spa是放松保养疗法，中文也称水疗，然而比较偏向专业美容结合休闲而没有医学上的治疗意义，因此和某些烧烫伤患者在医院接受的水疗并不同。

spa是指利用水资源结合沐浴、按摩、涂抹保养品和香熏来促进新陈代谢，满足人体视觉、味觉、触觉、嗅觉和思考达到一种身心畅快的享受。目前spa业界的说法认为，spa是由专业美疗师、水、光线、芳香精油、音乐等多个元素组合而成的舒缓减压方式，能帮助人达到身、心、灵的健美,所以高级的spa馆通常都设在风景宜人的度假村,以寻求安宁的环境和清新空气.而考虑到经营模式所以都和大饭店为复合方式并存，成为休假旅行的活动行程之一以吸引顾客。

A spa is a location where mineral-rich spring water (and sometimes seawater) is used to give medicinal baths. Spa towns or spa resorts (including hot springs resorts) typically offer various health treatments, which are also known as balneotherapy. The belief in the curative powers of mineral waters goes back to prehistoric times. Such practices have been popular worldwide, but are especially widespread in Europe and Japan. Day spas are also quite popular, and offer various personal care treatments.