Wellness Glossary
A
Abhyanga
A warm oil massage using dosha specific oil. It can help to alleviate stress, improve immune function and revitalise and rejuvenate the body.
Acupuncture
A form of alternative therapy and healing practice of traditional Chinese medicine in which thin needles are placed at specific points in the body to rebalance energy channels, and alleviate pain and other various health conditions.
Aerial Yoga
This combines traditional yoga and moves inspired by Pilates, acrobatics and dance using a suspended hammock to support you through the various poses. The hammock helps provide assistance during more challenging poses and improve flexibility and strength.
Aerobics
A high energy gym class using choreographed routine to raise your heart rate. The class consists of a variety of movements and exercises set to rhythmic music.
Algotherapy
The therapeutic use of seaweed products in thalassotherapy treatments such as massages, wraps and baths. The benefits of algotherapy include stimulation of blood circulation, elimination of toxins and revitalisation of the skin.
Alkaline Detox
Consists of high alkalising foods such as leafy greens, seasonal fruit and protein. During the detox process, the body will release acidic toxins from the body and boost the immune and digestive system.
Aquabike
A stationary aquatic bike, sometimes known as a pool bike, is good for physical rehabilitation and fitness training as it has a low impact on joints and muscles.
Aromatherapy
The therapeutic application or the medicinal use of aromatic substances (essential oils) for holistic healing.
Asana
A Sanskrit word for posture or seat which is now commonly used to describe a pose in yoga.
Ashtanga Yoga
A dynamic type of yoga which creates a flow of sequences which links each movement to a breath. It is a more physically demanding type of yoga compared to others.
Ayurveda
An ancient Indian healing system tracing back to more than 5000 years ago which translates from Sanskrit to ‘science of life. It is widely recognised as a holistic medicine in India and focuses on achieving balance in the mind, body and spirit through a mix of treatments and diet and exercises tailored to your dosha.
B
Balneotherapy
The therapeutic use of thermal mineral water baths or mineral-laden mud. It is often combined with other spa treatments and therapies and has been proven to be effective in easing the symptoms of arthritis and skin conditions.
Biophoton Therapy
Application of light energy to different parts of the skin for healing purposes and to support the brains chemical systems responsible for mood changes. It is beneficial for weight loss, skin conditions, stress and pain relief.
Body Scan
A mental scan of your body in a gradual sequence to bring awareness to the whole of your body, noticing any aches, pains, tension, or general discomfort.
Body Scrub
A spa treatment which exfoliates and removes dead skin cells on the body using an abrasive product, usually a sea salt or sugar mixture, to leave your skin feeling soft, healthy and refreshed.
Body Wrap
A spa treatment which normally begins with a body exfoliation followed by a product, such as a cream, gel or paste, applied to the skin, followed by a plastic wrap or blanket. It is often a popular treatment for relaxation, detox or anti-cellulite.
Breathwork
The conscious control of breathing exercises or techniques which can improve physical, mental or emotional wellbeing.
C
Chakra
This refers to the 7 main energy centres of the body. Translating from Sanskrit as ‘wheel’, balance and harmony are achieved when all 7 chakras are open and energy is flowing freely through the body to connect the physical body with mental, emotional and spiritual layers.
Champissage
Deriving from Ayurveda, this is more commonly known as an Indian head massage which also focuses on the shoulders, neck and face.
Chi Nei Tsang
An ancient Taoist practice which focuses on the abdominal area where stress, tension and negative emotions accumulate by massaging the internal organs.
Cold Plunge Pool
A small pool filled with extra cold water and most effective after the sauna or steam room to stimulate blood and minimise muscle inflammation.
Colon Hydrotherapy
A therapy which includes flushing the colon with liquid to remove waste. This is usually carried out by a therapist and its benefits include improving digestion, detoxing the body and supporting the immune system.
Cranio-Sacral Therapy
A non-invasive touch therapy using a gentle pressure across the body to release tension and stress. It is often used to treat chronic pain and release tensions in the body.
Cryotherapy
A therapy where the body is exposed to extremely cold temperatures for several minutes which has been shown to help with muscle recovery, weight loss and combatting the signs of ageing. This can be applied to just one area of the body or the whole body which involves standing in an enclosed chamber.
Cupping
A traditional Chinese therapy where warm cups are placed on the skin to create a suction to increase blood flow and stimulate the energy flow through the body. It is often used to treat chronic pain and migraines.
D
Deep Tissue Massage
A firm massage using specific techniques aimed at releasing muscle tensions and knots. It is often used to treat muscle pains and tightness.
Destination Spa
A hotel or resort which is centred through the spa and its wellness offerings. The purpose is to help individuals develop a healthier lifestyle through a healthy diet, holistic of medical spa treatments and fitness activities.
