Wellness Lexicon

A-F

Abhyanga

A gentle but firm whole body massage according to ayurveda with selected medicated oils. Energy points are activated and you are deeply relaxed. (see Ayurveda)

AHA fruit acid

Alpha hydroxy acid. This acid is found in fruit and is used in cosmetic products as a skin peeling to cleanse the skin.

Acupressure

The word comes from the Latin "pointed pressure". This is a pressure treatment on key points on the body, often applied by the fingertips. Acupressure is based on ancient knowledge from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). According to TCM energy circulates in the body on meridians. Each meridian and acupressure point corresponds to a certain organ or part of the body. Energy obstructions in the organs can be released through concentrated massage of these sensitive points so that energy can flow regularly. Acupressure can be used as self help and is also used as an effective complement to other therapies. Acupressure is recommended to prevent sickness, cramps and tiredness. A Japanese variation of acupressure is known as Shiatsu.

Acupuncture

From the Latin "sharp prick". As with acupressure, acupuncture is based on Chinese medicine. The theory says that energy flows through the body and can be regulated and balanced by stimulating key points on the body. The points are stimulated using fine, bendy needles which release bio-electromagnetic energy into the tissues of the body. Acupuncture is used in the treatment of pain relief and addiction. In western medicine electromagnetic and laser impulses are also used.

Anti-Aging

The American term describes the goal of slowing down or reversing the aging process. Negative aspects of aging, incl. chronic illnesses that come with age, should be able to be prevented, slowed down, or even reversed. Life should not only gain more years, but more importantly it's about improving the quality of life. The theory behind this aging research is that according to our genetic make-up, we could actually live to be 120 years old and more. The aging process is mostly due to cell damage, which can be combated against with special methods. In the USA, this area of medicine has developed into its own discipline.

The treatment begins with a comprehensive medical exam to check the blood and hormone status and biological age. Based on the results, a personalised therapy plan is created. The goal should be to achieve a healthier lifestyle. Balanced diet, fitness, stress management, mental training, nutritional supplements, cosmetic surgery,  hormone treatments and more. Every plan is personalised to fit your needs and desires.  

Aqua Fitness

(also aqua training, aqua aerobics, water gymnastics) Aqua aerobics is the performance of aerobic exercise in water such as a swimming pool. In some areas it is known as AquaFit. There are many benefits of exercising aerobics in the water. Water-related exercise increases your cardiovascular fitness, as well as improving overall strength. Also, as the water provides support for the body, the risk of muscle or joint injury in aquatic sports is greatly reduced, if not completely eliminated.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the use of scents to heal, relieve or prevent sickness. Aromatherapy uses diluted forms of botanical oils; but ideally these are as natural and pure as possible. There is a wide variety of oils used, for instance camomile, carnation and lemon which are known for their disinfection and antiseptic properties. Other essential oils can relieve, relax or stimulate. Aromatic scents also have an effect on our psychological well being and can give us feelings of harmony.

The first uses of aromatherapy can be seen in ancient Egyptian medicine from around 4 000 BC. During the 13th century there was an aromatherapy revival in France which was soon forgotten. There has been a large following and revivals during the past twenty years as natural remedies and alternative medicines have become increasingly popular.

The oils can be inhaled through the nose and mouth, massaged into the skin, added to baths or inhaled in steam form in a sauna. These uses can also be combined. Etheric oils are used for their effects in holistic cosmetics and wellness.

LITERATURE SOURCE: Monika Werner, Ätherische Öle, Gräfe und Unzer Verlag (2000)

Asanas

Muscle training exercises. (see also Yoga)

Autogenous training

Is an auto suggestive relaxation technique which also uses concentrative relaxation. This technique was developed by the psychotherapist and nerve doctor Professor Johann Heinrich Schultz in Berlin. This training involves a combination of active guidance and passive course.

The patient's collective attention is concentrated on the internal world of peace and the relaxation of the body and soul. By using auto suggestion the patient can believe in something in the subconscious state. An equilibrium can be reached between tension and relaxation, which can prevent health disorders caused by anxiety.

