Abhyanga
Abhyanga means to touch with "love", an abundance of oil is used in this profound relaxing Ayurveda therapy for anyone in need of de-stressing. This rhythmical and deeply relaxing warm oil rejuvenating massage helps to remove stagnant energy and move the "prana" or life force which stimulates your body's vital energy. Your nerves are soothed as you drift into a deep state of bliss and joy.
From Gran Melia Cancun YHI Spa menu
Acupressure
Traditional Chinese pressure-point massage to stimulate the flow of energy in the body.
Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese healing technique, using needles, low voltage electric current or pinpoint massage.
Aerobic Exercise
Sustained rhythmic exercise (ex. walking, running, or dance), using the body's large muscle groups, that increases the heart rate from 50 to 90 percent of its maximum.
Alexander Technique
A system of mental and physical re-education to improve movement. The emphasis is on applying the appropriate amount of energy in order to improve posture and balance, and to eliminate stress-inducing habits.
Algotherapy
A seaweed bath that is a form of thalas-sotherapy.
Anaerobic Exercise
Unlike aerobic exercise, anaerobic exercise (ex. weightlifting and bodybuilding) involves muscular work that causes the body to use more oxygen than it takes in.
Aqua Aerobics
Aerobic exercises performed in a pool. The buoyancy of the water greatly reduces the risk of injury to joints or muscles.
Aqua Massage
A hydrotherapy technique in which the client is immersed in a tub of water and massaged either by underwater jets, or hand-held jets manipulated by the therapist.
Aromatherapy
Treatments that include the application of fragrant essential oils to achieve various therapeutic benefits.
Asanas
Yoga postures or poses. The practice of asanas is a fundamental stage in many forms of yoga.
Ashiatsu
A luxurious, deep-tissue massage during which the therapist walks on the client's back.
Ayurveda
An eastern Indian medicinal philosophy using herbal treatments and oils, combined with meditation, nutrition and aromatherapy to create overall balance. The Ayurvedic body functions, called doshas, consist of Vata, referring to blood, circulation, and healing; Pitta, referring to heat and metabolism; and Kapha, the structure of one's spiritual and philosophical self.
Ayurvedic Abhyanga Massage
Gentle herbal oil massage, recommended as a daily early-morning ritual.
Balneotherapy
The use of water to restore and revitalize the body, improve circulation, fortify the immune system, and relieve pain and stress.
Bindi
Bodywork combining exfoliation, herbal treatment, and light massage.
Body Conditioning
Any exercise regimen that focuses on overall conditioning of the body, combining exercises for strength and flexibility, using both strength-training equipment and floor exercises.
Body Sculpting
Exercise approach incorporating weights, stretching exercises and endurance training (without running or jumping) to shape hips, thighs, upper arms, and buttocks without increasing bulk.
Body Wrap
A relaxing treatment using strips of cloth soaked in herbal solutions, wrapped securely around the body.
Botanicals
Plant components or extracts used in hair or skin products.
Brush and Tone
Dry brushing of the skin to remove dead cells and impurities while stimulating circulation. Frequently used as a pretreatment for body masks.
Chakra
An Ayurvedic term for energy "center." There are said to be seven chakras, which are interconnected and which must be balanced.
Circuit Training
Exercise program incorporating a series of exercises that are completed one after another using weight-resistance equipment to increase mobility, strength, and stamina. Each exercise is performed for a certain number of repetitions.
Color Therapy/Chromatherapy
A method to balance mental and spiritual health using colored rooms, light bulbs, fabrics, etc.
Cosmeceuticals or Cosmaceuticals
Products for topical application combining cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredients, to improve the health and appearance of skin.
Cranio-Sacral Therapy
Subtle pressure and light massage between the skull and the base of the spine stimulates circulation of cerebral-spinal fluid, allowing it to flow more freely.
Dancercize
Aerobic regimen performed to upbeat music using movements and patterns derived from modern dance, to improve range of motion, endurance, flexibility, and strength.
Dead Sea Mud Treatment
Mineral-rich mud eases the symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis, while it detoxifies the treated areas and removes impurities.
Detox
A treatment or series of treatments aimed at cleansing the body and releasing toxins that collect in the cells and organs. Fasting, purging and colonics can be some of the more aggressive practices but herbal or mud wraps, soaks and increased water consumption can also be effective. Detoxification treatments are available at many Leading Spas including
Llao Llao in Argentina.
Doshas
In Ayurvedic medicine, the three metabolic types (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). Most people exhibit a combination of types, with one predominating.
Duo Massage
Massage treatment performed simultaneously by two therapists.
Eco-Spa
Spa in a natural or protected setting, which incorporates environmentally friendly practices such as organic gardening, water conservation, and ecological building design. Its philosophy also encourages sensitivity to the environment through education of its clients.
