There are multiple categories of spa treatments out there, and the confusing thing is each spa will offer slightly different services under different names. But, in general, there are six types of spa treatments provided; these are massages, facials, body treatments, bathing treatments, spa salon offerings, and fitness services. Categories of services may be offered at massage spa establishments, not all kinds of treatments may be available at some or all centers & spas.

1. Massages: are by far the most popular spa treatment in the United States. They’re all about giving into relaxation, and they’re associated with many health benefits. Most massages involve a therapist rubbing the back, neck, arms and legs of the client, who lies on a padded massage table. Usually, patrons are nude when receiving therapeutic massage therapy, but they remain draped under sheets so their bodies aren’t exposed.
2. Facials: Can entail multiple steps, usually including an exfoliating segment, a cleansing segment, a massage segment, and a moisturizing finale. Some facials can be too harsh for first-time spa goers; if you’re interested in this treatment but have never gotten a facial before, ask spa staff to recommend a gentle facial suitable for you.
3. Natural Mineral Baths & Bathing services include hot springs, hot tubs, mud baths, saunas, steam rooms, and hydrotherapy. These kinds of spa treatments are popular in European spas, but most can be found in many American spas as shared amenities to be enjoyed before and after treatments with therapists. Sometimes, spas will charge a low entrance fee for guests who want to use the available bathing services without purchasing a pricier private treatment. Bathing services are typically self-served, group therapies. They may be segregated according to gender, especially when nudity is allowed. Hydrotherapy: is the one exception to the rule that bathing services are shared, group treatments. In hydrotherapy, customers treated to a private bath in a tub filled with relaxing elements, like salts and botanical extracts
4. Fitness Classes & Services: Many Destination stay spas hotel spas provide fitness classes in addition to the standard menu of spa treatments. Yoga, Pilates, tai chi, and other mind and body exercise techniques are most often found in a spa environment, although some spas hold aerobic fitness classes too. These kinds of wellness classes are typically included in the cost of a stay at a hotel spa. Now that you’ve learned about the kinds of spa treatments, you can find one that’s right for you. Remember that each spa will offer different variations of the treatments in the categories listed above, and not all spas will provide all services. If you get confused about which service to choose, just ask for help. The staff at any spa is trained to point you in the right direction
5. Acupressure: Traditional Chinese pressure-point massage used to stimulate the flow of energy in the body
6. Acupuncture: Traditional Chinese healing technique based on Taoist philosophy. It can be administered by using needles, low-voltage electric current (electro acupuncture), or pinpoint massage (acupressure).
7. Acu-yoga: is a system of exercises integrating the knowledge of acupressure and yoga.
8. Ai chi (flowing aquatic energy): water exercise and relaxation program, combining Tai chi concepts with shiatsu and watsu techniques done in a pool. Aerobic exercise: Any sustained rhythmic exercise (such as brisk walking, running, or dance) that uses the large muscle groups of the body and increases the heart rate from 50 to 90 percent of its maximum.
9. Alexander technique: Method of re-educating the mind and body to improve movement. The focus is on applying the appropriate amount of energy for each activity in order to improve posture and balance and to eliminate stress-inducing habits.
10. Algotherapy: Seaweed bath that is a form of thalassotherapy.
11. Alternative medicine Health care modalities not traditional used by western medical practitioners.
12. Anaerobic Opposite of aerobic exercise, anaerobic exercise –such as weightlifting and bodybuilding– involves muscular work that causes the body to use more oxygen than it takes in.
13. Animal massage Both pets and performance animals experience soft tissue damage in their daily lives. (see equinetherapy) Anti-aging Product or treatment that combats or defends against the aging process.
14. Antifungal: Substance that clears and counters fungals infections.
15. Antioxidant: Substance that prevents other substances (like fats) from binding with oxygen, slowing their deterioration process. To help clear and heal.
16. Applied Kinesiology: Study of muscles, the mechanics of human motion. Utilizes nutrition, manipulation, diet, acupressure, exercise and education to help restore balance and harmony in the body and maintain well-being.
17. Applied Physiology: a muscle monitoring technique, restore the balance.  Aqua aerobics: Aerobic exercises performed in a pool using the support and resistance of the water to burn fat, strengthen bones, and increase cardiovascular health and endurance. Buoyancy of water greatly reduces the chance of injuring joints or muscles.
18. Aromatherapy: Treatments such as massage, facials, body wraps, or hydro baths that include the application of fragrant essential oils. Different oils are used for different therapeutic benefits. Essential oils, which are extracted from the herbs, flowers, resin, woods and roots, in body and skin care treatments.
19. Asanas: Various yoga postures or poses. The practice of these physical poses is a fundamental stage in many branches of the yoga system
20. Ayurveda: Ancient Indian system of traditional folk medicine from India using a variety of techniques, incorporating nutrition, herbal medicine, aromatherapy, massage, and meditation to restore the organism to perfect balance 4000 year old treatment.
21. Bach flower therapy: Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930’s uses liquid preparations made from more than 30 flowers and trees to address emotional and psychological issues.
