Day Spa Glossary
Above and Beyond Organic™ Sourcing. Aveda sources ingredients that are certified organic, biodynamic and sustainably wild-harvested to have the least impact on the land and to support farmers who grow them. Aveda studies and documents the power of these plants with ABCSM and they trace their sources from Soil to BottleSM.
What does this mean to you? Simply this… Aveda's products are pure and made in a way to ensure that you, your skin and hair, and also the planet and people that that are involved, all derive a sustainable and health-supporting benefit.
Simply a smarter choice for your health and beauty.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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Acupressure. Oriental technique of applying pressure to specific pressure points to improve the flow of energy.
Acupuncture. Oriental technique of inserting needles into specific pressure points to stimulate healing and balance.
Anti-Aging. Product or treatment that combats or defends against the aging process.
Aromatherapy. Twentieth Century term which is based on the ancient practice of utilizing essential oils to heal by therapeutically stimulating the nasal/olfactory senses, mental responses, circulatory and respiratory functions.
Aromaology™. The science of using aroma to promote personal balance and well-being – the pioneering vision behind Aveda.
Aslan Therapy. Developed in Romania, gerovital drug therapy believed to combat the aging process.
Aveda BioEnergy CaptureSM (GDV). The name for our Kirlian photography process, which shows the inherent energy of oils or plants. Break-through scientific knowledge that measures the life force of essential oils, allowing us to identify their unique properties and determine how they can best balance mind, body and emotions.
Aveda Freelance Advisors. Freelancers working in salons during special events/for makeup.
Aveda Lifestyle Salon and Spa. The flagship Aveda salon or spa with a minimum of 500 square feet of dedicated retail space. Freestanding. Sells only Aveda.
Ayurveda. Eastern Indian philosophy and practice of utilizing herbal and other folklore adaptations, as well as meditation, to create a balance between the internal and external self.
Balneotherapy. Water therapies used to "cure" a variety of ailments, including stress, arthritis, circulation, etc. Employs mineral, salt or purified water.
Beauty Spa. A Spa which focuses on the beautification of clients rather than health and fitness. Beauty Spas often focus on beauty treatments such as manicures, pedicures, and facials.
Beauty Treatments. Treatments which focus on helping clients to look their best, in areas such as hands, feet, face, and body. Some of the most common beauty treatments are manicures and pedicures which focus on maintenance of nails, skin, and application of nail polish.
Biodynamic. Holistic farming that goes beyond certified organic – treating all entities on the farm as part of a self-contained ecosystem.
Botanical. Made from or containing plants.
Brush and Tone. Exfoliating treatment involving the dry brushing of skin to remove dead cells and stimulate circulation, and then applying hydrating oils or moisturizing agents to soften the skin. The dry brushing technique may also be used as a preparatory step for other treatments such as a seaweed wrap or fango/parafango.
Chamomile. A plant belonging to the daisy family; it has a soothing effect on the skin and also lightens hair.
Chakra. Ayurvedic term for the energy center. It is believed that there are seven chakras, which are all interconnected and which must be balanced.
Cleansing. To free and detoxify ones body from cumulative toxins.
Complementary Medicine. Non-traditional forms of medical therapies used to treat a variety of illnesses/deficiencies; these include vitamins, herbs, aromatherapy, meditation, massage, etc.
Day Spa. A Day Spa is a Spa which does not offer accommodation of any form of overnight stay. Some guests prefer a Day Spa to Hotel Spas as they take less commitment of time and tend to be less expensive.
Deep-cleansing Facial. Aestheticians use machines or manual techniques to open pores, extract blackheads, purify and revitalize skin.
Doshas. Ayurvedic body functions; Vata for blood, circulation and healing; Pitta for heat and metabolism; and Kapha for the body’s structure.
Duo Massage. Synchronous massage treatment done by two therapists. Done properly, the sense of touch isn’t discernible, the four hands performing the treatment work in unison.
Elemental NatureSM. Skin and body care philosophy (applies to retail and spa environments) that serves as a foundation for personalized recommendations – products, spa services and self-care rituals. Based on the ancient plant-based elements – infinity, air, fire, water and earth – that, when out of balance, are believed to affect skin’s condition. It allows us to make personalized recommendations for products and services that help maintain balance.
Environmental Footprint (Ecological Footprint). The world's premiere measure of humanity’s demand on nature. It is a measurement of how much land and water area a human population requires to produce the resources it consumes, and resources required to absorb waste, using a prevailing technology.