Endermologie
French massage therapy said to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Essential Oils
Aromatic liquids extracted from flowers, grasses, fruits, leaves, roots, or trees.
European Kur
From the German word for "cure." Refers to the healing aspects of mineral waters and the regimen of drinking from or soaking in mineral springs or baths.
Exfoliation
Sloughing the top layer of dead skin cells off the face or body.
Fango
A treatment using mineralized mud mixed with oil or water and applied to the body as a heat pack to detoxify the skin, soothe the muscles, and stimulate circulation.
Feldenkrais
A system for restoring physical function to an impaired body, involving intensive verbal and touch-therapy workshops to reorganize the body's fundamental movements and relationship with the central nervous system. Certified practitioners must complete from 800 to 1,000 hours of training in a three- or four-year period.
Gommage
A cleansing and rehydrating treatment using creams applied in long movements, similar to a massage.
Hamam (Hammam)
In Turkey this bathing and scrubing ritual is spelled with one 'm', elsewhere you see 'mm'. Inspired and developed from the Roman Baths, this experience takes place in a humid rather than steamy environment and consists of two or three encounters with an attendant/massuse who will first soap your body, then scrub with an abrasive cloth, then apply gentle massage and finally shampoo your hair. The traditional place has a large marble or granate circular platform in the center with light filtering in through small holes around the domed ceiling. Men and women are traditionally separated for this service, but some modern spas feature private hamams where couples can enjoy this experience.
Hatha Yoga
Branch of yoga devoted to the physical processes, concentrating breathing and physical exercises.
Herbal Wrap
Treatment using strips of cloth soaked in a heated herbal solution to wrap around the body, to promote relaxation and to eliminate impurities.
Holistic Medicine
Approach to healthcare that focuses on the entire person, factoring in physical, emotional, nutritional, environmental, social, spiritual and lifestyle values. It takes into consideration all modes of diagnosis and treatment, including drugs and surgery, in the absence of other alternatives.
Homeopathy
Medical philosophy based on the principle that "like cures like." To stimulate the body to heal itself, it treats patients with small amounts of natural substances that cause symptoms similar to those of the disease they are intended to cure.
Hot Stone Therapy
Relaxing treatment using smooth stones heated in hot water or hot spring pools, which are then placed or stroked lightly on areas of the body including the back, the palms, and between the toes.
Hydrotherapy
Relaxing therapies including underwater jet massage, different types of showers, and mineral baths.
Inhalation Therapy
Vapor or steam treatments to treat clients exhibiting impaired respiratory function. Herbal elements such as eucalyptus and chamomile are frequently used.
Ionithermie
Treatments using galvanic stimuli, thermal clay, essential oils and micronized algae products to improve skin and muscle tone and to combat cellulite.
Jacuzzi
A whirlpool tub or bath; Excellent for gentle muscle stimulation and relaxation.
Kneipp Baths
Water therapies involving immersion both in warm and cold water.
Krauter Bath
A strong, aromatic herbal hydrotherapy bath, based on German natural remedy.
Kundalini
A meditative form of yoga, comprising simple techniques using the mind, senses and body to create a communication between "mind" and "body.² It focuses on psycho-spiritual growth, giving special consideration to the role of the spine and endocrine system.
La Stone Therapy ®
Please see Hot Stone Therapy.
Lian Gong
A three-part therapeutic Chinese healthcare ritual, each set composed of 18 exercises.
Lomi-Lomi Massage
A traditional Polynesian massage characterized by its use of extremely gentle, continuously flowing strokes.
Loofah Scrub
Exfoliation with a sponge made of loofah, a vegetable from the gourd family.
Lymph Drainage
Form of massage to stimulate circulation in the lymph system to drain away excess fluids and trapped toxins.
Microdermabrasion
Deep exfoliation of the skin using ultra-fine aluminum oxide crystals to treat fine lines, light scarring, discoloration and other problems.
Moor Peat Baths
Using mud harvested from a peat marsh, rich in protein, minerals and organic matter, to hydrate and exfoliate the skin.
Moya Crystal Massage
A relaxing treatment using a combination of Moya products with African-mined crystals and a unique mix of light, flowing massage movements, to alleviate stress and promote wellness.
Naturopathy
Healing procedures incorporating natural substances such as plants and herbs.
Osteopathy
A theory of disease and approach to a cure based on the concept that a deformity of the skeletal structure and consequent interference with adjacent nerves and blood vessels are the roots of most diseases.
Oxygen Facial
Treatment for signs of aging that uses oxygen and other nutrients applied or sprayed onto the face.
