Glossary

Massage methods

There are many different categories of massages: with or without oil, energy therapy, biomechanical, psychophysical. Various approaches exist within each of these subgroups.

With oil : californian, esalen, swedish, certain types of lymphatic drainage;

Without oil : lymphatic drainage;

Energy therapy (given without oil) : amma, shiatsu, jin shin do, rolfing, reiki, Bowen;

Biomechanical : therapeutic massage;

Psychophysical : Trager, Feldenkreis, Danis Bois manual therapy.

RELAIS-DÉTENTE SPA offers the following :

Methods with oil

Californian :
This massage uses fluid and continuous movements harmoniously. Light, long strokes loosen the tissues, while deeper manipulations relieve tension. (Offered in Sherbrooke only).

Swedish :
This massage combines both firmness and gentleness. Kneading is the main movement employed to trigger circulation. Rhythmic tapping may also be used. The chief feature of this technique is that all strokes are made in direction of the heart.

Methods without oil :

Lymphatic drainage :
Dr. Emil Vodder created this discipline. The treatment is very gentle and helps boost the body’s immune system. Manual drainage of the lymph nodes stimulates the growth of immune cells flowing through the lymph.

Energy therapy :

Reflexology :
This method is primarily practiced on the soles of the feet. Pressure is applied to reflex areas corresponding to zones of the body, enabling the harmonization of the latter’s major systems such as circulation, digestion and elimination.

Some of the techniques described above call for items such as pouches, hot stones, water, honey and yogurt in order to allow for new sensations.

Massage in the rain :
The massage therapist carries out strokes acquired during his training, but with certain limitations due do the water jets. The brain being unable to handle two messages simultaneously, it must concentrate in turn on either the water or the massage. Oil is used for this massage.

Yogurt and honey massage :
This massage consists of various steps. Dead skin is sloughed off before the massage is performed, using honey and yogurt. The session is then followed by a body wrap, an affusion shower and is completed by moisturizer application. Each stage contributes to a total state of relaxation.

Oriental essence massage :
Different natural products come into play, adding a pleasant olfactory experience you will be sure to remember. Aromatic bags are used in slow, sweeping motions, enabling both body and mind to fully enjoy this massage.

Hot stone massage :
Basalt rocks, which are volcanic, are used. Soft to the touch, they are of various shapes. The benefits of this massage are paradoxical, simultaneously soothing and energizing. The gliding of the stones on the body help achieve harmony and well-being. Californian and Swedish massage lend themselves well to this type of massage.

Beauty treatments

Basic treatment :
The beauty therapist determines your skin type before proceeding with make-up removal, skin cleansing, face-pack application, massage and moisturizing. She will advise you on the use of products.

Specific treatment :
The maneuvers are the same as described in the basic treatment. However, additional products are added to better suit your needs.

Eye treatment :
A serum is applied according to your skin type. This complete treatment will give your skin all it needs to preserve its natural beauty, revealing your brightest complexion.

MARSO treatment :
Paramedical products with exceptional extracts are used. A single treatment deeply cleanses the skin, while repeated visits can correct specific problems such as acne and age spots. This procedure is commonly known as “microdermabrasion”.

Catio Vital :
This treatment stimulates facial muscles. Ionization allows deeper penetration of the products, providing for better results.

Catio Lift :
Stimulated and energized, muscles regain tone and volume in the subcutaneous space. The results of this lift are instantaneously visible at the skin’s surface. The Catio lift treatment is recommended as part of a six week cure, at the rate of one treatment a week.

Foot Care :
This session addresses foot hygiene. It is similar to a pedicure, but greater attention is focused on callus elimination. This treatment increases walking ease as well as shoe comfort.

Manicure / Pedicure
Devoted to the beauty of hands or feet, this treatment consists of nail cutting and filing, cuticle pushing and light massaging. Polish may be applied by request.

Mini make-up or Full make-up :
The mini make-up session focuses on the eyes, whereas full make-up begins with foundation, and continues all the way to blush application.

Body therapy

EXFOLIATION
With or without the use of a glove, exfoliation rids the body of impurities. It removes dead skin cells that can build up and clog pores. It stimulates blood flow while getting rid of tension. Exfoliation may be followed by an affusion shower or by a therapeutic bath.

BODY WRAP
Benefits depend on the product used: marine extracts help restore minerals, while other products may reduce muscle strain or stimulate circulation. All body wraps promote relaxation.

AFFUSION SHOWER
While you lie on a table, ten showerheads produce a warm, rain-like spray intended to wash salt or other products off.

THERAPEUTIC BATH
This type of bath is usually used after a body wrap. On top of cleansing you off, it enables the chosen product’s active elements to complete their functions.

PARAFFIN WAX TREATMENT
Paraffin wax, derived from petroleum, is applied to hands or feet. Once penetrated, it relaxes muscles and smoothes skin. This treatment is often recommended for those suffering from rheumatism or from rigidity caused by a fracture.

HEAVY LEG CARE
This treatment is applied to the region between the knee and the ankle. A skin peel is followed by mud application. After a rest period, an anti-fatigue gel is then applied. Edema is decreased significantly.

Additional services

THERAPEUTIC BATH
The bath is equipped with air jets that propel water and create soothing currents. Jets at the bottom of the tub stimulate circulation and decrease tension, while allowing relaxation. A product of your choice is added for better results.

PRESSOTHERAPY
This treatment favors blood flow. Pressure cuffs and a compression device create constriction and dilation of the legs, stimulating circulatory and lymphatic systems, and facilitating heart function.

FOOT BATH AND VIBRATION
Feet soak in tepid water. Aromatic salts are added to soften, deodorize and help fight fatigue. Feet are then applied to a vibrating device that sends out small electric currents, stimulating nervous endings under the foot sole.

PULSAR TREATMENT
The Pulsar device is made up of a pair of goggles containing electroluminescent diodes and stereo headphones. The combination of flickering lights and rhythmic pulsing sounds influences your level of endorphins, making neurons follow the pace set by the device. This results in deep relaxation.

Our products

ALGOLOGIE
The Algologie line uses various types of algae in its products. To meet different skin requirements, other elements such as plants and essential oils are added.

MATIS
Matis’ main strengths lie in the textures and smells of its creams. Its laboratory regularly develops new products to refine quality and to fulfill its clientele’s latest needs.

KATRINE MARSO
This company, based in Quebec, offers a line of paramedical products with exceptional extracts that gently treat deeper skin layers. Results are rapidly visible and long lasting.

MARY COHR
Mary Cohr products are used for the Catio lift. Essential oils and plants are used in this line. Special attention is given to the origin of its raw materials so as to avoid genetically modified organisms (GMO) and animal testing.

GOLDEN MOOR
Originating from a Canadian bog, Golden Moor mud offers rapid beneficial effects at the muscular level. It stimulates blood flow and reduces stress

GEHWHOL
This high quality foot care line comes from Germany. Each of the products’ active ingredients is geared towards specific skin problems.

Relais-Détente Spa is committed to collaborating with businesses that offer environmentally friendly products.