Salt cabin
The volatile salt has outside and inside effects too: it softens the skin and reduces inflammation when inhaling. It is also recommended in case of chronic respiratory illnesses and asthma.
Scotch hose
Water massage through high-pressure hose while client is standing. The therapist alternates hot and cold and fresh or salt water to relieve sore muscles and stimulate circulation.
Selenium
An average human body contains an amount of around 6 milligrams of selenium, which can mainly be found in the liver, the enamel, and the nails. It plays a part in keeping the pol cell membrane intact. Selenium content of foodstuffs is crucially influenced by that of soil. Meats, seafish, liver, kidney, fully ground grains, and foods made of them are selenium sources.
Shiatsu massage
A massage technique developed in Japan in which therapist applies pressure to specific points in the body to simulate and unblock "meridians" (pathways through which energy is said to flow).
Silicon
Takes part in the development of bones, connective tissue and cartilage. Lack of silicon slows growth and accelerates the aging process.
Sodium
Along with chloride and potassium, sodium helps to regulate the maintenance of bodily fluids. It also plays a significant role in stimulating the muscles, regulating blood pressure and activating some enzymes. Lack of sodium causes weakness, nausea, muscle spasms and fainting. Found mainly in bread, pastes, rolls, meats, meat products (mostly in smoked ones), and cheese.
Sound therapy
It helps strengthening the immune system through sounds. It is recommended for children in case of learning or behavioural problems and for adults for improving their self-healing skills.
Spine exercises
Overweight, stress and sudden overstrain can cause spinal complaints. These symptoms are cured by slow exercises mostly by firming abdominal and dorsal muscles.
Steam bath
Its temperature is around 50-55 °C and the humidity is around 70-100%. It can cure asthma, arthritis, huskiness, muscle pain and certain circulation disorders. Warmth expands the pores, cleans them and moistures the skin. It also has a relaxing and refreshing effect.
Sulfur
It plays a part in the construction of proteins. It is contained in vitamin B1, and insulin. It gets to our body with animal protein, vegetable proteins contain less, except for onions, in which a relatively lot of amino acid of sulfur content can be found.
Salt Glow
Rubbing coarse salt over the body to remove dead skin cells; often incorporates circular or long strokes to exfoliate and improve circulation. Not suitable for clients with high blood pressure or heart conditions.
Sauna
A heated wooden room with benches for sitting as the dry heat opens pores and allows toxins to sweat out. It is recommended that it be followed by a cold shower or cold plunge to close pores. The process may be repeated.
Sciatic Nerve
The nerve that runs down the back of the thighs.
Scotch Hose
Water treatment using pressurized hoses on specific pressure points on the body, while alternating hot and cold water to relieve tension and improve circulation.
Seaweed Wrap
A wrap incorporating seaweed and nutrient-rich marine algae.
Shiatsu
Japanese acupressure massage technique; pressure applied with fingers, hands, elbows and feet.
Shiro-Abahyanga-Nasya
Combines deep head, neck and shoulder massage with a facial lymphatic massage, followed by the inhalation of aromatic steam and a nasal and sinus Nasya with herbal nose drops; balances and alleviates most head, neck and respiratory disorders.
Shiro Dhara
Ayurvedic treatment in which warm oil is gently poured over the center of the forehead and tenderly massaged into hair and scalp.
Shortwave
A type of high-frequency current used to permanently remove hair.
Siddha Vaidya
Ayurvedic medical treatment using plant substances to balance a person’s dosha. See also Kapha, Pitta, Vata.
Silicone-Based-Primer
Applied after using moisturizer and sunscreen and locks the two in; protects skin from the sun, wind, and other environmental polluntants that are in the air; aids in slowing down weathering and aging of skin; fills the fine lines and crevices; helps maintain a protective barrier for the skin and still allows a natural, smooth texture(stein).
Sodium Hydroxide
Lye, an alkaline ingredient used to modify ph of a formula. Also used as a cleansing agent.
