Speaking the Spa Lingo: Part 2

June 12, 2006

You may feel as though you’re reading a foreign language the first time you peruse a spa menu. The spa industry has its own unique terminology and learning to understand what you’re reading can take a bit of adjustment. Here’s a crash course in today’s hottest treatments…dive in!

Acupuncture: This ancient Asian healing technique involves the shallow insertion of tiny needles into targeted areas of the body. The insertion of these needles is thought to restore health and well-being.

Aromatherapy: The art of using aromatic oils to relax the mind and elicit specific emotional responses. These oils are commonly derived from the leaves, flowers, roots and fruits of a variety of plant materials. The word “aromatherapy” was originally coined in the 19030’s by French chemist René Maurice Gattefossé. Today, aromatherapy is incorporated into a variety of spa treatments through massage, hydrotherapy baths and inhalation.

Ayurveda: This ancient Indian folk medicine practice incorporates essential oils, nutrition, meditation and massage, with each element working synergistically to create balance within the body. One of the latest spa trends in the western world, ayurvedic medicine is being integrated into many modern spa menus, where it’s dietary and meditation practices exert the most profound influence.

Dry Brushing: A procedure that involves moving a natural bristle brush over various parts of the body. The technique eliminates dead skin cell and helps promote circulation. Dry brushing is often used prior to body wraps or gommage treatments.

Ear Candling: Sometimes referred to as Ear Coning, candling involves the insertion of a hollow candle into the ear canal, with the ultimate goal of removing excess wax and promoting general ear health. The candle is lit and a vacuum is created, drawing toxins and debris from the inner ear. The merits and efficacy of the treatment are often debated, but the experience is certainly a soothing one.

Facials: My personal favorite of all spa treatments, a facial is both therapeutic and relaxing. A series of cleansers, masks, exfoliants and creams are applied to the face, neck and shoulders. Some facials target specific goals, ranging from general anti-aging practices to improving skin’s texture/color, etc. A good facial will also include steaming and extractions to maintain pore health. And a little scalp massage never hurt a girl, either…

Fango Mud Treatments: Fango is a nutrient-rich mud that is often blended with water or oil and massaged all over the body. Often the entire body is covered, though only specific areas are targeted. The end result is the relief of arthritic pain and muscular tension. Parafango treatments are very similar and involve a blend of fango mud and paraffin.

Flotation Tank: A tank is filled with approximately one foot of water and a heavy concentration of Epsom salts to create an environment in which the participant can float. The tank is covered, allowing the client to float in an enclosed device that is devoid of both light and sound. Some find the sensation very relaxing while others find it makes them feel claustrophobic.

Gommage: A system by which creams are applied using long, rhythmic strokes similar to massage movements. The ultimate goal is to deeply cleanse and hydrate the skin.

Herbal Wrap: A method of tightly wrapping the body in linen or cotton sheets that have been soaked in herbal tinctures or infusions. This treatment is designed to rid the body of toxins, relax the muscles, and promote healing.

Hot Stone Massage: This special variety of massage involves the placement of stones, which are usually heated, onto key energy points along the body. The goal is ultimate relaxation and improved energy flow. The smooth, round or oval stones are crafted from basalt and vary in both size and weight.

Hydrotherapy: One of the earliest spa techniques, hydrotherapy is the use of water treatments to assist in a variety of ailments. From mineral baths to hot showers and underwater massage to Jacuzzi tubs, hydrotherapy is thought to relax both the mind and the muscles. The earliest recorded use dates back to the ancient baths of Rome.

Inhalation Therapy: Steam is often intermingled with eucalyptus essential oil before being piped into this small, wooden-paneled room. These vapors are inhaled, opening sinus passages and eliminating congestion.

Medical Spa: These facilities offer both traditional spa treatments and cutting-edge surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Medical spas offer the benefit of full-time licensed healthcare professionals on staff.

Microdermabrasion: This exfoliation procedure is performed on the face and neck by abrading the outermost layer of skin. A special machine “fires” streams of aluminum oxide crystals and uses a wand to vacuum those crystals, and the subsequent skin they remove, from the surface. Microdermabrasion helps reduce the appearance of sun damage, scar tissue, fine wrinkles and stretch marks.

