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While you don't need a medical degree to benefit from the procedures and services offered by the medical spa industry, it does help to be familiar with the basic concepts and terminology. Below is our quick vocabulary primer on the top ten terms you should know. To get more in depth descriptions of particular services and features, visit our medical spa glossary.
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medical
Of or pertaining to the art of healing. A scientifically-based discipline dedicated to the prevention and treatment of disease and injury. From the Latin word "medicus," meaning physician.
spa
A nurturing environment devoted to enhancing overall well being. Thought to be an acronym of the Latin words "Sanus Per Aquam" that represented a combination of health, hygiene, and healing, by, with, and through flowing water.
medical spa
A facility where medical practitioners and spa therapists practice in tandem.
medi-spa™
A trademarked abbreviation of a medical spa.
prevention
The practice of preventing health problems through maintaining good health habits, having periodic screenings, being alert to unusual symptoms, and keeping immunizations up to date. Example: New dietary habits to avoid diabetes.
wellness
A state of inner and outer health maintained by lifestyle choices. Not only the absence of disease, it is a state of positive well-being that takes into account the physical, mental, emotional, vocational, spiritual, and social dimensions of life.
aesthetics (also, esthetics)
Having to do with beauty in both form and appearance. From the Greek "aisthetikow," meaning "of sense perception."
cosmetic procedure
A medical procedure that modifies the appearance of a physical feature, defect, or irregularity without altering the body's basic structure or functions. From the Greek "kosmetikos," which means "skilled in arranging."
CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine)
An umbrella designation used by researchers, academics, and health professionals that encompasses all complementary and alternative practices and products.
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 in conjunction with mainstream treatments. Example: Aromatherapy may be used to relax patients after surgery.
alternative medicine
Group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. Alternative medicine is used in place of mainstream treatments: Example: Diet may be used to treat cancer instead of surgery or chemotherapy.
integrative medicine
Care that combines mainstream medical therapies and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies.