Healthy Escape Lingo

A

abhyanga. Herbalized-oil massage performed by two therapists, sometimes followed by hot-towel treatment.

acupressure. Ancient Chinese massage technique intended to restore the flow of qi (pronounced "chee"), or energy, by stimulating pressure points on the body.

acupuncture. Painless ancient Chinese medicine during which needles are inserted into key spots on the body in order to restore the flow of qi and allow the body to heal itself.

aerobic exercise. Physical activity, such as walking, running, swimming, or dance, that employs the large muscle groups of the body and boosts the heart rate.

Alexander Technique. A massage system created in the 1890s by the Australian actor F. M. Alexander and designed to improve posture and correct physical habits that cause stress.

aquaerobics. Aerobic workouts in a pool that combine water resistance and body movements.

aromatherapy. Massage and other treatments involving plant-derived essential oils intended to relax the skin's connective tissues and stimulate the natural flow of lymph fluid.

asana. A posture used in yoga.

ashram. Devotional retreat center dedicated to the study of yoga, meditation, eastern philosophy, and spirituality.

ayurveda. A 5,000-year-old Indian philosophy of well-being that uses oils, massage, herbs, and diet and lifestyle modification to restore perfect balance to a body.

B

Bach flower remedies. Alternative healing method based on distilled floral essences and oils developed in London in the 1930s by Dr. Edward Bach.

balneology. Traditional water-based treatments using geothermal hot springs, mineral water, or seawater to improve circulation, strengthen immunity, and relieve pain and stress.

bhakti yoga. Yoga of devotion. One of the traditional monastic forms practiced at yoga ashrams.

bindi. An ayurvedic treatment in which herb-infused oils are applied to the face and body.

body brushing. Dry scrubbing of the skin to remove dead cells and stimulate circulation. Also called dry brushing.

body-composition test. Analysis to determine percentage of an individual's body fat.

body conditioning. A combination of resistance training, stretching, and other exercises that's designed to improve the body's overall condition.

body polish. Use of scrubs, loofahs, and other exfoliants to gently cleanse the body and remove dead skin cells.

boot camp. Grueling cardiovascular and strength training under the guidance of a drill sergeant.

boxaerobics. High-energy aerobics incorporating boxing movements.

C

chi kung. See qigong.

circuit training. Exercise regimen combining aerobics and use of weight-resistance equipment.

clay wrap. See mud wrap.

cold plunge. Deep pool used to stimulate circulation after sauna.

colonic irrigation. Enema to cleanse the colon to remove impurities.

contouring. Calisthenics for deep toning of muscle groups.

craniosacral therapy. Massage therapy focusing on the skull and spine.

cure. Course of treatments. Also called kur.

D

Dead Sea mud. Mineral-rich mud from the Dead Sea used to remove toxins, promote healthy skin, and ease muscle and joint pain.

deep-tissue massage. Vigorous manipulation of bodily tissues to relieve knots, tension, inflexibility, pain, and discomfort.

dosha. The term for one of three body types in ayurvedic philosophy: pitta, vata, or kapha.

drinking cure. Medically prescribed regimen of mineral-water consumption.

dulse scrub. A body polish using a skin-sloughing and -enriching mixture of powdered coarse red seaweed and water or oil.

dry brushing. See body brushing.

E

exfoliation. The process of removing a thin layer of dry skin cells with loofah or other lightly abrasive materials.

F

fango. A mud pack or body coating intended to promote the release of toxins and relieve muscular and arthritic pain.

Feldenkrais Method. System developed by Israeli physicist Moshe Feldenkrais in the 1940s to reprogram the nervous system through movement augmented by physical pressure and manipulation.

flotation tank. An appliance filled with about 12 inches of highly salty, mineral-enriched water used to promote deep relaxation and serenity.BR>

G

glycolic exfoliation. A treatment to break down the bonds that hold dry skin on the face and soften and smoothe lines and wrinkles.

gommage. A cleansing and moisturizing treatment that makes use of creams applied with massage movements.

guided imagery. Visualization used to stimulate the body's immune system.