The concept of autogenous training is built upon four foundations:
1. tension and relaxation
2. concentration and peace
3. training and learning
4. reconnection of the nervous system and distribution of relaxation in the body

This type of training is always carried out in a relaxed position and it includes complex exercises for muscle relaxation, warm exercises to relax blood vessels, exercises to influence the heart, breathing, nervous system and brain. The aim is to reach a positive change in body function through body and soul training which is often difficult to influence; to balance tension and anxiety, relieve pain and cramps. Autogenous training can lead to a general improvement in wellbeing and increased performance capacity.

Ayurveda

The word Ayurveda comes from an old Indian civilisation and is a combination of Ayur meaning "life" and Veda "knowledge". It describes the theory of a long and healthy life. The three Doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha are the essence of Ayurveda. According to Ayurveda our health is a state of balance between body, mind and environment. Ayurveda does not simply "treat" a sickness, it strives to achieve a total balance of body, soul and spirit. The focus of Ayurveda is a sound lifestyle to maintain good health.

Diet plays an important role as it directly affects all organs. Ayurveda therefore uses many kinds of vegetable and mineral "diets" to rebalance the doshas. Ayurveda's treatment repertoire also includes lifestyle changes, meditation and deep relaxation, breathing and body exercises, massage, art and music. Ayruveda is not a science of sickness but a science of health and life.

Typical treatments found in hotels are:

• Abhyanga: full oil body massage given by 2 therapists
• Garshan: silk glove massage
• Marma therapy: massage on the vitality points
• Pizichilli: the &ldquoking therapy", a full boday synchronization massage under a stream warm oil
• Shirodhara: flowing warm stream of oil on the forehead
• Svedana: herbal steam bath
• Udvarthana: tissue-activating herbal paste massage
• Vishesh: deep massage

Bioresonance Therapy

Bioresonance therapy is an allegedly diagnostic and therapeutical method of alternative medicine. This treatment is based on the belief that cells are resonating objects (with unknown frequency and energy however) having a natural resonance (ie bio-resonance). Usually electrodes, linked to a box, are applied to the patient's skin, which  emit alternating currents which are claimed to be healing.  Example of symptoms or features that can be detected are: energy level, vitamin deficiencies, cell oxygenation, mental health, stress, adrenal activity, hormonal disorders, immunity response, and examples of diseases that could be healed with this therapy are: allergies, sleep disorders, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, stress and hormonal disorders. The follow-up therapy is called MORA, which will restore harmony and energy  to the body.

Body Forming

Active or passive training for the problem zones: abs, thighs, hips, gluts, and upper arms.

Body Wrapping

Body wrapping uses compression bandages. A skin cream is applied to the body. Then, the body is tightly wrapped in algae, mineral mud or fango. This stimulated the circulation in the skin tissue as well as the lymph circulation. This treatment detoxifies the body and is effective against cellulite.

Caldarium

Ceramic tiled steam and inhalation room from Roman times, with a temperature of  47 degrees Celsius. Inhaling herbal steam has positive effects on the respiratory system, the warmth relaxes muscles and gradually prepares the body for hotter temperatures (sauna). 

Callanetics

Callanetics is a kind of Body shaping produced by Callan Pinckney.  This special type of gymnastics specifically targets deep muscle work.  Taking a position, one must retain it while making small one inch movements and flexes for 60-100 seconds. Exercises are developed to involve as many muscles as possible. Callan Pinckney says that one hour of Callanetics is equal to 7 hours of classical gymnastics or 24 hours of aerobics. The callanetics routine is also ideal for combating cellulite. The exercises should be carried out under the supervision of a qualified trainer.

Cellutron

Electrotherapy device that stimulates the metabolism using a low current pulses. This is mostly used as an anti-cellulite treatment.

Chakra

Chakra comes from the Sanskrit and means &ldquowheel&rdquo. It is thought to be a nexus of metaphysical and/or biophysical energy residing in the human body.