Phytotherapy
Aromatic and essential oils provide a restorative herbal treatment used in conjunction with light massage and body wraps.
Pilates
Body conditioning program developed by Joseph Pilates to develop flexibility and strength without building bulk via a system of controlled movements and specially designed exercise equipment.
Polarity Massage
Hands placed along specific energy meridians both massage and stretch the body, restoring energy alignment and balance.
Qi Gong (Also spelled Chi Gung or Chi Kung)
A group of Chinese self-healing exercises, combining simple movement, breathing, and mental imagery to relax and strengthen the body and the mind.
Rassoul
A mineral-rich Moroccan mud often used to cleanse and detoxify the hair and scalp.
Reflexology
This ancient Chinese technique uses pressure-point massage on the hands, feet and ears to restore the flow of energy throughout the entire body.
Reiki
A deeply relaxing Japanese technique in which practitioners use their hands to bring energy into the body for deep relaxation and wellbeing.
Restorative Yoga
Passive yoga poses meant to encourage relaxation via the release of tension in the muscles and spine.
Rolfing Structural Integration
Deep massage system to achieve changes in posture and structure by manipulating the body's muscular-skeletal system.
Salt Glow
Using coarse salt, this treatment sometimes includes the use of fragrant oils to exfoliate the skin and stimulate circulation.
Sauna
A dry heat treatment (at less than 10% humidity) in a wood-lined room with temperatures of 160-210° Fahrenheit, designed to bring about sweating to cleanse the body of impurities. After a sauna, a cool to cold shower closes the pores and brings down body temperature. In the Finnish bath tradition, where this practice originated, even higher temperatures are sought as heat is generated by a stove containing a heap of stones (kiuas) over which water is thrown to produce vapor (loyly).
Scotch Hose or Shower
Powerful, high pressure-hoses provide a warm and concentrated hydrotherapy massage while one remains standing.
Seaweed Wrap
Treatment using concentrated seawater and seaweed, to detoxify, increase circulation, and improve appearance of cellulite.
Shiatsu
A Japanese technique using light pressure and massage techniques on particular points of the body opens energy meridians or pathways.
Shirodhara
An Ayurvedic treatment during which a stream of oil is poured on the center of the forehead or ³third eye² to help the client focus and concentrate, and to relax the mind and body.
Spinning
Indoor cycling regimen on stationary bikes, allowing riders to adjust resistance to make pedaling easier or harder.
Swedish Massage
A classic European technique of manipulating muscles, using essential oils, to promote relaxation and improve circulation.
Swiss Shower
Powerful shower jets are directed at the body from various heights and angles to provide an invigorating hydro-massage.
Tai Chi
Chinese martial art form using stylized gestures and deep breathing to achieve mental clarity, balance, and improved circulation. Key components include concentration, visualization, and graceful, dance-like movements.
Temascal
A healing method involving heat, practiced by indigenous North and Central Americans. Participants gather inside a dome-like structure, around a pit where water is poured over heated stones. The steam is intended to relax and detoxify, and thus to create a serene, balanced, contemplative state.
Thai Massage
Bodywork practices from Thailand that incorporate pressure-point massage and yoga-like stretches to increase muscle relaxation and flexibility, traditionally done on the floor, with client dressed in loose clothing.
Thalassotherapy
Therapeutic treatments using sea and seawater products such as seaweed and seaweed wraps.
Turkish Bath/Hammam
Bathing ritual that involves going through a series of steam rooms of increasingly elevated temperature, followed by a rubdown and massage and finished off with a cold shower.
Underwater Massage
A type of thalassotherapy as practiced at
Anassa: Our sea water pool with underwater jets to stimulate, exercise and relax your body. Our instructor will guide you on how to gain maximum benefits.
Vegan
Eating regimen that includes no dairy products or any other food derived from animals.
Vichy Shower
Based on treatments from the French thermal spa city, involves client lying on a table atop a cushioned mat, under a spray of warm water from a five-to-seven head shower system. It is meant to reduce stress, hydrate, and improve circulation.
Watsu
Healing treatment performed in a warm pool during which the therapist administers rhythmic movements, pressure-point massage, and stretches to help client achieve deep relaxation.
Yoga
Ancient art and philosophy involving both mind and body, focusing on self-development and self-realization. The physical practice of yoga includes performing postures, as well as using controlled breathing and meditation to stretch and tone the body and improve circulation.
ZZZ's
Sleep therapy and the renewed health benefits of adequate sleep can be residual benefits of a spa vacation. Weight loss can be promoted on a regular basis by a full night's sleep of 7 to 9 hours (for adults). Sleep pods, as at the
Grand Resort Bad Ragaz in Switzerland called Napshells are intended to promote restorative snoozes of 15 to 20 minutes during the day.