Soft Pack System/Dry Floatation
Patient sinks into a dry waterbed while wrapped in heated mud or herbal applications.
Solvent
Large group of ingredients, including water, used to dissolve or break down other ingredients in a formula. Also used to degrease skin and reduce sebum.
Sound Therapy
Using soothing sounds and tones to promote healing and the realignment of body rhythms.
S.P.A.
An abbreviation for the Latin phrase “solus per aqua” , meaning “to enter by means of water”, or “health through water”.
Spa
A Belgian town where Roman soldiers discovered the healing elements of the towns' mineral springs.
Spa
A center for relaxation, rejuvenation, exercise, and various treatments (often involving massages, skin treatments, etc.) Various types of spas exist, including:
• AMENITY SPA or RESORT SPA - A spa facility located within a resort or luxury hotel.
• DAY SPA – A facility offering a variety of spa treatments performed by trained professionals; salons are often included. Visitors can come for a few hours during the day. Overnight accommodations are not available.
• DESTINATION SPA – An entire program of spa treatments laid out over the course of a few days. Overnight accommodations are available, and guests can participate in weight loss programs, exercise and healing treatments, along with the usual pampering. Guests at these facilities are all on a spa program, the only program that is being offered.
• MEDICAL SPA – A spa that includes medical therapeutic treatments along with the customary spa treatments. A doctor or other health care professional must oversee all medical treatments. Many doctors, such as plastic surgeons and dermatologist are offering spa treatments to aid in their patients’ healing processes and comfort levels. According to the International Medical Spa Association: A medical spa is a facility that operates under the full-time, on-site supervision of a licensed health care professional. The facility operates within the scope of practice of its staff, and offers traditional, complementary, and alternative health practices and treatments in a spa-like setting. Practitioners working within a medical spa will be governed by their appropriate licensing board, if licensure is required.
• HOSPITAL SPAS – Spas located on site in hospitals designed to assist in the healing and comfort of patients. Often combined with Women’s Health Clinics.
• WELLNESS CENTER – Owned by physicians or entrepreneurs - and encompass many of the same services as the medical/hospital facilities if physician owned. If privately owned, facilities will have a licensed healthcare professional as Medical Director.
Spa Cuisine
Food served at a spa often consists of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains to provide natural low-calorie and low-fat meals.
Spinning
Stationary bicycle routine guided by an instructor. A video projection is often used to portray soothing scenes associated with outdoor cycling.
Sports Massage
Massage done to relieve tension and specific muscle tightness caused by sports or other strenuous activities; often involves deep tissue massage strokes.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Cancer of the cells that make up the outer layer of the skin or epidermis; appear like fish scales.
Steam Room
Similar to a sauna, this room provides hot steam to open pores in order for toxins to exit the body.
Step Aerobics
Aerobic exercise routine involving rhythmic stepping on and off a platform that is three or more inches high.
Stratum
Tissue layers.
Stretch Marks
Streaks or stripes on the skin, specially on the abdomen, caused by distension of the skin from obesity or during pregnacy.
Subcutaneous
Under the skin.
Sufactant
Substance that tends to reduce the surface tension of a liquid in which it is disolved.
Sun Protection Factor
Often referred to as SPF; the rating for sunscreens. Recommended SPF 15 or higher.
Sweat Lodge
A natural sauna made of heated rocks inside a mud hut, attributed to the Native American Indians. See also sauna.
Swedana
An herbal steam treatment that reduces tension and releases toxins through the skin.
Swedish Massage
Developed in the late 19th century by Par Heinrik Ling in Stockholm, this massage involves kneading, firm stroking and tapping of pressure points; lotions or oils are often used for lubrication.
Swiss Shower
A multi-jet shower that alternates hot and cold water to relieve tension and improve circulation. Typically used after mud treatments or wraps.
Sympathetic Nervous System
The system that controls involuntary muscles, affecting respiration, circulation and digestion.