Medical Spas Glossary

acu-facial (also acupuncture facial)
Intended as a natural alternative to Botox injection. The acupuncture facial is said to have similar effects to Botox and last approximately as long.

acupuncture
An ancient Chinese technique involving the insertion of fine needles just under the skin in specific locations in order to relieve pain and treat a wide variety of complaints. The World Health Organization says acupuncture can be beneficial in many medical conditions ranging from neurological and gastrointestinal to mental and emotional ones.

acupuncture facial
See acu-facial.

aesthetic (also esthetic)
From the Greek word aisthetikos, meaning of sense perception. Also spelled "esthetic." Having to do with beauty in both form and appearance. An esthetic procedure is one in which the principal purpose is to improve the appearance.

aesthetic medicine
A field of medicine encompassing treatments or procedures aimed at altering the external appearance of patients. Aesthetic medicine can involve invasive services, such as filler injections and even plastic surgery, or such non-invasive techniques as skin-product application and acne laser therapy. Aesthetic-medicine practitioners include, but are not limited to, dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and cosmetic dentists. There is no board certification for aesthetic medicine; practitioners must be certified and licensed by the boards and medical societies governing their individual specialties.

alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA)
One of a group of natural (or synthesized) acids that improves and moisturizes the skin, increases collagen, and heals certain skin diseases. The compound is found primarily in fruits (oranges and limes contain citric acid; grapes contain tartaric acid; tomatoes contain lactic acid) and also in sugarcane (glycolic acid). See chemical peel.

alternative medicine
A group of diverse medical practices, health care systems, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. Alternative medicine is used in place of mainstream treatments. E.g., use of diet to treat cancer instead of surgery or chemotherapy. See complementary medicine.

anti-aging hormone therapy
A course of treatment that may employ natural hormone replacement, estrogen and/or testosterone replacement, or human growth hormone therapy. It is based on the endocrine theory of aging which supports the idea that the reduction of hormones as we get older causes many of the physical manifestations of aging. See hormone therapy.

anti-aging skin care
Treatments for common skin conditions that occur with aging and may vary according to skin type, genetic makeup, and history of sun exposure; they include precancerous skin changes (actinic keratosis), discoloration, and wrinkles. Physicians and skin aestheticians use a variety of tools such as chemical peels, Botox, lasers, and other innovations.

antioxidant
A class of nutrients (such as Vitamins C and E) that neutralize the damage of "free radicals," which are formed naturally when oxygen is metabolized (burned) by the body. When these free radicals roam through the body, they cause cellular damage by disrupting the structure of other molecules. Such cell damage is believed to contribute to aging and various health problems.

aromatherapy
The use of essential oils (extracts or essences) from flowers, herbs, and trees to promote health and well-being.
Source: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Artecoll
A permanent filler made up of tiny acrylic beads suspended in collagen; it's a more purified version of a substances used as bone cement by orthopedic surgeons. See injectables.

Ayurveda
An ancient Indian system of preventive health care. (The name means "knowledge of life.") According to this system, bodily health is determined by three biological principles, called doshas: Vata, which regulates movement; Pitta, which regulates metabolism; and Kapha, which regulates structure.

bioelectromagnetic-based therapies
Therapies that involve the unconventional use of electromagnetic fields, such as pulsed fields, magnetic fields, or alternating current or direct current fields. See biofield therapies.
Source: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

biofeedback
A discipline that enables an individual to alter his or her own brain waves. Once this is accomplished, individuals can reportedly monitor certain bodily functions usually considered involuntary, such as heart rate and blood pressure.

biofield therapies
One of two types of energy therapies that involve the use of energy fields that purportedly surround and penetrate the human body. The existence of such fields has not yet been scientifically proven. Some forms of energy therapy include qi gong, Reiki, and therapeutic touch.
Source: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

blepharoplasty
Cosmetic eyelid surgery, usually performed to counteract the apparent effects of aging upon eyelid tissues (bags and bulges). Wrinkles can also be reduced through blepharoplasty. These goals are accomplished by removing excess skin, fats, and muscle.

body contouring
Cosmetic procedures designed to address specific abnormalities or irregularities of the chest, trunk, and extremities. Male and female breast augmentation, liposuction and abdominoplasty ("tummy tucks") are among the most common body contouring procedures.

body scans
Internal radiological exploration and imaging of the human body with specialized equipment to prevent and treat disease. They include full body scans, which generally focus on the torso; partial scans; and screening scans, used preventively before any symptoms of a disease are presented.

bone density exam
An exam that measures one's susceptibility to bone fracture due to osteoporosis. It is recommended for all women 65 or older and some younger postmenopausal women. It is increasingly recommended for men as well.

CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine)
An umbrella designation used by researchers, academics, and health professionals that encompasses all complementary and alternative practices and products. CAM is divided into five categories: alternative medical systems (complete systems of thought and practice that often have evolved outside of conventional Western medicine, e.g., traditional Chinese medicine); mind-body interventions (techniques designed to enhance the mind's capacity to affect bodily function and symptoms, e.g., meditation); biologically based therapies (treatments that use substances found in nature, e.g., herbal medicine); manipulative and body-based methods (treatments based on manipulation and/or movement of one or more parts of the body, e.g., chiropractic manipulation); and energy therapies, which involve the use of "biofields" (energy fields that supposedly surround and penetrate the human body) or the unconventional use of bioelectromagnetic energy fields (e.g., pulsed or magnetic fields).
Source: The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

cardiovascular medicine
Medicine pertaining to the heart and blood vessels; largely having to do with the treatment and prevention of heart disease and high blood pressure. Physicians may use electrocardiograms, MRI studies of the blood vessels, and cardiac exercise stress tests as diagnostic tools.

