Other Treatments
Aside from mud and water treatments, many types of face and body massage are generally offered, using techniques from around the world, such as Shiatsu massage and Thai massage. Traditional Chinese therapies acupressure and acupuncture are also frequently offered. Many European Wellness spas also offer advanced diagnostic tests and have specially trained physicians and nutritionists in-house to advise you on the right course of treatment for you.
You may have also come across some unfamiliar terms and treatments. Use this glossary to help guide you:
• Charcot ‘s Bath
A type of underwater massage shower, named after Jean-Martin Charcot, the renowned French neurologist and professor of anatomical pathology.
A method of physical therapy that involves generating local heat in body tissues by high-frequency electromagnetic currents electric currents, or ultrasonic waves.
Cold water dousing is used to "shock" the body into a kind of fever. The effects of dousing are usually more intense and longer lasting than just a cold shower. It is believed that dousing can be helpful in killing harmful bacteria and leaving the hardier beneficial bacteria in the body.
The consumption of mineral water in prescribed amounts and frequency to treat pain and illness.
• ECG (Electrocardiography)
Electrocardiography records the electrical activity of your heart through electrodes attached to the skin. Impulses are recorded as waves and displayed on a monitor or printed on paper. Used diagnose heart rhythm problems and damage to your heart.
• Echocardiography
An echocardiogram often referred to as a cardiac ECHO or simply an ECHO, is a sonogram (ultrasound) of the heart used to study structure and function.
• Ergometry
Measurement of the physiological effects of exercise, using equipment such as an exercise bike or running machine.
• Gum Irrigation
The use of a strong stream of water to help wash plaque and bacteria off teeth. This is done by directing the water so that it penetrates below the gum line.
• Laconium
A dry heat treatment room or sauna heated to around 140 degrees which allows the body heat up slowly and gently.
The fluid found between the cells of the human body. It enters the lymph vessels by filtration through pores in the walls of capillaries. If excessive pressure develops within the lymph vessels, though, some fluid can leak back and contribute to formation of edema (swelling).
A type of massage designed to improve the flow and drainage of lymph by stimulating the lymphatic vessels.
• Magnet therapy
Magnet therapy is an alternative medicine practice involving the use of static magnetic fields. It is thought that subjecting certain parts of the body to magnetostatic fields produced by permanent magnets has beneficial health effects.
• Manometry
The measurement of pressure using a device called a manometer. Esophageal manometry is used to measure muscle pressure and movements in the esophagus.
A type of mud bath. One of the most popular procedures in European Health Spas, for 200 years it has been used to cleanse the body of toxins, relieve pain, in rehabilitation after surgery, to treat gout and in the treatment of skin problems.
• Parafango Battaglia
Parafango is a mixture of paraffin wax and dehydrated mud (in Italian, “fango” means “mud”). During the treatment, the warm Parafango stimulates the lymphatic flow in the body and draws out toxins from around the fat cells, resulting in immediate, noticeable results.
• Pneumopuncture The administration of minimal doses (1-5 ml) of natural carbon dioxide into acupuncture points (sometimes this procedure is referred to as gas injections) to ease pain in joints and muscles and relieves tension and muscle spasms.
The term originates from the words Scent and Tao (Chinese for way). Invigorating spa aromas and natural Asian ingredients such as ginkgo, ginseng and green tea reduce stress and promote inner peace. Warm stones and Shiatsu massage are used to promote relaxation and feeling of well-being.
• Spectral Analysis
Spectrum analysis, also known as emission spectrochemical analysis, is the original scientific method of charting and analyzing the chemical properties of matter and gases by looking at the bands in their optical spectrum, and is used in laboratories for medical analysis.
The tepidarium was the warm (tepidus) bathroom of the Roman baths heated by an underfloor heating system. An integral component of some European spas, the modern tepidarium is a warm bathing or seating area where guests can relax before, between and after their spa therapies. Maintained at 38 degrees C, the tepidarium is designed to restore the body to its normal temperature of 37 degrees C.
• Vacuum Massage
Vacuum massage is a type of therapeutic massage which is used for body sculpting, cellulite reduction and to treat such diseases as colds, bronchitis and pneumonia. The medical effect of this massage is realized by means of a vacuum that causes a rush of blood and lymph to the skin from deep lying tissues. Usually vacuum massage is performed by using a small silicone massager.
• Vasotrain
This vacuum / compression therapy procedure helps maintain optimum blood supply to the lower limbs, which is often restricted in diabetic patients.