If you've enjoyed the last two articles about educating yourself on spa lingo, you'll enjoy the third and final installation. What will you experiment with at the spa?
Qi jong/qugong/chi kong
A Chinese medical discipline combining movement and breathing exercises to help strengthen both body and mind.
An ancient Chinese technique that uses pressure-point massage (usually on the feet, but also on the hands and ears) to restore the flow of energy throughout the entire body.
Reiki
A gentle and restorative Japanese technique involving the placing of hands on the body to help the energy flow.
Sauna
Dry heat administered in a wooden room to open the pores, relax muscles, and eliminate toxins.
Seaweed wrap
A wrap or mask of concentrated seawater and seaweed, which helps release toxins and revitalize the skin.
An acupressure massage technique developed in Japan. The therapist applies pressure to specific points in the body to stimulate and unblock "meridians" or energy channels.
Steam room or tepidarium
Similar to a Turkish bath where hot steam is used to help relax the body and eliminate toxins.
Swedish massage
The classic massage technique of manipulating muscles with the use of massage oils. It helps ease aching muscles, improve circulation and help relaxation.
Tai chi
A Chinese martial art of stylized gestures regulated by deep breathing and graceful movement.
Tamazcal
A traditional Mayan sweatlodge where the heat helps body to relax, opens the pores, and helps in elimination of toxins.
Thai massage
A non-oil massage treatment performed over light cotton pajamas. A manipulation of the body using yoga like stretching, pummeling, kneading as well as exerting pressure along the body's energy channels to help release blockages and soothe tight limbs and muscles.
Thalassotherapy
From the Greek for sea, “thalassa,” and treatment, “therapia,” all the treatments use seawater and seawater products such as seaweed and algae. True thalassotherapy centers are located by the sea where the water, algae and mud are especially treated and purified for inclusion in the therapies.
Tuina
A traditional Chinese medicinal massage in which the body is pulled, pounded, pummeled, and rolled. It works on the body's energy channels and helps release blocked energies. Vigorous, and not for the timid.
Vichy shower
A light, rain like shower, which is often used in combination with massage.
Wai cru
The spiritual dimension of Thai boxing, which engages the mind as well as physical movements.
Watsu
A shiatsu massage treatment performed in a warm pool where the therapist holds and moves the limbs.
Yoga
An ancient Hindu discipline comprising focused deep breathing, stretching and toning the body using various positions designed to improve circulation, flexibility and strength. A philosophical approach to balancing the body and mind.
There you have it, A-Z spa vocab. Not sure what you'd like to try? Call your local spa and ask what they specialize in. They may have some insight and tidbits that will surprise you.
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