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Acrosage
Developed by Benjamin Marantz, Acrosage is a combination of massage, yoga and acrobatics. You are placed in an inverted pose atop the acrosager's feet, allowing your head to hang freely. With no pressure on the neck or spine, your difficult points can be easily massaged.
Acu-Yoga
Acu-Yoga is a system of exercises that integrates the knowledge of two holistic methods of health maintenance-acupressure and yoga. Both relax muscular tension and balance the vital life forces of the body. Yoga enables the control the breath while holding the body in certain postures. Acupressure allows direct manipulation body energy through a system of points and meridians. Each Acu-Yoga posture will press and stretch certain nerves, muscles and acupressure points, awakening the meridians and releasing the tension in the points so that energy can circulate freely. This energy is the source of all life, and its flow is the key to radiant health. The process balances the body and stimulates it to heal itself.
Acupressure
A specific technique of finger massage designed to release muscle tension by applying pressure to the "energy points" or "meridians" in the body. Discovered by medical practitioners in China centuries ago, the pressure applied to these acupuncture points is believed to release blockages and allow the energy (chi) to flow freely. This technique of massage is believed to be very effective in relieving tension and stress.
Acupuncture
An ancient oriental healing technique based on Taoist philosophy, where needles are inserted at key points of the body that relate to different organs to balance energy meridians and encourage self-healing. This relatively painless technique is believed to relieve muscular, neurological and arthritic problems, cure disease and relieve pain (as in surgery).
Abhyanga
Ayurvedic massage to improve hydration and relaxation without targeting specific areas. A daily ritual, traditionally its purpose is for total well-being and relaxation.
Affusion Shower
This relaxing shower of warm droplets of water, seawater, mineral or aromatics is given whilst lying down. A lymph drainage massage can also be a part of the treatment.
AHA Fruit Acids
Natural acids (alphahydroxy-acids) which are mainly present in fruit, sometimes used in beauty treatments for natural skin peeling to reveal fresh skin. (Similar to exfoliation but effected through natural fruit acids rather than exfoliation creams).
Ai Chi
A combination of Eastern and Western methods of Tai-Chi, Shiatsu and aquatic exercise to stimulate both the mind and body. Performed in shoulder depth warm water, Ai Chi combines deep breathing and slow rhythmical movement to improve mobility, increase oxygen consumption, calm the mind and decrease stress by inducing deep relaxation and balances the mind and body.
Alexander Technique
A massage technique developed in the 1890s by F.M. Alexander to correct physical habits of posture that cause stress. The technique teaches the use of the appropriate amount of effort for a particular activity and is not a series of treatments or exercises, but rather a reeducation of the mind and body.
Algae
Specific marine-based products derived from marine plants rich in vitamins, minerals and trace elements, which supply the skin with valuable nutrients. Applications include bubble baths, crèmes and beauty packs.
Algotherapy
The application of sea products such as algae or seaweed.
Aloe Vera
Contains an extraordinary amount of vitamins, amino acids, and trace minerals. Taken internally, the Aloe Vera Gel has been found to help many ailments including Insomnia, Infection, Indigestion, Heartburn, Constipation, Haemorrhoids, Ulcers and Arthritis. USed externally, it is good to treat Burns, Sunburn, Scalds, Psoriasis, Eczema, Acne, Stings, Scrapes, Abrasions and Scalp Care.
Amma/Anma
Amma (sometimes spelled anma) is the traditional word for massage in the Japanese language that comes from the Chinese tradition of massage, "anmo." This form of bodywork is based on the principles of Chinese medicine and is more than 5,000 years old. The amma techniques encompass a myriad of pressing, stroking, stretching and percussive manipulations with the thumbs, fingers, arms, elbows, knees and feet on acupressure points along the body's 14 major meridians. Through the structure of kata (choreographed movement), amma teaches the importance of rhythm, pacing, precision and form in massage. Shiatsu was developed from the amma tradition. Amma utilizes no oils and can be done through clothing with the client either sitting up or lying down.
Anthotherapy
Treatments in humid caves where the atmosphere is very vaporous (between 30°-42°C / 86°-107°F). In dry caves the atmosphere takes the heat from the spring (between 50°-70°C / 122° - 158°F).
Aqua Aerobics
Gentle gymnastics in the water, sometimes using water jets for increased resistance to stretch, strengthen, increase stamina and tone up muscles. This activity is also commonly known as aquacize.
Aquabalance
Involves passive and active movements while floating in 35°C warm water. Sessions take place with a qualified therapist and promote well-being and a relaxed, balanced sensation.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy usually refers to treatments such as massage, facials, wraps and baths using essential oils (natural oil oncentrates, distilled from plants) to aid well being and is particularly effective when used to combat stress and anxiety as well as a wide range of other ailments. Oils are inhaled, massaged into the skin in diluted form or placed in baths where they can be inhaled and also absorbed.
Asanas
In Yoga, the word asana means comfortable, stable pose. Asanas are special positions of the body that will help strengthen, purify and balance the endocrine, nervous and circulatory systems.
Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy™
Recommended for the treatment of chronic low back pain, Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy combines elements of traditional Thai massage, barefoot shiatsu and Keralite Foot Massage (Chavutti Thirummal). Using overhead wooden bar supports, the therapist uses body weight and foot strokes to apply compression massage along strategic points in back muscles. Using a protocol of strokes that are gliding with the pressure of the feet, a "push, pull, pumping" effect is created on the intervertebral disc space. Developed by Ruthie Hardee, this deep compression on the soft tissue around the joints allows the nucleus pulposus (inside the disc) to assume its central position within the annular fibers and relieve irritations on the spinal nerve caused by inflammation and swelling.
Athletic Massage
A very deep penetrating massage that concentrates on all muscle groups, but is particularly focused on muscles primarily used in a person's chosen sports activities.
Attitudinal Healing
A concept based on the belief that it is possible to choose peace rather than conflict, love rather than fear.
Ayurveda
Veda means "knowledge", and ayu is defined as "life". Ayurveda is usually defined as the "science" or "knowledge" of life. An ancient Indian practice which incorporates the curative properties of plants, herbs, essential oils, massage, aromatherapy and meditation, Ayurveda aims to balance body and mine, and relieve the stress, tension and emotion of daily life naturally.
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