22. Balneotherapy: The use of water to restore and revitalize the body. Since antiquity, balneotherapy has been used to improve circulation, fortify the immune system, and relieve pain and stress.
23. Behavior modification: Change in personal habits through repetition of desired behaviors. Most destinaition spas incorporate behavior modification into their weight loss programs.
24. Belavi’ facial massage: facial techniques using acupressure points, lymphatic drainage strokes and facial massage strokes designed to firm sagging skin, stimulate blood & exygen, release toxins and soften lines.
25. Bindi: Bodywork combining exfoliation, herbal treatment,  light massage.
26. Biofeedback: Training program that gives a person information about physiological processes (heart rate or blood pressure) with the goal of gaining conscious control over them.
27. Blood pressure: Pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of the body’s arteries. Normal blood pressure111 is usually 120/80.
28. Body conditioning: Any exercise program that focuses on overall conditioning of the body. A body-conditioning routine might combine exercises for strength, flexibility use both strength-training equipment and floor exercises.
29. Body mass index: A measure of body weight adjusted for height. Body mechanics: Use of the body in an effcient and bio mechanical correct manner.
30. Body rolling: Practiced ona 6-10 inch ball, and following specific routines that imitate the logic of the neuromuscular system.
31. Body sculpting: Fitness program using weight, flexibility, and endurance training; but not running or jumping, to shape hips, thighs, upper arms, and buttocks without creating bulk.
32. Body supports/bolsters: Pillows, foiled blankets, shaped foam or other items that help to contour the flat surface of the massage table for the client’s comfort and to assist in proper application of procedures.
33. Bodywork: Various forms of touch therapies that may use manipulation, movement and or repatterning to affect structural changes to the body.Body wrap (herbal wrap)Treatment in which strips of cloth are soaked in herbal teas and cocooned around the body.
34. Bonnie Prudden Myotherapy: Method of relieving muscle-related pain, relaxes muscles, improve circulation and alleviates pain in all parts of body, increasing strength, flexibility, coordination, stamina and energy.
35. Botanicals: Plant part or extract used in hair or skin products.
36. Brossage: Brushes and salicyclic salt are used to polish the body, producing a fine skin texture.
37. Brush and tone: Dry brushing of the skin intended to remove dead layers and impurities while stimulating circulation. This is one of many exfoliating techniques used as a pretreatment for mud and seaweed body masks that are formed by the application of a moisturizing lotion.
38. Capoeira: Combination of acrobatics, dance, boxing, and martial arts invented by Brazilian slaves. Widely played in South America and gaining popularity in the United States.
39. Cellulite: Deposits of lumpy fat and fibrous tissue that cause dimpling of the skin in the thighs, hips, and buttocks of some women. Chair massage (see seated massage)
40. Chakra: Ayurvedic term for energy “center.” It is believed that there are seven chakras, which are all interconnected and which must be balanced
41. Chemical peel: application of product to the skin to remove dead or damaged cells of the epidermis, improving skin texture and decreasing fine lines and wrinkles.
42. Chi kung: Chinese exercise focusing your breath and body movements to energize.
43. Circuit training: Exercise plan utilizing six to ten exercises that are completed one after another on weight-resistance equipment to increase mobility, strength, and stamina. Each exercise is performed for a certain number of repetitions.
44. City Hotel or Urban Spas: Located in metropolitan hotels, some of these spas are open only to hotel guests, while others are accessible to the general public
45. Cold plunge: Keep, cold water pool plunge, causing rapid contraction of the capillaries; stimulates circulation after sauna.
46. Collagen therapy: Injection of collagen beneath the skin with a fine needle to fill out wrinkles and lines.
47. Colonic (colon hydrotherapy): Intense water irrigation of the entire colon, intended to release trapped impurities and prevent the recycling of toxins into the bloodstream.
48. Color therapy/chromotherapy: Use of color to balance mental and spiritual health through the use of colored rooms, light bulbs, fabrics, etc. The technique dates back to ancient Egypt.
49. Complementary medicine: Treatments and therapies used in conjunction with traditional medicine. Alternative medicine, in contrast, replaces traditional therapies.
50. Compress: Cloth soaked in a hot or cool herbal infusion which, applied to the affected area, relieves, irritation and fatigue. Used with wraps etc.
51. Compression: Pressure applied to the body in an inward pressing motion to spread tissue against underlying structures.
52. Connective tissue massage CTM: bindegeweb massage-assist in the rehabilitation of pathologic conditions. Hooking fingers into the skin and superfical connective tissue while performing a dragging or pulling stroke that somewhat stretches the skin.
53. Cosmeceuticals or Cosmaceuticals: Topical cosmetic-pharmaceutical combinations intended to improve the health and appearance of skin.
54. Cranio-Sacral therapy: Treatment that focuses on the connection between the skull and the base of the spine along the spinal column. The therapist’s palpitations in those areas are said to release blockages in the circulation of the cerebral-spinal fluid and allow it to flow more freely.
55. Cryotherapy: Known as ice therapy, uses application of cold hydrotherapy in the form of ice pack and cold water immersions. Helps blood flow, swelling and inflammation.
