We’re moving right along with our Spa Glossary. This week — B & C.  If you have any spa terms you’d like some help defining, please be sure to leave a comment below.

B

Bach Flower Essences: According to Bach® Flower Remedies, the original Bach® Flower Remedies is a system of 38 Flower Remedies that corrects emotional imbalances and reduces stress. The Bach® Flower Remedies are 100% safe and natural and work in conjunction with herbs, homeopathy and medications. They are safe for everyone, including children, pregnant women, pets, elderly and even plants.

Balneotherapy: The use of water to improve circulation, strengthen the immune system, and reduce pain and stress.

Beeswax: A natural emulsifier and water insoluable moisturizer commonly used in cosmetics, facial and body creams and lotions and make-up.

Body Composition Analysis: Method of measuring the percentages of body fat, lean muscle mass and water, done with skin-fold calipers, a bio-impedance mechanism or a hydrostatic tank.

Body Polish: A gentle buffing or massaging of the skin with botanical or marine extracts or salt for exfoliation and smoothness. Similar to a salt glow.

Body Scrub: A full body exfoliation of dead skin cells that is performed by manually applying gentle sugar or active salts in a circular movement all over the body. Body scrubs allow the skin to absorb moisture more efficiently and leave the skin softer and smoother.

C

Carrier Oils: Oils such as jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, or apricot kernel oil used as a base in which aromatherapy oils are mixed. Aromatherapyoils are so concentrated that they should rarely be used more than a few drops at a time and should be diluted in a base.

Chemical Peel: Chemical solutions are carefully applied to the skin toimprove the texture by removing damaged outer layers. The chemicals used are phenol, trichloroacetic acid and alphahydroxy acids. Each one has a different purpose. The formula used by your esthetician or doctor will be adjusted to meet the needs of your skin. Chemical peels are helpful in reducing or diminishing the appearance of sun damage, hyper pigmentation and scarring.

Chi Kung / Chi Kong / Qigong: A Chinese energy exercise where breathing and body movement recharge Chi or vital life force energy.

Circuit Training: Exercise using weight-resistance equipment in an aerobic manner.

Clarisonic: This sonic skin care system uses a patented sonic frequency of more than 300movements per second to clean, soften and smooth the skin. In just 60 seconds the brush gently yet thoroughly removes 6x more makeup and 2x more dirt and oil than manual cleansing alone.

Clay mask: A clay mask is a deep cleansing treatment for the skin. It is usually a mixture of different kinds of clays mixed with a creamy base. Clay masks are helpful at keeping the skin clear. Clay masks help to remove debris and impurities on the skin due to the clay’s strong drawing ability. Very effective for people who have oily or congested skin.

Cocoa butter: Also known as Theobroma oil, a natural oil derived from the seeds if the cocoa plant that serves to lubricate and soften the skin. Found in many facial and body creams and lotions as well as other cosmetic products.

Cold Plunge: A deep pool of water in which the water temperature is kept to 15.5 degrees C (60 degrees F) or below. Cold plunges are used contrast therapy.

Collagen Injection: Freeze-dried collagen is used to plump the skin to fill in the fine lines acquired by stress, sunbathing, or the environment. Collagen is a purified protein. The treatment lasts approximately 5-6 months.

Colonic: Irrigation of the colon for the purpose of cleansing trapped debris, which is believed to recycle toxins back into the system.

Contrast Therapy: Contrasting, or contrast hydrotherapy, involves first heating and then cooling a body part, or even the whole body. The major purpose of contrasting is to force your nervous and circulatory systems to adapt to the sudden changes in temperature. This assists with rehabilitation from several common injuries, especially plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, shin splints, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tennis elbow.

Craniosacral Therapy: A gentle hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the function of the Craniosacral System (the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord).