It's completely natural to come across unfamiliar terms when reading a spa menu. "What does petrissage mean?", "What's the navel stone?", "What's the difference between deep tissue and sports massage?" In this glossary of spa and massage terms we explain the most common concepts in plain language.
Massage Techniques
- Effleurage: Long, flowing gliding strokes with the palms. They open and close the massage.
- Petrissage: Gently lifting and kneading the muscles.
- Friction: Small, circular, deep movements with the fingertips.
- Tapotement: Rhythmic, light percussion; an invigorating effect.
- Vibration: Gentle vibration created by hand.
- Acupressure: Finger pressure on specific points; often used in massages of Far Eastern origin.
- Stretching: Passively lengthening muscles and joints; an important part of Thai and Balinese massage.
Massage Types
- Swedish Massage: The foundation of classic massage; balanced pressure and flowing movements. Details: What Is Swedish Massage?
- Deep Tissue Massage: A technique reaching the deeper layers of muscle with slow, firm pressure.
- Aromatherapy Massage: A gentle massage enriched with essential oils.
- Balinese Massage: An Indonesian ritual combining stretching, acupressure and aromatic oils.
- Volcanic Hot Stone Massage: Massage with heated basalt stones.
- Reflexology: Pressure and massage on specific areas of the soles of the feet.
- Indian Head Massage: A treatment focused on the scalp, neck, shoulders and face.
- Four-Hand Massage: Massage by two therapists working simultaneously in sync. Details: What Is Four-Hand Massage?
- Couples Massage: Two guests massaged at the same time in the same room.
- Sports Massage: A brisk massage focused on hard-working muscle groups.
Hammam Terms
- Göbek taşı (navel stone): The heated marble platform at the centre of the hammam.
- Kese: The textured mitt used to remove dead skin, and the name of the treatment.
- Köpük (foam): Foam made with natural soap, inflated with a cloth bag and spread over the body with massage.
- Peştamal: The traditional cotton wrap used in the hammam.
- Kurna: The marble basin where water collects in the hammam.
For the hammam ritual step by step, see The Turkish Hammam Step by Step.
Hot and Cold Areas
- Dry sauna: High temperature, low humidity; Finnish style.
- Steam room: Lower temperature, very high humidity.
- Cold plunge: A short immersion in cold water. Details: What Is Cold Plunge?
- Contrast therapy: Alternating hot and cold treatments.
Oils
- Carrier oil: Light plant oils such as almond or jojoba that form the base of a massage.
- Essential oil: Concentrated aromatic plant extracts, used diluted.
For details, see our guide to massage oils.
The Spa Experience
- Relax Lounge: The resting area before and after sessions.
- Consultation: The short conversation with your therapist before the session.
- Wellness: The whole of physical, mental and emotional well-being.
- Ritual: An experience combining several treatments in a set order.
If there's still something on the menu you don't understand, don't hesitate to ask. Browse our services or contact us; our specialists offer a free consultation.