Essential Oils. The aromatic (liquid) substance extracted from roots, bark, flowers, grasses, etc., which are then used as part of a cosmetic or therapeutic treatment, such as aromatherapy.
Esthetician. Skin care specialist who focuses on the treatment of skin as part of a beauty therapy such as a facial or the treatment and maintenance of healthy skin.
European Facial. Treatment that begins with deep cleansing, steam, exfoliation, and professional massage of the face, shoulders, and chest area, followed by a special mask that hydrates the skin.
Exfoliation. The process of removal and sloughing of dead skin cells. This process also aids in improving circulation through stimulating blood flow. The pressure used to generate the process further aids in relaxation and stress reduction.
Eyelash Extensions. A procedure in which single synthetic strands of individual lashes are applied directly, one-by-one, to your individual eyelashes for a natural look and feel. A specialized adhesive developed specifically for this purpose is used. Lashes adhere for approximately 1-2 months with routine touchups every 2-4 weeks.
Facial. Generic term for treatment of skin in the face; it usually includes massaging, cleansing, toning, steaming, exfoliating, and moisturizing.
Gommage. Body treatment that cleanses and rehydrates, utilizing various creams applied in long. massage-like strokes.
Green. Concerned with or promoting environmentalism by recycling, making bidogradable products, or limiting pollution.
Green ingredients. A single or combined set of organic elements that is biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Aveda products offer women and men a way to green their hair care and skin car.
Herbal Wrap. Body treatment utilizing herb-soaked linen sheeting that is wrapped around the body. The person is then covered with a blanket and has a cold compress applied to the forehead. Treatment lasts between twenty and thirty minutes. It stimulates circulation, detoxification and relaxation. The treatment process elevates body temperatures and heart rates. (Not recommended for those with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or when pregnant.)
Herbalism. A health alternative to treating certain non-life-threatening ailments with plants and plant essences. May also be referred to as "folk medicine".
Holistic Medicine, Holistic Health. Has its roots in herbalism but also incorporates other forms of non-traditional approaches and beliefs such as Eastern disciplines and meditation. It includes the relationship of one with all elements such as environmental, physical, spiritual, and emotional, and the balance between those elements.
Hot Stone Therapy. Relaxing, therapeutic treatment in which dark, smooth stones heated in hot water or hot spring pools are placed or stroked with light pressure on areas of the body such as the back, in the palms, and between the toes. Cold stones may also be used.
Hydrotherapy. Another term for balneotherapy or any treatments utilizing water as the primary facilitator. The type of water used is generally fresh or spring water, as opposed to seawater (thalassotherapy).
Hydro-Rejuvenation Body Treatment. Spa service that combines exfoliation and hydrotherapy.
Hypoallergenic. Cosmetic products alleged by the manufacturer to create fewer allergic reactions among those who are sensitive. However, no federal standards govern the use of this term.
Jojoba Oil. Oil derived from the seed of a jojoba tree that soothes skin and softens hair.
Kinesitherapy. Also referred to as physiotherapy, this treatment involves the active or passive movement of various parts of the body and aids in the circulatory process and strengthening of the body.
Lavender. A plant that soothes and relaxes. Lavender leaves, flowers, and oil are used in hair products and moisturizers. Lavender also helps to relieve burns and rid acne.
Life Enhancement. A type of spa that is dedicated to helping its guests develop a lifestyle with enhanced health and wellness. Life enhancement spas commonly employ health professionals such as nutritionists, registered nurses, psychotherapists, and personal trainers to help clients grapple with the various issues that contribute to a physically detrimental lifestyle.
Loofah Scrub. Body treatment utilizing the dead loofah plant as a friction implement to massage and exfoliate dead skin cells. Also improves circulation and relaxation.
Lymph Drainage. A massage treatment that stimulates circulation, reduces edema (water retention) and frees up stored toxins, encouraging them to flow out of the body. Treatment is done either through manual massage or as part of a hydrotherapy massage.
Lymphatic System. A complex network of lymphoid organs, lymph nodes, lymph ducts, lymphatic tissues, lymph capillaries and lymph vessels that produce and transport lymph fluid from tissues to the circulatory system. It is a major component of the immune system.
Makeup Application. Art or teaching of techniques for using cosmetics appropriate to an individual's skin type, style, and age.
