Name that Treatment!

What's in a name? A.K.A., more terms to know so you're in the know!

So far we have discussed various massage techniques, exercise programs, and treatments that benefit the mind and/or the spirit. Today we will cover miscellaneous definitions and treatments, as well as water tretaments. Together with the previous two posts (http://uniquegardenessences.blogspot.com/2009/02/whats-that-touch.html and http://uniquegardenessences.blogspot.com/2009/03/little-mind-body-and-soul.html) these posts will provide you with the basic information necessary to allow you to choose treatments that best address your specific needs. Of course not all treatments are appropriate at all times. For instance, you certainly would not want an invigorating treatment just prior to bed, or an extreme relaxation one prior to having to report to work. Armed with the basic information provided here, you'll know what the descriotive words of treatments mean so you can pick and choose the treatments that you need or those that interest you more easily.

Spa Therapy and Treatment Vocabulary Words

adaptogen- a substance that stimulates the body's immune mechanism and helps it adapt to a new stresser. alterative- something that restores the normal functions of a body organ or system, it promotes healing. analgesic- a pain reliever antifungal- a substance that clears and counters fungal infections. antioxidant- a substance that prevents other substances, such as fat, from binding with oxygen, thereby slowing the deterioration process. aromatherapy- the art of using essential oils, derived from roots, flowers, leaves, fruits, herbs, and woods, to alter both mental and physical status/conditions. These essences can be used for various treatments including body massage, inhalation therapy, and water therapy. astringent- constricts tissue to cut off the flow of fluids or blood, thus giving skin a smoother and firmer texture and appearance. carrier oils- aromatherapy oils are so concentrated that they should rarely be used more than a few drops at a time, and they should always be in a diluted base. Oils such as sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, and jojoba oil [as well as others] are used as the base to hold these essential oils, and are therefore called "carrier oils" . compress- a cloth soaked in a herbal infusion, then applied to an area of skin that is painful or tired. The compress can be either hot or cold, and the various herbs determine what affects the compress has on the body part. (most relieve irritation or fatigue). decoction- a solution made by simmering roots, barks, or the woody parts of plants in water to extract the active ingredients. The infusion is then strained prior to use. detoxification- a process that facilitates or speeds the elimination of toxins from the body, and increases circulation in the process. Most often heat, water and herbs are used. Detoxification therapies include steam, sauna, inhalation therapy, and whirlpool bathes. diaphoretic- a substance that induces perspiration. diuretic- a substance that increases the release and elimination of toxins, generally through elimination. emollient- a substance that smooths and softens essential oils- concentrated oils that are derived from roots, flowers, leaves, fruits, herbs, and woods. These essences are used to treat various maladies and induce . exfoliation- a treatment thats purpose is to scour dead skin cells from the body. holistic health- a philosophy that seeks balance and harmony. A life-style where well-being is promoted by balancing emotional, spiritual, and physical health, holistic health deals with the root of problems not simply the manifestations of those problems (symptoms of illness). homeopathy- a form of medicine in which patients are treated with small quantities of natural substances meant to trigger symptoms like those that are in need of being cured, by this the body is encouraged to heal itself. humecant- a substance that promotes moisture retention. hydroculator- a pre-made, clay-filled compress. infused oil- an aromatic infusion of herbs into oil, which is applied externally or used in salves, lotions, or creams. inhalation room- a room where steam is mixed with eucalyptus. Breathing the infused steam is meant to decongest the respiratory system. iridology- a method of detecting the condition of body organs by reading markings in the iris of the eye. mud bath- the body is coated with organic, thermal mud to release tension and nourish the skin with minerals. naturopathy- natural healing prescriptions that use plants and flowers. peliotherapy- the therapeutic use of muds. peloids- a generic term for muds. percussion- a massage term for the gentle, rhythmical taps on the body (like a light karate chop) to awaken the body and increase its vitality. petrissage- a massage term for deep circular movements of the fingertips or thumbs on a particular muscle. phytotherapy- a generic term for treatments through mud packs, baths, massages, or inhalation using herbs, plant oils, or extracts. poultice- a plant or herb compress used to relieve pain , swelling, or irritation. The plant or herb itself is applied directly to the affected area, then a cloth is wrapped over and around the plant or herb. regenerative- reviving or producing tissue growth. rubefacient- any substance that causes redness of the skin. salve- an herbal ointment that is not water based and does not blend with the skin, but forms a protective layer over it. It is used to protect, nourish or treat injured and/or sensitive skin. thalassotherapy- water-based treatments utilizing seawater, seaweed, algae and/or mud to rejuvinate, cleanse, energize, and nourish. The treatments improve circulation, detoxify and revitalize the body. tincture- an infusion where an herb or a mixtire of herbs are steeped in alcohol, glycerine, or vinegar and water. tonic- a substance that fortifies the body when taken over a period of time and balances the "qi", what the Chinese call the viatal force of life.

