Massage, holistic healing and spa industry terms (E-L)
Massage, holistic healing and spa industry related terms can be just confusing enough to make it difficult to either understand what you want or what you are signing up for.
We have compiled a list of some of the more common industry related terms to help with explanations of massage services, spa treatments and holistic healing concepts. Please consult the links at the bottom of the page for the pages completing the list of terms.
endermologie – a non-invasive technique that applies rolling and massaging to the "problem" areas while simultaneously using a suction to redistribute the skin and remove dimpling – all to reduce the appearance of cellulite
equine massage – massage therapy and holistic healing for horses
essential oils – natural oils created from plants, using pieces such as the bark, flower, seed, leaf, root, etc. that are used in aromatherapy applications such as massage, diffusers, lotions and bath salts, candles, etc. to encourage a healthier, clearer emotional and mental state as well as to assist the body with healing
esthetician – (a/k/a aesthetician or skin care professional) a person who has completed the required professional training program to be certified or licensed in the field of skin care
exfoliate – the gentle removal of dead skin cells, generally accomplished by the massaging on and off of granular creams and lotions
fascia – a fibrous connective tissue, packed full of receptors designed to influence the neuro-muscular physiology of the body, that creates a structure surrounding muscle, groups of muscle, veins, nerves and bones
habitat room – a room in which the client relaxes while enjoying the different forms of weather, such as: sun and heat, breeze and mist, rain and heat, mist and cool, etc.
Halotherapy – inhalation of salt (salt therapy) for skin conditions (notably acne and psoriasis) and respiratory benefits, especially easing allergies, asthma, bronchitis, lung infections, sinus infections and other respiratory conditions; known also as Speleotherapy (primarily in Europe), this relaxing treatment is gaining in popularity and is generally administered in salt rooms in locations where salt caves are not accessible
homeostasis – a state of balance and stability within the body's internal environment
hydrotherapy – the use of various types water and temperatures to aide in healing and relaxation; water is used in spa treatments such as Jacuzzis, Vichy showers, Watsu pools and bathing rituals and are all considered to be forms of hydrotherapy
infrared sauna – a sauna using infrared heaters to create the heat used to ease arthritic pain, induce sweat to release toxins, etc.
inhalation room – similar to a steam room, but not designed to make one perspire, this room has an essential oil dispersed into the air on a constant basis, such as Eucalyptus, to clear the sinus passages and improve breathing
iridology – can be referred to to assist with diagnosing possible concerns in the body by the reading of the iris of the eye and comparing the characteristics of the iris to charts.
This method allows for the opportunity to potentially identify areas of distress, inflammation or disruption of normal organ or system functions – if interested in using this technique, find an iridologist in your area.
kinesiology – the non-invasive study of physical movement where, after observation, the therapist is better able to assist in enhancing the overall physical performance whether it be a sports-related improvement or during the rehabilitation process after injury, accident or any form of trauma that the individual has endured
lumbago – pain in the lumbar region of the back
lymphedema – swelling of arm(s) or leg(s) due to a buildup of localized fluid retention caused by a compromised lymphatic system, a system that is considered often to be the body's second circulatory system and responsible for collecting and filtering the interstitial fluids of the body
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