Massage. Manipulation of tissues, usually manually, to improve health and well-being by relaxing muscles, relieving tension, and improving circulation.
Meditation. Any form of focusing on a specific thought, memory, breathing, etc. that encourages one to relax and achieve a greater sense of inner self, and to connect and balance the internal with the external self.
Microdermabrasion. Facial exfoliation procedure in which skin is "sandblasted" with ultra-fine crystals of aluminum oxide or other ingredients to remove the top layer of skin.
Mindfulness. Non-judgmental, undistracted state that is a goal of meditation and involves being aware of oneself and ones surroundings.
Moments Of Wellness. Every Aveda guest receives all five complimentary Aveda Rituals of Renewal each time she or he visits, with every service. Available at all Aveda stores, salons, spas. They are:
1.Tea Ritual. The offering of Aveda Comforting Tea to welcome our guests upon their arrival.
2.Stress-Relieving Hand Ritual. Relaxing power of touch helps reduce stress and promote health and balance.
3.Makeup Ritual. 3-5 minute makeup application designed to enhance eyes, cheeks, lips or face.
4.Aroma Sensory Journey. Designed to help a guest choose the aroma that best balances him or her that day.
5.Stress-Relieving Scalp and Shoulders Ritual. Relaxing power of touch helps reduce stress and promote health and balance.
Other Complimentary, Holistic Experiences: Available at all Aveda stores, salons, spas. Offered by Aveda Advisors:
1. Hair Care Experience. During a personalized consultation, a guest discovers the hair care that fits their needs, completed by a Stress-Relieving Neck and Shoulders Ritual and application of a finishing product in hair
2. Skin Care Experience. During a personalized consultation, a guest discovers the skin care system that fits their needs, completed by a Stress-Relieving Hand Ritual.
Naturally Derived. Aveda’s products that are comprised of organic ingredients, non-endangered plants, and non-petroleum-based minerals.
Naturopathy. The discipline of natural medicine and healing through the power of nature and all natural substances.
Oleation. Ayurvedic adapted treatment using friction massage of blended essential oils (similar to an aromatherapy massage).
Organic. Food produced with the exclusive use of feed or fertilizer of plant or animal origin and without the use of chemicals in any fashion, including growth hormones, pesticides, and fertilizers.
Organically Grown. Any substance derived naturally from a living organism. The term “organic” used by itself does not guarantee something is certified organic.
Pamper Breaks. A more modern term for the phrase “Spa Breaks”. It involves a period of relaxation and pampering in a spa or hotel destination.
Pamper Days. Short, one-day breaks that include activities you might find in spas or health farms. Pamper Days involve a range of treatments and facilities designed to make visitors feel “pampered” and relaxed.
Panchakarma. Ayurvedic cleansing and purification treatments using essential oils, massage and meditation techniques.
Paraffin. Heated, melted wax that has been infused with hydrating, emollient substances, menthol, etc. Used to ease pain and/or rehydrate.
Phytotherapy. Healing treatment with plants, such as herbs and seaweed, and in the form of aromatic essential oils and herbal and floral extracts, applied in conjunction with massage, packs and wraps, water and steam therapies, inhalation treatments, and homeopathy.
Polarity Massage. A technique of gently rocking, holding and massaging to stimulate relaxation, restore energy flow and encourage revitalization.
Pure Essences. Pure aromatic substances extracted from roots, bark and flowers in which no carrier oils are added.
Reflexology. Ancient Egyptian, Chinese and Indian therapy that treats the whole body through the touching of reflexes and their manipulation – primarily done on the feet but also done on hands and ears. The feet are believed to be microcosms of the entire body, having relational points which correlate to specific body parts, especially major organs and the circulatory system.
Reiki. Massage technique using subtle stationary hand positions on points of tension or injury; the therapist’s hands are usually fully extended and palms applied to the affected area.
Rosacea. Common facial skin disorder characterized by redness on the cheeks, nose, chin, or forehead; small visible blood vessels on the face, bumps, or pimples, and water or irritated eyes.
Salicylic Acid. A chemical used to dissolve dead skin cells on the skin’s outermost layer. Aveda uses a natural form of this acne-fighting ingredient from wintergreen oil in its products.
Salt Glow. A hydrating and exfoliating treatment where small amounts of oil and coarse salt are applied to dampened skin in circular or elongated strokes. Also aids in circulation.
Scrub. A type of treatment designed to exfoliate and reinvigorate your body. It involves “scrubbing” the skin to remove dead cells, which in turn encourages the growth of new ones.
