glossary of health and beauty terms

Salt Glow (rub) - The body is rubbed with a vigorous, abrasive scrub, consisting of coarse salt usually mixed with essential oils and water. Cleanses pores and removes dead skin. It is usually followed by a gentle shower and body moisturiser.

Seaweed (body) Wrap - Similar to herbal wraps combined with heat packs, using sea water and seaweed with a balance of the ocean's nutrients; minerals, rare trace elements, vitamins and proteins, which are soaked into the blood stream, to revitalize skin and body.

Shiatsu - Means "finger" (shi) "pressure" (atsu), a cross between acupuncture and massage developed in Japan by Tokujiro Namikoshi in the 1940's. Like acupressure, Shiatsu works with vital points and energy meridians and uses finger-thumb-palm pressure. Unlike acupressure, Shiatsu also manipulates other parts of the body in the course of treatment. Intended to stimulate the body's inner powers of balance and healing.

Sports Massage - Deep tissue massage directed specifically at muscles used in athletic activities. This massage can be either preventive or corrective in approach.

Stress Management - A program of meditation and deep relaxation intended to reduce the ill effects of stress on the system.

Swedish Massage - The most commonly offered and best known type of massage. Used to improve circulation, ease muscles aches and tension, improve flexibility and create relaxation. Swedish massage is performed with the client covered by a sheet, where each part of the body to be worked on is exposed in turn and then re-covered. The therapist uses kneading, stroking, friction, tapping and even shaking motions.