Glossary
AbhyangaA full Ayurvedic body massage, using specific herbal oils, according to body type. The activation of the energy points induces deep relaxation.
Acupressure
(Latin: pointed pressure) Acupuncture is a treatment that involves the application of pressure to specific points on the skin, normally using the soft pads of the fingertips. This alternative therapy system is based on ancient knowledge that has been handed down, for example traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). According to this knowledge, energy circulates around the body along the so called meridians. These meridians and the acupressure points relate to corresponding organs and body areas. Blockages in the flow of energy are eliminated through the specific massaging of these sensitive points, which lay along the lines of meridian, Acupressure can be learned as a form of self help and can be suitable as an effective supplement to accompany other types of therapy.
Acupuncture
(Latin: pointed prick) Just like acupressure – a Chinese healing therapy, this therapy works on the theory of meridians (lines of energy) running over the whole body and along which there are many energy points. These points are stimulated by inserting very fine supple needles, and according to the teachings of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the flow of the life energy Qi (pronounced ‘chee’) is restored; carried out according to the preferences of the therapist. In other words, through the needle pricks in the tissue, bioelectric changes are triggered, which cause a healing effect on the disturbed functions of organisms. Acupuncture is often used in the treatment of chronic pain, addiction illnesses as well as many more. In western healing methods, the needles are sometimes replaced by electricity or laser impulses (electro/laser acupuncture).
Alga treatments
Specially cultivated algae are being used more and more in cosmetics as well as in nutrition. Algae contain large amounts of important minerals, vitamins, and trace elements such as iodine, iron, magnesium, calcium as well as protein and amino acids.
They give the skin an intensive moisture and nutrient treatment, stimulate the metabolism and purify. The active ingredients from the algae are also used in baths and skin or body packs as part of a health cure. Algae are used for example in Thalasso therapy.
Aqua Fitness
Get in shape in the water. That’s the slogan of countless gentle-on-the-joints getting trim methods that hide themselves behind this name. The name also covers the activities of aqua jogging, aqua gym (gymnastics with or without hand equipment, aquanetics (toning and slimming deep muscular training), aqua power (strengthens and stretches the most important muscle groups) and aqua aerobics (body training with step and arm combinations). In an enjoyable way, all these techniques use the advantages of water to improve fitness. Gravity is put on hold, which in turn, relives the strain on ligaments, joints and tendons. The resistance of the water, on the other hand, stops every movement of the body. Therefore more and different parts of the muscles are exercised.
Aromatherapy
The use of aromatic essences for the purpose of healing, easing or prevention of illnesses. Usually in aromatherapy, diluted ether plant oils are used. Ideally these oils should be or natural origin. A wide variety of oils are available for different needs or symptoms. For example, the disinfectant and antiseptic effect of camomile, carnation, or lemon oils is well known. The effects of other substances can ease cramps, relax or stimulate. Aromas should influence the body in delicate levels and therefore result in the harmonisation of soul and spirit. The first evidence of the arrival of aromatherapy can be found approximately 4000BC in the Egyptian medicine. In the 13th century this therapy experienced a peak in popularity but later fell once more into oblivion. Through the trend for natural medicine and alternative healing methods, aromatherapy was once more discovered. The active ingredients can be administered via the nose, the mouth and mucous membranes, or the skin. The active ingredients can be, for example, inhaled, applied (also used in wraps), massaged in, used as a bath ingredient or taken through steaming e.g. in the sauna, it can be spread throughout the room via clouds of steam. The treatment can also be combined with others. Ether oils are used for their effects, throughout the fields of cosmetics and wellness.
Autogenic Training
(Greek: to create something from yourself) A widely used self relaxation technique is also known as concentrated self relaxation. It was developed by psychiatrist and psychotherapist Prof. Johann Heinrich Schultz (1884 -1970). In this method a middle way between active instruction and passive letting-things-happen is striven for. The attention is completely concentrated upon the world of experience whilst in a state of peace and the relaxation of the body and soul. To achieve this state, the procedure uses suggestive methods known as auto suggestion. And so a balance between tension and relaxation should be achieved, so that a disturbance in one’s health and well being caused by persistent stress and high pressure events can be prevented.
