks in the body due to prolonged stress. It includes various leverage techniques and kneading for a very firm massage.

Deep Tissue Massage
Frees congestion of the muscle attachments. Deep work brings about realignment of postural distortions and restores proper range of motion. Liberation of emotional tensions may also result. Muscle function and awareness are balanced, and elasticity is revived.

Equilibropathy
A method of balancing the body which can be used to therapeutically treat ailments from asthma, migraines, sore muscles, sinus congestion, vertigo, stiff joints including gout, arthritis & rheumatism, lowered immunity and many more common conditions and is particularly useful in the prevention of all types of illnesses.

Ergometer
Exercise machine designed for muscular contraction.

Esalen Massage
A long, gentle and stroking style of massage.

European Facial
A skin care treatment which includes deep cleansing, steam, exfoliation and professional massage of the face, shoulders and chest area which nourishes and refines the skin. This is followed by a special masque that hydrates the skin.

Exfoliating Facial Treatment
Peels away dry skin cells and removes deeply-trapped secretions that impede oxygenation. Marine sediments, mineral salts, and lipoamino acids can be used to stimulate circulation and add moisture.

Exfoliation
Peels away dry skin cells and removes deeply-trapped secretions that impede oxygenation.

Fango Body Treatment
Thermal fango mud from Italy is applied to the entire body to gently cleanse, release toxins, remineralize, nourish, and soothe the skin. Also used to relieve muscular and arthritic pain.

Feldenkrais
A method to reprogram the nervous system through movement augmented by physical pressure and manipulation.

Floatation
Float in tanks filled with sterile salt water regulated so that its temperature is precisely the same as your body temperature for a sense of buoyancy and weightlessness. You float in complete sensory isolation so that no nerve impulses move from the skin to the brain for a unique feeling of relaxation. Can be used in complete silence, music or guided imagery.

Free Weights
Hand held dumbbells or barbells.

G5
Percussive hand massage to relax tense muscles.

Glycolic Facial
This breaks down the glue bond that holds dry skin on the face, then creates a rapid exfoliation to soften lines and smooth the skin.

Gommage
A massage-like treatment using creams to cleanse and moisturize.

Hellerwork
Deep tissue bodywork, stress reduction and movement reeducation.

Herbal Wrap
The body is wrapped in a cloth soaked in a herbal solution to eliminate impurities, detoxify the body, and induce relaxation.

Herbology
Therapeutic use of herbs in treatments and diet.

Holistic Health
A philosophy of well-being that considers the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of life as closely interconnected and balanced.

Homeopathy
Homeopathic medicine is a natural pharmaceutical science that uses various plants, minerals or animals in very small dose to stimulate the sick person's natural defenses. The medicines are individually chosen for their ability to cause in overdose the similar symptoms the person is experiencing.

Hot Stone (LaStone) Massage
A bodywork involves the use of heated and cooled stones (Thermotherapy) applied to the body in various ways to bring about relief to stiff and sore muscles

Hydration Facial
Utilizes enzymes and hylauronic acids which promotes superior hydration of stressed skin cells. A mask of paraffin and essential oils are applied to rehydrate and revitalize the skin.

Hydrotherapy
Water used as a form of treatment by way of jet massages, showers, and baths.

Interval Training
A combination of high energy exercise followed by a period of low intensity activity.

Jin Shin Do
This is a Japanese form of self-help acupressure that involves gentle touching or cradling of the body rather than massage like movements. The goal of Jin Shin Jyutsu is to harmonize body, mind and spirit by touching 26 "safety energy locks" found along energy pathways in the body. Sessions can include a series of touches or can be as simple as the holding of one finger.

Kinesitherapy
coming soon

Kur
A course of treatment. Also known as cure.

LaStone (Hot Stone) Therapy
A bodywork involves the use of heated and cooled stones (Thermotherapy) applied to the body in various ways to bring about relief to stiff and sore muscles.

Lomi-Lomi
Traditional Hawaiian bodywork which uses energy in the form of waves. These waves are produced by the mind (intent), the body (touch & motion), and the spirit (energy field).

Loofah Scrub
Brisk rubbing with a Loofah sponge to exfoliate the skin and stimulate circulation.

Low Impact Aerobics
A form of aerobics without jumping which spares the body possible injuries.

Lymphodrainage
Therapeutic massage that uses a delicate pumping technique to purge lymph nodes of water and trapped toxins.

Magnet Therapy
coming soon

Massage
There are over 80 types of massage in use today. They are as many reasons to seek massage as there are types. In general, massage is based on concepts of human function, anatomy, and physiology and uses a wide variety of soft tissue and manipulative techniques.

Moor Mud Therapy / Treatment
Formed more than 30,000 years ago, Moor Mud is a complete nourishing matter containing over 800 plants with at least 380 having known medicinal value. Treatments remineralize, hydrate & exfoliate the skin leaving it with a vital, healthy glow.

