Abdominal Massage: Deep kneading of the stomach, intestines, and reproductive organs helps alleviate painful menstruation, headaches, and digestive disorders.

Acussage: A combination of acupuncture and massage (and sometimes other energy therapies like reiki) that focuses on neural and musculoskeletal imbalances.

Acupuncture: The ancient Chinese healing system of inserting ultrafine needles in acupoints along the body's meridians, or energy channels, to open up blockages and balance the flow of energy.

Aromatherapy: The use of botanical essential oils to rejuvenate, relax, or heal mind, body, and spirit.

Aqua-Chi: A blend of tai chi and karate moves carried out in water that leaves you feeling energized, relaxed, and balanced.

Aqua Kick Boxing: A full-body workout that uses martial arts and boxing moves in water to improve cardiovascular endurance and strength.

Autogenous Training: Scientifically validated techniques that focus on recognizing and releasing mental and physical tension through mind-body reactive training.

Ayurveda: The ancient Indian art and science of holistic health and healing focuses on establishing and maintaining balance of mind and body with the aid of herbs, nutrition, aromatherapy, and body therapies. See also Dosha.

Banya: A traditional Russian healing ritual using moist heat and switches to purify the body (also known as sweat bathing).

Biofeedback: A stress management technique utilizing a machine to display vital physiological functions on a real-time monitor; teaches patients to control blood pressure and heart rate through breathing and relaxation patterns.

Body Polish: Gentle exfoliation of the skin using botanical or marine extracts.

Body Wrap: Enveloping the body in soft plastic or blankets after the application of a full-body mask. Also wrapping the body in a warm sheet steeped in an herbal mixture.

Breathwork: The soul of yogic practice and all forms of meditation, breathwork focuses the mind on inhalation and exhalation. It has been scientifically validated for its ability to relax the central nervous system, thus managing stress, anxiety, and even insomnia.

Breema: A self-healing system involving a practitioner who rocks, cradles, and stretches a fully clothed client in fluid rolling sequences.

Chakras: Seven energy centers in the body located at specific points between the base of the spine and the top of the skull; each is related to certain physical processes and emotions and all must be in balance for optimal wellness.

Chakra Balancing: Correcting imbalance in the body seven major energy centers with the use of essential oils and gentle pressure. Positive life energy is transferred from practitioner to recipient via the hands to help eliminate blockages, thereby restoring good health.

Chanting: Meditations involving the repetition of certain resonant sounds; bolstered by scientific research indicating that the practice can change brainwave patterns, lower blood pressure, and boost the immune system. See also Harmonic Therapy.

Color Therapy: The use of color and light to enhance well-being and influence mood and behavior patterns. Examples include colored facial or body masks and illuminated hydrotherapy tubs. See also Light Therapy.

Core Conditioning: An exercise regimen that strengthens the deepest muscle layers of the abs, back, and shoulders, preventing injury and improving performance in a wide range of activities.

Couples Massage: Simultaneous, side-by-side therapeutic massage for two (one therapist for each person) intended to enhance communication and physical intimacy.

Craniosacral Therapy: Using light touch on the head, sacrum, and energy pathways, practitioners subliminally help the client detect and clear blockages in the body created by trauma and other negative experiences.

Cruise Line Spa: Spas aboard cruise ships that offer spa treatments, fitness programs, workout facilities, and often spa cuisine.