Spa
Glossary
To recover rested and rejuvenated, the body need care.
Spa Equipments
paraffin wax
a flammable, whitish, translucent, waxy solid consisting of a mixture
of saturated hydrocarbons, obtained by distillation from petroleum
or shale and used in candles, cosmetics, polishes, and sealing and
waterproofing compounds
natural well
a sinkhole or other natural opening which resembles a well extending
below the water table and from which groundwater can be withdrawn
pool
a small area of still water, typically one formed naturally
essential oils
a natural oil typically obtained by distillation and having the characteristic
fragrance of the plant or other source from which it is extracted
mask
an application of mud, clay, etc. to the skin of the face
for cosmetic purposes
jacuzzi
a large bath with a system of underwater jets of water to
massage the body
mud
a mix of mineral-rich substances such as seaweed, volcanic
ash, clay, combined with spring water and maybe aromatherapy
essences and herbs to create a thick paste
seaweed
large algae growing in the sea or on rocks below the high-water mark
salt
a white crystalline substance that gives seawater its characteristic
taste and is used for seasoning, preserving food, or spa
scrub
a semi abrasive cosmetic lotion applied to the face or body
in order to cleanse the skin
hot wax
the wax that is left to harden and then directly taken off
beeswax
the wax secreted by bees to make honeycombs and
used to make wood polishes and candles
herb
any plant with leaves, seeds, or flowers used for
flavoring, food, medicine, or perfume
cream
a thick liquid or semisolid cosmetic or medical preparation
applied to the skin
massage chair
A chair designed for massages. It can refer to two types of products.
Traditional massage chairs allow a masseur to easily access the head,
shoulders, and back of a massage recipient, while robotic massage chairs
use electronic vibrators and motors to provide a massage.
electric spa chair
a type of procedure chair used to perform
treatments in medical spas, beauty salons, and
other healthcare facilities
UV light towel warmer
a machine used to heat towels or bathrobes so that the
user has a warm towel and/or bathrobe when drying off
after a shower or leaving the pool, beach or spa
massage table
a massage table is used by massage
therapists to position the client to
receive a massage
scented candle
a candle made with fragrant oils mixed into the wax,
gives off a pleasant aroma when burning
lotion
a thick, smooth liquid preparation
designed to be applied to the skin for
medicinal or cosmetic purposes
cotton towel
a towel made with cotton, a 100% cotton towel is free of chemicals
Kneipp bath
Herbal and mineral baths which originated
in the mid-1800s by German Sebastian
Kneipp and originally involved people
taking icy dips into the Danube. Now
people immerse themselves in both warm
and cold water and it is combined with
exercise and spiritual practices.
vichy shower
a kind of shower used in spas, featuring a horizontal bar with
five to seven shower heads, or holes
besom
a bundle of twigs attached to a long
handle. This broom-like tool is usually
made of aromatic wood such as birch, lime
or juniper, and is used in traditional bath-
house treatments from Russia and Eastern
Europe. Besoms are steamed to release a
therapeutic vapour, and are often used for
a stimulating massage
banya
a Russian bath house which traditionally encompasses a
steam room, a washing room and entrance room
SPA
TREATMENTS
massage
the rubbing and kneading of muscles and joints of the body
with the hands, especially to relieve tension or pain
hot stone massage
this type of massage involves the use and
placement of basalt River rock on different
points of the body
facial steaming
a beauty treatment utilizing the steam and heat from hot
water to open up pores for an even deep cleanse
lava shell massage
using warm shells to allow
the muscles to relax
acupressure
Chinese treatment where the therapist uses their hands and
fingertips on specific points throughout the body. It relieves
stress and promotes good health (recommendation for people
who is struggling to sleep)
gel manicure
manicure treatment that uses a gel polish,
which is widely considered that gel polish
is more hard-wearing than regular polishes
and therefore lasts longer
hydrotherapy
the therapeutic that uses water, including treatments that
use water jets to massage muscles or hydrotherapy pools
to exercise in
wrap
spa treatment which the body cocooned in
a nourishing layer of oils and body butters;
Body wraps can hydrate your skin and
soothe muscles
seaweed wrap
a type of body wrap which uses the actual seaweed plant
in combination with hot water
waxing
a temporary hair removal method
yoga
a Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline, a part of which, including
breath control, simple meditation, and the adoption of specific
bodily postures, is widely practiced for health and relaxation
aromatherapy massage
an alternative therapeutic technique
which combines the natural therapeutic
properties of the essential oils (for
treating both physical and emotional
conditions) and the healing power of
massage therapy
Indian head massage
also known as Champissage, a gentle massage that is done on
the head, face, neck, shoulders and upper arms
Abhyangam
It translates as "oil massage”. A massage
therapy which originates from the ancient
Indian holistic medical system, Ayurveda.
This massage uses herbal oils chosen to
suit your body's constitution and seasonal
needs. Abhyangam aims to soothe aches
and pains and bring balance to the mind
and body, to help you feel more grounded
and relaxed.
stimulating massage
the movement of beating and pounding increases the blood to
the surface of the skin, increasing temperature of the muscles
and increasing circulation
candle massage
A massage using the warm, melted wax of
a specialist massage candle as a lubricant.
Massage candles are made of a blend of
natural waxes, oils and butters. The candle
wax melts quickly, turning into a warm,
aromatic massage oil.
cathiodermie
a skin treatment that uses a very low electrical current to help boost
circulation and cleanse your pores deep down
chromotherapy
another term for colour therapy, this
holistic therapy claims to harness the
energy in coloured light or objects in order
to rebalance your qi (life energy), promote
healing or alter your emotional state
crystal therapy
a healing practice dating back to ancient civilisations such as the
Incas and Mayans. Quartz crystals and other stones are placed at
strategic points on your body and around the surrounding room to
stimulate vibrations and release energy blockages
cupping
The traditional Chinese medical practice
temporarily leaves raised, red ‘wheals’ on your
skin, as nobly exhibited by several celebrities.
A heated cup is placed on your body and a
vacuum created, sucking up your skin.
dry floatation
The relaxing benefits of wet floatation without getting wet; Dry
floatation is usually a body treatment carried out on a mattress
filled with warm water. The warmth of the water also helps relax
the muscles, making massage easier and more comfortable.
electrolysis
Removing hair by using a mild electrical
current and discourages it from growing
back quickly; Electrolysis is effective but
is time-consuming and potentially
expensive.
fangotherapy
a spa treatment that includes the use of therapeutic muds
foot ritual
a foot soak or a cleanse with hot towels,
followed by exfoliation and massage
MASSAGE THERAPIST
a person who practices massage therapy