56. Crystal healing: Healing energy generated by quartz and other natural blessed mineral stones.
57. Dancercize (donce movement therapies): Aerobic workout to upbeat music using steps and patterns derived from modern dance help improve range of motion, endurance, aerobic capacity, flexibility, and strength.
58. Day Spa: Establishment that provides beautifying, relaxing, or pampering experiences that can last an hour or may take a whole day. Can be freestanding or connected to health clubs, hotels, or department stores.
59. Dead sea mud treatment: Application of mineral-rich mud from the Dead Sea in Israel. Used to detoxify skin and body and to ease painful symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis.
60. Decoction: Solution made by simmering roots, barks, woody parts of plants in water, to extract active ingredients for infusion.
61. Dermabrasion: dermatological surgical procedure using a rotating instrument that “sands” the skin, reducing scarring and some wrinkles.
62. Destination Spa: Establishments that focus exclusively on lifestyle improvement, health enhancement, and self-renewal in the company of like-minded people
63. Detoxification (detox): Cleansing the body of poisons or toxins that may have accumulated through addictive habits
64. Doshas: According to Ayurvedic medicine, the three metabolic types (vata, pitta, and Kapha). Most people are a combination of types, though are predominately one.
65. Draping: Use of sheets of towels to cover a patient during a massage  or spa treatment. State requirements!!
66. Drumming: Rhythms and sounds, used by spas to promote emotional and spiritual release. Drums may come from African, Middle Eastern, Native American, and South American musical traditions.
67. Dry brush: Procedure using a natural-bristle brush to remove dead skin and impurities while stimulating circulation. Many exfoliating techniques used prior to mud and seaweed body masks.
68. Duo massage (couples massage): Massage treatment performed in simultaneously by two therapists.
69. Dulse scrub: Remove dead skin and to enrich the skin with vitamins and minerals the body is scrubbed with a mixture of powdered dulse seaweed and oil or water.
70. Earth Energy Healing: Similar to Reiki as it is the channeling of energy and entails”laying of the hands”.
71. Eco-spas: Spas that are set in a natural or protected area and have a major commitment to incorporating environmentally friendly practices such as organic gardening, water conservation, and ecological building design. They must also encourage sensitivity to the natural environment and wildlife through education of spa-goers, and may also promote the well being of local people,culture by preserving indigenous healing traditions & ingredients.
72. Effleurage: Massage technique involving quick, long strokes used at beginning and end of certain treatments.
73. Electrotherapy: Treatments using the stimulating properties of a low voltage electric current. EMF balancing technique: Hour long session, experience their own electromagnetic field and the patterns within it.
74. Endermologie: reduce the appearance of cellulite. Massages tissues under suction to improve blood flow and lymphatic drainage.
75. Equine therapy: Soft tissue massage technique, touch therapy for horses.
76. Enzyme peel: Body exfoliation treatment that uses protein enzymes (papaya, etc.) or alpha hydroxy acids dissolve dead skin cells.
77. Esalen massage: Slower, rhythmic brisk swedish massage technique Essential oils: Aromatic liquids extracted from flowers, grasses, fruits, leaves, roots, or trees. The oils maintain the odors and tastes, and thus the essence, of the plant they are extracted from.
78. Estrogen: Generic term for any steroid hormones secreted chiefly by the ovaries and placenta. Promotes the development of the female secondary sex characteristics and affects female reproductive system.
79. European facial: Treatment that begins with deep cleansing, steam, exfoliation, and professional massage of the face, shoulders, and chest area, followed by special mask that hydrates the skin.
80. Exfoliant: An ingredient used to slough off dead skin cells.
81. Exfoliation: Procedure to slough top layer of dead skin cells off the face or body. Dry brush, loofah scrub, and salt glow are among the techniques used in conjunction with ingredients grape seed, sugar, clay, and salts.
82. Eyebrow threading: Ancient method of hair removal developed in the Middle East and Asia that uses a cotton thread to pull out unwanted hair at the root.
83. Extraction: removing sebum, bacteria, dead cells and other waster from the skin follicle.
84. Facial: Generic term for treatment of skin in the face that usually includes massaging, cleansing, toning, steaming, exfoliating, and moisturizing.
85. Fango: From the Italian word for mud, a treatment that uses Mineralize mud mixed with oil or water and applied over the body as a heat pack to detoxify the skin, soothe the muscles, and stimulate circulation.
86. Feldenkrais method  “Movement therapy”
87. Feng shui: Chinese art of determining the most propitious design and placement of a structure or site to achieve maximum harmony between the flow of energy between the place and its inhabitant.
88. Fitness profile/assessment: A test administered by a fitness instructor to evaluate aerobic capacity, flexibility, and strength, as well as resting heart rate, resting blood pressure, and body composition.
89. Flotation tank: A tank filled with mineral enriched water. Floating in darkness in this tank promotes relaxation.
90. Functional foods: Foods that have been fortified with herbs, vitamins, minerals, or other supplements.
91. Gommasge: Cleansing, rehydrating treatment using creams that are applied in long massage movements
92. Guided imagery: Visualization to stimulate the body’s immune system
93. Green Life Eco living: Concerned with or promoting environmentalism by recycling, making biogradable products, or limiting pollution.
