Spa Glossary

We recognize that some spa menus read as though they're in a foreign language. To help you better understand the industry's lingo, we've defined several key terms and many common spa treatments.

Acupressure: an ancient Oriental art that incorporates the principles of gentle pressure-point therapy. A therapist uses his/her palms, fingers, and thumbs to reduce tension and clear blockages in the body.

Acupuncture: a treatment that involves the painless insertion of tiny needles into the upper layer of the skin to alleviate muscle pain and tension due to stress and/or injury.

Ama mokshah: an ancient Ayurvedic body treatment that focuses on the elimination of toxins.

Amma massage: an Asian massage technique in which therapists' hands replicate the effects of acupuncture.

Aromatherapy massage: a full-body massage that uses classic, gentle strokes and custom-blended essential oils.

Ayurveda: an ancient Indian holistic system of healing in which herbs and essential oils are often used to help achieve a sense of balance between mind and body.

Balneotherapy: a form of water therapy that focuses on the healing effects of hot springs, mineral water, and seawater.

Bindi balancing: an ancient Indian body treatment that blends exfoliation and light massage.

Craniosacral massage: a massage technique that employs light touch along the spine and head to alleviate tension.

Deep tissue massage: a massage technique that applies pressure deep within the muscles. This intense massage is not designed for relaxation and is not recommended for first-time spa-goers. To help rid the body of newly released toxins, it is important to drink plenty of water after this treatment. A mild pain reliever can help reduce inflammation and soreness.

European facial: a classic treatment used in many traditional and European-influenced spas that focuses on deep cleansing with a variety of masks, exfoliating treatments, and extractions.

Gentleman's facial: facial cleansing and toning created specifically for the unique needs of men's skin.

Hapai massage: Hapai means "pregnant" in Hawaiian. This massage is designed for expectant mothers.

Heated/hot stone massage: a form of massage that uses heated river stones to help relieve muscle tension and improve circulation.

Herbal wrap: a body wrap that uses herbal-scented linen, cotton, or plastic sheets to detoxify and relax the body.

Hydrotherapy: a category of spa treatments that uses the healing power of water to relax and rejuvenate. Vichy showers, Watsu pools, and even Jacuzzis are all considered forms of hydrotherapy.

Inhalation room: a steam room, commonly infused with herbs such as eucalyptus or lavender, which is designed to help reduce stress and remove toxins from the body.

Japanese furo bath: a form of hydrotherapy that is identified by its gentle bubbling action.

Javanese lulur royal treatment: an exotic Balinese body treatment inspired by the pre-wedding traditions of the palaces in Java that combine a massage, a body scrub, and an aromatic shower.

Jin shin jyutsu: see "acupressure."

Kur: a traditional European spa experience that involves herbal baths, exfoliation, and massage.

Lomi lomi massage: a traditional Hawaiian massage technique that uses a light rolling motion.

Maternity massage: a full-body massage created for the special needs of expectant mothers. Focusing on the lower body and legs, this type of massage is often performed on a special table with a center-cut hole designed to accommodate growing bodies. If a traditional massage table is used, then body pillows help expectant mothers feel comfortable.

Microdermabrasion: a skin resurfacing procedure that uses pressurized crystals to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Myofascial release: a body treatment that applies sustained pressure and movement to the fascia, or tissue that envelops the muscle to alleviate tension associated with poor posture.

Noni/Nonu: a species of plant that grows in mineral-rich volcanic soil of Hawaii. For centuries, Polynesian cultures used the fruits from this plant to treat various ailments. Today, a healing gel extracted from this plant often is used in facials, body wraps, and massages to soothe sunburned skin, heal minor irritations, and tighten the skin.

Paraffin treatment: often used in manicures and pedicures, this treatment involves the application of warm wax that is allowed to dry before it is removed, and results in softer skin.

Pilates: a low-impact physical fitness program designed by Joseph Pilates to increase muscle strength and flexibility.

Plunge pool: a small pool used for relaxation, often located next to or close to a whirlpool.

Pohaku massage: Hawaiian for "stone." A massage therapy that uses heated stones to impart therapeutic benefits.

Reflexology: a form of massage that targets the pressure points on the hands, feet, and ears.

Reiki: an ancient Japanese healing therapy that uses light touch (or no touch) and meditation to achieve balance and harmony and to restore energy.

Relaxation room: a lounge where spa-goers can unwind and enjoy peace and quiet both pre- and post-treatment.

Salt scrub: an exfoliating body treatment that uses coarse salt to slough away dead skin cells, increase circulation, and deliver brighter, softer skin.

Shakti karma: an ancient Ayurvedic treatment that focuses on energy alignment.

Shiatsu massage: a traditional Japanese pressure-point massage technique.

Shirodhara: an Ayurvedic treatment based on Indian traditions in which warm oil is dripped on the center of the forehead, the location of one of the body's energy centers—known as the "third eye"—to achieve a deep calmness and a sense of balance between mind and body.

Skintonic body contouring: a non-invasive treatment that uses a machine to gently suction the body to help drain the lymphatic system and to reduce cellulite.

Spinning: a cardiovascular fitness class that involves riding stationary bicycles.

Sports massage: a full-body massage designed for the athletic client. Using range-of-motion and gentle stretching techniques, this bodywork helps increase flexibility, reduce the risk of injury, and alleviate post-workout tension.

Swedish massage: a classic massage technique that uses even, thorough strokes.

Tai chi: an ancient Asian practice that blends meditation and fluid movements of the body.

Thai kelapa ritual: a celebration of Thai culture blending meditation and fluid movements of the body.

Thai massage: a form of massage that focuses on a series of guided yoga-like stretches.

Thalasso therapy: seaweed therapy, used for its purifying and detoxifying benefits.

Therapist: a trained professional in a spa environment who administers treatments.

Third eye: located in the middle of the forehead, this area has great spiritual significance in Indian cultures. See also "shirodhara."

Vichy shower: a form of hydrotherapy in which seven shower heads of varying speeds are fastened to a bar above a treatment table. This treatment often accompanies body wraps and scrubs and is used for thorough cleaning and complete relaxation.

Watsu: underwater massage and stretching performed in a heated pool.

Yoga: gentle, meditative exercise that involves a series of low-impact stretches to improve flexibility and circulation, as well as to calm and center the mind.