Wellness Glossary

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Abhyanga

An ancient Indian system of natural medicine based on achieving balance in mind, body and spirit. Treatments, diet and movement are tailored to your individual dosha type for long-term wellbeing.
 

Acupuncture

A form of alternative therapy and healing practice of traditional Chinese medicine in which thin needles are placed at specific points in the body to rebalance energy channels, and alleviate pain and other various health conditions.

 

Aerial Yoga

This combines traditional yoga and moves inspired by Pilates, acrobatics and dance using a suspended hammock to support you through the various poses. The hammock helps provide assistance during more challenging poses and improve flexibility and strength.

 

Aerobics

A high energy gym class using choreographed routine to raise your heart rate. The class consists of a variety of movements and exercises set to rhythmic music.

 

Algotherapy

The therapeutic use of seaweed products in thalassotherapy treatments such as massages, wraps and baths. The benefits of algotherapy include stimulation of blood circulation, elimination of toxins and revitalisation of the skin.

 

Alkaline Detox

Consists of high alkalising foods such as leafy greens, seasonal fruit and protein. During the detox process, the body will release acidic toxins from the body and boost the immune and digestive system.

 

Aquabike

A stationary aquatic bike, sometimes known as a pool bike, is good for physical rehabilitation and fitness training as it has a low impact on joints and muscles.

 

Aromatherapy

A holistic therapy that uses essential oils from plants to support relaxation, relieve stress and enhance emotional and physical wellbeing.
 

Asana

A yoga posture or pose, forming the physical component of yoga practice. Each asana is designed to build strength, flexibility and focus.
 

Ashtanga Yoga

A dynamic style of yoga combining a set sequence of postures with breath control (pranayama) to build strength, flexibility and focus.
 

Ayurveda

An ancient Indian system of medicine focused on balance in mind, body and spirit through diet, treatments and lifestyle, often explored through Ayurveda retreats.
 

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Balneotherapy

The therapeutic use of thermal mineral water baths or mineral-laden mud. It is often combined with other spa treatments and therapies and has been proven to be effective in easing the symptoms of arthritis and skin conditions.

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Biohacking

Changing your chemistry and your physiology through science and self-experimentation to increase energy and vitality.

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Biophoton Therapy

Application of light energy to different parts of the skin for healing purposes and to support the brains chemical systems responsible for mood changes. It is beneficial for weight loss, skin conditions, stress and pain relief.

 

Body Scan

A mental scan of your body in a gradual sequence to bring awareness to the whole of your body, noticing any aches, pains, tension, or general discomfort.

 

Body Scrub

A spa treatment which exfoliates and removes dead skin cells on the body using an abrasive product, usually a sea salt or sugar mixture, to leave your skin feeling soft, healthy and refreshed.

 

Body Wrap

A spa treatment which normally begins with a body exfoliation followed by a product, such as a cream, gel or paste, applied to the skin, followed by a plastic wrap or blanket. It is often a popular treatment for relaxation, detox or anti-cellulite.

 

Breathwork

The conscious control of breathing exercises or techniques which can improve physical, mental or emotional wellbeing.

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Burnout

A state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress or overwork. Burnout can lead to reduced motivation, sleep disturbances, low mood, and feelings of disconnection. It often results from high-pressure environments, lack of rest, or an imbalanced lifestyle.
 

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Chakra

This refers to the 7 main energy centres of the body. Translating from Sanskrit as ‘wheel’, balance and harmony are achieved when all 7 chakras are open and energy is flowing freely through the body to connect the physical body with mental, emotional and spiritual layers.
 

Chakra Balancing

A practice that aims to align the body’s energy centres (chakras) using techniques like Reiki, meditation or crystals, to restore emotional and physical balance.
 

Champissage

Deriving from Ayurveda, this is more commonly known as an Indian head massage which also focuses on the shoulders, neck and face.

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Chi Nei Tsang

An ancient Taoist practice which focuses on the abdominal area where stress, tension and negative emotions accumulate by massaging the internal organs.

 

Cold Plunge Pool

A small pool filled with extra cold water and most effective after the sauna or steam room to stimulate blood and minimise muscle inflammation.

