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W is for...

Watsu

Waxing

Welcome ritual

Whirlpool

Wrap

Watsu

Watsu is a type of shiatsu massage treatment carried out in a pool of warm water. The massage uses deep acupressure techniques and long slow rhythmic strokes. The therapist will also work on some stretches with you.

Good for: Relaxing; relieving muscular and joint pain; often used in rehabilitation with people who have had injuries, or arthritis.

See also: Hydrotherapy; Sports massage; Vichy shower

Waxing

Waxing is the most effective means of removing hair, it is also (in what we'll describe simply as "some areas") the most painful. It is many people's chosen method of holiday hair removal as you can depend on it lasting for a few weeks without embarrassing regrowth. You have a choice of hot and cold, molten and glue-like strips and, probably, spatulas: some to apply the wax and another to bite down on hard during the procedure to prevent you from crying out.

See also: Sugaring; Electrolysis; Hair removal

Welcome ritual

Many spas now offer an initial hand or foot massage, perhaps in petal-strewn warm water, as a preliminary to your main treatment. It's designed to get you into a perfect state of relaxation, and reassure you that you're going to get looked after.

See also: Manicure; Pedicure; Footbath

Whirlpool

Similar in some ways to a Jacuzzi, a whirlpool features warm water, underwater jets to massage your body, and constantly moving water.

Good for: Relaxing; boosting circulation; fun!

See also: Balneotherapy; Baths; Hydrotherapy

Wrap

A wrap is a spa treatment designed to slim and tone the body, hydrate or firm the skin, relax and soothe the muscles, or draw out toxins and cleanse the skin. Whether you are looking to shape, bake or sweat, wraps come in varied and exciting packages, although some people become rather apprehensive about the idea of being wrapped up. But think of a body wrap as a nourishing cocoon to warm, cleanse and moisturise.

Different types of wrap

Algae mask or wrap: Warmed algae is applied to your entire body to help nourish and detoxify the skin. The algae comes in the form of a pungent thick paste and might feel odd or even itchy.

Bust wrap: A serum, lotion or mask is applied to the bust area, and then wrapped. The aim is to firm and soften the skin. It can be specially good for women trying to tone up after breastfeeding or weight loss.

Cellulite treatment wrap: Designed to boost circulation and flush out toxins, this wrap targets your cellulite, and focuses on bums, tums and thighs.

Clay wrap: This is similar to a mud wrap. Aromatherapy oils are sometimes mixed with the clay to make it smell good. A clay wrap can feel a bit clammy when it is first applied but soon cocoons you in warmth.

Frigi-thalgo wrap: A cold wrap treatment, designed to control excess fluid in the hip, leg and thigh areas. Frigi-thalgo is thought to be good for attacking cellulite and fluid retention, and provides relief for tired legs. The coldness of the wrap stimulates circulatory changes and might be ideal for kick-starting a diet.

Herbal wrap: Pieces of hot muslin or cloth are soaked in herb-infused oils and layered over your body to form a wrap that nourishes and detoxifies your skin.

Mud wrap: A layer of soothing mud is applied to the skin to detoxify, cleanse and firm. The mud is thought to ease water retention and cleanse the pores by drawing out impurities. A mud wrap might help with arthritis, rheumatism and minor skin irritations.

Oil wrap: Rich, nourishing aromatherapy oils are used to moisturise dry or dehydrated skin. Often these come in the form of an oil-based balm which, when heated, melts into the skin.

Parafango wrap: "Fango" is the Italian word for mud. This treatment uses a warmed paraffin and mud mixture to create a mini-sauna affect, stimulating the lymphatic flow of the body and drawing out toxins.

Paraffin wrap: Often forming part of luxury manicures or pedicures, paraffin oil is brushed or rubbed over your body, and then you're cocooned in a wrap of some kind. It has a softening and moisturising effect, and doesn't make you smell like lighter fuel as you might expect! A paraffin wrap is thought to reduce muscle and joint aches and soothe symptoms of arthritis. It's a popular winter treatment and great for skin in need of intense moisturising.

Thalasso or seaweed wrap: Your body is slathered in warm seaweed and then wrapped up in a heated blanket. Before you imagine yourself looking like a piece of sushi nori, or the creature from the green lagoon, this concentration of seawater and seaweed comes in a thick paste, not in poppable lengths of slimy sea plants. It doesn't always smell great, it must be said, but its effects are palpable and fun – it hydrates and firms the skin, and leaves it tingly fresh.

Universal wrap: This is the closest thing to being "mummied" – the ingredients used may vary, but this term refers to being completely wrapped all over in muslin strips, usually to lose a few inches temporarily. The results are good, but the treatment itself is not flattering. Ensure no-one has a camera.

Good for: Most spas seem to use a few core adjectives to describe their body wraps: slimming, detoxifying, relaxing and revitalising are favourites. Depending on the wrap you choose, you might notice temporary inch loss; tighter, softer, firmer, hydrated or cleansed skin; relaxed muscles.

Some wraps are also thought to relieve tired or heavy legs and aching joints, ease inflammation, and help to flush out toxins through sweating. And while it may not provide an instant weight-loss fix, the feel-good factor of a body wrap might help you jumpstart a diet or exercise regime.

See also: Dead Sea mud; Heat treatment; Parafango