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Massage | Relaxation | Saunas and steam baths | Spa Style and beauty | Therapies | Wellness

The word, originally from the French masser, is the act of kneading, rubbing, stroking or tapping the body in a planned and controlled way. Massage has a relaxing and at the same time activating effect on the tissues and muscles. It invigorates the blood supply, restores the skin and lymphatic functions. Breathing deepens. It is advisable to have infrared thermo-therapy prior to taking a massage. Different forms of massage should be applied for different problems and therapies: classical massage, acupressure, relaxation massage, lymph draining massage, foot reflex massage, connective tissue massage, brush massage, underwater pressure massage and meridian massage.

 

Acupressure massage | Cellulite massage | Therapeutic massage | Foot reflex massage | La Stone massage | Lymph massage - drainage | Sport massage | Swedish massage | Thai massage

Primarily recommended for those suffering from stress and with weakened immune systems. Massaging particular acupressure points eases energy blocks which stem the flow of chi. Without treatment, energy blocks can increase the likelihood of diseases developing. After an acupressure massage the body’s energy equilibrium is restored.

Manual and/or vacuum massage to activate blood and lymphatic circulation, thereby improving removal of toxins from the body. Cellulite massage can also be supplemented with ultrasound and interference current treatment to boost absorption of active agents, stimulate the breakdown of body fats and strengthen degenerated muscles.

Effective in combating postural dysfunctions, developmental disorders and in post-operative and accident regeneration. Special manipulation eases tense muscles and reduces pain.

Reflex massage is based on the principle of stimulating and positively influencing organs and regions of the body linked to acupressure points located on the foot and primarily on the sole. Dysfunctions of the organs of the body are revealed by points sensitive to pressure and generally to be found on the foot. Reflex massage aims first and foremost to activate the body’s self-healing capacities. Massage also has a relaxing and invigorating effect on the entire system.

This massage technique developed in Arizona utilises smooth, rounded lava stones heated to a temperature of approx. 50° C. About 40 of these stones are then placed on the body on defined energy centres. Alongside heated stones the massage technique also employs ice-cold marble. The stimulation induced by the alternation between hot and icy cold is similar in form to Kneipp treatment. The La Stone treatment relaxes the muscles, and this effect is enhanced by intensive massage. The actual massage, which is carried out using stones of different sizes, only starts after careful preparation. In the early stages of the cure the body is covered with fragrant scented oils and background music is played to create a sense of well-being. The use of heated stones to ease muscular cramps is by no means a new discovery: similar methods were being employed by the Chinese 2000 years before the birth of Christ.

If disorders appear in the functioning of the lymphatic system, water builds up in the tissues leading to the possible formation of oedemas. The aim of lymph massage therapy is to restore a balance between the quantity of accumulated water in the tissues and the performance of the lymph ducts. Danish physiotherapist Emil Vodder developed the method of manual lymph massage 50 years ago in Cannes. Stroking, pumping movements drain the lymph node, and speed up the off-channelling of surplus lymphatic fluid.

Similarly to connective tissue massage, its application is particularly recommended before or after sports activities in order to relax the muscles and invigorate blood circulation to the muscles.

Similar to connective tissue massage but including long stroking and circular movements. All this is complemented with kneading massage motions to promote deep-down relaxation of muscle tissue.

Classical Thai massage does not use oil on the skin. It is recommended for the treatment of functional articular disorders. It consists mainly of stretching exercises while the patient remains clothed. Chinese reflexology and Ayurveda elements are integrated into meditation treatment.

Aromatherapy | Autogenics training | Feldenkrais | Meditation | Five Tibetan | Whirlpool

Essential oils are widely used, not only in medical science, as antiseptics and for their therapeutic effects. Scents have been shown to influence the limbic system, that is those parts of the brain concerned especially with emotion and motivation, and for this reason can be useful in treating mental complaints. The primary aim of aromatherapy is to cleanse and stimulate new life in both body and soul. Therapy forms include inhalation, bathing in essential oils and massaging oils into the skin.