The concept of autogenic training is based on four pillars:
- Tension and relaxation
- Concentration and peace
- Training and learning
- To make changes in the nervous system and to spread relaxation throughout the body.
Mental tensile states are balanced, cramping is resolved and pain is alleviated. It can also be used in order to increase efficiency.
Ayurveda
The word Ayurveda stems from the old Indian advanced civilisation and is a combination of; ‘Ayur’ meaning long life, and ‘Veda’ meaning knowledge. It describes therefore the teaching of a long (and healthy) life. The teachings from the three so called Doshas (bio-energies) form the core of Ayurveda. Vata, Pitta and Kapha are the names of the three Doshas and they define all functions of the body and soul. Illnesses arise when they are out of balance. The aim of treatment with Ayurveda is less a quick removal of a burden and much more away of completely re-tuning the body, mind and soul. The main focus of Ayurveda treatment is the acceptance of a healthy lifestyle and with it the preservation of one’s health. Nutrition plays a very important role. It directly influences all the organs of the body through the metabolism. Therefore many sorts of vegetarian and mineral diats are used, according to the arrangement of the influencing Doshas. Also advice on life style, meditation, deep relaxation, breathing and physical exercises, individual massagers as well as the inclusion of music and art belong to the repertoire of ayurvedish medicine. Ayurveda is, in this sense, not a doctrine about sickness, but much more an outstanding health doctrine.
Bach Flower Therapy
Bach flower therapy is based upon the alternative healing procedure developed by the English doctor Edward Bach (1886-1936) in the 1930’s. Essences of 37 plants (which all have medical healing properties), affect the psyche when used on the body. The essences are absorbed through the skin and passed onto the energy system. The aim of this treatment is an improvement of the stability of the soul.
Movement therapy
In movement therapy, a gentle work out, certain muscles groups are trained in endurance, mobility, co ordination and strength. The aim is not to achieve top results in body building, but rather to preserve or regain optimal physical movement of the body.
Bio face lifting
Cosmetic face care measures such as the application of face masks, without surgical procedures or the injection of foreign bodies, and based on the use of biological preparations that help to prevent or counteract the signs of premature skin aging.
Flower baths
Specially selected flower petals are scattered in warm water, in order to achieve an invigorating or a relaxing effect. Caldarium Inhalation room heated to between 38º C and 40º C. Herbal steam frees the respiratory tract – an ideal way to prepare the body for a sauna.
Chakra
Via the charka and using Yoga or traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the connection between the body and the astral body is achieved. Seven charkas are important energy centres and run along the spine from the base to the crown of the head. Stimulation of the charkas encourages the flow of energy and harmonises the well being.
Steam bath
Steam baths are also known as roman baths. Steam is pumped into a closed room with temperatures of around 45° C and humidity from 90 to 100%. The airways are moistened through the high humidity, the skin pores are opened and the organisms of the body are encouraged to perspire. Therefore the body detoxifies and relaxes. Of all the types of saunas, the roman steam bath is best suited to inhalation therapies. When followed by the use of changing temperature showers or Kneipp baths, they can help to build up the body immune defence system. A visit to the steam bath will also improve the circulation throughout the skin and the metabolism. It can be used as a therapy to help: rheumatism, arthritis, nervousness, stress, and certain skin conditions such as neurodermatitis, eczema or acne. It can also be used to strengthen the body’s natural defence system and also in connection with inhalation baths. Please note: when suffering from varicose veins, chronic asthma, high blood pressure, heart conditions, a high temperature, colds or migraine, a visit to the steam bath or sauna will put strain on the organs. When suffering form severe medical conditions please ask your doctor for advice before your visit.
Dosha
In Ayurveda, Dosha describes the life energies Vata, Pitta, and Kapha used, that give humans their individual constitution and help to regulate their physical and spiritual functions.
Chromo therapy
Colour is a form of energy which affects us as colour or light waves. The effective chromo therapy is used to prevent illnesses or to accompany therapies used to combat malfunctions of the body, mind or spirit. Chromo energies aren’t only effective through the eyes: new research suggests that different structures of the body react to the waves created by colours. Colours influence the nervous system in a special way, as well as the closely related glands. It therefore has an impact on the whole organism. Lamps with different colour filters are used to illuminate different body parts, stimulating the circulation throughout the whole body. Conventional European medicine hesitates to accept the value of the therapy, quite opposite to conventional medicine in the USA, which has had considerable success with chromo therapy treatments.