Therapy and Treatments Descriptions

cold plunge- a deep pool of water where the temperature is kept to 60 degrees F/ 15.5 C or below. It is usually utilized after a steamy, hot shower. A quick plunge in this cold pool will instantly invigorate. crystal healing- a healing energy generated by quartz or other minerals. deep sea mud treatment- a mineral rich mud that is imported from the Dead Sea and applied to the body to cleanse pores and relax muscles. This mud is especially high in calcium, magnesium chloride, and potassium chloride and will ease arthritic and rheumatic pain. dulse scrub- In order to remove dead skin while enriching the skin with vitamins and minerals, the body is scrubbed with a mixture of powdered dulse seaweed and either oil or water. facial- a deep-cleansing treatment of the face, neck, and shoulder. fango therapy, sometimes called parafango, is the mixture of hot paraffin wax mixed with natural volcanic ash that is spread over the entire body, or affected parts, to promote joint and/or muscle mobility, relaxation, and alleviate the aches and pains of illness or injury. flotation tank- a tank filled with mineral-enriched water. Floating in darkness in this tank is supposed to promote relaxation by clearing the senses. Also known as a sensory deprivation tank. haysack wrap- a body detoxification treatment that utilizes steamed hay. herbal wrap- the body is wrapped in sheets that have been soaked in a heated herbal solution, then covered in plastic blankets or sheets. The generated heat eliminates impurities from the skin and enhances muscle relaxation. hydrotherapy- water treatments such as underwater massage, hot and cold showers, mineral baths and jet sprays for example. Hydrotherapy assists in the healing process of almost any ailment, and this type of therapy, which is one of the oldest methods known to man, provides stimulation and relaxation at the same time. iodine-brine therapy- a treatment that utilizes bathing in water that is rich in iodine and salt to speed the recuperation and convalescence process. Kneipp system- treatments that combine hydrotherapy with herbal preparationsand a diet of natural foods. Laciol manicure- a treatment where hands are soaked in a dish of milk or warm moisturizing cream to sooth and smooth the skin. loofah scrub- a full body scrub with a loofah sponge and sea salt, usually mixed with a warm oil (often avocado or sweet almond). Its purpose is to exfoliate the skin and stimulate circulation. moor mud pack- a healing treatment that is prepared with nutrient rich muds from the bottom of inland spa lakes. Its purpose is to improve cell regeneration, stimulate lymph glands, and balance hormones. paraffin treatments- covering the hands, feet or entire body with hot paraffin wax, a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and then covering with plastic wrap. The wax is peeled off after it hardens, leaving the skin smooth . Ingredients in the wax moisturize the skin as they increase mobility in the joints and muscles. repechage- facial or full-bodied cleansing or moisturizing treatment using mud or clay and herbs and/or seaweed. Roman bath- a heated seawater jacuzzi with jets and benches for seated bathing. Roman chair- an exercise machine specifically intended to strengthen back muscles. salt glow scrub- a mixture of coarse salt and aromatic oils that is rubbed all over the body to help remove drying, dead skin, while improving circulation. sauna- dry heat used to open the pores and encourage the sweating out of impurities. Scotch Hose- a treatment that utilizes a high powered water spray to invigorate, energize, and/or cleanse. The water can be either hot or cold, freshwater or seawater. sweat lodge- a Native American spiritual purification ceremony. Swiss shower- a shower where powerful jets are aimed at different body parts to create an invigorating massage. Vichey shower- an eregizing treatment where water jets are set at varying temperatures and pressures.