94. Green & White tea: Tea whose leaves come from the same shrub as black tree but are heated before oxidation (called fermentation) is complete. It may reduce risk of cancer and help prevent cardiovascular disease.
95. Haiku: Traditonal Japanese form of poetry consisting of three lines, which have 5, 7, and 5 syllables respectively.
96. Hair extensions: Synthetic fibers or real human hair that is woven (sewn) or braided into existing hair to increase length, volume, or color.
97. Hakomi method: Body based psychotherapy using special states of consciousness. Body mind awareness, touch used to deepin your therapy.
98. Hatha yoga: Branch of yoga that is devoted to the physical processes (as opposed to others that focus on wisdom, meditation, service, etc.) and involves breathing and physical exercises. There are many types of yoga.
99. Hellerwork: System of deep tissue body work, stress reduction and movement therapy.
100. Henna: Dye from a natural plant substance used especially in Middle East in many cultures to decorate skin as part of ceremonial rituals. It is used also to color lighten hair in West
101. Herbal wrap: Treatment using strips of cloth soaked in a heated herbal solution to wrap around the body. It is used for relaxation and said to eliminate impurities and detoxify.
102. Herbology: Therapeutic use of herbs in treatments and diet. Holistic health: Non-medical approach to the healing and health of the whole person that seeks to integrate physical and mental well-being.
103. Holistic medicine: System of heath care that looks at the entire person, taking into account physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional, social, spiritual and lifestyle values, and avails itself all modes of diagnosis and treatment including drugs and surgery in the absence of a safe alternative.  Patient is urged to make personal efforts to achieve balance and well-being.
104. Homeopathy: Form of medicine based on the principle that “like cures like” To stimulate the body to heal itself, it treats patients with minute quantities of natural substances that cause symptoms much like those of the disease they are meant to cure.
105. Hormone replacement therapy: Medication containing one or more female hormones (usually estrogen) used to treat women experiencing symptoms of menopause or amenorrhea or women who have had partial or full hysterectomy. Medical opinion about the risks of this kind of therapy is divided.
106. Hot stone therapy (la stone): Relaxing, therapeutic treatment in which dark, smooth stones heated in hot water or hot spring pools are placed or stroked with light pressure on areas of the body such as the back, in the palms, and between the toes. Cold stones may also be used.
107. Hydrotherapy: Treatment using water therapeutically to aid relaxation in a variety of procedures such as underwater jet massage, different types of showers, and mineral baths. Thalasotherapy, using seawater for hydrotherapy, has long been a staple in European spas.
108. Hydro tub/hydrotherapy tub: Special tub equipped with high-pressure jets and hand manipulated hose designed to deliver underwater massage and therapeutic baths.
109. Hypoallergenic: Cosmetic products alleged by manufacturer to create fewer allergic reactions among those who are sensitive. However, no federal standards govern the use of this term.
110. Inhalations: Hot vapors or steam mixed with herbal essential oil blends eucalupus, inhaled to decongest the respiratory system.
111. Intake form: A consent from which includes client history, states intentions and protocal of therapeutic session.
112. Insertion Attachment of the muscle to a bone which is less movable than the one to which it originated.
113. Iridology Condition of the body organs is determined by examining markings in the iris of the eye.
114. ISPA International Spa Association, a professional organization representing all aspects of spa industry: club spas, cruise ship spas, day spas, destination spas, resort/hotel spas, medical spas, and mineral springs spas.
115. Jamu massage: Balinese inspired technique based upon Indian, Chinese and Europeon techniques, involving acupressure, rolling motions, long strokes and percussion like drumming.
116. Juice fast Short-term diet regimen consisting of only fresh fruit or vegetable juices. Advocates claim it detoxifies the body.
117. Jin shin do Gentle, yet deep finger pressure on acu-points with simple body focusing techniques to release physical and emotional tension.
118. Jin shin jutsu Art of harmonizing the life energy in the body.
119. Kentro technique of gentle centering and balancing movements that stretch, exercise, relax, limber and strengthen every area of the body.
120. Kickboxing Boxing techniques, basic kicks, and martial arts moves (all self-defense tactics) that give the upper and lower body an intense cardiovascular, aerobic, and body-toning workout.
121. Kinesiology/applied Kinesiology Principles of the mechanics and anatomy related to human body movement, specifically the action of individual muscles or groups of muscles that perform specific movements
122. Kinesthetic awareness Sensitivity to the moment of your body through space that contributes to your ability to balance and move rhythmically and fluidly. Sometimes developed self-awareness technique for spiritual growth.
123. Kneipp baths Water therapies originated by Germany’s Father Sebastian Kneipp, a holistic teacher and proponent of natural remedies. Originally involving dips in the icy Danube, nowadays the therapy involves immersion both in warm and cold water.
124. Krauter bath Based on German natural remedy, this is a strong, aromatic herbal bath solution.
125. Kripalu bodywork Deep relaxation and meditation for the purpose of releasing physical and mental tension. Technique, based on Kripalu yoga and specific massage strokes.
