J is for... Japanese enzyme bath, jet shower, jin shin jyutsu and more.

Jacuzzi

Japanese enzyme bath

Japanese salt-steam bath

Jet shower

Jin shin jyutsu

Jacuzzi

A Jacuzzi is a (usually) circular bath, large enough for several people, with a seat-level inside. The water is usually quite hot and bubbles vigorously. Jets of water provide gentle massage and a bubbling water surface for a more invigorating and luxurious bath. An outdoor Jacuzzi is a real treat as you watch the bubbles leak steam into the cold air, while you snuggle down in your hydro-blanket. Think James Bond and champagne.

Good for: Relaxing and restoring your spirit at the end of a hard day; soothing tired muscles.

See also: Baths; Sauna; Steam room

Japanese enzyme bath

Japanese spa-ing is all about purity and simplicity. And this bath is a really refreshing, cleansing and exotic treat. You sit in a wooden tub or deep barrel, which is filled with an aromatic blend of Japanese plant enzymes. You get a cup of hot enzyme tea while you're in there. The enzyme-infused water is thought to boost circulation. It's unusual and fun.

See also: Hydrotherapy; Phytotherapy; Baths

Japanese salt-steam bath

The steam in this treatment comes from gently-heated mineral water which has been infused with herbs and plants. The gentle heating of this salty water produces a really bracing, salty, aromatic mist.

Good for: Clearing your sinuses; relieving stress and anxiety; boosting energy.

See also: Baths; Laconium; Steam room

Jet shower

As it sounds, really! Like the kind of tactic used for crowd dispersal, someone will spray you with a high-pressure hose with hot, cold and in-between temperatures of water. It's supposed to relieve tension.

See also: Ice Therapy; Hydrotherapy; Swiss shower

Jin shin jyutsu

A holistic, healing treatment, which uses gentle touch to balance your body, mind and spirit. Jin shin jyutsu is a bit like acupuncture, in that it is based on the idea that our bodies are mapped by paths which carry "qi" or energy; when the energy flows freely, you are balanced and healthy. When the flow of energy is blocked, you experience pain, discomfort, or poor physical or emotional health. Jin shin jyutsu helps unblock and keep your energy flowing by tapping into your energy paths via 26 "safety energy locks', points on your body similar to acupoints in acupuncture.

Good for: Relieving muscle or joint pain; helping with breathing problems, sleeping and eating disorders, anxiety, stress and depression.

See also: Meridian; Reiki; Shiatsu