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Day Spa Glossary

Day Spa Glossary

Acupuncture: An ancient healing therapy that places tiny needles just below the skin's surface at certain meridians in order to help remove energy blockages and restore health.

Algotherapy: A seaweed detoxification wrap.

Aromatherapy: The use of essential oils to provide valuable therapeutic benefits for the body and mind. These benefits are usually achieved through either inhalation or application of the diluted oil into the skin.

Body Wrap (Herbal Wrap): Treatment that involves wrapping the body in heated cloths soaked in special oils and herbs to promote detoxification and healing. Usually part of a longer treatment regimen.

Chemical Peel: A medical procedure to remove damaged outer layers of the skin through the use of a chemical solution.

Dental Day Spas: Day spas that provide dental services such as teeth whitening and porcelain veneers in addition to regular salon services such as facials and manicures.

Deep Tissue Massage: See Sports Massage

Destination Spa: A spa, often times located in a secluded or desirable vacation spot, that provides all the services of a regular spa as well as accommodation for longer stays.

Endermologie: A treatment that temporarily reduces the appearance of cellulite through the use of a machine that uses rollers and gentle suction to deep massage affected areas. Excess water and toxins are rid from the body. Endermologie results in smoother looking skin.

Essential Oils: Oils that are gathered from the "pure" parts of plants like the leaves and the bark. Essential oils are very concentrated. They are often used in Aromatherapy treatments.

European Deep Suction Cleansing: A very deep cleansing treatment that uses enzymes and deep suction to remove impurities from the facial pores.

Exfoliation: Removal of dead or old skin cells by rubbing coarse materials over the skin. Exfoliation reveals the younger-looking skin underneath.

Facial: A relaxing treatment that exfoliates, conditions and moisturizes the face. Facials clean out pores and reveal fresher-looking skin.

Facial Contouring: A combination of therapies, including deep muscle massage and acupressure, that tone and tighten up all areas of the face and neck.

Hot Stone Therapy: An ancient healing treatment that uses hot and cold stones on the body's pressure points to both soothe and invigorate muscles.

Hydrotherapy: A form of therapy consisting of a combination of treatments, hydrotherapy uses water to treat disease, stress and tension. Treatments include sitz baths, footbaths and body wraps.

Laser Hair Removal: The permanent removal of hair using lasers.

Lymph Drainage Therapy: A type of massage therapy that combats the potential problem of poor lymphatic circulation by stimulating the circulation of fluid in the tissues, encouraging the body to return to its own natural state of health.

Manicure: A treatment for hands and nails. Nails are trimmed, shaped and painted, and hands and arms are moisturized.

Medical Massage: Massages performed by trained technicians. These massages manipulate joints, muscles and the skeleton to promote better health and pain reduction.

Medical Spa: A spa that not only provides all the amenities of a normal spa, but also cosmetic procedures that must be performed in a clinical or office setting.

Microdermabrasion: Treatment that uses tiny crystals to remove layers of dead skin cells from the face. Encourages collagen elastin growth.

Oxygen Therapy (Facial): A procedure combining different vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes, as well as pure oxygen to cleanse, hydrate and rejuvenate the face.

Pedicure: A treatment for feet and nails. Nails are trimmed, shaped and painted, and legs and feet are moisturized.

Permanent Makeup: Permanent pigment applied to the skin by a technician to create the appearance of makeup.

Photofacial: A treatment that uses high intensity pulses of light to help reduce fine lines, sun damage, etc.

Pregnancy Massage: A special massage for pregnant women that helps reduce some of the pains and stresses that come with pregnancy. Increases circulation and oxygen flow.

Reflexology: A holistic therapy based upon the idea that certain reflex points in the hands and feet correspond to certain organs and systems in the body. Reflexology works these reflex points in order to unblock energy pathways and encourage the correct flow of "chi" or vital force throughout the body.

Salt Glow: An exfoliating rub using salts.

Seaweed Wrap: A detoxifying wrap using mineral-rich seaweed to help pull impurities from the skin.

Self-Tanning: Treatments that provide natural-looking tans without exposure to harmful UV rays.

Sports Massage/Deep Tissue Massage: A massage that pays attention to sports related muscle groups, using slow, deep movements to manipulate muscles and joints. Can help reduce scar tissue and stress on the body.

Tooth Whitening: A procedure to whiten stained and yellow teeth. Dental day spas provide this service.

Waxing: Removal of body hair using heated or cool wax and strips of cloth. Results last 3-6 weeks.

Yoga: A technique that combines properly positioned poses, focused breathing, and self-awareness. Practicing yoga can lead to better flexibility, concentration and overall health. Some of the many different types of yoga include Ashtanga, Bikram, and Hatha.