126. Kur From the German “kur,” a planned course of spa treatments that typically involve mineral water, mud baths, algae, and herbs. “Taking the kur” might be a ten- to twenty-day process every three months.
127. La stone therapy – See hot stone therapy
128. Labyrinth walking: Following a man-made, spiral pattern path (traced on the ground, as in many cathedrals, or constructed in garden) to meditate, focus, and calm the mind. Not a maze, the path follows a number of circuits to the center of a circle and back out.
129. Laser hair removal Use of concentrated beams of light to permanently remove unwanted hair. Best candidates for the procedure have very fair skin and very dark hair.
130. Lomi lomi Large broad movements, two handed, forearm elbow application of stokes, which cove a broad area of the body. Hawaiian for “rub rub”
131. Loofah scrub Exfoliation with a sponge made of the fibrous skeleton of the loofah, a vegetable from the gourd family. Loofah is used effectiveness in removing dry skin and stimulating circulation. Cleaning of the body with various mixtures of sea salt, warm almond or aroma oil, and a loofah sponge or mitt.
132. Looyen work Working with the connective tissue and fascial components. Combination of several restructuring systems, including Rolfing, Postural Integration and Aston-Patterning
133. Lycopene The substance that makes tomatoes red, it is also a powerful antioxidant that may help prevent diseases of aging such as some forms of cancer and heart disease. Lymph drainage Form of massage in which hands and fingers apply gentle, wave-like movements meant to stimulate circulation in the lymph system to drain away excess fluids and trapped toxins.
134. Lypossage Manual deep tissue massage, lymphatic drainage and principles of structural intragration used to liposuction and body contouring machines, Lypossage enhances firmness and tone, and increases skin resilience and smoothness. Reduction of cellulite. Produces a lifting effect in areas prone to sagging.
135. Magnet therapy: Therapeutic use of magnets relieve pain and discomfort and to aid in healing.
136. Makeup application Art or teaching of techniques for using cosmetics appropriate to an individual’s skin type, style, and age.
137. Massage: Manipulation of tissues, usually manually, to improve health and well-being by relaxing muscles, relieving tension, and improving circulation.
138. Massage chair Designed apparatus where the clothed client is seated during upright massage. Good for office or groups.
139. Medical massage Requires a firm background in pathology an utilizies specific treatments appropriate to working with disease, pain and recovery from injury.
140. Medical spa  Destination wellness or day spa that offers traditional and complementary medical services supervised or administered by medical professionals. A spa may specialize in diagnostic testing, preventive care, cosmetic procedures, or a combination.
141. Medi-spa Any facility, usually a day spa, that offers both medical treatments and spa therapies.
142. Meditation Practice of using mental skills to perform such feats as focusing attention on a single object for a long period of time; cultivating compassion, which involves the transforming of negative events; and creating a state of pure awareness of thoughts, emotions, and sensations without reacting. Meditation is said to increase emotional well-being and is being studied for alleged benefits to physical health.
143. Metabolism Rate at which a body burns up fuel and transforms it into energy.
144. Micro dermabrasion Facial exfoliation procedure in which skin is “sandblasted” with ultra-fine crystals of aluminum oxide or other ingredients to remove top layer of skin.
145. Mindfulness Non-judgmental, undistracted state that is a goal of meditation and involves being aware of oneself and one’s surroundings. Mineral springs spa:  Spa offering an on-site source of mineral-rich thermal or seawater that is used in hydrotherapy or thalassotherapy.
146. Mineral bath: Soaking in hot or cool water from thermal springs which contain mineral salts, natural elements and gases.
147. Mobile spa: Mobile business that brings the spa to you. Enjoy day spa treatments at home or business. Great for corporate, group, wedding events. Spa parties. Teaching you home spa concept.
148. Mocktail: Non-alcoholic drinks made with fresh fruit and vegetables.
149. Moor mud pack: Healing mud from the bottom of inland spa lakes. It provides improvement to cell regeniration, stimulate lymph glands and balance hormones.
150. Moor peat baths: Uses mud harvested from a moor or a peat marsh that is rich in proteins, organic matter, vitamins, and minerals. It is used as a body or facial treatment to hydrate and exfoliate the skin and in a bath to ease aches and pains.
151. Mud bath: Body is soaked in organic thermal mud to release toxins tension and nourish the skin with minerals.
152. Myo facial release: Three dimensional application of sustained pressure and movement into the fascial system.
153. Myo fascial trigger points: Points are localizie areas in which the muscle and connective tissue are highly sensitive to pain when compressed.
154. Myo skeletal alignment technique: Holistic approach to relief of back and neck pain on concepts and principles from Rolfing, osteopathy and related physical medicine.
155. Myo massology Integrative: of hands on massage, generally therapeutic in nature.
156. Myo practic- muscle therapy: Combines three basic techniques; compression stretching, which achieves deep relaxation, relieves tension, spasms and holding patterns, clearing and separating techniques to release adhesions and rebalance muscles.
157. Naturopathic medicine: Wide range of natural therapeutics emphasizing the healing power of nature to treat the causes of disese, rather than suppressing the symptoms.
158. Neuromuscular integration: Body work and exercise system that focuses on the interaction between the central nervous system and the muscles of the body.