cellulite
A colloquial term for deposits of subcutaneous fat and fibrous tissue that cause a dimpling effect on the overlying skin. These deposits most commonly occur on the thighs and hips of women. Though diet and exercise can diminish cellulite, a large part of cellulite is comprised of toxins and fat that accrue within the body. Cellulite can affect men and women of any body weight or size.

chemical peel
Chemical removal of the top, sun-damaged skin to expose more evenly textured, better colored fresh skin and possibly stimulate collagen production for anti-aging effect. Estheticians may do superficial peels and medical doctors perform deeper ones, depending on the state in which the chemical peel is performed. Three different chemicals are used: Alphahydroxy acid (AHA) peels are the most superficial; trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is used for medium-depth peeling; and carbolic acid (phenol) is the most severe and in many states can only be administered by a doctor.

Chinese medicine
An ancient health-care system based on the notion that the best doctors cure illness before it occurs. To accomplish this, practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine are attentive to changes in Qi, or the body's natural energy flow, which are said to precede biological changes. Practitioners seek to reverse energy imbalance and strengthen the body's natural healing faculties. Traditional Chinese medicine is heavily reliant on methods such as acupuncture and herbal therapy. Acupuncture is said to open up the body's energy channels, regulating and adjusting energy flow for more efficient functioning. Herbs are prescribed to address specific internal deficiencies diagnosed by the practitioner. In addition, exercise and nutrition are analyzed in conjunction to achieve a balance between activity and the fuel needed to sustain it.

chiropractic
The World Federation of Chiropractic defines chiropractic as "A health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health. There is an emphasis on manual treatments including spinal manipulation or adjustment."

collagen
A protein substance that is the "glue" that binds together tissues (like connective tissue and skin) and helps maintain their structure, thus giving skin a firm and youthful appearance. See injectables.

colonoscopy
A preventive measure intended to detect early forms of colorectal cancer before symptoms occur, when the disease is most treatable. The procedure involves the insertion into the colon of a long, flexible, lighted tube called a colonoscope, which provides the administrating physician with an image of the colon's inner lining.

complementary medicine
A group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine: for example, using aromatherapy to help lessen a patient's discomfort following surgery. See alternative medicine.
Source: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Cosmecanique
A type of facial that is said to tone, strengthen, and rejuvenate skin, resulting in a more youthful appearance and greater skin elasticity. Cosmecanique involves three-dimensional stimulation of the skin and connective tissue of the back, face, and décolleté, providing what has been called "a workout for the skin."

dental spa
A professional dental services office that also offers services and amenities normally associated with a spa, such as massage, mood music, aromatherapy, pillows, and even facials and manicures in the belief that a relaxed patient will be more comfortable and the treatment is more likely to be successful.

dermabrasion
Removal of the top layer of the skin with a power-driven sander or dermatome (which works like a plane) to remove pitting cause by acne and wrinkles and spots caused by aging and sun. Less likely to cause extreme changes in skin color than a chemical peel.

dermagraphics
See permanent make-up.

dermatology
The medical specialty concerned with treating diseases of the skin, hair, and nails.

Dysport
A toxin extracted from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Initially formulated to treat neuromuscular and motor disorders, Dysport is often used (especially in Europe and New Zealand) to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and frown lines by temporarily immobilizing facial muscles. Dysport has not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for cosmetic use. See injectables.

endermologie
See endermology.

endermology (also endermologie)
A patented, FDA-approved technology that uses a non-surgical, non-invasive device to give deep massage that temporarily reduces the appearance of cellulite, increases circulation, relieves minor muscle aches and pains, and relaxes muscle spasms. The technician uses it on the back, buttocks, thighs, legs, and abdomen to smooth the layer between the dermis and hypodermis.

esthetic
See aesthetic.

executive health screening
An extremely thorough examination employing a battery of medical tests for early detection of and intervention in illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, ischaemic heart diseases, high cholesterol, and cancers even in the absence of any symptoms. With early detection and the implementation of preventive and corrective measures, such diseases as stroke, heart attack and cancer may be delayed and possibly even prevented.

exercise physiology
The American Society of Exercise Physiologists says its specialty is "the identification of physiological mechanisms underlying physical activity, the comprehensive delivery of treatment services concerned with the analysis, improvement, and maintenance of health and fitness, rehabilitation of heart disease and other chronic diseases and/or disabilities, and the professional guidance and counsel of athletes and others interested in athletics, sports training, and human adaptability to acute and chronic exercise."

Feldenkrais
In the belief that humans use their bodies in a limited way only, the Feldenkrais Method uses movement to improve one's capability to function. It focuses on flexibility, posture, and breathing and is said to help reduce pain, stiffness, and stress.

fibromyalgia
Chronic syndrome with symptoms including varied, pervasive muscle aches, stiffness, profound fatigue, soft tissue tenderness, and sleep disorder. Pain can occur anywhere in the body and ranges from mild to intense. Many medical professionals believe that a connection exists between fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome; some even theorize that they are actually the same syndrome. A connection also appears to exist between fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome. Complementary therapies (such as massage therapy, acupuncture, and yoga) can help fibromyalgia sufferers cope with their illness. Patients may also benefit from participation in support groups, regular exercise, stress and anxiety therapy, pain medication, and antidepressants in mild doses.

fotolite treatments
See photo facial treatment.

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