Autogenics training was developed in the early 20th century by the German physician Johannes Schultz (1884–1970). The method is based on autosuggestion. By carrying out simple exercises in either a seated or lying position and by concentrating on certain formulas or parts of the body it is possible to attain a meditative state of mind. To facilitate mental control of biological and physiological functions the patient is taught to repeat simple, formulaic mantras (“My left leg is warm and heavy…”). Autogenics training is primarily recommended for the treatment of nervous dysfunctions, inability to concentrate and sleep disorders. Long-term results are only possible where the practice is continued on a regular basis; however, one-off training sessions can have a shortterm relaxing effect on the individual.

The therapy named after Moshe Feldenkrais (1904-1984) promotes the more conscious perception of our own bodies. It is designed to make everyday conditioned movements conscious and smooth out faults through the practice of a variety of exercises. After practising sitting, walking and standing it becomes easy to correct faults in posture and movement. Using this method it is possible to regain natural movement, which will lead to better care of the body and a healthier approach to one’s own body. Feldenkrais therapy is recommended for those with postural faults and respiratory dysfunctions as well as chronic pain, lower-body disorders and rheumatic complaints. Once learnt, the therapy can also be carried out by the patient at home.

During meditation the patient submerges himself within his own body, thus freeing him from external and internal tensions. The attainment of spiritual enlightenment results in the freeing of spiritual strength. There are several ways to practice meditation, most of which call for concentration on a particular thought, word or even object. The basis of meditation was originally a spiritual search for God, and for this reason meditation has great significance in many religions.

The name “Five Tibetan” covers a range of energy programmes originally developed by five Tibetan monks. The programme comprises five physical exercises: swaying, candle, half-moon, bridge and hill. The exercises guarantee vitality, satisfaction and enjoyment of life besides harmonising the physical and mental processes. It is important to do the exercises daily, starting from a simple level and building up week by week. “Five Tibetan” can be easily learnt and integrated into everyday life.

Hot water pool in which the output of the water jets can be regulated from intense massage to mildly effervescent.

Bio-sauna | Finnish sauna | Hamam | Caldarium | Laconium

Bio-saunas generate a very pleasant climate at 40-50° C which does not overburden the body. Essential oils are often introduced into the sauna too. Therapy can have a relaxing effect or a rejuvenating effect.

An extremely high temperature (120° C) sauna at about 10% humidity. Following the sauna the patient cools down outside in a plunge pool. This form of sauna therapy is effective in stimulating blood circulation and strengthening the immune system.

The hamam is the oriental version of the steam bath and can be complemented with massages and the application of exotic scents. The temperature in the hamam may exceed 50° C.

The caldarium – hot water bathing pool or sweat chamber – was one of the chambers generally found in classical Roman baths. Tiled or marble-clad caldariums are designed so that the bather spends an average 30-40 minutes there in relatively low temperatures (40-50°C) and humidity of 70-100%; thanks to these conditions the caldarium is less draining for the body than a typical sauna. Used as part of a bathing therapy it is valuable to direct steam jets to the affected parts of the body.

A dry sauna taken at a temperature of 55° C. After only a short time the body is heated to such a degree that intensive sweating rapidly purges toxic waste products from the body. Blood circulation is invigorated, the breakdown of toxins left over from metabolic processes is speeded up, and the body’s defences are mobilised. In addition, regular sweating plays a part in helping to reduce stress. The Laconium stimulates the heart and regulates blood pressure leaving the patient feeling refreshed and fully relaxed both physically and mentally. One’s own body should regulate how long to spend in the Laconium, although the following is a general recommendation: 15-20 minutes per session, two to three times a week.

The word derives from the abbreviation of the Latin ‘sanus per aquam’ (health through water). In fact the term holds particular significance in Hungary, famed as the land of thermal and medicinal waters. Today medicinal baths, wellness centres, clinics and health hotels use the beneficial effects of water in a whole variety of ways, from the pearl bath through Kneipp treatments all the way to health-oriented spa regions. The word spa has become an international term in the area of whirlpool- and sauna baths, swimming pools, steam baths, beauty farms and wellness centres.