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Wrap It Up!

The Basics of Body Wrapping

While the treatments listed here are more time consuming than some of the facial or hair treatments, they are well worth the indulgence! In addition to the physical benefits brought forth by the various ingredients used, the rewarding spiritual effects cannot be ignored. So go ahead and wrap yourself in the ocean's best and emerge like a new creation, a mermaid perhaps?

Tips to Enhance Your Treatment

Prior to a treatment, make sure that you remove all lotion, perfume, deodorant, and dirt by taking a quick shower. It will be better if use a non-perfumed soap (an all natural soap is best, but a mild one will do). Warming the tools , towels, sheets and wrap ingredients will help with your body's heat retention, thus enhancing your experience. To this end, use of a space heater is also recommended. Placing it near your relaxation area will not only prolong the heat of the wrap for as long as possible, but it will increase your comfort level. You can further intensify your treatment, as well as raise your body's temperature by sipping on some hot herbal tea before your treatment. The cotton strips or sheet that you use to wrap should be immersed in water that is approximately 180 degrees F or 82 degrees C. Wearing rubber gloves to wring out the sheets will help you avoid burning your fingers. Begin by wrapping the strips snugly around your legs, then your arms, and lastly your torso. Make sure to tuck the ends of the strip under a wrapped area nearby to ensure a snug fit. Once you are finished, lay yourself on a plastic sheet (or a shower curtain) and wrap yourself up in it, then cover yourself with blankets, as this will help to maintain the warmth and heat helps activate your treatment. Once you are finished wrapping, put on a warm robe and sit and relax for 20 minutes, unless otherwise directed. Keep in mind that it is very important that you do NOT attempt any physical activity immediately after your treatment. It is usually best to slowly remove the strips and simply roll into bed after relaxation type wraps. Showering shortly after many treatment is not recommended, so please do so only if the recipe specifically mentions it in the instructions.

Recipes/Directions

To get prepared, select your relaxation spot, such as your bed, the bathtub or a lounge chair, then place the plastic sheet or shower curtain liner on it. Set up the space heater next to it and turn it on. Place blankets nearby.

Relaxation Wrap

1 Cup fresh, chopped, chamomile OR 1/2 Cup dried chamomile 1 Cup fresh, grated valerian root OR 1/2 Cup dried valerian root 1 Cup fresh, crushed lavender OR 1/2 Cup dried lavender 1 cotton or linen sheet cut into 3" wide strips 1 large pot for boiling water (a lobster or spaghetti pot works well) 1 plastic shower curtain liner or plastic sheet blankets Place the herbs in a large pot and fill with water, then bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for five minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for five minutes. With a strainer, scoop out as many of the herbs as possible. Then place the sheet strips in the pot and allow to steep for five minutes. Once your five minutes is up, remove the strips one at a time, as you use them, and wring out the excess water. Proceed to wrap yourself as described above, making sure to cover and relax for 10 minutes, after which you should remove the strips slowly and roll on into bed. Valerian has been used since ancient Roman times as a mild sedative, and is used today as a mild sleep aid and anxiety reliever. Chamomile offers calming and anti-spasmodic properties, while lavender lends its balancing, relaxing, and restorative properties, all of which combine to make this wrap the perfect end to a stressful day. Using this wrap just prior to bedtime will maximize its effectiveness, as will delaying washing until the next morning.