H

hatha yoga. System of yoga that focuses on physical exercise used to achieve bodily control. See asana.

haysack wrap. Treatment with steamed hay intended to detoxify the body.

Hellerwork. A system of deep-tissue bodywork, stress reduction, and movement reeducation developed by educator Joseph Heller.

herbal wrap. The wrapping of the body in hot linens and blankets imbued with herbal essences. The treatment is intended to promote muscle relaxation and the elimination of toxins. Also called aromabath, herbal bath.

herbology. The therapeutic use of herbs in treatments and diet.

holistic medicine. A philosophical approach to health and healing that addresses the body and the mind.

homeopathy. Alternative medicine in which patients consume minute quantities of symptom-causing substances in order to stimulate self-healing.

hot-stone massage. Massage using smooth stones heated in water and applied to the skin with pressure or strokes or simply rested on the body.

hydrotherapy. Underwater massage, alternating hot and cold showers, and other water-oriented treatments.

hydrotub. Underwater massage in deep tubs equipped with high-pressure jets and hand-manipulated hoses.

I

interval training. A combination of alternating high- and low-intensity aerobic activity.

Iyengar yoga. Exercise system developed in India by B. K. S. Iyengar.BR>

J

Javanese lulur treatment. A traditional prenuptial treatment in Indonesia that combines exfoliation, massage, and bathing.

K

kickboxing. A form of self-defense that involves punching, kicking, and blocking.

Kneipp kur. Treatments combining hydrotherapy, herbology, and a diet of natural foods, developed in Germany in the mid-1800s by Sebastian Kneipp.

kripalu yoga. A form of yoga that combines physical postures with meditation.

kur. See cure.

L

lap pool. A pool with swimming lanes for working out.

loofah. A coarse sponge made from a naturally occurring plant fiber and used to exfoliate the skin and stimulate circulation.

lomi lomi. Traditional Hawaiian massage.

lymphatic drainage. Massage technique designed to gently drain away toxins and excess water.

M

magnet therapy. The placement of static magnets on the body, used as a means of treating pain.

massage. Manipulation of body tissue for therapeutic purposes. Types of massage include acupressure, reflexology, and shiatsu.

meditation. Prolonged contemplation of a word, image, or sound as a means of clearing the mind and thereby reducing stress and anxiety.

microdermabrasion. Removing the top layer of skin (usually on the face) by brushing it with tiny aluminum crystals or another abrasive material in order to diminish the appearance of fine lines and even out pigmentation.

moor mud. Natural peat or mud, rich in organic matter, applied to the skin to remove toxins and ease muscle and joint pain.

mud wrap. Body treatment using warm mud to cleanse pores and draw out impurities. Also called clay wrap.

N

naturopathy. Natural healing prescriptions that use plants and flowers.

NIA (Neuromuscular Integrative Action). A low-impact workout program, created by San Francisco dancers Carlos and Debby Rosas, blending elements of yoga, tai chi, and aikido with aerobics and modern dance.

O

ovo-lacto diet. A diet regimen, usually vegetarian, that includes eggs and dairy products.

oxygen facial. A spray of liquid oxygen or an application of oxygen-rich oils as part of a treatment aimed at revitalizing especially dry or damaged skin on the face.

P

panchakarma. A type of massage therapy that uses warm herbalized oils and aims to restore balance to the body.

parafango. Treatment using a combination of volcanic mud and paraffin. See fango.

paraffin wrap. Brushed-on layers of warm wax that help to relax the muscles and soften the skin.

parcourse. A trail, usually outdoors, equipped with exercise stations. Also called parcours, vitacourse.

phytotherapy. Plant-based treatments incorporating essential oils, seaweed, and herbs applied through massage, wraps, inhalation, and other methods.

Pilates. Strength-training movements developed in Germany by Dr. Joseph Pilates during the 1920s.

Piloga. A combination of yoga and Pilates exercises.

pizichilli. Treatment during which a continuous stream of warm, herbalized oil is poured over the body while two therapists perform gentle massage.

polarity therapy. Treatment developed by Dr. Randolph Stone that balances the body's energy through a combination of massage, meditation, exercise, and diet.

pressotherapy. The use of pressure cuffs on the feet to improve circulation.

pressure-point massage. Bodywork using pressure on designated body parts that connect to major nerves.

power yoga. Form of yoga that requires rapid movements.

