Massage spa glossary

Short, plain-English definitions of the terms you'll meet when choosing a massage spa provider in Penang.

What are acupressure points?: Acupressure points are specific locations on the body where pressure is applied using fingers or hands to stimulate energy flow and promote relaxation in traditional massage and reflexology practices.
What are foot reflex zones?: Foot reflex zones are specific areas mapped on the sole of the foot that correspond to internal organs, glands, and body systems, forming the anatomical basis for reflexology treatment.
What are meridian lines?: Meridian lines are pathways through which vital energy (qi) flows in the body according to traditional Chinese medicine theory, used by TCM-trained massage and tuina practitioners to identify treatment points.
What are sen energy lines in Thai massage?: Sen energy lines are ten invisible channels believed to carry vital life force through the body in Thai traditional medicine, which practitioners apply pressure and stretching to during massage sessions.
What is a Balinese boreh scrub?: A body scrub paste made from ground spices and herbs traditional to Bali, applied to the skin to exfoliate and warm muscles before massage treatment.
What is a herbal compress ball?: A cloth bundle filled with dried medicinal herbs that is heated and pressed directly onto the skin as a therapeutic massage tool in Thai bodywork.
What is a hot stone massage?: Hot stone massage is a therapeutic practice in which smooth, heated basalt stones are placed on key points of the body or used to massage muscles, aiming to relieve tension and encourage relaxation.
What is a lulur body scrub?: A traditional Javanese exfoliating body treatment made from turmeric, rice powder, and other natural ingredients, designed to remove dead skin and soften the body.
What is aromatherapy oil?: Aromatherapy oils are concentrated plant extracts or blended essential oils applied during massage to promote relaxation and support physical wellness through their aromatic and skin-nourishing properties.
What is cupping therapy?: Cupping therapy is a treatment using suction cups applied to the skin to relieve muscle tightness, reduce pain, and enhance circulation in targeted areas.
What is deep tissue massage?: Deep tissue massage applies concentrated pressure to access the deeper layers of muscle and fascia, using slow strokes and friction to release chronic tension and knots.
What is ear candling?: Ear candling is a traditional wellness treatment in which a hollow, cone-shaped candle is placed at the opening of the ear and lit, with the belief that it creates gentle pressure changes to promote relaxation and ear health.
What is gua sha?: Gua sha is a scraping technique from Traditional Chinese Medicine that uses a smooth-edged tool to apply controlled pressure on oiled skin, releasing muscle tension and promoting blood flow.
What is hijamah (Islamic cupping)?: Hijamah is an Islamic cupping therapy that involves applying cups to the skin and performing controlled bloodletting to release stagnant blood and balance bodily humours.
What is lymphatic drainage massage?: Lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle, rhythmic manual technique designed to encourage the movement of lymph fluid through the body's lymphatic system.
What is moxibustion?: Moxibustion is a TCM treatment in which dried mugwort (moxa) is burned near or on the skin at acupoints to warm meridians and improve qi flow.
What is myofascial release?: Myofascial release is a technique in which sustained pressure is applied to connective tissue (fascia) surrounding muscles to reduce tightness and restore mobility.
What is Pai Tuina?: Pai Tuina is a Chinese therapeutic bodywork technique that uses pressing, rolling, kneading and rubbing motions applied along meridian pathways to release tension and restore energy circulation.
What is pijat tradisional?: Pijat tradisional is the Malay term for traditional massage that uses kneading, pressing, and stretching techniques rooted in regional practice and history.
What is Swedish massage?: Swedish massage is a Western massage technique that uses long gliding strokes, kneading, and gentle pressure to relax muscles and improve blood flow.
What is Thai herbal steam?: Thai herbal steam is a pre-treatment sauna where the body is exposed to steam infused with traditional Thai herbs and botanicals to open pores, warm muscles, and prepare the body for massage.
What is Tok Panjang / Bertam massage lineage?: Tok Panjang and Bertam refer to traditional master-apprentice training lineages within Penang massage culture, used to identify a practitioner's heritage and teaching lineage rather than a specific massage method.
What is trigger point therapy?: Trigger point therapy is a massage technique that applies direct, sustained pressure to hyperirritable spots in muscle tissue to release tension and alleviate pain that radiates to other body areas.
What is Urut Melayu?: Urut Melayu is a traditional Malaysian massage technique that uses warm oils and manual pressure to treat muscles, joints, and connective tissues, drawing from indigenous Malay healing knowledge.