Seaweed Wrap. Body treatment using concentrated seawater and seaweed that contains nutrients including minerals, rare trace elements, vitamins, and proteins. Said by proponents to detoxify, increase circulation, and improve appearance of cellulite.
Shiatsu. Japanese massage technique of acupressure used to stimulate pressure points and improve energy flow.
Shiro Dhara. Ayurvedic treatment of warmed oil slowly pouring over the middle of the forehead, where it is believed the third eye resides. Induces relaxation.
Skin Care Consultation. Customized skin care coaching and recommendations by a Spa Consultant, finding the perfect products and regime for your skin's health and well-being.
Skin Masque. Customized to each person's skin type, skin care products are applied to the face and neck to cleanse, tone and remove dry skin.
Soil to BottleSM. Grown organically, biodynamically or wild-harvested ingredients that are of the highest quality and are traceable from the source.
S.P.A. Latin for solus per aqua; or, to enter by means of water. Others have interpreted this to mean "health through water".
Spa. Facility where one goes for a variety of treatments and reasons, whether to relax, rejuvenate, exercise or get pampered. Rejuvenation, relaxation and revitalization are the goals of any of these three forms of spas.
Types of spas include:
1. Day Spa.This is usually a facility combined with a salon but may also be a self-contained facility where spa-type treatments and services can be given during the course of a day, and overnight accommodations aren’t available.
2. Amenity Spa or Resort Spa. As the name implies, this is an added facility for the resort client who enjoys the concept of a spa in combination with other non-spa activities.
3. Destination Spa. All guests participate in a variety of exclusively structured programs, combining nutrition, healing, meditation, exercising, pampering, etc. Guests who stay at one of these facilities usually do so for a minimum of three to four days; some of these facilities only offer weekly programs.
Spa Day. Refers to a visit to a spa which does not involve an overnight stay but instead is structured around the concept of visiting for the whole day (usually from about 10 am until 5 pm). Spa days typically involve administration of spa treatments and usage of on-site spa facilities.
Spa Treatments. Spa Treatments are offered as an optional extra service at Day Spas and Health Spas. They usually involve a range of treatment types such as massages, scrubs, wraps, manicures and pedicures.
Stress Management. Combination of physical exercise, deep relaxation techniques, and visualization techniques meant to reduce the ill effects of stress on the body.
Stress-Relieving Neck and Shoulders Ritual. Relaxing power of touch helps reduce stress and promote health and balance.
Swedish Massage. Massage technique employing the gentle but firm manipulation of pressure points and muscles; skin is lubricated with either a single or blended oil to promote friction and ease of manipulation of the skin.
Thalassotherapy. Any treatment employing the utilization of sea water and marine by-products, which are mineral and nutrient rich, and which have a curative or restorative property, benefiting the internal and external. The term is from the Greek thalassa, or sea.
Therapies. In the context of a spa setting and/or environment, a set of prescribed processes designed to generate well-being, healing, relaxation, behavior modification, etc., which may affect a variety of internal and external ailments or conditions. Specifically:
•Aroma - essential oils
•Balneo - water (collective adaptations/types)
•Masso/Presso - manipulation of pressure points
•Physio - any of the masso/presso, thermal and mechanical adaptations.
•Phyto - plant
•Radon - inert gas
•Thalasso - sea water and marine by-products
•Thermal - heat (including natural mineral springs), wet and massage/manipulation
Towel Wrap. Hot towel wrap used after treatments in professional services.
Vichy Shower. Multi-jet mechanism suspended over a wet-table used as part of various treatments such seaweed wrap, dulse scrub, fango, gommage, etc. Used to not only rinse any remains of the treatment’s substance from the body, but also to relax and stimulate circulation.
Waxing. Hair removal treatment using cold or hot wax.
Whole Truth™. Skin and body care that is organic according to EcoCert guidelines, with a strong aromaology™ aspect and emphasis on holistic, personalized spa treatments.
Wild-crafted. Sustainably gathered by hand in its natural habitat. The key is that the suppliers can prove their methods of harvest and that the volumes they are harvesting are able to be replenished in a time-frame that allows for additional cycles of harvest, and for the ecosystem to stay intact. In Leleshwa copy, this is called “responsibly wild-crafted”.
Wind Power Line. First beauty company manufacturing with 100% wind power. Learn about our funding of wind turbines at Aveda.com.
