Sauna
A dry heat treatment (at less than 10% humidity) in a room with benches to sit and relax. The inducing of perspiration opens the pores and cleanses the body of impurities. After a sauna a cool shower closes the pores and brings down body temperature.
Scalp and Hair Treatments
A process that gives a thorough cleansing, conditioning and scalp massage leaving hair shiny and full of body. Also known as crème bath.
Scotch Hose / Swiss Shower (douche massage)
Standing body massage delivered by therapist standing approximately 3 meters away with high-pressure hoses. The temperature is turned quickly from hot to cold to hot for several seconds at a time. This massage aids circulation and helps relieve the pain of arthritis and rheumatism.
Seaweed (body) Wrap
Similar to herbal wrap but it is using sea water and seaweed with the balance of the ocean’s nutrients, minerals, rare trace elements, vitamins and proteins; which are soaked into the blood stream to revitalize skin and body.
Self-Realisation
The quest for complete harmony and understanding of whom or what we are and why we are here.
Shaitsu (massage)
A form of therapy of Japanese origin based on the same principles as acupuncture, in which pressure is applied to certain points on the body using the hands, forearms, elbow, knee or feet; a blend of acupuncture and massage developed in Japan by Tokujiro Namikoshi in the 1940s works with vital points and energy meridians
Shamanism (shamanic)
A spiritual or natural healing practice performed by a medicine man. Sharman being a medicine man.
Shirodhara (oil therapy)
An oil-filled pot with a small hole in the base is suspended above the patient’s forehead, who is lying flat face up on a wooden bed, a thin flow of warm medicated oil is directed onto a spot between the eye-brows. The oil is gently stroked down the hair for 30-40 minutes and permeates the skin. Sometimes the therapist will massage it into the scalp for extra potency. It is highly effective in the treatment of insomnia, migraine, epilepsy and amnesia.
Sitz Bath
A bathing process in which ones hips and feets immersed in different water temperatures. Also a Kneipp treatment for constipation, haemorrhoids, prostate problems, menstrual problems and digestive upsets.
Spa
A term that may have generated from "sanitas per aqua" meaning health through water. It may have also been inspired by the Belgium town of Spa. These days it refers to an establishment that provides water treatments based on well being.
Spa Cuisine
Light healthy meals served at a spa location. Meals concentrate on low calories, fats, salts and sugars.
Spa Menu
A list of spa treatments available at a spa establishment.
Spa Wellness Retreat
A venue that provides accommodation and spa and wellness services. The sole purpose is to provide guests with lifestyle improvement and health enhancement. Professional and qualified beauticians, therapists, trainers, practitioners and medics administer the array of spa treatments, physical fitness, spa cuisine, consultations and educational sessions. An all inclusive experience.
Sports Massage
Deep-tissue massage directed specifically at muscles used in athletic activities, administered before physical exertion and after physical exertion aiding in prevention of any sporting injury.
Steam Room
A room with wet heat generated by temperatures of 110-130 degrees; Fahrenheit designed to soften the skin, cleanse the pores, calm the nervous system and relieves tension.
Stress Management
Techniques used to deal with stress and anxiety.
Swedish Massage
Oils are applied to a body and varies techniques such us effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement and vibration are used to release tension, ease pain and relax the body.
Swiss Shower
A shower with jets that spray on to you from the sides and top.
