Theraputic Touch Glossary of Terms

Acupressure

An ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body’s life force (sometimes known as qi or chi) to aid healing.

Allergy

A misguided reaction to foreign substances by the immune system , the body system of defense against foreign invaders, particularly pathogens (the agents of infection ). The allergic reaction is misguided in that these foreign substances are usually harmless. The substances that trigger allergy are called allergen. Examples include pollens , dust mite, molds , danders , and certain foods. People prone to allergies are said to be allergic or atopic .

Alternative medicine

Practices used instead of standard medical treatments. Alternative medicine is distinct from complementary medicine which is meant to accompany, not to replace, standard medical practices.

Anxiety

A feeling of apprehension and fear characterized by physical symptoms such as palpitations , sweating, and feelings of stress . Anxiety disorders are serious medical illnesses. These disorders fill people's lives with overwhelming anxiety and fear. Unlike the relatively mild, brief anxiety caused by a stressful event such as a business presentation or a first date, anxiety disorders are chronic, relentless, and can grow progressively worse if not treated.

Aromatherapy

The art and science of using essential oils to promote health and well being, often by relaxing or stimulate the mind or enhancing the mood.

Body Scrubs

The removal of dead skin by various means after which creams or lotions are applied to leave the skin smooth.

Craniosacral Therapy

Gentle massage of the head and neck to release tension and restore balance.

Depression

An illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts, that affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be wished away. People with a depressive disease cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people with depression.

Detoxifying

The removal of poisons and waste from the body.

Essential Oils

A liquid that is generally steam or hydro-distilled from flowers, leaves, bark and roots of plants and trees.

Exfoliate

To peel off layers, referring mainly to dead skin.

Facial treatment

A deep cleansing treatment of the face, neck and shoulders, using masks, creams and massage to tone, exfoliate, moisturise and revitalise the skin and underlying tissues.

Hydrotherapy

The use of water, either internally or externally, to maintain health and prevent disease.

Inflammation

A basic way in which the body reacts to infection , irritation or other injury, the key feature being redness, warmth, swelling and pain .

Infused Oil

A carrier oil that has been infused with one or several herbs.

Laying on of hands

In alternative medicine, an ancient method of healing by touching a person with the hands or palms, usually on the head, shoulders, or waist. Also called contact healing.

Loofah

The fibrous interior of a fruit, which is dried, bleached and used as a bath sponge or for scrubbing.

Massage

Muscle and soft tissue manipulation usually by hand but can be by water jets, to improve the circulation, relaxes muscles, reduces stress, relieves stiffness and soothes the body. May involve the whole body, face, neck or back as required.

Mud Treatment

A treatment that uses mineral rich mud to detoxify the body, loosen muscles and stimulate circulation.

Muscle

Muscle is the tissue of the body which primarily functions as a source of power. There are three types of muscle in the body. Muscle which is responsible for moving extremities and external areas of the body is called "skeletal muscle." Heart muscle is called "cardiac muscle." Muscle that is in the walls of arteries and bowel is called "smooth muscle."

Reflexology

An ancient Chinese technique using pressure point massage, usually on the feet, sometimes on the hands and ears, using sites corresponding to the organs of the body. This is thought to relax the body and heal the areas stimulated.

Reiki

A Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive.

Salt Glow

An exfoliating treatment to remove dead skin and stimulate circulation by rubbing coarse salt and aromatic oils on the body.

Skin

The skin is the body's outer covering. It protects us against heat and light, injury, and infection. It regulates body temperature and stores water, fat, and vitamin D. Weighing about 6 pounds, the skin is the body's largest organ. It is made up of two main layers; the outer epidermis and the inner dermis.

Therapeutic

Relating to therapeutics , that part of medicine concerned specifically with the treatment of disease . The therapeutic dose of a drug is the amount needed to treat a disease.

Therapeutic Touch

Therapeutic touch (TT) is a type of energy medicine whereby the therapist moves his or her hands over the patient’s “energy field,” directing the flow of chi or prana so the patient can heal.

Viscosity

In aromatherapy, this term is used to describe the thickness or density of essential oil. The higher the viscosity, the more liquid that is contained.