159. NIA (Neuromuscular Integrative Action) Hybrid form that combines the grace and spontaneity of dance, the power and explosiveness of martial arts, and the stillness and concentration of yoga and tai chi in an energetic, low-impact full-body cardiovascular workout.
160. Nutraceuticals Foods: that have been fortified with herbs, vitamins, minerals, or other supplements to promote health and prevent disease.
161. On-site massage: (see seated-chair massage or mobile massage)Organic Food produced with the exclusive use of feed or fertilizer of plant or animal origin and without the use of chemicals in any fashion, including growth hormones, pesticides, fertilizers.
162. Oriental bodywork: Monitoring the flow of the vital life energy (chi,ki or prana) using pressure and manipulation, restore balance Origin: site of attachment of the muscle to a bone which is less movable than the one to which it is inserted.
163. Orthopedic massage: Combining some elements of sports and medical massage, orthopedic massage integrates 10 modalilites to treat soft tissue pain and injury.
164. Osteokinetics Coached breathing: Appling Qi Gong from one side of the body through to the other while lenhening, stretching manipulating the body
165. Osteoporosis “porous bones,” progressive disease in which bones become weaker. It most commonly affects post-menopausal women. Weight-baring exercises are helpful in maintaining bone health, as is sufficient intake of calcium.
166. Oxygen Facial: Treatment that involves oxygen and other nutrients being applied or sprayed onto the face. Said to reduce the signs of aging.
167. PADI Professional Association of Diving Instructors: PADI courses are often offered by resorts to certify beginning scuba divers Palpation – assessment through touch
168. Panchakarma: Cleansing and rejuvenating program for the body, mind, and consciousness based on Ayurvedic medicine and meant to clear the body of toxins, restore balance, strengthen the immune system, and promote calm. May involve massage, sweat therapy, yoga, diet, etc.
169. Parafango Volcanic mud: is mixed with paraffin wax to alleviate aches and pains caused by such illnesses as rheumatism and arthritis.
170. Paraffin treatment: Heated paraffin wax is brushed over the body to soothe muscles and, by drawing out the dirt, removing the dead skin, and drawing out perspiration through the head, leave skin clean and soft.
171. Passive joint movement: Movement of the joint without client assistance.
172. Peliotherapy: Therapeutic use and application of muds. Peliods: A generic term for muds Percussion (see tapotement)
173. Permanent cosmetics: “tattooing” eyeliner, lip line, eyebrows, eye shadow, etc. permanently on the face.
174. Petrissage: Rhythmic kneading, rolling, lifting, squeezing and wringing of soft tissue.
175. Photo rejuvenation Treatment: with laser light to smooth wrinkles, diminish the appearance of age spots, broken capillaries, and rosacea
176. Phytotherapy: Healing treatment with plants, such as herbs and seaweed, and in the form of aromatic essential oils and herbal and floral extracts, applied in conjunction with massage, packs and wraps, water and steam therapies, inhalation treatments, and homeopathy.
177. Pilates: Body conditioning program developed by Joseph Pilates meant to develop flexibility and strength without building bulk via a system of controlled movements and specially designed exercise equipment. Placebo: Inactive substance or treatment that has no known medical value that nonetheless creates a heath improvement that can be observed, measured or felt-called “the placebo effect”-due to patients expectation of getting well.
178. Polarity massage: Therapeutic, relaxing treatment involving hands placed along the energy meridians, stretching, and light rocking to bring the body’s own energy into balance.
179. Portion-controlled: meals Weight-loss program technique used to limit the amount of calories or fat consumed.
180. Positioning Placement: of the body in such a way as to isolate specific joints or muscles.
181. Post-event massage: Treatment provided in an athletic event
182. Power walking – See race walking
183. Power yoga: Energetic workout involving a sequence of postures (asanas) that flow into one another and that emphasize building body heat . Stretches and strengthens muscle while creating a calm and clear mind.
184. Pre-event massage: Treatment provided prior to exertion in an arthletic event as a warm-up and loosening exercise.
185. Prenatal/pregnancy massage: massage and somantic therapies are both effective and safe during labor. Rebalance system.
186. Primordial sound meditation: Ancient Vedic meditation technique revived by Deepak Chopra and David Simon, MD. Practiced in silence, it uses a personal sound mantra to achieve deep peace, balance, and harmony.
187. Prone: Laying face down Psych-k: Provides a user-friendly way to rewrite your thoughts, feelings by changing beliefs which sabotage you, into beliefs which that support you.
188. Psych-k: Provides a user-friendly way to rewrite your thoughts, feelings by changing beliefs which sabotage you, into beliefs which that support you.
189. Qi Gong (also spelled Chi Gung or Chi Kung): From qi (energy) and gong (the achievement that comes from practice), a group of Chinese self-healing exercises. They combine simple movement, breathing, and mental imagery to relax and strengthen the body and the mind.
190.  Race walking: Aerobic, energetic, exaggerated form of fast walking to maintain cardiovascular health, burn calories, and develop stomach, thigh, and buttock muscles.
