Spa Glossary

Radon Therapy.
Glossary uner revision.

Rassoul.
Glossary under revision.

Rebirthing.
A yoga breathing technique combined with guided mediation to relax and clear the mind.

Reflexology.
Massage of the pressure points on the feet, hands and ears.

Reiki.
An ancient Japanese healing method that teaches universal life energy through the laying on of hands and mental and spiritual balancing. Intended to relieve acute emotional and physical conditions. Also called radiance technique.

Restorative yoga.
Passive yoga positions during which the body is supported by props such as blankets and pillows. Breathing and relaxation are the focus.

Rolfing.
Bodywork system developed by biochemist Ida Rolf that improves balance and flexibility through manipulation of muscles, bones and joints.

Roman Bath.
Glossary under revision.

Rubenfeld Synergy.
A method of integrating body and mind through movement, verbal expression and gentle touch, developed by Ilana Rubenfeld in the 1960’s.

Russian Bath.
Stream bath used to flush toxins form the body.

Salt Glow.
Rubbing the body with coarse salt to remove dead skin. Also called a salt rub. Aids in circulating.

Sauna.
Originated in Finland. A heated wooden room, usually with benches, where one sits in order to allow the pores to open and to eliminate toxins through sweat. A cold shower or roll in winter snow closes the pores. Process is repeated.

Scotch douche.
A shower like treatment with high pressure hoses that alternate hot and cold water intended to improve circulation through rapid contraction and dilation of the capillaries.

Seaweed Wrap.
A wrap using seawater and nutrient-packed marine algae.

Shiatsu.
Acupressure massage developed in Japan that uses pressure applied with fingers, hands, elbows and feet.

Shiroabh yanganasya.
Head, face and neck massage, followed by herbal steam treatment, heat packs and herbal drops for nasal passages.

Shiro dhara.
Glossary under revision.

SPA.
Glossary under revision.

Spa Cuisine.
Low-calorie, low fat and low cholesterol food that typically relies on fresh produce, whole grains and fish – served in many spas.

Spinning.
Trademark name for quick pedaling at various resistance levels on special stationary bicycles.

Sports massage.
A deep-tissue massage to relieve muscle tension, stress and residual pain from workouts.

Step Aerobics.
Low-impact aerobic exercise involving rhythmic stepping on and off a small platform.

Stress Management.
A program of mediation and deep relaxation intended to reduce the ill effects of stress on the system.

Sweat Lodge.
A natural sauna made of rocks that is the site for a Native American-inspired purifying ritual.

Swedana.
Herbalized steam treatment aimed at reducing tension and releasing impurities through the skin.

Swedish massage.
A treatment using stroking, kneading and tapping to relax muscles gently. Par Heinrik Ling devised it at the University of Stockholm early in the 19th century.

Swiss Shower.
A multijet bath that alternates hot and cold water, often used after mud wraps and other body treatments.

Tai Chi.
An ancient Asian discipline for exercise and meditation combining focused breathing and graceful dance like movements and postures. Also called tai chi chuan.

Thai massage.
A combination of deep-tissue massage and passive stretching that can help to ease stiff, tense or short muscles.

Thalassotherapy.
Water-based treatments developed by the ancient Greeks that incorporates seawater, seaweed, algae and sea air.

Trager massage.
A technique developed by Dr. Milton Trager that employs a gentle, rhythmic shaking of the body to release tension from the joints.

Tui Na
Glossary under revision.