 

Colon Hydrotherapy

A cleansing treatment that gently flushes the colon with warm water to support digestion, remove waste and improve gut health.
 

Cranio-Sacral Therapy

A non-invasive touch therapy using a gentle pressure across the body to release tension and stress.  It is often used to treat chronic pain and release tensions in the body.

 

Cryotherapy

A cold therapy that involves short bursts of exposure to freezing temperatures. It's commonly used for muscle recovery, reducing inflammation, boosting circulation and supporting skin rejuvenation.
 

Cupping

A traditional Chinese therapy where warm cups are placed on the skin to create a suction to increase blood flow and stimulate the energy flow through the body. It is often used to treat chronic pain and migraines.

 

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Deep Tissue Massage

A firm massage using specific techniques aimed at releasing muscle tensions and knots. It is often used to treat muscle pains and tightness.

 

Destination Spa

A hotel or resort which is centred through the spa and its wellness offerings. The purpose is to help individuals develop a healthier lifestyle through a healthy diet, holistic of medical spa treatments and fitness activities.

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Detox

A wellness practice that supports the body's natural elimination of toxins, often through clean eating, juices, or detox retreats.
 

Dosha

The physical and mental constitution in the body according to Ayurveda. There are 3 doshas, Vata, Kapha and Pitta, of which one is usually more dominant in the body.
 

Dry Brushing

A technique that involves brushing the skin in upward strokes with a natural bristle brush to exfoliate, stimulate lymphatic flow and improve circulation.​

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Energy Healing

A holistic practice based on the idea that energy flows through the body and imbalances can affect wellbeing. Techniques such as Reiki and Pranic Healing aim to restore harmony to the body’s energy systems, and are often offered at retreats like Euphoria Retreat.

Exercise

A physical activity which is carried out to maintain or enhance health and fitness.

 

Exfoliation

The removal of dead skin cells and impurities from the surface of the skin.

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Facial

A beauty treatment designed to cleanse, exfoliate and invigorate the skin though steaming, peels, masks and massages.

 

Flotation Therapy

A therapy which involves floating on your back in sensory deprivation tank in lukewarm water mixed with magnesium sulphate. This allows the body to enter a deep state of relaxation and achieve a blissful state of mind.

 

Forest Bathing

Also known as ‘Shinrin-yoku’, this practice involves mindful time spent in a forest environment to help reduce stress, lower blood pressure and boost mood.
 

Functional Training

An exercise designed to train your muscles to work together and work to make daily activities easier to perform.

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Gommage

A method of skin exfoliation where a paste or cream is applied to the skin and left for a few minutes before being massaged away.

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Halotherapy

A holistic and natural therapy, also known as salt therapy, using micro particles of salt to promote better breathing, healthier skin, sounder sleep, improved physical fitness and endurance and overall wellness.

 

Hammam

A cleansing ritual where a therapist will cleanse the body from head to toe. This normally takes place in a steam room where the therapist will wash, exfoliate then massage the body.

 

Hatha Yoga

A gentle style of yoga with the practice of basic yoga postures.

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Health

A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

 

HiiT

High-Intensity Interval Training combines short bursts of intense exercises with short periods of rest for a duration of time.

 

Holistic

Treating something as a whole and taking into account mental, physical and spiritual well-being.

 

Hot Stone Massage

A massage where smooth, flat, heated stones are placed on your back during the therapy to help warm and relax the muscles.

 

Hydrotherapy

The therapeutic use of water in various forms — hot, cold, steam or ice — to relieve pain, ease muscle tension and promote circulation. Common in spa treatments such as steam rooms, showers and underwater massage.

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Infrared Sauna

A sauna which uses infrared lamps to warm the skin and allow the body to sweat and release toxins.
 

Infrared Therapy

A treatment using infrared light to gently warm the body, helping to ease muscle tension, improve skin tone and promote detoxification.
 

Intermittent Fasting

An eating pattern which cycles between meals during a specific window of time and no or low intake of food outside of this.

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IV Vitamin Infusion

A wellness treatment that delivers nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants directly into the bloodstream to boost energy, support immunity and aid recovery.
 

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Juice Cleanse

A type of diet that involves consuming vegetables and fruit in a liquid form only in order to detox the body and help with weight loss.