191. Raindrop technique: Originated by D Gary Young, correct defects in the curvature of eh spine caused by viruses and bacteria, oils to reduce inflammation by killing the viral agents. Primarily thyme, oregano, birch, cypress, peppermint and basil are dispensed like little drops of rain from a height of about 6 inches above the back and massages along the vertebrae
192. Reflexology: 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.
193. Reiki: Japanese healing technique in which practitioners use their hands to bring energy into the body for deep relaxation and well being.
194. Repaichage: Full-body treatment meant that uses a combination of clay, herbs, seaweed, and mud to deal with the differing cleansing and moisturizing needs of different parts of your body and face.
195. Resort spa: Spa facility offering treatments and services at a vacation destination that also offers such activities, such as golf, tennis, horseback riding, skiing, water sports, and children’s programs.
196. Restorative yoga: Passive yoga poses lasting up to 20 minutes, supported by pillows, towels, etc., and meant to encourage relaxation via the release of tension in the muscles and spine. Quiets the mind, rejuvenates the body-mind connection, and doesn’t require flexibility or athletic ability of other forms of yoga.
197. Rolfing: Structural Integration Deep massage system developed by Dr.Ida Rolf to achieve changes in posture and structure by manipulating the body’s muscular-skeletal system. She believed proper alignment would relieve pain and chronic stress. Treatments progress from localized areas to larger body segments.
198. Roman bath: Traditionally, a series of hot, warm, and cold pools, but today used to refer to a hot whirlpool or Jacuzzi with benches.
199. Rosacea: Common facial skin disorder characterized by redness on the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead; small visible blood vessels on face, bumps, or pimples, and water or irritated eyes that usually affects people over 30.
200. Saint-John’s-wort: Medicinal herb taken in tablet, brewed as tea, or used as ointment believed by some to relieve mild to moderate depression. May be counter-indicated for anyone on antidepressant medication or who is photosensitive or allergic.
201. Salsa dancing: Dance that combines rhythm and blues, jazz, and rock and is accompanied by Latin American music; may be used as aerobic workout.
202. Salt glow: Body treatment in which skin is rubbed with coarse salt, sometimes in combination with fragrant oils, to exfoliate and stimulate circulation.
203. Sand painting: Tantric Buddhism artistic tradition involving the use of colored sand on a wooden platform to create a design according to ancient iconography. Also a Native American tradition. The paintings are destroyed after a short period as a metaphor for the transitory quality of life.
204. Sauna: Bathing process that consists of periods of perspiring in the heat and steam created by throwing water on heated stones. In combination with refreshing cold showers, sauna therapy is said to enhance the body’s immune system and relieve stress.
205. Scotch hose: Water massage through high-pressure hose while client is standing. The therapist alternates hot and cold and fresh or salt water to relieve sore muscles and stimulate circulation.
206. Seaweed wrap: Body treatment using concentrated seawater and seaweed that contains nutrients including minerals, rare trace elements, vitamins, and proteins. Said by proponents to detoxify, increase circulation, and improve appearance of cellulite.
207. Sensory-deprivation flotation capsule: Enclosed tank filled with warm water and Epsom salts in order to create a dark, peaceful environment, similar to that in the womb, to promote total relaxation.
208. Shiatsu or Bare foot Shiatsu Massage technique developed in Japan in which therapist applies pressure to specific points in the body to simulate and unblock “meridians” (pathways through which energy is said to flow).
209. Shirodhara Ayurveadic treatment lasting 7 to l0 minutes during which stream of oil is poured in the center of your forehead (on your “third eye”) in order to help you focus, concentrate, and relax your mind and body.
210. Silent hikes:  Leisurely solo walk or guided journey in natural setting in which participants make as little sound as possible in order to connect with their surroundings.
211. Somatoemotional release Helps rid the mind and body of residual effects of past trauma and associated negative responses. Dr. john Upledger & biophysicist Dr. Zvi karni.
212. Spa: International Spa Association(ISPA) defines the word spa in the following way: “Spas are devoted to enhancing overall well-being through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit.” Solas’ Per Aqua’
213. Spa facial Cleaning facial with spa therapies such as mud, seaweed, aromatherapy, etc.Spa therapies Variety of body treatments administered in spas, herbal wraps, loofah body scrubs, parafango, salt scrubs, seaweed body wraps, hydrotherapy treatments etc..
214. Spinal release Correct distortions of the central nervous system and restore the bodies center of gravity.
215. Spinning Indoor cycling on stationary bikes that allow riders to adjust resistance to make pedaling easier or harder. Class instructors guide students through a virtual hilly course and cue students about adjusting resistance. Spiritual massage healing Divinely inspired and divinely guided religious healing. Consists of prayer, love, anointing with oil and movements derived from the laying- on of hands.
216. Sports massage Indoor cycling on stationary bikes that allow riders to adjust resistance to make pedaling easier or harder. Class instructors guide students through a virtual hilly course and cue students about adjusting resistance.
217. Steam room Room where temperatures are kept at 110 to 130° F and humidity is generated in order to soften the skin, clean the pores, calm the nervous system, and relieve tension.