Detoxifying Wrap

1 Cup fresh, chopped lemongrass OR 1/2 Cup dried lemongrass 1 3" long piece of grated or minced ginger root 1 large pot for boiling 1 cotton or linen sheet cut into 3" wide strips 1 plastic sheet or shower curtain liner blankets place the lemongrass and the ginger in a large pot and filled with water. Bring to a boil and simmer, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to sit for another 5 minutes. Scoop out as much of the herbs as possible, then place the sheet strips in the pot and steep for 5 minutes. Remove the strips one at a time, as you use them, and wring out the excess water. Apply as instructed in the tip section above. Once completely wrapped, cover with blankets and relax for 15 minutes. After you remove the wrap strips, shower off. Ginger has been cultivated in Southeast Asia for over 2,500 years for its medicinal properties. It has been found to rid the body of flu-like symptoms, colds, and respiratory ailments, while the scent of lemongrass uplifts and rejuvenates moods. Lemongrass has tonic, invigorating and antiseptic properties, while ginger offers stimulating and cleansing effects, which makes this wrap perfect for part of your morning ritual.

Remineralizing Wrap

8 oz dried or powdered seaweed OR 3oz fresh seaweed water (enough to make a paste) 2 Plastic sheet or shower curtain liner blankets This wrap is probably best executed in the bathtub for ease of cleanup. Put a blanket (or blankets, enough so that you are comfortable) on the bottom of the tub, then set the plastic sheet or shower curtain liner on top of the blanket(s). While sitting in the tub, on top of the plastic, cover yourself with the seaweed past or the fresh seaweed, then wrap yourself with a plastic sheet and blankets. Relax for 20 minutes, then slowly unwrap yourself, remove the blankets and sheets from the tub, fill with warm water and relax for an additional 10 minutes. After the treatment pat your skin dry, and don't forget to moisturize. *Make sure that you use the space heater for this treatment. Seaweed wraps are a quick way to remineralize the body while replenishing the body with nutrients and elements that are lost on a daily basis, such as amino-acids, calcium, copper, iodine, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, protein, and vitamins. The molecular formation of the human blood cell and that of seawater is very similar, which allows nutrients from the seawater to easily filter through the pores of the skin and directly into the bloodstream. The most popular type of seaweed used for cosmetic and healing purposes is kelp, which is the common name for the leafy brown algae that grows along colder coastlines. Although using fresh seaweed is optimal, a seaweed powder (mixed with enough water to create a mayonnaise-like paste) will give you equally satisfying results.

A Little Mind, Body and Soul

Taking a holistic approach to your health care means to create a balance in your personal life, family relationships, community activities, and work environment. Finding "wholeness" through acknowledging, honoring, and healing all your individual parts; Mind, Body, Emotion, and Spirit, is the ultimate goal. To take the first step, we need to become knowledgable about the various methods used to gain this balance. We must understand the basics before we can decide what we are willing to try, and what may work best for our needs. To that end, I have been researching and listing some of the many types of treatments available today. For the more physical and massage type of treatments, please see the following post; http://uniquegardenessences.blogspot.com/2009/02/whats-that-touch.html

Today's posted treatments may have physical components, but they [also] strongly impact the mind and/or the spirit. Since holistic seeks balance of the mind, body and spirit, most treatments are multifaceted. No matter what treatment you are looking at though, I strongly encourage you to be knowledgeable about the method and to be bold and adventuresome. Don't be afraid to try something new! You never know when the new thing will become your favorite thing!

Aromatherapy is the at of using aromatic essences [essential oils] derived from flowers, leaves, roots, shrubs, woods and fruits for healing. The aromas of essential oils are beneficial for many ailments, and the oils themselves are used for various treatments, including total body massage, inhalation therapy and even baths. Interestingly, during the time of the plague [in Europe], people who worked closely with essential oils (pharmacists or priests for example) seemed to be spared from contracting the disease. Since that time, essential oils have been recognized to alleviate, and used to treat, a wide variety of ailments. The term "aromatherapy" was first coined by the French in the 1930's.