 

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Khmer Massage

A traditional Cambodian massage using no oils where the therapist massages and stretches the body.

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Kneipp walking

A hydrotherapy treatment with herbal and thermal baths using al hot and cold water baths to help increase the circulation.

 

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Lipomassage

A non-invasive procedure for body contouring using massage rollers to help to reduce fat cells, treat cellulite and tighten the skin.

 

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

A gentle massage technique designed to stimulate lymph flow, reduce water retention and support the body’s natural detox process.

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Marma

Energy points in the body used in Ayurveda which help to maintain good health and serenity.

 

Massage

A therapeutic practice involving pressure and movement applied to the body’s muscles and tissues to ease tension, improve circulation and promote relaxation.
 

Mayr Cure

A fasting method developed by Dr FX Mayr centres around the concept that the gut is the key to good health and is based on four basic principles of Rest, Cleansing, Training and Supplementing.

 

Meditation

A mindfulness practice that helps improve focus, reduce stress and support emotional wellbeing. Often used to enhance sleep, calm the mind and promote inner clarity.
 

Medical Spa

A mix between a day spa and a medical clinic which is overseen by a doctor and offering a more comprehensive range of treatments and procedures such as laser treatments and chemical peels as well as relaxing massages.

 

Meridian

A concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine which refers to the channels in our body in which vital energy flows throughout the body

 

Mindfulness

A technique that involves being fully present in the moment. Often used in meditation and stress management, it helps improve mental clarity, reduce anxiety and support emotional balance.
 

Muay Thai

A form of combat sport, also known as Thai Boxing. It is the national sport and cultural martial art of Thailand.

 

 

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Nasya

One of the five purification techniques in Panchakarma, this treatment is used to cleanse the body using herbal oils or powders in the nostril.

 

Naturopathy

An alternative form of medicine using natural therapies to help the body heal itself.

 

Nutritional Consultation

Working with a trained nutritionist to review eating habits and receive personalised advice while taking into consideration lifestyle and weight goals.

 

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Ovo Lacto diet

A primarily vegetarian diet which includes the consumption of dairy and eggs.

 

Ozone therapy

The administration of ozone gas directly into the bloodstream via injection or gas to strengthen the immune system and stimulate white blood cells.

 

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Panchakarma

An Ayurvedic detox programme involving five therapeutic treatments to cleanse the body of toxins, restore balance, and promote long-term health.
 

Physiotherapy

A treatment to restore movement and flexibility to help recovery from injury, surgery or disease through exercise and manual therapy.

 

Pilates

A form of low-impact exercise that builds core strength and flexibility. Many retreats offer dedicated Pilates programmes.
 

Pinda Sweda

An Ayurvedic massage used heated herbal bags which are placed on the body during the treatment

 

Plant-based diet

A way of eating that focuses on whole, unprocessed foods from plants — including fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and grains — to support health and reduce inflammation.
 

Pranayama

An ancient yogic practice of controlled breathing used to calm the mind, balance energy, and support physical and emotional wellbeing.
 

Pranic Healing

A spiritual healing therapy using no-touch, where only energy is used to cleanse and balance the energy centres in the body.

 

Pressotherapy

A treatment that uses air pressure to improve blood and lymphatic circulation and reduce cellulite.

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Qi

The vital energy that flows through the universe and the body.

 

Qi Gong

A Chinese movement practice combining breath, posture and slow, flowing motion to promote energy flow (qi), relaxation and vitality.

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Reiki

A form of energy healing where a practitioner uses gentle touch or hand movements to guide energy and help restore emotional and physical balance.
 

Reflexology

A therapy applying pressure to specific reflex points on the feet, hands or ears that correspond to organs in the body, aiming to relieve tension and restore balance.
 

Reformer Pilates

A type of Pilates using a specialised machine to enhance resistance, flexibility and alignment. Great for building strength and deep core engagement.
 

Retreat

A purposely designed programme of activities and therapies to improve health and fitness

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Salt Room

A holistic and natural therapy, also known as halotherapy, using micro particles of salt to promote better breathing, healthier skin, sounder sleep, improved physical fitness and endurance and overall wellness.

