glossary
Acupuncture is a system of healing developed and practiced within Traditional Chinese Medicine that involves pricking the skin or tissue with needles in order to influence physiological functioning of the body and restore the body's natural flow of Qi. Acupuncture has been practiced for more than 5,000 years and is effective in the treatment of many ailments including, but not limited to: respiratory and cardiovascular conditions; eye, ear, nose and throat disorders; addictive disorders; muscle and joint pain as well as depression and anxiety.
Adhesions are scar-like bands of tissue that grow between two surfaces inside the body, they can be caused by inflammation, surgery or injury. The development of this tissue in the muscle or joint can lead to weaker, tighter muscles and limited range of movement and may also result in the increased chance of re-injury.
The Autonomic Nervous System is a control system which serves to maintain homeostasis within the body which is primarily involuntary and reflexive.
Bowen is a system of healing developed in australia that uses a series of gentle moves and touch across muscle and connective tissue to balance the autonomic nervous system. The aim is for achieving this balance so that the body can release toxins thereby creating an environment suitable for healing.
When Centered, you are well balanced, confident, serene.
The Chakana is an Andean symbol, the word is derived from the Quechua word "to cross". The significance of this icon is deeply imbedded within the Incan culture in the three tiered system as they lived it; as a social community and within their sacred and imperial practices. The Crux constellation contains the most important stars to the Incans and are represented by the Chakana. The central circle represents the "navel of the Incan Empire" as well as the circle of life. The three steps on each diagonal represent the three worlds within the Incan cosmology; the overwold, this world and the underworld.
A Chakra is a Sanskrit term which means "wheel". Chakra's are generally considered to be energy centers whose location correlate with the major nerve ganglia in the body beginning at the base of the spinal column and moving upward. The philosophical, spiritual and mystical theories of the chakra system originated in india more than four thousand years ago and have continued to be an evolving system of thought throughout the world.
Core Synchronism is a system of gentle bodywork designed to assist nature in establishing harmony and well being within the body. Deeply relaxing, safe and gentle, core synchronism was developed in america with the intention to manifest healing first internally so that it may be reveled externally in a profound and lasting way.
DBP, or dibutyl phthalate, is a plasticizing ingredient that has recently been banned for use in cosmetic products in the European Union. DBP is a potential developmental and reproductive toxin that may cause a broad range of birth defects. SpaRitual products do not contain DBP.
Deep Tissue Massage is a bodywork technique in which the intention is to release chronic muscle tension and knots in the deeper tissue structure of muscle and fascia. A more aggressive approach, this type of massage takes aim at the physicality of pain and stress with less emphasis on the spiritual and emotional aspects. It is appropriate to consider that the intention of DT Massage is not to cause pain. This sensation indicates that the muscle is contracting and not responding to the treatment.
Dry brushing is brushing the skin to remove dead skin cells and promote circulation.
Elastin is a protein in connective tissue that has an elastic quality which allows the tissue to return to its normal shape after stretching. Elastin is no longer produced by the body after puberty and cannot be replaced after it is damaged which can be the result of smoking, stress and hormones.
Esalen Massage is a bodywork technique developed in California with a foundation in Gestalt theory, the focus of the massage includes the emotional, spiritual and physical care of the client.
Essential oils are an aromatic, liquid substance extracted from various plants used as part of a cosmetic or therapeutic treatment, such as aromatherapy.
Fascia is an uninterrupted web of connective tissue that surrounds bones, organs, nerves, muscles and other structures. Fascia functions to support and protect these structures as well as act as a shock absorber and the body's first line of defense against pathogenic agents and infections.
Flower Essences are the diluted essence of healthy flowers preserved for internal and external use in order to utilize the vibrational healing quality that is inherent in the natural world. To make the essence, flowers are placed in water and left in the sun so that their potential is released from its physical matrix and thus operate in an energetic field. It is appropriate to say that the flowers inform the water in much the same way as do words, images, symbols and music as shown by the research of Masaru Emoto.
When Grounded, a connection to the earth is deeply felt.
Hot Stone Massage is a relaxing, stress reducing massage technique using smooth, heated stones applied with pressure, in long strokes or rested on the body.
An Infrared Sauna utilizes infrared radiation (a wavelength longer than that of visible light, but shorter than radio waves) to penetrate and heat the body by transforming one form of energy into another instead of heating the air. Infrared rays are able to penetrate the body more deeply, thus heating within the muscle tissue and internal organs and allowing for the release of fat-soluable toxins, heavy metals and toxic chemicals such as mercury, lead, copper, arsenic, nickel, among others. In addition to the release of these substances, infrared saunas are reported to aid in immune system enhancement, stress reduction, cardiovascular conditioning, muscular pain and much more.
A Muscle Knot is an abnormal area of tissue within the muscle. After a muscle is injured by tearing, pulling, forceful contact, incorrect use, repeated strain, etc, the muscle will spasm. If left uncared for, abnormal tissue will form in the area into what is medically termed myofascial trigger points.
Paraffin is a waxy substance that is obtained from petroleum (a complex mixture of decomposed organic matter, both plant and animal, delightfully called hydrocarbons) by the process of distillation. White, odorless and tasteless distilled crude oil which is often used as an ingredient in candles, moisturizers and wax baths for beauty purposes.
The Parasympathetic Nervous System is a mostly involuntary, reflexive system in the body that regulates the organs, such as the heart, stomach and intestines. The system originates in the sacral region of the spinal chord and the medulla and serves to inform our "rest and digest" response by decreasing the heart rate and blood pressure and allowing for the process of digestion to start. The parasympathetic state saves energy. *breathing is an example of the PNS which can be consciously controlled*
Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure to the hands and feet using specific thumb, finger and hand techniques in order to promote relaxation, reduce pain and support overall healing. These points are located within reflex zones that correspond to areas of the body such as the brain, neck and pancreas to address, for example, tension headaches, neck and back pain and digestive disorders.
Reiki, developed in japan, is a gentle technique that treats the whole person; body, mind and spirit. Literally, "rei" means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and ki which is "life force energy". It is practiced by the "laying on of hands" and is based on the idea that the unseen "life force" is a powerful and natural tool for spiritual healing and self-improvement.
Sound Therapy is a technique which uses sounds, tones and rhythm to create a grounding, meditative space in order to promote healing and wellness. Historically, vibrational tones have been used throughout Asia within the Buddhist meditative practice. Today, singing bowls and tuning forks are used for meditation, relaxation, wellness and ritual practice. When used in adjunct with massage therapy, they help to deepen the massage experience in body mind and spirit.
Swedish Massage is a bodywork technique developed in Sweden which utilizes a firm but gentle pressure to improve circulation, ease pain and tension, improve flexibility and create relaxation. This type of massage is the foundation for Western techniques such as sports massage and deep tissue.
The Sympathetic Nervous System is an involuntary, reflexive system in the body that regulates the organs of the body, such as the heart, stomach and intestines. It originates in the thoracic and lumbar spinal chord and serves to inform our "fight or flight" response by increasing the heart rate and blood pressure, and slowing down digestion. The Sympathetic Nervous System uses energy.
Trigger Point Therapy is a bodywork technique in which the therapist applies specific compression to a tender area on muscle tissue (such as knots or nodules) in order to assist the body in releasing tension and pain. As these points are deactivated, gentle strokes to elongate the muscle paired with passive stretching will aid in the process of restoring the muscle to its normal range of motion and length.