Detox
To abstain from or rid the body of toxins for a period of time in order to improve health and boost weight loss.
Dosha
The physical and mental constitution in the body according to Ayurveda. There are 3 doshas, Vata, Kapha and Pitta, of which one is usually more dominant in the body.
E
Exercise
A physical activity which is carried out to maintain or enhance health and fitness.
Exfoliation
The removal of dead skin cells and impurities from the surface of the skin.
F
Facial
A beauty treatment designed to cleanse, exfoliate and invigorate the skin though steaming, peels, masks and massages.
Flotation Therapy
A therapy which involves floating on your back in sensory deprivation tank in lukewarm water mixed with magnesium sulphate. This allows the body to enter a deep state of relaxation and achieve a blissful state of mind.
Forest Bathing
The simple and therapeutic act of spending time in a forest and simply just being mindful of your natural surroundings.
Functional Training
An exercise designed to train your muscles to work together and work to make daily activities easier to perform.
G
Gommage
A method of skin exfoliation where a paste or cream is applied to the skin and left for a few minutes before being massaged away.
H
Halotherapy
A holistic and natural therapy, also known as salt therapy, using micro particles of salt to promote better breathing, healthier skin, sounder sleep, improved physical fitness and endurance and overall wellness.
Hammam
A cleansing ritual where a therapist will cleanse the body from head to toe. This normally takes place in a steam room where the therapist will wash, exfoliate then massage the body.
Hatha Yoga
A gentle style of yoga with the practice of basic yoga postures.
Health
A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
Hiit
High-Intensity Interval Training combines short bursts of intense exercises with short periods of rest for a duration of time.
Holistic
Treating something as a whole and taking into account mental, physical and spiritual well-being.
Hot Stone Massage
A massage where smooth, flat, heated stones are placed on your back during the therapy to help warm and relax the muscles.
Hydrotherapy
The therapeutic use of water (hot, cold, steam or ice) used in treatments such as underwater massage, steam baths, showers to improve discomfort and wellbeing.
I
Infrared Sauna
A sauna which uses infrared lamps to warm the skin and allow the body to sweat and release toxins.
Intermittent Fasting
An eating pattern which cycles between meals during a specific window of time and no or low intake of food outside of this.
J
Juice Cleanse
A type of diet that involves consuming vegetables and fruit in a liquid form only in order to detox the body and help with weight loss.
K
Khmer Massage
A traditional Cambodian massage using no oils where the therapist massages and stretches the body.
Kneipp walking
A hydrotherapy treatment with herbal and thermal baths using al hot and cold water baths to help increase the circulation.
L
Lipomassage
A non-invasive procedure for body contouring using massage rollers to help to reduce fat cells, treat cellulite and tighten the skin.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
A gentle massage that stimulates lymphatic circulation to help to reduce swelling and remove toxins from the body.
M
Marma
Energy points in the body used in Ayurveda which help to maintain good health and serenity.
Massage
The practice of rubbing and kneading of the body’s muscles and other soft tissues with the aim to relax or heal the body.
Mayr Cure
A fasting method developed by Dr FX Mayr centres around the concept that the gut is the key to good health and is based on four basic principles of Rest, Cleansing, Training and Supplementing.
Meditation
A mental practice used to increase self-awareness, calmness and emotional balance.
Medical Spa
A mix between a day spa and a medical clinic which is overseen by a doctor and offering a more comprehensive range of treatments and procedures such as laser treatments and chemical peels as well as relaxing massages.
Meridian
A concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine which refers to the channels in our body in which vital energy flows throughout the body
Mindfulness
The ability to be present and aware of your surroundings and feelings. This is often developed through the practice of meditation.
Muay Thai
A form of combat sport, also known as Thai Boxing. It is the national sport and cultural martial art of Thailand.
N
Nasya
One of the five purification techniques in Panchakarma, this treatment is used to cleanse the body using herbal oils or powders in the nostril.
Naturopathy
An alternative form of medicine using natural therapies to help the body heal itself.
Nutritional Consultation
Working with a trained nutritionist to review eating habits and receive personalised advice while taking into consideration lifestyle and weight goals.
O
Ovo Lacto diet
A primarily vegetarian diet which includes the consumption of dairy and eggs.
Ozone therapy
The administration of ozone gas directly into the bloodstream via injection or gas to strengthen the immune system and stimulate white blood cells.
P
Panchakarma
A method of cleansing and rejuvenating the body in Ayurveda using 5 specific treatments.
Physiotherapy
A treatment to restore movement and flexibility to help recovery from injury, surgery or disease through exercise and manual therapy.
Pilates
A type of exercise which focuses on strengthening the body with an emphasis on core strength.
Pilates Reformer
A pilates workout using a piece of equipment to allow for a more dynamic workout.