 

Sauna

A dry heat therapy that encourages the body to sweat, helping to relax muscles, cleanse the skin and boost circulation.
 

Self-care

Intentional activities that support your mental, emotional and physical health — such as rest, movement, reflection or simply taking time out for yourself.
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Shiatsu

A therapeutic massage therapy using a comfortable pressure to specific points of the body to balance energy flow and promote healing.

 

Shirodhara

An Ayurvedic therapy where warm herbal oil is gently poured over the forehead in a steady stream to calm the mind, promote clarity and encourage deep relaxation.
 

Shirovasti

An Ayurvedic therapy with an intensive oil bath which is poured into a hat which has been secured to the patient’s head.  

 

Sound Healing

A therapy that uses sound frequencies, gongs, singing bowls or music to promote deep relaxation, reduce stress and restore balance in the body and mind.
 

Spa Circuit
A sequence of spa experiences such as saunas, steam rooms, ice baths and hydrotherapy pools designed to relax the muscles, improve circulation and support detoxification.
 

Spin

A cardio-focused cycling workout performed on a stationary bike. It's great for building endurance, burning calories and boosting cardiovascular fitness.
 

Swedana

An Ayurvedic treatment where herbal steam is used to release toxins from the body and establish balance in the body.

 

Swedish Massage

A classic massage technique using long, flowing strokes to promote relaxation, ease tension and improve blood flow. Ideal for stress relief and overall wellbeing.

 

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Tai Chi

A traditional form of Chinese exercise involving a series of slow and focused movements and deep breaths.

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Temazcal

A traditional Mexican steam bath filled with herbal-infused steam. This is often used for an ancient Mayan cleansing ritual and involves sweating to detoxify the body and cleanse the soul.

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Thai Massage

A traditional therapy from Thailand that combines stretching, acupressure and movement to improve flexibility, release tension and promote energy flow.
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Thalassotherapy

The use of seawater products which are applied to the body as a therapeutic healing treatment to help cleanse the mind and purify the body.

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Thalaxion Bath

A hydrotherapy treatment in an enclosed bathtub with variable pressure jets as an underwater massage for the legs, hips and thighs. It is used to help with circulation, cellulite and joint pain.

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Udvartana

A stimulating Ayurvedic massage using herbal powders to melt away the excess fat. It is one of the most popular treatments used for weight loss.

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Vacuodermie

A treatment where a vacuum is applied to the skin to stimulate the natural body function and improve circulation. It is often used as a non-invasive alternative to liposuction with benefits of cellulite reduction, tightening of the skin and lessen the appearance of fine lines.

  

Vegan Diet

A plant-based way of eating that avoids all animal products, including dairy, eggs and honey. Often chosen for health, environmental or ethical reasons.
 

Vichy Shower

A hydrotherapy treatment where a suspended shower head where the water showers the body whilst lying down. This normally complements a massage, body wrap or scrub and stimulates the feeling of floating on water to promote relaxation.

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Vinyasa Yoga

A type of yoga practice that involves coordinating the breath with a continuous flow of postures.

 

Vitality Pool

A warm spa pool fitted with features like massage jets and air loungers, designed to improve circulation, relieve muscle tension and aid relaxation.

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Watsu

A gentle aquatic therapy performed in warm water, combining massage, stretching and acupressure to support deep relaxation and joint mobility.

 

Wellness

A balanced state of body and mind achieved through lifestyle practices such as healthy eating, regular movement, stress reduction and self-care.
 

Wellness Coaching

A personalised approach to improving your health and wellbeing, led by a trained coach who supports you in setting and achieving realistic wellness goals.
 

Wellbeing

A state of physical, mental and emotional balance, often achieved through healthy lifestyle choices, self-care and meaningful experiences.

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Yin Yoga

A slow, meditative yoga style that focuses on long-held floor poses to target deep connective tissue and promote inner stillness.
 

Yoga

A physical and mental discipline combining movement, breathwork and meditation, offered at many yoga retreats for all levels.​

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Zen

A school of Buddhism that focuses on mindfulness, simplicity and direct insight. Often associated with meditation, minimalism and inner peace.
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Zumba

A fun, energetic workout that blends dance and aerobic movement set to Latin and international music — great for cardiovascular health and mood boosting.​