Fasting
Fasting is a vital cure for the body, mind and spirit. On several days, for example you live on vegetable stock, juices and herbal teas only. Fasting is supported by the irrigation of the bowels. Also accompanying this cure are a variety of feel good treatments such as baths, massages and body packs, as well as meditation and opportunities to exercise in the open air. The emphasis of this inner and outer cleansing is purity and detoxification. Different to usual dieting, with fasting weight reduction is just a pleasant side effect – not the main aim.
Finnish Sauna
A sauna with higher temperatures (up to 120° C) and with a maximum humidity of only 10 %. Through the following cooling down for example with a cold shower, the circulation is stimulated and the immune system is strengthened.
Five Tibetans
An easily learned movement system from Tibet. The five Tibetans consist of five easy movement sequences, repeatedly exercised.
Reflexology
In reflexology, the entire human body has been projected onto the feet or the hands. Dr Fitzgerald designed a zone map of the feet, and on it can be seen the entire human body. Organs and body parts are represented by different reflex zones. The therapist can use this map to find affected organs or body parts that have become blocked or are disturbed. Hardened areas are softened by means of gripping, pressing and stroking, and energy is restored. That means that although only feet and hands are being massaged, the impact is on the entire body, especially the organs represented by the reflex zones. An aim of the treatment is the resumption of well being of body and spirit and the stimulation of the power self healing.
Face masks
Through the long and intensive application of special creams and gels to the skin, regenerating and moisturising substances can be absorbed.
Garshana
An ayurvedish massage that uses silk gloves and no additional oils. Smoothes the skin, relaxes and stimulates the metabolism.
Hamam
A Hamam is a place of ritual cleansing and care and more of a steam bath than a sauna. Whilst lying on a hot stone, the body is cleansed and relaxed with a soap foam massage.
Healing chalk
Rügener Heilkreide (healing chalk) lay in the ‘Rügen chalk sea’ for more than 60 million years. The chalk was formed out of billions of shells and tiny living creatures. Rügener healing chalk is a pure natural product and is characterised by its distinct granular structure and its ability to retain warm or cold temperatures. The fine consistency of the chalk encourages the quick absorption of accompanying ingredients and minerals (such as silicon) into the skin.
Hay bath
A very popular healing, relaxing and beauty bath. The entire body is covered with freshly cut, warm, dry or also wet hay. Hay has a stimulating effect on the surface of the skin and triggers perspiration. Often ether oils are added which helps to ease tension, and to give the skin the softness of velvet.
Hot chocolate
A very pleasant massage using warm cocoa butter. The active ingredient in the cocoa butter acts as a preservative – catching free radicals and preventing the aging process of the skin.
Hot stone massage
Pleasantly warm lava stones are placed along the spine and upon the energy points. The warmth of the stones is spread all over the body through natural oils, stimulating the circulation of the blood and the flow of lymph.
Sound massage
Sound affects our innermost relaxation through vibration and sound. Tibetan sound bowls produce vibration on and in the body, helping to ease tensions.
Lomi Lomi
This traditional massage stems from the Hawaiian Islands of Polynesia. In the Polynesian language ‘lomilomi’ means massage. Lomi Lomi is a part of natural healing, especially in connection with herbal medicine. In Hawaiian tradition, the aim of Lomi Lomi is the harmony of the body mind and soul.
Lymph drainage
With the help of lymph vessels, water from the tissues is transported back into the blood vessels. If the lymphatic system doesn’t function properly, water in the tissues will build up, causing swelling. The aim of lymph drainage is to restore the balance between the quantity of tissue water and the performance of the lymphatic system. At the same time the immune system should be stimulated. Blockages and build ups of lymph fluid in the tissues is resolved. Lymph drainage has a purifying and detoxifying effect. It belongs to the group of manual therapies that also include classical massage and tissue massage.
Manicure
Care of hands and nails, including massages and application of nail varnish.