218. Step aerobics Low-impact aerobic activity performed by stepping on and off a platform that usually ranges from four to ten inches high to tone hips, legs, and buttocks
219. Stress management Combination of physical exercise, deep relaxation techniques, and visualization techniques meant to reduce the ill effects of stress on the body.
220. Stretching Extending and lengthening muscles slowly, then in a static manner when hitting resistance. Meant to increase flexibility and relieve stress by improving circulation, facilitating blood flow to the muscles, heart – brain.
221. Stroke Massage movements applied to the surface of the body. See effleurage.
222. Sugaring Ancient depilation process that involves applying a sugar-containing sticky paste to the skin, then pressing on a cloth or paper strip & removing quickly it to remove unwanted hair. Estheticians in some states must be licensed to perform  procedure.
223. Supine Lying face up
224. Swedish Massage Classical European massage technique of manipulating muscles with the use of massage oils. Meant for relaxation and to improve circulation, ease muscle aches and tension, and improve flexibility.
225. Sweat lodge Traditional Native American place for ceremonial purification and meditation involving the use of intense heat in a sauna-like environment.
226. Swiss shower Treatment that involves powerful shower jets directed at the body from various heights, creating the effect of an invigorating massage.
227. Tapotement: tapping,cupping,  chopping or close-fisted movement, applied to the body at a rapid pace to create rhythmical compression to thje tissue; called percussion.
228. Tai chi Chinese martial art that uses forms, stylized gestures regulated by deep breathing, and the movement of the diaphragm to unite body and mind in order to achieve mental clarity, balance, and improved circulation. It involves mental concentration, visualization, and graceful, dance like movements.
229. Temazcal: Also known as a sweat lodge. A traditional healing method involving heat that is practiced by indigenous North and Central Americans. Inside a dome-like structure, participants gather around a pit where water is poured over heated stones. The steam is meant to relax and detoxify, and thus to create a relaxed, balanced, contemplative state.
230. Thai massage Traditionally done on the floor, with client dressed in loose clothing, a full-body treatment that involves passive, yoga-like stretching and pressure-point massage along the body’s major energy channels to release blocked energy, relieve tension, and increase awareness and tranquility.
231. Thalassotherapy Treatments using sea and seawater products such as seaweed and seaweed wraps. See also hydrotherapy Therapeutic touch Based on ancient energy healing methods. “Laying on hands”
232. Tibetan point holding Prolonging of acupressure points to generate emotional release. 2 hour session Touch for health Combines methods and techniques which include acupuncture principles, acupressure, muscle testing, massage and dietary guidelines.(see kinesiology)
233. Trager massage Therapy developed by boxing trainer Milton Trager, MD, that uses gentle, rhythmic movements to relieve tension, ease movement (especially in joints), and induce relaxation. Compressions, elongations, and light bounces as well as rocking motions are involved.
234. Transcendental Meditation Simple means of meditation that allows you to quiet the mind through repetition of a personal mantra (word or phrase given you by an instructor) for 20 minutes once or twice a day.
235. Trigger point myotherapy Relief and control of myofascial pain and dysfunction.
236. Tui na Means “to push” Tui, Na is a squeezing and lifting technique. More than 365 hand techniques.
237. Turkish bath/hamam Bathing procedure that involves going through a series of steam rooms of increasing elevated temperature, followed by a rubdown and massage and finished off with a cold shower.
238. Underwater aqua masssge: Performed in specialized tubs filled with warm water. Underwater jets to massage the neck, shoulders, feet, calves, thighs and hips.
239. Underwater shiatsu massage & flotation.
240. Vegan Vegetarian who eats no dairy products or any other food derived from animals. Vegetarian One who eats only fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and sometimes eggs or dairy products.
241. Vichy shower Inspired by treatments in the French thermal spa city, involves client lying down on a table atop a cushioned mat and under a spray of warm water from a five- to-seven head shower system. It is meant to reduce stress, hydrate, and improve circulation.
242. Watsu therapy Healing aqua water massage treatment performed in a warm pool in which the therapist administers rhythmic movements, pressure-point massage, and stretches to help client achieve deep relaxation.
243. Waxing Depilation process that involves application of warm wax followed by a strip of cloth quickly pulled away from skin to remove unwanted hair.
244. Weight training Use of free weights or weight machines repetitive exercises meant both to tone the body and add or replace lean muscle mass and also to raise metabolism.
245. Whirlpool: A hot pool, with water rushing from air or water jets on the side at temperatures of 105-115 degrees, stimulate and relax the muscles.
246. Yoga Ancient art and philosophy that involves both mind and body and is aimed at self-development and self-realization.  The physical practice of yoga involves performing postures (asanas) and using controlled breathing and meditation to stretch and tone the body and improve circulation.
247. Zen Japanese teaching with origins in ancient China whose belief is that the only path to enlightenment is through direct, intuitive insight-by focusing solely on your essential nature.
248. Zen shiatsu Treatment of meridian extensions , two hand style, where one hands moves, applying pressure, while the other provides stationary support.
249. Zero balancing Correcting imbalances between energy and structure, the practitioner can enhance physical, mental and spiritual health. Training takes 2 years lead to certification