Massage, holistic healing and spa industry terms (P-Z)
Massage, holistic healing and spa industry related terms can be just confusing enough to make it difficult to either understand what you want or what you are signing up for.
We have compiled a list of some of the more common industry related terms to help with explanations of massage services, spa treatments and holistic healing concepts. Please consult the links at the bottom of the page for the pages completing the list of terms.
prana – this word is a Sanskrit word from the oldest written language in the world and means "life-force" or breath, life and vitality of spirit. This life-force is referred to as "chi" by the Chinese, and is the vital energy force that permeates the universe, flowing through all beings, and requires balance to maintain a positive flow.
Pranic healing – a "no-touch" modality that focuses on cleansing the aura (bio-electromagnetic field that surrounds the physical body) by removing the negative energy that otherwise affects the organs and their related chakras, which would then lead to illness or disease
Qi – Chinese term for the energy flowing through the body's channels, or pathways; such channels feed all tissues and organs with their supply of blood and energy, or Qi, in order to keep them alive and functioning properly
qigong – deriving from China and based on beliefs and techniques applied in martial arts, qigong (through breath and movement) is the practice of balancing and clearing one's qi, or energy, to clear the mind, increase focus, sharpen performance and build strength
salt room – designed to emulate a salt cave, this room provides the perfect environment for salt therapy (Halotherapy), and may have walls that are literally coated with salt and/or have specifically designed equipment (halogenerators) installed to create a controlled, dry salt aerosol climate in which individuals may relax and inhale the healing benefits of salt
subcutaneous – beneath or under the skin
Swedish (or Swiss) shower – a shower with one main head above and several to many smaller heads located on the shower walls surrounding the person, shooting water at varying temperatures, creating a combination designed to increase circulation
thalassotherapy – the use of ocean minerals and trace elements via the application of marine mud or algae paste (commonly referred to as seaweed or spirulina) in baths and wraps to promote circulation, remineralization of the skin, calming of the nerves and boosting the immune system
therapeutic massage – the manipulation of the superficial soft tissue of the skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments by use of any possible variation or combination of multiple massage strokes, stretches, external application of water, heat and cold to improve muscle tone, promote relaxation, stimulate circulation and produce therapeutic effects on the respiratory and nervous system as well as the subtle interactions between these systems through the energetic and mind/body connections in a safe, non-sexual environment; although massage in general is therapeutic, when individuals are seeking a "therapeutic massage," quite often they are referring to a deep tissue therapy, or one composed of similar techniques but described by its modality name
Theta Healing – this approach to healing includes "tapping" into an individual's theta brain wave to utilize and influence the subconscious mind that is generally not accessible while awake. The Theta state we are familiar with is associated with REM sleep, hypnosis, dreams and the heavy state of relaxation we are in while barely conscious, just before waking up. It is via this brain wave that we are able to connect with our Higher Power and create sought after changes within our physical lives.
Theta healing addresses the power of our subconscious and unlocks it to transform lives via instant healing on any level, be it physical, emotional or spiritual. This healing practice is a fine choice if you wish to transform your life and encourage abundance in all of its forms, including those concerning finances, personal growth and awareness, relationships and overall health.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – originating in China over 5,000 years ago, Traditional Chinese Medicine incorporates the use of a variety of concepts including acupuncture, diet and nutrition, exercise (referred to as qigong), herbal medicine and massage therapy
trigger points – (not the same as acupressure points) – sensitive spots in the muscle that are associated with what people commonly refer to as "knots" within the muscle itself, often manipulated in a bodywork treatment to relieve tension or greater pain
vertebrae – small bones of irregular shape that make up the vertebral column, or the spine; the column consists of 7 cervical vertebrae (neck), 12 thoracic vertebrae (upper back to mid back, where the ribs attach), 5 lumbar vertebrae (lower back, or small of the back), the sacrum and the coccyx
vichy shower – a shower used at spas and wellness centers during different treatments, such as body scrubs or body wraps, to create the sensation of rain falling on the client lying on the wet table below it; shower is horizontal with several heads to deliver a warm, relaxing sensation
Vinothérapie – (a/k/a vinotherapy or vineotherapy) – treatments that utilize wine, grapes and/or grape pieces. Relatively new to the spa industry, these treatments vary from region to region and include experiences such as baths in wine barrels, grape seed or wine body exfoliations, wine and clay mud wraps, wine massages and facials (list is not all-inclusive).
The high levels of antioxidants in the grapes provide anti-aging assistance to the skin. These treatments may be especially beneficial to women experiencing symptoms of menopause as the grapes' properties tend to cool inflammation (addressing hot flashes), moisturize skin and calm irritability.
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