Do You Speak Spa?

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

Ayurveda: Ancient Indian system of traditional folk medicine incorporating nutrition, herbal medicine, aromatherapy, massage, and meditation to restore the body to perfect balance.

Bespoke Spa Treatments: Treatments that are customized to meet each individual spa-goer’s needs.

Body Facial: A treatment designed to address every inch of skin with the delicate care of a facial; with emphasis on cleansing, exfoliation, and moisture treatments.

Body/Mind/Spirit: Addresses the different components that make up well being. A Body/Mind/Spirit spa treatment would provide physical relaxation as well as address emotional and spiritual needs.

Caldarium: The hottest room in an ancient Roman bath, where bathers soaked in steaming water for detoxification purposes. Modern-day spa caldaria may not have a pool of hot water, but they utilize the detoxifying power of steam.

De-staffed Treatments: Treatments that do not require a service provider or allow a single staff member to attend to many individuals. Some examples are hydrotherapy, heat/cold experiences, and social mud baths.

Energy Medicine: Energy medicine aims to soothe and balance the energy fields within the individual. Therapists address auras and energy imbalances with positive stabilizers, such as magnetic rocks and vibration.

Express Services: Quick treatments, such as manicures, massages, and hair treatments, that fit into tight schedules without sacrificing quality.

Frigidarium: A large cold pool to dip into after enjoying a hot caldarium. The hot water from the caldarium opens the pores of the skin while the cold water of the frigidarium closes them.

Holistic: An approach to spa treatment that addresses all of the individual elements that make up well being. It focuses on the physical body, as well as the emotional and spiritual health of the individual.

HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) for Men: The administering of male hormones, such as testosterone, to males as they near retirement age. Studies have suggested that during this time, males experience a slight drop in and then leveling of their testosterone levels, and supplements may increase energy and virility.

Hyperbaric Chamber: A small chamber in which a person is exposed to increased atmospheric pressure which causes blood to carry more oxygen throughout the body to promote healing and other therapeutic benefits.

Infrared Sauna: A sauna that uses heaters that emit far infrared light waves. It is similar to the heat received from the sun, but because the harmful UV rays are not present, there is no burning. Enthusiasts say that it provides more detoxification and healing benefit than traditional saunas.

Kids Spa: A spa that is catered toward the pre-teen and teenage market. They offer manicures, pedicures, massages, etc., for girls in a social setting, and some even have hiking excursions and other activities for boys.

Kinesis: A new exercise regime that allows for 360°, three-dimensional resistance motion. It uses pulleys and cables, as well as weight stacks to focus on balance, core strength, and flexibility.

Laconium: A dry, gentle sauna that originated with the spas of ancient Rome. A session in the laconium is often enjoyed prior to other spa treatments because it opens pores.

LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability): A commitment, often by a company, to conduct business while remaining harmonious with the environment. LOHAS salons may use eco-friendly tools and products, contribute to the community, and recycle.

Metrospiritual: A spirituality that incorporates elements of eastern belief systems like Buddhism and Hinduism to emphasize the well-being of the earth, native cultures, and other people. Often expressed through conscious consumerism, like purchasing hybrid vehicles, organic foods, labor-friendly clothing, and also in exercises like yoga and pilates.

Mineral Makeup: Makeup that uses minerals and inorganic pigments that exist in nature. Colored minerals such as mica, titanium dioxide, zinc, and iron oxides can be combined to create every cosmetic, from foundation to eyeshadow to shimmer body powder.

Nanotechnology: The practice of using specially designed molecules small enough to fit through outer epidermis layers to operate on deeper tissue levels. Nanotechnology is being used in new cosmetics and treatment products.

Neurobics: Brain exercises intended to help prevent mental aging.

Peptides: Organic compounds formed by two or more amino acids bonded together. Found to be instrumental in increasing cell strength and longevity.

Self-Responsibility: Taking control over the destiny of one’s own health, wellness, and vitality.

Sleep Medicine: The administering of treatments designed to remedy sleep ailments. Remedies can include oral devices, energy therapy, and herbal treatments. Treatments are usually administered after a sleep evaluation and diagnosis.

Social Hydrotherapy: Group treatments using water to therapeutically aid relaxation in a variety of procedures such as underwater jet massage, different types of showers, and mineral baths.

Spa Butler: Spa butlers work directly with the spa-goer to design and arrange the entire spa experience. They have excellent knowledge of the services provided, and after listening to the needs of the customer, they lay out a personalized schedule of treatments for the individual.

Spa Culture Tourism: Tourists who seek spa experiences in other countries, often to undergo elective medical procedures in resort spas.

Tepidarium: A heated open space which, in ancient Roman spas, was used by visitors to prepare for a bath. Contemporary tepidaria often feature lounges and other types of comfortable furniture on which guests can luxuriate before and after treatment.

TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine): A range of traditional medical practices developed in China over several thousand years. Can include herbal medicine, acupuncture, and massage.

Unplugged: A spa experience that does not have electrical amenities like telephones, television, Internet, etc., providing an escape from electronic distractions.

Vibration therapy: Exercises performed on vibrating machines. Vibration therapy has been said to improve fitness, bone density, coordination, and has even been reported to reduce emotional stress and depression.

Wellness: A healthy balance of the mind, body, and spirit that results in an overall feeling of well-being.