Medicinal baths
Movement, carbon dioxide, mud, sulphur and salt baths are recommended to build up muscles in cases of neurological illnesses. Mud baths have temperatures of well over 40° C, but the mud only releases the heat very slowly and so will feel no warmer than 37° C. It produces long lasting warming effects, creating optimal conditions for the functioning of the metabolism.
Meridians
Meridians are energy channels that run throughout the body and through which the energy of life - Qi, flows. The 12 meridians are assigned to specific organs. They run through 350 points on the body surface and can be activated with acupuncture needles, in order to get rid of blockages and restore the flow of energy.
Oil treatment
The application of oils plays an important role in whole body massages in helping to harmonise the body’s energy. By applying oils to the skin on a daily basis, skin is strengthened, looks healthy and feels great. The oil soaks the skin tissue, cleanses and feeds individual skin layers. Additional warm applications help to promote good blood circulation.
Ear candle treatment
An ear candle, made from beeswax saturated material rolled into a thin tube, is lit at one end and the other end is gently placed into the ear. The make up of the candle is very important (no paraffin). First class ear candles are made from pure beeswax, honey extract and herbs such as St. John’s wort, sage and camomile.
During treatment, clients lie in a comfortable position on their side with a cushion supporting the head, the ear canal points vertically upwards. The ear candle is lit and the unlit end is placed in the ear canal and allowed to burn until it reaches the safety marking. The treatment for both ears, including a rest on completion, lasts for between 20 to 25 minutes.
The effect of ear candles is a purely physical one. A pressure under that of normal atmospheric levels (chimney effect), and the vibrations of air in the ear candle caused by the movement of the flame, act like a gentle massage of the ear drums. This leads to an intensive feeling of pleasant warmth and deep relaxation. A feeling of security and happiness that is very rarely experienced.
Ozone Therapy
Ozone is an unstable form of oxygen that has 3 atoms per molecule and has a toxic impact on the lungs. Therefore ozone can only be used in ways that avoid the possibility of it being breathed in. The therapy is applied as a treatment for disturbances of the circulation within the brain, and peripheral arterial blood circulation problems, sudden loss of hearing, tinnitus, immunodeficiency, bacterial or viral illnesses (hepatitis B/C, herpes , shingles), osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatism, and allergies. As well as the above, the therapy is also used as part of the after care for cases of stroke, as an additional treatment for cancer sufferers, to aid the afflictions of old age, victims of environmental pollution and also in sports medicine. Ozone therapy can, when used under careful conditions and in the correct dosages, help the healing process and stimulate the tissue. It is imperative that this treatment is carried out only by highly trained hands.
Pack treatments
Our beauty packs do not dry upon the skin, and provide the skin with moisture and a special active ingredient. Through the development of heat, the absorption of the active ingredients is encouraged.
Pedicure
Care of the feet and toenails, medical care and the application of nail varnish.
Peeling
Dirt and dead skin cells are removed form the surface of the skin through peeling. Therefore the skin retains a clean, fine texture.
Qi-Gong
Qi is Chinese and means life power. Gong translates as exercise. Qi-Gong is an ancient system of movement which consists of a sequence of finely tuned breathing and body exercises. The aim of the special gymnastics is to achieve the flow of life energy. The harmonic sequence of movements is carried out in slow motion. They have a positive impact on circulation, metabolism, the nervous system, the digestive system and for parts of the body used for movement.
Reiki
Reiki is the Japanese word for universal life energy. The Reiki system is believed to originate from Tibet and was rediscovered by the Japanese priest Mikao Usui (1865-1929). Reiki is a type of bridge which transports cosmic energy. This occurs through the systematic laying on of hands to specific areas of the body such as above the eyes, the neck, heart and stomach. The Reiki treatment activates self healing powers. It soothes the nervous system, releases deeply rooted tensions and blockages of the soul.
Rhassoul bath
Natural mud is applied to the skin during a Rhassoul bath. Through optimal warmth of a pleasant 45° C in a herbal steam bath, allows the active ingredients to be absorbed by the skin.
