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Unique Gift Voucher's Dictionary
AYURVEDA
Derived from the Sanskrit language meaning the ‘science of life’ is a body of medicine originating from
India and dates back well over 5000 years. Ayurveda is a holistic approach to healing and it teaches us that the body and mind must not be treated in isolation from each other, but that they must be in harmony with one another to bring about a sense of health and well-being.
The concept of Ayurveda is based on the idea of three ‘doshas’ or forces – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These forces are a combination of the earth’s five elements: Ether and Air (Vata); Fire and Water (Pitta); Water and Earth (Kapha). Thus, every human being consists of a combination of these doshas. However the balance between these three is not the same in every person and does not remain constant throughout their lives. It is influenced by the place, season and time of conception. The exact combination of the three doshas determines personality and tendency
towards illness.
BEAUTY SALONS
A ‘beauty salon’ is place where qualified therapists perform a variety of beauty treatments such as facials, body and facial waxing, massages, manicures, pedicures, spray tanning. The treatments are usually performed in private rooms. They often include relaxation rooms as well, that allows you to relax after the treatment, enjoy a cup of herbal tea or a glass of water and lets the rejuvenation begin.
DAY SPA
A ‘day spa’ can often be found as part of beauty salons offering serene environments and incorporate, at a minimum, massage facilities. They can be found anywhere from shopping centres to office buildings providing a range of services including facials, body treatments and even tanning facilities.
DESTINATION SPA
A destination spa includes similar services to a ‘day spa’ with the added benefit of accommodation facilities attached. They are often as part of luxury resorts or in remote locations with additional services such as meditation, yoga and specially prepared spa cuisines.
EXFOLIATION
A cosmetic technique aimed at improving the appearance of the skin by removing dead skin cells. Exfoliation may employ the use of scrubs, loofahs or chemical exfoliants.
FACIAL
A treatment for the face, that usually consists of the application of cosmetic creams and massage. The facial treatment may include cleansing, steaming, extraction (of blackheads/whiteheads), exfoliation and application of masques.
The purpose is to cleanse and rejuvenate the facial area. A variety of treatment methods may be used depending on the desired outcome. Any allergies or sensitivities should be conveyed to the therapist prior to the commencement of the treatment.
MANICURE
A cosmetic treatment for the hand and fingernails. It usually consists of cleaning, trimming or shaping and a polish of the fingernails. It may also involve a massage of the hands and applications of creams.
MASSAGE
The word ‘massage’ is thought to have been derived from the French for the ‘friction of kneading’ or possibly from the Arabic word ‘
massa’ meaning to ‘touch, feel or handle’.
A massage can fall into variety of categories from anything from a relaxing Swedish or Hawaiian massage, to a firmer deep tissue, remedial or Chinese massage and even to Ayurvedic massages with healing properties.
The client usually lies down on a specially designed massage table and can be clothed or unclothed, depending on the type of massage and the clients’ level of modesty. Often lotions and oils are used to lubricate the body allowing for a smoother stroking of the body. The treatments can last anywhere from 5 minutes to over an hour. There is usually one therapist working on the client but can include as many as 4 for certain massages.
MOBILE SPA
A ‘mobile spa’ is like a ‘day spa’ on wheels. A qualified therapist comes to a location convenient to you and provides many of the services available at the day spa.
All you have to do is provide a suitable location for the therapist to set up the massage table (if required) and set up any beauty treatments.
Treatments are usually limited to the availability of the therapist and also the types of treatments – usually Massages, Facials, Hand and Foot treatments.
LOCATION GIFT VOUCHERS
This type of voucher allows you to purchase a specific gift at a specific location. This gift voucher is only redeemable at the product provider specified chosen by the purchaser and is specified on the voucher. For example: ‘Rejuvenation Facial Treatment’ at XYD Day Spa. This means that the voucher may be redeemed for a ‘Rejuvenation Facial Treatment’ at the XYZ Day Spa only.
PEDICURE
A cosmetic treatment for the feet and toenails. It usually consists of cleaning, trimming or shaping and a polish of the toenails. It may also involve a massage of the feet and applications of creams.
VALUE GIFT CERTIFICATE
This type of voucher allows you to purchase gift voucher for a specific sum of money, redeemable at any of the participating organisations. The receiver of the voucher chooses the product provider and the gift (up to the amount specified in the voucher).
For example: $100 Gift Voucher. This means that the recipient of the gift can choose a gift up to the value of $100 from any of the participating product providers.
SHIRODHARA
Shirodhara is just one of the many treatments within Ayurveda targeting the elimination of toxins through the application of external medicated oils. Shirodhara is derived from the Sanskrit language – ‘shiro’ meaning head and ‘dhara’ meaning flow and thus ‘shirodhara’ is the warm flow of oil to the head.
This purification and rejuvenating therapy involves a cleansing of the body from the neck up and thereby eliminates vitiated or imbalanced doshas, which cause blocked channels in the body’s system.
The flow of oil continues for about 30-45 minutes and is gently stroked down on to the hair. The oil permeates the skin and the therapist will usually massage the oil into the scalp. The therapy usually involves the massage of the entire body with the specifically selected medicated oils (combined with sesame oil) to reap maximum benefits.
SOFT WAX
Soft wax is method of waxing that involves the application of hot wax directly to the skin with the unwanted hair. The wax is then allowed to cool and harden. Without the aid of cloths, the therapist then quickly removes the wax against the direction of hair growth. This waxing method is beneficial to people who have sensitive skin.
SPA
The original ‘spas’ found in “medicinal or mineral springs” were known for their curative properties and promised relief from body aches and pains.
In the modern age, a ‘spa’ has long been associated with luxury retreats that offer a variety of relaxation and beauty treatments.
SPRAY TANNING
An alternative to traditional sun beds, a ‘spray tan’ provides you with a temporary tan using a variety of tanning solutions. Most often, you are asked to remove clothing and wear the provided disposable underwear. The therapist will then apply the required and most suitable level of tanning by spraying a ‘tan spray gun’ on the required area. For example: The entire body or just the legs.
The tan is then allowed to dry for up to 10 minutes. The clothing can then be worn and the treatment is complete.
Exfoliation of the body area to be spray tanned is usually advised, to ensure a smooth and even tan
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STEAMING
A gentle stream of steam directed towards the face in order to open facial pores.
WAXING
Waxing is a temporary method of hair removal which removes unwanted hair from the root. A thin layer of wax is spread over the skin. A cloth or paper strip is pressed on top and removed quickly against the direction of hair growth, removing the unwanted hair along with dead skin cells.
Most areas of the body are suitable for waxing including legs, arms, underarms, back, chest, abdomen, eyebrows, face and bikini area.
Soft wax is often used for smaller, more sensitive areas. The re-growth of new hair generally takes between 2-8 weeks.
YOGA
The word ‘yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning ‘union’. Originating from ancient
India, yoga is combination of physical and mental exercises aiming to achieve enlightenment. Various postures (asanas) are performed, designed to strengthen, tone and align the body. These postures aid in making the spine more supple and promote blood flow to the organs and tissues. Breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation are used to discipline and to quiet the mind.
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