Glossary - The Spa terms
Aromatherapy
Twentieth century term which is based on the ancient practice of utilizing essential oils to heal by "therapeutically" stimulating the nasal/olfactory senses, mental responses, circulatory and respiratory functions.
Balneotherapy
Balneotherapy the treatment of disease by bathing. It may involve hot or cold water, massage via moving water, relaxation or stimulation. Many mineral waters at spas are rich in particular minerals (silica, sulfur, selenium, radium) which can be absorbed via the skin.
Crenotherapy
Any treatment incorporating mineral water, mud and vapor.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy, formerly called hydropathy, is probably the oldest form of medical treatment. It involves the use of water for soothing pains and treating diseases.
Its use has been recorded in ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman civilizations. Egyptian royalty bathed with essential oils and flowers, while Romans had communal public baths for their citizens. It has been long accepted that hot water springs can improve health by increasing circulation. Hippocrates prescribed bathing in spring water for sickness.
The use of water to treat rheumatic diseases has a long history. Today, hydrotherapy is used to treat musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or spinal cord injuries and in patients suffering burns, spasticity, stroke or paralysis.
Ionization
A form of thalassotherapy where seawater has been ionized with negative ions, sprayed and inhaled; aids the upper respiratory tract.
Marine Hydrotherapy
A form of thalassotherapy bath/shower, where water jets propel the seawater; massages, stimulates and reduces pain/inflammation.
Thalassotherapy
Thalassotherapy (from the Greek word thalassos, meaning "sea") is the medical use of seawater. The properties of seawater are believed to have beneficial effects upon the pores of the skin. Thalassotherapy was developed in seaside towns in Brittany, France during the 19th century.
Trace elements of magnesium, potassium, calcium sulphates and sodium, found in seawater, are believed to be absorbed through the skin.
The therapy is applied in various forms, as either showers of warmed seawater, application of marine mud or of algae paste, or the inhalation of sea fog. Spas make hot seawater and provide mud- and seaweed wrapping services.
Thermal bath
A thermal bath is a warm body of water. It is often referred to as a spa, which is traditionally used to mean a place where the water is believed to have special health-giving properties, additionally many spas offer cold water or mineral water treatments.
A thermal bath may be part of a destination spa or the reason that a spa town exists.