Pinda Sweda
An Ayurvedic massage used heated herbal bags which are placed on the body during the treatment
Plant-based diet
A diet which consists mostly or entirely of foods that comes from plants such as fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains.
Pranayama
The practice of breath control to re-energise, relax and heal the body.
Pranic Healing
A spiritual healing therapy using no-touch, where only energy is used to cleanse and balance the energy centres in the body.
Pressotherapy
A treatment that uses air pressure to improve blood and lymphatic circulation and reduce cellulite.
Q
Qi
The vital energy that flows through the universe and the body.
Qi Gong
A gentle exercise using breath, posture and body movements to balance the qi in the body.
R
Reiki
A form of energy healing where a practitioner uses their hands to channel energy from the universe to the body in order to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities.
Reflexology
The application of pressure to areas of the feet, hands or ears which hold specific reflex points corresponding to organs and areas of the body. This can help alleviate stress and pain.
Retreat
A purposely designed programme of activities and therapies to improve health and fitness
S
Salt Room
A holistic and natural therapy, also known as halotherapy, using micro particles of salt to promote better breathing, healthier skin, sounder sleep, improved physical fitness and endurance and overall wellness.
Sauna
A wood-lined room where people relax in dry heat which helps cleanse the body of impurities and relax muscles.
Self-care
An activity that we do purposely in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health.
Shiatsu
A therapeutic massage therapy using a comfortable pressure to specific points of the body to balance energy flow and promote healing.
Shirodhara
An Ayurvedic treatment where warm dosha-specific oil is streamed onto the forehead continuously and rhythmically allowing the oil to run through the scalp and into the hair.
Shirovasti
An Ayurvedic therapy with an intensive oil bath which is poured into a hat which has been secured to the patient’s head.
Sound Bath
A deeply relaxing and meditative experience by immersing yourself into the ambient sound of music.
Spin
A high-intensity cycling workout combining cardio and endurance which takes place on a stationary bike.
Swedana
An Ayurvedic treatment where herbal steam is used to release toxins from the body and establish balance in the body.
Swedish Massage
A gentle body massage using long gliding strokes to push the blood in the direction of the heart. This treatment promotes relaxation and improves circulation.
T
Tai Chi
A traditional form of Chinese exercise involving a series of slow and focused movements and deep breaths.
Temazcal
A traditional Mexican steam bath filled with herbal-infused steam. This is often used for an ancient Mayan cleansing ritual and involves sweating to detoxify the body and cleanse the soul.
Thai Massage
This therapy has been practised in Thailand for centuries and uses passive stretching techniques and gentle pressure to release muscle and joint tension and reduce flexibility.
Thalassotherapy
The use of seawater products which are applied to the body as a therapeutic healing treatment to help cleanse the mind and purify the body.
Thalaxion Bath
A hydrotherapy treatment in an enclosed bathtub with variable pressure jets as an underwater massage for the legs, hips and thighs. It is used to help with circulation, cellulite and joint pain.
U
Udvartana
A stimulating Ayurvedic massage using herbal powders to melt away the excess fat. It is one of the most popular treatments used for weight loss.
V
Vacuodermie
A treatment where a vacuum is applied to the skin to stimulate the natural body function and improve circulation. It is often used as a non-invasive alternative to liposuction with benefits of cellulite reduction, tightening of the skin and lessen the appearance of fine lines.
Vegan Diet
A diet that excludes all animal products including dairy products and eggs.
Vichy Shower
A hydrotherapy treatment where a suspended shower head where the water showers the body whilst lying down. This normally complements a massage, body wrap or scrub and stimulates the feeling of floating on water to promote relaxation.
Vinyasa Yoga
A type of yoga practice that involves coordinating the breath with a continuous flow of postures.
Vitality Pool
A small pool filled with warm water and a selection of features such as massage benches, bubble baths or water jets.
W
Watsu
A gentle form of massage therapy which takes place in warm water. While floating comfortably, a therapist will massage the muscles, rotate the joints and stimulate the meridians.
The active pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health.
Wellbeing
The state of being comfortable, healthy and happy. It can be understood as how people feel and how they function, both on a personal and a social level, and how they evaluate their lives as a whole.
Y
Yin Yoga
A type of yoga which consists of passive floor poses held for up to 5 minutes or more. The practice focuses on the hips, lower back, and thighs and is designed to increase circulation in the joints and improve flexibility.
Yoga
A practice of physical exercise, breath control, relaxation, and meditation, which developed from India, aimed at developing harmony in the body, mind, and environment.
Z
Zen
A Japanese teaching that the only path to enlightenment is through direct, intuitive insight-by focusing on becoming self-aware and at peace with your place in the universe.
Zumba
An exercise that combines Latin and international music with dance moves.