Back training
The spine can be damaged during many daily situations. The back school teaches correct and safe ways to move in order to look after and relieve the back. This preventative back training consists of many different exercises which train specific muscles in order to develop a stable and strong back. Among these muscles are not only back muscles, but also buttock muscles, thigh muscles and the stomach muscles. These special gymnastics work on the one hand, to strengthen the torso and to find a balance between overworked or neglected groups of muscles, and on the other hand, the participants receive a good background knowledge about the physiological connections between posture and the groups of muscles used in movement.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu (Shi = finger and Atsu = pressure) is a Japanese treatment method that has its roots in Chinese medicine. According to the traditional knowledge, man depends upon the flow of energy running through the body along the lines of meridian. If this energy is balanced, one experiences a feeling if well being, if the flow of energy is blocked one feels unwell and that can result in symptoms and illnesses. In Shiatsu, energy flows are located and then stimulated through the gentle pressure of the fingers, palms of the hand, elbows and knees. The ultimate aim is the constant flow of energy. Shiatsu treatment is experienced by patients as pleasant relaxation and healing stimulation: the powers of self healing are enhanced and strengthened. Shiatsu can prevent disturbances and illnesses and can help to support good health, as well as this; it can support and accompany other therapies. Shiatsu is always carried out in peaceful fluid movements on a soft floor mat.
Soft Pack
An especially well loved beauty treatment with a totally relaxing effect. You lie on a mat, not in but a little bit over the bath. The body is rubbed with algae paste, ether oils or aromatic herbs and then wrapped in towels. The steam from the warm water intensifies the effects if the active ingredients.
Spa
The name originates from the Belgian bathing resort of the same name, which was visited by British tourists since the 16th century. It was then used throughout the British |Isles as a synonym for all types or mineral springs. Only in the second half of the twentieth century did the significance of wellness oases grow, especially in the development of the concept of wellness in hotels
Thalasso
The main ingredient of Thalasso therapy is the sea. Ideally treatments are given in places not far from the sea. Mineral containing algae packs and relaxing sea salt baths enhance the metabolism and purify and strengthen the immune system.
Thermal bath
A thermal bath is bathing place or spa with mostly warm healing mineral springs. The type of spring (e.g. iodine, sulphur) depends upon the location. The healing effect is proven; the use of different thermal waters as curing agents for many different types of illnesses has been recognised.
Clay
Heat can be stored very efficiently in clay. The heat encourages better blood circulation, and allows the active ingredients to be more deeply absorbed.
Vitality
This English term usually describes the health or life energy of a living creature.
Wellness
The life style concept of wellness aims for well being, fun and a very good constitution. Wellness is understood to be methods and applications which strive to heighten the well being of body, mind and spirit. Wellness is built upon four pillars:
- Nutrition awareness and matters relating to food.
- Movement awareness: a regular and suitable movement programme.
- Mental: relaxation and stress management methods such as autogenic training, Qigong, Yoga as well as more passive methods such as saunas, deep heat treatments, massage, floating, Kneipp foot baths, bare foot walking etc.
- Relationship to nature and nutrition: care taken when dealing with nature and its products.
Yoga
The roots of yoga lay in India. Around 7000 years ago, Sadastiva introduced the principle of yoga as a way of maintaining and improving health and self realisation. In the 2nd century B.C., Pastanjali gave yoga its classical character. The so called eight-fold path is the basis of yoga. Added to this are five simple and five difficult rules of conduct, various body exercises, breathing exercises, the turning away from sensual distraction, concentration exercises, the concentrated ‘sinking into oneself’ and the mystic unification with spiritual centre of all existence. Today there are many different types of yoga, each giving different amounts of emphasis to the basic principles of yoga.
In medicine, the muscle exercises (Asanas) and the breathing exercises (Pranayamas), play the most important role. These exercises, together with cleansing exercises, are known as Chikitsa yoga. The Asanas are muscle and relaxation exercises that are carried in harmony with the rhythm of breathing. They are tissue strengthening and at the same time have a positive effect on the constitution of the patient.
Pranayama, the breathing exercises, works by stimulating the power of self-cleansing and the metabolism. The cleansing exercises embrace the eyes, the nostrils, the stomach and the intestine. The ability to do these exercises depends upon the close connection between the body, mind and spirit - they strengthen body consciousness and the awareness of the inner processes. Confident body positioning (Asanas), breathing exercises (Pranayama) and relaxation and concentration exercises (meditation), can not only strengthen posture, mobility and strength but also spiritual skills.
