Don't be flummoxed when you're on your spa getaway. Here's a glossary of the potentially alien vocab that could be slung your way...
ACUPRESSURE : Finger massage that releases tension by applying pressure to the nerves.
AROMATHERAPY: The use of fragrant, natural oils from plants and leaves to refresh and relax the skin and mind.
BINDI: Treatment that combines exfoliation, herbal treatment and light massage.
COLLAGEN FACIAL: Used to plump the skin to fill in the fine lines acquired by stress or sunbathing.
CONTOURING: Deep toning of muscles using calisthenics — a variety of rhythmic body movements.
DEEP-TISSUE MASSAGE: Deep work restores your range of motion by unblocking muscle attachments.
EXFOLIATING FACIAL TREATMENT: Peels away dead skin cells and removes deeply-trapped secretions.
FLOTATION: Float in tanks of saltwater at your body temperature. Because you float in sensory isolation, no nerve impulses move from the skin to the brain.
GLYCOLIC FACIAL: This breaks down the glue bond that holds dry skin on the face to exfoliate and smooth the skin.
HOLISTIC HEALTH: A philosophy of wellbeing that considers the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of life as closely interconnected.
HOMEOPATHY: Treatments using natural substances that cause symptoms much like those manifested by the ailment, thus stimulating the body to heal itself.
HYDROTHERAPY: A traditional therapy that includes underwater jet massages and mineral baths.
LYMPH DRAINAGE: A special therapeutic massage that uses a delicate pumping technique to drain sacks of water and trapped toxins.
RASUL: An Eastern ceremony for body care involving a cleansing seaweed soap shower and medicinal muds.
REFLEXOLOGY : A Chinese technique in which specific pressure points are massaged to help the flow of energy throughout the body.
SALT GLOW: The body is rubbed with coarse salt to remove the top layer of dead skin and stimulate circulation.
SHIATSU: Japanese technique where pressure is applied to the body to stimulate ‘meridians’ — paths of the body where energy flows.
Image: Rex