Mud Treatment
Mineral-rich mud used to detoxify the body, loosen muscles, and stimulate circulation.

Naturopathy
Natural healing treatments using plants and flowers.

Oxygen Treatment
Oxygen is used to cleanse and refresh.

Parafango
A combination of Fango mud and paraffin wax (refer to Paraffin Mud Treatment).

Paraffin Mud Treatment
Mud mixed in paraffin provides the benefits of both mud and paraffin treatments.

Paraffin Treatment
Melted paraffin is applied to the skin to trap heat, absorb toxins, and induce relaxation. After solidifying, it is briskly whisked off leaving the skin silky soft.

Paraffin Wrap
A process of removing dead skin cells with hot oil and Japanese dry brushing techniques. Then an emollient wax is applied to the entire body for an intense hydrating treatment.

Parcours
An outdoor trail with exercise stations along the way.

Perfector Therapy
The use a low current that sends tiny electrical impulses to the muscles, stimulating them which in turn leads to cell regeneration, lymph cleansing, toxin removal and more toned and firmer skin and muscles.

Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy / Deep Muscle Massage
This type of massage eliminates knots, locked up areas, and emotional blocks in the body due to prolonged stress. It includes various leverage techniques and kneading for a very firm massage.

Phytotherapy
Healing through plants, involving the use of herbs, aromatic essential oils, seaweeds, herbal and floral extracts.

Polarity Massage
A massage technique used to release energy.

Polarity Therapy
Balancing energy in the body through a combination of massage, meditation, exercise, and diet.

Polish
A gentle process using large sea sponges to cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate, and soften the body.

Pressotherapy: Treatment with pressure cuffs to improve the circulation of the feet.

Qigong / Chi Kung / Chi Kong
A Chinese energy exercise where breathing and body movement recharge energy.

Repichage
A combination of herbal, clay, seaweed or mud face-packs to cleanse and moisturize.

Salt Glow
An exfoliating treatment where the body is rubbed with coarse salt to remove the top layer of dead skin and stimulate circulation.

Scotch Hose Massage
A massage received in a standing position performed by a therapist who uses a hose to spray strong jets of water on the body alternating hot and cold water or using sea water.

Seaweed Wrap: A wrap of concentrated sea water and seaweed which difuse minerals, rare elements, vitamins, proteins in the blood stream to revitalize the skin and the body.

Spa: Means the "cure of water". It has transformed into wonderful treatments utilizing the benefits of sea and mineral water.

Spinning
Performing a series of exercises seated on special exercise bikes: stretching, low intensity aerobics, high intensity aerobics, body contour, yoga, meditation.

Sports Massage
Massage of foundation tissues directed specifically at the muscles used in athletic activities. This is a deep muscle massage often used around the joints. It combines classical Swedish style with trigger points, compression and electro-neuromuscular techniques to reduce soreness. Excellent when preparing for sports activities or after a strenuous workout.

Steam Room
Tiled room in which steam is generated at high pressure and temperature. This treatment is used to open the pores and eliminate toxins.

Step Class / Step Aerobics
Aerobic sessions performed with a small platform used to step up and down.

Stretching
Various parts of the body are stretched by assuming different positions to help eliminate stress and tension and increase flexibility.

Sugaring
An ancient hair removal process.

Swedish Massage
A classical European massage technique of the muscles with special oils by therapeutic stroking and kneading of muscle tissue to promote stress relief. It is used to improve circulation, relieve muscle pain and tension, increase flexibility and induce relaxation. It combines three basic strokes to the skin: long, firm strokes; kneading strokes; and small circles. This is the most requested and one of the most enjoyable massages.

Swiss Shower
Powerful shower jets that alternate hot and cold water are directed onto the body at various levels to produce the effect of an invigorating massage.

T'ai Chi
A form or Chinese martial art that combines mental concentration, slow respiration and graceful movements similar to those of a dance.

Thai Massage
A technique that involves a unique combination of gentle rocking and stretching using range of motion and acupressure techniques applied through clothing without oils.

Thalassotherapy
The use of sea products used to detoxify, exfoliate, balance the skin's pH, and hydrate.

Thalassotherapy Massage
A massage using seaweed oil.

Trager Massage
Massage that relieves tension and realigns the body by use of slow, effortless, and easy movement.

Vichy Shower
A shower taken lying down on a table, usually in a "wet room" where jets of water spray from above.

Vodder Massage
A manual lymph drainage massage technique.

Watsu
Done in a pool. Combines shiatsu and accupressure in flowing dance-like movements where the body is supported by water and the practitioner.

Waxing
The removal of body hair with hot wax.

Weight Lifting Work-out
Aerobic exercises that make use of the resistance offered by weights.

Whirlpool
A tub of hot water with jets of high pressure water pumped from the sides and bottom which massage muscles and induce relaxation.

Yoga
Oriental practice that uses special positions (asana) and breath control to stretch and tone the body, improve circulation, calm the central nervous system and induce a meditative and all-embracing state of being.