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| Saint-John's-wort | Medicinal herb taken in tablet, brewed as tea, or used as ointment believed by some to relieve mild to moderate depression. May be counter-indicated for anyone on antidepressant medication or who is photosensitive or allergic. |
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| salsa dancing | Dance that combines rhythm and blues, jazz, and rock and is accompanied by Latin American music; may be used as aerobic workout. |
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| salt glow | Body treatment in which skin is rubbed with coarse salt, sometimes in combination with fragrant oils, to exfoliate and stimulate circulation. |
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| sand painting | Tantric Buddhism artistic tradition involving the use of colored sand on a wooden platform to create a design according to ancient iconography. Also a Native American tradition. The paintings are destroyed after a short period as a metaphor for the transitory quality of life. |
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| sauna | Bathing process that consists of periods of perspiring in the heat and steam created by throwing water on heated stones. In combination with refreshing cold showers, sauna therapy is said to enhance the body's immune system and relieve stress. |
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| scapula | either of a pair of large triangular bones lying one in each dorsal lateral part of the thorax, being the principal bone of the corresponding half of the shoulder girdle, and articulating with the corresponding clavicle or coracoid -- called also shoulder blade |
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| scope of practice | the where, when, and how a professional may provide their service. |
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| Scotch hose | Water massage through high-pressure hose while client is standing. The therapist alternates hot and cold and fresh or salt water to relieve sore muscles and stimulate circulation. |
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| 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. |
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| sensory-deprivation flotation capsule | Enclosed tank filled with warm water and Epsom salts in order to create a dark, peaceful environment, similar to that in the womb, to promote total relaxation. |
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| shamanism | An ancient form of spiritual-based healing practiced in tribal cultures the world over. It is a form of trance healing in which the practitioner enters an altered state of consciousness. Shamanism sees a strong connection between nature and people, and draws healing power from direct connection with the earth, sky, plants, and animals. |
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| shiatsu | Massage technique developed in Japan in which therapist applies pressure to specific points in the body to simulate and unblock "meridians" (pathways through which energy is said to flow). |
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| | The word "shiatsu" is derived from the Japanese words for "finger" and "pressure." Often described as "acupuncture without needles," Shiatsu stimulates the flow of energy along the bodyıs network of meridian lines, similar to acupressure. The practitioner uses fingers, knuckles, palms, elbows, knees, or feet to apply pressure to points on Shiatsu and acupuncture both use the same pressure points on the body, but in shiatsu, you apply pressure with the hands and in acupuncture, you push thin needles into the skin.the body, clearing energy blockages, and promoting health. ALSO a treatment for pain or illness, originally from ancient Japan, in which particular places on the body are pressed |
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| shirodhara | Ayurvedic treatment lasting 7 to l0 minutes during which stream of oil is poured in the center of your forehead (on your "third eye") in order to help you focus, concentrate, and relax your mind and body. |
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| silent hikes | Leisurely solo walk or guided journey in natural setting in which participants make as little sound as possible in order to connect with their surroundings. |
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| skin rolling | A form of petrissage that lifts the skin. |
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| soft tissue | The skin, fascia, muscles, tendons, joint capsules and ligaments of the body. |
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| spa | The International Spa Association(ISPA) defines the word spa in the following way: "Spas are devoted to enhancing overall well-being through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit." |
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| spa journey | A seamless treatment experience, rather than a perfunctory service, that might include a consultation, welcome foot bath, scrub, and massage in the same treatment room, thus aiming to improve the service quality of a spa treatment for guests (no switching rooms; cross training therapists in aesthetics and massage, etc.) as well the relaxation benefits. |
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| speech-language pathology | The speech-language pathologist helps individuals to overcome and prevent communication problems in the areas of language, speech, voice and fluency. These difficulties may involve producing sounds, s and sentences; understanding or listening to the speech of others; and the use of reading and writing skills. |
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| spindle cell | Sensory receptors in the belly of a muscle that detect stretch. |
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| sports massage | Indoor cycling on stationary bikes that allow riders to adjust resistance to make pedaling easier or harder. Class instructors guide students through a virtual hilly course and cue students about adjusting resistance. |
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| steam room | Room where temperatures are kept at 110 to 130° F and humidity is generated in order to soften the skin, clean the pores, calm the nervous system, and relieve tension. |
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| step aerobics | Low-impact aerobic activity performed by stepping on and off a platform that usually ranges from four to ten inches high to tone hips, legs, and buttocks |
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| stress | Any substantial chenge in routine, or any activity which causes the body to have to adapt. |
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| stress management | Combination of physical exercise, deep relaxation techniques, and visualization techniques meant to reduce the ill effects of stress on the body. |
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| stretching | Extending and lengthening muscles slowly, then in a static manner when hitting resistance. Meant to increase flexibility and relieve stress by improving circulation, and facilitating blood flow to the muscles, heart, and brain. |
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| sugaring | Ancient depilation process that involves applying a sugar-containing sticky paste to the skin, then pressing on a cloth or paper strip and quickly removing it to remove unwanted hair. Estheticians in some states must be licensed to perform this procedure. |
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| sweat lodge | Traditional Native American place for ceremonial purification and meditation involving the use of intense heat in a sauna-like environment. |
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| Swedish Massage | Classical European massage technique of manipulating muscles with the use of massage oils. Meant for relaxation and to improve circulation, ease muscle aches and tension, and improve flexibility. |
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| Swiss shower | Treatment that involves powerful shower jets directed at the body from various heights, creating the effect of an invigorating massage.ge |