Chakra Meditation

Within our bodies there are focal points of energy that we use, whether consciously or unconsciously, to affect reality and allow us to fully experience and realize events that unfold before us. These focal points are called Chakras. Chakras are located in important parts of your body such as your head or heart. Any organs within the area of these Chakras are used to control; and are, therefore, directly affected by the properties of that Chakra. There are seven Chakras located throughout the body, each with their own unique attributes and characteristics. By working on these energy centers with breathing, relaxation and physical exercises, it is possible to active and recognize inner strengths.

Chi Yang

Acupressure for releasing energy blockades. (similar to Shiatsu.)

Cleopatra Bath

In ancient times it is said that Cleopatra&rsquos beauty secret was bathing in donkey&rsquos milk. A similar effect will be attained in this bath with the addition of milk and special oils.

Collagen

Collagen is the main protein of connective tissue in animals and the most abundant protein in mammals, making up about 25% of the total protein content. It is what gives skin its elasticity and resistance.

Color Therapy

(see Color Light Therapy)

Comedone

More commonly known as a blackhead, a yellowish or blackish bump or plug on the skin. A blackhead is a type of acne.

Couperose

More commonly known as spider veins, small enlarged blood vessels near the surface of the skin.

Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy is a method of alternative medicine used by massage therapists, chiropractors and osteopaths, who manually apply a subtle movement of the spinal and cranial bones to bring the central nervous system into harmony. This therapy involves assessing and addressing the movement of the cerebrospinal fluid, which can be restricted by trauma to the body, such as through falls, accidents, and general nervous tension. By gently working with the spine, the skull and its cranial sutures, diaphragms, and fascia, the restrictions of nerve passages are eased, the movement of CSF through the spinal cord can be optimized, and misaligned bones can be restored to their proper position. This therapy is particularly useful for mental stress, neck and back pain, migraines, TMJ Syndrome, and for chronic nervous conditions such as fibromyalgia. This treatment can also be performed on children.

Color Light Therapy

Colors build energy forms and these affect us in the form of colour and light waves. Different colours are associated with different energy centres. The effects of colour therapy can be used to prevent sickness, or as a supplementary therapy to rebalance body and soul disorders.

Color energy doesn't just affect us via our eyes, recent research has shown that other body systems react towards the colour waves. The vegetative nervous system is especially affected and also the closely related glands, through this an extensive effect is achieved on the whole organism. Special lamps with different coloured filters are connected to corresponding parts of the body and the body's blood circulation is stimulated.

Electrotherapy

Electrotherapy is the use of electrical energy in the treatment of impairments of health and a conditions of abnormal functioning. It is basically composed of the use of electric currents in therapeutic applications. Weak, electric impulses are used to stimulate the tissue and circulation as well as relieve pain. There are different types of therapies: Galvano therapy, Diathermy,  stimulation current or high frequency theory. The most popular method is electro-acupuncture, developed by Dr. Voll (EAV).   In stead of needles, weak electric impulses are sent throughout the body.

Other electric-based therapies are bioresonance therapy and MORA.

Feldenkrais

The Feldenkrais method is an a complementary and alternative medicine  intended to give a greater functional awareness of the self. The method uses movement and awareness as the primary vehicle for learning. The Feldenkrais Method attracts the attention of those who want to improve their movement repertoire who want to reduce their pain or limitations in movement, or who want to use the method as a way to improve their well-being and personal development. Advocates claim the Feldenkrais Method often improves movement-related pain (e.g. pain in backs, knees, hips, shoulders), and leads to better functioning in cases of stroke or cerebral palsy. A central tenet of the Feldenkrais Method is that improving ability to move can improve one's overall well-being.

Felke Treatments

Devised by naturopath, Emanuel Felke, this health treatment method uses all of nature's remedies, including specific nutrition, Kneipp hydrotherapy and therapeutic clay.

Five Tibetans

Five simple exercises that Himalayan monks believe help to speed up the flow of fluid in the brain and the spinal cord. Very relaxing and good for the concentration.

Foot Reflex Zone Massage

The foot reflex zone massage is a healing massage and effects the entire body. It is based on the knowledge that the feet are divided up in many little defined zones with a direct connection to the respective organs of the body through nerve impulses. Although this theory has not been scientifically proven to date, it is practiced successfully. Many patients experience that massaging the foot area can have positive effects on specific organs.