Q

qigong. Chinese exercises using breathing and body movements to increase energy and balance. Also spelled chi kung.

R

rebirthing. A yoga breathing technique combined with guided meditation to relax and clear the mind.

reflexology. Massage of the pressure points on the feet, hands, and ears.

reiki. An ancient Japanese healing method that teaches universal life energy through the laying on of hands and mental and spiritual balancing. Intended to relieve acute emotional and physical conditions. Also called radiance technique.

restorative yoga. Passive yoga positions during which the body is supported by props such as blankets and pillows. Breathing and relaxation are the focus.

Rolfing. A bodywork system developed by biochemist Ida Rolf that improves balance and flexibility through manipulation of muscles, bones, and joints.

Roman bath. A whirlpool bath.

Rubenfeld Synergy. A method of integrating body and mind through movement, verbal expression, and gentle touch, developed by Ilana Rubenfeld in the 1960s.

Russian bath. Steam bath used to flush toxins from the body.

S

salt glow. Rubbing the body with coarse salt to remove dead skin. Also called salt rub.

sauna. A heated wooden room, usually with benches, where one sits in order to allow the pores to open and to eliminate toxins through sweat.

Scotch douche. A showerlike treatment with high-pressure hoses that alternate hot and cold water intended to improve circulation through rapid contraction and dilation of the capillaries.

seaweed wrap. A wrap using seawater and nutrient-packed marine algae.

shiatsu. Acupressure massage developed in Japan that uses pressure applied with fingers, hands, elbows, and feet.

shiroabhyanganasya. Head, face, and neck massage, followed by herbal steam treatment, heat packs, and herbal drops for nasal passages.

shirodhara. Ayurvedic massage in which warm herbalized oil is poured in a stream or trickle onto the center of the forehead, then gently rubbed into the hair and scalp.

spa cuisine. Low-calorie, -fat, and -cholesterol food that typically relies on fresh produce, whole grains, and fish and is served at many spas.

Spinning. Trademark name for quick pedaling at various resistance levels on special stationary bicycles.

sports massage. A deep-tissue massage to relieve muscle tension, stress, and residual pain from workouts.

step aerobics. Low-impact aerobic exercise involving rhythmic stepping on and off a small platform.

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

sweat lodge. A natural sauna made of rocks that is the site for a Native American-inspired purifying ritual.

swedana. Herbalized steam treatment aimed at reducing tension and releasing impurities through the skin.

Swedish massage. A treatment using stroking, kneading, and tapping to relax muscles gently. It was devised at the University of Stockholm early in the 19th century by Per Heinrik Ling.

Swiss shower. A multijet bath that alternates hot and cold water, often used after mud wraps and other body treatments.

T

tai chi. An ancient Asian discipline for exercise and meditation combining slow, focused breathing and graceful dancelike movements and postures. Also called tai chi chuan.

Thai massage. A combination of deep-tissue massage and passive stretching that can help to ease stiff, tense, or short muscles.

thalassotherapy. Water-based treatments developed by the ancient Greeks that incorporate seawater, seaweed, algae, and sea air.

Trager massage. A technique developed by Dr. Milton Trager that employs a gentle, rhythmic shaking of the body to release tension from the joints.

V

Vichy shower. Treatment in which a person lies on a cushioned, waterproof mat and is showered by overhead water jets.

Vodder massage. Manual lymph drainage technique developed by Danish-born Emile Vodder in the 1950s.

W

walleyball. Game similar to volleyball but using four walls of an indoor court.

Watsu. A relaxing therapy that blends the techniques of shiatsu and deep-tissue massage with gentle stretches and is conducted in a warm pool.

Y

yoga. Stretching and toning the body through a series of movements or postures, controlled deep breathing, and relaxation.

Z

Zen shiatsu. A Japanese method of acupressure intended to relieve tension. Also called shiatsu.

The preceding was excerpted from Fodor's Healthy Escapes, 8th Edition.