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of traditional folk medicine that combines nutrition, essential oils, massage, and meditation to restore the body to its perfect balance.

Each Bach Flower essence used today was intuitively derived by Edward Bach, a homeopathic physician in the early 20th century, who felt that certain flowers had energetic and associated virtues. These remedies are made with very small amounts of flower material which are mixed in a 50:50 solution of water and brandy, and used to alter mental conditions. These remedies can be added to food or water, used in a topical application or made into a mist. There are 38 Bach Flower remedies, each corresponding to specific emotional states. If more than one remedy is needed, you can combine up to four of them.

Balneotherapy refers to water-based treatments such as those using thermal hot springs, mineral water or seaweed which helps digestion and relieves gastric discomfort.

Chi Kung is a Chinese exercise focusing on breathing and body movements to reharg and energize the body.

Guided Imagery uses visualiztion to stimulate the body's immune system.

Hakomi Method is a body based psychotherapy which uses a special state of consciousness to help probe non-verbal levels. Body-mind awareness and touch are used to explore the body as a deep source of information.

Hellerwork is a system of deep-tissue body work, stress reduction and movement re-education, developed by Joseph Heller.

Hypnotherapy engenders a state of physical and mental relaxation ,which is then applied to psychological issues.

Kneipp System is a system of treatments that combine hydrotherapy with herbal preperations and a diet of natural foods, which was named after Father Sebastian Kneipp.

Neuromuscular therapy is a technique that works on the combination of relief from soft tissue pain and dysfunction. The focus of the work is to find the origin of pain and to address it. Neuromuscular therapy is intended to renew structual homeeostasis by restoring normal physiological functioning among muscles , nerves and the musculosceletal system. It is very effective in breaking chronic pain cycles.

Panchakarma is a system, or way of life that focuses on meditation, diet, cleansing, and purifying treatments to achieve internal balance, as well as balance with one's surroundings.

Pilates Method was developed in the 1920's by the German, Dr. Joseph Pilates. It is a body conditioning system that focuses on improving flexibility and body strength, without incresing bulk.

Stress management is a program of meditation and deep relaxation that is intended to reduce the effects of stress on the body systems.

T'ai Chi Ch'uan is an ancient Chinese martial art form of styalized, meditative exercise. It is characterized by slow, methodical, circular and stretching movements and positions of bodily balance.

Yoga is a disciplin of stretching and toning the body through movements, breathing exercises, postures, relaxation techniques, and diet. It is practiced to achieve control of the body and the mind.

Zero Balancing was created by Dr. Fritz Smith (an Md.). It focuses on guiding the body to find its own equilibrium by balancing the body energy and body structure.

Set Your Tude, Get Into the Mood!