 Algae pack | Body-Wrapping | Cleopatra bath | Peeling | Vapozon

A warm compress is made from a mix of algae and then placed on the body and left for a short while. Algae packs are often used as part of Thalasso therapy; thanks to their high mineral concentrations they can effectively assist in skin regeneration and revitalising the metabolism. Among the many algae some are effective as anti-bacterial agents and others as treatment against rheumatism. Specialist advice should be sought in order to achieve optimal results.

A compression wrapping technique. The body is bound in a cloth soaked in a detoxifying substance. Relaxing, detoxifying, slimming effects.

A bath named after the famed Egyptian queen (51-30 B.C.) who is reputed to have bathed in asses’ milk. In its most common form the patient bathes in a bath mixed with milk and essential oils which guarantee the necessary minerals and moisture for the skin, thereby tending and smoothing the skin (occasionally baths employ a combination of milk, salts and bath additives). The therapy can also extend to the application of packs made up of oils and milk; in this case the patient has the packs applied while resting wrapped in warm clothes or foil.

Dead skin cells from the epidermis are removed by fine abrasive granules contained in creams and gels. The skin becomes much smoother, and as a consequence the skin’s absorption capacity for high value compounds increases.

One form of facial steam bath. A fine pipe directs a jet of steam onto the face where it is able to cleanse the skin more thoroughly, loosen the corneum and open the pores. After vapozon treatment dirt and impurities are much easier to remove. The latest development in this area: instead of enriching the steam with ozone the cosmetician adds herbal packages (e.g. linden flower or camomile) which evaporate, releasing a relaxing and calming scent for both the skin and soul.

Acupuncture | Ayurveda | Bioresonance therapy | Electrotherapy | Kneipp cure | Mayr cure | Phytotherapy | Light-colour therapy | Thalasso | Vital massage | Underwater massage | Yumeiho massage

According to the basic principle of acupuncture therapy, the human body has over 100 points located along socalled meridian lines. Defined areas of the body and organs can be positively influenced and stimulated through the meridians. During acupuncture treatment fine needles are inserted at varying depths into the skin at the appropriate points. Among problems that can be treated by acupuncture therapy are chronic pains and circulatory disorders, although patients are recommended to seek medical advice prior to starting any course of treatment.

“Science of a long life.” The therapy originates from India. Its application is not limited to the prevention of diseases and regeneration, but is also highly appropriate in beauty and wellness therapy. Regular practice is essential, combined with other exercises (meditation, yoga, nutritional practice) in order to establish and maintain harmony between body, spirit and the mental state. Toxins can be purged from the body with the help of a severalweek-long Ayurveda diet therapy, ingesting special teas and practising approved treatments. Wellness hotels generally offer a variety of treatments using warm oils and massage in order to relax and regenerate the body.

Bioresonance therapy exploits the discovery that the human body is permeated with a very weak, albeit measurable electromagnetic field. When a person is unwell the electromagnetic waves fall out of harmony. As the first step in treatment electrodes are placed on the body and the feedback from these is analysed by a therapy monitor, allowing the operator to map out, for instance, the acupuncture trigger points on the patient. The subsequent therapy then tries to re-introduce the harmonious energy waves into the body and ‘turn away’ the disharmonious ones. Thus Bioresonance therapy only uses the patient’s own electrical field (MORA therapy).

Electrical equipment is frequently used in traditional and experimental medical therapy. Weak electrical impulses stimulate tissues thereby improving blood circulation and acting as a pain reliever. Treatments fall into the following categories: galvanising therapy, diathermy, stimulatory current therapy and high frequency therapy. One of the best-known methodologies is Dr. Voll electro-acupuncture (EAV) which is built on a combination of the results from studies of energy paths and Chinese acupuncture. Unlike acupuncture which uses fine needles, in electrotherapy weak energy charges are transmitted into the body.