Moor Mud Baths: Natural peat muds, often imported from Austria, are massaged onto the skin to ease muscle aches, encourage lymph drainage and promote general skin health. These nutrient-rich muds are rich in organic matter and trace minerals and have been in use since at leas t800 B.C.

Paraffin Treatments: Hands and feet (and sometimes the entire body) are dipped into warm wax. The affected areas are sometimes left to dry naturally, though they are frequently wrapped in plastic sheeting. Once the wax cools, it is peeled off- leaving the skin soft and smooth.

Pilates: This system of strength training and body conditioning involves controlled movements and targeted breathing exercises designed to build flexibility and strength without adding body mass. The methodology was originally developed by Dr. Joseph Pilates in Germany during the 1920’s.

Poultice: This technique, often used during massage treatments, involves a paste of herbs spread between layers of cloth to form a solid mass. This mass is then rubbed and patted on the body in hopes of relieving inflammation.

Reflexology: This technique, in which each part of the body has a specific corresponding pressure point on the hand or foot, is all the rage on American spas. The reflexology school of thought teaches that applying pressure to these specific points on the hands and feet has a profound impact on other parts of the body, promoting pain relief, relaxation and improved circulation.

Sauna: A sauna is a small room infused with wet or dry heat for the purposes of relaxation. Temperatures can climb to more than 175 degrees as participants reline within the small room. Saunas are thought to improve overall health by encourage sweating, which aids in the release of toxins from the body. Additionally, they raise the heart rate, encouraging metabolic activity. Many spas have a sauna available to clients before or after their scheduled treatments.

Sugaring: A method of hair removal that involves the application of a paste made of sugar, molasses, lemon juice or honey, rather than the traditional wax. Regarded as less painful than waxing, sugaring has been practiced for thousands of years.

Swedish Massage: Likely the most popular style of modern massage, Swedish Massage was originally developed in 1812 by Henri Peter Ling at the University of Stockholm. The technique involves kneading, tapping, stroking, tapping and rolling movements to promote circulation, invite relaxation and ease muscle tension. Perform on a table with a (usually) naked client draped by a sheet, each area of the exposed is exposed, worked on, and then recovered.

Tai Chi: A Chinese Taoist martial art form utilizing controlled breathing, mental concentration and a series of flowing, dance-like movements. The end result is improved mental clarity and concentration, deeper relaxation and greater flexibility.

Thalassotherapy: These water-based treatments harness the power of the sea through the use of seaweed, kelp, algae and sea water. Utilized in a variety of innovative spa treatments, the goal is to detoxify, revitalize and improve circulation. Look for mud baths and wraps, massages with oils incorporating seaweed extract and soaks in untreated sea water.

Thai Massage: This unique methodology involves stretching and loosening the limbs. Typically performed on a floor mat while wearing loose clothes, that participant is gently manipulated into yoga-like positions designed to promote relaxation, flexibility and improved circulation. Originated in ancient Thailand, it has gained widespread acceptance around the world.

Threading: Popular in the Middle and Far East, threading has recently enjoyed a surge of popularity in the U.S This ancient method of hair removal involves rolling thin strips of twisted cotton over specific areas to clean up unruly hair lines along the eyebrows, moustache, etc.

Vichy Shower: Usually used in conjunction with another treatment, vichy showers incorporate anywhere from 5 to 9 shower heads that target specific areas of the body. The treatment is administered lying down on a cushioned table, rather than by standing in a stall as with a traditional shower. The multi-directional heads are fully adjustable and offer the perfect method for removal of scrubs, muds, wraps and other cosmetic products used during traditional spa treatments

Yoga: An ancient system of stretching and toning the body with the aim of self-realization and relaxation. Asanas, or postures, are performed during controlled breathing exercises to improve flexibility, mobility and muscle tone.

Stay tuned…in the final installation of this 3-part series, I’ll hit the high notes regarding spa etiquette and what you can expect on your first visit. And- yes- we’ll answer the question on everyone’s mind. No, you don’t have to get naked. :)

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