Aromatherapy
The use of selected fragrant substances in lotions and inhalants in an effort to affect mood and promote health.
Colonic
Intense irrigation of the colon using water, intended to flush trapped impurities and prevent the recycling of toxins into the bloodstream.
Color Therapy (also Chromotherapy)
Based on the concept that color has vibrational energy that can help correct imbalances in the body, color therapy uses color in rooms, lights, crystals, fabrics, etc., to treat mental and spiritual health. Dates back to ancient Egypt.
Craniosacral Therapy
Treatment that aims to improve function of the central nervous system by balancing the fluid and membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Performed through gentle palpitations of specific areas. Used to treat a range of conditions, including stress, insomnia, headache, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and head, neck, and back pain.
Cryotherapy
Literally means "cold therapy," it is a technique where the body is exposed to extremely cold temperatures for several minutes. Cryotherapy can be delivered to just one area such as your face or you can opt for whole-body cryotherapy.
Detoxification (also Detox)
General term used to describe a variety of treatments intended to cleanse the body of poisons or toxins.
Halotherapy (also Salt Therapy)
An alternative treatment that involves breathing salty air. Some claim that it can treat respiratory conditions, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and allergies. Others suggest it can also ease symptoms, such as a cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing.
Indigenous Treatment
Indigenous means "native to a place" so an indigenous spa treatment would be a choice that is local to where you are. Examples are the Temazcal experienced in Mexico or Ayurvedic treatments taken in India.
Reiki
RAY-kee Spiritual Japanese healing technique in which practitioners lay hands on areas of the body to channel energy and promote deep relaxation, stress reduction, and well-being.
Sensory-Deprivation Flotation Capsule
Enclosed tank filled with warm water and Epsom salts in order to create a dark, peaceful environment, similar to that in the womb, to promote total relaxation
Signature Spa Treatments
A treatment that is unique to a particular spa. Like a "chef's special," this is usually something created just for this spa.
Spa Journey
A seamless treatment experience, rather than a perfunctory service, that might include a consultation, welcome foot bath, scrub, and massage in the same treatment room, thus aiming to improve the service quality of a spa treatment for guests (no switching rooms; cross-training therapists in aesthetics and massage, etc.) as well the relaxation benefits.
Spa Ritual
A spiritual journey where you go through a series of treatments aimed at promoting physical and spiritual wellbeing.
Sweat Lodge
Traditional Native American place for ceremonial purification and meditation involving the use of intense heat in a sauna-like environment.
Temazcal
teh-MAHZ-kal Traditional steam bath used by indigenous Mexican and Central Americans consisting of a domelike structure built around a pit where water is poured over hot rocks. Induces sweating, relaxation, and detoxification. Herbs are often heated on the rocks to create aromatic steam for medicinal purposes. Also known as a sweat lodge among indigenous North American peoples.
Vinotherapy
VEE-no-THER-ah-pee Skin treatments that use antioxidant-rich grape skins, seeds, and extracts in a variety of scrubs, baths, and masks. (The term vinothrapie is trademarked by the beauty products company, Caudalie.)
Watsu
WATT-soo Combining the words water and shiatsu, this healing massage treatment is performed in a warm pool in which a therapist supports the client and uses rhythmic movements, pressure-point massage, and stretches. The watsu is designed to relieve stress, muscle tension, pain, and promote deep relaxation.