A bathing cure based on the principle of the healing effects of the mild stimuli produced by the alternate application of hot and cold water. It was developed by the Allgäu priest Sebastian Kneipp (1821–1897). The alternation stimulates the metabolism and blood circulation. Among the elements employed in the Kneipp cure: elbow and arm casts, warm-moist compresses, and warm baths. The cure also includes light- and air-bathing and free movement exercises outside. The Kneipp cure is rounded out with the consumption of herbal teas and a balanced diet. Frequently employed in cases of exhaustion, tense muscular pains and circulatory disorders. Contra-indicated for dysfunctions and diseases of the heart.

This form of therapy was developed by Dr. Franz Xaver Mayr (1875–1965) who believed that all physical complaints could be traced back to disorders of the digestive system. The cure effectively cleanses the body of toxins. The basis of the cure is a strict diet comprising milk and rolls; the patient consumes a precisely defined quantity of dry rolls with milk, and emphasis is placed on the correct mastication of this food. The cure is complemented with intestinal massage and abdominal breathing exercises in order to stimulate the regulation of an incorrectly functioning intestinal tract. Besides reducing bodyweight the Mayr cure also aims at improving the general state of the body and strengthening the immune system.

Today there is ever-greater appreciation of the value of medicinal plants because they have an effect on the symptoms of the diseases and at the same time they do not suppress these symptoms to the level that chemicals tend to. The aim of phytotherapy is not merely to attain a position where the complaint is cured rapidly, but much rather to stimulate the body to tackle the root causes of the disease itself. The traditional form of preparation of plantorigin medication is as a tea, either brewed or in extract form. Besides this phytotherapy employs medicinal plants in tablet, tincture, drinking cure, compress, cream, syrup and oil forms.

It is well known that colours are repositories of energy forms which can have – in either colour or light waveforms – a positive effect on humans. Intensive colour therapy can be used to prevent the onset of disease, or it may be employed as a complementary therapy in instances of physical or mental disturbance.

Thalasso therapy covers all forms of treatment which involve the application of seawater or sea algae. Active agents found in seawater, sediment, sea algae, mud from the ocean bed and sea salt help promote a general sense of well-being as well as having a positive regenerative effect after illness or pregnancy. Therapies included among the Thalasso therapy group include algae baths, movement therapy in pools filled with seawater, underwater massage and algae compresses. Sea algae vitalise the skin and nails, and they are also excellent in combating cellulite. Thanks to the development of modern techniques these treatments are also available in Hungary.

Deep-down vacuum massage (with cupping) relaxes knotted tissue. Massage then eases, stretches and relaxes the muscles. Ideally suited for the treatment of neck, shoulder and back pain caused by stress or a sedentary occupation.

Employs high capacity water jets which can be directed to the particular problem areas of the body to give a relaxing or massaging effect.

A massage form from Japan designed to relax the body, ease tensions, reduce pain, balance blood pressure, stimulate the immune system, invigorate and activate the body and mind. Arranges the symmetry of the parts of the body. Eases knotted muscle and stimulates the chi (life force) through the body’s acupuncture points.

Wellness is partly to do with lifestyle, partly to do with one’s outlook on life, and in addition it is a philosophy of life, a conscious endeavour for personal existence. It is based on a sense of responsibility, especially for our own health and an all-encompassing quality of life. ”Wellness includes aspects of the physical, mental and spiritual. Wellness lifestyle is a kind of life art, which if consciously developed and enriched with new experiences, knowledge and evolving conditions can drastically improve our perspective to a better and more fulfilled life. However, this is related to personal excellence in several areas: fitness, time and stress management, self-esteem, and development of an appropriate, constructive way of handling things. Wellness nourishes an everlasting curiosity in the goals, values and understanding of life.” (Dr. Donald Ardell, one of the key figures in the wellness movement in America.)