SETTING THE MOOD

Before you are really ready to pamper yourself (or another) with a home spa treatment, you need to begin to adjust your attitude and gather some items to enhance the mood! So here are some basics that you need have on hand, and some items that will enhance your spa treatment and your over-all experience. You can find most "basic" items that you will need right in your kitchen cabinet. The basics are the items that you will need to make, mix, use and/or store your treatments. Try to avoid tools that have silver, copper, aluminum, teflon, or cast-iron finishes. Stay with stainless steel, enamel, or glass utensils, as these will not react with any of the ingredients in treatment recipes. To create the best spa type experience, one that will bring you complete relaxation, rejuvenation and even luxury, you will need to add a second category of "basics", and those are the mood enhancing basics. These are items that will bring in the personal touches, and that will add an extra dimension to your experience. By adding these "basics", you will elevate your experience to the next level so to speak, raising it to the high level of a purchased spa package, and all for a fraction of the cost! Sooooooo, before you begin looking at books and creating recipes, make sure that you have the following on hand and ready to go! -A blender or food processor-a glass one is better than the plastic -A spice mill or coffee grinder-used to finely grind herbs -A wire whisk -Tongs-a must for picking up the hot sheet strips in body wraps -A double broiler- heats easily and melts without scorching -A x-large pot for boiling (a lobsterpot or stock pot works great) -Glass bowls for mixing -A few 2 or 3 quart sized ceramic or plastic bowls for holding seaweed, clay, salts and/or water -A very large bowl or basin for facial steams -Wooden spoons for mixing/blending -Vegetable peeler for peeling citrus fruits -Knives and a chopping board for cutting -A funnel -Glass jars and bottles for storing your preparations. Old mayonnaise, pickle or jam jars are great for this! -A strainer -Plastic bottles w/ flip top lids for storing shampoos and conditioners -Glass mason jars aka canning jars for brewing teas and making infusions -Glass measuring cup -Measuring spoon set -A dropper, preferable a glass one for measuring essential oils -A loofah sponge or bath mitt for applying body treatments -A natural bristle brush for skin treatments. This is a short-handled brush with a head about the size of your palm. -A pumice stone -Plastic wrap, a shower cap, or a plastic bag for hair treatments that need to be left on for a time period. The plastic intensifies the effect of the heat and is useful for hot oil treatments and for certain conditioners. -Disposable rubber gloves are useful when handling mud or seaweed, or applying hair treatments. -Towels- 2 or 3 over-sized bath towels to wrap up your body in, 2 standard-size towels for facial steams, or to wrap your hair in, 2 hand-towels to pat dry with, and 2 washcloths for compresses. -Cotton bed sheets- 2 or 3 for laying on and for covering yourself to maintain body heat after a massage or wrap. It is best to use unbleached, all-natural fiber sheets. -Cotton twin sheets-2. One to be cut into strips for body wraps (twin size is probably okay for this) and one to be used whole for the full-body wrap. Again, all-natural, unbleached cotton is best. -Pillows to raise your head or feet. Goose down is usually more comfortable, but synthetic fibers are easier to machine wash in case of spills. -Blankets for keeping warm after a bath, massage or wrap, or for using over the sheet. Although wool may be warmer, an all cotton blanket will be easier to wash if some of your treatment gets on it. -Shower curtain or plastic sheet is greta to retain the heat of a body wrap and/or to protect your laying surface. -Muslin sacks are great for preparing your herbal bath teas, sachets, and soaks. Those are all the basic BASICS you should need. Now for the Mood enhancing basics. These are highly preferential and you may use all or a combination of your favorites. -An Answering machine or Voice Mail will handle all of your messages, so turn off the phone ringers and leave the outside world outside! -Aromatherapy candles will enhance the effect of a bath and accentuate the mood. Make sure that you use the scent that will benefit you and your needs the most.

• Balancing; Geranium or Lavender
• Headache Relief; Lavender, Marjoran, or Peppermint
• Healing; Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, or Rosemary
• Meditation; Cedarwood, Patchouli, or Pine
• Stress Relief; Bergamot, Grapefruit, or Lavender

-A Bathrobe will add warmth and comfort to your experience. -A Bathtub tray will help keep your extras right at hand, and your book dry. -Beverage. Make sure that you choose water with lemon, lime, or orange slices, herbal teas, or healthful type drinks. Alcoholic beverages will increase your heart rate and your body temperature, so therefore should be avoided. -Books are a great indulgance while you are soaking in a tub. So pick your favorite before you hop in! -Flowers. fresh cut flowers are a treat for your senses and make a great addition to the over-all spa type setting. -An Inflatable neck pillow will add comfort while soaking. -Music can be a distinct mood alterer, so IF you choose to use it, make sure that you choose a peaceful, relaxing cd. You can find lots of mood music in most stores, including the dollar tree, so try going outside your (musical) box. You certainly don't want to be banging your head in the tub! lol. It rather defeats the purpose. -Slippers are great for comfort and warmth after treatments. -A space heater will help keep your body warm after a massage or body wrap. *Make sure that you never leave the heater unattended.* Now that you know all the basics that you will need, take inventory and go shopping if need be. Then set aside a few hours and prepare to treat yourself to a home spa treatment. Look in back