Tangentor
Underwater water-jet massage by heated medicinal, thermal or piped water. The water-jet is pointed at various points of the body. It improves circulation, reinstates skin, releases adherent tissues, strengthens weakened muscles.
T-Cell
A lymphocyte that fights off unfamiliar invaders in the body.
Tactile Corpuscle
Nerve endings within the skin.
Tai Chi
Ancient Chinese martial arts involving slow, graceful movements while focusing on relaxed breathing and concentration.
Thalamus
Either of the masses of grey matter lying between the cerebral hemispheres on either side of the third ventricle, relaying sensory information and acting as center for pain perception.
Telogen Phase
The last phase in the hair cycle wherein the hair rests in the follicle until it is shed and the cycle begins again.
Telomeres
The ends of chromosomes; involved in replication and stability of DNA.
Temazcal
Aztec sweat lodge, dark, brick or stone filled with intense heat and steam to detoxify the body, while the dark relaxes the mind.
Terminal Hair
The soft, long hair found on the legs, arms and scalp.
TEWL
Trans Epidermal Water Loss; dehydration, or loss of water from the skin.
Thai Massage
The therapist uses deep tissue and acupressure massage, along with yoga positioning as the patient lies on a floor mat. This massage helps align the skeletal system, ease muscle stiffness and promote relaxation.
Thalassotherapy
From the Greek term "thalassa" or sea. Hydrotherapy treatment using fresh sea water and mineral-rich marine products that have curative properties.
Therapies
Therapies designed especially for spa facilities to relax, modify, stimulate, and heal the body often contain the following prefixes:
• Aroma - essential oils
• Balneo – using hot spring mineral water
• Hydro - water
• Masso/Presso - manipulation of pressure points
• Physio- any of the masso/presso, thermal and mechanical adaptations
• Phyto - plant
• Radon- inert gas
• Thalasso – sea water and marine products
• Thermal - heat, wet and dry
Toxins
Metabolic waste from the body.
Trager Massage
Massage technique using gentle rhythmic rocking motions in order to relax the body and relieve tension from joints. Developed by Dr. Milton Trager.
Translucent
(of a substance) Allowing light, but not detailed images, to pass through; semitransparent.
Trichosis
Abnormal hair growth.
Triclosan
Broad based antibacterial agent used in many products.
Triglyceride
Fat substance, making up about 50% of sebum.
Tui Na
Asian bodywork technique that combines the use of acupressure and massage to balance energy and flush toxins from the body.
Tumor
An abnormal mass tissue that is a result of excessive cell division; they are not functional, and may or may not be cancerous.
Tyrosinase
An enzyme that converts tyrosine into melanin.